Savage Worlds - The After (2020) - yCGm2n

the development team
Artwork and Original Lead Editor:

Concept: chuck rice
Jon Gibbons
Additional Editing:
Author: AP klowsky
Sean Nokes
Layout:
Additional Writing: Craig Williams
jon gibbons
mike lafferty Publisher:
chuck rice Fainting Goat Games
ADE SMITH
jason tondro Kickstarter Production:
jade monkey studios
special thanks to
All of our KICKSTARTER backers & Facebook friends, Walt Robillard, The BAMF Podcast, The
Manaburnt Podcast, Savage Insider, Keystroke Medium, Happy Monster Press, Random Worlds Q&A,
Comics Clerics & Controllers and strong coffee makers worldwide
THE AFTER is © 2020 Jon Gibbons. All Rights Reserved.
This game references the Savage Worlds game system, available from Pinnacle Entertainment Group
at www.peginc.com. Savage Worlds and all associated logos and trademarks are copyrights of
Pinnacle Entertainment Group. Used with permission. Pinnacle makes no representation or warranty
as to the quality, viability, or suitability for purpose of this product. Material within this product
is reproduced with permission from Pinnacle Entertainment Group from Savage Worlds core rules
available at www.peginc.com.
2 THE AFTER
contents
chapter 1 welcome to the after 7
chapter 2 players guide to the after 21
chapter 3 gear, salvage and trading 55
chapter 4 living in wind river 81
chapter 5 gazetteer of wind river 103
chapter 6 ADVERSARIES OF THE AFTER 179
chapter 7 major players in the after 207
chapter 8 adventure: Shadow of the phoenix 223
THE AFTER 3
THE AFTER
4
O NE
W E LCO ME TO T H E AFT E R
ON E
No matter how much the people of Chapter revere me, I am not
truly one of them. In the valley below, they whisper to one another
once the snows finally melt and the winds stop howling. “Take a
sack of food or a bottle of whiskey up the mountain, to Old Man
Crow’s cave,” they say. “He’s got the Boon, and he can find what
you’ve lost - tell you where the best salvage is - see your future.”
It’s true, of course. In the cool of the night when the broken
moon rises, theBoon comes upon me whether I wish it or not, and I
hear, see, and dream things that don’t belong to me.Often times,
things I’d rather not know at all.
On those nights I hear young explorers planning missions to delve

into the ruins of the Old World, to dredge out weapons, riches
and knowledge. I see farmers fretting for their herds and praying
that Ferals don’t drag away their sons. I hear the Elder Council
wondering why Old Man Crow doesn’t come take his allotted place
in the Council House and put his withered bones next to a warm
hearth all winter.
The truth is, being around other people for long just makes
the visions worse. They come upon me fierce and choking, until
I can barely breathe. I see the Old World as it was before the
Harvest, and before the Fall. I see the Butchers hurtle down
from the stars, transforming cities into wreckage in the blink of
an eye. I see shattered families and endless fields of sorrow. City-
sized spaceships transformed into flesh factories, converting the
helpless into mechanized slaves. Torture, death, destruction - a
litany of pain.
Whenever Chapter’s messengers come to me, that night I often

dream of the way our blue skies ripped apart to show the terrible
Breach beyond, and of the Ghost Orbships that tore through,
rending our reality apart. I dream of the terrors of interstellar
war, of two alien races locked in mortal combat, with Earth as the
battleground. I dream of nations ground to dust and humanity
reduced to snivelling beasts cowering in fear, waiting for the next
horror to arrive.
Last time I slept in Chapter I nearly clawed out my own eyes.
Never again.
- Old Man Crow
THE AFTER 5
THE AFTER
6
O NE
ON E
WELCOME TO THE AFTER
The After is a Savage Worlds roleplaying game setting
which takes place in the northwestern reaches of a
broken North American continent. You play heroic
survivors who have emerged into a planet that has
become frightfully different after decades of alien
predation and interstellar war.
During your game of The After, you can explore

strange alien wreckage, scavenge from the ruins of
forgotten cities, hunt incredible prey in the depths
of warped jungles, and explore all manner of bizarre
landscapes. You and your companions can defend
survivor settlements from bandits, tribes of twisted
Ferals, and other dangerous creatures. You might
discover uncanny alien artifacts left behind from
the conflict that destroyed the Old World. Some of
these might contain alien Breach energy and deliver
incredible but short-lived powers. Others might be
bio-mechanical augmentations that can - with great
risk - be implanted right into your flesh.
Most importantly, it will be you - or people like

you - that will shape the course of humanity’s future.
Which factions will you join? Which settlements
will you protect? Which leaders will you support - or
depose? With all the customs, laws, and governments
of the Old World ground into dust, it may fall to your
character to determine the very shape of the new
civilization that rises in The After.
Within these pages, a player can find rules for

creating survivors of many types:
Human survivors, who might be grizzled
trailmasters, savvy politicians, wise librarians,
bounty hunters, humble farmhands, hard-bitten
militia soldiers, traveling doctors, or whatever
role strikes your fancy.
The Gifted, survivors who have developed the
ability to manipulate Breach energy with their
minds, risking life and limb for mysterious
powers.
The Changed, whose bodies have been twisted by
the alien invaders’ technology; a Changed might
have biomechanical animalistic anomalies that
offer unique abilities, but leave them second-
class citizens.
THE AFTER 7
O NE
The enormous, lumbering Helots, an alien race the Jodrell Bank Observatory, in the United Kingdom,
brought to Earth as slave labor for the invaders. beamed a powerful message into space. Hurtling
They are slow-witted, protective, loyal, and quite outward at faster-than-light speeds previously thought
strong. impossible, the message spoke of humanity’s desire
The nimble, small-statured Skav, aliens who for peace, friendship, and understanding.
stowed away on the invaders’ ships. They are
stealthy, friendly, and adaptable, doing their best Celebrations took place all over the world after this
to fit in with human settlements. scientific breakthrough. However, after a few weeks
in the mainstream news cycle, most of the populace
returned to their lives of labor, social media, and
The After has much for the gamemaster to enjoy as
consumption. Corporations began to scheme
well:
about how to control and exploit this new quantum
Factions: groups your players can join or strive
communication technology. To most of the billions
against. Each wants to shape the world of The
of Earthlings, nothing of real note had occurred.
After in a different way.
A new rules system for gear degradation: Stress That all changed on Saturday, June 13, 2020.
Tags, caused by the alien nanites permeating the Humanity’s message was answered. A fleet of dozens
world. of city-sized starships arrived and entered Earth’s
Remnants, pieces of alien technology that your orbit. Scientists marveled at the technology that
players might salvage and attempt to use - at a cost. must have been required to build and move these
A well-detailed gazetteer of the Wind River Goliath Ships, and to decelerate them at speeds that
Valley setting, including plot hooks for several seemed to ignore the known laws of physics.
settlements.
An exploration of mysterious Breach Zones, The visitors did not seek out our leaders or
home to dangerous and uncanny creatures communicate with our scientists. They did not
provide information about life beyond our solar
A rogues’ gallery of fully statted non-player
system, nor did they gift us with extraterrestrial
characters, who might be allies, enemies, or
technology. Instead, after three days in orbit, the
neither.
alien fleet bombarded Earth with a cascade of
Guidelines for creating custom gangs of Feral high-altitude electromagnetic pulse attacks. This
humanoids, including warriors, champions, and attack destroyed power grids and electronic devices
shamans. worldwide, plunging humankind into chaos.
A bestiary compiling the new and spectacular
creatures that wander the Wind River Valley, such Even most of the world’s ‘hardened’ power systems
as the Butcher Bear, the Humbuzz Swarm, or the and communication arrays were disabled by the EMP
Crocogant. attack. Without electricity, food and medical supplies
could not be distributed to cities, fuel could not be
pumped from its underground tanks, and water could
THE WORLD BEFORE not be easily purified. Without communication, law
and order quickly broke down. Within a week, panic
In the Old World, mankind was wealthy beyond and deprivation spawned mass violence in urban
measure, plundering Earth for fuel and resources. centers all around the world. Authorities, rendered
Humanity’s reach was boundless and its knowledge nearly powerless to communicate across distance,
multiplied with every passing year. For millennia, struggled to contain the madness.
humans had looked at the night sky and wondered,
“What could be out there?” Following the electromagnetic attack, several of the
world’s nuclear powers attempted to launch nuclear
Finally, in AD 2019, a brilliant invention arose. missiles at the invaders’ fleet, but the missiles were
Using experimental quantum technology, scientists at smashed out of the sky by the alien fleet’s weaponry.
8 THE AFTER
ON E
Immediate reprisals in the form of waves of orbital
mass-driver slugs pulverized every installation that
had launched a missile, devastating the landscape for
miles around.
A month after the lights went out, the invaders

landed. Their Goliath fleet sent forth huge dropships
that became known as Harvester Ships. They
thundered to the surface, billowing immense trails
of smoke that darkened the skies over the major
cities where they landed: Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai,
New York City, Cairo, Moscow, and many more.
The starving, terrified populaces soon found that

the smoke emitted as the Harvester Ships landed
was something more sinister, which would later
be known as the GenBomb: a lingering cloud
that combined mutagenic particulate matter with
swarms of insidious, invasive nanites. While their
ships settled into place, creaking and groaning from
the stresses of Earth gravity, the invaders’ GenBomb
visited immediate horror upon millions.
The nanites dispersed by the GenBomb were

attracted to both technology and flesh. Manufactured
items infiltrated by the nanites immediately became
unreliable, often failing to function altogether. The
GenBomb’s effect on living creatures was even more
destructive: creatures infected with the nanites found
themselves changing in awful and unpredictable
ways, as alien mutagenic particles were deliberately
introduced to their DNA.
Each landing ship seemed to disgorge a different

‘flavor’ of GenBomb, resulting in different effects
being visited on the various regions where they
landed. In Mexico City, many citizens were overcome
with bestial madness, tearing each other apart; in
Chicago, human bodies swelled until a majority of
the population were fleshy cubes, unable to move.
While the GenBomb wreaked havoc on Earth, the

Harvester Ships opened, and spat forth the aliens -
who we would call the Butchers - and their armies.
Alongside each of the titanically powerful Butchers
scrabbled hundreds of biomechanical horrors -
twisted amalgams of flesh and technology. These
armies marched into the cities and struck down
what resistance the locals could muster. While the
THE AFTER 9
O NE
biomechanical servitors were dangerous, they could a grotesque combination of Earthly genetics with
be slain by concentrated fire or a well-placed explosive. biomechanical implants that both empowered
Their alien masters, however, stepped into the gaps and enslaved the creatures. While the armies of
wherever their servants were turned aside. A Butcher’s humankind struggled against these creatures in their
armor seemed near impregnable and their weapons many forms, the lines held.
were unstoppable. No military unit ever reported
scoring a confirmed kill against a Butcher. In AD 2029, either the amusement wore thin or the
Butchers’ hunger was too great: the aliens marshalled
As the massacres continued, we learned that the their forces and took to the fight themselves. The effect
aliens had come not only to slaughter, but also to was devastating and immediate, a renewed slaughter.
gather. All sorts of organic life forms were chased By the end of AD 2030, organized resistance to the
down, captured, and returned to the Harvester Ships. Butchers had been completely crushed worldwide.
In addition to hunting the living, the Butchers No organized army remained in fighting condition.
gathered up the broken remains of human technology:
forged metal, plastic, electronic components. For decades, the Harvest continued, with the
Butchers taking an almost leisurely approach to the
Both flesh and metal became raw materials as final destruction of Earth. As they advanced into
the Butchers’ Harvester Ships were converted new regions, they built smaller sub-facilities, where
into nightmarish industrial facilities. Day and their twisted experimentation continued. While
night, victims were devoured, consumed as fuel, or the Butchers concentrated at first on urban regions,
converted into insane slaves through the use of gene- by the 2050s their depredations followed survivors
twisting and hideous biotechnological implantation. even into the deep wilderness. The Butchers, their
alien slave races, and their biomechanoid armies
Throughout all this horror, the Butchers never continued hunting humanity almost to the last.
communicated with humanity. We never discovered Mankind was devastated, driven to the far corners of
the invaders’ motivations, learned their language, the world. Resistance to the Butchers’ overwhelming
or had the opportunity to negotiate for mercy. technology and savagery was impossible.
The Butchers systematically dismantled human
civilization, with utter disregard for humanity. We Then, in AD 2065, the skies of Earth were torn apart
came to call this process The Harvest. Major cities in dozens of places, and giant orbs of shimmering
were depopulated within ten years, with the survivors energy thrummed through the breaches. These
scattered into the countryside. constructs were extradimensional transports of yet
another alien race. As best as the few human survivors
In some areas, governments remained - or had could determine, the Butchers had an enemy: a race
been formed among the survivors - that were strong that we came to call the Ghosts. They were bizarre
enough to take a stand. To protect what remained of beings of sickening radiance, that seemed to exist
their people, they formed armies meant to contain partially outside our own reality.
the Butchers in the ruins they now controlled.
With what little weaponry they could scavenge and The Ghosts came to our planet by rending space and
maintain, they struck at the Butchers’ servitors that time with unfathomable quantum engines, tearing
had begun patrolling farther from the cities. outward from the ineffable non-space beyond the
dimensions we know. This Breaching sent terrible
For a time, this resistance seemed to be just energies rippling over the horizon as the ambushing
enough. The Butchers themselves rarely ventured Ghosts hurtled into battle with the Butchers.
far from their massive facilities, which continued to
emit GenBomb clouds. Whether out of caution, or The Butchers struggled to respond effectively to
as a perverse game, the Butchers created hordes of this sudden assault. The flaming hulks of Goliath
monstrosities and sent them forth into the burned motherships and broken Ghost orbships rained
no-man’s-land surrounding the cities. Each was downward all over the planet with calamitous effect,
10 THE AFTER
ON E
spreading toxins and Breach energy onto on an ushered in a new phase of the War between Butchers
already devastated Earth: an event known as The Fall. and Ghosts. Both races vanished from Earth’s surface,
shifting their conflict into the far reaches of our solar
This Breach technology ate away at our very reality, system - and perhaps even farther!
leaving Breach Zones strewn all over Earth - areas
where the laws of physics were permanently bent, or
where bizarre alien life thrived in place of what had TIMELINE
been there before. Crystal forests, fungus jungles, and
acid swamps arose in the blink of an eye, permanent AD 2019
scars on the landscape. European scientists use innovative quantum
communication to send a message of peace into the
The Ghosts, just as the Butchers before them, did not cosmos at faster-than-light speeds.
communicate with the few survivors of humankind.
They focused entirely on exterminating the Butchers, AD 2020, June
engaging them in merciless combat around the globe,
The Butchers arrive in Earth’s orbit. Their Goliath
heedless of the effects their Breach technology had on
motherships bombard the Earth with waves of
our planet. It remains uncertain whether the Ghosts
Breach-energy infused EMP attacks, disabling or
were even aware of humankind’s presence.
destroying most modern technology.
The Fall touched off decades of profound
Within days, crime and looting breaks out in most
destruction. Entire continents were ravaged by
major cities as supplies run thin.
the fallout as the two alien races made heedless
and awful war, using the most powerful weapons
Governments around the world begin to lose
they could bring to bear. Many human survivors
control of their populaces, as communication over
were mutated beyond recognition by the Butchers’
long distances becomes nearly impossible.
poisonous technology, or driven inescapably mad by
the psionic war engines of the Ghosts. The two alien
races, their constructs, and their slaves all grappled AD 2020, July
for supremacy, leaving the Earth wrecked beneath Violence is widespread in cities, where, without modern
their armies. transportation, food and water has become scarce.
The War was not contained to the surface of Earth, The Butchers’ Harvest Ships land in urban centers
as Harvester Ships and Orbships escaped into orbit on every continent except Antarctica, dispersing the
to continue the fight. By AD 2072, the Butchers and GenBomb’s mutagenic poisons. The GenBomb has
Ghosts had spread throughout the solar system, still immediate and awful effects, halving the populace in
fighting, while the few human survivors struggled to most cities within weeks.
survive the new hazards of Breach Zones and endure
the hordes of hideous biomechanical creatures that With local governments gone, ad hoc local militias
the Butchers had left behind. During this time, have already sprung up in larger cities around the
most enclaves of survivors were wiped out by plague, world. Some current local governments claim
starvation, or violence. descent from these earliest citizen armies, though
only the die-hard loyalists believe them.
The real truth of what ended the War will never be
known, but the survivors do know this: in April 2090, AD 2020, August
a titanic impact or explosion cracked the Moon. The The armies of the Butchers erupt from the Harvest
Breaking resulted in further destruction for the Ships, which have been converted into bio-industrial
remnants of mankind, as debris from the explosion facilities. The Harvest begins, as the aliens capture
crashed to Earth in a series of horrific impacts, survivors en masse.
leaving immense craters. However, this disaster also
THE AFTER 11
O NE
AD 2025
The remaining human governments form cordons

around the invasion sites, attempting to contain the
invaders. The Butchers seem content to capitalize
upon their gains, only sending token scouting forces
to test the resistance - almost as if they were toying
with humanity.
Although it has been a mere 5 years, human society

has already become unrecognizable from what it was
before. Apocalyptic doomsday cults spring up in the
wake of “the end times”. Religious groups are targeted
by gangs for not adequately warning their worshippers.
Drug dealers sell suicide cocktails openly to those who
have lost all hope. And fewer still, are those who have
gathered together, determined to fight.
AD 2029
Having completely depopulated their initial landing
zones and converted the populace into biomechanical
slaves, the Butchers seek more fuel for their hideous
experiments. They begin a global counterattack,
devastating the defenders in a summer assault of
unprecedented speed and fury.
In the Wind River Valley, determined survivors

move their community deep underground in a bid to
hide from the aliens and outlast their depredations.
AD 2030
The last organized military forces of humanity are
eliminated worldwide. This is where most of the on an average day, and always listening for the sound
new governments, those that replaced the collapsed of the hunters, always ready to run toward the deeper
coalitions of politicians and bureaucrats, cease to underground darkness.
exist, along with most of the citizen armies. They
became grist for the butchers’ mill.
AD 2045
With the collapse of the erstwhile cordon, the All human cities are largely depopulated. Human
Butcher forces move freely through settled areas. The population worldwide is reduced below 100 million
Harvest spreads to the few remaining urban centers. as the Butchers reign uncontested, their nightmare
factories glutted with flesh and technological salvage.
Those who survive in the cities live like rats,
moving into sewers and subway tunnels. The A few survivors are able to hide in the tunnels
children do better than the adults. They are smaller beneath the cities. The “hard winter” of 2045 kills
and able to hide deeper in against the Butchers and almost all of them, but a few cling to life. Beware these
their servitors, but more than that, it is that this is “tunnel rats” if you scavenge in a city today. They are
their world, the only world some of them remember. feral cannibals and one of the most terrifying sights
Eating rats raw on a good day, cockroaches and ants in The After.
12 THE AFTER
AD 2055 shattered Goliath motherships and destroyed Ghost
Butcher forces advance into wilderness areas, in search of orbships is known as the Fall, an event that further
remaining survivors, both human and animal. Legends devastates the Earth.
tell stories of “Bait Runners”, their names universally
forgotten in the coming chaos. These heroes led the Breach Zones begin to appear near sites of wrecked
Butchers one way while women and children went the Ghost ships or large amounts of Ghost activity.
opposite direction. The new generation of humanity
has learned to adapt to their lowered place in the new Human population worldwide is reduced below 10
food chain, and exist only to survive another day, by million. Ironically, 2065 was a year of renewed hope
misdirection, stealth, and a lot of terrorized running. for The After’s first generation. Though millions
more are yet to die, humanity was no longer the
Biomechanoid slaves outnumber humans worldwide. Butchers’ focus. Through the ravaged Earth, humans
continued to hide, and they tried to avoid the conflict
whenever possible.
AD 2065
The Ghosts arrive for war, tearing open holes to the
Breach and ambushing the Butchers. The rain of
THE AFTER 13
O NE
AD 2066 After the Breaking, the Butchers and Ghosts

The War between Ghosts and Butchers rages vanish, leaving behind Breach zones, alien slaves,
heedlessly across the globe, damaging what few biomechanical monsters, and myriad other hazards.
ecosystems remain. Humanity is left to its fate, as much an afterthought
for them as ever.
As a result of the continued conflict, Breach Zones
become common over Earth’s surface. AD 2092
The After begins. Though the Earth will never be the
Strange creatures and plagues emerge from same, life does what it always does after an extinction
Breaches, making survival even more difficult. event. Humans begin to rebuild on the surface, either
with a plan and armed with ancient knowledge, like
Though no longer the focus of the alien invaders, the town of Chapter in Wind River Valley, or following
malnutrition, exposure, disease, and collateral instincts and lessons learned from survival, as
damage take their toll. Human population worldwide nomadic hunters following packs of game across the
is reduced below 5 million. ruined countryside, or scrabbling through the ruins
of the cities of old. Although they have competition
AD 2072 from the occasional biomechanoid, humans quickly
Most Butcher and Ghost presence has moved into reassert themselves and rise above the animal world
orbit, with the Harvester fleet having converted back to in the food chain.
spacecraft and launched to continue the fight in space.
And for the nonhuman residents of Earth, an
Survivors can detect faint signs of alien combat explosion of life begins almost immediately. Existing
continuing throughout the solar system. animals adapt to a new environment, learning
to survive. And new life springs up everywhere.
The second hard winter kills a million or more of the Biomechanoids breed with each other and create
few human survivors. Cannibalism is commonplace all new, bizarre forms of life. Plants and animals
during this time. Human population worldwide is altered by Breach Zones explode outward into the
reduced below 1 million, its lowest point in 12,000 wider world, competing with existing life, sometimes
years. Animal life, including animals that had never displacing it, sometimes being wiped out, and
seen an Earth sunrise before, begin to adapt and sometimes merging into something completely new.
expand quickly. Those humans who retreated into
the wilderness readjust to a tribal lifestyle. The men Nature abhors a vacuum, and life erupts into
track and hunt game, while the women tend children lifeless areas all around Earth. It is terrifying,
and forage for crops. The “world that was” exists dangerous, and beautiful. Life does what it has
only in stories for these people, a time of gods and always done. Life endures.
monsters, heroes and villains.
In Wind River Valley, survivors return to the surface
of the Earth and found the town of Chapter.
AD 2090
The Breaking: a titanic explosion sunders Earth’s In the cities, humans split into two groups. Some
moon. No one knows who destroyed the moon, or why remain underground. They are used to the darkness,
they did it. Tribal humans living on the surface were they feel safe there. They know how to hunt and
the only ones who saw it happen, and they record this hide and avoid the biomechanical horrors that still
event in their oral histories as “the last punishment”. dominate the surface.
Falling debris, windstorms, tsunamis, and other
natural disasters follow in the wake of this disaster. A second group though, moves out and up, into the
few surviving tall structures of the old world. They too
Survivors living underground can only speculate the are still in hiding most of the time, but without their
cause of the nightmare noises they hear from the surface.
14 THE AFTER
ON E
leaders, they are occasionally able to defend themselves AD 2106, Year 14 of the After
against the old servitors. It is rumored that some of Construction is completed on the outer walls of
these groups have even been farming, moving valuable Chapter.
food sources up into their broken towers to keep the
biomechanoids from trampling them underfoot. The Chapter Militia is formed. This volunteer
force is armed and paid by the Elder Council, with the
AD 2097, Year 5 of the After. mission to keep the peace both inside and outside the
Some people of Chapter strike out on their own. A walls of Chapter. Many in the Elder Council advocate
few cannot abide the rule of the Elder Council and the the formation of a permanent, professional fighting
Librarians, while others simply want to explore the Wind force. While some arguments against this rise from a
River Valley. Some of them fall prey to Ferals, Breach- fear of dictatorship and empire, from the Librarians’
born horrors, or plague. Others form tiny settlements ancient knowledge, it is brutal reality that forces
in the southwest region of Wind River Valley. the measure to fail: there are not enough people at
present to both farm and fight.
These intrepid souls are the first to return to the
great cities of the vanished world. Most of them are AD 2109, Year 17 of the After
never heard from again. Biomechanoids slaughter The notorious Blackgold Gang stops their banditry
some, while “underferals” hunt and cannibalize and forms the Blackgold Trading Company, leading
others. As they flee, they see movement above, and salvage teams and trading caravans. Some say they
some claim they see humans living in the ruined remain just as criminal as ever despite the name
towers of old. These become figures of legend. change. One of the most closely guarded secrets
of the BTC is the Blackgold Map. Their leader has
Faithful of the Sacellum of Light found the town employed scouts and cartographers to explore and
of Daniel. map the known world, and uses this knowledge to
increase the Blackgolds’ power and prosperity.
AD 2101, Year 9 of the After
Less than 10 years into The After, a new land rush has The Chapter Scouting Guild is formally chartered by
begun. Humans begin to domesticate animals for the Elder Council. Some say the Elder Council heard
food, labor, and byproducts such as leather and milk. rumors of the Blackgold Map, but it’s equally likely
These new ranchers move out into the countryside they came to the same conclusion independently, that
and stake claims to abandoned land. They hire guns to gain power, and simply for protection, humanity
to defend their properties, both from wild animals had to learn about the new world they had inherited
and the occasional Breach horror, but also from rival in The After.
ranchers. Farmers begin cultivating new staples,
some which have been cultivated since the dawn of AD 2110, Year 18 of the After
agriculture and some brand new to planet Earth in Chapter’s scouts make peaceful contact with the Tribe,
the wake of the Butchers and the Ghosts. a group of survivors who live north of the mountains,
claiming a wide swath of the Wind River Valley. Their
The McKellar family founds Sweetwater Ranch. society is guided by the oral recollections of the “Old
Ways” of the Old World’s Native Americans.
AD 2104, Year 12 of the After
A horde of dozens of Ferals assault Chapter in broad Chapter believes all tribals are members of the
daylight. Casualties are widespread. As a reaction, Tribe, and they do nothing to disabuse the Valley
the Council conscripts anyone with fighting ability Dwellers of this notion, as it makes them appear vast
to hunt surviving Feral bands and either exterminate and powerful. In truth, there are dozens of tribes
or drive them off. already scattered through the vast wilds of the world.
Construction begins on the outer walls of Chapter.
THE AFTER 15
O NE
AD 2119, Year 27 of the After terrorize. No one is sure if, deep in the abandoned
Clarity settles down at Highway Market, forming a Butcher facilities, captured victims are still being
small but close-knit enclave. twisted into fresh horrors.
The legacy of the GenBomb also endures. The

AD 2125, Year 33 of the After invasive and resilient nanites spawned by Butcher
With the aid of the Scouting Guild, the Colonel of technology are still omnipresent. While an Earth-
White Pine makes peaceful contact with the Elder born virus or bacterium might sicken a victim, the
Council, and trade is instituted. GenBomb attempts to Change them - to permanently
alter their DNA. Though the levels of GenBomb
Scavenging expeditions to Breach Zones and Old particles has lessened since the Breaking, infection
World ruins become more common. is still a very real threat in most parts of the world.
AD 2129, Year 37 of the After Because of this, many plants and animals are
The Elder Council is forced to outlaw intoxicants Changed in unpredictable ways. These anomalies are
gathered from a Breach Zone known as the Verdant, modified to become more resilient, more dangerous,
after deleterious effects on the populace. This and more aggressive. Fortunately for survivors, these
touches off a series of riots that are quashed by the Changed creatures usually pose a lesser danger than
Chapter Militia. Dozens of the instigators are exiled. the Butchers’ biomechanical slaves, as they are not
specifically programmed to hunt humans. Still, some
of these Changes have become permanent additions
AD 2135, Year 43 of the After to a local population’s genetic line - in that the new
DNA breeds true.
Explorers east of the mountains have first contact
with soldiers of the Phoenix State. They are This is also true among humans. While being
unremittingly hostile in every instance, actively infected by the GenBomb sometimes brings a swift
refusing communication and attacking on sight. and painful death, for others it leads to permanent
alteration. These Changed humans might have
AD 2139, Year 47 of the After anatomy that resembles an animal or plant, or strange
Present day. powers generated by biomechanical organs that -
rather than being implanted - have grown as part
of their flesh. A Changed person might even have
BEYOND THE BREAKING metallic skin, subdermal plating, glimmering LEDs
underneath their skin, or constructs resembling
More than a century after the Butchers’ arrival on wiring alongside their veins. As with Changed
Earth, there is no longer any functioning form of animals, in some cases these anomalies carry forward
worldwide communication. Human society has to a Changed human’s descendants.
been reduced to a pre-industrial level, a smattering
of isolated communities struggling for resources and In addition to the alterations of living creatures,
shelter amid the ruins of their great-grandparents’ GenBomb infection still attacks manufactured
cities. Many regions are utterly devoid of human items. It breaks down forged metal, infests plastics,
presence. and interferes with physical and chemical reactions
- rendering technology that was once proven fact
While the Butchers have been chased back into tenuous and unreliable. Sophisticated technology
space, their servants remain. From decaying facilities, such as silicon chips are almost entirely useless.
biomechanical warbeasts still lumber forth to wreak
havoc. Though their masters are not present to give The Ghosts and their Breach engines have also
orders, their genetic programming persists. These altered Earth forever. Throughout the world, Breach
horrors still seek to slay and gather, to feed and Zones defy all logic and reason. Within, incongruous
16 THE AFTER
ON E
and alien landscapes await intrepid explorers, and leaders of these survivors knew that, if humanity was
the previously-known laws of physics are often bent to ever make its way in the world again, they would
or broken. With the absence of the Ghosts, no new need the wisdom of those who had come before. A
Breach Zones have appeared. Since the Breaking, the sect of Librarians arose, held in sacred regard among
existing Breach Zones are not growing, but they do the survivors.
seem to be permanent.
The Librarians served dual roles. Foremost, they
The Breach energy spewed forth by Ghost acted as fierce guardians of the cherished library.
technology lingers, permeating Earth’s atmosphere. The libraries were isolated in sealed chambers, to
While Old World technology - mostly disabled by the keep the books pristine and as far from the horrors
GenBomb by the time of the Fall - was never able of the outside world as possible - and, especially, far
to detect or quantify Breach energy, some survivors from any contamination that might be brought in
have found that they are able to sense it. This via GenBomb nanites. Each book was regarded more
Breach sensitivity allows a few people, The Gifted, highly than any man or woman of the community.
to recognize Breach energy and even use it. These The words of the Old World were paramount. To
Gifted can access the extradimensional space beyond deface a book of the Library meant execution.
the Breach - where the Ghosts arrived from.
The Librarians also were revered as teachers.
A Gifted might be able to see the unseeable or While the books of the Old World had to remain
touch the untouchable. By reaching beyond the safe in the Library, the Librarians could memorize
Breach, they might be able to summon forth a blast their words and pass on their lessons. Librarians
of fire, fly through the air, or twist an enemy’s mind dispensed knowledge to any who cared enough to
into fear or obedience. Others find that they can use learn. Alongside a council of wise elders, they kept
Breach energy to mutate flesh - whether that might the survivors from devolving into barbarism.
mean causing mutations, healing wounds, or rending
enemies apart. Decades later, after the Breaking, the Elder Council
deemed it safe enough to begin rebuilding. They
authorized the construction of a town in their cliffside
The After: valley. They hope that the town of Chapter will be a
Wind River Valley shining beacon, a counterpoint to the madness that
gripped the world.
In 2029, the cruel realities of the Harvest became
known in rural areas that had been cut off from Since returning to the surface, Chapter’s scouts
communication for nearly a decade, following the have spread throughout the Wind River Valley,
Butchers’ EMP attack and the horrors of the GenBomb. bearing messages of prosperity through trade and
In the mountains of the northwest United States, a knowledge. The Elder Council would dole out the
group of determined survivors went to ground. This knowledge of their Great Library in return for peace
enclave retreated to a deep bunker system buried in and kinship.
abandoned mines, far beneath the mountains. They
dug even deeper, stayed silent, and hid well. They They soon found they were not alone in the Wind
weathered the Butchers, the Ghosts, and the War. They River Valley. Small, scattered villages defended
lived in the dark, with whole generations surviving as themselves against gangs of bandits, marauders, and
best they could underground. feral humanoids. The Tribe, descendants of Native
American survivors, lived according to the Old Ways
In their makeshift bunkers, they had stashed books of their people, though many of those had been lost
- thousands of them, a veritable treasure trove of to the Harvest. Traders arrived, along with news of
the world before the alien invasion. This library settlements even farther away.
was held as more dear than gold or fresh water. The
THE AFTER 17
O NE
And, most shocking of all, the aftermath of areas of countryside where the laws of physics fall
the invasion had left some of the Butchers’ into question and alien terrain predominates over
extraterrestrial slaves stranded in Windriver Valley. what should be present. Extremes of temperature,
The lumbering, slow Helots and the nimble, skittish gravity, and geology arise with no logic, and strange,
Skav had survived the War, and they made peaceful twisted beasts lope forth to belch liquid fire or rend
contact with the human survivors. survivors with claw and horn.
Scattered throughout all these habitations were Aside from the Breach Zones, Wind River is
the Changed, mutants whose very bodies had been relatively untouched by the Harvest and the War.
altered forever by the Butchers’ bizarre technology. While Ferals and Changed animals roam, and the
The Butchers’ flesh-warping GenBomb induced
permanent mutations that were often hereditary.
As well, their nanotech infiltrated blood and bone,
causing biomechanical implants to spontaneously
form in otherwise normal people. While many
communities in Wind River distrusted, ostracized, or
even murdered the Changed, the people of Chapter
had more open minds.
During their decades in the mines, a small cadre of

scouts and foragers would creep from the complex,
risking life and limb to seek out information and
extra sustenance for the survivors. Many disappeared,
having fallen prey to the hazards of The After. But a
few came back Changed. While the Changed scouts
were not allowed into the main mine complex ever
again - for fear of contamination or contagion - their
sacrifices were revered and remembered. The Elder
Council and the Librarians guided the people of
Chapter to a future with less fear of those who looked
different from the rest.
As well, the Ghosts’ Breach energy still rippled

across the Valley, seemingly outside of time itself.
Anyone who was touched too closely by the Breach
could be changed in unpredictable ways. A small
fraction of those became Gifted, their minds were
expanded in such a way that they could shape and
control Breach energy, an ability they referred to
among themselves as “the Boon.” As opposed to
humankind’s fear of the Changed, the Gifted were
often revered or even worshipped. Indeed, while
most Old World religions were eradicated, a group
known as the Sacellum of Light arose, who believed
that the Gifted were touched by God - a generation
of angels on Earth meant to lead mankind forward.
The Breaches still lie heavy on the Wind River

Valley. In every direction, there are Breach Zones,
18 THE AFTER
ON E
GenBomb’s infestation still infects manufactured working bits of Old World technology. They delve
WW
goods and living creatures, it’s nonetheless true that into Breach zones, hoping to bring out bizarre
E LCO
E LCO
the Valley is lush. There is ample clean water and Remnant technologies that might change the face
healthy soil. It’s as far from a blasted wasteland as of the world with their strange powers. They forge
ME
one could imagine. Farms and herds have space to trade routes, battle twisted beasts, and frighten off
METO
thrive, and wildlife abounds. bandits. They farm and herd and hunt.
TOT H
In the face of all the new dangers of The After, the They survive.
people of Wind River compete to explore the ruins
THE EAFT
of the time before The Harvest, hoping to uncover
AFTER
ER
THE AFTER 19
THE AFTER
20
TWO
P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT E R
TWO
Making Characters
P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

The After assumes that your group will be playing
survivors living in the Wind River Valley. Perhaps your
character is a grizzled wilderness scout, a travelling
doctor with a taste for Old World fiction, a sharp-
tongued gambler, or an alien sentinel trying to fit into
a human community. Once you’ve decided on a loose
concept for your character, you’ll need to choose their
special qualities and statistics as outlined below.
By default, player characters are Wild Cards, as

described in Savage Worlds. You’ll need to follow the
steps below to create your survivor:
1. CHOOSE A RACE
The vast majority of people in the Wind River Valley
are Human. These folk get a free Edge, as outlined
in Savage Worlds.
Other options include the Changed, the hulking

Helot, or the nimble, wily Skav. Each non-human
race has unique benefits and drawbacks, as described
later in this chapter.
2. ASSIGN TRAITS
Assign your survivor’s attributes and skills. Your
character begins play with a d4 in each attribute
(Agility, Smarts, Spirit, Strength, and Vigor) and five
points to distribute among those attributes however
you like. Raising an attribute die type costs one
point, and you may not raise an attribute above d12.
After assigning attributes, you get 12 points to buy

skills. Raising a skill by a die type costs one point, so
long as it’s no higher than the attribute it’s linked to.
It costs 2 points per die type to raise a skill above its
linked attribute. Skills cannot be raised above a d12
during character creation.
Before you spend those skill points, your character

gets a free d4 in each of the core skills of The After:
Athletics
Common Knowledge
Notice
Stealth
Survival
THE AFTER 21
TWO
As well, there are several skills from Savage Worlds

that are either not recommended or completely

unavailable to characters in The After:
Driving and Piloting: These skills might not

A note on Core Skills
be the best choices for beginning characters Savvy players might notice that we made a small
in The After, since they govern maneuvering change to the Core Skills presented in Savage
powered vehicles. Powered ground vehicles in Worlds. We replaced Persuasion with Survival.
operational condition are exceedingly rare, and
flying vehicles are virtually unknown. Old World In The After, some characters might have
engines are difficult to maintain, and a challenge grown up in a strictly controlled society, or as
to fuel. If you’re insistent that your character will part of a tiny wilderness enclave where social
be the first to re-invent hang-gliding, talk to the skills were not nurtured. Perhaps your character
GM first. is even a wild mountain hermit who hasn’t talked
Faith, Focus, Psionics, Spellcasting, and Weird to anyone in years - until the campaign begins,
Science: The Arcane Backgrounds from Savage anyway! In short, we could conceive that some
Worlds are not available in The After (though they characters simply had no skill at Persuasion.
have been replaced by new Arcane Backgrounds
with their own linked skills: see The Boon on However, we believe that every player character
page 48). should start with Survival. This means they can
Hacking: Operable computer systems do not have at least a chance of identifying clean water
currently exist in The After. While a character or a Feral’s track, building a fire on a freezing
might read about this in Old World books, there’s night, or sheltering from a sudden storm. Given
no useful application for this skill, at least for now. that the weather in Wind River Valley can be
Language: Our default assumption is that every volatile and dangerous - especially during the
character in The After begins play fluent in colder months of the year - Survival seemed a
English. Most everyone in the Wind River Valley better choice as a Core Skill.
can make themselves understood in English -
though Skavs and Helots might have interesting
accents. For simplicity, we assume that everyone
in Chapter was raised speaking English, and the
original tongue of the Tribe is lost. Mostly this is 3. EDGES AND HINDRANCES
to avoid bookkeeping and draining your precious True survivors are far more than a collection of skills
skill points! and attributes. Their unique gifts, special powers, and
Pace is how fast your character moves in a combat tragic flaws truly make them interesting characters.
turn. It’s equal to 6”, unless changed by Edges,
Hindrances, or racial abilities. You can take up to four points of Hindrances.
Parry is equal to 2 plus half your Fighting die Major Hindrances are worth 2 points, and Minor
type. Lots of things can modify your Parry score, Hindrances are worth 1 point.
including Edges, Hindrances, and equipment. If
your Fighting die increases above a d12, round all For 2 points you can:
fractions down. Raise an attribute one die type (before purchasing
Toughness is equal to 2 plus half your Vigor skills).
die type. Edges, Hindrances, and armor might Choose an Edge.
modify this score. If Vigor goes above a d12, For 1 point you can:
round fractions down. Gain another skill point.
Double your budget for starting gear (with GM
approval).
22 THE AFTER
TWO
Later in this chapter are listed some new Edges and The following Hindrances are not available in The

Hindrances that you can consider for your character. After:
The following Edges from Savage Worlds are not All Thumbs
appropriate for The After and are not available for Doubting Thomas
your character:
Also, the Arcane Backgrounds from Savage Worlds are
Ace
unavailable, but they have been replaced by something
Aristocrat new. See The Boon on page 48 for more details.
Artificer
Champion 4. GEAR
Chi By default, your character starts with $500 worth of
Extra Effort gear from the lists in Chapter 3: Gear, Salvage, and
Gadgeteer Trading. If you don’t spend your quota, take the
difference in Salvage.
Holy/Unholy Warrior
Linguist (unless your GM has implemented Talk to your GM before buying gear: perhaps they
granular languages) want to assign specific equipment, or want the group
Mentalist to start penniless and weaponless, chained in a slave
Rich (and Filthy Rich) encampment. Roll with it as best you can.
Wizard
5. BACKGROUND DETAILS
Finish your character by creating any history or
background that makes sense. Ask yourself why
Implementing Languages your hero is where she is and what her goals are.
We suggest trying to make your character bold and
If your GM thinks getting more granular about interesting, someone who would walk out of the
languages would add flavor and fun to their game, safety of Chapter to explore the wilds of Wind River.
then our assumptions about languages should It might be useful to talk to the rest of your group
go right out the window: instead, your GM can and create backgrounds that connect to one another.
declare that the Language skill and Linguist Why are all of your Wild Card survivors spending
Edge are available (and perhaps necessary). time together?
In this case, while the predominant language You can also create a brief physical description of
of Chapter is still English, aliens and characters your character, so the other players understand what
from the Tribe should start with knowledge of your survivor is all about. Is your character tall or
their native tongues instead. They’ll need to take short? Lanky, or hulking? What does their voice sound
the appropriate Skills or Edges to communicate like? Does your character look unkempt and hungry,
with the rest of the group! dangerous and well-equipped, or smooth and lovely?
In addition to various Native American dialects, If this doesn’t sound like fun, you can just start
Skav, and Helot, Old World languages such as playing and fill in the details as they become
English, Spanish, German, Latin, and Japanese important.
are good choices for the dedicated linguist.
Details about joining the factions of Wind River
The Butchers and Ghosts did not communicate Valley can be found on page 43.
with humanity in any meaningful way, so their
languages are not available.
THE AFTER 23
THE AFTER
24
TWO
“You couldn’t ask for a better watchman than a Helot. Most folk with trouble on
their minds will turn the other way just seeing the size of ‘em. And a Helot on guard
duty won’t shirk. Doesn’t matter if it’s hot as blazes, pouring rain, or snowing fit to
bury you, they’ll keep watch proper, like it doesn’t even bother them. See, they believe
their god is watching from the stars, waiting to lead the most steadfast of ‘em back to
their homeworld, wherever that is.
“Oh, you think that’s a bunch of hooey? Don’t say it where they can hear you, then.
Helots take everything seriously - especially when it comes to religion. You’re likely to end
up face-down in the mud.”
-Big Jim Haggart
Helots are hulking, resilient aliens with blue-toned Helots as a group tend to be accepting and
skin marked with pebbly white patterns, each as uninquisitive, and somewhat unwilling to challenge
unique as a fingerprint, who were stolen from their the status quo. Some humans have speculated that
homeworld of Thorm centuries ago. They came to this is the genetic remnant of Butcher programming,
Earth as a slave race of the Butchers, and many were embedded throughout the Helot DNA structure.
left behind in the aftermath of the Breaking, escaping Whatever the reason, this renders most Helots calm;
from the Harvester ship facilities where they had they are slow to experience extremes of emotion. A
been forced to labor. While their physiology renders hot-tempered Helot is a rare thing indeed.
them immune to toxins, they found the ravaged areas
near the Butcher bases uncomfortable, and migrated Although they tend toward low intelligence
into the Wind River Valley. At least 200 Helots now individually, their leaders are wise and nurturing.
call the Valley home - some in Chapter, but many Helots value community-building and enjoy
others scattered in tiny villages. interfacing with other races - although older Helots
often find the excitability of other races bothersome.
The Helots worship Kraim, “He Who Covers the Sky”,
a deity that values hard work, unswerving dedication, The Helot frame is impressively strong, and they do
patience, and endurance. They believe that Kraim will not flinch at carrying heavy burdens. They enjoy two-
lead them back to Thorm as long as they remain stolid handed, hafted weapons, such as spears and staves,
and fervent in their worship. Indeed, the Helots of which allow them to emphasize their long reach
the Wind River Valley are especially devout, as Kraim and powerful musculature. A Helots staff weapon
has already shown his favor by leading them out of the is a form of ranking and identification to others of
Butchers’ bondage! Some Helots even believe that the the race. Helots who follow the path of the warrior
Ghosts’ arrival was the work of Kraim. are known as Sentinels, and use bladed heavy spears
THE AFTER 25
twenty. An average Helot can live
to be about sixty years old. Elder
Helots often become slower and
less responsive over time, until
eventually they stop moving
altogether - often in the middle
of some arduous task. A peaceful
death while performing honest
labor is considered honorable
and desirable by many Helots - a
worthy act of reverence for Kraim.
Helot characters share the

following qualities:
Hulking: Helots are a large

species, with an average height
between seven and eight feet.
They weigh on average 500
pounds. They begin the game
with the Brawny Edge at no cost.
Limited Intelligence: As a
slave race, the Helots were bred
to be slow of thought. A Helot
character suffers -2 to all Smarts
rolls.
Long-Armed: A Helot’s wide
shoulders and unusually long
arms grant them +1 Reach.
Lumbering: Their short legs
are built for bearing heavy loads,
not moving quickly. A Helot has
a natural Pace of 5 and a Running
die of d4.
Powerful: Helots were taken
that are decorated with colored ribbons and cord to from a homeworld with greater
indicate their victories. Some are holy men, followers gravity than Earth, and their massive frames
and teachers of the way of Kraim. They use large staff bestow them with great Strength. They start with
weapons carved and etched with the holy scriptures a d6 Strength attribute and may raise it to d12+1
of Kraim. Known as “Sky Elders” these Helots are the through normal advancement. The Expert and
leaders of the race and held with great respect. Master Edges may raise it to d12+3.
Toxin Immunity: Helots are naturally immune
Helots are born able to walk and can work by three
to all poisons.
years old, but aren’t fully grown until about the age of
26 THE AFTER
TWO
27
THE AFTER
THE AFTER
28
TWO
“Somewhere down in those warrens they’ve got a Council, they’ve got elders just like Chapter does.
I know, they won’t admit it. Any Skav would die first. But someone down underground is calling the
shots, sayin’ how the Skav will change next.
“Yeah, change. When they first came down from the sky, they looked more like bugs - big creepy
eyes, a little bit of a carapace, and spindly legs that bent backward. Them dreadlocks used to be
antennae. They’ve been mutating quick. The form changes a little with every generation, and theirs
come faster than ours. I know it had to be done a-purpose so that we humans would like the Skav
better, would be less inclined to kill them the rest of the way off. That’s why they tinker for cheap, and
trade fair, and why they’ve taught their children to mostly eat food we’re not interested in.
“I’m pretty sure they’re only pretending to have two genders to make us more comfortable with ‘em.”
- Zachariah Cole
Skav are a nimble, fast-breeding, and quick-evolving Skav have adapted to the area well. Their genes show
alien race that stowed away on Butchers’ Goliath a remarkable tendency toward rapid evolution. Each
motherships, living as parasites among their generation looks noticeably different from the last.
biotechnology. They spent generations skulking in The Skav of today, for instance, are much better
the darkness of the enormous spacecraft, scavenging adapted to the cold climate of Wind River Valley than
just enough to survive without raising the ire of their were the original survivors of the shuttle crash.
unwitting hosts. Their bodies adapted to this lifestyle,
and even today Skav can subsist on contaminated Skav make great efforts to be friendly and
water and fouled food - if they must. accommodating to humans, and integrate smoothly
into their settlements. Most of them still love to
When the invasion of Earth began, the Skav tinker, breaking equipment down into component
inhabiting one particular Goliath ship hatched a wild parts and repairing it with surprising facility.
plan. They assaulted a launch bay en masse, attempting
to steal a spacecraft and escape the clutches of the Many Skav yearn for new and interesting
Butchers. Many of them were captured or slain, but experiences - perhaps a cultural reaction to the
a few hundred of them commandeered a heavy cargo stagnation of so many generations spent hiding in
lifting shuttle and escaped to Earth’s surface shortly the bowels of the Butchers’ fleet. Some might wish to
before the Fall. explore the wilderness or comb through Old World
ruins, while others satisfy this desire by meeting as
The Skav that survived the subsequent hard landing many other people as possible - perhaps as a trader
and escaped the Butchers’ furious pursuit stayed or by running a business. Skav are fascinated by art
together and eventually settled in Wind River Valley. and music as well. They might choose to take up an
The War devastated their numbers, but the remaining instrument, despite their awful singing voices.
THE AFTER 29
TWO Skav express friendship through gifts of food, A Skav character gains the following qualities:
shelter, and warmth. They invite friends of all
types to potluck-style feasts, to swap stories long Enhanced Low Light Vision: After generations
into the night. Often these gatherings end with the in the sub-holds of Butcher dreadnoughts, the
attending skav piled together in front of a roaring Skav have evolved the ability to see in the dark
fire, drifting off to sleep as a group. Skav tend to be and detect heat patterns. They ignore penalties
more communal and do not share other races’ desire for Dim and Dark lighting. Even in Pitch
for privacy in sleep, bathing, and other activities. Darkness, a Skav halves Illumination penalties
when attacking targets that are notably warmer
A Skav that is under stress often refers to “Mother”: or colder than the surrounding environment.
“Mother save us!” and “I swear by Mother!” are Nimble: Skav begin with a d6 in Agility, and their
common phrases. Skav refuse to talk with outsiders maximum Agility is increased by one.
about who or what Mother is, but most other folk of
Photosensitivity: In full sunlight, a Skav’s dark-
the Wind River Valley believe that it’s a reference to
adapted eyes have difficulty remaining focused.
how the Skav lived when they were parasites on the
They suffer a -1 penalty to any Trait roll dependent
Butcher fleet - that originally, the Skav were more
on vision (such as ranged attacks and Notice rolls)
hive-based and may have been born from a single
while in bright light.
brood-mother. Perhaps all the surviving Skav in
Wind River are related to this Mother. Short: Skav range from three to four feet tall.
Their natural Size of -1 also subtracts 1 from their
A Skav is fully mature at five years of age, and it is Toughness.
rare for them to survive past the age of forty.
30 THE AFTER
“All of us are changed in some way or another, honey. What the Butchers and Ghosts did to this
world, it’s in the air we breathe and the water we drink, whether we like it or not. Just because you
and I seem pretty close to the pictures you’ve seen in your library books, that doesn’t mean you aren’t
a little different on the inside. Old Bob over there, he’s just got his changes on the outside, too. I
know what your daddy says, but you don’t need to be scared of Old Bob. He isn’t an animal. Don’t
mind the fur and the teeth. I taught him how to read, same as I’m teaching you and your sister. He’s
a nice fellow. He likes to play checkers, you know.”
-Allie Morgan
During the Harvest, the Butchers dropped GenBombs their Harvest facilities spread more of the insidious,
on heavily populated areas, releasing clouds of mutagenic particles into the environment. During
mutagenic nanites. In addition to wreaking havoc on the early 2020s, one could become affected by the
the flora and fauna of Earth, these hideous weapons GenBomb simply by drinking a tainted water source
of mass destruction were specially tailored to trigger or eating food that had been contaminated with their
immediate and catastrophic changes in human particulates.
bodies: some were made to encase themselves in
twitching cocoons made of their own flesh, while This was certainly the case in Wind River Valley;
others went savagely, homicidally mad. while the Butcher presence was low, the GenBomb
still affected many of the scouts that kept the mines
The Butchers collected millions of these helpless safe and scavenged for food. Now, among every
victims for twisted experiments. Whether this was community in The After, there remain at least a few
to advance their biotechnological sciences or simply who are Changed.
for their perverse pleasure will never be known.
Most victims of the Butchers died or devolved into The Changed are easy to spot, for the Butchers were
the savages now known as Ferals. The few survivors not subtle in the biomechanical contagions they set
discovered that the Butchers’ meddling resulted loose with the GenBombs. Most of these alterations
in bizarre bodily anomalies and the spontaneous, are permanently twisted into the DNA of the
nanite-based generation of biomechanical implants. Changed and can be passed on to their descendants.
Of course, it can be difficult for a Changed person
Indeed, some of those affected by the GenBomb to find a mate, given that many of the inhabitants
survived the process and were not collected by of the Wind River Valley fear and shun the Changed,
the Butchers. This became more common in the considering them tainted and dangerous, only a step
decades following the invaders’ initial landing, as away from Ferals. Because of this, many Changed
THE AFTER 31
THE AFTER
32
TWO
TWO
make a show of acting calm, shy, or quiet among other Cosmetic Changes from the table or design your

people, so that they are not seen as troublemakers. character’s own unique aberrations.
Not Like Us: Most communities in The After are
A Changed character gains the following qualities: fearful of (or even hostile to) the Changed. As a
result, the Changed suffer from the Outsider
Bio-Acceptance: The Changed find their flesh is (Minor) Hindrance throughout Wind River Valley.
more susceptible to Butcher biotech and Breach Some truly xenophobic communities may treat
effects. They receive a -2 penalty to resist any the Changed as if they have the Outsider (Major)
effects caused by Butchertech or Breach energy. Hindrance instead, choosing to exterminate,
This includes the effects of the Boon. enslave, or exile the Changed on sight. Even
Branded: Every Changed individual has been tolerant settlements might turn against a Changed
marked by some form of physical variation that is who acts violently, assuming it is a Feral or on the
nearly impossible to hide. Draw two cards from way to becoming one.
a fresh Action Deck and consult the Cosmetic The New Flesh: Choose one entry from the Major
Changes table for each draw. With your GMs Anomaly Table and two entries from the Minor
approval, you may instead either choose specific Anomaly Table.
THE AFTER 33
TWO
COSMETIC CHANGES Four: Strange hair growth. Roll 1d6: 1 = Completely

hairless from head to toe, 2 = Extremely hairy, with

Many of the qualities exhibited by the Changed involve bushy growths all over the body resembling fur, 3
strange blending with other living creatures’ DNA, = Glittering, glassy or plastic filaments instead of
resulting in body modifications that share qualities of hair, 4 = Tiny tentacles or spines grow instead of
animals or plants. In many cases, these qualities are hair, 5 = Enormous lion-like mane that grows from
torn from Earth lifeforms, but some Changed have scalp, shoulders, and spinal area, 6 = Plant matter
alterations that are obviously sourced from bizarre for hair (thorns, vines, moss, or flowers).
extraterrestrial things. Five: Altered eyes. Roll 1d6: 1 = Incredibly
tiny or nonexistent (but character can still see
Other Changed tend toward biomechanical like anyone else), 2 = Stalked and protruding, 3 =
alterations, where they might be festooned with glowing Insectoid compound eyes, 4 = Screens or other
LEDs, wires, or portions of metallic or plastic-like flesh. biotechnological replacement, 5 = Glowing, 6 =
These biomechanical anomalies are still laden with Bulging and extremely large.
nerves. The Changed have a sense of touch like anyone Six: Mutated ears. Roll 1d6: 1 = Large, pointed ears.
else even through a hand that resembles a metal-plated 2 = Long, droopy ears. 3 = 1d8 extra ears scattered
claw, and will feel pain if the coiled wires along the back over the head, 4 = Large, slick membranes that ripple
of her arms are yanked or cut. These implants, rather disturbingly, 5 = Antennae or other biotechnological
than requiring mechanical repair, will even heal like replacement, 6 = Ears made of unusual substance
other flesh does, when properly treated. like brick, steel, bone, or slime.
Seven: Unusual mouth. Roll 1d6: 1 = Exposed
Despite these incredible differences, cosmetic changes gums and fangs, a permanent snarl, 2 = Canine,
do not result in mechanical changes to a character’s feline, or rodent muzzle, 3 = Reptilian snout, 4 =
capabilities. A Changed with boneless, tentacular arms Mouth gapes freakishly wide, nearly ear to ear, 5 =
still follows the same game rules as another character. Most of the lower face has been replaced by robotic
Even Healing rolls made to aid a Changed character do parts that look awful but serve the usual purposes,
not suffer any extra penalty, as medics of the Wind River 6 = Cluster of feeding tentacles or set of insectoid
Valley have had time to learn the necessary techniques mandibles instead of normal teeth/jaw structure.
to stem bleeding from a sliced conduit or manage the
Eight: Deformity. Roll 1d8. 1 = Pronounced
mending of a mangled tentacle.”
hunchback, perhaps with bony spines or metallic
spikes protruding, 2 = Twisted, gnarled limbs with
For each cosmetic change, draw from the Action Deck
visibly swollen joints, 3 = Immense and unsightly
and consult the table below. Each entry will require a
tumors everywhere. Perhaps they ooze, 4 =
follow-up dice roll to determine the specific change to
Stigmata. Bloody wounds open at random; you’ve
the character’s flesh.
always got at least two, 5 = Your head is oversized
or bizarrely proportioned, 6-8 = Unsightly bone
Deuce: Bizarre skin coloration. Roll 1d12: 1 =
ridges or technological grafts protrude from your
Crimson, 2 = Orange, 3 = Yellow, 4 = Green, 5 = Blue, 6
flesh at forehead, shoulders, spine, and perhaps
= Violet, 7 = Metallic/Chrome, 8 = Black, 9 = Alabaster
other places.
White, 10 = Transparent (organs or muscles visible),
11 = Patchy or diseased look, 12 = Patterned/mixed, Nine: Changed arms/hands. Despite cosmetic
roll 1d10 twice to determine two colors. alteration, these do not inflict any game effects -
you use your hands just like anyone else. Roll 1d6.
Three: Odd skin composition. Roll 1d6: 1 =
1 = Fingers replaced by biomechanical pincers, 2
Scaly or pebbly, 2 = Rubbery, perhaps hanging
= Writhing mass of tendrils instead of fingers and
slack, 3 = Covered in blisters and boils, 4 = Ripples
thumbs, 3 = Crab-like claws replace your hands, 4 =
involuntarily in unsettling ways, 5 = Slick and
Tentacles for arms (could be flesh or a biomechanical
inhumanly smooth, perhaps jelly-like or plastic, 6 =
mix of cartilage and metal), 5 = Both arms are on
Dripping with exuded machine oil or slime.
one side of your body, or attached to the front of
34 THE AFTER
TWO
your chest, 6 = Arms and hands are nearly fleshless

and look skeletal or robotic.
Ten: Changed feet/legs. Despite cosmetic
alteration, these do not inflict any game effects -
you move around just like anyone else. Roll 1d6.
1 = Your legs bend backward, 2 = Your lower half
is a snakelike, biomechanical tail - or perhaps two
trunk-like tentacles, 3 = You have birdlike legs and
taloned feet, 4 = Your feet and legs are thin and
insectoid, 5= Your feet and legs resemble those of
a Helot, massive and ungainly in appearance, 6 =
Your legs are disproportionately sized due to the
bulk of metal and plastic biomechanical implants,
lending you a strange, limping gait.
Jack: Aberrant physiology. Roll 1d4. 1 = Infested
with mutant worms or robotic insects that
occasionally burst forth and skitter away, 2 = Must
vomit from strange, prominent throat glands onto
food before eating it, 3 = Small body parts (lips, ears,
thumbs) occasionally fall off and regenerate in a few
minutes, 4 = Profound stench. Could be simple
body odor or an unusual but overpowering smell,
like cinnamon, gasoline, or mint.
Queen: Further aberrant physiology. Roll 1d4.
1 = Your voice is inhuman and strange. Decide
if you sound robotic, like a snarling beast, like a
buzzing insect, or some other unsettling effect, 2
= Fungus, moss, or mold is a constant presence,
crusted on your character’s flesh and belongings,
3 = You have 1d4 vestigial, useless extra limbs or
heads. You’re not able to use them for sensing,
carrying things, or taking actions, 4 = You
incessantly lick yourself (and sometimes others)
with a slimy, three foot long tongue.
King: Extremely Changed. Pick one of these
Hindrances that you do not already have, then
take an additional Minor Anomaly: Anemic,
Bad Eyes (Minor), Can’t Swim, Hard of Hearing
(Minor), Obese, Phobia (Minor), Slow(Minor), Small,
Suspicious (Minor), Ugly (Minor).
Ace: Profoundly Changed. Pick one of these
Hindrances that you do not already have, then take
an additional Major Anomaly: Bloodthirsty, Clumsy,
Hard of Hearing (Major), Mute (Major), One Arm,
One Eye, Phobia (Major), Slow (Major), Suspicious
(Major), Ugly (Major).
Joker: Truly Changed. Draw twice more for
additional Cosmetic Changes.
THE AFTER 35
TWO
The Butchers’ toying with human DNA has resulted environment. You might be coated in fur, a layer
in the surviving Changed having powers and abilities of blubber, or have biomechanical temperature
beyond what was considered normal in the Old regulation. Gain +2 to resist Fatigue caused by
World. Any of these Anomalies might have effects on all negative environmental effects such as heat,
the character’s looks, beyond what has already been cold, radiation, or pressure. This does not apply
inflicted by cosmetic changes. Be creative and work to Breach zone effects.
with your GM to determine what’s appropriate. 10. Fluorescence. Via bioelectric implants or
phosphorescent genetic material, portions of
Choose each Anomaly only once, unless its your body can glow for up to 30 minutes a day,
description says otherwise. shedding light equal to a candle or two. It’s an
action to turn the glow on or off.
MINOR ANOMALIES 11. Implanted Aggression. You have either a
1. Abnormal Size. This hulking mass of a character biomechanical implant or genetic modification
gains +1 Size, which also adds one to Toughness that grants you a free d6 in Fighting.
and increases maximum Strength one step. This 12. Inborn Hunter. You have pattern recognition
Minor Anomaly may be chosen twice. and ingrained nature sense, granting you a free
2. Armored Flesh. The character has scales, a d6 in Survival.
carapace, bone ridges, or subdermal plating 13. Instinctual Expertise. Raw data has been
that protects her internal organs. She gains +2 imprinted into your genes or implanted straight
Armor that stacks with worn Armor. This Minor into your mind. Gain a d6 in one of the following
Anomaly may be chosen twice (granting +4 Armor skills that you do not already have: Academics,
in total). Battle, Electronics, Repair, or Science. This
3. Augmented Immune System. Due to bulging Anomaly can be taken multiple times, choosing a
glands or whirring implants, you are immune to different Knowledge skill each time.
disease. 14. Limited Telepathy: While you’re touching
4. Biomechanoid Internals. Many of your someone, you can speak to and be understood by
internal organs have been reinforced, moved or them, even if you don’t share a common tongue.
decentralized. In any case, they are replaced with You still have to speak out loud, but this ability
hardier stuff. You do not take additional damage allows you to communicate. If you use this ability
from Called Shots. on an unwilling creature, you must beat them in
an opposed Spirit roll or they are immune for 24
5. Blood Filters. You have additional filtration
hours. This ability doesn’t work on a creature
organs that make you immune to poison.
that doesn’t know any languages.
6. Born Healer. Due to genetic programming,
15. Low Light Vision. The character has genetically
you have an inborn sense of anatomy and find
modified eyes or mechanical augmentation. He
yourself easily able to treat injuries. Gain a free
ignores penalties for Dim and Dark lighting, and
d6 in Healing.
can see in all conditions except Pitch Darkness.
7. Buoyant. Your body easily floats in water due
16. Keen Hearing: Gain +2 to Notice rolls involving
to internal gas bladders, and you’re a natural
your hearing.
swimmer. Gain a free d6 in Swimming.
17. Keen Scent: Gain +2 to Notice rolls involving
8. Chilling Demeanor. Your genes were spliced
your sense of smell.
to make you frightening to humans through
several intangible qualities of expression, skin, 18. Keen Sight: Gain +2 to Notice rolls involving
pheromones, and psychic radiance. Gain a free your vision.
d6 in Intimidation. 19. Poisonous Touch. When under stress, the
9. Environmental Resistance. The hardships character’s flesh exudes a mild toxin. With a
of outdoor living don’t concern you much, as successful touch attack, a victim must roll Vigor
your body was reinforced to resist extremes of or suffer the effects of Mild Poison. This poison
36 THE AFTER
TWO
can be delivered when attacking with natural 5. Augmented Vigor. The character’s flesh is

weapons that pierce flesh (such as from the Major unnaturally resistant to injury . Gain one die type
Anomaly Natural Weaponry). in Vigor and increase its maximum by one.
20. Pouch. You have a dry pouch in your flesh where 6. Extra Limb. The character has an additional limb
you can store up to ten pounds of gear. Anyone that has grown naturally or been grafted on. This
searching you must roll Notice at -4 to find the provides one extra non-movement action using
contents. the additional limb that incurs no multi-action
21. Telescoping Limbs. Your limbs can extend penalty. You may decide if this limb looks like
farther than expected. Gain +1 Reach. the rest or is further Changed.
22. Terrifying Roar. Once every four hours, you 7. Heightened Senses: The character is always vigilant
may erupt with a bellow that can terrify others. and on edge. His sense organs are unusually
It affects all other creatures in a Large Blast large or swollen, or they may be enhanced by
Template centered on you, who must make a Fear biomechanical sensors and implanted nerve
roll. Extras who fail are Panicked, and Wild Cards extensions. Gain the Alertness Edge.
roll on the Fear Table. 8. Improved Wound Repair: Through evolved
23. Unusual Articulation. Your limbs bend in strange blood factors or nanite-producing implants, you
and unsettling ways, allowing you to defend heal faster than normal folk. You can roll for
yourself from unexpected angles. Gain +1 Parry. natural healing every day.
24. Wall Walker. Whether caused by the introduction 9. Intuitive Sneak. Whether through latent
of insect or arachnid genes, or bizarre bone telepathy or programmed predatory instinct, you
spurs that cause localized antigravitic effects, the always seem to sense where others are looking,
character gains the Wall Walker special ability. and stand elsewhere. Gain a free d6 in Stealth.
25. Weather Sense. By concentrating on the sky 10. Leaper. Your enhanced musculature allows you
for five minutes, you learn the general weather to jump twice as far as usual. In addition, when
patterns for the next two days. When dangerous you have enough room to leap at a foe, you add
weather is on the way, you get a Notice roll to be +4 to damage during a Wild Attack instead of +2.
aware of it an hour before it arrives. 11. Natural Weaponry. You have a natural weapon,
either mechanical or bestial in nature. It could
be a bite, claw, stinger, or even a metal saw blade
MAJOR ANOMALIES or drill. It deals Str+d6 damage.
1. Aquatic. The character has visible gills or 12. Pain Resistance. Enhanced adrenaline glands
biomechanical breathing valves, and webbed mean that pain doesn’t slow you down much.
fingers and toes. He can breathe underwater, and Gain the Nerves of Steel Edge. If you already have
moves his full Pace whilst swimming. it, gain Improved Nerves of Steel instead.
2. Augmented Agility. The character has fast- 13. Powerful Build. You have broad shoulders and a
twitch muscles, an uncanny sense of balance, or mighty back. Your muscles might be enhanced
biomechanical nerve implants. Gain one die type with visible hydraulic cables. Gain the Brawny
in Agility and increase its maximum by one. Edge.
3. Augmented Smarts. The character has evolved 14. Reflex Augmentation. Your reactions are
cognitive and recall abilities. Gain one die type unnaturally quick, whether from instincts gained
in Smarts and increase its maximum by one. from gene manipulation or through biomechanical
4. Augmented Strength. The character’s muscles nerve implants. Gain the Quick Edge.
are swollen with either animalistic energy or 15. Sprinter. Your legs are unusually long and
biomechanical power. Gain one die type in powerful. Your base Pace is increased by +2 and
Strength and increase its maximum by one. your running die is increased a die type.
THE AFTER 37
TWO
I won’t forget my father’s face as he shouted at me from the porch. “You can’t do this to us, Mallory - it’s planting season.
We need you here! Unsaddle that horse and come inside, let’s talk about this.”
There was nothing to talk about, though. I’d heard him and Mom talking about marrying me off to one of the McKellar
boys, in hopes of getting an extension on their debt.
That maybe this year’s harvest, this year’s herds, would be enough to
get Derek McKellar’s hands out from around Papa’s throat.
But I had better plans than being stuck raising babies for cruel men who happened to like the way I looked. My friend
Quentin Jones had gotten word from a bounty-hunting cousin of his of a cache of Remnants, way out in the Hanging
Rocks. Valuable things, Remnants - full of Breach magic from the Ghosts. If we could bring back even a handful of them
to Chapter or Blackgold, and get a proper deal, we could buy out our family debts once and for all.
Today was the day. Quentin and the others would meet me at the end of the lane, on the horses they’d begged, borrowed
or stolen. Each packing a sack of provisions and a weapon for the trail, and bright hopes for the future. Quentin, with
his aunt’s old crossbow. The gigantic Helot named Chork, carrying a ridiculous polearm over one shoulder like it was a
twig; he was there to watch over Lila, the Changed girl who was the best tracker of all us. She’d make sure we didn’t get
turned around once we made it to the Breach Zone.
And, of course, there was Clarence - though we all called him Slick. He was not much of a friend to any of us, but Slick
had worked the trade trail with his family the last five years, and had convincedQuentin that if we cut him in, he could
get us a good enough deal for the Remnants. I’d be keeping my eye on him all the way until we got back home.
“Who do you think you are?” were the last words I could hear my father roaring at my back as I rode away with tears
stinging in my eyes.
He thought I was shirking my responsibility to the family. But I’d come back by the end of the summer
and make everything right.
“Oh, Papa,” I thought. “It’s not who I am. It’s who I will be.”
38 THE AFTER
TWO
NEW HINDRANCES Unstable System (Major)

Your body’s reactions to injury and intrusion are
Breach Vulnerability (Minor) exacerbated. In addition to suffering the effects of
the Minor version of this Hindrance, no effect can
Whether it’s a fault in your genetics or simply
remove more than one Wound from you at a time.
the inscrutable nature of Breach energy, effects
For example, a raise on a Healing roll does not
stemming from the Boon work especially well on
remove an additional wound.
you. You suffer a -2 penalty to resist the powers of
the Gifted and suffer 2 additional points of damage
from them. At the GMs option, this might also apply NEW EDGES
to powers initiated by Breach Zone creatures, if they
are similar to the powers of the Boon. Augment Master
Requirements: Seasoned, Connections (The Posthumans)
Stress Magnet (Minor) As a bearer of amazing powers, the character is
The effects of the GenBomb linger over the world especially revered among the Posthumans, who
even today, and through some quirk of genetics or look to her as an exemplar. She can use Common
fate, you and your equipment attract more than your Knowledge to identify prominent Changed and
fair share of trouble. Your equipment degrades to the Gifted of the Wind River Valley. As well, choose one
point of becoming broken or useless after suffering of the following to be true:
two Stress Tags, rather than three (see Chapter Three,
page 58 for more details on Stress). The character is already Changed and has delved
deeply into Breach energies or has turbocharged
Twitchy (Minor) her biomechanoid implants. This deliberate,
Requirements: Skav ritual augmentation has given her an additional
While your mind and emotions are just like any other Minor Anomaly.
skav’s, your body is still full of abrupt energy and While not previously Changed, deliberate dosing
wired tight with the instinct to dodge, skitter, and with Breach energy or purposeful implantation
otherwise move in unpredictable ways. You might of biomechanoid parts has resulted in permanent
find yourself unconsciously rocking back and forth, and radical changes to her physiology. She gains
tapping your foot, or fiddling with objects around the Not Like Us quality of the Changed, as well as
you. In short, it’s very hard for you to stay still for any one Cosmetic Change and one Minor Anomaly.
length of time. You take a -2 to Stealth and gain only The character is already Gifted and has broadened
half the normal benefits from taking the Aim action. her skills in an unprecedented way. Once during
her career, she may spend an advance to gain a
Unstable System (Minor) Power from one of the other Arcane Backgrounds
Your body reacts poorly to injury, as it’s constantly in The Boon.
fighting a latent infection of GenBomb particles. While not previously Gifted, exhaustive meditation,
You aren’t contagious, but this means that your body exposure to Breach energy, and invasive procedures
reacts poorly when injured. You tend to bleed more have given her 5 Power Points that can only be
heavily than others, and it’s more difficult to bring used with one Novice-level Boon, which she gains
you out of fever or shock. All Healing rolls made to immediately and can use despite not having the
tend your character are at -1. Arcane Background Edge. She must purchase the
associated Arcane Skill separately, and is subject to
the Backlash effect of whichever Arcane Background
she picked the Boon from.
THE AFTER 39
TWO
Baptized in Light Biotech Surgeon

Requirements: Seasoned, Common Bond, Connections Requirements: Veteran, Agility d8+, Smarts d8+,
(Sacellum of Light) Healing d8+
This character has stood vigil in the Sacellum of Light The pulsing, quasi-living tendrils of Butcher biotech
and taken vows of service and faith. Long hours of Remnants do not frighten you. In fact, you have experience
study, meditation, and deprivation have flensed away implanting these Remnants. You gain a +2 to Healing
his ego and left behind a clear-eyed adherent to the rolls when surgically implanting Butcher biotech into
New Faith, ready to serve his fellow man. When using other people (which will offset the penalty associated with
the Common Bond Edge to provide Bennies to another these Remnants). In the event of a failure, you can draw
Wild Card, this Edge also provides a +2 bonus to their two cards on the Biotech Implantation Failure Table and
roll (this does not stack with the bonus from Elan). In choose which one to apply to the subject.
addition, choose one of the following to be true:
Breach Explorer
The Baptized gains +2 to all Healing rolls, and
Requirements: Seasoned, Connections (Scouting
extends this bonus to the natural Healing rolls of
Guild), Woodsman
as many as five travelling companions, as long as
The Scouting Guild has trained this character
he can provide medical care and deliver blessings.
extensively regarding Breach Zones in the Wind River
The Baptized was trained to defend the faithful region. The character may apply the bonuses from
against the misshapen creatures of evil. He the Woodsman Edge while within a Breach Zone, even
gains +1 Parry and +1 damage against Changed though it may not be considered normal wilderness
creatures and creatures of the Breach. It is to other characters. In addition, Common Knowledge
the GMs judgement as to whether a particular may be used by this character to identify Breach effects
opponent qualifies for these bonuses. or the special qualities of a Breach-infused creature.
The Baptized is a gifted orator, gaining +1 to Finally, the character gains +2 to Persuasion when
Persuasion rolls. He may attempt to deliver dealing with other members of the Scouting Guild.
a speech to the masses, influencing all Extras
within 5” with a single Persuasion roll.
Bunker Lord
Requirements: Seasoned, Connections (Order
Finally, while wearing the regalia of the order, the
of Silence), Notice d6+, Survival d8+, cannot be a
character gains +2 to Persuasion when used on anyone
member of the Chapter Militia
who is a member of the Sacellum of Light, due to his
The character has located and secured a small
exalted status within the New Faith.
dwelling in the wilderness. The player and the GM
should work together to determine the location and
Biotech Scavenger layout of this safe house, which offers shelter to as
Requirements: Skav, Notice d6+ many as ten human-sized creatures. As well, the
Some of the Skav retain abilities from generations player may pick two of the following to be true:
past, when their people roamed the halls and
conduits of the Butchers’ Goliath fleet, siphoning The dwelling is well fortified, requiring invaders
nutrients and fuel from the quasi-living starships. to bypass obstacles to gain entry (such as a cliff
A Biotech Scavenger exhibits the ability to scent climb or reinforced doors that must be broken).
Butcher Remnants at a distance of 10 yards. This The dwelling is hidden, requiring successful
Edge confers a +2 bonus to Notice when attempting Notice rolls to discover.
to perceive creatures with Butcher Remnants on The dwelling contains or is adjacent to a source of
(or implanted within) their bodies that approach fresh, running water sufficient to hydrate the residents.
within 10 yards. At the GM’s option, this might
The dwelling contains or is adjacent to a source
include certain Butcher-influenced creatures of
of food abundant enough to feed the residents
Wind River Valley, or even Changed with extreme
for at least part of the year.
biotechnological anomalies.
40 THE AFTER
TWO
As part of securing this lair, the character has Master Librarian

become quite familiar with the locale. While within Requirements: Seasoned, Smarts d8+, Connections
five miles of his bunker, the character gains +2 to (Librarians), Investigation d6+, cannot be Illiterate,
Survival rolls made to scrounge food or water, and cannot be a member of the Order of Silence
+2 to Notice rolls to detect ambushes or intruders. The character has become a master archivist and
These bonuses are not applicable while the character trusted member of the Librarians. He is gifted a small
stands within the boundaries of any other settlement collection of archive books wrapped in a waterproof
with more than 30 population. case, weighing five pounds. While the books are in
the Librarian’s possession, he gains +1 to Persuasion
While within the walls of their bunker, the character when dealing with natives of Chapter. In addition,
gains the Brave Edge if they do not already have it. the character is a font of knowledge and can add
+2 to all Common Knowledge rolls whenever given
Further Changed the opportunity to consult his personal archives.
Requirements: Seasoned, Changed These notebooks also allow the Master Librarian to
The character’s Changed flesh has erupted into a new apply Common Knowledge to any subject relating
form, or they have developed spontaneous abilities to the world as it was before the Harvest. Should
from newly generated biomechanoid implants. She the character’s archive books be lost or destroyed,
may select either one new Major Anomaly or two new he loses all benefits of this Edge until they can be
Minor Anomalies. This Edge may be taken once per replaced. This can be done for free with a visit to the
Rank, with the character selecting new, additional Chapter archives, though repeated replacement of
qualities each time. the books may result in the character being assigned
extra duties by the Chief Librarians.
Gear Purifier
Requirements: Veteran, Gear Warden, Notice d8+, Militia Veteran
Repair d8+ Requirements: Seasoned, Strength d6+, Vigor d6+,
Your ability to identify contamination of equipment by Connections(Chapter Militia), Fighting d6+
GenBomb particles or Breach energy is unparalleled, The character has served a tour of duty with the
and you’ve developed a unique and draining process Chapter Militia and was distinguished enough to
to strip the taint from equipment. Given an hour to garner a lasting reputation. Choose one of the
work and the appropriate tools, you can spend three following to be true:
Bennies to remove all Stress Tags from a single piece
of equipment. She has sustained relationships with local
traders that her unit protected. She may treat
Gear Warden armor, weapons, and ammunition as one rarity
level easier when attempting to buy gear within
Requirements: Novice, Notice d6+, Repair d6+
Chapter (and possibly elsewhere, at the judgment
You keep an eagle eye on your personal equipment,
of the GM). In addition, the character can call
maintaining your gear with as much cleanliness and
on traders who are friendly with Chapter to get a
care as possible. Because of this, your belongings
meal and a safe place to sleep. The character can
tend to be more resilient than other people’s. You
use Common Knowledge to identify prominent
can spend a Benny to ignore one occurrence of the
traders and trade routes of the Wind River Valley.
Things Break Setting Rule. You still suffer the effect
of the Critical Failure that triggers Things Break, but Her unit fought against bandits and beasts on the
your well-kept gear doesn’t suffer a Stress Tag. roads of Wind River Valley countless times. While
adjacent to another character with this Edge, or
THE AFTER 41
TWO
two Extras who are uniformed members of the Smarts or Spirit. As well, the Sky Elder is influential
Chapter Militia, the character gains +1 Parry, and and respected as a leader, gaining +2 to Persuasion
the benefits of the Brave edge if she does not when dealing with other Helots.
already have it. The character can use Common
Knowledge to identify notable bandits and beasts
of the Chapter locale.
Her unit were notorious bruisers, fighting crime
within the walls of Chapter with studded clubs
and little mercy. The character gains +2 to
Intimidation rolls made against any native of
Chapter. As well, the character gains +2 to any
maneuvering skill rolls made during a Chase
that takes place within the walls of Chapter. The
character can use Common Knowledge in regards
to the laws of Chapter, as well as identifying
prominent citizens (and criminals) of Chapter.
Remnant Scholar
Requirements: Seasoned
You’ve sifted through plenty of tales and studied
whatever Remnants you could get your hands on.
You can now roll Common Knowledge to identify
the function of a Butcher Remnant or Ghost Shard,
given about an hour to handle and examine it. At the
GMs option, failing this roll might trigger unusual
effects (such as a Fracture check).
Seed of the New Flesh

Star Seeker
Requirements: Seasoned, Human, GM Approval*
Requirements: Seasoned,Smarts d8+,Connections(Star
The character has been introduced to Breach energy,
League), Repair d8+, Science d8+
Butcher nanites, or other outside influence that has
As a member in good standing of the Star League,
caused her to exhibit strange abilities. She gains
the character has full access to the Master Labs in
the Branded and Not Like Us racial qualities of
Chapter. She may use the facilities there when
the Changed, as well as one Cosmetic Change and
attempting a technical project. The League will
one Minor Anomaly. The character is henceforth
provide the necessary tools (even specialized tools)
considered to be Changed.
and skilled aid. As a result, while working within the
*Your GM may require an in-game event (such as
Master Labs, she gains a d8 wild die on Repair rolls.
deliberately implanting Butcher biotech in surgery)
The League requires the character to put in an equal
to take place before you can choose this Edge.
amount of time on other members’ projects, and also
implies that the Star League gains full knowledge
Sky Elder of whatever project the character is working on:
Requirements: Veteran, Spirit d8+, Helot blueprints and other knowledge must be shared, to
Among Helots, the Sky Elders are the closest to the betterment of all.
Kraim. Through a regimen of daily mental exercises,
calming prayers, and meditation, they can call on As well, the character has studied extraterrestrial
their inner strength to ignore the mental travails of technology and may apply Common Knowledge to
the world. A Sky Elder gains +2 to resist Tests with identify the function of alien technology.
42 THE AFTER
TWO
FACTIONS concealed in the mines beneath Chapter, guarded

around the clock. The books are kept in tightly
Chapter is full of gangs, cliques, and other organized controlled conditions, as far removed as possible
groups. But only a few have the power, the drive, or from the dangers of weather and the potential taint
the prestige to remake Chapter to their own liking. of the GenBomb.
Those groups are called Factions.
Apprentice Librarians often serve entire seasons
Like people everywhere, the citizens of Chapter are without returning aboveground. They are put to work
rarely of one mind. While the town presents a unified writing ‘traveling copies’ of the books in the Library,
front to outsiders via the Elder Council, the Factions maintaining the facility, standing guard duty, and
hold strong beliefs about how Chapter should operate memorizing as much information as their minds
and what it should become. The Factions of Chapter can stand. Toward the end of their apprenticeship,
hold varying amounts of wealth, power, and reputation, each Librarian spends time acting as a teacher to the
but all have at least some influence on the Council. children of Chapter.
Each character may choose to join a single Faction Journeyman Librarians might travel Wind River
during character creation. Characters who begin Valley, seeking to gather surviving copies of any
play as members of a Faction may choose to gain pre-Harvest print material. This often means they
the Connections Edge with that Faction for free. are interested in joining salvage expeditions and
However, if they do, they also gain the Vow (Minor) investigating dangerous underground sites, since any
Hindrance to represent their ties to the Faction’s paper texts left in aboveground ruins have usually
leadership, who will occasionally ask the character degraded beyond recovery.
for favors or assign them duties.
While the Librarians are few, they hold great social
Those characters who wish to join a Faction during weight with the people of Chapter. In addition to
play must dedicate themselves to the aims of the running the school, the Librarians employ a number
Faction and must be accepted by its leaders. This is of citizens as paper-makers and scribes. The Chief
represented by taking the Vow (Minor) Hindrance Librarians are also known to pay well for the delivery
immediately upon applying to join the Faction. of pre-Harvest books, especially those that are new to
However, the character does not gain the Connections the archives.
Edge automatically. Instead, it must be bought with
an Advancement if the character wishes to take full Rather than simply hoarding the knowledge of
advantage of his new membership. the Old World, the Librarians desire to spread the
knowledge gained from those books as freely as
The GM has final approval on whether a Faction possible. The Librarians want Chapter to become
will accept any particular character as a member, and the light of the new world, an open and free
what tasks the Faction leaders might require to prove source of knowledge for all survivors. Through
their loyalty. the Librarians’ efforts, every citizen of Chapter is
FACTIONS OF WIND RIVER

The Librarians
“We will teach the world.”
Guardians of the great archives below the mountains,
the Librarians believe that knowledge is sacrosanct.
Their chief goal is to protect the books of Chapter at
all costs. The fortified vaults of the Library remain
THE AFTER 43
TWO
literate. Their teachings have helped redevelop what Chapter should be dissolved and its people return to
little technology still functions. The Elder Council the mines, build underground bunkers elsewhere, or
has been at odds with the Librarians, though, as become wandering tribes, dispersing to maximize
they attempt to hold back the flow of learning mankind’s chances at survival.
beyond Chapter. The Council wishes to rein in
the Librarians, insisting they dole out knowledge Cousins of the Order maintain small, hidden
to outsiders only in ways that benefit Chapter. For bunkers and safehouses near enough to Chapter
now, the Chief Librarians obey the Council in such that they can visit whenever necessary, but do not
matters, understanding that knowledge is Chapter’s maintain a formal presence within the town. Most
greatest coin in The After. members believe that living with everyone else in
Chapter invites their destruction. During visits
Order of Silence to Chapter, members of the Order often hand out
flyers and give impassioned speeches, begging the
“Mankind must vanish.”
populace to disperse. It is somewhat ironic that
It’s only a matter of time. When the War is over in
the so-called Order of Silence is outspoken and, at
space, victorious aliens will return to Earth. They will
times, even belligerent. Though the Order has never
finish the job that was started during the Harvest -
chosen to turn to violence over logic to disperse the
rendering humankind extinct. The Order of Silence
population of Chapter, their public presentations
is insistent that humanity must prepare for this
still sometimes turn ugly, which results in friction
second coming by becoming invisible and remaining
with the Chapter Militia.
so until they either outlast the alien presence, or
develop sufficient population and technology to
defeat the invaders in a single, decisive action. Scouting Guild
“Into the Breach, my friends!”
Members refer to one The Scouting Guild began with only a handful of
another as Cousins, adventurers, all friends of the legendary trader and
and hold an almost scout, Zachariah Cole. In the decades since the
religious devotion Breaking, the Guild has grown into a strong-knit
to a document they cadre who believe that in order to flourish, the people
call the Silent Credo, of Chapter need keen eyes in the wild. The Guild
written by the late provides those eyes. Their scouts diligently quest into
leader of the Order, the changed world of The After, seeking to turn the
known to outsiders mysteries of the Breach Zones to their favor. For a
as Uncle Hush. The price, scouts of the guild will guide expeditions and
Silent Credo explains the caravans safely through the wild, better than anyone
inevitability of a second else can. They also monitor the area within a day’s
extraterrestrial invasion. It insists that any kind of travel of Chapter for threats to the settlement. The
over-the-air broadcasting must cease, lest mankind’s masters of the guild are known to pay fees to explorers
survival be detected by the survivors of the War who can accurately map Breach Zones or bring back
between Ghosts and Butchers. specimens of previously unknown creatures.
The Credo also indicates that building and farming

projects must not occur where they can be seen from
the sky, regardless of the need. Uncle Hush believed
that the consequences for visible construction
would be extermination, given enough time for the
Butchers or Ghosts to return. Per the Credo, all
roads and outdoor residences must be in perfect
camouflage or be destroyed. The Order believes that
44 THE AFTER
TWO
wrath. They believe that the Butchers were demons

sent by God to cleanse the Earth of wickedness, and
the Ghosts were the angels that followed to drive the
demons away. The New Faith believes the Boon is a gift
from God, but view the Changed as demon-tainted.
The New Faith strives to show God that mankind

repents for its myriad sins. At their best, the followers
of the Sacellum defend the weak, help the sick, and
feed the hungry. At their worst, they are judgmental
and exclusionary zealots who bully outsiders.
The faithful walk the streets of Chapter seeking

alms for the poor and decrying the sins of the flesh.
They castigate the wealthy and exhort the citizenry to
Star League follow godly laws of chastity, charity, and temperance.
“We must escape this wretched rock.” Bishop Gabriel, their leader, wants Chapter to become
The arrival of alien races proved that travel between a theocracy under the rule of a revitalized Church,
the stars is possible. The Star League believes that the but he would never overthrow the Council by force.
only way to ensure humanity’s survival is to follow in
their footsteps and leave the Earth. Failure to do so Members of this Faction might display their faith
will place mankind at the mercy of extraterrestrial and contrition by practicing celibacy, eschewing
whims forevermore - if not the Butchers or Ghosts, drugs and alcohol, wearing rags, or shaving their
then some other alien. heads, as well as leading displays of public prayer.
The League harbors both brilliant engineers

and cackling madmen, all bent on salvaging the
technology of space travel and leaving our shattered
planet behind. They want to use Chapter as a base of
operations for their scientific work, regardless of the
cost or consequence.
If permitted, they would suck the entire region

dry of resources to fuel a mad dash for interstellar
travel. Currently, the League holds a laboratory and
service complex at the edge of town. Outsiders are
not welcome within the Master Labs, but the League
maintains a brisk trade in local markets, offering
items for sale ranging from refurbished salvage to
bizarre, experimental tech.
The Sacellum of Light

“Smite the sinners!”
In the aftermath of the Harvest, most survivors
abandoned religion. However, the Sacellum of Light
shelters the remnants of Christianity among the
citizens of Chapter. They preach the New Faith, a new
religion that focuses on contrition in the face of God’s
THE AFTER 45
TWO
mighty military force, then striking forth to conquer

Chapter’s neighbors, forming a buffer against any

trouble from outside the Valley. Ideally, he’d be
permitted to develop a large and heavily-armed
cavalry force to engage enemies with overwhelming
force before they reach Chapter.
So far, these plans have been thoroughly stifled -

not many folks in Chapter are interested in becoming
warlike, and they certainly have no desire to see their
sons and daughters conscripted, or give away their
precious horses to develop an expeditionary force.
The Posthumans
“Augment yourselves, always.”
These meatsacks we wear, this mortal flesh - it wasn’t
good enough to stop the aliens. The Posthumans are
the small portion of Chapter’s populace who have
Chapter Militia fully embraced the possibilities of The After. They
“Defend the walls!” actively seek to augment themselves with any form
While the Scouting Guild is Chapter’s eyes, the of technology, power, or mutation that is available,
Militia is its hands. Acting entirely at the command in order to transcend their fragile humanity and
of the Elder Council, this force of volunteer soldiers become immortal and powerful. They want Chapter
is active both inside and outside the walls of Chapter. to become a safe haven for all of their kind.
In the wild, they proactively work to drive out The Changed do not suffer the effects of the
dangerous creatures and defend trade routes. The Outsider Hindrance while dealing with Posthumans.
Militia doesn’t range more than a day’s march outside
the walls of Chapter, but within that range they visit
outlying farms, escort traders, and patrol aggressively
in search of dangerous wildlife (including Changed
animals), bandits, or Feral incursions. Usually,
a patrol of ten Militia will partner with a pair of
Scouting Guild members.
Within Chapter, the Militia strives to maintain the

peace between citizens and uphold the laws that the
Council enacts. Standard patrols operate in threes,
patrolling the streets and checking in on merchants
and taphouses. Larger groups assemble to overlook
large public gatherings such as the marketplace. In
practice, they often serve as club-wielding enforcers,
and some of them enjoy that role all too well. The
Militia has developed a reputation as bullies within
Chapter’s walls.
Big Jim Haggart, the leader of the Militia, believes

that Chapter would ultimately be best served by
using the knowledge of the Librarians to develop a
46 THE AFTER
TWO
I watched as Big Jim Haggart waved his freshly looted saber

over his head, playing to the drunken crowd in McNary’s
restaurant. “...and then me and my men swept down on those
outlaws, smashed ‘em to pieces! No more of their sorry kind
will be troublin’ the Hankerson farm, I can tell ya that!” Big
Jim’s militiamen roared in approval, their tabards barely soiled
from the skirmish earlier that day. “Easy work, outsmartin’
and outfightin’ the scum of the Earth! Open up them kegs we
brought in from their camp! Let’s have a toast to a rout, with no
casualties!” Jim strutted along the bar while the folk of Chapter
cheered, and the beer flowed.
But someone like me? Someone who hadn’t fallen in with the hoopla,
hadn’t fallen in with the crowd - someone like me, an outsider, a
mindbender - could tell that something wasn’t quite right. I could
see that his men were tense, and traded guarded looks, drinking far
faster than they normally might. They were hiding something. And
I had to know what.
I slid my way through the crowd, sidling up to Last Chance Cole, who
was slumped against the corner of the bar, into his third or fourth
cup of rotgut already. I called on the Boon and immediately felt the
cold and terrible touch of the Ghosts lash into my veins. Like always,
I fought down the urge to scream, to vomit, to react at all. The touch
of the Boon wasn’t pain, not quite, but it was almost more intense than I
could take.
But I swallowed down the power. I felt it tingle in my eyeballs and the ends of my
fingers, even in my hair, quiet but impatient.My mind put a leash on it and dragged it into a shape, one that I
couldn’t even express with words, something from outside this universe. I laid that shape down, linking my brain
and Cole’s, just for a minute. I was transported to the memory that he was trying to drink away.
Smoke from a campfire, intertwined with the fog rising from the grass Cole crept through. The weird light
just before dawn barely illuminated the horizon in a pale gray.
Big Jim gestured silently, signalling the start
of the attack: not a bold charge, but an ambush. An ambush against hapless farmers. Women. Children. They
were barely armed, half asleep, begging for mercy.
Militiamen cut the camp apart from all directions, with a ruthless, merciless efficiency. All the while, Big Jim
spurred them on, whooping with excitement and shouting threats and orders. Whole wagons of trade goods
were wheeled away from the dead, along with the cache of weapons they’d claim the “outlaws” were carrying.
Cole glanced around in the slow sunrise, looking silently at the havoc they had wrought.
The silence of that bloody dawn shattered, and I was back in the roaring din of McNary’s. I backed away from
Cole, my clothes suddenly clammy with sweat. Nobody had seen, nobody had noticed; I’d kept the Boon under
control this time.
I’d learned the truth, learned what Big Jim and his braggarts had done to earn such accolades. But who would
believe me?
THE AFTER 47
TWO
THE BOON transmission is not guaranteed. Speculation among

the scientists of Chapter is that the Boon travels

The Old World was left shattered after the War outside the timestream in some way, following the
between the Butchers and Ghosts. Though the echoes of consciousness from beyond the Breach.
aliens have vanished, their legacies remain scattered
throughout the land. At every turn, an explorer may In any case, to be a Gifted is a rare thing. Less than
find strange machinery, clouds of nanites, or bizarre one percent of the surviving population exhibits any
Breach effects. control over the Boon - and many of those don’t have
the full suite of abilities noted here.
Breach energy left behind by the extradimensional
technology of the Ghosts is particularly pervasive. It Some communities fear the Gifted, referring
eludes human technological equipment, but appears to them as might be called “Ghost-Touched”,
in greater concentrations near mysterious areas “Haunted,” or “Wraiths” - but mostly behind closed
known as Breach Zones. doors. This fear is a rare attitude in Wind River;
most communities of the Valley consider the Gifted
Through exposure to Breach energy, a few people to be bearers of beneficial powers and respect them
of the Wind River Valley have been changed both accordingly. The New Faith of the Sacellum of Light
on a physical and a psychic level. Their minds have goes a step further, believing that those who carry
been permanently altered, allowing them to both the Boon have been directly touched by God or his
sense and manipulate this underlying Breach energy. angels. They believe the Boon is the holy power of
These “Gifted” exhibit powers that no normal being God, wielded in his name. Some Gifted believe this
can duplicate. as well, and require loud prayer and the brandishing
of holy symbols in order to make their powers
When talking to others about these powers of function. Rituals such as these might fall under the
body and mind, the Gifted refer to both the power Quirk Hindrance, if taken during character creation.
itself and the ability to use it as “the Boon.” The
Boon originated with those very few who survived Creating a Gifted Character
being directly touched by Ghosts or their Breach A player creating a Gifted character must choose one
technology during the War. While the Boon can of the three Arcane Backgrounds below to reflect their
sometimes be passed on from parent to child, genetic abilities. All other Arcane Backgrounds from Savage
Worlds do not exist in The After, and cannot be chosen.
Each Gifted Arcane Background has an associated Skill
or Attribute, as well as a specific powers list available to
that Arcane Background. Included with the list of each
Arcane Background’s powers are a series of suggested
Trappings for your character to use. Listed Powers are
Lo ca l Co lo r still restricted by a character’s Rank.
in the power
We’ve included sample Trappings Each Gifted character may have only one Arcane
ds available
lists of the three Arcane Backgroun Background. Taking an Arcane Background after
by what we’ve
in The After, but don’t feel limited character generation requires GM approval. It’s rare
encouraged
included! Players of the Gifted are for the Boon to spontaneously appear in an adult,
er, coming
to “reskin” their characters’ pow so taking it as an Advancement might require an
des criptions
up with flavorful names and in-game event to take place first that would justify
ll names. A
rather than using the basic spe the triggering of the Boon. Perhaps the character
very different
Breachrunner’s bolt power looks is overwhelmed by a mysterious Ghost Shard or
same power.
from a Fleshcrafter’s use of the is dosed with a drug or poison that’s infused with
a searing bolt
While a Breachrunner launches Breach energy.
might toss a
of cobalt fire, a Fleshcrafter’s bolt
kedly barbed
hurled slime ball or launch a wic
a concealed orifice.
fromAFTER
48 spineTHE
TWO
Breachrunner Bolt (coruscating hellspikes; fist-sized lightning

A Breachrunner reaches directly into the Breach, blasts; rippling force punches)
pulling out raw extradimensional energy. When Burst (fire breath; ripping open the world to let
Breachrunners use their powers, they appear to tear Breach energy hose out at high pressure)
a glowing hole in the world, reaching inside to pull Confusion (halo of hypnotic lights around target’s
forth tendrils of power, sprays of sparks, or crackling head; flashbangs)
bolts of energy. Breachrunner powers are flashy, Damage Field (humming electrical field; shadowy
explosive, noisy, and never subtle. death aura)
Deflection (force shields; temporarily blurring
Many of a Breachrunner’s arcane powers require
into other dimensions)
channelling Breach energy through their own flesh,
leaving them with minor burns. When possible, Detect/Conceal Arcana (glowing eye beams;
Breachrunners wear sleeveless clothes and keep their questing spark clouds)
hair short to avoid catching fire. Dispel (shattering other arcane effects with bursts
of energy)
Breachrunning is based on Spirit, because it takes Drain Power Points (visible energy currents are
force of personality and will to be able to tear holes torn from a victim, flowing to the caster)
in your home dimension, ram your arms into the Elemental Manipulation (relatively low-key: the
searing mass that’s outside of reality, and mentally caster’s eyes glow or breath smokes)
force it to do your bidding. Only the most iron-
Environmental Protection (glowing runes appear
willed can survive this experience.
on the target’s flesh; target’s skin changes color)
Edge: Arcane Background (Breachrunner) Fly (wings of fire or lightning; borne aloft on a
Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Spirit d6+ mini-cyclone; surfing on a disc of energy)
Arcane Skill: Breachrunning (Spirit) Havoc (rip the world so hard the fabric of reality
Starting Power Points: 10 shakes; dimensional tornado)
Starting Powers: 3 Illusion (shimmering holograms shaped from
Backlash: The Breachrunner loses control of the Breach energy)
energy they are tearing out of the Breach, and it Intangibility (step halfway into the Breach; infuse
erupts violently from their flesh. Any powers being the target with shadow energy)
maintained by the Breachrunner immediately
terminate, then lash out in all directions in an Light/Darkness (bring forth an intangible orb
explosion of energy. This explosion deals 2d6 damage that radiates light or devours it)
to all creatures in a Small Burst Template centered Protection (a shimmering halo of protective energy;
on the Breachrunner, including the Breachrunner hovering orbs of light that intercept attacks)
themself. Other creatures in the area may attempt to Smite (affected weapons sizzle with Breach
Evade this blast, but the Breachrunner has no such energy)
option (though they can still Soak). Sound/Silence (throw sound into the Breach or
pull it out)
Available Powers:
Stun (loud, concussive flashbang effects; neural-
Arcane Protection (sizzling or humming tendrils
disruptive Breach energy burst)
of armor around the target)
Summon Ally (pulling energy constructs from
Banish (hurling creatures into the Breach)
the Breach)
Barrier (crackling wall of force or energy)
Telekinesis (heaving things around with tendrils
Blast (impressive explosion of fire; whirling of visible energy)
razors of glowing force)
Teleport (step inside a tear in the world; transform
Blind (intense light bursts; ‘sticky’ light attached into a bolt of lightning)
to victims’ faces)
THE AFTER 49
TWO
Fleshcrafter the Fleshcrafter Bound, as they are trapped in a cage or

A Fleshcrafter summons forth Breach energies to cocoon of their own out-of-control flesh. The Gifted
cause temporary physical mutations in themselves must roll at Vigor (including the -2 penalty for being
and others. These mutations typically fade without a Distracted that is inflicted by the Bound condition)
trace after the power’s duration ends, leaving behind to regain mastery of their own body and fight off
only a residual ache. the condition. Until this condition is removed, the
Fleshcrafter may not use any powers.
Trappings for all Fleshcrafting powers involve Available Powers:
sudden, shocking physical changes. When these Arcane Protection (strange whorls and warts on
powers are engaged, skin ripples and flows like water skin that serve to divert Breach energy)
and the laws of reality are bent: targets may change
Beast Friend (take on animalistic traits; emit musk/
shape, size, or mass at the Fleshcrafter’s whim.
pheromones from swollen ducts)
Because of this, many Fleshcrafters wear robes or
other loose clothing that is easily shrugged away Blind (seal the target’s eyes shut; spray of painful
when it’s about to be shredded by a sudden change of fluid)
body size or soiled by sprays of organic fluids. Bolt (firing spines or bone spikes; spitting acid,
bile or poison)
Fleshcrafting is based on Vigor, because Boost/Lower Trait (obvious alterations of bone
Fleshcrafters have to call Breach energy deep into structure, musculature, and skin)
their bones and muscles, then fight through the pain Burrow (gain digging appendages: are they
of channelling it. While beginner powers might mammal claws, insectoid, or utterly alien?)
just cause a throbbing, more advanced Fleshcrafting
can result in exquisite agony in those few moments Burst (gain glands in the wrist or throat that allow
when the Gifted forces the power into effect. A good a momentary spray of acid, fire, or spines)
Hindrance for a Fleshcrafter might be Quirk: Voice Darksight (animalistic eyes; enormous, slightly
permanently shredded from screaming. glowing eyes; antennae or other strange
appendages that allow sight)
Edge: Arcane Background (Fleshcrafter) Detect/Conceal Arcana (nose swells, becomes
Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Vigor d6+ useful for sniffing out Breach energy)
Arcane Skill: Fleshcrafting (Vigor) Disguise (morphing target’s flesh to look like
Starting Power Points: 10 another person)
Starting Powers: 3
Entangle (shoot forth vines, hair, tendrils, or webs
Backlash: The temporary mutations induced by
to trap enemies)
Fleshcrafting overwhelm the Gifted’s system, rocking
them with waves of crippling pain as their limbs twist Environmental Protection (knobbly or scaled skin;
and their bones warp. This body-warping effect renders gills; changes vary based on environment chosen)
Farsight (eagle eyes, perhaps combined with
feathers over the target’s head)
Backlash and Gear Fly (insect or avian wings, probably combined with
other torso morphing)
Rolling a Critical Failure while using the Boon Growth/Shrink (lots of snapping, popping, and
triggers Backlash! Each Arcane Background pain during the size change)
described below has Backlash effects that
Healing (squeeze wounds together like kneading
differ from the baseline effect described in
dough; stinger that injects a healing agent)
Savage Worlds.
Light/Darkness (spew forth slime that either glows,
These unfortunate rolls shouldn’t also trigger or somehow destroys light)
the Things Break Setting Rule, unless the GM is Protection (thickened flesh; bony spurs; hardened
feeling particularly fiendish. scales)
50 THE AFTER
TWO
Relief (a stroke of your hand causes the target’s Mindbender

body to reject weariness and pain) A Mindbender sees through the cracks in the world
Resurrection (knit destroyed flesh, then force-start caused by the Breach, using those openings to extend
heart, nerves, organs) their senses and influence the minds of others. Using
Sloth/Speed (for Speed, tendons warp and the a Mindbending power is akin to swimming through
nervous system amplifies: the target becomes very a mandala and navigating a labyrinth all at once, as
twitchy; for Sloth, tendons ossify and the body the Gifted must process complex extradimensional
grows sluggish) puzzles of Breach power strands and material
Stun (a shocking screech or howl; glands that emit consciousness in mere seconds. Making matters even
an electrical jolt) more complicated are the things that live beyond the
Breach: immaterial, alien minds that cause disaster
Wall Walker (target loses body mass and gains
when they brush up against the Mindbender’s
sticky ‘hairs’ on its skin)
thoughts. Dodging the occasional attentions of
Warrior’s Gift (target becomes more animalistic as these entities while mentally traversing the Breach
you awaken inborn combat instinct) can cause extreme stress to the Gifted. Because of
Zombie (force nervous system of corpse to activate this complexity, Mindbending is based on Smarts.
with Breach energy)
THE AFTER 51
TWO
Trappings for Mindbender powers involve rippling Detect/Conceal Arcana (psychic detection,
energies, psychic sight, and emotional manipulation. possibly with the aid of a crystal or prism)
While their powers are not always flashy or even Dispel (through force of will, dismantle arcane
visually noticeable, there are often telltale signs of constructs)
strain: a Mindbender’s head may radiate a slight
Divination (read the threads of fate that lie in the
glow or haze when they use their abilities.
Breach, outside of time and space)
Edge: Arcane Background (Mindbender) Drain Power Points (steal away the mental
Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Smarts d6+ strength of the victim)
Arcane Skill: Mindbending (Smarts) Empathy (psychically read target and act
Starting Power Points: 10 accordingly to seem sympathetic; forcibly inject
Starting Powers: 2 target with positive feelings toward you)
Hands Free: Mindbenders do not need their hands Fear (waves of cold horror billow forth; targets see
to activate their powers. They may cast even when demons, aliens or worse)
Bound or otherwise restrained. Illusion (forced hallucination)
Backlash: One of the terrible intelligences from
beyond the Breach has taken note of the Mindbender Invisibility (mentally convince living targets that
and attempts to devour their mental essence. Any of you’re not present)
the Mindbender’s maintained powers are immediately Mind Link (basic telepathy… does the target feel
terminated. The Gifted must immediately spend 2d6 a physical sensation as well?)
Power Points or become Stunned. Mind Reading (psionic mind invasion; aura
reading; “Look into my eye!”)
Available Powers: Mind Wipe (violating, total mental intrusion)
Arcane Protection (mental constructs serve to
Object Reading (eyes glass over as you see through
deflect Breach powers)
the cracks in the Breach to where the object was;
Barrier (telekinetic force field) sing to the object to convince it to reveal its secrets)
Beast Friend (charm animals with but a wave and Puppet (murmur hypnotic phrases over and over:
some whispers) target’s eyes glow brightly)
Blind (convince the target’s brain it can’t see, even Relief (convince the mind it’s unhurt and the body
though its eyes work) follows)
Bolt (exploding heads; rippling telekinetic force Slumber (neural disruption; trapped in nightmares)
waves)
Stun (telekinetic concussion blasts; psychic
Boost/Lower Trait (mind over matter) screaming)
Confusion (targets see momentary, horrific Telekinesis (tendrils of mental energy move objects;
illusions; or see the world sway and melt) howling from beyond the Breach as unseen forces
Deflection (telekinetically swat away projectiles; are made to exert power on the real world)
mentally influence attackers to miss)
52 THE AFTER
TWO
53
THE AFTER
THE AFTER
54
THREE
GE AR, S ALVAGE AND T RADING
THREE

“The truth these days is that things are
scarce. Sure, the crops grow as long as there’s
rain, and most anyone can trap a varmint for
the stewpot. But I mean things. A solid pair
of boots that won’t fall apart around your
ankles. A rifle with a smooth action. A bag
of nails. Even a good crowbar or a shovel.
Gear is hard to come by, wherever you go.”
-Zachariah Cole
GEAR, SALVAGE, and

TRADING
While technology in The After ranges from primitive
bows to portable railguns, the truth is that high-tech
gear is rare treasure. The folk of Chapter mostly wear
cloth, fur, and leather harvested from the local area,
and use slings and arrows more often than bullets.
Bullets are not to be wasted.
There are few dedicated shops to be found in Wind

River Valley. Most career traders who sell anything
more complex than food and clothing find that they
need to move from settlement to settlement in order to
gather stock and make contact with as many buyers as
possible. There simply isn’t enough traffic or demand
in one place to support a ‘weapons shop’ or the like.
This section includes a list of common goods that

might be found with traders in Wind River. Depending
on what kind of gear you’re after and what settlement
you’re in, a Networking roll might be necessary to
find a seller willing to part with the piece of kit you’d
like (see “Availability” below). However, characters are
welcome to pick whatever they can afford from the
gear list during character generation, as long as they
tell a decent story about how they acquired it.
MAKING DEALS
The almighty dollar has become a mere curiosity of
the Old World. In most settlements, food, clothing,
and shelter are shared communally. One of the
scarcities of The After is human life, and very few
settlements will allow a fellow human being to starve
or die of exposure. Folk give as they can, work as they
can, and take only what they need.
THE AFTER 55
THREE
Of course, at times a body will want a good tool,

Busting Heads in a well-made piece of gear, or a fine weapon. That’s

when you’ll have to barter. The gear list includes
the After numeric prices, but there is no standard currency to
The Networking rules in Savage Worlds allow you to
rely on. A transaction might involve haggling over a
work the streets with Intimidation - using threats,
wagonload of trade goods or a pile of salvaged scraps,
leverage, demands, and general nastiness to find
until buyer and seller are satisfied. Some larger
what you’re looking for. As well, a character can
traders will issue and accept letters of credit, but
choose to “bust some heads,” engaging in more
otherwise you’re working with the material you’ve
extreme bullying (or even outright violence) to
brought to the trading counter and your reputation.
increase their chances.
The good news is that, in addition to trade goods
In the Wind River Valley, any settlement’s
such as grain, cloth, or beer, those who wish to make
population is low enough that a person who behaves
a deal can scrape together plenty of odds and ends
like this will gain a reputation - fast. These aren’t the
that are worthwhile to others. Folk in most places
faceless merchants that a character playing in some
can always use a spool of copper wire, some good
other setting might encounter in a space station,
rope, a few bars of soap, or even scrap metal. In game
fantasy metropolis, or the foggy streets of Victorian
terms, we refer to this random assortment of small
London. In The After, these traders are the same
goods as “Salvage”, since it’s most often gleaned by
folks the character sees every season, year after year.
scavenging the ruins of the Old World.
They will remember who roughed them up the last
time a particular piece of gear was needed - and will
Even though it’s not an official currency, we use the
spread the word about it, have no doubt.
dollar sign ($) throughout this text when referring to
amounts of Salvage, for ease of reading.
Depending on the tone of an individual GMs
game, this could be handled through social stigma
A Hero with $50 of Salvage to his name might be
and simple roleplay. Those who want to assign a
carrying around a satchel with a few shiny trinkets,
mechanical penalty could choose from one or more
some spent bullet casings, a few mismatched shoes,
of the following:
a handful of working ink pens, and other such odds
and ends. It’s okay to handle this pile of Salvage in
The PC has done something that merits payback,
the abstract, although it can be fun to roleplay and
and gains the Enemy(Minor) Hindrance.
describe the shiny things in your character’s stash. “I
The PC is shunned by the community where slap twenty Salvage on the trader’s table - you know,
the head-busting was done, and suffers the those boots we took from the bandits, some zippers,
Outsider(Minor) Hindrance in that community. and a couple rolls of bandages.” As a rule of thumb,
The PC roughed someone up a little too much assume that $50 of Salvage fills up a small bag, $100
and is being sought by the local lawgivers. They fills a backpack, $250 is a large chest or small barrel,
gain the Wanted(Minor) Hindrance. and $1000 is probably something like a wagon-load.
The PC’s bullying leads the local traders to
stand up to them. Now they MUST “bust heads” AVAILABILITY
in order to get any results from Networking in Food, fresh water, and basic clothing are available for
that community. trade everywhere and are not subject to Availability
rules. Everything else can be a struggle to obtain.
At the GMs option, these consequences might Someone had to make it, fix it, or haul it back from a
be assigned only on a Critical Failure, or on any dangerous ruin that might have been crawling with
attempt at “busting heads” regardless of success Ferals or Breach creatures. They might not be willing
or failure. These consequences could be could be to put that gear up for sale. You’ll need to ask around
permanent, or forgotten after a season or two. and find the right seller - if you can find one at all.
56 THE AFTER
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To find a particular item that’s for sale, your SELLING GOODS

GM might require you to make a Networking roll. Explorers sometimes end up with excess mundane
Most goods are rated for Availability, ranging from gear from their adventures. A Networking roll in a
Common to Very Rare. This Availability rating is settlement of appropriate size (GM’s decision) will
based on not just how common an item is, but how allow a seller to unload their stuff at one-quarter
willing the average owner might be willing to part the list price. With a raise, that jumps to half price.
with it. Broken gear can be scrapped for one-tenth the list
price, and that doesn’t go up with a raise.
As seen in the table below, this Availability rating
will influence the Networking roll to find an item. High-end or unique gear such as biomechanical
Availability is also influenced by the size of settlement or military-grade weaponry, working computers,
where you’re seeking the item, and the goods that are vehicles, or generators are likely to be much harder
commonly for sale there. to sell, but will command a high price. It’s in your
best interest to ask your GM to treat these as special
Any item with an Availability rating of Everywhere(E) cases and roleplay through the process of finding a
is ubiquitous: skip the roll altogether unless the GM buyer and negotiating the sale.
decides there are extenuating circumstances (for
instance, trying to buy food in an isolated settlement
that’s experiencing a famine). ITEM STRESS
It’s rare indeed to find anything in The After that is
clean and whole. The entire Earth has been affected
Availability Table
by nuclear fallout, warping energies from the
Everywhere no roll Butchers’ Gen-Bombs, rogue nanites, and surges of
Common +2 Breach energies that come and go without pattern
Uncommon +0 or reason. Much of the Old World has simply been
devoured. Metal has been warped or corroded,
Scarce -2
plastics consumed or melted, vehicles shattered. In
Rare -4 The After, even things that are made brand-new at
Very Rare -6 a blacksmith’s forge may carry a hidden taint of the
Butchers or Ghosts. Sooner or later, even the most
hard-used piece of equipment will become worn,
Settlement Modifiers damaged, or contaminated. When that happens, the
Population Networking Modifier item will suffer a Stress tag.
Blackgold 0 (+2 for fuel, intoxicants, or
Trading mercenaries) You might scavenge up an item that already has
problems with Stress, or perhaps if you’re in a pinch
Chapter +2 (-1 for anything the Council
you’ll be stuck bartering for one. But, most often,
deems illegal)
your gear will degrade at the worst possible time:
Daniel -2 (+1 for food, fur, and cloth) while you’re using it. See the Things Break Setting
Highway -1 (+1 for food and travel gear) Rule for details.
Market
Sweetwater 0 (+2 for livestock) When an item suffers Stress, one of the tags below
The Tribe 0 (-4 for technological items) will be placed on it. Most often, you’ll draw a card
from the Action Deck and use the chart below to
White Pine -2 (+1 for intoxicants from the
determine what happens to your gear. However,
Verdant, weapons and ammunition)
depending on the situation you’re in, the GM might
decide to just assign a particular stress tag.
THE AFTER 57
THREE
One other thing: three strikes, and you’re out. If a

Card Draw Tag Assigned

piece of gear takes on three Stress Tags, it’s broken, and
is useless except as potential Salvage. Depending on Clubs
the tags gained, it might not even be worth salvaging! 2-3 Slippery
4-5 Pest-ridden
Stress Tags 6-8 Poisonous
9-10 Corroded
Breach-Resonant. This item is infused with Breach Jack-Queen Fouled
energy that radiates constantly. Users of the Boon
roll at -1 to activate their powers within 2” of the King-Ace Brittle
item, as the energy interferes with their abilities. Hearts
Breach creatures will prefer to attack the owner of 2-3 Shadowy
the item over other targets. This tag can be gained 4-6 Static
twice, and the effect is cumulative (the effect on Boon
7-10 Warped
use expands to 4” and inflicts a -2 penalty in total).
Jack-Queen Phasing (daily)
Brittle. The item’s structural integrity has been King Phasing (hourly)
compromised due to infestation with nanites or Ace Phasing (per use)
an infusion of harmful Breach energy. The item’s
Diamonds
Toughness is halved. A brittle melee weapon will
shatter the next time its damage die Aces. Brittle 2-3 Screeching
armor loses a point of protection every time the user is 4-5 Stutter-Step
hit in a given hit location, eventually flaking away into 6-8 Dudmaker
uselessness. Other items may have difficulty bearing
9-10 Mutagenic
weight or pressure, as judged by the GM. This tag can
be gained twice but does not have additional effects. Jack-Queen Breach-Resonant
King-Ace Hungry
Contagious. If this item has another Stress tag, it Spades
can now be easily transferred to other pieces of gear. 2-3 Tempting
Anytime the owner rolls a 1 on her Trait die while
4-6 Distracting
using this item for a skill check (including a Soak roll
for armor), another randomly-chosen piece of their 7-9 Disheartening
gear suffers the same Stress tag. 10 Mind-Numbing
Jack Time-Twisted
If the contagious item did not already have another
Queen Flammable
Stress tag, it becomes a carrier: draw again to choose
a Stress tag that does not affect this item, but can be King-Ace Contagious
transferred to other gear. For instance, this item Joker
might just be contagious, but it’s turning other No Stress tag - character avoids effect
equipment warped.
Disheartening. This item affects the owner’s
When the contagious tag is gained twice, it can now spiritual fortitude. She suffers -1 to rolls resisting
affect your companions’ gear. Tests with Smarts or Spirit, as well as when resisting
Fear. This penalty is cumulative if the tag is assigned
Corroded. Any Trait check made using this equipment a second time.
suffers a -1 modifier. Corroded armor provides 1 less
point of protection. If this tag is drawn a second Distracting. Maybe the item buzzes, squirms, or
time on the same piece of equipment, assign the throbs at random, or is starting to develop a telepathic
brittle tag instead. proto-sentience that tickles at your mind, ruining
58 THE AFTER
THREE
your concentration. In any case, while you own it, striking once a day (usually at the worst possible

and for 24 hours after disposing of it, draw two cards time) for 2d8 damage. Isolating a hungry piece of
for initiative and take the lowest. If this tag is gained equipment for a week will replace this tag with the
a second time on one piece of gear, inflict the mind- fouled tag as the item starves to death. If this tag
numbing tag instead. is gained a second time, the GM is encouraged to
assign game statistics to the equipment as if it were a
Dudmaker. Something about this device renders troublesome creature.
nearby ammunition permanently inert at chaotic
intervals. Whether it radiates Breach energies or Mind-Numbing. Something about this gear affects
contains a colony of gunpowder-eating nanites, the the owner’s thought processes. It may be leaching
effect is the same. When the owner rolls a 1 on her hormones into her bloodstream, or could be emitting
Shooting die, the remainder of the bullets in her a troubling aura that affects electrical activity in the
firearm are rendered inert. If using a non-firearm (such owner’s nerves. In any case, the owner suffers a -1
as a bow or crossbow), a quiver’s worth of arrows in the when rolling Smarts or Smarts-based skills. This tag
owner’s possession will be affected instead, becoming can be gained twice and the penalty stacks.
withered and useless. If the owner isn’t carrying any
ammunition, this Stress tag may go unnoticed. Mutagenic. The gear is suffused with particularly
troubling Breach energies. Whenever a 1 is rolled
When the dudmaker tag is gained twice, the effect on a Trait die while using this item in a skill roll,
is more far-reaching. Anyone within 3” who rolls a 1 the owner suffers the effects of a random Cosmetic
on a Shooting die will be affected. Change, which dissipates after 48 hours apart from
the item. If this tag is gained a second time, the user
Flammable. Each time the user is Shaken or must succeed in a Vigor roll for each mutation, or it
Wounded by fire damage, this item will erupt into a becomes permanent.
spectacular but brief burst of flames, inflicting 2d6
damage that bypasses armor. If this tag is gained a Pest-ridden. This piece of gear becomes unreasonably
second time on a single item, any further eruption attractive to a particular type of vermin, chosen by
will destroy the item, and the damage rises to 3d6. the GM. (We suggest mice, spiders, frogs, ants, or
mosquitoes.) The user can count on being surrounded
Fouled. The item oozes greasy residue or appears to by them unless in a totally sealed environment. When
be made of suppurating flesh, and it emits a disgusting sleeping without sufficient protective measures, the
stench. The bearer suffers a -2 to Persuasion while he user, and possibly his companions, must make Spirit
owns the item and for 3 days thereafter, and he becomes rolls or they gain no benefit from the rest, possibly
remarkably easy to track by scent. This tag can be gained incurring Fatigue from lack of sleep per Savage
twice, and the effects are disgustingly cumulative. Worlds. If this tag is gained a second time, the item
inspires swarms of vermin in sufficient numbers
Hungry. Each night, a hungry piece of gear devours to be dangerous to the item’s owner and all those
some other item in the owner’s around him. While not
possession, as chosen by the GM. a constant danger, one
The devoured item is completely can expect a dangerous
destroyed. If hungry gear is swarm to appear at
prevented from eating other least once a week. Swarm
equipment (by isolation, statistics appear in Savage
for example), it will Worlds.
eventually resort to
openly attacking its Phasing. Plagued by temporal discontinuity or
owner while being dimensional instability, this item fades in and out of
worn or carried, existence. At random times, it becomes insubstantial,
automatically holographic, or simply disappears to some other
THE AFTER 59
THREE
dimension or timeline. The owner must roll 1d6 daily, each scene, the owner must make an Agility roll or
hourly, or each time the item is used; on a 1 or 2, the drop it. If the tag is gained a second time, the roll
item is not present! If this tag is assigned to a piece must be made each time the item is used.
of gear a second time, assign the warped tag instead.
Static. This item somehow stores ambient energy
Poisonous. Insidious microdoses of poison are within the body of the user, an effect which causes
delivered to the owner of this item at unpredictable him to occasionally deliver mild electric shocks at
intervals. Most of the time it doesn’t seem to do the worst times. This gives the user the All Thumbs
more than make the user feel a little dizzy now and Hindrance when dealing with electronic equipment,
then, but the truth is far worse. After a day or two as these static discharges tend to damage wiring or
owning poisonous gear, the owner takes -1 to recover make machinery act strangely. This effect remains
from being Shaken, as the poison weakens the user’s for 24 hours after discarding the Static equipment. If
internal systems. Even worse, if this tag is gained this tag is drawn a second time, instead of assigning
a second time, the owner takes -1 to all Soak rolls. any Stress tag, the user immediately suffers a
These penalties remain for at least 24 hours after damaging (3d6) electrical shock.
discarding the item.
Stutter-Step. The item affects the user’s spatial sense
Screeching. This item has a tendency to make and balance - or perhaps it subtly warps gravity in
loud, unpleasant noises at unpredictable intervals. the immediate area. When the owner rolls a 1 on her
Perhaps it utters bestial howls or alien babbling, or Running die, she falls prone after the movement. If
emits a technological keening or beeping. In any this tag is gained a second time, the effects become
case, the noise is easily audible within 12”. This more intense, limiting her Running die to a d4.
inflicts a -1 penalty on social interaction
skill checks, and renders most Stealth Tempting. This item is irrationally attractive: everyone
attempts an automatic failure. If this who sees it immediately wants to have it for their very
tag is drawn a second time, the noise own. Perhaps it glitters as if inlaid with gemstones and
is even louder and tends to draw gold, has a gleaming aura, reminds everyone of the best
Ferals and Breach creatures from the parts of the Old World, or maybe it is simply fascinating
surrounding countryside, who are for no reason one could express with mere words. The
eager to attack the wearer and make owner finds herself constantly handling the Tempting
away with the item. equipment, keeping it polished and near to hand at
all times. As people sight the Tempting item, the user
Shadowy. Defying the laws of physics, will be forced to fend off regular theft attempts and
the item sucks in the light all around it. trade offers. At the GM’s option, nearby Extras may
The illumination level within 2” of the be affected by the Greedy (Minor) Hindrance in
item is treated as one level lower (bright the presence of the item. If this tag is applied
light becomes Dim, Dim becomes Dark, a second time, friendly NPCs become willing
Dark becomes Pitch Darkness). This effect to kill for the item. Only truly
is suppressed while the item is sealed in a sadistic GMs would require
container. If the tag is assigned a second time, the owner’s heroic Wild Card
the light level is treated as two levels lower. companions to make daily
Spirit rolls to avoid
Slippery. No matter how many times it’s cleaned, being affected
this item always seems to have the thinnest film of by the lust this
oily residue on its surface, making it unreasonably item inspires.
difficult to hang onto. The first time the item is used
60 THE AFTER
Time-Twisted. Whether it’s actually warping the very Warped. Even though it looks just fine to the eye,
fabric of time or just influencing the owner’s flesh, there’s something off about the mass and balance of
the effect is that the owner and all his gear ages at this gear. The problem seems to shift from moment
triple the usual rate. This is a subtle effect, and might to moment. Warped weapons inflict a -1 penalty to
only be noticed at first when the owner’s trail rations attack. Any other warped gear inflicts a -1 penalty to
and other consumables go rotten more quickly than Athletics, Stealth, and Agility rolls. This tag can be
they ought. Even worse, if this tag is gained a second assigned twice and the penalties are cumulative.
time, the owner ages at ten times the usual rate.
SETTING RULES
Following are the ways in which The After alters the base Savage Worlds rules.
That’ll Leave a Mark

Whether it’s a gauss rifle, an otherworldly energy beam, or a simple stick of dynamite, powerful attacks inflict
an enormous amount of damage on characters.
Attacks with the Heavy Weapon quality inflict Gritty Damage (per Savage Worlds) on any target without
Heavy Armor.
Things Break
Much of the equipment available in The After is old, thrice-patched, or rickety. The environment wears upon
all things, making them prone to break at inopportune moments. Weapons break, armor corrodes, medical kits
become contaminated. Breach energies and GenBomb nanites have the potential to infiltrate almost everything
a survivor carries.
When a character rolls a Critical Failure on any Trait roll, the piece of equipment used in the attempt
suffers a Stress Tag (see Chapter 4 for a list of these). A vehicle suffers a Critical Hit instead of a Stress Tag.
If the Critical Failure was rolled during an action that involves no gear (such as Stealth or Persuasion), this
Setting Rule affects a piece of random equipment carried by the character. This item should be chosen by
the GM, or rolled randomly on the Hit Location chart to choose a piece of gear carried closest to that area.
Any character with the Signature Weapon Edge will find that their chosen weapon is immune to Stress Tags
assigned by this Setting Rule, due to the extreme care the character takes maintaining the weapon. It’s the
GM’s decision whether a Stress Tag assigned to a Signature Weapon should fall upon another piece of gear,
or be negated altogether. We recommend sticking with one choice or the other throughout your campaign
in The After.
THE AFTER 61
THREE
Weapons
PRIMITIVE RANGED Range Dmg RoF Cost Avail Wgt Shots Notes
Bow 12/24/48 2d6 1 250 C 3 - Min Str d6
Crossbow 10/20/40 2d6 1 300 U 10 - AP 2; Action to
reload
Hatchet 3/6/12 Str+d6 1 75 E 2 - -
Knife 3/6/12 Str+d4 1 25 E 1 - -
Sling 4/8/16 Str+d4 1 10 E 1 - Fires with Athletics
(throwing)
Spear 3/6/12 Str+d6 1 100 E 5 - Min Str d6
MODERN RANGED
Compound Bow 12/24/48 Str+d8 1 300 U 3 - Min Str d6
Pistols: Min Str: d4
Black powder pistol 5/10/20 2d6+1 1 200 U 3 1 Reload 3
Holdout special / 3/6/12 2d4 1 150 U 2 2
derringer
Revolver 12/24/48 2d6 1 300 S 4 6 AP 1
Semi-automatic 12/24/48 2d6 1 350 S 4 7 AP 1
...for high-caliber pistols, add +50 cost and +1 damage, raise Availability to R.
Rifles/Machine Guns: Min Str: d6
Black Powder Musket 10/20/40 2d8 1 300 U 15 - Reload 3
Carbine 20/40/80 2d8 1 400 R 8 7 AP 2
Assault rifle 24/48/96 2d8 3 450 VR 10 30 AP 2; Auto
Bolt-action hunting 24/48/96 2d8 1 350 S 8 6 AP 2, Snapfire
rifle
Semi-auto rifle 24/48/96 2d8 1 600 R 10 8 AP 2, Semi-Auto
Sniper rifle 50/100/200 2d10 1 1200 VR 35 11 Min Str d8; AP 4;
Snapfire, HW.
Submachine gun 12/24/48 2d6 3 500 VR 10 30 AP 1, Auto
Gatling gun 24/48/96 2d8 3 2500 VR 170 100 AP 2, min. ROF 2,
Reload 2, must be
mounted to fire
Shotguns : Min Str: d6
Blunderbuss 10/20/40 1-3d6 1 300 U 12 - Reload 2
Double-barrel 12ga 12/24/48 1-3d6 1-2 400 R 11 2
Pump-action 12ga 12/24/48 1-3d6 1 450 R 8 6
62 THE AFTER
THREE

Armor
Cloth Includes supple leather, soft hides, and heavy winter clothing
Min Str: d4 bonus WGt Avail Cost notes
Jacket (torso, arms) +1 5 C 25
Leggings (legs) +1 5 C 25
Cap (head) +1 1 C 5
Thick leather Includes supple leather reinforced with metal, boiled leather, very thick furs, tough or
scaly hides such as crocogant hide
Jacket (torso, arms) +2 8 U 100
Leggings (legs) +2 7 U 75
Helmet(head) +2 1 U 25
Scrap armor Includes medieval scale or chainmail, as well as armor cobbled together from
salvaged material (bone, plastic, scrap metal, other oddities)
Shirt(torso, arms) +3 20 S 300
Leggings (legs) +3 10 S 150
Helmet(head) +3 4 S 50
Plated armor Includes armor made with heavy, reinforced metal components or other such
bulky materials
Breastplate (torso) +4 35 R 600
Vambraces (arms) +4 10 R 200
Greaves (legs) +4 10 R 200
Helmet (head) +4 4 R 100
Small Shield Parry +1 4 U 50 Min Str d4
Medium Shield Parry +2 / 8 S 100 Min Str d6
Cover -2
Large Shield / Riot Shield Parry +3 12 S 200 Min Str d8
Cover -4
Modern Armor

Kevlar vest (torso) +2 5 VR 500 Reduces bullet damage by 4
Kevlar helmet(head) +4 5 VR 300 Reduces bullet damage by 4
THE AFTER 63
THREE
Removing Stress from Items without tying up a lot of ‘screen time’, and ensures
The After can be a terrible place, and the occasional that it won’t be a common occurrence.
surprise of having gear develop Stress Tags is meant to
reflect that. Stress results in a hero having to discard A truly soft-hearted and generous GM might
valued gear and seek out replacements, instead decide that a Joker drawn when applying a Stress Tag
of relying on that one perfect item for his entire actually removes any existing Stress from the item, as
career. This is by design, mechanically enforcing opposed to simply having no effect.
the scarcities found in the world of The After and
spotlighting the weird legacies of the Butchers and GEAR NOTES
Ghosts - they may not still be on Earth, but they’ve
left you plenty of problems to deal with! Firearms: If you’re a hobbyist that knows a thing or two
about firearms, you’ll notice that (for the most part) our
Despite this, generous GMs may wish to allow for weapons chart doesn’t track guns by their real-world
the removal of Stress Tags. We encourage making make, model, or caliber. Perhaps you disagree with
this an arduous process, perhaps requiring the the weight, range, or ammo capacity of a given weapon
(expensive) services of a powerful Gifted or a group on the list. In our idea of The After, we believe that
of accomplished scientists, depending on whether most guns were destroyed or damaged in the Harvest
it’s nanites and invasive tech that needs to be purged or during the decades that followed, and that much of
from your hero’s gear, or Breach energy that must be the ammunition of the Old World was used up. Most
torn free and dispersed. The process should never be firearms that remain in circulation are a patchwork
easy or routine. of rebuilt parts and careful repairs, that aren’t easily
recognizable as belonging to any particular Old World
If a GM doesn’t want to focus on Stress removal as manufacturer. We also didn’t think it would be much
a dramatic plot point, she could simply request that fun to track bullets by caliber, so our gear chart offers
a hero spend an Advance to purge all Stress from a small bullets for pistols and SMGs, large bullets for
single item. This represents the extreme effort taken rifles, and shotgun shells.
Melee
Min Str: equals
dmg WGt Avail Cost Notes
weapon damage die
Axe, hand Str+d6 2 C 100

Axe, War Str+d8 4 U 300
Axe, Great Str+d10 7 U 400 AP 2, -1 Parry, 2 hands
Brass Knuckles Str+d4 1 C 20 Wielder is considered Unarmed Attacker
Club (incl. baseball bat) Str+d6 3 E 10
Dagger/knife Str+d4 1 C 25
Halberd (or other polearm) Str+d8 8 S 250 Reach 1, 2 hands
Mace / warhammer Str+d6 5 U 100
Maul Str+d10 10 S 400 2 hands, +2 damage to break objects
Spear Str+d6 5 C 100 Parry +1 if used two handed, Reach 1
Staff Str+d4 4 E 10 Parry +1, Reach 1, 2 hands
Sword, Great Str+d10 8 R 400 2 hands
Sword, Long Str+d8 4 S 300
Sword, Short (or machete) Str+d6 3 U 100
64 THE AFTER
THREE
If you and your GM feel

differently about this, that’s Ammunition
okay! We encourage you to
pull in existing statistics ITEM WGt Avail Cost notes
from other Savage Worlds Arrow 1/5 C 1
products (including the main Black powder 1/10 U 3
rulebook) that detail a variety charge (includes
of real-world weapons and shot)
ammunition. It will be up to Bolt 1/5 U 2 For crossbows
your GM to assign appropriate Bullets, Small 3/50 S 3 For pistols and
prices and availability ratings, submachine
using the values in this guns
chapter as a guidepost. Bullets, Large 8/50 R 5 For rifles
Shotgun Shell 5/50 S 3
Armor: Any armor in
the Cloth category can be Sling Stone 1/10 E 1/10 Free if you
gather them
insulated to serve as winter
yourself
gear, suitable for providing a
+2 to resist cold temperatures.
This doubles the cost of the Explosives
gear and changes availability ITEM Range Dmg Avail Cost notes
to Uncommon. Improvised 5/10/20 2d6+2 R 100 MBT
Grenade
Grenades: These aren’t
Pre-harvest 5/10/20 3d6 VR 120 MBT
usually your military style “pull pin and throw” Military
items. Most often you’re looking at an improvised Grenade
charge of gunpowder, surrounded by shrapnel like
Molotov 5/10/20 2d6 R 100 MBT
nails or stones. These can be really unstable. When cocktail/Oil
affected by the Things Break Setting Rule, your GM bomb
might decide that the charge is a dud - or, even worse,
it goes off in your hand.
Animals &
“But where are the ray Transportation
guns?” ITEM Avail Cost notes
By now, you may have noticed that we made the Donkey / Mule U 150
decision not to include a vast table of Butcher and Horse U 300
Ghost weaponry, full of rocket launchers, plasma Horse, battle- R 750 Doesn’t make
throwers, lightning rifles and other such things. There trained Fear checks for
are several factors that contribute to this. entering combat
Ox U 250
Firstly, we didn’t want to give players the impression
Saddle & Tack U 25
that they could walk into a trading post and pick up
Saddlebags C 10
a glittering laser gun simply by plunking down the
price shown on the gear list. There aren't any weapon Wagon, covered S 400
stores shelved to the top with a spectacular arsenal of Wagon, two U 200
alien gadgets - at least, not in The After that we had wheeled
envisioned.
THE AFTER 65
THREE
Mundane Items
Clothes WGt Avail Cost notes
Boots 4 C 40
Clothing, normal - E 10
Clothing, fancy - E 75
Clothing, winter 6 C 100 Fur-lined, includes gloves/boots, +2 to
Vigor resisting cold weather
Shoes/Sandals 1 C 20
Food and Drink WGt Avail Cost notes
Beer/wine/whisky (homemade) 1 C 2+ Per serving; Cost may be higher based
on quality
Canned Goods 1 S 5
Restaurant, Average - C 5
Restaurant, Cheap - E 2
Restaurant, Fancy - S 20+
Trail Rations 10 E 10 5 meals; keeps for 1 week
Exploring Gear WGt Avail Cost notes
Backpack 2 C 50
Bedroll 4 C 40
Binoculars 3 VR 400
Blanket 4 E 20
Canteen 1 E 10
Climbing gear (30' rope, grapple) 12 U 50
Compass - VR 200
Crowbar 2 C 40
Firestarting kit (flint/steel/tinder) 1 E 5
First Aid Kit 4 S 100
Lantern 3 C 40
Oil (for lantern, 1 pint) 1 C 5
Pick or Shovel 5 C 25
Quiver (holds 20 arrows/bolts) 2 C 25
Saddle 10 R 10
Saddle (Elaborate) 50 R 50
Saddle Bags 5 R 10
Soap 1/5 C 2
Tent (2-man) 10 S 100
Tool Kit 5 R 200
Torch (1 hour, 4" radius) 1 C 5
Whistle - U 20
Whetstone 1 E 5
66 THE AFTER
THREE
Indeed, most of the Butcher and Ghost technology Bioslug Railgun: Range 24/48/96, Damage 3d8, AP 10,

that’s still operational in Wind River Valley exists RoF 1, Shots 6, Min Str d8, Weight 40, HW, Snapfire.
in the form of Remnants. Both biotech implants
and Breach-crystal technology can be found - with Fleshtearer Flechette Rifle: Range 12/24/48, Damage
difficulty - in various caches around Wind River 2d6+1, AP 2, RoF 3, Shots 60, Min Str d8, Weight 20, HW.
Valley. We’ll detail those later in this chapter.
Gyrojet Explosive Launcher: Range 24/48/96,
Still, there are a few ‘alien guns’ to be discovered Damage 4d6 (explodes in a MBT), AP 6, RoF 1, Shots
in The After. They are terribly powerful - remember, 20, Min Str d8, Weight 25, HW.
this was the weaponry that devastated the greatest
military forces that the Old World could bring to Ghost weaponry is - if possible - even more rare
bear. Given the ravages of the Harvest, the Fall, and than Butcher weapons in Wind River Valley. Much
the War (and the decades since), these weapons are of their strange technology incorporated crystals
vanishingly rare in Wind River Valley. Most of them suffused with Breach energy, and was triggered
have run dry of ammunition, fallen into disrepair, or through the creatures’ abilities to manipulate that
been broken in some way. energy. The items that scavengers pick up and call
‘Ghost guns’ might have originally been intended as
These sample weapons would serve well as ‘treasure’ something else - a power conduit, a sensor array, a
to be discovered in an adventure, or a MacGuffin for communications device - but have been repurposed
groups of characters to trade, steal, or fight over. by humans to conduct Breach energy in a more
Like so much other gear in The After, they come and explosive manner. As with Butcher weaponry,
go - either through Stress Tags, misadventure, or assume any Ghost weapons have the Heavy Weapons
simply because nobody is crafting any more Butcher tag, even if it is missing from the stat block.
bioslugs for the railgun that you just emptied.
Howler (Sonic Disintegrator): Range 4/8/16, Damage
Butcher weaponry has usually been wrested 3d10, AP 10, RoF 1, Shots 14, Min Str d4, Weight 8, HW.
straight from the grasping claws of a biomechanoid Delivers double damage to inanimate objects.
soldier or torn from an archival vat in a ruined
Butcher industrial facility. It is usually quite heavy - Lightning Gun: Range 30/60/90, Damage 3d8+2, AP
easily double the weight one might expect. Butcher 0 (but ignores metal armor), RoF 1, Shots 13, Min Str
weapons are loud and often emit foul smoke or drip d6, Weight 10, HW.
slime. They might seem to throb, breathe, or even
hum or moan from time to time. Without exception, Nightmare Projector: Range Cone Template, Damage
Butcher weapons are also profoundly devastating to 2d8, AP 4, RoF 1, Shots 9, Min Str d6, Weight 13, HW.
their targets: assume that all Butcher weaponry has Sentient targets that are Shaken or Wounded by this
the Heavy Weapon tag, incurring the That’ll Leave a weapon are affected by terrible fear, requiring a Fear
Mark Setting Rule. roll at -2.
THE AFTER 67
The wound Voss took from that direclaw wouldn’t close no matter what we did. He’d lost too much blood
and had a fever, so we sent Gabby and Twitch riding to Sweetwater for help. They came back with a gap-toothed
old sawbones who’d asked for too much barter but was our only choice. The old doc took a poke at Voss, who
was unconscious but still squirming and moaning, and she clucked scornfully with her hands wrist-deep in his
wounds.
“It’s not just the blood fever, though that’s likely enough to kill him,” she murmured to us. “He’s lost pieces
in here, important ones. This is a dead man.”
The cave we were hiding out in got real quiet, except for the crackling of the fire. Twitch caught my eye and
touched the hilt of his knife, but I frowned and shook my head. Voss had saved us all from that ambush back
at the Junkyard, and I wasn’t about to let Twitch cut his throat in a filthy cave. I turned to the doctor. “You
must be able to do something, make him comfortable at least. Break the fever so we can get him home.”
“Well…there might be something I could do. Dangerous, of course. Expensive, too. You got the scratch?” She
opened her big, leather rucksack. Inside, among a scattering of tools, scalpels, and linens, was a clear plastic bag
holding something awful. A chunk of purplish, warty flesh all shot through with glowing veins - or were they
wires? The bag was half full of fluid, and the flesh gobbet seemed to be pulsing of its own accord.
Gabby and Twitch recoiled. “Wh-what is THAT?”
“Piece of an old warbot that some explorers took down, over by the Fission Factory,” said the doctor. “Reckon
it’ll fit right in here. Patch the holes, filter out the toxins from his gut wounds, even break that fever. Maybe,
anyway. Can’t promise nothin’.”
Twitch hissed, “You want to put some radioactive chunk of BUTCHER MEAT into Voss? What the hell, lady!”
“That’s enough, Twitch,” I barked. “If you don’t like it, you can get the hell out!”
I pointed at the doctor. “You. Get to work. I’ll pay the price.”
I could see Twitch was mad enough to chew nails. He packed his bags and left. He was gone before the doctor
slid that quivering mass into my friend. Before it let out that gleeful squeal and latched onto Voss like a
lamprey, wiggling of its own accord to fit itself into the right shape and match its conduits to his innards.
I wish I hadn’t stayed to watch. I still have nightmares about it.
We had to stay there for a couple of days while Voss’ fever broke and the wound sealed up. By then the old
sawbones had taken her payment and cleared out. She was long gone when Voss woke up screaming.
Gabby and I were able to pin him down while he woke the rest of the way up. I think he would have just gone
running out into the night stark naked, otherwise. Voss’s wound was knit, all right, but his head wasn’t the
same after that. He took to sleeping only every few days because of the nightmares. He’d never tell us what
they were about, but every once in a while he’d do some talking under his breath that wasn’t in any language I
had ever heard.
Because of that, I guess, he was flinchy and mean. Hard to deal with. Cost us a couple of jobs. But I tried to
help Voss work through it. He needed us more than ever.
Matters got worse a few weeks later, after a bandit ambush on the road back to Chapter. He’d volunteered to move
the bodies off into a stand of trees, away from the camp. Gabby caught him out there - wrist-deep in a body, pulling
out gobbets and stuffing them into his mouth.
The merchants we were guarding wouldn’t have any of that, and ran him off with arrows and swords. I think he’s still
following us, though - two men have gone missing in the last three days. The second one we heard screaming for a
while, out there in the hills, echoing enough that we couldn’t tell where Voss had dragged him to, exactly.
I’ll get these people into the hands of the Chapter Militia, and then lead a posse back out in the wild to see if I can’t
track Voss down. I’m not sure if he’s worth talking to, or if whatever programming was still in that piece of warbot
has ruined his mind for all time.
Truth is, I think Twitch might have had the right idea, back in the cave. I’ll bring a sharp knife.
THREE
REMNANTS The host almost always suffers some sort of

traumatic mental side effect. Most common are

Scattered throughout the ruins of the Old World and chronic nightmares or unpredictable anxiety attacks.
hidden within Breach Zones, a clever scavenger might Some hosts suffer hallucinations or feel strange and
discover functional Remnants: leftover fragments barbaric urges. Others might lose their conscience
from the Butcher invasion force or the armies of the or inhibitions, and a rare few are driven completely
Ghosts. These artifacts are still imbued with a portion insane by the implanted Remnant.
of the powers that destroyed humanity. They offer a
great temptation and, despite their dangers, command Some, familiar with Butcher lore, speculate this may
a very high price among the people of Wind River. be the release of psychic trauma from the Remnant’s
previous owner - as each Remnant was hacked out
of a previously-living Butcher combat slave. Others
Butcher Biotech: believe that Butcher biotech Remnants inject mood-
altering hormones into their hosts and alter the
Born of the Invaders hosts’ perceptions, in order to keep the Butchers’
The Butchers experimented upon humans and other victims mentally unstable and therefore pliable.
dominated races, seeking to pervert and warp the flesh
as well as the minds of their victims to create better Doctors in Wind River consider the implantation of
soldiers, servants, and playthings. The tools of their a biotech Remnant to be morally questionable at best,
dominion remain scattered throughout Wind River. and many refuse to deal with the stuff on principle. Not
A biotech Remnant might be found deep in a Breach only is the procedure dangerous, but the implantation
Zone in an isolation tube, gently throbbing to itself often results in the subject becoming a menace to
in the crumbled ruins of an Old World town, or cut, those around him. Asking price for such a procedure
still operable, from the corpse of a fallen enemy. This is bound to be exorbitant, and any sawbones who
recovered biotechnology retains an eerie semblance of agrees will likely demand full payment in advance.
life and could still be implanted into a new host.
Implanting a biotech Remnant requires surgery,
Butcher Remnants look dangerous and strange, and the surgeon must attempt a Healing roll. This
formed from slabs of brutalized flesh and incongruous roll will be at a penalty which is greater for especially
mechanical parts. They often pulse or twitch, even intrusive implantation procedures, or those that
when separated from a host for a long period of require amputation to make room for the Remnant.
time. Technological portions of the Remnant seem The penalty for each Remnant is listed next to its
unaffected by the lack of a discernible power source, name in the list below. GMs that create their own
leading scientists of Chapter to speculate that they Remnants can use these as measuring sticks to
harness ambient Breach energy in some way. determine the appropriate implantation penalty.
Paying the Price in Blood Despite the risks, Butcher biotech devices “want”
Biotech Remnants endow their hosts with incredible to be implanted: if the subject survives the initial
power - but at a steep cost. Most Butcher Remnants trauma of having his natural-born flesh cut out, once
require grafting directly onto bones and nerves. in place, the Remnant helps to staunch blood loss and
Frequently, the implantation procedure involves the stabilize the user’s system. Even with this unnatural
Remnant replacing normal tissue or organs. The assistance, most biotech implantations leave the
surgery can be quite extensive and dangerous to subject Incapacitated for at least a day. A Butcher
the subject, depending on the location necessary to Remnant also needs about three days to become fully
implant the Remnant. operational as it bonds to the subject’s system.
70 THE AFTER
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Biotech Implantation Failure Table
Two: Catastrophe!
The subject goes into cardiac arrest during the implantation surgery. Extras die immediately, while
a Wild Card must make a Vigor roll at -2 or die. A Healing roll at -4 will save the victim’s life, but the
victim will be Incapacitated for 1d6 days. In any case, the Remnant is not successfully implanted into
the subject. Further attempts to implant this Remnant into the same host will incur an additional -2
penalty.
3-10: Rejection
The implant refuses to fully bond with the subject’s system. It’s grafted in place and feeding itself
from the subject’s flesh and blood, but offers none of the benefits usually associated with the Remnant.
Jack-Queen: Partial Rejection
This Remnant has been installed into the host, but it is not fully compatible with the host’s system
and drains them terribly. Whenever the Remnant’s powers are used, the owner must succeed at a
Vigor roll or suffer a level of Fatigue that remains for 4 hours. This Fatigue cannot lead to the user’s
death. As well, the character gains a permanent Hindrance, chosen by the GM from this list: Anemic,
Delusional (Minor), Jealous (Minor), Mean, Phobia (Minor), Slow (Minor).
King-Ace: Mental Trauma
The Remnant has been installed and will function as expected. However, intimate contact with the
Butcher biotechnology causes the character to gain a permanent Hindrance, chosen by the GM from
this list: Arrogant, Bloodthirsty, Death Wish, Delusion (Major), Greedy (Major), Jealous (Major), Phobia
(Major), Ruthless (Major), Ugly (Major), Vengeful (Major).
Joker: Chosen by the Butchers
Despite the surgeon’s failure, the Remnant practically completes the surgery on its own, squirming
into the subject’s body and bonding with the host’s system. The subject is only Incapacitated from
the surgery for an hour, after which the Butcher Remnant becomes fully functional. In fact, using
the implant and brandishing it in front of others brings the subject great pleasure. He gains the
Hindrance Delusional (Major): I must get more Butchertech implants, whatever the cost.
Sometimes a surgeon is incompetent, a subject’s hawk. Nervous townsfolk might band together to
system is compromised, or the chosen implant turns drive them out of town, or worse. It’s unlikely that
out to be hostile to the would-be host. If the Healing authorities would raise much fuss if an ‘accident’
roll is failed, draw from the Action Deck and consult happened to a Remnant-bearer.
the Biotech Implantation Failure Table. On a Critical
Fumble, draw twice and choose the lowest result. To make matters worse, there are those in Wind River
who crave either the power that biotech implants can
Beyond the physical dangers of implantation bring, or the incredible price in barter that others will
surgery, there is the social price to consider. Most pay for them. It’s not unknown for an unscrupulous
civilized folk consider anyone with an obvious biotech gang to stalk the bearer of a biotech Remnant, in hopes
implant to be an unstable and dangerous ticking of incapacitating them and stealing it - that is, cutting
timebomb. At a minimum, someone augmented it right out of the current owner, dead or alive. In fact,
with a Butchertech implant can expect to pay more some Remnants in The After have become infamous,
for their barter transactions and be watched like a bearing the name of a previous owner.
THE AFTER 71
THREE
immune response. This provides a +2 to rolls made

to resist poison and disease. The implant is also not

visible except for the surgical scar. This allows the
host to avoid many of the usual social implications
of carrying a biotech Remnant. However, this
Remnant does increase the host’s aggression levels
and propensity for resolving problems with violence.
This can be handled through roleplay, or the GM can
award either the Bloodthirsty or Mean Hindrance.
Buzzbolter (-2): Resembling a foot-long red slug

with Frankenstein-like bolts protruding from it, this
device replaces several muscular regions of the hand
and wrist. At the end of the procedure, two bolts
protrude from the wrist, just below the host’s palm.
The host can emit a close-range bioelectric attack
that affects all others within a Small Blast Template
centered on the host. All targets within the area of
effect must make Vigor rolls or be Stunned. Using
this electrical attack places great strain on the host,
inflicting one level of Fatigue which dissipates after
four hours of rest.
Cosmo’s Grips (-3): These blocky, bulky implants

extensively replace muscles and tendons in the
forearms, biceps, shoulders, and lower back. This
grants the user an effective Strength of d12 in regards
to lifting heavy objects and delivering melee damage.
Butcher Remnants However, the muscle replacements are prone to
spasmodic cramping. On any Critical Failure rolled
Alec’s Skeptical Eye (-2): This biomechanical optical while using the Strength benefits of Cosmo’s Grips,
implant resembles a leaky, grey kiwi with a very slight the user is struck with the One Arm Hindrance until
greenish glow. It is not functional as a sight organ. he rests for an hour.
Implantation requires the device to be installed in an
empty eye socket. In addition to the aesthetic effect,
this inflicts the One Eye Hindrance on the host if
they did not have it already. The host can trigger the
Eye to emit an offensive chemical spray that causes
temporary confusion and delirium in its targets.
Place a Medium Blast Template immediately in front
of the host. All targets in the burst must make a
Smarts roll at -2 or become Distracted and Shaken.
This ability can be used once an hour.
Bruce’s Little Black Bag (-3): This whimsically-

named Remnant looks like a fist-sized, pulsating jet-
black internal organ bound with metal bands. When
implanted in the recipient’s body, it bonds with their
lymphatic system, greatly increasing their body’s
72 THE AFTER
THREE

Hunter’s Eye (-2): This biomechanical eyeball is
orange and sports a slitted, golden pupil. It must
be implanted into an empty eye socket. It offers
perfect sight in that eye, repairing previous vision
defects and providing the user Low Light Vision. In
addition, combat targeting systems extend into the
user’s nervous system, halving penalties for Called
Shots. Over time, the Hunter’s Eye causes sight
to degrade in the user’s other eye as it attempts to
‘enhance’ the user’s existing flesh. This can lead to
total reliance on the Hunter’s Eye, as the other eye
degenerates to the point of blindness (and inflicting
the One Eye Hindrance). Some users of the Eye have
also reported hallucinations, especially in the dark.
McQuade’s Jumpers (-3): These biomechanical

Dalton’s Hump (-4): This orange, veiny lump of muscular enhancement implants resemble large,
protoplasm is meant to be grafted around the black Portobello mushrooms, that pulse with
spine and under the shoulders, across the subject’s clusters of red LEDs. They are attached to the host’s
back. Previously a Butcher combat reflex package, legs, requiring the removal of substantial chunks of
it integrates into the subject’s musculature, muscle mass from the hamstrings and calves to make
increasing response time and reflexes with the room for the devices. When implanted throughout
upper body. The subject gains these Edges: Block, both legs, the Jumpers provide the wearer with a
Frenzy. If the host already had either of those Pace of 8 and a d10 running die. Also, the wearer’s
Edges, they gain the Improved version, instead. jumping distances are doubled. The strain on the
However, the biomechanisms impose an increased user’s metabolism is great enough that he needs to
drain on the subject’s system, which inflicts the eat twice the usual amount to avoid suffering Fatigue
Anemic Hindrance. due to starvation. In addition, electrical shocks may
cause the devices to “lock up” with painful cramps. If
Dermal Armor (-2): These rubbery implants must
be slid under the host’s skin. There, they grow into
chitinous armor, organically fusing with the host’s
tissue and spreading throughout his body. This
excruciating growth, once complete, grants +2 Armor
to all hit locations. However, the increased bulk and
weight of the dermal implants reduces the host’s Pace
by 1. In addition, his Agility can never rise above d8 (and
must be lowered to that level if it was already higher).
High-Fiver (-2): Components similar to a small

flashlight with fleshy protuberances must be
implanted into the host’s forearm. This Remnant
interfaces with the host’s bioelectrical system,
allowing him to make a touch attack that delivers
2d6 electricity damage. However, when the system
triggers after a successful hit, it induces sudden
nausea in the host, who must make a Vigor roll or
become Shaken.
THE AFTER 73
THREE
Shaken or Wounded by an electricity attack, the user

suffers the Slow (Minor) Hindrance (and does not

receive any of the usual benefits of the Jumpers) for
one minute, which is long enough for the Jumpers
to reset.
Murphy’s Final Argument (-2): This implant must

be embedded deep into the forearm of its host,
replacing a great deal of muscle tissue. The Final
Argument is a hidden, retractable spike weapon
that, when extended, protrudes through the palm,
resembling a veiny, 18-inch-long wasp stinger. The
host can extend or retract the spike at will, which
does not require an action. The spike is made of a
preternaturally hard and sharp alloy used in Butcher
combat machinery. It delivers Str+d6 damage in
melee with an AP of 4. However, the amount of
tissue replacement required for the implant means
that this hand is no longer useful for gripping opposed roll with a raise, he delivers Str+d4 damage to
items other than the spike - thus making the hand his opponent immediately. This occurs whether he is
a liability for other tasks. This inflicts a -2 penalty attacking or defending, and is in addition to the usual
to tasks such as using a two-handed weapon (like a effects of the roll. The host can also spray the spines in
bow, long spear, or rifle) or climbing a rope, and -4 to an explosive ranged attack. All targets within a Cone
precision work that requires use of the affected hand, Template must make an Agility roll or suffer 2d6+2
such as picking locks, forging documents, or sewing damage with AP 4. When the spray attack is used, the
wounds. spines require a full day to regrow and do not offer
any benefits during this time period. The spines also
Pogo’s Mantle (-3): After implantation, this wiry, prevent the user from wearing Armor on his arms.
barbed device becomes rows of sharp spines, similar
to porcupine quills, across the host’s arms, shoulders, Warthide (-3). This Remnant resembles a string
and upper back. When grappling, if the host wins the of bluish-green, faintly pulsing pearls. It must be
threaded inside the host’s rib cage and allowed
to fuse with his bones. Once introduced into the
host’s body, it triggers physiological changes that,
after about three days, result in a much thicker and
tougher skin and vastly denser bones. The enhanced
skin takes on a strange color and may become warty
and unattractive, but the effects of the Warthide
provide the host with +4 Toughness. The alien tissue
providing this protection overtaxes the host’s system,
inflicting the Anemic Hindrance.
74 THE AFTER
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Ghost Remnants: into foul-smelling fog, dissolve into a puddle of

muck, or ignite and burn to ash.
Shards of Elsewhere
In game terms, each Shard has a Fracture
“We still don’t know if these things are part condition. After each activation, the user must draw
of a Ghost’s flesh and blood that was made a card from the Action Deck. If the card matches the
material when it was slain, or some fragmented
listed Fracture condition, the Shard is destroyed in a
piece of their technology that was left behind
bizarre but harmless fashion. If the Shard-wielder
draws a Joker, their Shard instead Fractures in such a
in the aftermath of a battle. Doesn’t really
violent way that it deals 2d6 damage to its wielder on
matter one way or another. We can make good the way out of our dimension. However, any Shard
use of this one. I’m pretty sure that this isn’t marked “Harmless” in its Fracture condition never
what it was originally meant to do, but plug it damages the wielder, even on a Joker.
into this socket over here. Jonesy out front
will have the payment we agreed upon. If you’re Any Shard marked “Volatile” in its Fracture
going to stay, you’d probably better put on condition requires the wielder to draw cards equal
these goggles. I’m not sure how it will react to the number of activations in the last 24 hours. In
when I turn on the power.” -Allie Morgan other words, using a Volatile Shard for the third time
in a day means the activator draws three cards. If any
Ghost Remnants - also known as Shards in the slang of the cards match the Fracture condition, the Shard
of Wind River - are as uncanny and mysterious as the is destroyed.
extra-dimensional beings that left them. Nobody is
certain whether a Shard is a crystallized piece of a Some scholars of Ghost Remnants in Wind River
slain Ghost, or simply spawned from wrecked Ghost claim to have scientific procedures or arcane rituals
technology. that are designed to enhance the effective lifespan
of their Shards. Skeptics regard these assertions as
Shards are instantly recognizable as unusual, the most hopeful sort of superstition - along with
and often beautiful, items. Some glitter with the speculation that Fractured Shards are really just
inlaid crystals while others are finely etched with being transported through the Breach, to reappear
incomprehensible, whirling patterns. Others somewhere else.
radiate a faint nimbus of colored light, hum slightly,
or seem to shimmer and fade out of reality when
looked at directly. Regardless of their
physical form, these Remnants are
imbued with bizarre and sometimes
frightening powers. Counting Cards
Ghost Remnants are typically A really cagey player might start counting cards drawn
fragile, almost as if they were not from the Action Deck for initiative, waiting for a ‘safer’
designed for the rigors of a flesh- time to activate their Shard. We don’t have a problem
and-blood world. Even when a Shard with that. This metagame behavior might be seen
appears to be made of metal, crystal, to correspond to the way the player’s character can
or stone, it never has a Hardness of vaguely sense the tides of Breach energy hiding within
more than 8. the Shard. In any case, the more cards the player waits
through, the more likely they are to draw a Joker upon
In addition to their fragility, most activating their Shard. When this happens, make sure
Shards are ephemeral. They degrade to look them in the eye and smile really big when
with each use and eventually are you describe the spectacular and harmful way their
destroyed. A Shard might boil away Remnant Fractures.
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Ghost Remnants List Eye in the Sky: A fragile plate of crystal, this Remnant
needs to be heated red-hot in order to activate. Until

Banshee Box: This palm-sized white cube seems it cools off, it acts as a viewscreen that can provide a
innocuous, but whimpers softly at dusk. When bird’s-eye view of any location within five miles of
activated as an action, it emits a disorienting cascade the holder. The viewing point moves at about the
of blinding bright lights and incredibly loud speed of a galloping horse, meaning it can take a few
screams. This blast forces everyone within a Large minutes to get the eye pointed exactly where you
Blast Template except the activator to make a Smarts want it. Fracture: Black face cards
roll or become Shaken. It also tends to scare away
creatures with animal intelligence within 8”. Fracture: Frost Slime: A dangerous, bluish-white, gelatinous
2-8 of Clubs; Volatile substance, frost slime is found in small puddles
in Breach Zones, especially in the Ice Plains. This
Crybaby’s Ball: A mysterious fist-sized sphere that slime, upon touching living tissue, bonds tightly and
looks like tarnished metal, but is uncomfortably dissolves flesh and bone in seconds. A brief contact
warm and squishy to the touch, this Remnant emits with frost slime, such as stepping into a shallow
the noise of crying children whenever someone that puddle, deals 2d6 cold damage to the unfortunate
the wearer is unaware of has violent intent toward the victim. Immersion deals 4d6 cold damage per round.
wearer and approaches within 6” (12 yards). Fracture: A victim that is Incapacitated by frost slime will be
Red face cards dissolved within one minute, unless the afflicted body
part is amputated. When quiescent, the frost slime
emanates unnatural cold and could be used to keep
a hot building at a comfortable temperature, if one
were willing to risk storing the substance in enough
quantity. Rumors persist of Ferals who have learned
to gather frost slime into fragile sling projectiles, or
of bandits who use it for handy disposal of bodies.
Fracture: Don’t draw a card; this material is single-use
Golden Door: This legendary and possibly fictional

artifact is rumored to lie deep in the Ice Plains.
The persistent story is that this glittering doorway
is situated by itself in the middle of a frozen street,
and it will allow passage back to the time before the
invasion. Unscrupulous backcountry guides will
offer to take adventurers to find the Golden Door,
then rob and kill them. Still, the story of the Golden
Door is so appealing that many still seek it despite
the dangers. Fracture: unknown.
Icarus Pen: This small, white, pen-shaped object feels

like cool stone and oozes orange sap from one end
when squeezed. If this sap is smeared upon someone’s
bare flesh, that person is borne up in a cloud of energy
Etcher: A slender blade of a dusty, graphite-like motes, gaining the ability to fly at their basic Pace for
substance, the Etcher will sketch an exhaustively one minute. Fracture: Any Ace; Volatile
intricate map of the surrounding area (within 500
yards) when touched to paper. This process takes Machine Breaker: This flashlight-sized Remnant
about five minutes. Fracture: 2-8 of Clubs, Harmless appears to be a green stone substance, encased within
a black metal shell that is cold to the touch. When
76 THE AFTER
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loop through the time period of about three months

before the invasion. Fracture: Joker; Harmless; only
check when the power is switched off.
Pretender: This Remnant looks like a solid chain of

black metal. When worn against bare skin, it emits a
mild tingling sensation. More importantly, it causes
others to perceive the wearer as someone familiar.
This allows the wearer a +1 bonus to Deception or
Persuasion against those who don’t know him (but
feel like they should). Fracture: Red face cards; check
whenever the bonus is used. The wearer may opt (before
rolling) not to use the bonus.
Quiet Bomb: This amber-colored, baseball-sized

activated by depressing a device emits a pleasant citrus smell. When activated
panel on its side, glowing by immersing it in water, it seems to suck in sound
green energy is discharged and and light. This makes the area immediately around
it triggers an oddly specific the device (within 50 feet or so) uncomfortable for
form of telekinesis. This most sentient creatures, as everything seems to bend
disassembles any single mechanical object and twist in an inexplicable manner. After several
within 3” (6 yards), down to the component parts. This minutes, this effect spreads to result in a cube about
delivers an automatic Wound to robotic creatures and 1000’ on a side where all illumination is reduced by
can disable or destroy Butcher biotech Remnants (if one step (normal to Dim, Dim to Dark, Dark to Pitch
implanted, the host gets a Vigor roll to resist). Fracture: Darkness) and sound is muffled: all Notice rolls to
2-5 of Diamonds if used on simple mechanical objects; any perceive sounds are made at -2. This effect remains
Diamond if used on a robotic creature or biotech Remnant in place for 1d6 hours, during which time the Quiet
Bomb is completely immovable. Fracture: 2-10 of Spades
Maudlin Star: This circular frame of metal can be
activated by clasping it around the user’s wrist. It will
tighten momentarily, then begin projecting an eerie,
life-sized hologram of one of the user’s deceased
loved ones. This image cannot be controlled, nor can
the specific loved one be chosen by the user. At times,
this image may seem to recognize the user or even try
to communicate, but most Remnant scholars agree
that this is caused by the device reading memories
of the user and feeding on the resulting emotions.
After 3d6 minutes, the device ceases functioning and
drops off the user’s wrist. Fracture: Joker; Harmless
Oldtimer: This pre-Harvest radio is shot through

with shards of glowing metal, and sheds light
equivalent to a couple of candles, even with the
power switched off. When switched on, the owner
will find that the radio still works (and doesn’t
require batteries or a power cable), but only picks up
broadcasts from the Old World - before the arrival
of the Butchers. Specifically, the signals seem to
THE AFTER 77
THREE
Rustsleeper: This device is a tangle of glass-like mesh sized balls connected by a greasy black cord. When
and metal spikes. It’s about the shape and size of a the marbles are forcefully clacked together, they emit a
pre-Harvest car battery, and weighs around 30 pounds. Breach wave that sublimates all metal within three feet
The whole device is unusually cool to the touch and from solid to gaseous form - effectively disintegrating
emits a subtle, high-pitched whine. When connected it permanently. Fracture: Any black card; Volatile
to a steady electrical power source, the Rustsleeper
begins to grow crystalline “roots” that attach firmly U.S. Express: This slim Shard is made of a material
to nearby structures as well as the ground. After a that resembles bright blue agate inscribed with
day or two, the Shard begins to radiate a subtle aura twisting, glittering glyphs. It’s named for its uncanny
that retards decay within a one square mile area. resemblance to a pre-Invasion credit card in shape
Within this zone, the dead don’t rot, metal doesn’t and size. When activated (by biting down on it), it
rust, food doesn’t spoil, and gear isn’t subject to the allows the user to teleport to anywhere he has been
Things Break Setting Rule. While in operation, the to before. Afterward, a harsh, soapy taste lingers in
device can’t be moved without irrevocably breaking it, the user’s mouth for several hours. Fracture: Red face
as separating it from the roots causes the Rustsleeper cards; Volatile
to crack into thousands of tiny, useless chunks. If
the electrical current is interrupted for more than an Wrong Hat: This odd helmet, constructed out of
hour, the device will reset, detaching from the roots crystal and shining metal, induces startling visions
(and requiring a new setup period to be used again). of the future when worn. While the visions can
Fracture: Any Hearts; Harmless sometimes be useful, the helm can also be a handy
method for disabling someone. Anyone wearing the
Salamander’s Lament: This large bracelet, constructed helm must make a Spirit roll at -2. If unsuccessful, they
of ethereal silvery wire, caging ten glimmering azure are overcome by the visions and Incapacitated for 1d4
stones, inhibits all combustion within 20 feet of the minutes. Fracture: Face cards.
wearer while worn around a limb. Any nearby fire
source, including open flames, internal combustion
engines, and gun discharges will cause the Lament
to activate for one hour, bonding painfully to the
wearer’s flesh. This inflicts a level of Fatigue that
lasts until the wearer gets four hours of rest. While
activated, combustion within 20 feet of the wearer
is not possible: active fires are extinguished, fire-
based Boon powers fail to activate, and gunfire is
impossible. Fracture: 2-8 of Clubs
Skip-jump: This pyramidal, black stone is capped

with a mushy-feeling button. When activated, time
stops for about three seconds in the vicinity of the
activator. This allows him to take a full round’s
worth of actions without interference, including
possibly attacking with The Drop. Fracture: Any red
card; Volatile
Stone Age Sally: This Shard consists of two marble-
78 THE AFTER
THREE
Creating Your Own speculate that they only look like plastic, crystal,

metal, or the like because that’s the only way our
Remnants senses can perceive them.
Maybe the Remnants we’ve provided as examples
don’t quite fit your campaign needs. Maybe you’ve Shards aren’t always weapons and sometimes
been playing The After for long enough that you’ve have bizarre and esoteric effects. It’s okay to design
used all of these already! Or maybe your players have a Shard that’s simply a curiosity, rather than being
read through this book and you’d like to surprise materially useful. We suggest assigning Fracture
them with something new. Designing your own conditions based on the power level of the device.
Remnants isn’t a precise process, but we can offer Harmless and fun things probably only Fracture on
some guidelines to help. a Joker (and ought to be assigned the Harmless tag),
while items that offer combat advantages or wild
For Butcher biotech Remnants, pick a capability that and eldritch powers should be assigned more cards.
you’d like to see the Remnant deliver. The Butchers Really powerful or interesting Shards - the kind that
imbued their slaves with implants that made them you’d like players to only use a limited number of
more physically capable. Often this took the form times per session, and eventually lose - should be
of implanted weaponry, or biotech that made them assigned the Volatile tag.
more resistant to injury or environmental hazards.
Other possibilities might include new modes of Ghost Remnants also exist that are not subject to
movement (increased Pace, leaping, wall-walking - the Fracture rules. These artifacts are often quite
but probably not flight) or sensory abilities. large and might even be immobile once they are
‘powered on’. An example would be the mysterious
Assign a ‘surgery modifier’ based on how invasive crystal construct hidden away in Chapter known
the implant will be to install. How big is it? How as “The Hearth”, which calms the frigid weather of
much of the recipient will need to be sliced out the mountain town, allowing the citizens to get by
before the Butcher technology can be slid into the more easily in the usually-harsh winters. This sort
gap? A modifier of -2 (eyes, hands, minor upgrades) of thing shouldn’t be a simple piece of equipment
to -4 (major organ replacements, large systems) carried around by an adventuring group. Instead,
should fit the bill. it’s best used as the focus for an adventure or two. A
permanent Remnant that’s secured for a settlement
Finally, evaluate how powerful this Butcher could change the face of Wind River Valley!
technology allows the recipient to be and assign ‘the
price’, using the Remnants in this chapter as a guide. Once you’ve designed the powers and conditions
Biotech might drain a recipient temporarily when of your Remnant, think briefly about its history.
used, inflicting Fatigue or a state like Distracted, Are your players the very first people in Wind River
Shaken, or Stunned. Alternatively, more powerful Valley to see this Remnant, or are they taking it from
biotechnology implants might permanently interfere a previous owner? Some Butcher implants have a
with the recipient’s body or even erode away at their sordid and infamous history and bear the names of
sanity, inflicting Hindrances or limiting attributes. those who hosted the device before, while certain
Shards are either reappearing elsewhere in the
When creating Ghost Shards, remember that Valley after Fracturing, or exist in enough quantities
much of the ‘technology’ an explorer might find is to have been given a proper name. What’s the name
barely resting in our own reality. They are echoes of your Remnant and who knows about it? What
of whatever dimensions exist within (or on the other will other people do to get it away from whoever’s
side of ) the Breach. Some scientists in Wind River holding it now?
THE AFTER 79
80 THE AFTER
FOUR
LIVING IN WIND RIVER
LIV ING IN WIND RIV E R

Wind River Valley has had nearly fifty years to
recover from the horrors of the Harvest and the
War that followed. While the invasive nanites of
the GenBomb continue to degrade electronics and
cause the Change in people, animals, and plants,
these effects have abated since the days when
the Butchers walked our world. The Librarians
of Chapter postulate that while the GenBomb
particles might be a permanent addition to The
After, the removal of the Butchers’ industrial
facilities has lessened the sheer number of particles
being emitted into the environment.
The Wind River region wasn’t scourged by orbital

mass drivers or blasted by nuclear weapons. Since
the Breaking and the evacuation of both Ghosts
and Butchers back into outer space, the Valley has
had time to heal. Aside from the Breach Zones that
remain scattered throughout the Valley, the terrain
has returned to pre-industrial conditions: vegetation
is lush, wildlife is thriving and the air and water are
cleaner than they ever were during the Old World.
This fertility means that the survivors of Wind

River are, as a whole, able to support themselves.
The various settlements in the Valley are small
enough that modest farming and livestock herding,
supplemented with hunting, fishing, and gathering
from nearby lands, are enough to feed their
populations. Survival can still be a challenge given
an early winter, a wave of illness in a cattle herd, or
another such disaster - but, in general, food and clean
water are not scarce.
The weather is a more immediate concern to

most survivors than a stray Feral raider or Changed
predator. The growing season is relatively short, and
the winters are long, windy, and viciously cold. Night
time temperatures are usually below freezing from
November through late March, and throughout much
of the day from December through March. Anyone
spending significant time outdoors during the cold
months is at risk. During that time, travel between
settlements is nearly nonexistent, as most survivors
huddle close to their hearths, rationing their stores
to ensure they can make it until spring.
THE AFTER 81
FOUR
Putting the wind into Despite the dangers of the region, perhaps the
biggest struggle facing the survivors of Wind River

Wind River Valley is the need to build a society from its very
beginning, in an attempt to make something greater
The Old World state of Wyoming was the windiest than the people of the Old World could create.
of the United States. The mountains of the region Should their populations continue to increase,
are not tall enough to block the air currents, and the settlements will have to move to more complex
land of Wind River Valley offers little shelter, being forms of government and currency. Debate rages
relatively flat. The area’s winds are strongest in the during the long winter months about who will lead
early afternoon and tend to blow from the west. and how, what laws should be enacted, and whether
minting a currency will lead to the financial evils of
During the winter, steady winds of 30-40 mph are the Old World or be the salvation of craftsmen who
commonplace throughout the region, with gusts would like to more easily barter their work for food.
reaching 50-60 mph. These wind currents pose a The Elders of Chapter spend countless late nights
special danger to anyone caught outside in the cold, conferring with the Librarians, trying to avoid the
especially those without protective gear. The ‘wind societal pitfalls that marred the Old World’s history.
chill’ factor makes the cold more deadly to those who
are outside of shelter. If exposed to the wind directly,
impose the penalties listed below to a character’s
Vigor roll to resist Fatigue caused by extreme cold: THE TOWN OF CHAPTER
10-20 mph = -2 History
20-40 mph = -4
41+ mph = -6 When the Butchers launched their assault against
Earth in 2019, they concentrated their murderous
At the GMs option, these penalties might also be rampages on the most densely populated areas.
applied to characters with special scent abilities, All around the world, survivors scattered into the
when they are attempting to use Notice to perceive wilderness, in hopes of being spared. A majority of
targets that are upwind, as well as ranged combat humanity was killed or captured within the first few
attacks made with arrows or thrown weapons at years of the Harvest.
ranges beyond Short.
However, in the mountains of Wyoming, a group
Those who need to travel despite the poor conditions of survivors vanished deep into the mines and
will need to outfit themselves with whatever cold- sealed themselves in. Mostly composed of teachers
weather gear can be made from fur, leather, and wool. and students from the local college, they had the
Since modern-day technology is not available, cold- good sense to bring an enormous amount of food
weather outfits are often cumbersome and heavy. and water - but, more importantly, they brought
GMs are encouraged to strictly enforce the cold thousands upon thousands of books from the school
weather Hazard rules from Savage Worlds, as well as library, to preserve under the shelter of stone.
the rules for encumbrance and Load.
For decades, the survivors struggled for a semblance
While Wind River Valley is at high elevation when of civilization in the darkness. They battled madness,
compared to much of the world, most characters disease, and sometimes each other. The books,
encountered were born in that atmosphere and however, were always held with utmost reverence.
should be considered fully acclimatized. If you’d like The Great Library was all that remained of the World
to play a character who is affected by altitude sickness Before, and its custodians - known as the Librarians
- perhaps a traveller newly arrived to the Wind River - were willing to die to protect its contents. Its books
region - consider the Anemic Hindrance to model it held the keys to building a new society in The After.
in game terms. The descendants of the original band of survivors
82 THE AFTER
FOUR
were taught from these books whenever light could be It took months of tense and cautious watching,

spared, in hopes that they would become something and a great deal of fierce debate, before the Council
greater than a primitive tribe. agreed that it was time to emerge from the mines at
long last.
The Fall in AD 2065 signalled the arrival of the
Ghosts and a new phase of interstellar war that
engulfed Earth. The few scouts who managed to The Rise of Chapter
return from exploring the surface reported the
horrors that followed the aliens’ advances. Even in Moving aboveground was a catalyst for the bedraggled
the shelter of the mines, Breach energy waves or and starved survivors. Within the space of a year, the
Butcher nanites sometimes emerged. Within the populace had cobbled together farms, shelters, clothing,
mines, the first few Gifted and Changed emerged. and a working water wheel. The Elder Council kept a
Some survivors fled the mines, but were never heard firm grip on the people, ensuring everyone had access
from again. Speculation is that their descendants to the necessities of survival in return for their daily
now roam Wind River as Ferals. work. Those that chafed under the laws of the Council
were encouraged to leave the settlement, either to act as
The incredible multidimensional explosion of the roaming scouts or to settle elsewhere entirely.
Breaking in AD 2090 rattled the deepest corners of
the mines, even collapsing one wing of the complex, The Librarians kept their hoard of knowledge deep
but the ruling Council of the survivors held strong in in the mines, choosing to fortify the Great Library
maintaining order. rather than risk it on the surface. The mines offered a
controlled environment that could be insulated from
What the After Isn’t

While The After is a post-apocalyptic game, it differs from the kind of scenario often seen in other
examples of the genre. Many tabletop role-playing games, video games, and other media feature the
post-apocalyptic era as a gritty, nightmare scenario where scavengers fight to the death in a blasted and
poisonous wasteland. This isn’t true in Wind River Valley. Hazards certainly abound, but food is plentiful
and the environment is relatively clean.
While the Great Library in Chapter holds copies of the Old World’s most treasured cultural works (such
as sheet music of Mozart’s symphonies and the works of William Shakespeare), the ‘pop culture’ of the
Old World is simply no more. People of The After have rarely if ever been exposed to it, so in-character
references to Batman, Mickey Mouse, or other kitschy icons of the Old World are not appropriate.
Technology is another differentiating factor when comparing The After to other genre material.
Because of the GenBomb particles still infesting Earth, technology is still extremely unreliable. Rather
than power armor and hover tanks, most folk of the Valley are existing at a technological level about equal
to the American Old West. This might be supplemented with the occasional alien Remnant, but advanced
technology is otherwise quite rare.
The aliens that caused the apocalypse have gone. This means that survivors have a chance to band
together and make real choices about their future. In The After, there is genuine hope. Things are getting
better for most settlements by the year. Rather than struggling to overcome unbeatable warlords or alien
rulers, your characters have the chance to become leaders that shape and grow their society.
THE AFTER 83
FOUR
the hazards of the outside world. Many Librarians to barter knowledge from their archives in exchange
sacrificed years of their life remaining underground for peace, protection, and assistance.
to guard the books - and copy them, as the surface
dwellers began to make paper and inks. In AD 2101, explorers returned to Chapter with a
watermelon-sized crystalline Remnant: a Shard from
As well as guarding this vital archive, the Librarians a wrecked Ghost spacecraft. It was still humming with
continued teaching Chapter’s youth, ensuring that Breach energy. After three years of cautious tinkering,
every child who had the capacity to learn would grow the scientists of Chapter managed to put the Shard into
up educated and literate. They would understand the a partially-operative state. It began to affect the weather.
history of their ancestors, and be prepared to make Within a mile or two of the artifact, wind speed is halved
the hard choices of the years ahead. and the temperature is roughly ten degrees Fahrenheit
warmer. This means that, while winters in Chapter are
The youngest of the Librarians also became the still difficult, the usual perils of winter in the mountains
fledgling town’s first emissaries. Sent to scour are a little easier to bear. The artifact was dubbed “The
the land for signs of what had passed during their Hearth” after its properties were confirmed.
decades underground, the Librarians were often the
first to encounter other communities of survivors. Chapter in AD 2139 is a thriving and prosperous
With the blessing of the Elder Council, they offered town. The Hearth is still in operation, and the
84 THE AFTER
FOUR
abandoned vertical mineshaft that’s been reserved for

the purpose. There’s no plumbing or sewer system
“Things are just different from the Old as yet, but the streets are clean. In order to keep the
World. They used to have cities with stream that cuts through Chapter free of pollution,
millions of people, crowds you could just
excrement is gathered up by the wagonload and
hauled downslope. The town’s nightsoil collectors
get swallowed up in. Here in Chapter, even
are paid by the Council for their labor, then can sell
with a thousand of us and counting, there’s
the ‘product’ to Chapter’s outlying farms as fertilizer.
no face you haven’t seen at least once or
twice before. You may not know everybody’s
names, but strangers still stick out like sore
thumbs. It’s why we hang together so well The Elder Council:
when times are tough and hard decisions have Rulers of Chapter
to be made. We know each other, still.”
-Allie Morgan During the desperate years under the mountains,

the last vestige of United States law fell away. By
It’s important for players in The After to remember the time the Breaking signaled the exodus from the
that their actions hold special weight. They mines was at hand, the representative democracy of
aren’t part of a legion of adventurers in a fantasy the Old World was no more. The survivors of the
metropolis. The communities of Wind River mines were ruled by a small council of the oldest,
Valley are small, and this means that word spreads wisest, and most ruthless - those who could make the
quickly when someone turns out to be a hero - or a difficult decisions necessary to keep their hideout
heel. Whether you are saving innocent townsfolk secure, the Library intact, and ensure survival. After
or cheating every trader you can, chances are that the migration to the surface, the new town of Chapter
everyone in town will learn about it. is formally ruled by the Council of Elders.
This can also affect characters who might like Each of the nine Elders is an esteemed leader
to ‘blend in’ when visiting a new settlement. That within the community. However, they weren’t
might work in a busy trading post like Blackgold elected to their positions. The original Council of
Station, or in a crowded inn room. But, in Elders was chosen while the survivors still lived in
general, folks know the other locals by sight if not darkness, squabbling for scraps of food and clothing
by name, and strangers will be noted. in the mines. Only the Elders kept the survivors from
fragmenting into wild clans and killing one another
for meat, or from fleeing wholesale into the arms of
the Butchers. Since the initial inception, the Elders
mysterious Breach energy powering it shows no sign
have chosen who will be elevated to the Council.
of waning. Under its shelter, the town’s population
has burgeoned to nearly a thousand souls, with
The Council still enforces its will on the people of
ample space and food for all. The Elder Council
Chapter - through leadership and common sense when
keeps a sharp eye out for dissent, disease, and trouble
possible, but with force when necessary. While they
from outsiders. The oldest people of Chapter keenly
had to rule with a swift and cruel hand in the mines,
remember life in the mines. They have a deep
the Council has made an effort to relax their grip
appreciation for the open sky and freedom to work
now that space and food are prevalent. Nonetheless,
the land and walk where they please.
Elders are involved in most citizens’ day-to-day life.
They approve job placements, trade deals, and living
The town has been well-planned, with plenty of
space allocations. They gather tithes and distribute
room for pedestrians and horse-drawn wagons
rations of food and other supplies, ensuring that no
alike. What refuse can’t be burned is thrown into an
upstanding citizen of Chapter starves.
THE AFTER 85
FIVE
As far as the Council is concerned, anything that Most of the Elders feel driven to shepherd the
happens within a day’s walk of the old mine entrance younger folk of Chapter as they strive to raise barns
is their business. Anyone who has a dwelling or and families both. While Chapter has the normal
business near Chapter was granted permission to suite of laws against stealing, harming others, sexual
build on that space by the Council. Even the farms crimes, and the like, the Elders also issue ordinances
outside the walls were parcelled out precisely through that make some of the townsfolk unhappy: issuing
a decree of the Elders. taxes of goods and service to staff the Militia and
build the wall surrounding Chapter, for example.
Old Man Crow, Ghost-Touched Seer
Old Man Crow is the oldest person in Chapter. While he holds a seat on
the Elder Council, he mostly stays in his cave in the cliffs overlooking the
settlement, rarely becoming involved in day-to-day affairs.
He was brought into the community from outside, as the founders of

Chapter discovered him wandering alone in the wilderness when he was
a child. His adoptive parents named him “Joseph Hatch,” but Old Man
Crow hasn’t answered to that name in decades.
Crow served Chapter as a scout and still maintains contacts within The Tribe that were forged during his
explorations. However, during a far-reaching mission, he discovered the ruins of a crashed orbship and
found the expiring form of a Ghost. The Ghost touched him directly as it died, opening his mind to the
Boon. Crow returned to Chapter as the most powerful Gifted to walk its streets, but spends many of his
nights wracked by nightmarish oracular visions.
Children of Chapter who are found to be Gifted are usually brought to Old Man Crow for evaluation and
tutelage. Other visitors are often chased off by the irascible visionary, unless they come bearing gifts for his
two trained crows, Jeremiah and Johnson - or with some Old World whiskey to share.
Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d10, Spirit d10, Strength d4, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d10, Fighting d6, Healing d8+2, Intimidation d6, Mindbending
d12+2, Notice d8, Occult d10, Persuasion d10, Riding d6, Stealth d6, Streetwise d6, Survival d10
Pace 5; Parry 5, Toughness 5
Hindrances: Elderly, One Eye, Quirk(lousy hygiene)
Edges: Arcane Background(Mindbender), Connections(Chapter Council), Connections (The Tribe), Elan,
Expert(Mindbending), Healer, Level Headed.
Special Abilities:
Ghostblooded: Old Man Crow can use Common Knowledge to identify objects and effects related to
the Ghosts.
Master Gifted: 30 Power Points, knows every Power available to Mindbenders.
Oracle: Old Man Crow is often wracked by prophetic nightmares which allow him to offer guidance to
the people of Chapter...when he can decipher their meaning.
86 THE AFTER
FIVE
Many of the Council’s toughest decisions are made over the walls for a year. If you don’t have

after extensive consultation with the Librarians, in a child of proper age, that’s fine - then you
an attempt to avoid repeating mistakes from the will be pledging food or weaponry or horses,
past. As well, they hold open “town hall” sessions or some other such gear, instead. That’s how
for debate and do their best to gather ideas from the
we keep everybody safe. If’n you don’t like
populace. That said, when the Elders decide upon
it, there’s a whole big world out there for
a course of action, it is enforced and citizens are
you to try your hand in. Now the Council’s
expected to comply; the Old World concept of civil
disobedience is ill-received in Chapter. already spoken on it - so get out of my office!”
“You want a healthy militia watching out for - Big Jim Haggart
you next time the ferals come around, ladies an’
gentlemen? Good! So do I. But I can’t keep
Punishment of lawbreakers varies by the offense
and the circumstance, as the Elders sit in direct
my eyes open ‘round the clock and I ain’t tough
judgement when a trial is necessary. Minor offenses
enough to fight ‘em all by myself. So, come
are overseen by one to three Elders, while something
springtime I expect each household to make me
serious is more likely to bring all of them to sit.
a pledge of a son or daughter of fightin’ age There isn’t a codified book of rules in regards to
to come train with spear and bow, and watch sentencing criminals. Instead, the Elders rely on
Allie Morgan, Chief Librarian of Chapter
Allie Morgan is a willowy redhead in her late thirties. She’s most often
seen shuttling between her home workshop (where she maintains a well-
equipped laboratory) and the Council House, where she holds a seat on
the Elder Council.
She is greatly respected throughout Chapter. As the daughter of

Professor James Morgan, one of the founders of Chapter, she has
expanded on her father’s work to everyone’s benefit. She is a Chief Librarian as well as being responsible for
many of Chapter’s technological breakthroughs.
Strong-willed and independent, she shows no interest in romantic relationships or slowing down her work
to start a family. Instead, she spends long nights analyzing any Remnant technology she can get her hands on.
Skills: Academics d10, Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d8, Fighting d4, Healing d6, Research d12, Notice
d6, Persuasion d8, Repair d10, Riding d4, Science d12, Shooting d6, Stealth d4, Survival d6.
Pace 6; Parry 4, Toughness 6(1)
Hindrances: Cautious, Curious.
Edges: Attractive, Connections(Chapter Council), Connections(Librarians), Elan, Investigator, Jack-of-All-
Trades, Strong Willed.
Gear:
Leather lab gear (Armor 1 to torso, legs, arms, included in Toughness)
THE AFTER 87
FIVE
their own wisdom to punish as necessary. This is a sentenced to hard labor - perhaps hauling stone
regular point of debate among the Elders when they from the mines, shovelling dung with the nightsoil
gather in private. They know that, as Chapter grows, transporters, or swinging a hammer in the seemingly
the burgeoning populace will require a standardized endless construction around Chapter. Other
set of laws and consequences, along with a fair system punishments might include forced restitution and
of courts and law enforcement. fines, or confiscation of property in accordance with
the severity of the crime. The Council of Elders forbids
The most minor offenses are met with ‘rough law’ slavery, however, even as a punishment for lawbreaking.
from the Militia: get caught stealing from a shop,
and they might just beat you bloody and dump you in Though there are a pair of holding cells in the
the nearest horse trough. Such matters are generally Militia barracks, Chapter does not maintain a full
ignored by the Council, as long as the guardsmen time prison. Nor does Chapter practice capital
stop short of a permanent maiming. punishment. Those guilty of major offenses like
rape, murder, and arson will usually be exiled. By
When a case does come before the Council, thieves, law, exiles are given a 24 hour grace period to get clear
brawlers, and other such minor criminals are often of Chapter’s holdings. Exiles that return to Chapter
Jim Haggart, Chapter Militia Leader
“Big Jim” is responsible for law and order in the vicinity of Chapter. His
grandfather was Wayne Haggart, one of the founders of Chapter and a
celebrated Old World athlete. Jim shares his grandfather’s looks: tall and
powerfully built, he radiates strength, even as he enters his 40s.
Jim is madly in love with Allie Morgan, though he often clashes with
her in Council meetings. Unlike Allie, Jim wants Chapter to develop a
much stronger and more active military presence. He claims this is to protect the populace of Chapter, as Jim
believes the most practical method of ensuring safety is to conquer the surrounding settlements and use them
as a buffer.
The truth is that Jim does have the best interests of Chapter at heart, but nonetheless he is quick to respond to
any threats with brutal, overwhelming force.
Skills: Athletics d8, Battle d8, Common Knowledge d6, Fighting d10, Healing d4, Intimidation d10, Notice
d6, Persuasion d6, Riding d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d6, Survival d6, Taunt d6.
Hindrances: Delusional(Minor): Allie Morgan will be my wife, Greedy(Minor), Vengeful(Major).
Edges: Block, Brawny, Brave, Command, Command Presence, Connections(Chapter Council), Connections
(Chapter Militia), Dodge, First Strike, Inspire.
Gear:
Aluminum baseball bat: Str+d6
Custom steelscale shirt and steel helm (Armor 3 to torso, arms, head; included in Toughness)
Double Barrel Shotgun
88 THE AFTER
FOUR
have exhausted the mercy of the Council: the Militia During those months, Chapter is cut off, as the heavy

has been ordered to shoot them on sight, as would be snows and terrible cold make the roads to the Valley
done with any other roaming danger in the valley. In below nearly impassable.
most of these cases, an exiled criminal will be marked
with a brand or tattoo on the hand or forehead before In between all the work, there’s at least some
being turned loose with a bare minimum of gear. entertainment to be had. The flattest areas below the
walls boast a soccer pitch and a baseball diamond.
One would expect citizens of Chapter to get more Lacey Jones has just opened a modest playhouse for
lenience from the Council than an outsider in the performance of theater and music. There are a
matters of crime and punishment, but in fact the handful of saloons, and one or two might even be
opposite is true. The Elders enforce the law sternly able to arrange a companion for the evening, for the
with their own people, believing that they have to right price. And rumor has it that Kenjon Smith
keep Chapter ‘in line’ to ensure a bright future for offers betting on horse races, if you’re willing to get a
all and a tight-knit community. Conversely, they few miles outside of town.
don’t wish to spoil relations with other settlements
by imposing harsh punishments on notable visitors. Medical care is free to citizens of Chapter: the
This courtesy is rarely extended to bandits and other Elders ensure that a portion of their tithing goes
rootless wanderers, however. to keep the town’s medical staff well taken care
of. Alas, the amazing technology of the Old World
is gone - but the books remain. The doctors know
Life and Death in Chapter more than enough to set a broken bone, cut out an
inflamed appendix, or perform a blood transfusion.
“You might say that getting born in Chapter The Council will pay dearly for functional medical
is the easy part. There’s doctors for every supplies from the Old World, or for safe anesthetics.
laborin’ mother, ain’t there? But after that
it’s work, work, work. A task for every hand, For those who die in Chapter, there’s a ‘boot hill’
if you want to put food in every mouth and outside of the walls, where everyone is buried with
a log in every hearth.That’s the way of it, whatever ceremony seems appropriate. Just under a
and always should be. Time enough to rest third of Chapter’s townsfolk are worshippers of the
while we’re all snowed in of a winter.”
New Faith, who perform religious rites for all of their
faithful who pass to the next world. And even for
those who don’t worship any particular deity, there’s
- Old Man Crow usually a desire to gather and say some words over
a grave. Burial is a necessity, as there’s not a proper
Chapter is a hotbed of activity from the spring thaw
crematorium built, and fuel is hard enough to haul
to the first serious snowfall. During those months,
up the mountain without using a big heap of it on
the citizens know they have to raise enough food to
dead folk.
get through the longest winter. They forge trade
routes, herd livestock, build lodging, scavenge for
“Not enough fire in all the world to
technology, learn trades, and whatever else they can
warm the hearts of the dead. Save the
get done before the snows set in. Most folk take the
long winters as a time to mend clothing, trade stories, wood for when the snows come.”
and study with the Librarians when they get a turn.

- Old Man Crow
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FOUR
Trading do delegate tasks to prominent townsfolk where

appropriate, the Council regularly debates whether

At the moment, Chapter moves its goods by a system to install some kind of mayor or town manager to
of barter. Large trades are overseen by the Elder serve under the Council - and, if so, whether this
Council or their representatives, and any debts person should be elected, appointed by the Council,
incurred are marked up in a ledger at the Council or chosen in some other way.
House. While the Council has privately discussed
Of course, with a thousand well-educated people,
the idea of minting a currency, many of the elders
there are any number of voices clamoring for a say
are loath to introduce banking or income inequality
in government. Chapter, while prosperous and safe,
to their happy little town. There is also the argument
may be nearing a tipping point. The time is coming
about what sort of currency could be created that
when the will of nine Elders won’t be enough to rein
wouldn’t quickly be counterfeited by ruffians such as
the townsfolk in. What will Chapter’s government be
the Blackgold Trading Company.
like in twenty years?
The town is rich in food and clean water, both It’s the Factions of Chapter that do the most
valuable commodities throughout Wind River Valley. pushing and pulling. Each of them has a very firm
The local demand is for medicine, construction parts, idea of what Chapter ought to become and how its
and weaponry to defend its walls. As well, there’s a people ought to face The After:
hunger for salvage of the Old World, whether it’s a
pack of playing cards or a cartload of steel beams. The Librarians want Chapter to be an open and
free source of knowledge for all comers, a utopia
Local craftsmen such as glassblowers, leatherworkers, that’s protected by the common goodwill of
and furriers are beginning to show genuine skill at everyone that benefits from it.
their trades; given the raw material, they can turn out
fine work. Anything requiring an industrial machine The Order of Silence believes Chapter is a
shop or electronics is mostly out of reach, although danger to all mankind in the event that the alien
there is a small generator inside Allie Morgan’s lab invaders return to Earth. They believe the people
that is used to provide electric light to portions of the should disband, scatter, and make preparations
town, as well as the Library. to survive in hiding.
The Star League cares nothing for Wind River
Do your work, keep your word, and the folk Valley; they believe the entire region should be
around you will make sure you have enough
stripped and despoiled to return Chapter to the
use of high technology as quickly as possible, so
to get by.If a family were cheated, stricken
that humankind can escape into space.
with disease, or otherwise hung out to dry,
the Council would step in to assist. Sometimes
The Sacellum of Light insists that the survivors
of the Harvest should live in humility, showing
that means digging into the stores under the
God that they repent for their sins. In their eyes,
mountain. Other times it means we lean on those the leaders of the Sacellum should take charge
that have a little more than they really need.
of Chapter and lead it into the future as a God-
fearing theocracy.
- Allie Morgan The Posthumans believe strongly that
augmentation of the body is the future of
The Future of Chapter humankind. Under their rule, Chapter would
open itself to all manner of Changed as a safe
As the population of Chapter continues to grow, the haven, where mutants would be protected by law.
daily burden of oversight and judgement expands
as well. Many of the Elders have begun to weary In addition to the established Factions, there are other
of the endless, petty decision-making. While they splinter groups who agitate for one political philosophy
90 THE AFTER
FOUR
or another. Some want a return to the American system including a cold cellar. What was once a central

of representative democracy, while others might be sleeping chamber for the first wave of surface
more pleased under the rule of a single king. dwellers has been repurposed as a meeting place for
the Elder Council’s official business. Beyond that,
Will the heroes of your game sway Chapter one there are offices for each Elder that include secure
direction or another, or will they strive to strengthen sleeping quarters. Around half a dozen Chapter
the rule of the Council? How important will they Militia soldiers are usually found here, guarding the
become to the citizenry during the years of The After? Council as well as the food stores and other valuables
that are stashed in the House for easy access (when
compared to descending into the mines). They also
Points of Interest serve as a ‘fast response’ group for any serious trouble
within the walls of the town.
Within the Town of
Chapter 2. Mill.
The Council controls this impressive structure.
Everyone is allowed to grind their grain here while
1. Council House. the stream is running enough to power the wheel, so
This two-story structure is well-fortified, with
long as they provide a tithe. After being gathered by
reinforced doors and windows and an outer wall
Militia, it goes to the town’s storehouses, where it can be
faced with thick stone bricks. It was the original
disbursed to support families who do work directly for
dwelling for the townsfolk when they first emerged
the Council that doesn’t involve farming their own food.
from the mines, and so has plenty of storerooms,
Chapter Guardsman
These thick-necked, brash men and women are the firm hand of justice
on the streets of Chapter and in the lands surrounding the town. They
range in pairs within the walls, and in larger patrols outside. Often, road
patrols will carry blades, as well as a rifle or two. The guards of Chapter
are prone to bully anyone who seems like a troublemaker, and use their
cudgels liberally at the first sign of dissent. However, they always deal
Nonlethal Damage to people of Chapter unless attacked with lethal force,
first. Their revolvers are badges of office as important as the symbol of
Chapter emblazoned on their breastplates, but are only to be fired in times of genuine need - as bullets are
not to be wasted in The After.
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d8, Vigor d8.
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d6, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Investigation d4, Notice d6,
Persuasion d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d4, Survival d4.
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10(3)
Hindrances: Stubborn, Vow (Minor: Uphold the Law).
Edges: Brawny, Counterattack.
Gear:
Heavy Cudgel (Str+d6), Scale Corselet, Scale Leggings, Steel Helm, Revolver with 6 shots.
THE AFTER 91
THE AFTER
92
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93
THE AFTER
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3. Marketplace. hospital in the interest of public health, it’s expected

While Chapter doesn’t have too much in the way that anyone who receives medical care will provide
of dedicated storefronts, the Council has reserved sufficient barter to cover the costs of the medical
this wide, flat space for folk to gather on Sundays to supplies that were used.
haggle, swap stories, and meet travellers. Tents and
rickety stalls abound. Visiting traders can rent space 8. Allie Morgan’s
from the Council in the few permanent structures
on the market grounds. This serves both to better Laboratory.
display their goods to the locals and to provide them This building is surprisingly sturdy, with very
a place to sleep that’s out of everyone’s way. few windows, none of which are big enough to
permit passage to an adult human. The laboratory
is secured with steel security doors that have Old
4. Schoolhouse. World locks installed. As well, at least four guards
With Chapter’s thriving expansion, there are plenty are on duty around the clock. Electric power is
of children who need to be brought up in a culture present at all times, as the facility is lit night and
of learning. The Librarians take a direct hand in this, day. Allie Morgan uses generators to provide
providing a rotating staff of teachers to lead children power for her experiments, as she tries to pry into
of all ages in lessons ranging from Old World history the secrets of the Butchers and Ghosts in hopes of
to agriculture to advanced mathematics. reawakening Old World technology. In particular,
this building is home to the Ghost Shard known as
5. Barracks. “The Hearth”. While Allie Morgan has been loath
to disrupt its operation, she’s constantly trying to
The Militia is about fifty strong at any given time,
including about a dozen full-time veterans led by understand more about how the Shard manipulates
Big Jim Haggart. The full-timers have their hands the local weather and uses Breach energy.
full training young men and women to defend their
families. There’s a small exercise ground, though 9. The Blue Sky Tavern.
much of the Militia’s training takes place during Homey and intimate, this bar is often crowded
overnight patrols around the vicinity of Chapter. shoulder-to-shoulder with locals. The beer is
While serving in the Militia, it’s expected that recruits mediocre, but there’s always fresh bread and well-
will live in the barracks, to be armed and ready in the seasoned stew to be had for a few scraps of barter.
event they are called upon. The owner, Shandra Pierce, goes to great lengths to
ensure that troublemakers aren’t welcomed. She’s
6. Public Stables. prone to judge anyone from outside of Chapter as a
troublemaker right away, unless they’re accompanied
Visitors who bring their own feed, haul their
own water, and keep their own guard can use by a local she trusts to vouch for them. Anyone on
this facility for free. Most choose to pay locals a Shandra’s bad side is likely to get foul beer, stale
pittance to mind their animals while they do their bread, and cold shoulders from the clientele. Those
trading. There’s usually a Militia patrol within who get rowdy about this treatment are sometimes
earshot in the event of horse thieves or other such thrown into the nearest horse trough by the locals.
skulduggery.
10. Big Bill’s Bar.
7. Mercy Hospital. Perched at a prime location near the marketplace,
Bill McDougal caters to visitors in this rowdy
This brick building is sparkling clean and well-
staffed. Between the medical equipment and fine establishment. Here is where deals are struck
education of the medical staff here, Healing rolls at in smoky, dark booths, with the caterwauling of
the hospital receive a +1. The medical staff can provide drinking songs and the crashing of fistfights in the
a Healing roll at d8. While the Council subsidizes the background. Anyone looking for work would do well
94 THE AFTER
FOUR
to examine Bill’s Board of Bounties, where anyone lodging in the barracks-style bunkhouse. Prices

can post a job for a small fee. The Militia turns a are low and (with the exception of that handful of
blind eye to brawling inside the bar, as long as it luxury suites) accommodations are spartan. Mama
doesn’t spill outside, and nobody is badly injured. If provides one rudimentary meal a day, locks the
someone pulls a weapon, the patrons will gang up front gate at sunset, and enforces ‘quiet time’ after
on the weapon-bearer, beat them unconscious, and dinner is served. Her authoritarian front is backed
throw them out in the cold, so the party can continue up by Hymie and Lacura, a mated pair of Helots
without interruption from the authorities. who have taken up permanent residence in return
for tending the grounds and scaring the wits out of
troublemakers - or evicting them, when necessary.
11. Party Towne Pub.
“Goodtime Kate” Runahan recently took over
operation of this hole-in-the-wall drinking 13. The Exotica.
establishment. In addition to installing a food menu, This restaurant’s dining room is undoubtedly one of
she’s redecorated the place with carpets and cushions the finest places in town to sit and take in a sunset - if
rather than wooden tables and chairs. Kate keeps one can afford the asking price. The proprietor, Nico
the place open until dawn nearly every night. It’s an Romero, runs what is undoubtedly the only high-end
open secret in the neighborhood that she’s begun restaurant in the entirety of The After. Diners can feast
arranging intimate encounters for patrons who bring on the finest meats from Sweetwater’s herds or freshly-
enough barter to bear. While it’s not strictly against hunted wildlife, served on matching Old World china
the laws of Chapter, such an activity coming into with real silverware, topped off with iced drinks. From
the open would cause an uproar with the Sacellum time to time, Romero’s kitchen indulges in what they
of Light as well as offend the more conservative call ‘imported’ ingredients - flora and fauna from the
members of the Elder Council. Until that happens, Breach Zones throughout Wind River Valley. They are
though, Kate has a profitable side business. especially fond of salad ingredients that are sourced
from the Verdant. Rumor has it that spices derived
from Verdant plant life render the food here mildly
12. Mama Carolla’s addictive, but nobody’s been able to prove it.
Boarding House.
Recently expanded, Mama’s offers every sort of
lodging, from well-appointed private suites to shared
“goodtime Kate” Runahan,

owner of Party Towne Pub
Skills: Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d8, Fighting d4, Gambling d8,
Notice d8, Persuasion d10, Riding d6, Shooting d6, Survival d4, Stealth
d4, Taunt d8, Thievery d6
Pace: 6; Parry: 4; Toughness: 5
Hindrances: Jealous (Minor).
Edges: Attractive, Charismatic, Humiliate, Rabble-Rouser, Streetwise
Gear:
Hidden knives, blunderbuss under the counter
THE AFTER 95
FOUR
14. Church of the New 17. Blackgold Trading

Faith. Outpost.
This humble church of wood was lovingly built by Uncle Pete’s finest maintain a waystation for Blackgold
members of the Sacellum of Light, who attend each Company members here. They store trade goods
Sunday to show their contrition before their deity. (especially fuel) in a small, fortified warehouse. Rather
Bishop Gabriel presides most Sundays, though he than make individual deals with citizens, they prefer
regularly lends the pulpit to visiting preachers, especially to parcel out their goods in larger portions, signing
Vicar Sheila from the town of Daniel, who visits once a contracts with the movers and shakers within Chapter.
season if she can. Bishop Gabriel continually hounds For example, they have a deal with Allie Morgan to
the Council for room to expand the church. provide reserve fuel for her generators, and ensure that
the Sacellum of Light has a steady supply of heating oil.
While they aren’t willing to deal fuel by the lantern-load,
15. Mine Entrance. they are willing to enlist wanderers and adventurers as
This unassuming entrance reveals the Old World mercenary assistance for the Company’s expeditions
mines where the survivors of the Harvest took deeper into the Valley. Those who acquit themselves
shelter. Not far inside, wings of the mine are blocked well might even be offered an associate membership
by locked security doors and Militia guards. Beyond into the Blackgold Trading Company.
these barriers lie Chapter’s food stores. Even deeper,
the Librarians watch over their Grand Archive.
18. Scouting Guildhouse.
This unassuming cabin is identical to the family
16. Lacey’s Playhouse. dwellings that surround it. Maintained by Breach Zone
With this brand new theater seating up to 100, explorer Tasha Two-Wolves, this is where members of
Lacey Jones has reintroduced the joy of public the Scouts’ Guild can take off their boots and rest for
performances to the folk of Chapter. Interestingly, a few days between missions. It’s also where locals
her establishment is subsidized by the Librarians, can come to buy and sell maps, or to hire guides for
who happily provide copies of scripts and sheet their trade and exploration expeditions. Though he’s
music in return for free admission for any Librarian. almost never present, Tasha keeps a private room
reserved for the exclusive use of Zachariah Cole.
Bishop Gabriel,
Leader of the Sacellum of Light
Skills: Academics d8, Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d10, Healing d6,
Intimidation d4, Notice d8, Performance d10, Persuasion d10, Riding d4,
Survival d4
Hindrances: Bad Eyes (Minor), Elderly, Pacifist (Major)
Edges: Baptized in Light (gifted orator), Bolster, Charismatic, Common Bond, Connections (Elder Council),
Connections (Sacellum of Light), Retort, Strong Willed, Work the Crowd
Gear:
Priestly vestments, holy symbol, book of prayers
96 THE AFTER
FOUR
FIVE
19. Armstrong House. generators and compete with her to lay their hands on

At the outskirts of town, the scientists of the Star League technological salvage that enters the town. Nothing
maintain this laboratory complex and observatory, where would please them more than to outdo Allie Morgan on
they scan the skies for signs of the Ghosts and Butchers. their way to building a functional starship.
They are jealous of Allie Morgan’s easy access to Chapter’s
Tasha Two Wolves,

Breach Zone Explorer
A wanderer at heart, Tasha enjoys rambling through the Wind River

Valley wherever she pleases. One month she might be scavenging an Old
World ruin, the next joining an expedition into the Verdant. Tasha’s many
explorations have helped her become a masterful land navigator and
tracker. She is keen-witted and sharp-tongued, and a good organizer, often
working her way into a position of leadership in wilderness expeditions.
However, the many fools and failures she’s witnessed when exploring Breach Zones and ruins have destroyed
any sentiment she might have carried in her younger days. Tasha Two Wolves now sees exploration as a
viciously practical business. She is concerned about her safety first and her profit second, with everything
else falling far behind. Any trail companions are just a means to an end...and if they fall prey to the dangers
of The After, that’s more profit for her, isn’t it? Tasha always tries to have leverage in hand, to make sure the
greatest possible portion of a find ends up in her backpack. If this means abandoning a group of travelers in
the face of danger, robbing them in the night, or even outright banditry, Tasha is up for it, as long as the plan
puts more salvage in her pockets.
Born of the Tribe, Tasha winters there with her extended family. She shares her gains to build the family
fortunes, setting up luxuries for the day she gets too old to keep to the trail. Until then, she knows that if she
makes too many enemies, she can always flee back to the land of the Tribe and receive protection. To ensure
that her safety net is never taken away, Tasha would never betray another Tribe member.
Skills: Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d8, Fighting d8, Gambling d6, Healing d4, Notice d8, Persuasion
d6, Riding d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d8, Survival d10, Taunt d6, Thievery d6.
Pace 6; Parry 8(2), Toughness 8(2)
Hindrances: Greedy(Major), Ruthless(Minor)
Edges: Combat Reflexes, Command, Connections (The Tribe), Dodge, Extraction, Retort, Streetwise, Woodsman
Gear:
Horse and saddle, traveling gear,
crocogant hide armor (+2 Armor),
medium shield (+2 Parry, -2 Cover),
Hand ax (Str+d6),
hand-drawn crossbow and 20 bolts (10/20/40, 2d6, AP 2).
THE AFTER 97
FOUR
Shaun “The Broker”,

Changed Master Tradesman
(see Chapter 7 - Characters & Adventures)
Shaun, who prefers to be called “The Broker” except by his friends, runs
a dusty shop tucked into a cozy corner of Chapter: Ace’s Brokerage.
Though he’s reluctant to tell the story, Shaun earned the nickname “Ace”
from Zachariah Cole himself. Cole was impressed by Shaun’s bravery
and combat prowess while evacuating Teshnell Station, a settlement near
the Verdant that was destroyed by a swarm of Ferals attracted after an
accidental explosion. Shaun’s wife, Dara, died in the attack, but he was able to carry his infant son, Junior, to
safety, along with a band of other survivors.
After the escape from Teshnell Station, Shaun and Junior settled in Chapter, where Shaun opened the
Brokerage, a shop dedicated to setting up deals for all sorts of Old World material, ranging from busted
technology to multimedia discs to industrial parts. In addition to selling his own stock, Shaun takes items
on consignment, certifies agreements, or serves as a middleman, all for modest fees.
However, in the back room of Ace’s Brokerage is where the real deals go down. The Brokerage runs a
circumspect trade in Ghost Shards and Butcher biotech. Shaun insists on secrecy from all parties involved
in dealing with Remnants, as he is concerned the Council of Elders would step in to confiscate his inventory
if it were public knowledge.
Every few weeks, Shaun closes the shop and strikes out into the Wind River Valley as “Ace”. He explores
Old World ruins to gather up inventory for the Brokerage, secures any Remnants he can find, and avenges
his dead wife by exterminating Ferals whenever possible. During these adventures, Shaun leaves Junior with
family friends in Chapter - fellow survivors of Teshnell Station. At ten years of age, the boy is beginning to
show signs of being Changed, and “Ace” is looking forward to teaching his son the tricks of his trade.
Leaving Junior behind is made a little easier knowing the child is protected by “Teddy”, a Changed cat that
has bonded with the child. While spending most of its time lounging around as a pet, Teddy’s Changed
nature becomes apparent if he or Junior is threatened: he grows in size to equal a mastiff and launches into
a furious defense.
A wide band of crystalline lattice is embedded into the flesh of his right
bicep. Shaun calls the strange Breach-infused relic his “Ace in the Hole”. The
Remnant activates when he is in danger, causing him to partially phase out of
reality when threatened. This effect causes attackers to subtract 4 from their
attack rolls, just as if deflection had been cast upon Shaun with a Raise. Shaun
found the Ace in the Hole on one of his earliest Breach Zone explorations, and
while it has saved him countless times, he worries about its true nature. It
hasn’t degraded and been destroyed like most Ghost Shards, and it has bonded
with his flesh permanently. Is the Ace in the Hole the real reason he’s driven
to leave his son behind in his increasingly risky expeditions into the ruins and
Breach Zones of the Wind River Valley? What will happen to him if the Shard
is ever broken or forcibly removed from him?
98 THE AFTER
FOUR
20. Fishpond. They maintain a register of everyone that goes in and

The stream that flows through Chapter was diverted out, marking down their name, business, and the
into a large pond and stocked with fish. Now it serves time of entry or egress. Nominally, this is done so
as a vital protein supply for the town. This is run and that a proper headcount can be made if the mines
maintained by a Changed man known as Gill, who need to be evacuated for some reason - but in truth,
determines how many fish can be taken without the Elder Council desires a list of likely suspects in
depleting the pond. the event that something were to go missing from a
storeroom or workshop.
21. Ace Brokerage. Some citizens of Chapter can’t afford a homestead

This trade house, tucked away on a quiet residential in the outside world or simply choose to remain
street, specializes in deals for Old World salvage. within the mines where their forefathers were raised.
They buy, sell, and hold items for consignment For these people, the Elder Council maintains
- though the Brokerage often closes for weeks at a “Council housing” in the same series of caves where
time, as its mysterious owner travels into the Valley the survivors of the Harvest endured. These shared
on scavenging expeditions of his own. Rumor has it quarters remain cramped, cold, and dim, but offer
that he’s gathering a private stock of alien Remnants an alternative for the infirm or indigent. The
for use in secret backroom deals. Council provides a bare modicum of food for those
mine-dwellers who cannot gather or buy their own.
The Mines of Chapter The mine interior has been strung with wiring,
connected to a crude hydroelectric generator. This
The old mining complex where generations of
allows for infrequent, dim electric lighting. However,
survivors waited out the Harvest is still in use
the water flow is not consistent year round and the
today. The Elder Council maintains tight control
generator often develops problems - so there are
of the mines, since the complex is used to safeguard
plenty of oil lamps, torches, and candles to be found
Chapter’s most important treasures. The Council
throughout the mines.
maintains stores of preserved food and fresh water,
ammunition, oil, and lumber. Even more important
is the Library located in the eastern wing. West Wing
This is the space that the Elder Council reserves for
During the Harvest, the only tunnel leading into housing those who cannot - or choose not to - earn
the mines was blocked by immense stones from their keep on the surface. Rows of bunks make Horse
the surrounding mineshafts, making it seem to any Cave and Bear Cave into labyrinthine dwellings,
prying invaders that the mineshaft was collapsed and though the residents try to make the best of it with
abandoned. Since the Breaking and the subsequent rugs, tapestries, and other decorations. There is
exodus from the mines, the blockage was cleared and also a storeroom here, meant to feed the long-term
replaced by the Great Doors. These immense and heavy residents of the mines.
portals are made of the thickest oak, bound with iron,
and faced with a mishmash of hammered metal plates North Wing
from various sources. They were built to withstand
Visitors must cross a mossy wooden bridge across
a siege in the event that Chapter is attacked and the
a cold cave stream to reach these chambers. Nearly
populace must once again retreat into the mines.
everyone who grew up in Chapter is familiar with
The Great Doors are Hardness 20 and require Heavy
the walk, however, as the North Wing is home to the
Weapons to be damaged. They are closed and barred
Schoolhouse. This large cavern was home to the Elder
at night, during inclement weather, and whenever the
Council during the decades of hiding during the
Librarians or the Elder Council request it.
Harvest. It is well-appointed with rugs, many desks
and chairs, and chalkboards. The room is kept heated
It’s normal for a group of three to five Chapter
by a large central fireplace so that the children can be
Militia guards to be stationed at the Great Doors.
THE AFTER 99
100 THE AFTER
FOUR
comfortable while learning. Librarians hold classes Nearly all business that visitors might have with the

daily for the children of Chapter. The Elder Council Librarians is transacted during meetings that take
continues to debate whether to offer learning to non- place in this antechamber. Only Faction members
citizens, and whether (and how much) to charge for (Librarians and their apprentices) are allowed into
the privilege. the remainder of the East Wing proper. Even Chief
Librarians are expected to surrender their gear, be
Beyond the Schoolhouse are a pair of living cleansed from head to foot, and proceed into the East
caverns, Cat Cave and Eagle Cave. These are reserved Wing in clothing that is provided for the purpose.
for guests of the Council, whether they are esteemed
travelers, folk who need extra protection, or awaiting Beyond their own sleeping chambers, the Librarians
judgment in a legal matter. They are often disused, maintain an extensive fungus farm. In addition to
as this isn’t a common occurrence, but the chambers harvesting food, some of the scientifically-minded
are kept clean and ready in the event that they are Librarians have experimental projects where they
needed for emergency shelter. It’s normal for a attempt to cultivate fungi for use as antibacterial
pair of bored Chapter Militia to be stationed here, agents, antivirals, or other medicines.
warding children away from the caves.
The Librarians also maintain workshops for
Only the very oldest residents of Chapter might tinkering with machinery or cobbling together
remember the Get Out, a secret tunnel concealed at replicas of Old World technology, far from the
the back of Eagle Cave. It’s the passage that was used influence of the GenBomb. As well, there’s a small
to allow scouts and gatherers to sneak out of the refuge clinic that’s mostly for Librarian use, but it’s kept
during the Harvest. Those that endured the dangers well-stocked in the event that Chapter’s populace
of The After brought back food, salvage, and news of needs to evacuate to the mines.
the outside world. Today, the Get Out is barred by a
locked iron gate (Hardness 14), and those who bypass Finally, deepest into the East Wing, is the Library
the gate must make an Athletics roll to climb up the itself. Shelves upon shelves of priceless Old World
narrow crevice that leads to the outside world. books can be found here - though only full Librarians
are permitted access to the stacks. The books used in
East Wing the Schoolhouse (or given away as rewards or barter)
are copied by hand, often by apprentices as part
This wing of the mines is completely controlled by
of their training. The originals are more jealously
the Librarians. They maintain an antechamber at the
guarded than gold, food, or any other treasure. The
entrance to the wing where any visitors are met by
Librarians believe that the continued survival of
at least two Librarians and half a dozen apprentices,
Chapter and its people depends on these books, so
all wearing white robes. The room is by far the
they must be guarded - to the death, if necessary.
cleanest in the mines, as it’s scrubbed daily from top
to bottom with chemicals meant to retard the spread
of GenBomb particles, which would be disastrous if
they got into the chambers beyond.
Cast of Characters
Some of the key players found within Wind River have full write-ups that can be found in CHAPTER 7:
MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE AFTER
THE AFTER 101

FIVE
GAZ E T T E E R
102 THE AFTER

FIVE
Gazetteer of Wind
GAZ E T T E E R
River
This chapter provides details about the places that
travelers in Wind River Valley might want to visit. It
begins with a rundown of the known settlements of
the region, where survivors have banded together to
make a home. Player characters might hail from any
of these places, though Librarians are only chosen
from Chapter citizens.
Beyond these settlements that serve as home bases

and trading hubs, explorers are often drawn to Old
World ruins. You’ll find information about several
sites of Old World cities where characters might find
salvage, knowledge, and danger.
For those explorers who don’t find the ruins

stimulating enough, there are Breach Zones. These
strange places resulted when the Ghosts tore into our
dimension, and remain to this day. They are truly
exotic locales that are often full of alien life. Some
of them, such as the Hanging Rocks, even make
mockeries of the expected laws of physics! Explorers
are often drawn to Breach Zones in search of hunting
trophies, strange materials to salvage, or Remnants.
Blackgold Station
“Dangerous folk through and through.
Scavengers and hard cases. Still, they have
fuel. If you need your tank filled, bring
someone you trust to watch your back.”
- Zachariah Cole
As recently as twenty-five years ago, the Blackgold

Gang was known as the most ruthless, pitiless band
of cutthroats in Wind River Valley. They originally
named themselves after the fuel they loved to scavenge
from ruins, and steal from legitimate traders. Under
the leadership of Charlie Sharp Tooth, the Blackgold
Gang had no qualms about murder, arson, and theft
of anything not bolted down.
Charlie Sharp Tooth’s reign of terror was brought

to a sudden end during the “Change of Management,”
THE AFTER 103

FIVE
GAZ E T T E E R
as it’s now referred to among the Blackgolds. After drugs, and other goods that might be unwelcome
discovering a large cache of usable fuel in a Breach in Chapter or other more ‘wholesome’ settlements.
Zone, one of the gang’s operators decided he had At Blackgold Station, the only thing that’s against
enough leverage to take over the gang. The ensuing Uncle Pete’s policy is the trade of slaves. Uncle Pete,
coup was as violent as the Blackgold’s other activities, ever the pragmatist, doesn’t want his traders to turn
resulting in the death of Charlie Sharp Tooth as well into the kidnappers and killers from Charlie Sharp
as the other lieutenants of the gang. Tooth’s day - and besides, he believes that opening a
slave market would encourage the other settlements
In the ensuing months, the gang stopped their in the area to band together and exterminate the
marauding altogether, instead putting their efforts Blackgold Company. Slavery isn’t necessarily against
into fortification of a new compound to the southwest Pete’s moral code, but it’s a potential liability that he’s
of Chapter: Blackgold Station. The new leader, Uncle not willing to risk at Blackgold Station.
Pete, a dreadlocked ruffian with a gruesome Butcher
Remnant eye, sent envoys to Chapter, Sweetwater, Despite their shift from crime to trade, the
and elsewhere in the Wind River Valley. His message Blackgold Trading Company is still heavy-handed
advised the settlements’ leaders that the Blackgold and corrupt, with a gangster’s eye toward exploiting
Gang was under new leadership, and had turned over weakness. Mercy is a rare commodity when dealing
a new leaf. They would henceforth be known as the with a Blackgold trademaster, and discounts are
Blackgold Trading Company. simply unheard of. As the trader might tell you, “Hey,
I have to answer to the Manager.” When trading,
Under Uncle Pete’s direction, Blackgold Station Blackgold merchants are expected to capitalize on
has slowly developed into a well-known trade hub for whatever leverage they have, and charge whatever the
fuel and ammunition. The compound also harbors market will bear.
many side trades in Butcher Remnants, Shards,
104 THE AFTER

FIVE
That said, it’s frowned upon for Blackgolds to deal At the center of the compound is a large building
GAZ E T T E E R
dishonestly. They don’t deal in “snake oil” or shoddy made of Old World cinder blocks. This imposing
goods. This is another one of Uncle Pete’s policies. In edifice houses the Blackgold Company’s leaders
the Old World, you could cheat a customer and have as well as the Blackgold furnaces. The company is
literally a million more to choose from afterward. using its seemingly inexhaustible fuel to heat forges,
But Uncle Pete recognizes that Wind River Valley is attempting to make quality steel. Blackgold crafters
a small place, and he won’t allow his trademasters are getting better by the season, and Uncle Pete has
to poison one of the few settlements against his lofty dreams of cornering the market on armaments
company for some momentary profit. Those who and metal goods of all kinds - perhaps even powered
violate this policy are stripped of all their assets and vehicles! As well, they have begun preliminary work
ejected from the Company. of laying pipes to some of the outlying buildings,
to deliver steam heat during the vicious winters of
Blackgold Station is now home to between 100 and Wind River Valley. So far, efforts to generate reliable
200 people, depending on the time of year. It’s a rough- electricity from boilers have met with limited success,
and-tumble place with no safety for the weak, so there are but Uncle Pete hopes to have his compound fully
few children here in comparison to other settlements in electrified in the coming years.
the Valley. People who spend time at Blackgold Station
tend to have a weapon handy, a backup weapon hidden, The furnace building is surrounded by tall fencing
and a sharp eye for those around them. and barbed wire. It’s also heavily guarded, day and
Uncle Pete
Head of the Blackgold Trading company
Skills: Athletics d8, Battle d6, Boating d4, Common Knowledge d10, Fighting
d10, Gambling d8, Intimidation d12, Notice d8, Persuasion d10, Repair d8,
Riding d6, Science d4, Shooting d10, Survival d8, Stealth d8, Thievery d6
Hindrances: Arrogant (Major), Greedy (Minor), Ruthless (Major), Ugly (Minor).
Edges: Alertness, Block, Combat Reflexes, Command, Connections (Blackgold Trading), Counterattack,
Dodge, Elan, First Strike, Hard to Kill, Harder to Kill, Hold the Line, Menacing, Nerves of Steel, Rock and
Roll!, Strong Willed
Gear: Scrap Armor, Knives, Long Sword, Assault Rifle with 2 reloads
Special Abilities:
Uncle Pete’s Evil Eye: This gruesome Butchertech Remnant remains open even when Uncle Pete is
unconscious, making it almost impossible to sneak up on him. It confers the Alertness and Menacing
Edges and grants Low Light Vision. Alien filaments penetrate the left side of Uncle Pete’s face, inflicting the
Ugly Hindrance. As well, the Remnant has subtly altered his personality, making him confrontational and
aggressive.
Master of Blackgold Trading: Uncle Pete can leverage his Connections Edge with Blackgold Trading
Company as many times as he would like. He is never without a squad of enforcers and can outfit himself
with any equipment that could reasonably be found in Wind River Valley, including upgraded armor,
explosives, and dangerous Remnants. The gear list above reflects his ‘everyday’ equipment.
THE AFTER 105

FIVE
night, by pairs of guards that often patrol with dogs. industrial operations, but also cloaks in mystery the
GAZ E T T E E R
Uncle Pete isn’t interested in outsiders snooping source of the Company’s fuel. It’s an open question
about and potentially sabotaging their operations. In in the rest of Wind River Valley. Speculation ranges
his words, “Company business is Company business.” from the original gang having built Blackgold Station
Anyone foolish enough to intrude without permission on top of a pre-Harvest holding tank, to an arcane
from management is likely to be attacked on sight. process involving Remnants of one sort or another.
Whatever the case, the Company sells the fuel at the
This secrecy serves to safeguard not only the scope dearest prices the market will bear - scoffing at the idea
and direction of the Blackgold Company’s nascent of any abundance. The average Blackgold tradesman
Miguel “Nightwolf” Felipe,

Changed Bounty Hunter
(see Chapter 7 - Major Players in The After)
Even at first glance, the bounty hunter known as “Nightwolf ” radiates

danger. He is covered from head to foot with intricate, spiraling tattoos
in black ink. A fierce, predator’s eye gauges anyone who approaches, and
his lanky frame is always coiled as if he were ready to spring.
Those who remain in his presence for long will note that - when he’s
not on a job - Nightwolf is relaxed and even a little soft-spoken. A perceptive companion might realize that
the bounty hunter’s tattoos slowly move, rotating almost as if they were interlocked gears - a giveaway of his
Changed heritage. With concentration, the bounty hunter can control the art and form of this ‘ink.’
In addition to the obvious cosmetic effect the Change has had on Miguel’s skin, he has developed an array
of anomalies that make him a consummate hunter of men. He can scent prey like a hound and see in the
dark. His agility and focus while on the hunt are fearsome, and when drawing near to the climax of a ‘job’,
his tattoos often expand to turn all of his skin midnight-black. As well, his noticeably biomechanically-
enhanced legs allow him to sprint over broken ground at terrifying speed to reach his target.
Miguel’s career as a bounty hunter in Wind River Valley has been long and fruitful. Between jobs, he sometimes
lingers near Chapter, usually renting lodging for the season there when winter nears. More often, though, he can
be found at Blackgold Station, where he is a fixture at Smokey’s. While the bounty hunter is not a card-carrying
member of the Blackgold Company, Miguel’s efficacy and reliability has ensured that the Blackgolds revere him.
Nightwolf is not choosy about the jobs he accepts, so long as they pay well and on time. He is consumed by
the joy of the hunt and is willing to accept nearly any prey. While he could be hired to hunt a Feral chieftain,
a roaming Breach creature, or an escaped criminal, he feels no moral qualms about accepting a job to settle a
vendetta or dispose of a rival. His only constraint is that he’s unwilling to hunt within the bounds of a civilized
settlement. This isn’t a matter of ethics; Nightwolf simply doesn’t want to be branded as a criminal, himself.
The bounty hunter wears trinkets and trophies from his most prominent hunts, and carries much of his
wealth on his person in the form of two immaculately cared-for firearms and a bandolier of bullets. He
flaunts these rare items as if daring someone to try and take them. That said, he knows that bullets are hard
to come by and the Breach makes guns less reliable. He tends to reserve firing them for situations where he’s
actually in danger, or to bring down the rare prey that can outrun even the Nightwolf.
106 THE AFTER

FIVE
believes the fuel is scarce and hard-won. Only Uncle If you can take care of yourself, Smokey’s is a hub
GAZ E T T E E R
Pete and a few members of his inner circle know the for all manner of dark desires. One could dabble in
full truth of where the fuel is coming from. drugs or prostitution, plan a robbery, hire cutthroats,
engage in sanctioned bloodsports, or gamble at any
Beyond the smoke-belching furnace building, the number of house games. The foul alcoholic beverages
remainder of Blackgold Station is composed of a dozen available here are almost an afterthought.
blocky buildings enclosed in a rough fence of crumbled
cement chunks and barbed wire that serves as a barrier Plot Hooks:
to roaming predators. Near the gate into the compound,
One of Blackgold’s “Acquisitions Team” wants
a 20’ tall wooden watchtower houses a pair of lookouts
to hire your group as contractors. She wants
during the day. In the central square of the compound,
you to head to The Verdant and learn about the
there is plenty of space to set up campsites and park
underground trade in Breach Zone drugs. They’re
wagons. Of course, the Blackgold Company charges
being smuggled into settlements like Daniel and
nominal fees for entry into the compound, as well as
Chapter, and she believes the Blackgold Trading
additional fees for those who wish to partake of the
Company can turn a great profit - they just need
Company’s protection against the dangers of the night.
someone like you to put a stranglehold on the
trade. There might be a spot on the permanent
Squatting in the middle of the campsites is a
payroll if you can prove yourselves.
sprawling, dank bar known as Smokey’s. It’s a rough
and dodgy place, with fights and stabbings the You spot someone you know from back home
norm. The Company enforces only enough justice being dragged toward the bloodsport arena at
to stop full-blown rioting and keep the place from Smokey’s. What are they doing here and who did
burning to the ground. If you’re robbed, drugged, or they cross? Can you get them out of there before
shot at Smokey’s, you’re usually on your own, unless they’re pulverized, without raising the whole bar
you know someone in the Blackgold Company who - or the whole Station - against you?
has an interest in your health. It’s best practice at If the company’s supply of fuel begins to run low,
Smokey’s to never look like an easy target, and to pay will the Blackgolds return to their marauding
ahead of time for protection if you need it. ways?
Blackgold Station Thug
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d4, Fighting d8, Intimidation
d8, Notice d4, Persuasion d4, Shooting d6, Stealth d4, Survival d6
Hindrances: Mean
Edges: Brawny
Equipment: Leather armor, variety of hand weapons that do Str+d6 damage. Half of them carry a bow with 10
arrows. Depending on the situation, Blackgold management might arrange for them to have better equipment.
THE AFTER 107

In Sickness and In repair. Among them was a high-tech box that the pair
were unable to open. They took it back to Chapter
Health for further study, not knowing that it contained a
dangerous Butchertech device.
A Blackgold Station Adventure by Ade Smith
The mysterious box resisted all their attempts to
Synopsis: A father-daughter team of scavengers, Edward open it. Edward left Alex to continue sorting through
and Alex Hamilton, have recovered a dangerous piece their salvage and returned to the ruins, convinced
of Butchertech that sickens nearby people. Alex has that he could find a key to opening the box. Obsessed
fled with the Remnant to meet Jess Dugan at Blackgold with the strange artifact, Alex continued to work on
Station. The two fall afoul of Erasmus Finch, another breaking it open, but could do little more than break
Blackgold employee who nurses a grudge against some of the seals – triggering a spray of black gas!
Jess’s father. It will be up to the player characters to
investigate Alex’s disappearance, track her to Blackgold After the first panic, Alex realized she’d been
Station, and figure out the kidnapping. Finally, they’ll unharmed and continued about her daily life,
need to rescue them from Finch’s men - either through unaware that she was spreading a plague throughout
negotiation or force. Chapter - one that could cause both illness and, in
some, the Change!
Background: A few weeks ago, two scavengers from
Chapter, Edward Hamilton and his daughter Alex, Several days passed before Alex developed a fever
discovered a collection of artifacts buried in the herself. Sick and alone in her father’s absence,
ruins of a small building high up in the mountains. she was too fearful of consequences to go to the
Most appeared to be junk, but a few were ripe for authorities immediately. As she began to form plans
108 THE AFTER

to inform the Council anonymously, an unexpected The group has been hired by someone within the
BL AC KGO LD STAT IO N ADV E NT URE

visitor disrupted those plans. Blackgold Trading Company. Jess Dugan went
absent from her assigned caravan in the middle
After a chance meeting in the wilderness a few of the night, and must be found. The Company
months ago, Alex had been secretly corresponding knows she’s been developing a close bond with
with Jess Dugan, the daughter of a prominent Alex Hamilton, so the group has been dispatched
member of the Blackgold Trading settlement. The to investigate and bring Jess home.
two had grown closer over time, and it was then that
Jess arrived in Chapter. Seeing Alex ill and frightened, Regardless of the motivation you choose for your
Jess convinced her to come to Blackgold Station and group of explorers, the adventure should begin with
bring the box - surely her well-connected family them arriving at the front door of the Hamiltons’
could help with the sickness, and provide experts to unassuming wooden cabin, nestled at the foot of the
open the box. Even better, the Elder Council would slope on the southwest side of Chapter. It only has a
never need to know about Alex’s involvement! Alex few rooms: a dining/living area, a small bathroom, a
readily agreed and the two were off. kitchen and two bedrooms.
Edward started showing signs of illness during Edward is a burly man in his 40s with a thinning
his trip to the ruins, and decided to return home. hairline and grizzled beard. When he answers the
When Edward arrived a day later to find Alex gone, door, he’s sweating and trying to conceal a cough.
he remained unaware of the true danger she was in.
Act One: Desperately What’s in the Box?

Seeking Alex The mysterious box found by the Hamiltons
Call to Action: There are several ways that a group is the container for a Butcher device, roughly
of explorers could become involved in the story of translated as an immuno-deconstructor. It was
Alex Hamilton and Jess Dugan. We can suggest the originally designed to weaken the immune system
following hooks, and if your players have built detailed of humans, making them more susceptible to
backgrounds for their characters, you might be able to genetic modification. Its power has diminished
come up with something even more fitting than these: over the decades it lay abandoned. The box
The group is contacted by Edward Hamilton contains safety seals to prevent accidental
directly, in hopes that they can find his missing exposure, but some of those were damaged when
daughter. He thinks she is still somewhere in Alex attempted to force it open. Anyone spending
Chapter. Why did he contact them? Is one of the a scene in the same room as the box will need to
characters related to the Hamiltons? Have they roll Vigor to resist “GenBomb Sickness” as their
worked with Edward before? Was one of them in immune system could be compromised. See Act
school with Alex? One for more details on this disease.
The Elder Council has bent Chapter’s best
minds to deciphering the source of the plague,
and have realized that Alex Hamilton contacted What Edward Knows
everyone who’s fallen ill. They’ve hired the player “My daughter Alex has gone missing. I’ve been away
characters to find her, arrest her, and investigate
from Chapter myself for nearly a week, so that’s
the source of the strange illness.
the longest she could have been gone. She did
The Posthumans want the characters to find the
leave a note ‘everything’s fine, don’t worry’ but
source of the plague. They would like to recover
I still can’t help but wonder where she’s gone.
the box and amplify whatever is within, so as to
deliberately trigger the Change and “upgrade” She’s been acting strangely the last few weeks,
many members of the Faction. quiet and lacking in attention, it’s now obvious
THE AFTER 109

that something was bothering her. Her and a small writing desk. Things have obviously
camping
equipment is missing, so I hope she went voluntarily, been moved around during Edward’s search, but a
but unfortunately that’s all I can tell you.” successful Notice roll finds a loose slat of wood in
the wall behind the bed. Inside the cavity, the PCs
If Edward contacted the player characters directly for find a small collection of letters between Alex and
help, he’ll also tell them that the strange box is missing Jess, which reveal the following information:
- perhaps Alex was seeking help in opening it?
Jess Dugan is the daughter of one of the managers
If the characters are working for someone else, of Blackgold Trading Company.
he might not volunteer information about the box. Alex and Jess have developed a deep emotional
Explorers talking to Edward might be allowed to roll bond despite the distance between them.
Notice to realize he’s hiding something. Given his Jess lives at Blackgold Station and has been
current state, a simple Persuasion or Intimidation roll imploring Alex to come live at Blackgold Station
will get him to tell the explorers all he knows about with her.
the box. Remember that he doesn’t know everything
in the Background section, and thinks the box is just
a harmless-but-odd Remnant that might be holding GenBomb Sickness
treasure inside - if only they could get it open! Anyone entering Alex’s room will be exposed to the
spores that were released from the box, and might
Edward can also answer the questions listed below: develop GenBomb Sickness. At the end of the scene,
ask those PCs to make Vigor rolls. Those who fail
Q: Did you find anything in her room? will be affected by GenBomb Sickness.
A: Alex’s room is fairly sparse and Edward couldn’t find
anything unusual there - most of her gear is missing, Victims of this disease will develop a cough and
though. He can easily be convinced to allow the PCs fever within the next four hours, and will remain
to look for themselves (no roll required). Fatigued with these symptoms for 2d6 days.
Q: Do you have any idea where she might have gone?
A Critical Failure on the Vigor roll to resist
A: If Edward hasn’t told the players about the box, he’ll GenBomb Sickness indicates that the character is
insist he has no idea where she’s gone and hopes especially vulnerable to the plague and will be much
she’s somewhere in the vicinity of Chapter. If the more drastically affected. Use the rules for a chronic
explorers know about the box, Edward wonders if disease as outlined in Savage Worlds. However, a
she’s roaming Chapter looking for assistance in Critical Failure on the daily Vigor roll might mean
opening it. that the character suffers a Cosmetic Change rather
Q: What does Alex look like? than dying. This is an especially nice option for
A: Alex is a slender, 22-year-old woman with shoulder- player characters!
length brown hair and freckles across the bridge
of her nose. She has a scar on the back of her left Ill characters remain carriers of the disease, which
hand from a mishap in her childhood. could force those they spend time with to continue
making Vigor rolls to resist catching the illness. We
Q: Did you notice anything else strange?
leave adjudication of this to individual GMs, who can
A: After thinking for a few moments Edward says “A decide how contagious they’d like this sickness to be
few weeks ago I saw Alex reading a letter or note of in their campaign.
some kind that she quickly hid away.”
Asking Around Chapter
Alex’s Room The PCs may also wish to ask around Chapter to see
Alex’s room contains a wooden framed bed, a set if any of the other residents recall seeing Alex recently.
of drawers, a trunk of blankets and winter clothes Use the Networking rules to govern their efforts as they
110 THE AFTER

gather information in Chapter. Each success and raise Because it’s been several days since the girls left

on the roll will reveal information from the list below: Chapter, it’s nearly impossible for the explorers to
find their exact trail and follow them footstep by
Alex was roaming the marketplace a few days ago footstep. However, a Common Knowledge roll will
with another girl - someone from out of town. allow them to identify the fastest route to Blackgold
The stranger was a young blonde girl, who looked Station and hurry along as quickly as possible.
muscular and seemed to know her way around.
The two of them were buying a horse for Alex and The journey itself should take the PCs a few days to
ended up with a sorry old nag. It was the best complete. As the hardships of travel are a constant
they could afford, even though the other girl was emphasis in The After, remember to describe the
a tough negotiator. mountainous terrain, the windy (and often cold)
weather, and keep track of the group’s supplies.
The girls left town in a hurry and headed down
into the valley. They had some kind of chest
Over the course of the journey the GM might
or parcel strapped to the back of Alex’s horse,
choose to run an Interlude for some of the player
wrapped in an old blanket.
characters, and should use at least one of the
Failure means that a few of the locals remember following encounters:
seeing Alex in passing, but have nothing useful
to report. Rockslide: The PCs cause a small rockslide and
are either in danger of falling or being hit by
Avoiding a Hard Stop falling stones. Each PC should make an Athletics
If the PCs missed the clue in Alex’s room and didn’t roll to avoid suffering 2d6 damage.
do well asking around Chapter, the investigation Grizzly Attack: The PCs awake one morning to
could grind to a sudden and frustrating halt. The the sound of a grizzly bear searching for food
GM could use a trader, hunter, or other NPC that nearby. The bear’s fur is missing in several places
frequently travels the wilderness to inform them and it shows signs of severe starvation. Unless it
that they spotted Alex and another dark haired girl is given some food or driven off it will attack. Any
making their way down into the valley a few days ago. food that is lost in this way may cause an issue for
When he offered a greeting, the pair galloped away, the PCs later on in their journey. Statistics for
headed south toward Blackgold Station. the bear are available in the Savage Worlds bestiary
section.
Ending Act One Downpour: The weather changes for the worst
At the end of Act One, the players should understand and the PCs are hit either by a severe downpour
that Jess and Alex are together, they have a dangerous or snowfall that lasts for 1d4 days. If the PCs don’t
box that might be spreading illness, and they’re take shelter or avoid getting soaked another way,
heading toward Blackgold Station - which could they may need to resist exposure to cold weather.
endanger everyone in the settlement and everyone Traveller: The PCs spot a traveller wandering
that they trade with. The situation has become nearby. As they get nearer they are able to see
potentially even more urgent. that he seems to be very weary and barely holding
himself upright with a broken tree branch. The
man, Jarrod, keeps himself to himself but will
Act Two: The Journey acknowledge the PCs if he is spoken to. As it
When Alex and Jess left Chapter, they followed the turns out, he spoke briefly to Alex and Jess two
river southwest as far as they could and then followed days ago - the girls bartered with him for meat
the track to Blackgold Station. They camped in the from a recent hunt. Jarrod has since fallen ill and
best hiding places that Jess could track down, hoping is in a bad way. In a feverish haze, he wandered
to avoid both traders using the road and any dangers away from his last campsite and lost most of his
that might be present in the wild. equipment. The PCs may wish to give him some
THE AFTER 111

of their supplies to help him on his way. The exact Within Blackgold Station
reason Jarrod is travelling or where he is going is Beyond the fence, most of the Outer Compound is
left open for the GM to possibly use as a link to taken up by temporary tents and stalls with a wide
another adventure. range of scavenged items and other goods. The only
permanent buildings in the Outer Compound are
Act Three: the Bar “Smokey’s”, some rentable warehouse space,
and a few other small structures.
Blackgold Station
GMs Note: When Jess and Alex arrived in Blackgold Near the center of the settlement, a more substantial
Station, the pair immediately headed to the Inner wall made of stone and topped with barbed wire
Compound, intending to stay there. However, Alex separates the Inner Compound from the rest of
was obviously ill and was refused entry despite Jess’s Blackgold Station. The tops of several large cinder
pleading on her behalf. Annoyed by the decision, block buildings can be seen. The gate and walls to the
the pair set up camp near Smokey’s bar and later fell Inner Compound are watched over day and night.
afoul of Erasmus Finch, a rival to Jess’s father. By the Guards are armed with rifles and travel in groups of
time the PCs arrive at Blackgold Station, Alex and Jess four. No one gets inside this part of town without
have already been taken elsewhere by Finch’s men, being a Blackgold “employee”.
but the PCs will need to ask around to discover this.
The GM should also show signs of the GenBomb Once inside the Outer Compound, the PCs will
Sickness in various NPCs in order to hint that they want to look around and start gathering information.
have had close contact with either Alex or Jess in the They will soon find that the transient nature of
last few days. the traders means that most of the people inside
Blackgold have very little knowledge of the day-to-
As the PCs get nearer to Blackgold Station they day events and arrivals at the settlement. A successful
are able to make out a few details. The settlement is Networking roll made at -2 does manage to reveal that
surrounded by a fence made of crumbled concrete there was some sort of event near Smokey’s bar two
interspersed with wooden bracing and barbed wire. days ago but they were not near enough to say what it
The main gate is guarded by a handful of Blackgold was. This information should draw them towards the
Trading Company guards, and the area is overseen bar. If the check fails, the PCs will almost certainly
by a 20’ tall wooden watchtower with a pair of armed make their way to Smokey’s when they realize it may
lookouts inside. A few carts and horses mill around be their only hope of learning anything.
outside waiting to gain entry.
Smokey’s Bar
Getting Inside Smokey’s Bar is a large two story wooden building
Anyone approaching the outer gate will be questioned on the west side of the settlement. The front of the
by the guards and asked to identify themselves as building is dominated by a huge hand-painted sign
either a buyer or seller. Sellers must have their goods that hangs over the main doors. A side door on the
inspected by an official from within the compound, left rear side of the building is guarded by a vicious
so they can be registered with the Company. This looking dog and his handler.
doesn’t happen until Blackgold is permitted to take
first pick of any items they have. After this process, The main bar can be described as anything but
they will be allowed inside. pleasant. Fifteen mismatched sets of tables and
chairs are dotted around the room and the floor
The PCs could also attempt to sneak past the outer shows signs of blood stains. The rooms at the rear
gate guards. While not impossible it is definitely of the building can be rented out as private meeting
easier at night. The only thing they gain from this is places for making drug deals and similar illicit
access to the settlement without being subjected to trades, while the first floor has a flourishing business
the scrutiny of the guards. in prostitution. A set of stairs that connects to the
112 THE AFTER

rear entrance leads down stairs to a soundproofed Careless Whispers

room in the basement that houses a huge cage used What the PCs are not aware of is that being new in
for gladiatorial matches. town and asking a lot of questions will draw attention
and this time it’s from Erasmus Finch. Erasmus is
As the PCs approach, the main doors of the bar a member of one of the ruling families in charge of
swing open and a large tattooed man throws a badly Blackgold that has a strong rivalry with the Dugans,
beaten man to the ground. He gives him one more the family that Jess belongs to. Erasmus will attempt
swift kick before going back inside. Two other men to listen in if the PCs start to question people in the
emerge from the bar soon afterwards, pick up their bar but a successful Notice roll will spot him lingering
friend and carry him away. nearby, a tall thin man with a recently broken nose.
There are around thirty regulars inside the main bar If Erasmus Finch is confronted he will feign
along with the bartender and the tattooed bouncer. innocence, but if pushed will warn the PCs that he
If the PCs start to ask questions, they quickly realize has powerful connections and they should leave him
that the people of Blackgold Station keep themselves alone. If possible, he will rally other bar patrons in
to themselves and no one is willing to give away free order to back him up and chase the PCs from the bar.
information for fear of upsetting Uncle Pete and the Particularly persuasive or aggressive PCs may be able
other Blackgold families. The key word here is “free” to force Erasmus to tell them that the pair has been
as the PCs may be able to use bribery or intimidation taken to the Finch stills - otherwise, they will need to
in order to extract information. A Networking roll is follow him in order to discover where they were taken.
required, but even then the patrons don’t take kindly
to outsiders hassling some of their own, so the PCs
will need to be careful. If the characters’ Networking Finch’s Plan
roll is successful they learn that two young women, Erasmus is always on the lookout for things he can
a brunette and a blonde, were seen being bundled exploit in order to increase his family’s standing
into a wagon two nights ago - but even if they are in the Blackgold Company, and if possible hamper
given a description they are unable to confirm that Skeeter Dugan, Jess’s father. When he learnt of
the brunette was Alex. Alex’s arrival in Blackgold, he started to dig up as
much information as he could about Jess Dugan’s
Erasmus Finch
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Fighting d8, Intimidation
d8, Notice d8, Persuasion d8, Riding d6, Shooting d6, Stealth d6,
Survival d6, Taunt d8
Hindrances: Greedy (Minor), Suspicious (Minor)
Edges: Command, Connections (Blackgold Trading Company), Retort,
Streetwise
Gear: Leather armor, revolver with 6 shots, club (Str+d6)
Description: A tall thin man currently nursing a broken nose. Erasmus is desperate to climb the Finch family
ladder and grab more power within Blackgold Station. Erasmus prefers manipulation and bribery over
physical confrontation if possible, but will do whatever it takes to further his latest scheme.
THE AFTER 113

new friend. He soon discovered that she came from tall thin man, arrives coughing and spluttering and
Chapter and was carrying some kind of alien artifact. impatiently asks what they want. Bo will nod along
He had the idea that he may be able to hold her to to what the PCs have to say without any display of
ransom in exchange for salvage or additional alien emotion as showing any sign of weakness is a bad
Remnants. Learning that the pair had been refused idea inside the compound. If the PCs inform him
entry to the Inner Compound Erasmus and a small that the Finches are involved and tell him that they
group of Finch family thugs found their camp, swept may be hiding out at one of their stills, he will round
in and kidnapped them, bundling them into a wagon up a gang of Dugan thugs in order to stage a rescue
and taking them to the Finch Family stills outside of (see The Dugans Ride In below).
Blackgold - but not before Jess broke Erasmus’ nose.
Capturing Jess in addition to Alex has escalated the Where Next?
situation more than Erasmus intended. Erasmus
The PCs may now suspect that they may have hit
stayed behind at Smokey’s in order to monitor the
upon something linked to Alex. If they observe the
situation, think about his next move, and prepare to
bar they see Erasmus leave soon afterwards and head
send a message to Chapter with his demands.
towards the edge of town before taking a horse and
leaving Blackgold Station in a hurry, heading for the
The Inner Compound Finch stills.
If the PCs visit the Inner Compound before Finch’s plot
has been discovered, they will find at least four heavily If the PCs didn’t get the location of the stills from
armed guards standing in front of the gate. Behind either following Erasmus or getting him to talk,
them a sign reads “trespassers will be annihilated”. The another bar patron could approach the PCs with the
guards will ask if the PCs have any business with the information in exchange for $50 of Salvage.
families. Without an appointment or specific contacts
to reach, they will quickly be dismissed with threats of
violence. Mention of Alex will just get a shrug. Act 4: To the Rescue
The PCs should now know that Alex and Jess are being
So far the kidnapping of Jess and Alex has gone held at a small holding a few hours away from the
unnoticed by the Dugans inside the compound, as Blackgold Trading settlement, the Finch stills. The
Jess stormed out saying that she wouldn’t be back and Finches have been at the stills a day or so by the time
her hot-headed nature is well known to her family. the PCs arrive and are still on an increased state of
alert. The holdings consist of four sheds containing
Particularly pushy PCs may attempt to fight past a still each, gathered around a central cabin. A guard
the guards or climb the walls, but it’s a sure fire stands at both the front and back door of the cabin
death sentence when they are discovered. Uncle and another two man patrol circles the perimeter.
Pete’s rules do not permit outsiders within the Inner Even from a distance the PCs can see that one or two
Compound. Upon discovering an intrusion, guards of the guards are coughing.
will raise a compound-wide alarm and shoot to kill.
This would result in the PCs having to fight literally The Stills
the entire Blackgold Trading Company. The stills in each shed produce a potent moonshine
that the Finches sell to Smokey’s Bar in Blackgold
Once Erasmus’s plan has been discovered, the and other traders around the settlement. A small
PCs may return to the compound to inform the collection of alcohol in a variety of glass bottles is
Dugans about Jess’s disappearance. They will need stacked in each shed. Both the alcohol and fumes
to make a Persuasion roll in order to even get the produced by the still are highly flammable and
guards to take a message to Skeeter Dugan. Under might be utilized by the PCs in a rescue attempt or
no uncertain terms will they be allowed inside. If distraction.
they are successful a few minutes later Bo Dugan, a
114 THE AFTER

The Shack
The Finches’ shack is made up
of wooden posts and boards
and consists of the following
rooms:
Living Area: This open plan

room contains a few chairs,
tables and storage units. A stone
fireplace stands against the left
hand wall. Four Finch thugs
are here, along with Erasmus
if he made his way here. Each
is armed with either a club or
hand axe, but there is also one
hunting rifle on the wall above
the fireplace.
Kitchen: This small kitchen

contains a few pots, pans and
utensils along with a wood
burning stove. Several small
animal carcasses hang from
hooks in the ceiling.
Bedroom 1: This room contains

a double bed on which Alex and
Jess are tied up back-to-back.
Both are suffering from the first
stage of effects caused by the
GenBomb Sickness.
Bedroom 2: A small single bed

is placed under the window of
this room with a box containing
blankets standing in the left
hand corner.
Bedroom 3: This room contains

nothing but a worn double bed.
Outhouse: A small wooden

outhouse stands a few meters
away behind the shack.
THE AFTER 115

Rescue or Reason? sickness many of the men are suffering might allow
While the PCs may come up with any type of plan to a +2 to one round of social combat.
rescue Alex and Jess, two options are detailed below
along with some complications: The GM should roleplay the entire exchange out
with the gang being played off against each other for
Storm the Shack: The PCs may decide to storm the as long as it is needed. If Erasmus is talked around,
shack and incapacitate or drive off all of the Finch he will demand that he be let go before he hands over
forces. The thugs will put up a strong fight as they Alex and Jess.
are afraid of disobeying orders from the family, but
if it appears that the PCs are winning Erasmus will Complication One, the Dugans Ride In: This could
threaten to kill Alex unless he’s allowed to leave. This be triggered by the PCs delivering a message to the
is the most direct outcome and the PCs are likely to Dugans at the Inner Compound. Alternatively, a GM
get hurt, maybe even killed. who wishes to run this scenario might decide that Bo
Dugan heard about what happened at Smokey’s and
Negotiate: The PCs may want to try and talk the figured out from someone there that Alex and Jess
situation out and depending on how they deal with were taken to the Finch stills. Gathering up a posse
the guards Erasmus may initially believe that they are of five Dugan thugs, they arrive soon after the PCs,
there to negotiate on behalf of either the Dugans or demanding to know what’s going on. Their initial
Chapter. He wants the Dugans to leave the compound plan is to storm into the shack, kill all the Finches, and
in Blackgold Station and relinquish their share of rescue Jess with Alex as an afterthought. But they may
the operations to the Finch family. If he thinks the be talked around to a more peaceful solution. Keep in
PCs are from Chapter, he demands that they hand mind that the PCs are also regarded as unimportant
over any weapons or devices they have gathered that and if they get in their way without some successful
may prove useful. Persuasion checks and good roleplaying, they may
draw the Dugans’ ire as well.
If the PCs attempt to convince Finch to give up Alex
and Jess, they may be able to sway the Finch thugs, Complication Two, Not So Helpless: Even though
who are starting to fear that the whole plan has been both Alex and Jess are suffering from sickness they
more trouble than it’s worth. The Social Conflict haven’t been idle. The pair have managed to palm a
rules from Savage Worlds would be a great way to shard of metal and have slowly been cutting through
handle trying to talk Finch’s men into abandoning the ropes they are tied up in. The GM should use Jess
their leader - or trying to talk Erasmus himself out and Alex’s escape to break a stalemate or at some other
of his plan. Revealing that Alex is the source of the dramatic moment. Jess will rush Erasmus and hold
Alex Hamilton
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d6, Fighting d4, Notice d8, Persuasion d6, Repair d8, Research d6,
Riding d4, Science d4, Shooting d4, Stealth d6, Survival d6
Hindrances: Impulsive, Loyal
Edges: Charismatic, Mr Fix It, Strong Willed
Description: A 22 year old woman with shoulder length brown hair usually found tinkering with machinery
or electronics. Alex is pleasant, likeable and has a drive to discover everything she can about ancient and
xeno technology. She is conflicted between her sense of duty to Chapter and her father, and her love of Jess
and their possible new life together.
116 THE AFTER

the shard to his neck threatening to kill him and will Alternatively, players might choose to abandon the

need to be talked down from doing so if the PCs wish box in a canyon or crevasse, return it to the authorities
to avoid bloodshed. A Persuasion check would be at in Chapter for disposal, or deliver it to an interested
-2 as she cannot forgive Erasmus for hurting Alex. Faction. Keeping it longer than is necessary will
surely result in their being infected with chronic
GenBomb Sickness.
Conclusion
Recovering the Box: Hopefully, with all the Alex & Jess: The aftermath of Alex and Jess largely
excitement, the PCs have not forgotten about the revolves around the actions of the PCs and the
Remnant that started all this! Recovering the whim of the GM. Edward Hamilton would prefer
mysterious Butchertech box is important, but what that Alex be returned to Chapter, but if the PCs take
will the PCs do with it? him a message saying that she is safe, that may be
enough to calm his worries (providing the attempted
Fully opening the box requires an Electronics or kidnapping isn’t mentioned!). Jess is reluctant to
Thievery roll at -4. Opening the box is terribly dangerous: return to Blackgold Station with Alex for fear of
once the seals are fully opened, anyone within 10 yards something happening to her again, and is unsure
of the device must make a Vigor roll to resist GenBomb if she could find a place for herself in Chapter. Alex
sickness, but the roll is made at a -4 penalty. would like to return home, but will ultimately follow
wherever Jess goes. Unless the PCs can convince
The device within the box looks similar to a them otherwise, the default route they take is for Alex
blackened human heart with two large vents on one to ask the PCs to inform her father that she is ok and
side that periodically leak small black spores into the then the pair head off into the wilds, determined to
air. Anyone touching the heart directly (with bare strike out on their own. The GM may even want them
flesh) is immediately affected by GenBomb Sickness to show up in future adventures.
as if they had rolled a Critical Failure on the Vigor
roll to resist. Blackgold Station: Depending on how the hostage
situation turned out, the PCs may find themselves
Once opened, the artifact inside can be destroyed - owed a favour by the Dugans, or made enemies of
but it is as resilient as any other Butchertech. Damage both them and the Finches. Returning to Blackgold
from a Heavy Weapon will do the job quickly, or the Station after the adventure is likely to be eventful one
players may be able to figure out some other method way or another.
that satisfies the GM.
Jess Dugan
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d6, Fighting d6, Intimidation d6, Notice d6, Persuasion d6, Repair
d4, Riding d6, Shooting d6, Stealth d6, Survival d8, Thievery d6
Hindrances: Driven (Major: I must be with my new love)
Edges: Brave, Connections (Blackgold Trading Company), Streetwise
Description: A 23 year old woman with short blonde hair and an athletic build. As a member of one of
Blackgold’s ruling families she knows that she has benefitted from some of their more dubious practices
but always felt there was something better for her elsewhere. Meeting Alex seemingly confirmed this. She
is quick to act and isn’t afraid to stand her ground if threatened.
THE AFTER 117

FIVE
Daniel to stay at least long enough for a prayer meeting

GAZ E T T E E R
and a meal. She is always looking to welcome more

virtuous and hard-working settlers to live in grace
“You’re Gifted? If you stay overnight in
among the faithful.
Daniel, you’re likely to have some spooky
dreams. About hellfire, demons and angels, While several grain fields have been hacked from
blazing swords, that kind of thing. My advice the surrounding wilderland, much of Daniel’s
is to pay it no mind, do your business, and make population of around three hundred is fed by the
sure you move on promptly in the mornin’!” settlement’s ample herds of goats, sheep, and cattle.
Meat from the herds and vegetables from the fields
-Old Man Crow are supplemented by a dedicated corps of hunters
and gatherers, who prowl the Valley for miles in every
One of the first groups to branch out from Chapter, direction and double as scouts. They’re known as
the settlers of Daniel are all fervent followers of the “The Watchmen” and do their best to spot incursions
Sacellum of Light. They moved to the lush valley of Ferals or Changed creatures before they become a
below Chapter to build a stone church and raise their problem for the farmers of Daniel.
children entirely by the laws of their New Faith. Each
family lives in a solidly-built wooden longhouse The Watchmen of Daniel keep an especially keen
within a half-mile of the town church, which remains eye on the trade road leading to the southeast, as
the focal point for trade and social gatherings within traders flying the Blackgold Trading Company
Daniel. There, Vicar Sheila Preston preaches the banner are, according to the Vicar, not to be trusted.
word of the New Faith and personally greets visitors The locals lock up their cattle and their daughters
to the settlement. when Blackgolds are sighted, though they still make
trades of wool, woven cloth, and furs.
Vicar Sheila leads the congregation by virtue of
being “blessed by God” - that is, she is a bearer of For most visitors, Daniel is a safe and wholesome
the Boon, with the ability to heal wounds or grant place to spend the night when travelling. While there
temporary flight to the faithful. She exhorts travellers is little in the way of vice to be had - alcohol, dancing,
Vicar Sheila,
Blessed Shepherd of Daniel
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Fighting d6, Fleshcrafting
d8, Healing d6, Intimidation d4, Notice d8, Occult d6, Performance d8,
Persuasion d8, Riding d6, Survival d6, Stealth d6
Hindrances: Code of Honor, Driven (Minor), Loyal
Edges: Arcane Background (Fleshcrafting), Baptized in Light (Defender), Brave, Common Bond, Connections
(Sacellum of Light), Connections (People of Daniel), Level Headed, Reliable
Gear: Leather travelling gear (+2 Armor), Trusty Quarterstaff, Sling and stones
Special Abilities:
Power Points: 15
Powers: Bolt, Healing, Fly, Protection, Relief
118 THE AFTER

FIVE
and gambling are unwelcome - there are plenty of Those who bear the Boon and bed down in
GAZ E T T E E R
friendly faces, a hot meal, and a clean, fenced-in Daniel often have prophetic dreams. They are
campground right behind the church. (Virtuous overcome intense visions of angels and demons
followers of the New Faith may be invited to stay battling. What’s the source of these dreams? Is
indoors with one of the local families rather than Daniel really watched over by God, or is there a
camp in the rough.) more tangible reason?
Ginny Benham, Marcus’s fourth daughter, gets a
Plot Hooks: mad crush on one of the PCs and does her best
George Carver and his boys have discovered a to inspire them to court her. If she’s not rebuffed
tribe of Ferals are beginning to settle in at the far soundly, she might even follow them on their
end of the valley. They’re looking for some help travels. Her three brothers probably wouldn’t
to roll down there and burn those demontouched take kindly to that.
filth out, in the name of God. Are you interested?
What would you do if you found out they were
just some Changed folks instead of Ferals?
Doc Fisher,
Veteran Veterinarian
Better known as “Doc Fisher” by the farmers of Daniel, Juan Fisher keeps
a modest cabin on the outskirts of the settlement, where anyone can
come for medical care - as long as they don’t mind a lecture from the
irascible medic! In addition to buying supplies for his medical practice,
he trades for spectacles or lenses, as the vision in his one remaining eye
is getting blurry.
In his teenage years, Fisher became disillusioned with farming and left home to travel with the Blackgold
Trading Company. He doesn’t tell too many stories of that time. Locals speculate that he did things he
would rather forget about. But he learned to shoot and ride, and came home with a wickedly fast knife hand.
As well, he’d done some sort of favor for a Librarian of Chapter and earned the right to take home copies of
a few books - veterinary manuals, as it turns out, which Fisher devoured.
For the last few years, he’s been the man all the local farmers of Daniel ask for when there is trouble in
their herds. When his fortunes have allowed it, he’s bartered for more medical texts and now boasts a tiny
library in the back room of his cabin. With the help of these Old World manuals, Doc Fisher has been able to
branch out his medical work and start helping his fellow citizens. He can set a bone, stitch a wound, deliver
a child, or help break a fever.
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Fighting d10, Healing d10, Intimidation d6, Notice d6, Persuasion
d6, Riding d6, Shooting d6, Survival d6, Stealth d4.
Hindrances: Bad Eyes (Minor), Code of Honor, One Eye
Edges: Brawny, Elan, Frenzy, Healer, Level Headed
Gear: Furs/leather armor (+2 Armor), Medical supplies, wicked combat blade (Str+d6), bullwhip
THE AFTER 119

FIVE
Highway Market A majority of Highway Market’s populace - maybe

GAZ E T T E E R
100 folks at most - is spread in small multi-family

“This is a place worth spending a night or two clusters over several square miles of the nearby land,
taking advantage of the fertile soil and wide-open
after the trail’s been hard on a body. Best baking
spaces to raise small herds of livestock and whatever
anywhere in the Valley, and once your belly’s
crops can survive the frequent bouts of bizarre
full, there’s plenty on the shelf to be bartered weather that blow in from the south.
for as well. Good people here, who won’t put a
knife in you while you sleep. In truth, I worry About fifty people have settled in Highway Market
they’re a little soft. Clarity will really be up proper, in a settlement which is packed tight and solid
against it if the marauders around Hanging around a pre-Harvest diner, fortified with rebar and
Rocks get organized. Still, maybe this world reclaimed bricks. This structure has become a common
could use a little bit of soft now and then.”
stop on the route between Chapter and Sweetwater. The
diner’s kitchen is run by Clarity, a middle-aged woman
who may be the best cook for a hundred miles. Even
- Zachariah Cole
those travelers who are just passing through often stop
for her pies and biscuits. Over the years, she’s become
the de facto leader of the people here, offering calm
words in times of difficulty. “Clarity’s Place” is watched
over by a huge Helot called Raine, who is always near
at hand when trouble arises, and seems to never sleep.
While many in the area would love to spread out and

claim more land, expansion has been slow, as the area
has been plagued by marauders and outlaws. As well,
creatures from the Hanging Rocks sometimes cross
the distance to begin preying on the local cattle. A
final source of conflict is Sweetwater: the Regulators
there are insistent that Sweetwater owns all the land
to the south of Highway Market, and have threatened
to meet any settlement in their “Claim” with violence.
Clarity, Because of all this potential for strife, most folk want
Erstwhile Leader of to settle within sight of the solid walls at Clarity’s.
Highway Market
Plot Hooks:
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d8, Spirit d8, Last night, something awful crawled out of the
Strength d6, Vigor d6. Buckley family’s well and killed two of their
Skills: Athletics d4, Common Knowledge d8, farmhands. It’s still hiding somewhere in the
Driving d6, Fighting d4, Healing d6, Notice d6, nearby farmsteads. Can the PCs help flush it out
Persuasion d8, Repair d6, Riding d6, Shooting while it’s still daylight?
d6, Survival d6, Stealth d4. A trio of Changed Hanging Rock marauders have
Pace: 6; Parry: 4; Toughness: 7(2) showed up at Clarity’s Place with a wagonload of
Hindrances: Hesitant, Mild Mannered trade goods, claiming to have gone legitimate.
The locals are certain the newcomers have killed
Edges: Charismatic, Connections (Highway a merchant, appropriated his goods, and are just
Market), Strong Willed waiting to murder the whole settlement. The
Gear: Furs/leather armor (+2 Armor), chef ’s knife, tension is overwhelming. Will the PCs help
first aid kit discover the truth of the matter, before Raine
decides to take matters into her own hands?
120 THE AFTER

FIVE
A sudden, unnatural storm causes a cyclone that Sweetwater
GAZ E T T E E R
collapses a nearby farmhouse, which promptly
catches fire. Can the PCs brave the incessant
“The old books tell romantic tales of the
lightning, the howling wind, and the flames to rescue
cowboys and their herds. Serene nights on
the surviving family members trapped within?
the range, campfires under the stars. Songs
and brotherhood and bravery. Well, the
ranchers of Sweetwater never read those
books, I reckon. Always worrying and angry
about something, whether it’s the herd,
or the weather, or the neighbors.”
- Zachariah Cole
The breadbasket of the Wind River Valley, Sweetwater

claims a broad swath of land throughout the southern
reach. As a community, they are strident, nearly
militant, in regards to protecting the lands of “the
Claim,” as they refer to it. With a swelling population
of over 400 souls, they certainly have the manpower
to enforce their ownership.
Raine,
At the central ranch, Derek McKellar and his
Devoted Helot Guardian extended family control Sweetwater with iron fists and
squads of burly “Regulators.” They work their tenant
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d8, farmers and herders to the bone, forcing them to
Strength d12, Vigor d10. compete among one another for the best yield and the
Skills: Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d4, healthiest animals. Those who toil hardest and come
Fighting d10, Intimidation d10, Notice d6, out ahead may finally be able to buy out the contract on
Repair d6, Stealth d6, Survival d8 their land and own a piece of the Claim for themselves,
Pace: 6; Parry: 7; Toughness: 12(3) free and clear. The truly brilliant usually end up being
Hindrances: Can’t Swim, Illiterate, Vow (Major: invited to marry into the McKellar family.
Protect Clarity)
While it might seem to outsiders that the folk of
Edges: Brawler, Brawny, Brute, First Strike
Sweetwater live a charmed life with plenty of space
(Improved), Frenzy (Improved), Hard to Kill,
and no shortage of food, nothing could be farther
Nerves of Steel (Improved), Trademark Weapon
from the truth. The ranchers and farmers are
(Ancestral Halberd)
chronically short on fuel, bullets, and manufactured
Gear: Halberd, Sling and stones, Scrap Armor goods, and so pull most of the bounty from the earth
Special Abilities: with their own hands. They struggle and sweat on a
Helot Traits: Running die = d4, +1 Reach, daily basis to bring in the herds and harvests.
Toxin Immunity, -2 Smarts rolls
Though the Sweetwater Claim is lush, it is also on
the edge of civilization. The ranchers spend sleepless,
stressful nights warding their herds and their families
from fierce predators, and regularly do battle against
bandits, Ferals, and terrible Changed beasts. Many
of them bear awful scars that are testament to these
depredations. Ranchers who fall in the line of duty
THE AFTER 121

FIVE
GAZ E T T E E R
are honored with a memorial stone in the graveyard Clarity… the trouble is that darned Helot, Raine,
back at the McKellar ranch. Those who remain are that hangs about. Raine doesn’t like Lawrence.
often a sullen, paranoid bunch when encountered in She’s got to go, and the PCs look like just the
the wild, slow to trust and prone to start shooting at group to make that happen.
the slightest provocation. Old Jackie’s herd of cattle got into some kind of
Changed plant and it’s made them turn savage.
The few skav that have merged into the settlement They trampled Old Jackie and her husband, and
are praised for their night vision. They are treated now they are headed this way with more blood in
with more respect at Sweetwater than at most locales mind!
in the Valley.
One of the farmers thinks the McKellars are
going to foreclose on his farm soon, which will
Plot Hooks: put his family at the mercy of the Regulators. His
Lawrence McKellar, one of Derek’s younger daughter, Missy, loves to read and wants to be a
brothers, lost his wife to a fever a year ago. He teacher. Will the PCs escort her to Chapter so she
recently returned from a trading trip with can get some proper book-learnin’? If she stays
wild ideas of taking over Highway Market and in Sweetwater, she’ll be forced to work in some
controlling most of the trade between Sweetwater other man’s field or marry too young.
and Chapter. He’d even be willing to marry
122 THE AFTER

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GAZ E T T E E R
Derek McKellar, Sweetwater Regular
Cruel Master
It’d be easy for an outsider to mistake these broad-
of Sweetwater ranch shouldered young men as the peacekeepers of
Sweetwater Ranch. The truth is that they are
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d8, Spirit d8,
stone-hearted enforcers of Derek McKellar’s
Strength d8, Vigor d8.
cruel laws. The only time Sweetwater ranchers
Skills: Athletics d6, Battle d6, Boating d4, are relieved to see the Regulators is when they
Common Knowledge d8, Driving d8, Fighting are riding the other direction. In addition
d8, Intimidation d12, Notice d10, Persuasion d6, to patrolling for Ferals and Changed beasts,
Riding d10, Shooting d10, Stealth d6, Survival regulators collect the many taxes and debts that
d10, Taunt d10 McKellar imposes on his tenants, and evict those
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 11(2) who can’t or won’t pay. McKellar has also invested
Hindrances: Arrogant, Bloodthirsty, Greedy his regulators with the power to fine or detain
(Major), Ruthless (Major), Stubborn anyone causing trouble within his settlement.
Anyone who tries to resist with force is met with
Edges: Ambidextrous, Brawler, Brawny, Bruiser,
remorseless steel and fire.
Combat Reflexes, Command, Connections
(Sweetwater Ranch), Dead Shot, Dodge,
Fervor, Hard to Kill, Inspire, Marksman, Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d8,
Menacing, Nerves of Steel (Improved), Quick, Strength d8, Vigor d10.
Rabble-Rouser, Steady Hands, Strong Willed, Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d4,
Trademark Weapon (Twin Pistols), Two-Gun Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Notice d6,
Kid Persuasion d4, Riding d8, Shooting d8, Stealth
Gear: Kevlar Vest (reduces bullet damage by 4), d4, Survival d6, Taunt d6.
Knife, Matched pair of high-caliber revolvers, Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 10(2)
30 bullets Hindrances: Mean, Stubborn, Vengeful(Major).
Special Abilities: Edges: Brawny, First Strike, Marksman.
Master of Sweetwater: While Derek Gear: Reinforced Leather Armor (+2 Armor),
McKellar remains in charge of Sweetwater Wood Axe or Machete, Revolver with 12 bullets
Ranch, he can use the Connections Edge as OR Pump Shotgun with 10 shots.
often as he likes. Just by giving the order, he
can round up an armed posse of Regulators,
claim additional firearms, or gather mounts
and wagons.
THE AFTER 123

FIVE
The Phoenix State salvage operation. Their soldiers are fanatical and
GAZ E T T E E R
not interested in parley, treaties, or any form of

communication with outsiders, and exhibit violent
“Head out far enough East, past the Hanging
xenophobia towards any who try. They believe the
Rocks and the mountains, and you might Phoenix State is entitled to anything they care to take
spot microlight planes buzzing around, way from Old World sites, and anyone who gets in the
up high. Those’re Phoenix State scouts, way is to be liquidated.
keeping eyes out for anything that might
crawl from one of the Breach Zones. See, The leaders of the Phoenix State preach that
they’re descendants of a military group of humanity must wipe the mark of the Butchers from
some kind. They were raised to shoot on the face of the Earth if they are to prosper. While
sight at anything that ain’t fully human. And Phoenix forces are already belligerent to everyone
they’ve got plenty of guns to do it with.”
they encounter, anyone who is obviously Changed, a
user of the Boon, or deviant from pure humanity in
any other way will be actively pursued and executed.
- Zachariah Cole
Unfortunately for outsiders, the Phoenix State has
developed some sort of method for keeping Breach
energy and GenBomb particles from interfering
with their gear. This helps explain how they are able
to mount regular microlight scouting flights, and
why their soldiers are loaded to the gills with guns
and even explosives. The Librarians of Chapter
speculate that the Phoenix State originates from a
military base that survived the Harvest, allowing
them to arm their soldiers quite heavily and use
their ammunition liberally.
Plot Hooks:
A family with Changed children is on the run,
with a patrol of Phoenix State militia only a few
minutes behind them! Will the PCs interfere or
step aside from the pending slaughter?
A group of Blackgold Company salvagers have
discovered the Phoenix State is fortifying a
Few truths are known about the Phoenix State. They permanent base camp at the south end of The
originate from somewhere to the distant east, beyond Rustyard. They’re clearing the area of other
the Wind River Valley, and screen off their territory with foragers methodically and brutally. What Old
regular scouting flights and well-armed patrols. When World cache have they discovered? How will the
they make an incursion into the Wind River Valley, communities surrounding react to the military
it’s usually a large operation to delve the ruins of Old intrusion?
Buffalo, the Fission Factory, or Old Kaycee for parts, A Phoenix State microlight crashes near
salvage, and whatever else of value they can haul off. Sweetwater. The pilot is wounded and raving. He
is a defector who is seeking sanctuary in return
While Phoenix State soldiers don’t generally move for the secrets he’s stolen from the Phoenix State.
far enough west to raid existing settlements, they are What has he learned that’s so important to the
not shy about shooting at anyone who approaches people of the Wind River Valley, and what will the
within shouting distance of a patrol, base camp, or Phoenix State army do to cover their tracks?
124 THE AFTER

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The Tribe
GAZ E T T E E R
“It takes a certain kind of folk to have gotten
through The Harvest and The War out in the
open air. Them that survived raised children
who are stoic, patient, and tough. Clever in
what they call the “Old Ways.” That means
knowing their land and the things that dwell
in it.They’re good and honest people and fair
traders, as long as you treat them right in
turn. Those that harm the Tribe aren’t likely
to make it back to the mountains unscathed.”
Tamala,
- Zachariah Cole Tribal Trail Master
Before the Harvest, this area was home to the Eastern
Shoshone and Arapaho Native American tribes. The lands of the Tribe are vast and lush. When
When the Butchers assaulted America’s cities and the winters subside and the fields bloom, the
towns, some members of those tribes disappeared families of the Tribe spread out to hunt, fish,
into the wilderness and survived by adopting the and herd. Guarding them are trail masters like
survival techniques of their ancestors. Now, a thriving Tamala: scouts and protectors who feel most
community has risen in the area, including many comfortable standing apart from others, moving
Helots and other survivors of various heritages. through the wilderness in silence and solitude.
Not only do these scouts stand guard over the
The lands claimed by the Tribe are somewhat rest of the Tribe, they also shadow the many
sheltered from the unpredictable squalls that blow groups of traders, scavengers, and troublemakers
in from the south, but frequent storms and hard that enter the Tribe’s land.
winters still are the norm. The Tribe’s lands are rife
with wildlife: bison, elk, and pronghorn are regularly
hunted. The Tribe also watches over a few small
Strength d8, Vigor d8
herds of horses.
Skills: Athletics d8, Boating d6, Common
The families of the Tribe are rovers, camping in Knowledge d6, Fighting d8, Intimidate d6,
a prime location for weeks at a time, hunting and Notice d10, Persuasion d4, Riding d8, Shooting
gathering for sustenance. When winter approaches, d10, Stealth d10, Survival d8.
members of the Tribe gather at a central location Pace 6; Parry 6, Toughness 7(1)
in the southern area of their land, where sturdy Hindrances: Phobia(Major): crowds, Ruthless
longhouses are erected to house the people through (Minor), Suspicious (Minor)
the cold. Some elders of the Tribe stay in this Edges: Alertness, Marksman, Signature Weapon
settlement year-round, so there is always someone (Family Rifle), Woodsman
of wisdom and repute to settle disputes, or to make
treaties and oversee trade with outsiders. The Gear: Custom-crafted camouflage outfit (+1
longhouses are also a permanent home to those who Armor, +2 to Stealth in natural surroundings
are too elderly or unwell to travel the breadth of the when not moving), hatchet, survival knife,
land. This is also where a small number of dedicated compound bow, 20 arrows. Family Rifle: Range
warriors make their homes, training to defend their 50/100/200, Damage 2d10, AP 4, RoF 1, Snapfire,
people against any threats that arise. Heavy Weapon. 14 bullets for the rifle.
THE AFTER 125

126 THE AFTER
FIVE
Due to some quirk of the GenBomb, almost 100
GAZ E T T E E R
percent of the children born to the Tribe for several
generations after the Harvest were female. While
this effect has somewhat abated - only seventy-five
percent of children in the Tribe are female today -
this has led to the Tribe becoming a completely
matriarchal society. All elders and war leaders of the
Tribe are women. Given the low numbers of men,
the Tribe is less concerned with monogamous pair-
bonding than other civilizations.
Plot Hooks:
A terrible creature has driven the Tribe away from
their hunting grounds to the north. The size of Lina Stout,
a bear, but covered in metal plates and bearing Colonel of White Pine
strange biomechanical implants, this bloodthirsty
creature is hunting humans in preference to Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d6, Spirit d8,
other prey. The elders are arranging war parties Strength d8, Vigor d8.
to drive the beast off or slay it. If the PCs can
Skills: Athletics d6, Battle d8, Boating d4,
track it first and dispatch it without help, they
Common Knowledge d8, Driving d8, Fighting
will earn great esteem with the Tribe.
d8, Healing d4, Intimidation d6, Notice d8,
A teenage girl, enraged and embarrassed at failing Persuasion d8, Repair d8, Riding d8, Shooting
the test of womanhood for the third time, has d10, Stealth d8, Survival d8, Taunt d6, Thievery
stolen her aunt’s prized rifle and run away. She d4
is headed toward the Rustyard, intending to hunt
down one of the beasts of the ruins and bring
back its head, to prove that she is a true hunter Hindrances: Big Mouth, Impulsive,
of the Tribe. While the elders of the Tribe have Overconfident
chosen to give the girl her chance, her father is Edges: Brave, Command, Command Presence,
distraught and begs the PCs to take action and Connections (White Pine), Dodge, Elan, Fleet-
bring his daughter home alive. Footed, Gear Warden, Gear Purifier, Marksman,
Nerves of Steel (Improved), Quick, Rock and
Roll!, Trademark Weapon (assault rifle)
White Pine Gear: Kevlar Vest and Helmet (reduces bullet
damage by 4), Assault Rifle with 2 reloads, Semi-
“A wild and intemperate bunch, prone to risk- auto pistol, Combat Knife, two pre-Harvest
taking and troublemaking. They bring down grenades
regular shipments of timber to Chapter, along
Special Abilities:
with interesting Remnants their explorers have
Colonel: While Lina remains Colonel of
gleaned from The Verdant. Unfortunately, along
White Pine, she can use her Connections
with the Remnants, they bring alcohol distilled Edge as often as desired. By giving the
from the fruits found there. The big hobbies order, she can mobilize every fighter in
back home are apparently drinking to excess and White Pine, and lay claim to any piece of
picking fights, and they seem so offended to find equipment owned by the town, including
that Chapter doesn’t tolerate that behavior.” additional firearms and explosives, or a
motorized vehicle.
- Allie Morgan
THE AFTER 127

FIVE
Nestled high up in heavily-wooded mountains, the the mountain every spring in his ox cart. The
GAZ E T T E E R
people of White Pine would probably be left all alone mildly narcotic beverage is distilled from a secret
if it weren’t for their penchant to get out and see the blend of ingredients harvested from The Verdant.
world. They seem to thrive on excitement, so when Will the PCs steal the formula? What if it’s not
the time comes to run timber or other trade goods written down - are they willing to coerce or entice
down the slopes to Chapter, a good portion of the the brewers? What happens if the Colonel finds
settlement will make the trip. They’re usually keen out about the plot?
to make deals, find mates, and get into mischief - and
not always in that order.
The settlement was established by the remainder Breach Zones and

of an Old World National Guard unit, and they still
have serviceable weapons with which to defend their
Exploration Sites
community. The pride of White Pine is their trio of
armored vehicles, which are in usable condition - at THE BLIGHT
least for now. These are used to move their trade
to Chapter in force, and haul their bounty back up “The first thing you’ll notice about the Blight is
the mountainside. Keeping these vehicles fueled that everything looks a little crooked. Nothing
necessitates a good relationship with the Blackgold is straight and animals don’t walk quite like you’d
Trading Company.
expect. Then, as you go in a bit more, you’ll see
weirder stuff: trees that slouch back and forth
The leader of White Pine is always referred to as
against the wind, grass that turns to syrup when
“The Colonel.” The current Colonel is Lina Stout, a
sharpshooting firebrand whose utter confidence has you touch it, creatures that slop around like
enthralled the town. They’re happy to have her lead they’re boneless and spit slime at you. Don’t eat
the way with jaw set and fists swinging, at least until anything that’s been in the Blight for more than
someone better comes along. Colonel Stout has stepped a few hours, even if you brought it in on your own
up expeditions into the Verdant, convinced that White back - no matter how good it looks. Elsewise
Pine will turn up a Remnant so good that the rest of the the next thing that’ll seem to be going melty is
Wind River Valley will be coming up the mountain to your own fingers, and it gets worse from there.”
White Pine, bringing offerings of fuel and bullets.
- Zachariah Cole
Plot Hooks:
White Pine shelters their own, even when they’ve The Blight is a massive Breach-altered area in the
caused crimes in places outside of town. What north of Wind River Valley. The landscape is lush
happens elsewhere doesn’t matter at home, as far but blistered with oddly bright pastel patches, which
as the Colonel is concerned. The people of Daniel are interspersed with areas where the landscape
are livid that White Pine won’t surrender Karl seems to have slipped and melted. Rocks have run
Drayhorn and his gang, who have been stealing by like warm butter and trees flop in bizarre tangles.
night from the good folk of the New Faith for the Animals gibber disturbingly and their limbs twist in
past season. They’re threatening to blockade the eye-watering ways. The air is often hazy, making it
mountain road, and everyone knows that’s going easy to become disoriented.
to lead to a full-blown battle. Can cooler heads
prevail or will the PCs pick a side to fight on? Whatever happened here during the War caused the
Filian Garvey, a trader on his way upslope to mysterious, dangerous environmental effect that the
White Pine, has a proposition for the PCs: Garvey area is named for: the Blight. After a short time in
wants the formula for Green Joe’s “dream juice”, the Blight, organic material starts to shift and change,
so he can make it himself and quit slogging up becoming more amorphous and bizarre until finally
128 THE AFTER

THE AFTER 129
FIVE
breaking down altogether. This effect gets stronger Recovery: No effect, ability, or power can remove
GAZ E T T E E R
and more pervasive as explorers get nearer the center this Fatigue while the victim remains in the Blight.
of the Blight, in the vicinity of an Old World ruin that One Fatigue level incurred from the Blight will be
explorers now call Cankertown. removed every 24 hours spent entirely outside the
Blight.
Scientists avoid all but the outskirts of the zone, as Incapacitation Effects: Incapacitated victims that
more than one expedition to discover the true cause remain within the Blight must make a Vigor roll
of the Blight has failed to penetrate all the way to the every additional hour they remain within the
center. Few of those explorers returned, despite safety Blight, or transform into glibbermen. They forget
procedures and even environmental suits. What keeps their previous existence and slump off into the
the Blight attractive to scavengers is its high incidence Blight, soon to be indistinguishable from any other
of pre-Harvest salvage, such as electronic components, Glibbermen an explorer might encounter.
motor parts, and ammunition. Most explorers choose
to hurry into the Blight and back out again as soon as
they can fill their bags. It’s common knowledge in the POINTS OF INTEREST
northern Wind River Valley that to stay in the Blight Outer Blight: The outermost reaches of the
more than a day or two guarantees death. Blight are where most explorers and scavengers
limit their searches. Because it’s close to the
Even more strangely, the effects of the Blight are border of the Breach Zone, danger from the
limited by proximity and aren’t lasting or contagious Blight effect is relatively low. There also aren’t
once a victim moves out of the zone. Escape alive, too many glibbermen present. The problem is
stay out, and it will wear off - eventually. that most of the ruins have been picked through
quite a bit by the folk who got there first.
ZONE EFFECTS
Characters within the Blight must make a Vigor Cankertown: Set deeper into the Blight is this
roll every eight hours that they remain within the withered and twisted Old World ruin. Even many
Breach Zone. Characters who eat food that has spent of the remaining buildings are beginning to warp
more than four hours inside the Blight must also and flow in bizarre ways. The salvage is good if
immediately make a Vigor roll to resist its effects. you can handle the effects of the Blight and avoid
Failure on this roll results in the character suffering the weird things that wander the streets.
one level of Fatigue.
Mushmoat: This is a mile-long trench or canal
This Fatigue represents the Blight starting to work that serves as a landmark and roadblock. It’s not
its way into the character’s flesh. Their bodies begin on any Old World maps, and nobody’s sure how
to subtly change: their limbs might go crooked it got there or what purpose it serves aside from
or their flesh become jelly-like. There is no pain getting in the way. It’s full of liquid fungus that
accompanied with this warping, nor any noticeable moves of its own accord. What swims under the
mental effects - unless the character succumbs fully surface? In any case, those who have fallen into
to the effects of the Blight. the Mushmoat have never been seen again.
This Vigor roll is modified by the character’s current Centerpoint: A former town of substantial size,
location, as follows: this would be a veritable gold mine of salvage and
Within Outer Blight: +2 technology, except that it’s too close to the center
Within Cankertown: -2 of the Blight. Over the years, it’s served as a deadly
Within one mile of the central point: make the lure for explorers who think they’ve discovered a
roll every hour gimmick to avoid the effects of the Blight.
Within one-half mile of the central point: make
the roll every 10 minutes
130 THE AFTER

FIVE
ENCOUNTERS materiel as can be transported, with the intention of
GAZ E T T E E R
The explorers are ambushed by a pair of wreckers. creating a new military base in Casper. CENTCOM
recommends moving by night in an attempt to evade
The beasts attempt to separate them and stomp
enemy reconnaissance from orbital installations.
the stragglers flat.
A pack of zapdrones patrols the area, You have authorization to confiscate any items useful
exterminating any humans they encounter. Will to the defense effort, including fuel, vehicles, guns,
you engage them in combat or attempt to hide in ammunition, and anything else you see fit.
the nearby wreckage?
A terrifying ghost ooze begins to stalk the group. You have authorization to conscript any and all
Glibbermen assault the explorers with nets and citizens of fighting age and fitness, including but not
clubs, attempting to take prisoners. They intend limited to Wyoming National Guard, Wyoming state
to drag any captured people deeper into the and local police officers, and local civilians.
Blight, place them on a weird altar, and keep
the prisoners bound until they become more In Casper, the 11th is to rendezvous with Dr Darius Wei
glibbermen. and his group of scientists. Dr Wei and his team must
You’ve spotted another exploring party digging be protected at all costs. Dig into Casper and create
into some kind of equipment cache. Who knows a fortified base for these scientists to perform work
if they’ll be friendly or attack on sight? Is your related to national security. CENTCOM recommends
group the type that would try to steal their digging down to create an installation that could
salvage? avoid notice from the air. The 115th’s highest priority
is to defend Dr Wei, his work, and his team. Casper and
Scouts from the Tribe emerge from the fog.
its citizenry are to be considered expendable. Dr Wei’s
They’re trying to follow the tracks of a missing
scientific efforts are of utmost importance to the war
warrior who entered the Blight to prove her
effort.
bravery by taking a trophy from one of the beasts
of the zone. Was she taken by glibbermen, pinned
The 115th is to remain in Casper until further orders
under a collapsing wall, or simply overcome by
arrive.
the Blight?
.....
THE FISSION FACTORY

Permanent Orders 602-10 March 10, 2021
Lt Col Cameron H Brown
Classified: ***TOP SECRET***
Lt Col Brown, your orders are as follows:
Take command of the remainder of the 115th

FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE, including all
troops that have not been assigned to the
cordon around DENVER COLORADO. We
have received intelligence from CENTCOM
that the Butchers have plans to move
against CHEYENNE AFB. Because of this
threat, you will move the 115th north
to CASPER WYOMING. Bring as much
THE AFTER 131

FIVE
Last Stand of the Old World industry and reestablish communications with other
GAZ E T T E E R
Shortly after the Harvest began, the United States’ parts of the world. Surely the restricted areas were
armed forces struggled to maintain a cordon around being used to synthesize vital medicines and get
the city of Denver, where Butcher forces were wreaking electrical power running again.
havoc. With their best technology ruined either by
the pre-Harvest EMP attack or by the destructive In truth, many of these expeditions were sent to
influence of the GenBomb, the soldiers were hard- explore the nuclear missile silos that had been built
pressed to contain roving bands of biomechanoids across Wyoming. After the United States launched
and other Butcher servitors. nuclear weapons against the Butcher fleet, most of
these installations had been completely destroyed
As supplies at the battlefront ran low and casualties by orbital bombardment. In a scant few, however,
slowly mounted, the remaining Western command the scientists were able to extract vital rocket fuel,
structure chose a sacrificial gamble. They committed electronics, and - most importantly - fissile material.
their reserves in Wyoming to create a secret base in Under the assumption that the Butchers’ fleet was
the relative backwater of Casper, Wyoming, hundreds watching, this salvage was often brought back under
of miles from the nearest Butcher landing zone. If the cover of night, and stashed in the tunnels and
Butchers could be contained, the scientists in Casper compounds that had been dug below Casper - an area
might have a chance to make a weapon capable of that came to be called the Fission Factory.
driving the aliens out of Denver - and, perhaps, out
of America entirely. The experiments most commonly performed in
the Fission Factory attempted to understand, harness,
Despite the scarcity of fuel and the increasing and control the particles emitted from the GenBomb.
unreliability of motorized transport, the soldiers The goal was to inoculate weaponry and technology
of the 115th successfully evacuated Cheyenne and against the insidious effects of the nanites, in order
made the long, difficult march to Casper. There, to enable the military to fight back against the alien
they had to pacify a populace gone half-mad after menace. Experiments ranged from small-scale efforts
a year of panic, food shortages, and virtual anarchy. to insulate individual soldiers and their personal
With guidance from a cadre of local scientists, they weapons, to ambitious efforts to launch an airborne
brought a stern order to the small city. Crime was assault with enhanced nuclear payloads. Each
met with zero tolerance, and citizens were offered experimental track was assigned its own underground
rations and shelter in return for their hard labor. bunker, isolated from the surface and kept as a ‘clean’
environment. Years of quiet testing yielded both
Within a year, communication from upper successes and failures; several of the Fission Factory’s
command had ceased, and the 115th found itself bunkers lost containment after accidents in handling
governing a city-state. The relative law and order the nanites, and had to be permanently sealed to avoid
compared to the rest of the region drew in survivors contaminating the remainder of the complex with
from the surrounding countryside, and the soldiers rampant GenBomb particles.
put the burgeoning population to work building
dwellings, crafting fortifications, gleaning useful It’s uncertain how much effect the holding action in
salvage, and farming. Conditions were always Denver (and other cities of the Old World) had upon
difficult and daily life was, by necessity, strict. the Harvest. Were the Butchers cowed by the valiant
efforts of the soldiers attempting to hem them in - or
Below the small city, the army began to build a were they simply satisfied with the rich territory they
sealed, underground complex. There, scientists had stolen from humanity? Regardless, in the late
gathered what little technological equipment summer of 2029, the Butchers controlling Denver
could still be used. Under the scientists’ direction, had sucked the city dry. Having run out of victims,
expeditions were mounted in all directions to gather the aliens marshalled their biomechanical armies
industrial parts. As far as the general populace and took to the battlefield themselves, shattering
was concerned, these efforts were meant to rebuild the remnants of the American army in a matter of
132 THE AFTER

FIVE
GAZ E T T E E R
weeks before swarming outward into the suburbs disgorging a horde of biomechanical servitors before
and countryside. unleashing a pulverizing wave of artillery against the
town. Following the bombardment, the Butchers led
News of this reached the Fission Factory in the their armies toward Casper.
fall, carried by a handful of bedraggled and starving
survivors. A particularly vicious winter slowed the The brave men and women of the Fission Factory
Butcher advance, but in the spring of 2030, a Harvester lashed out with every hidden weapon they had built
ship was sighted closing in on the Fission Factory. and triggered every trick and trap they had spent years
laying. They slew biomechanoids by the hundred.
The aliens were rebuffed, briefly: an experimental Legend has it that the army of Old Casper had
cannon forced the Harvester ship to the ground more success against the oncoming aliens than any
several miles away from Casper. This allowed the human force on Earth. It’s said that, in their furious
town’s leaders time to order a partial evacuation. counterattack, they destroyed two Harvester ships and
While many of the soldiers would stand and fight, managed to slay several of the Butchers themselves.
using the best armaments that nearly a decade of
desperate experimental science could produce, others This valiant stand bought time for the evacuees to
led a frantic convoy to points east of Wind River Valley. flee the area successfully, but in the end the Butchers
could simply bring superior force to bear. They had no
Unfortunately for Old Casper, forcing the Harvester compunctions about tying up a group of defenders with
ship out of the sky led to a devastating reprisal. Several an onslaught of biomechanoids, and then bombarding
other Butcher ships surrounded the area at a distance, the entire area with railguns until it was glowing slag.
THE AFTER 133

FIVE
The aftermath of the battle brought Butchers Dotting the land around the Fission Factory
GAZ E T T E E R
swarming to the area like flies to a corpse. While are skeletal, blackened remains of the Butchers’
there were relatively few survivors for the aliens to shattered habitats and biofactories, alongside the
capture and toy with, they seemed attracted to the crumbling ruins of Old World human settlements,
bunkers of the Fission Factory itself, as well as the untouched since the Harvest. These ruins are
radioactive craters left from the enhanced nuclear thoroughly poisoned and are often crawling with
weapons that the defenders of Casper had triggered dangerous creatures.
in an attempt to wipe out the Butchers. Indeed, the
aliens basked in the radiation, seeming to benefit The radiation here remains a fuel source for the
rather than be harmed. automated remnants of some of the Butchers’
bioforges, hidden deep underground. This means
By the winter of 2030, every remaining soul in that, from time to time, the ground rumbles and a
Casper was devoured or put to work as a slave, as hidden door grinds open, belching forth poison
the Butchers began to excavate a site for a fortified clouds and bloodthirsty biomechanical creatures,
industrial base, centered around the experimental which are still programmed to hunt and kill in the
bunkers left behind by the defenders. For decades, name of the Butchers.
the Butchers used the Fission Factory as a spawning
ground for renewing their biomechanical armies, If an explorer can withstand the toxins and avoid
slaughtering the surrounding region with cruel the murderous adversaries common to the Fission
precision. Factory, there is salvage to be found throughout
the Breach Zone. Underground bunkers might
The sudden arrival of the Ghosts in AD 2065 reveal an Old World laboratory with some partially-
brought true devastation down upon the Fission functional equipment, or a crumbling garage could
Factory. One of the Ghosts’ entry points through hold an intact military vehicle or weapon. For
the Breach was in the sky, directly above the Butcher those who brave the hazards of the ruined Butcher
facilities that had been built here over the last thirty bioforges, alien Remnants can be discovered - both
years - a position which allowed them to assault the Butcher biotechnology as well as Ghost Shards, left
Butchers completely by surprise. Their Breach-based scattered from the vicious fighting that took place
weaponry twisted the land itself, cracking open the in Old Casper. These treasures bring explorers into
Butcher bioforges like so many anthills and exposing the Breach Zone year after year, despite the awful
the underground works beneath. dangers.
Weeks of unrelenting battle ensued, and both alien ZONE EFFECTS

races brought their most devastating weapons to
Contamination: The Fission Factory has become
bear. The destruction that followed left the Fission
a patchwork of radiation zones, uncontrolled
Factory a warped and steaming mess. Many miles
Breach energy, and GenBomb particles. Rather
of territory were left contaminated with GenBomb
than track this mile by mile, it can be modeled for
nanites, Breach energy, radioactivity, and toxic waste.
exploration with the following effects:
• The entire Breach Zone is somewhat
The After’s Most Deadly Lure radioactive, but not to a sufficient degree as
Nearly fifty years after the Breaking, the Fission to cause immediate harm in game terms.
Factory might seem at first glance like many other (Spending weeks, months, or longer in the
areas of Wind River Valley. The local plant life has Fission Factory might not be the best for your
had time to regrow, and animals have slowly migrated health, though.) However, nearly all of the
into the zone. However, many of the plants and “ruins” found throughout the Fission Factory
animals found here are sickened by the ever-present are low radiation zones, forcing a Vigor roll
radiation. Others have become Changed due to the once an hour to combat radiation sickness per
latent Breach energy suffusing the region. the Radiation Hazard rules in Savage Worlds.
134 THE AFTER

FIVE
GAZ E T T E E R
At the GMs option, certain limited areas POINTS OF INTEREST
- such as impact craters, wrecked reactor Bioforge Kvoshk: This terrifying edifice is a fallen
rooms, or destroyed laboratories - might be Butcher flesh factory. Several levels still loom
treated as high radiation zones instead. aboveground, though the structure is damaged
• Unpredictable currents of Breach energy are and slowly crumbling. The underground areas
common throughout the Fission Factory. are passable but have sustained significant
Whenever a Gifted uses a power and rolls a damage, resulting in unexpected rockfalls and
Raise, that power is also affected by the Glow yawning chasms. While there is some amazing
Power Modifier at no additional Power Point salvage to be collected here - especially if you are
cost. However, when a Gifted attempts to interested in Butchertech Remnants - at the cost
activate a power and fails, they lose 1d4 Power of having to tangle with freakish and formidable
Points (instead of the usual one point). Do not Butcher-made beasts that stalk around the area,
include this effect on a roll that inflicts Backlash. slaughtering all intruders.
• GenBomb particles are unusually active due
to the nearby presence of Butcher machinery
and wrecked bioforges. Whenever someone Sentry Hollow: This tiny settlement near the
in the Fission Factory would have a Stress Tag western edge of the Fission Factory is evenly
assigned to their gear, they instead receive split between two feuding survivor clans. The
two. It’s up to the GM whether both tags village exists because they have discovered
affect the same piece of gear, or if they are Remnant technology that cleans the ubiquitous
assigned separately. contamination from the air and water within
a short distance. The Remnant seems to be
running off the radiation that it devours.
THE AFTER 135

The Bones: This narrow valley is littered with the
ossified skeletons of strange, enormous beasts.
A small settlement has been built among the
Bones, as the residents have discovered that the
remains can (carefully) be harvested for a powder
that makes a workable explosive.
The Eye in the Sky: Nearly one thousand feet

above the ruins of Old Casper, a strange ‘hole’ in
the sky flickers with eerie light, trailing streamers
not unlike the Northern Lights. This bizarre
formation is the result of the Ghosts’ heedless
tearing through spacetime when they ambushed
the Butchers during the Fall. This echo of their
original Breaching still remains. Especially at
night, the light inside the Eye flickers through a
myriad of strange colors, and amorphous shapes
seem to take form briefly in the “space” beyond
the opening. On rare occasions, things have been
seen flying or falling out. If any explorer has
attempted to enter the Eye in the Sky, they have
not returned to share their experience.
The House of Mute: An Order of Silence

hideout is camouflaged near the southern edge
of the Fission Factory. They’re having problems
feeding their people due to the depredations
of biomechanoids, which are patrolling from a
newly-opened entrance to the underground that
appeared dangerously close to the bunker. While
the Credo of Uncle Hush demands utter secrecy,
the folk here are getting desperate enough to
reach out to passing explorers and ask for help.
The Mirror: A surprise in this toxic, scarred

landscape, the Mirror is a large pond of perfectly
clear and clean water. It is a peaceful refuge, where
a Ghost died during the War. Some of its essence
still remains, and the Breach energy elicits an
unusual effect. Those resting by the Mirror will
find that they feel unnaturally calm - in fact, they
gain the Pacifist(Major) Hindrance while the water
is in sight. Camping here might bring visions
to the Gifted: perhaps flashbacks of the Ghost’s
death and hints at the history of the surroundings,
perhaps something more. In any case, Changed
creatures, biomechanoids, and Ferals have a natural
tendency to avoid the Mirror, as the psychological
effect makes them very uncomfortable.
136 THE AFTER

FIVE
ENCOUNTERS “Home of the
GAZ E T T E E R
A group of Blackgold Trading Company
scavengers on horseback are fleeing headlong Classic Dungeon”
down a nearby hill. A glowbelcher is in full
pursuit, attempting to get close enough to attack. If your group is the type that likes to
The traders seem to be getting away, but from kick in doors, fight dangerous creatures,
your perspective you can see a second one of the and get away with loot, then you could
fearsome biomechanoids circling around, and turn the Fission Factory into the perfect
it’s about to cut them off. The ambush would place for them. The bunkers, tunnels, and
undoubtedly be fatal. Will your group act before other secret construction underneath the
the Blackgold traders are massacred? Breach Zone could be loaded from end to
A sizable pack of Changed wolves begins stalking end with incredible secrets and powerful
the explorers, hoping to single one or two of them items, guarded by the nastiest traps you
out for a quick meal. These canines are riddled can dream up and filled with crowds of
with Butcher biotechnology: they are stronger, flesh-hungry biomechanical guardians.
faster, and more dangerous than any Old World
wolf ever was - especially if they can attack from An ambitious GM could map out
a successful ambush. Use the statistics for a connections between multiple layers
Dire Wolf from Savage Worlds, but include the of bunker, requiring explorers to solve
following changes: puzzles and recover keycards to penetrate
deeper into the place. Each expedition
• Each Changed wolf has two points of Armor could become a little more dangerous,
• The pack alpha is a Wild Card with Str d10, while revealing to the group more
Shooting d8, and a biomechanical firebolt secrets of the Old World and the aliens
projector protruding from atop its shoulders that destroyed it. An entire campaign
(Range 12/24/48, Damage 2d6+2, ROF 1, Shots of The After could take place in a ‘mega
10, Reload requires an hour of rest) dungeon’ of your own custom design -
That buzzing, whining noise on the wind: at first, though it might not be an appropriate
you mistook it for a stalking biomechanoid or a place for Novice characters....
pack of zapdrones lying in wait. Instead, though,
you’ve discovered that a microlight aircraft is Any expedition like this should
flying far overhead, probably hundreds of feet up. be a race against time, as the players
Explorers with binoculars, exceptionally sharp struggle to conserve resources, mitigate
eyes, or some way to approach more closely might Fatigue from radiation, dodge the most
be able to identify the craft as being marked with dangerous guardians of the area, and
the crest of the Phoenix State - it’s one of their avoid gear destruction from Stress Tags.
observer aircraft. Are they scouting in support
of a ground-based attack group, or just gathering
intelligence?
the commonly expected all-out assault. Instead,
A local Feral tribe has taken up residence in a
they use hit-and-run tactics, with a brief, frenzied
mostly-collapsed Old World apartment building
attack followed by an equally frantic retreat.
that was severely damaged during the Battle of
Those who follow the Crater Gang back to their
Old Casper. The building (and the wide crater
lair will find themselves in grave danger: as
next to it) is a high radiation zone, but this
radiation-based Fatigue affects the explorers, the
particular gang has developed resistance to the
Ferals are likely to counterattack in an attempt to
effects. The cunning Ferals have realized that
cut off the explorers’ retreat. The explorers may
their lair is extremely hazardous to outsiders,
find that they’ve blundered into a deadly trap!
so their attacks follow a different pattern than
THE AFTER 137

Remnants of the Past safe to live there long-term - unlike the rest of the
Fission Factory. The locals have been able to tap the
A Fission Factory Adventure by Chuck Rice machinery to provide a weak electricity feed and a
water purification system.
Remnants of the Past provides a hub for the players
to explore the Fission Factory region of the Reach. The town mines nearby radioactive sites and uses
It introduces the town of Sentry Hollow, a peculiar the Remnants and radioactive materials found there
settlement that is rife with intrigue and adventure to feed the weird Butchertech around Sentry Hollow.
possibilities. Each family - and each group of visitors - is expected
to pay a regular ‘tithe’ of such material to ensure that
Sentry Hollow remains safe. Ambitious men and
GM’s Background: Town women from all over come to the place, seeking to
make their fortune as prospectors. They mine for
of Sentry Hollow useful technology from the Old World and search
Sentry Hollow believes itself a town of destiny. The for alien Remnants - a portion to be spent to ensure
little dustbowl within the Fission Factory where the their place in Sentry Hollow, and the rest to make a
town has sprung up is littered with Butchertech. fortune with.
Some of the alien machinery is still active and
runs off local radiation, through a process no one If Sentry Hollow can survive the next six months,
in town understands. The Remnant machinery has they’ll be a bustling town on the rise, a beacon of
rendered the “hollow” the town rests in (actually civilization for the future. Unfortunately, the town
an old bomb crater) lower in radiation than the might not have that long. While the area has always
surrounding countryside. This makes it relatively been dangerous, waves of hideous mutants have been
138 THE AFTER

assaulting the town in recent months. Prospecting has Pearl Clan
RE MNANT S O F T H E PAST
ground to a halt and prices have soared. The town is The second rival group vying for control of Sentry
actively recruiting mercenaries to come and protect City. Members: Silas Pearl (Area 4), Gideon Pearl (Area
prospecting parties as they explore the nearby ruins. 6), Sheriff Willa Pearl (Area 6), and Clay Cole (Area 10).
Persons of Interest Sheriff Willa Pearl

Grizzled and experienced, Willa has been all the law
Sentry Hollow needed for quite awhile. She’s in her
Cantor Clan sixth term as sheriff. With the recent rise in attacks,
One of two bitter rivals vying for control of Sentry she’s looking for deputies and she’s paying bounties
Hollow. Members: Hattie Cantor (Area 1), Alyssa for Ferals.
Cantor (Area 3), Levi Cantor (Area 8), Elijah Cantor
(Area 9), and Mayor Clementine Cole (Area 1).
Brother Whisper
Leader of the local Order of Silence. This local crackpot
Clay Cole rails against the town’s reliance on technology, which
Former Mayor, head of Pluto Mining, chief supplier he blames for the influx of dangerous creatures in
of fuel for the town’s butcher tech. He has a running recent days. For better or worse, it turns out he’s
feud with Brother Whisper, his ex-wife Clementine, right. However, even the townsfolk who agree with
and is generally disliked in town. Everyone blames him don’t think abandoning the Butcher tech is a
his greed for the recent waves of attacks, since they viable solution - unless the entire town wants to pack
started after he began digging at the Newton Downs up and head out of the Breach Zone entirely.
Facility (see below).
Doc Lombardy Points of Interest

Local inventor, card shark, and renaissance man.
He lives in the Luminosity Inn (Area 1), and 1. Luminosity Inn and Saloon
divides his time between studying interesting bits Situated right on the main street leading into town,
of local technology, drinking, playing cards, and this place is the town’s social center. Elections are
“entertaining”. held here annually for two posts: Mayor and Sheriff.
This place offers card games, dice games, dancers,
He owns the prospecting rights to the Sentry Hill and even a few slot machines. On occasion theater
Battleground (Area 12), but he has employees to do troupes perform on the stages. Owned and operated
the hard work (and encounter the dangers) of digging by Hattie Cantor.
it. He is one of the town’s richest and most important
residents, but has thus far declined to pick a side in 2. Luc Lassiter, Assayer
the running dispute over which faction should run Determines the value of salvage brought in from the
the town. nearby Butcher sites. The owner checks for radiation,
not metal content.
Mayor Clementine Cole
If the factional fighting in the town was bad before, 3. Apothecary
it reached a fever pitch in the most recent Mayoral Alyssa Cantor runs this place that keeps the locals
election. Clementine separated from her husband and feeling good, and treats wounds when necessary.
went over to the Cantor Clan. With their assistance, Many of her relatives in the Cantor Clan have been
she defeated her husband and swung the balance of pressuring her to stop providing aid to the Pearls.
power away from the Pearls. There’s a lot of bad blood Alyssa considers this a horrible violation of her duty
over this entire affair. Many of the locals fear it will as a doctor and has strenuously resisted the idea.
come to gunshots before it’s all said and done.
THE AFTER 139

4. Barber 10. Panner’s Boarding House
Silas Pearl runs the local barber shop and is also a deputy Owned by Lydia Anderton, this cheap boarding
sheriff. He comes to the aid of his sister whenever there’s house takes its name from the prospectors who pan
trouble. Silas is a hothead who is a major contributor to the local Circuit Creek for little bits of technology
the current feud. He advocates jailing the Cantors for a and radioactive ore. These are very low-probability
myriad of offenses large and small. Plus he just knows forms of prospecting and those who do it make up
they’re up to no good and thinks that should be good the town’s working poor.
enough for his sister. It isn’t.
11. Circuit Creek
5. Mick Stabler’s The creek provides the town its water supply. The
No one knows what Mick’s real last name is, or if he water was very unhealthy until Doc Lombardy got the
even has a real last name. Everyone calls him Stabler Reclamation Plant up and running.
because he sells and rents animals for transportation
and labor. He has close ties to the Clive Clan, from 12. Reclamation Plant
whom he buys unwanted bulls, which he castrates
This small, squat concrete building houses the
and turns into plow-pullers.
future of Sentry Hollow. It purifies the water running
through the town, removing the radiation and other
6. Miner’s Rest Casino poisons from it. Even better, it uses that radiation as
Gideon Pearl runs this casino and many townsfolk a power source, making the plant self-sustaining.
believe the competition between the Miner’s Rest
and Luminosity Inn is where the bad blood between Sentry Hill Battleground
the Cantors and Pearls started. The crowd here is
During the Harvest, this hill was the last stand
rougher than that found at the Luminosity, as this
of a group of soldiers that fought bravely against
place caters to rough and ready miners, looking to
the Butchers. After being repulsed at the factory,
blow off steam after hot, dangerous days mining
the soldiers retreated here and set up a desperate
radioactive ore.
defensive position on this steep hill. Legend states
that they managed to take a number of Butchers with
7. Levi’s Miscellany them before being wiped out to the last man. Today,
If you found something and you aren’t quite sure this site is a treasure trove of artifacts, both human
what it is (a common occurrence), Levi Cantor will and alien, from that final battle.
appraise it for a fee, or just buy it off you. They also sell
spare parts useful for repairing Remnant technology. Owned by Doc Lombardy, the hill looks like an
The locals believe both Cantor brothers to be honest ant mound, as prospectors he employs constantly
and experienced. excavate the location for lost technology. Only
major finds bring the Doc out to the hill. Mostly the
8. Cantor’s Expeditions prospectors take the tech right to the surveyor, who
gives them their 25% cut of the item’s worth, and
Processes legal claims to different claims
then stores the items for Doc Lombardy to look at
surrounding the town. Prospectors can pay a fee to
when he has the time.
consult Elijah Cantor’s maps, to try and find likely
areas with good loot.
Clive’s Kine Ranch
9. Pluto Mining HQ Situated well away from the town proper, but within
the zone of radiation absorption. Kine are mutated
This building is covered in graffiti blaming the
cattle the size of hippos. The males are extremely
business for the recent rise in Feral attacks. Since his
dangerous and are blinded at birth to keep them
divorce and losing the mayoral race, Clay Cole has
in check, as they will charge anything or anyone
been sleeping here as well.
approaching their cows.
140 THE AFTER

Jim and Flora Clive own this farm, and they work When the characters enter town, they will be
it with their 3 sons (Hank, Jasper, and Jesse) and 2 approached by Sheriff Pearl. She makes it a habit to
daughters (Minerva and Selena), along with dozens greet any newcomers and make sure they’re aware
of farm hands. They’re a prime source of food for that the town is defended and not the sort of place to
the town. tolerate excessive “mischief ”. If the players enquire
what constitutes excessive, she’ll tell them to use their
Samson Uranium Mines own judgement, but also that she’ll let them know in
no uncertain terms when they’ve gone too far.
These mines are largely played out, though a few
prospectors believe there’s still a fortune in Uranium
The players will also notice that, for such a small town,
here, waiting to be discovered. Recently, these mines
there are an awful lot of political posters everywhere.
have become the lair of a group of Howlers.
Apparently the town just had a highly-contested
election. Another thing that stands out about the
Newton Downs posters is that both candidates, Clay and Clementine,
This facility was a smaller satellite location for the share the same last name. If the players ask about this at
Butchers during the Harvest. When Clay Cole hired one of the local watering holes, they’ll find out that the
a team of prospectors to explore it, Feral attacks on candidates are former husband and wife.
Sentry Hollow increased by a factor of ten. Many
blame Cole for this, which helped his wife defeat him Opinions of the candidates differs greatly depending
in the recent Mayor’s election. on who the players talk to. It quickly becomes apparent
that the entire town is divided down the middle
between Pearls and the Cantors. The locals seem
Prologue: Welcome to friendly to the characters, but each faction believes the
Sentry Hollow other to be misguided, if not downright dangerous.
Let the characters ask about this and explore the
The heroes have wandered into the town of Sentry various points of interest in the town described above,
Hollow (pronounced more like “Hollar” by the locals) before advancing the adventure.
to seek their fortunes. They’ve heard it’s a town on
the rise, due to its proximity to the Fission Factory
and the subsequent access to Butcher technology. In
Chapter 1: Howler Attack
fact, the town itself is a major find, sitting on the site Just when the characters start to get comfortable,
of a disastrous attack on the Butchers. they hear the town’s alarm bells ringing. The town
is under attack!
Howlers (1-2 per PC)

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d6, Notice d10, Stealth d8
Edges: Alertness
Special Abilities:
Bite: Str+d4.
Size −1: Howlers are the size of a typical wolf.
Speed: d10 running die.
Stun: Howlers will emit a high-decibel shriek before attacking. The target of this attack must make a
Vigor roll or be Stunned. Howlers cannot use this attack in the same round that they bite a target.
THE AFTER 141

The characters hear loud screeching that sounds where the Howlers lair, in a nearby abandoned
like the cry of an owl (though much louder), but uranium mine. He will loan the characters horses
what they see are very similar to wolves. The streets for the trip, and tell them that if they put a stop to
are pure chaos, with some of the townsfolk fighting, the attacks, he’ll let them keep their new mounts. He
some running in terror, and others being eaten alive will also supply the party with food and clean water
by the Howlers right there in broad daylight. There sufficient for several days, allowing for the journey to
are dozens of Howlers rampaging through Sentry the Samson Mines and back.
Hollow, but most are fighting elsewhere in town. The
players will need to deal with one or two Howlers
each before the threat has passed. Chapter 3: Campfire
Attack
Chapter 2: Tracking the The characters make camp on the plains, and have a
Howlers chance to trade stories with Jasper Clive. He’s a big,
tough, amiable fellow and is especially fond of ghost
After the fight, Sheriff Pearl approaches the stories. Unfortunately for the characters however,
characters. She explains that while Howlers are a they have made camp in the hunting range of a
threat, it’s extremely unusual for them to attack a gang of Ferals. These cannibals have been reduced
settlement in force like this. Usually they attack the to savagery by the harsh conditions outside Sentry
local Kine herds at night. Hollow and will kill and eat anything they can catch,
including the characters.
Sheriff Pearl deputizes the PCs and offers them a
bounty to track down the source of this attack. This The Ferals will wait until the darkest part of the
could threaten the entire town if it’s not dealt with night before swarming into camp. If possible, they’ll
quickly. She suggests they begin their investigation incapacitate someone and drag them off into the
at Clive Ranch outside of town. They deal with darkness.
Howler attacks on the herd and know more about the
creatures than anyone in town.
Chapter 4: Lair of the
At the Clive Ranch, the players will meet with Slitherbelly
the clan patriarch, Jim Clive. Howler attacks have
gotten worse recently and he’s anxious for a solution As the characters approach the mines, they see the
to the attacks. With the PCs on the case, he sees an bodies of Howlers strewn everywhere. Something big
opportunity. He offers his son Jasper as a guide to and mean came into this area and slaughtered them,
Feral Scavenger (1 per PC)

Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Intimidation d4, Notice d6, Stealth d8, Survival d6.
Edges/Hindrances: Dodge, Fleet-Footed
Gear: Hand weapons (spears, axes, clubs, rocks) dealing Str+d6 damage.
Special Abilities
Strength in Numbers: when outnumbering the enemy at least 2:1, Ferals gain the Strong Willed Edge.
142 THE AFTER

leaving the bodies tossed around indiscriminately. Here are some adventure seeds to help the game
The carnage has a pattern though, and the players master develop further adventures in the area around
will be able to make their way to the lair of whatever Sentry Hollow.
thing did all this, and drove the Howlers out of their
usual lairs. Brushfire War: Coles vs. Pearls
The ongoing bad blood between the factions has
Unless the characters are very stealthy, the
finally boiled over into open conflict. The Cantors
Slitherbelly will be aware of them almost immediately
have armed themselves and forced Clay Cole out of
after they enter the area of its lair. Being a nocturnal
town. In response, he’s hired a group of mercenaries
predator, it will wait in its lair, assuming the
to help force his way back into town.
characters are exploring during the day. Once they
reach the mouth of its cave, however, the creature
The PCs can hire on with one faction or the other
will leap to the attack.
(both will be “staffing up” for conflict).
Slitherbellies are mutated land crocodiles, much
Of course, the PCs can also try to negotiate a peace
larger than the typical amphibian member of their
between the two factions. If they’re on good terms
species. They have no arms or legs, but slither at
with the Clive family, or Doc Lombardy, this is much
astonishing speed across the land. They avoid water
easier.
except during the rainy season, when they gather
around mud puddles swollen by the rain to breed.
Brushfire Wars are a tried and true Western storyline
This alpha male is an exceptionally dangerous and
and luminaries such as Wyatt Earp participated in
tough member of his species.
real conflicts of this type. In fact, gunfighters such
as Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson were famous for
Epilogue: participating in one such conflict.
Further Adventures in Fire at Pluto Mining

Sentry Hollow Pluto Mining has caught fire. Given the amount
of radioactive material present, it’s imperative the
Having ended a threat to both Sentry Hollow and the fire be extinguished as soon as possible, before
Clive clan, the characters have made some allies that radioactive smoke clouds threaten Sentry Hollow.
will prove invaluable as they explore the area around Clay Cole believes the Cantors set the fire, and will
the Fission Factory. They will be able to count on hire the characters to investigate.
assistance and guides as they make their way around
the region.
Slitherbelly,
Alpha Male
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d6, Strength d12, Vigor d12
Skills: Athletics d12, Fighting d8, Notice d8, Stealth d8
Edges: Brute, First Strike
Special Abilities:
Armor +2: Thick crocodile hide
Bite: Str+d6
Size 3: This terror is 12’ long and weighs almost a ton.
THE AFTER 143

FIVE
GAZ E T T E E R
THE HANGING ROCKS close enough to one another that a doughty explorer
could, with care, move between them.
“Blessed land, that. A Ghost Orbship
It is obvious to any traveller that this is a Breach
crashed there, during the Fall. Took away Zone: immense vines and outworld flowers are
two mountains and left us with something prevalent, as well as flocks of strange aerial creatures
else, something greater. A legion of humming that never were found in an Old World encyclopedia.
islands, all doing a stately dance to music
we can’t hear, and connected by outworld ZONE EFFECTS
vines and unseen forces. It’s safe enough Within the Hanging Rocks, gravity doesn’t grasp
to climb around through them if you’re so
things quite the way you might expect. Traversing
inclined, as long as you have reverence for the Hanging Rocks is “floaty” and more than a little
the place. It’s a burial ground, after all.” strange. Many visitors report nausea for the first few
hours among the rocks. It could be caused by the
- Old Man Crow strange gravitational pulls, or by the disorienting effect
of the swirling Rocks, but doesn’t usually last long.
At the end of the mountain range is an incongruous
cloud of greenery and stone. Immense, mismatched It’s uncertain whether this Breach Zone effect is
islands of rock and crystals float untouched by gravity, caused by the gigantic crystals embedded within the
forming an impenetrable forest a half-mile high and Rocks, or if it radiates from the otherworldly plant
ten miles across. Even the ceaseless wind doesn’t life that permeates the area. Regardless of the source,
seem to move the Hanging Rocks, though they drift visitors to the Breach Zone will find that, while among
ever so slowly among one another, in a slow and gentle the Rocks, the lessened gravity creates the following
dance around the largest fragments. Collisions are game effects:
exceedingly rare, but In many places, the chunks glide
144 THE AFTER

FIVE
+2 to Athletics rolls made to climb or jump brightly lighting up the area within 100 yards and
GAZ E T T E E R
Jumping distances are doubled providing Dim Light for another 100 yards beyond
that. This light is visible from outside the Hanging
Falling damage is halved
Rocks at night.
Ranges for archery and thrown weapons are
doubled, but their damage dice do not explode
There is a substantial gap between the Orbship and
Range penalties for firearms are doubled, as bullets the rest of the Hanging Rocks - about 30 yards from
lose velocity unpredictably and veer off course most angles. Explorers ingenious enough to cross
the gap could probably make a great deal of salvage
As well, explorers who make their way upwards will by gathering some of the shimmering Breach crystals
find that a significant fraction of the Hanging Rocks that have accreted on the outside of the wreck. In fact,
have their own, localized gravity. This allows visitors to users of the Boon will find that, by taking an action
stand and move freely on any surface of that particular while holding a fist-sized chunk of this energized
Rock, just as if it were solid ground - even if they end crystal, they can recover 1d6 Power Points. This causes
up standing upside-down relative to their friends on the crystal to disintegrate in a beautiful shower of
the neighboring Rock! This is rare at surface level floating, harmless sparks.
(one percent of Rocks) but at the top of the formation,
nearly half the Rocks offer this effect. ENCOUNTERS
An extremely clever (and lucky) explorer might be That whirring flock of birdlike creatures you saw
able to use this localized gravity to “slingshot” their in the distance turns out to be a humbuzz swarm.
way into some truly impressive jumps. They were lovely in the sunlight, audacious and
graceful flyers - which was wonderful until they
decided that they needed to feed. Now they’re
POINTS OF INTEREST swooping down on a nearby creature like a school
Jaunters: These gigantic, alien creatures resemble of airborne piranha. Maybe they’re about to take
immense, fleshy gasbags that are translucent and some bites out of the jaunter that you’re riding.
glitter in the sunlight. Tentacles dozens of feet Perhaps you should do something about that?
long dangle downward, brushing against the The Star League has set up camp atop a huge Rock.
crystal and metal deposits in the Hanging Rocks, Their group of a half-dozen explorers intended to
which the creatures seem to feed from. The mine the Rock, gathering outworld minerals or
jaunters are virtually harmless unless antagonized. ores that they could use to construct antigravity
Some explorers say that you can deliberately machinery. Instead, they’ve been driven mad by
attract a jaunter by feeding them metal, then hallucinations that were brought on by Breach
climbing aboard to sit on top. The beasts rarely energy released when they dug into the crystal
react to being ridden in this way, even without an structures, and are well on the way to becoming
offering of metal. Riders can have a calm picnic Ferals.
aboard their ethereal mount, taking in the beauty
What are these lovely rounded crystals? They look
of the Hanging Rocks until they’ve reached a good
valuable. When your group gathers up a few of
spot to hop off. Boarding or disembarking from
them, you discover that there are burrowing alien
a jaunter usually requires a simple Athletics roll.
worms hiding in the cracks of the Rocks. When
riled up, they can crawl around quite quickly on
Orbship Wreckage: The final resting place of the outside of the Rocks and even spring between
the Ghost Orbship is a point at the center of them. Usually they just nibble on the vines and
the Hanging Rocks. The shattered structure of flowers of the Breach Zones, but you’ve picked up a
the Orbship is covered with crystals and stone few of their eggs. They’re only a foot long, but there
fragments that have adhered to the outside in are a lot of them - and it looks like they have sharp
large mounds, as the hovering wreckage has its teeth. Use the statistics for a Swarm (Medium).
own gravity well. The wreckage glows at night,
THE AFTER 145

FIVE
THE ICE PLAINS weather in the Ice Plains is below freezing all year, with
GAZ E T T E E R
skies that are leaden and grey. The sun is barely visible
through the depressing haze, even in the height of
“Hell of a place to go for fuel, if you ask me.
summer. Fierce squalls of ice and snow are common.
Like as not you’ll lose someone to the cold on Explorers without appropriate protective gear are in
the first day, someone who didn’t listen when I great danger from the vicious cold.
told you what to buy for the trail. The cold is a
fierce thing out there. It’ll dull your thinking Before the Harvest, this region used to be thick
and lull you to sleep. Last thing you want when with oil wells. The Butchers took notice of this
you’re trying to chase down ten tons of fuel on resource, though, and deployed giant mechanoids
the hoof. Anyhow, one more thing: if you get to to suck the land dry. Many of these behemoths are
noticing the sky’s changed color, turn yourselves still lumbering drunkenly across the frozen lands,
around and go right back the way you came.”
probing the ice with their drilling proboscises. These
“tankerbots” don’t move quickly and often stop to
drill into the ice in search of more fuel. This makes
- Zachariah Cole
them prime targets for daring (and well-insulated)
scavengers who’d like to tap one of the fuel bladders
This sprawling icescape dominates the area formerly
and bleed off some of that oil for themselves.
known as the town of LaBarge. The remnants of the
town can still be made out under humps of ice and
Of course, draining a tankerbot isn’t without risk.
snow. The atmosphere here is laden with Breach
They are immense and could crush a wagon with a
energy, which means the weather pays no mind to what
misplaced step. More importantly, many of them
it ought to be doing. Regardless of the time of year, the
are still attended by screening patrols of Butcher-
146 THE AFTER

FIVE
built automata in varying condition. A final concern A large gang of Feral warriors have been hunting
GAZ E T T E E R
is that destroying a tankerbot rather than simply your group, drawing ever closer in their pursuit.
draining some fuel would make those responsible Suddenly they veer off, seemingly afraid. Why did
instantly notorious. The tankers are prized as a they break off pursuit? It turns out that you have
semi-permanent resource. Destroying one would strayed into an Ice Beetle breeding ground.
make everyone’s lives more difficult in the long run. An alien felid - perhaps from the world beyond
Purplesky - has scented your group and is
POINTS OF INTEREST stalking you. It’s starving, and won’t be able to
Frigia Station: Tarvis James, a junior trader with restrain itself from attacking you soon. Its aim
the Blackgold Trading Company, has excavated a is to incapacitate the smallest member of the
tiny shelter out of the ice near the edge of the Ice group and drag them off into the snowfields to
Fields. He’s got a couple of vehicles that are just be devoured. Use the statistics for a lion, but with
barely in running condition, and hopes to haul a +2 bonus to Stealth to account for its coloration
fuel back to Blackgold Station regularly, ensuring blending in with the snow and ice.
himself both fame and fortune. Right now he’s
struggling to keep personnel onsite, as few of his
compatriots are willing to sign on for the long
Old Buffalo
terms of duty needed to learn the gentle art of
tapping fuel from active tankerbots. “Long walk, out to Old Buffalo. A tough slog,
especially if there’s any kind of weather. The
good news is that once you get to the ruins,
Purplesky: Somewhere near the center of the Ice
Plains is a place where the dreary sky slowly bleeds there’s plenty of shelter to be had in what’s
into purple. An explorer might not notice the left of the town. The bad news is that you’re
glowing sky, if they were wrapped up in their own not going to be the first people to figure that
troubles, head tucked into a hood and trudging out. Either go in quiet, or bring an army.”
through the ice. Continuing forward into Purplesky
is a hazard that no explorer has yet returned from. - Zachariah Cole
The Breach energy here is still highly active, unlike
most other Breach Zones: after traveling for a time, While civilization was wiped out in Old Buffalo, just
wanderers under the purple sky will find that they as most other places in Wind River Valley, the town
have been transported to some faraway world didn’t see a great deal of fighting. Many of its citizens
where the sun is perpetually in twilight and the evacuated before the Butchers’ servants arrived, and
fierce cold is never-ending. Becoming lost in this Old Buffalo didn’t suffer much damage during the
barren place is surely a death sentence. The truth War or the Fall. Most of the town’s buildings are still
about Purplesky isn’t known to anyone, as anyone standing, though they show the effects of decades of
who’s been taken through the Breach hasn’t come weather. Wild cattle and sheep graze on the rampant
back. The Star League and the Order of Silence overgrowth that has engulfed the area since American
would both be interested in examining the world civilization fell. The ruins of Old Buffalo seem lush
beyond the Breach, if they could figure out a way and placid at first blush.
to reverse the trip.
Unfortunately for would-be explorers, the ruins
ENCOUNTERS of Old Buffalo are not as lonely as they initially
seem. Several gangs of Ferals lair in the general area,
Dr. Mortimer Kline, a cackling Star League
warring with one another as well as hunting any
scientist, is testing a bulky control device that he’d
interlopers. They often pass through the ruins while
like to use to steer a tankerbot back to Chapter with
stalking prey, and sometimes even shelter among the
its entire cargo on board. Of course, it would work
remaining structures.
a lot better if he could find some agile explorers to
attach this antenna harness to its head…
THE AFTER 147

FIVE
Perhaps more concerning, the Phoenix State has bleeds off a permanent blue flame. The Ferals
GAZ E T T E E R
set up a base camp about half a mile to the southeast revere this ‘eternal flame’ and commonly spend
of Old Buffalo. The camp is occupied by thirty or the evening hooting and dancing in its presence,
more soldiers at a time, who split their time between despite the terrible smell and the toxic chemicals
fortifying the camp and exploring the ruins. The the well exudes. The gang has developed a warped
local Feral gangs have learned not to assault this proto-religion that involves bearing torches lit
entrenched position after suffering substantial losses from the Wellflame - and then joyously burning
to rifle fire, though they still harass the Phoenix their enemies to death in bonfires lit from those
State’s salvage and reconnaissance patrols, as well as same torches. A substantial fraction of the
their supply caravans. Wellflame gang have developed Changed abilities
and even rudimentary control of the Boon, and
There are certainly riches buried beneath the hills all of them take four points fewer damage from
surrounding Old Buffalo. In addition to the usual injuries inflicted by fire.
salvage that is common in Old World ruins, there
is a vein of natural gas beneath the town that was
being actively mined before the Butchers arrived. In
ENCOUNTERS
out-of-the-way spots, it’s possible that old, battered The characters, while exploring the ruins, begin
extraction machinery could be coaxed back into to hear the howling and gabbling of Ferals from
life. If an intrepid and mechanically-inclined group just out of sight, all around them. Savvy and
of explorers could find a way to collect, store, and stealthy parties might be able to figure out that
transport the gas, the scientists of Chapter could do it’s two different gangs of Ferals, posturing and
great things indeed with it. threatening before having a battle with each
other. Less subtle (or less fortunate) parties
might instead end up caught right in the worst
POINTS OF INTEREST of the fighting, with both gangs trying to tear
Camp Big Horn: This Phoenix State military them apart.
camp is nestled between the embankments that
Explorers are likely to encounter all sorts of
remain from two Old World interstate highways
wildlife among the ruined buildings of Old
that once entered the city of Buffalo. While the
Buffalo. Many of these might startle someone but
asphalt of the Old World roads has mostly worn
are relatively harmless, such as bighorn sheep,
away, the earthworks still serve as an elevated
deer, or the wild descendants of Old World cattle.
vantage point for Phoenix State lookouts. The
On rarer occasions, one might stumble into the
soldiers manning the camp are working feverishly
path of a roving grizzly bear, come face-to-face
to add fortifications, combining earthworks with
with a grouchy elk, or even a Changed creature
barriers made of material hauled from the ruins.
such as a wrecker or Butcher bear.
They treat anyone who approaches within sight
as a problem, with gunfire as their universal Near the center of Old Buffalo, the recent collapse
and immediate solution. As always, the Phoenix of a brick wall has exposed an Old World bank
State soldiers are utterly xenophobic, eschewing vault that remains sealed after all this time. What
communication with outsiders. would it take to crack the bank vault and find out
what the citizens of Buffalo left behind? Perhaps
it’s full of Old World documents and useless
Wellflame: On the northern outskirts of Old
American paper money. Then again, there might
Buffalo, a Feral gang has settled permanently
be a cache of gold. Or, maybe after the Harvest
around a cluster of former industrial structures
began, it was repurposed as a survival bunker, and
surrounding the remains of a natural gas
is full of Old World supplies - things that would
well. They surprised and ambushed a small
be remarkably untouched by the ravages of the
band of explorers who were tinkering with the
GenBomb. It’s possible there might even be a
ravaged machinery. Before the scavengers were
functional computer inside!
overwhelmed, the gas well was damaged and now
148 THE AFTER

FIVE
Old Jackson
GAZ E T T E E R
A Little Piece of the
“A silent place, and full of ghosts, right up near
the stars on the shoulders of the mountains. After
Fierce and cold winds blow in the winter that For roleplaying groups who are interested in
creating and detailing their own community,
will strip the skin from a man. But, one who
Jackson offers an interesting opportunity.
was strong of leg, soft of step and sharp of eye
Compared to the settlements in Wind River
could go down into that valley in the summer
Valley, it’s isolated and relatively safe. Changed
and come out with all manner of fur, bone, creatures are rare and Butcher-spawned
and meat for his clan. If you do this, go with biotech horrors even more unusual. The local
reverence in your heart or do not go at all.” Ferals would be a problem, especially during
the short growing season, but there is plenty
- Old Man Crow of space and ample hunting and fishing
to support a small community. Jackson
A bastion of natural beauty, the glorious mountain Hole could be an ideal place for a group of
valley housing the ruins of Old Jackson has returned characters to lead an expedition to set up their
to a nearly pristine state. The town itself, nestled up at very own town, as long as they have plans to
the very foot of the Teton Mountains, has deteriorated deal with the winter weather.
rapidly, with most buildings in a sorry state of rot or
half-collapse. While mechanical salvage is hard to turn Because Jackson Hole is a well-known
up, the area is rich in wildlife and timber. Would-be tourist destination in the real world, there
fur traders or loggers will need to ensure they do not are many photographs and even detailed
overload themselves, though, as the mountain roads maps of the Old World region available for
in and out of the valley are treacherous. an enterprising GM to examine. This could
allow settlement-building campaigns to get
The lush surroundings support a thriving population very detailed about the valley, allowing for all
of elk, bison, moose, and deer, as well as a few small sorts of additional, hidden areas that their
gangs of Ferals, who are hostile to all outsiders. These groups might like to explore.
Ferals are heavily furred and develop an almost
ursine bulk during the summer, which allows them
to hibernate through the worst of the winter weather. thousand feet above sea level. While Savage Worlds
Unlike Ferals commonly seen in the Wind River Valley, does not model altitude sickness, GMs might
their behavior varies based on the season. During the consider calling for characters to make a Vigor roll
summer and fall, the local Feral gangs don’t instantly after strenuous combats or chases to avoid suffering
leap to a frenzied assault. Instead, their scouts will often a level of Fatigue (which cannot be lethal, and is
stalk explorers, sometimes for days, waiting for the removed after an hour of rest), at least until they’ve
interlopers to appear complacent or vulnerable before spent long enough in the area to be considered
bringing their warriors to an ambush. They bide their acclimatized - perhaps 1d4 weeks.
time, seeking to bring their kin the most meat with the
least effort. But during the weeks following the first In addition to the elevation, the temperatures in
snowmelt, the Ferals come from their caves both savage Jackson are a danger, as the area is even colder than
and starving, desperate for food and eager to hunt. in Wind River. Nighttime low temperatures are
extreme compared to daytime peaks, with nightly
ZONE EFFECTS temperatures averaging below freezing except during
The valley of Jackson Hole is not a Breach Zone, but June, July, and August. Low temperatures during the
it is worth noting the extreme weather conditions winter are exceptionally fierce, regularly ranging
of the area. Firstly, the entire area is more than six thirty degrees or more below freezing.
THE AFTER 149

FIVE
Finally, the Jackson Hole valley is more humid The Rustyard

GAZ E T T E E R
than the Wind River Valley and gets substantially

more precipitation. In the spring, rainstorms swell “If you don’t believe what you’ve been taught about
the mountain streams into dangerous rapids. More the Butchers and Ghosts, go to the Rustyard.
importantly for explorers, snow is common and
Walk among the bones of That-Which-Was and
prolific in Jackson. The valley averages more than
see just how low it’s been brought. Smell out the
eight feet of snow every winter, with snow often on
the ground from October through May. It’s easy for truth for yourself, if you need it that badly.”
explorers who overstay their welcome to be snowed

into the valley, unable to return to Wind River Valley - Old Man Crow
easily until the spring.
At the confluence of four rivers, Old Riverton was once
a thriving town and industrial center. After the Harvest
POINTS OF INTEREST began, its population of ten thousand souls was swollen
The Underfort is a hidden Order of Silence by a steady stream of refugees fleeing the larger cities of
bunker that’s been painstakingly hidden beneath the United States, looking for somewhere safe to resettle
the overgrown streets of Old Jackson. While and ride out the invasion. Many of them gathered here,
quarters are dark and cramped, the Underfort building what defenses they could and attempting to
boasts a network of tunnels with three hidden gather weaponry that would allow them to fend off the
exits that are well concealed among the most Butchers.
overgrown and collapsed portions of the ruins.
Here, twenty members of the Order shelter, Unfortunately, when the Butchers brought forth
maintaining a quiet and unobtrusive existence. the Harvest from the cities, this gathering became a
Their leader, a Gifted woman called Howler, prime target of opportunity for the Butchers. Their
uses her powers to appear as a ghostly presence biomechanoid armies invaded in force, devastating the
whenever the local Ferals approach. Over the area and gutting both the populace and infrastructure.
years, this has led to the Ferals avoiding the The suddenly war-torn cityscape was quickly dotted
ruins of Old Jackson almost entirely - an unusual with Butcher holding facilities and flesh factories,
behavior in comparison to the Feral clans of the belching GenBomb-laden fumes into the sky. Old
Wind River Valley, who seem especially attracted Riverton - now the Rustyard - was the staging point for
to Old World ruins. On the rare occasion that much Harvest activity in the western Wind River Valley.
explorers dig into the mossy, broken structures The Butchers and their servitors ranged outward from
of Old Jackson deeply enough to risk discovering here, gathering technological salvage and biomass for
her bunker, Howler would use her mindbending their twisted facilities.
powers either to frighten them away, too - or to
lure Ferals straight into their campsite. In her The invasion of the Ghosts in 2065 wrecked the area
view, the lives of her people are more important even more profoundly. The heavy Butcher presence
than any scavenger from the outside world. drew the Ghosts’ most savage attacks. Their Orbships
bombarded the area with Breach-energy weaponry,
The mountains surrounding Old Jackson are dotted shattering not only the Butchers and their armies, but
with Old World ski resorts. While these, too, have no also the very landscape. Even into the present day of
doubt suffered the ravages of time and weather, they The After, the Rustyard is littered with incongruous
offer the potential for an isolated and secret shelter Breach effects left by Ghost weaponry, where the land
for any groups that can reach them safely and ensure was smashed aside or even torn upward in strange
they are clear of immediate hazards. gravitational attacks, leaving unexpected cliff faces or
crevasses. The craters marking the epicenters of the
most concentrated attacks still emit steam, slime, or
unsettling noises. From the shadows of a crumbling
building, explorers might hear whispers or singing that
fade on the breeze in the next moment. Sometimes the
150 THE AFTER

FIVE
tramping of biomechanoid feet and the weapon-fire POINTS OF INTEREST
GAZ E T T E E R
of the War between the Butchers and Ghosts can be A ruined entrance to Riverton High School is
heard echoing among the fallen bricks. A handful of nearly indistinguishable as a crumbling crack
folk claim to have heard the very voices of the Butchers, halfway down the rim of a large, smoking crater.
barking forth orders to their minions. Fortunately, Explorers who dare the pitch-black depths will
these nightmarish sounds are just echoes percolating have to leap over crumbling pits, avoid or defeat
up through the Breach. a cloud of a dozen zapdrones that haunt the area,
and finesse or muscle their way past some Old
After all of this carnage and conflict, the Rustyard is a World locks. Those who succeed could uncover
tangled mass of rubble and brush - a ruined graveyard the ruins of a classroom with several boxes of
for thousands of forgotten beings. Old World buildings relatively intact textbooks - better than gold when
are mingled with the wreckage of Butcher facilities presented to the Librarians of Chapter!
and biomechanoid holding pens. It all crumbles away
a little more each winter, sinking glacially into the
The inscrutable Ghosts were thorough in their war
undergrowth.
against the Butchers, but was the devastation truly
complete? It’s possible that, with the right excavation
ZONE EFFECTS tools and a little luck, dedicated scavengers might
The entire Rustyard has been rendered barely passable be able to uncover a fraction of one of the Butchers’
between the rampant overgrowth, crumbling cement processing plants. Within could be found wiring
and brick buildings, and the scars and craters of the and technological salvage that might be at least
War. This wrecked terrain has the following effects: somewhat resistant to the GenBomb; one or more
Difficult Ground is the prevalent terrain type Butcher Remnants, somehow still throbbing
within the Rustyard, as most areas are laden with in a stasis container; and a half-operational
shifting wreckage or sudden elevation changes biomechanoid servitor that mindlessly assaults all
ranging from potholes to pits. Explorers often have intruders without rest or mercy.
to clamber from ledge to ledge or work their way
around even larger obstacles. ENCOUNTERS
Because of the unstable and inhospitable terrain, A pack of 2d6 wild dogs begins stalking the party.
vehicles larger than a dirt bike are nearly impossible Do the explorers look like prey? The beasts are
to drive within the Rustyard. There isn’t enough probably too wild to tame, but might be driven off
flat ground to bring in a horse-drawn wagon, for by a show of force or distracted by dropping food.
example.
While clambering past the edge of a crater, someone
A -2 penalty is applied to maneuvering rolls stumbles over a piece of leftover Butcher ordnance
during any chase within the Rustyard, unless the that immediately explodes. Its worst effects have
participant has a way to ignore or avoid the difficult eroded with time, but it still has the effect of a
terrain (such as a flight power or the Free Runner Havoc power in a Large Burst template. This might
Edge). hurl unfortunate characters down into the crater
Stealth rolls within the Rustyard gain +2 as long (inflicting Bumps and Bruises), or smash them into
as the character is moving at half speed or less; the nearby ruins opposite the crater. The noise
while the many cracked and crumbling walls offer might also attract any Ferals that are scavenging
shadows and shelter, moving quickly could result nearby.
in crashing through brush or stumbling over A group of dart vultures wait until the explorers
shattered bricks. are traversing a narrow or dangerous area before
launching a brief attack. They focus on the slowest
or weakest-looking member of the group, hoping it
will be left behind to be devoured.
THE AFTER 151

FIVE
Describe in detail the thunderous arrival of a

GAZ E T T E E R
terrifying Butcher siege tank as it burrows up

from the ground on a dozen spidery legs. It spews
lightning from a half-dozen proboscis-like guns as
it lurches forward, with howling engines hidden
behind unbreakable armor. Draw initiative cards
with your group and even allow some of them
to take actions, before the whole scene vanishes
like a mirage. It was an illusion, brought on by
leftover Breach energy from the War. Was this a
hallucination, or a vision of the War that bleeds
through space and time because of the Ghosts’
heedless use of Breach technology?
Other, very temporary, Breach effects might
occasionally occur within the Rustyard: weird
gravitational variations, strange sounds, and
momentary hallucinations are the most common.

Crippled Biomechanical Guardian

Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Notice d8, Shooting d8, Stealth d4.
Special Abilities
Armor +4.
Corrosive Blood. When the biomechanoid is wounded or Shaken, everyone adjacent to the biomechanoid
must succeed in an Agility roll or a random piece of their equipment suffers a Stress Tag from contact
with the creature’s nanite-laden innards.
Fearless
Infravision
Razor-Sharp Claws: Str+d6.
Resilient: Can take an additional Wound before being Incapacitated
Size +1
Slicerdisc Thrower: This ranged weapon propels hideously sharp, sawblade-like discs of metal at high
speed. Range 30/60/120, Damage 2d10, AP 4, ROF 1, HW, Shots 22, Min Str d10, Weight 25. This item is
attached to the biomechanoid by hoses and wires, but might be cut free by industrious heroes and used
until the ammunition runs out or until they roll a Critical Failure while using it (at which point the
weapon falls to pieces rather than taking a Stress Tag).
152 THE AFTER

FIVE
SHADOW The eerie gloom within the Breach Zone can be
GAZ E T T E E R
disorienting. Light fades out only a few yards away, no
“Every time we think we are beginning to matter how intense a light source you bring. With the
landmarks mostly out of view and the sky impossible
understand what Breach energy is and how
to see, explorers need to take special care not to get
it works, we end up surprised.
Take Shadow, lost. A compass is nearly the only way to be sure of
for instance.
It’s complete nonsense. A whole keeping to the desired direction inside of Shadow.
town covered in perpetual darkness? That’s
the sort of thing you’d read about in an Old Animals within Shadow seem to have adapted to the
World storybook. A myth, a dream, a tall tale unending darkness. Despite the fact that the Breach
for cowpokes to share around the campfire. Zone has been in existence only a few decades, some
creatures (such as fish, deer, and rodents) have already
And yet, there it is, as plain as the nose on your evolved into eyeless variants - perhaps assisted by the
face, this black blotch in the middle of the
influence of Breach energy. Even without eyes, these
southeastern Valley that simply should not be
beasts are able to navigate by sound and smell almost
as well as sighted creatures would - and perhaps
there. It shatters the laws of physics. We can’t
better when at a full run.
even begin to guess at what’s causing the endless
shadows. And the way sounds are muffled doesn’t Given that the strange darkness of the Breach Zone
make any scientific sense either - but you still appears to block all sunlight, one might expect the
can’t hear a gunshot from more than a few yards entire area to be a barren, dusty wasteland. However,
away. But what’s really, really strange about the plant life within Shadow appears to be largely
the place - the thing that drives me absolutely unaffected. Flowers bloom, grass grows, and trees
batty - is that nobody can explain why plants bear fruit - for more of the year, in fact, than the
are still growing there, if there’s no light.” growing season in the rest of the Breach Zone, since
the temperature is slightly moderated. This puts off
- Allie Morgan the usual nighttime freeze for a few weeks longer
than might be expected elsewhere.
Along the slumping ruins of Interstate 80, far the
south and east of Chapter, wandering explorers Alongside the usual plant life in Shadow are truly
might spot what looks like a storm cloud at first: odd specimens of fungus, including occasional
a dark and wavering stain miles wide, fading up ‘forests’ of giant mushrooms, which grow caps as
from the horizon far into the sky. There, roughly wide as rooftops, ranging from six to twenty feet
centered around the ruins of a forgotten and tall. Even outside of these clusters, knee-high
nameless Old World town, is the Breach Zone mushrooms are common throughout the Breach
known as Shadow. Zone. Most of the fungi nauseate those who might
eat them (inflicting a level of Fatigue that lasts
Shadow has a roughly ovoid border, about eight eight hours, unless the diner is resistant to poison).
miles north-to-south and twelve miles east-to- Identifying a mushroom that is safe to eat requires
west. Anyone venturing within the border finds a Survival roll at -4. Even an edible mushroom is
their surroundings change as suddenly as if they likely to be foul to the taste and slimy to the touch.
had walked through a door. The winds common Unlike the infamous Verdant, so far explorers have
elsewhere in the Valley die away almost to nothing. been unable to derive any useful or entertaining
The air is cool and wet, almost a little misty. Sounds concoctions from the mushrooms. Perhaps your
are unnaturally suppressed, too - but the most group will be the first to discover something!
obvious effect, of course, is the unnatural darkness
that hangs over the entire Breach Zone.
THE AFTER 153

FIVE
ZONE EFFECTS THE TRENCH

GAZ E T T E E R
Within Shadow, the illumination level is Dark at

all times (the equivalent of starlight), inflicting “A place of silence, of muffled delirium, like
the usual penalties on ranged combat and Notice walking in someone else’s dreams. Beautiful,
rolls based on sight. but haunting. A frozen sunset above and
Even when using a light source, the light level glittering waters below. And lower still, in
can never be brought above Dim regardless of the the cracks where the light does not reach?
strength of the light source. Who knows? Who wants to know? Let that
Torches and lanterns only illuminate to a distance darkness sleep. All the knowledge you need
of 3” and candles are limited to 1” of light range. is beneath the stars and among them.”
More robust lighting (such as from bonfires,
powers of the Boon, or electric lights) still fade
- Old Man Crow
out and are useless beyond 5”.
This darkness also renders light sources invisible The Trench is a miles-long gorge that was torn
beyond their light range. If your companion through the landscape when a Ghost orbship
lights a torch and wanders down a hill, you’ll lose crashed there during the Fall. The entire area is
sight of their torch as soon as you’re outside its now saturated with Breach energy, which still seems
modified light radius. This means that - perhaps to radiate from the shimmering crimson sphere
unintuitively - maintaining lights won’t draw in that hovers between the valley walls, lighting up the
scavengers or enemies, as they can’t be seen from entire area like a permanent sunset. At night, the
a distance. Explorers who are unprepared might cracked and crumbling walls of the Trench seem
learn this by surprise and become separated. covered in blood.
Sounds are muted as well, inflicting a -2 penalty
to Notice rolls for hearing. Also, sounds die off Questions abound regarding the mysterious,
unnaturally fast: even noise as loud as shouting glowing orb, but no explorer has managed to discover
or gunshots can only be heard at 10” range. the truth about the strange phenomenon. Some
speculate that what remains here is just an echo
of what happened before, maintained by whatever
ENCOUNTERS Breach energy is leaking into the Trench - a ghost
Packs of hairy spiders, each the size of a dog, are of the Ghosts, so to speak. Others believe that it is
not uncommon. They tend to lurk among the the Ghost craft itself, damaged in such a profound
largest of the unusual mushrooms, clinging to way that it has been knocked out of phase with our
the underside of the cap until a creature wanders dimension and frozen in space and time in the
nearby. When that happens, they silently swarm moment of its destruction. The orb occasionally
forth to chase down their prey. Use the statistics drizzles visible beads of energy into the valley below,
for “Spider, Giant” from Savage Worlds. in a barely-tangible ‘red rain’.
Explorers who approach a water source within
Shadow may run afoul of ghostly creatures known Directly below the orb, a lake of iridescent waters
as skitterlings, who swarm from the darkness to collects: the Lake of Stars. This unsettling area
attack intruders. fosters an alien biome full of bioluminescent ferns,
skittering lizard-like and insectoid vermin, as well as
the occasional dangerous predator, such as the dart
vulture or trenchworm.
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The outflow of the Lake of Stars trickles down the character gets enough rest to avoid Fatigue,
GAZ E T T E E R
into the cracks and crannies, revealing an extensive per the sleeping rules in Savage Worlds.
system of ravines and caves that extend far below
ground level of the Trench. The great majority of
this cave system remains unmapped and unexplored.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Whether the orb in the center of the Trench is
real, some sort of Breach-induced illusion, or
ZONE EFFECTS something else entirely, the truth is that nobody
The orb provides Dim lighting at all hours, visible has been able to get close enough to it to bring
throughout the Trench. back facts for the rest of Wind River Valley.
Bathing in the Lake of Stars during a ‘red rain’ The rare explorers that used powers of flight
can bring on visions. The content of these visions to attempt a landing on the orb were terribly
is up to the GM; in many cases, the affected can affected by the tangible tides of Breach energy
only report seeing indescribable sights and being that radiate outward from it. They were Changed
consumed with ineffable emotion. Others have almost beyond recognition, their sanity eroded
described seeing the hideous and awesome by experiencing months of nightmares packed
battles between the Butchers and Ghosts as if into just a few short minutes.
they were there firsthand.
A Gifted who bathes in the Lake of Stars (at any Deep in one of the cracks at the bottom of the
time) gains the Rapid Recharge Edge until the southern end of the Trench, a Glowbelcher from
next time they sleep. Their sleep will be wracked the Fission Factory is attempting to dig deep and
with terrifying and chaotic dreams for 1d6 days create a small facility for churning out zapdrones.
thereafter. It’s the GMs decision as to whether It’s following its programming to wreck all
THE AFTER 155

FIVE
things of the Ghosts, unaware that the zapdrones In the Old World, this area was an unremarkable
GAZ E T T E E R
would be unable to affect the huge, glowing stretch of mountainous terrain. Arid, rocky, cold,
orb. That said, if the creature isn’t stopped, a and inhospitable, most of what grew here was scrub
plague of zapdrones could render the Trench brush and scraggly whitebark pines. That all changed
uninhabitable for explorers and might even be a after the Fall.
threat to neighboring settlements.
The exact event that touched off the formation
The shattered caves at the bottom of the Trench of this Breach Zone will never be known, but the
are full of Breach-infused runoff from the Lake amount of Breach energy released was immeasurable.
of Stars. This means they are likely to be full of It resulted in the most utterly transformed Breach
all sorts of bizarre plants and animals, and ripe Zone in the entirety of Wind River Valley, leaving the
for cataloguing and exploration. landscape overwhelmingly altered. The coniferous
mountain valley shown on Old World maps had
been completely replaced. In its stead, explorers
ENCOUNTERS discovered a tangled, alien jungle swarming with
A Phoenix State ultralight attempts to investigate bizarre creatures and bristling with unearthly plants
the orbship, is disabled by Breach energy of every color, size, and description.
corrosion, and crashes nearby. What have the
pilots become during their proximity to the orb? Even the weather has been altered by the energies
Those people that went missing from Sweetwater that created the Breach Zone. The incessant
two summers ago, they’re down here in the caves. winds found elsewhere in the valley die down to
They’ve become cultists, driven insane by the light breezes, and the temperatures range from
Breach energy. They worship the Orb and make uncomfortably warm to sweltering. Snow does not
daily visits to the Lake of Stars. Interlopers must fall in the Verdant. Instead, rain washes the area
be ‘baptised’ to help in dreaming the perfect regularly, leaving the jungle intensely hot and humid
dream. Those that survive this process will surely throughout the year. Where it comes from is a lively
join the cult, most of whom bear the Boon. topic of debate among local scientists, as the Breach
A member of the Chapter Scouting Guild Zone gets an enormous amount of precipitation
approaches the group. Her partner has been compared to the rest of Wind River. The rain clouds
captured by a gang of marauders hiding out in don’t leave the Verdant, but in several places runoff
a nearby cave. The pair of scouts were spying streams enter the rest of the region. These streams
on the marauders in hopes of bringing them to sometimes carry fish, beasts, or seeds outside of the
justice via bounty hunters. Will the PCs rescue Verdant, but these almost always die quickly in the
the captured scout before he is tortured to death? cooler climate found in Wind River Valley.
Entering the Verdant, explorers can easily

THE VERDANT find their senses overwhelmed. The jungle is
a riot of wildly contrasting colors, with thorny
“On the one hand, it’s full of mud, filth, poisonous vines, immense flowers, twisted underbrush, and
plants, disease-carrying bugs, and critters that’d gargantuan fungi all struggling for space beneath
happily tear off your limbs. On the other hand,
a canopy of towering trees with sprawling limbs.
The stench of the Verdant is often remarked upon
there’s harvesting to be done for those with
by first-time visitors; the air is thick with cloying
the knowledge, and it’s warm all year round.
perfumes from thousands of plant species, but
There’s something to be said for getting out of these fragrances are often soured by undertones of
the damn snow. Anyway, just don’t let Big Jim decay and filth emanating from the thick mud that
catch you bringing back beamfruit into Chapter.” coats much of the Verdant’s floor. And, of course,
like Old World jungles, the Verdant is a cacophony
- Zachariah Cole of chittering insects and otherworldly bird calls,
156 THE AFTER

THE AFTER 157
FIVE
interspersed with the occasional animalistic howl, ZONE EFFECTS

GAZ E T T E E R
cough, or bark. Some of the alien plant life adds The hot and humid climate of the Verdant can lead
to the noise, emitting buzzing, deep hums, or even to special challenges. The temperature is often
sudden shrieks in an attempt to scare off nearby above 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day; GMs
creatures - or, in rare cases, to lure them within should be aware of the Hazard rules for heat and
reach of predatory attack. apply them accordingly.
Exploration of the Verdant can be hazardous in the Characters entering the Verdant who wear armor
extreme. It’s easy to get lost amid the labyrinth of or other clothing from Wind River Valley are likely
plant life, and the jungle canopy often screens the to be very uncomfortable due to the temperature.
sky from view. Compasses aren’t always reliable here, They may need to stash their cold-weather gear
either, making orienteering a struggle. somewhere near the border, or figure out how to
stuff it in their packs. Those who insist that it isn’t
Despite the dangers, explorers flock to the Verdant. a big deal to just keep wearing their insulated gear
Hacking trails through the rampant overgrowth, will take a -2 penalty on attempts to resist Fatigue
they seek to penetrate the unexplored depths of the from the heat.
jungle. The more scientifically-minded attempt to Due to the heat, all explorers will need to drink a
catalog the unending varieties of new, alien life found lot of water - surely too much to pack in with them.
there, gathering data and performing experiments to At the GM’s option, water sources in the Verdant
see which life forms of the Verdant might be useful might be tainted with exotic pathogens, Breach
and safe to consume. They seek out potential fruits energy, or microscopic parasites. Ingesting locally-
to be harvested and test meat for safety, as well as sourced water without boiling it first could result in
attempting to determine if local plants or fungi the character contracting a Debilitating disease (per
might serve to replace some of the lost medicines of the Savage Worlds Hazards rules) or even drawing
the Old World. a result from the chart following! How the GM
handles water safety in the Verdant will set the tone
However, many visitors to the Verdant are more for the ‘difficulty level’ of the Breach Zone. A gritty
interested in profit than science. They might hunt game that emphasizes the difficulties of exploring
indiscriminately, hoping to bring a unique hide to alien terrain will have almost all water sources
market. More than this, though, these ruffians seek start unsafe, while a more free-wheeling game that
out beamfruit. These heavy, head-sized fruits grow at focuses on action will usually ignore the possibility.
substantial height, and thus can be difficult to gather. It almost goes without saying that the tangled
But, with effort, beamfruit can be fermented and landscape and dense canopy makes getting safely
turned into an alcoholic beverage, called beambrew. from point to point extremely difficult. Survival
Depending on how the beambrew is prepared, it rolls to avoid getting lost are in order whenever
can cause euphoria and mild hallucinations in explorers are traveling away from a known path.
some drinkers, as well as being mildly addictive. Penalties might apply for particularly dark or dense
After a few occasions of beambrew-inspired chaos, sections of the Verdant.
both beambrew and beamfruit were outlawed in Eating plants or fungus of the Verdant can result in
Chapter. It’s also frowned upon in more strait-laced unpredictable effects. Survival rolls to locate food
settlements such as Daniel. Still, there is a market for require a Raise to acquire food that is guaranteed
the stuff and it’s often smuggled into places where it safe - otherwise the explorers who try this (whether
isn’t welcomed by the authorities. out of foolhardiness or hunger) should draw a card
from the Action Deck and apply the corresponding
result from the following chart. There is an endless
variety of these flora for players to experiment with,
so a GM should feel free to generate additional,
custom results as desired for groups that make a
habit of sampling unknown vegetation.
158 THE AFTER

CLUBS minutes - perhaps a novel sensation. If the eater
- 2-8: Emetic. The taste is odd but the plant has Power Points, they lose 1d10 of them due to
seems edible. However, after 2d6 minutes it a strange reaction with Breach energy embedded
induces intense vomiting, leaving the character in the food. Those without Power Points just have
Distracted and Vulnerable for 1d4 rounds. The trouble talking coherently for a few minutes.
character must make a Vigor roll or suffer a level
of Fatigue (which cannot result in Incapacitation). - Queen: Forgetfulness. This item tastes sweet
and juicy, and even makes the consumer feel
- 9-10: Blurred Vision. This item doesn’t have mildly euphoric. However, they must succeed
an intense taste and seems nourishing, but 1d10 at a Smarts roll at -2 or completely forget the
minutes after eating, the user will experience previous 24 hours of their life.
blurred vision for 2d4 hours. This temporarily
inflicts the effects of the Bad Eyes (Minor) - King: Hallucinogen. The sample is nourishing
Hindrance. If the user already has Bad Eyes enough, but induces mild hallucinations. The
(Minor), they suffer Bad Eyes (Major) instead. GM may assign a Delusion(Minor) Hindrance
for 2d6 hours. Sample delusions: I’d be better
- Jack: Draining. Chewing this item leaves the off without all this equipment; my companions
eater’s mouth and tongue quite numb for a few secretly want to eat me; nothing can hurt me; this
THE AFTER 159

FIVE
is all a dream. If the GM would prefer to resolve energy. This inflicts a random Stress Tag on a
GAZ E T T E E R
this quickly, instead simply call for a Fear check piece of the character’s equipment. If more
as the hallucination hits like a waking nightmare than one character is trying this item, inflict the
before passing as quickly as it arrived. same Stress Tag to everyone (though the assigned
equipment might be random).
- Ace: Intoxicating. In addition to being
nourishing and tasty, the consumer must make HEARTS
a Vigor roll or be Distracted for an hour as they - 2-10: Tolerable. Perhaps not the worst choice;
become rip-roaringly drunk. At the GMs option, this item doesn’t smell or taste all that great, but
it might be fun to waive the mechanical effects of it’s edible, nourishing, and causes no harm.
being Distracted if the player is willing to role-
play the intoxication to the hilt. - Jack: Analgesic. This item tastes far too
strong to eat in large amounts - that is, it won’t
DIAMONDS make a meal for a character. But, when consumed
- 2-8: Vile. It tastes awful, and powerfully in small doses, it serves as a strong pain reliever.
so. There are no ill effects once the taste finally The character receives the benefits of the Nerves
goes away. of Steel Edge for 1d6 hours.
- 9-10: Diseased. The item has a painfully bland - King: Medicinal. With a strange and salty
taste. 1d4 hours after eating, the character must taste, this item is not a good choice for a meal
succeed at a Vigor roll or begin suffering from a - in fact, eating too much of it will cause brief
fever, which leaves them Fatigued for 1d6 days. vomiting. But, in small amounts, it serves to
boost the character’s immune system, offering
- Jack: Breach-laden. Sour-tasting, but an immediate Vigor roll to remove a disease the
not overwhelmingly so, eating this causes the character is suffering from.
character to make a Vigor roll at -2. Failure
results in the Breach energy inherent to the - Queen: Nourishing. A mild taste and heavy,
food inducing mutations to the character’s body. mealy consistency accompany a surprising
Draw again from the Action Deck and apply the amount of nutrition. One meal made of this
result to the Cosmetic Changes chart in Chapter stuff will sustain most characters for an entire
Two. The Change erupts suddenly and painfully, day of adventuring.
leaving the character Vulnerable for 2d4 rounds.
The effect usually goes away within 1d4 days. - Ace: Nootropic. In addition to being edible
and filling, there is a substance inside this item
- Queen: Poisonous. After choking down that adds to the character’s focus and attention.
this bitter food, the character must make a They gain the benefits of the Alertness Edge for
Vigor roll at -1 or suffer a level of Fatigue (two 2d6 hours, as well as gaining a +2 on any Smarts
levels on a Critical Failure). This cannot cause roll related to memorization for the same
Incapacitation. amount of time.
- King: Anesthetic. This stuff smells wonderful SPADES

and tastes great! However, scant moments after - 2-10: Wonderful! This stuff tastes amazing
taking the first bite, the character must roll Vigor and makes a delicious meal.
at -2. They fall Incapacitated for 2d6 minutes on
a failure, or for 2d6 hours on a Critical Failure. - Jack: Adaptive. Surprisingly juicy and light,
consuming this allows the characters a +2 bonus on
- Ace: Pollinator. It’s nourishing and pleasant rolls to resist Fatigue due to the heat and humidity
to consume, but the pollen, spores, or other of the Verdant. This effect lasts for 24 hours.
particles this item emits are laden with Breach
160 THE AFTER

FIVE
- King: Invigorating. This pleasant-tasting can be handled through roleplaying, or the GM
GAZ E T T E E R
item seems to freshen the breath and cool the might ask the player to swap a mental or social
character’s skin. It also helps the character’s Hindrance on their character sheet for another
system recover from strain, removing one level of equal value. For instance, perhaps a previously
of Fatigue. Bloodthirsty character becomes a Pacifist(Major),
or a character overcomes their Death Wish and
- Queen: Fate-twisting. This item melts in the becomes Impulsive instead.
mouth almost like cotton candy, almost evaporating
before it can be chewed. Despite this lightness, it is POINTS OF INTEREST
perfectly edible and sustains the user like a typical
Floating Isles: Over the years since the Breach
fruit or vegetable. In addition, the Breach energy
Zone appeared, a thick carpet of invasive vines
inherent in the meal alters the character’s luck:
spread over the rocks and hills here. The kudzu-
they immediately gain one Benny.
like coating became Changed from the Breach
energy in the area, which accelerated its spread
- Ace: Regenerative. Upon consuming this
and caused it to gain anti-gravitic properties.
chewy and spicy item, the character heals one
Eight years ago, enormous chunks of the ground
Wound.
became replete with these vines to the point that
they broke free of the earth and floated skyward
JOKER in an immense eruption. Nearby water sources
- Roll any die. On an even result, draw roared into the gaps left behind, and the region is
another Action Card and apply the result, but now home to a large but shallow lake, with dozens
include the effect that it is highly Addictive. The of airborne “islands” tethered above in a stable
character must make a Spirit roll at -2 or gain the formation. The usual canopy of the Verdant was
Habit(Major) Hindrance related to the substance destroyed when the isles went airborne, leaving
they have ingested. While the Savage Worlds rules the area open to the sky.
do not include guidelines for beating the addiction
modeled by this Hindrance, we suggest finding a Mount Goop: Tucked away in a rarely-explored
way for afflicted characters to eventually break free section of the Verdant is a small “volcano” of sorts.
of their addiction - especially if your campaign It regularly belches forth torrents of intensely-
takes the characters far away from the Verdant! colored slime, which end up slowly solidifying
into multicolored lakes around the place. Once
- On an odd result, the ingested substance is solidified, the stuff becomes waxy and somewhat
charged with an immense amount of Breach pliable. It can be cut into blocks and, with the
Energy, which causes the character to suffer a proper equipment, rendered into dye, ink, or paint.
Breach Crisis. They experience visions of the
Breach and the unexplainable dimensions that
Mushroom Grove: The Grove is home to multi-
exist within and beyond it. For 1d6 hours, they
capped, towering mushroom formations with
are a babbling, incoherent mess - effectively
stalks as thick as redwoods and caps sturdy
Incapacitated, although they may attempt to
enough to march an entire group of explorers
wander off into the Verdant unless restrained.
across. These fungi form a canopy that leaves
At the GMs option, this is the kind of event that
the ground in perpetual shadow, inflicting
could cause a character to become Gifted (taking
Illumination penalties on those who remain
an Arcane Background with their next Advance)
at ground level. Those who brave the darkness
or even Changed (gaining all the qualities of the
can make good time hiking, as the undergrowth
Changed as seen in Chapter 2 - or the Further
in this region is at a minimum. It’s dominated
Changed Edge with their next Advance, if they
by glowing patches of mold that spread in
are already Changed). A character that does not
strange fractal-like patterns, interspersed with
become Changed or Gifted as a result of this
stands of black fernlike plants and smaller-scale
experience is forever altered by their visions. This
THE AFTER 161

FIVE
mushrooms. Giant-sized insectoid creatures are

GAZ E T T E E R
common here. Many of them glow in the dark as

a result of ingesting the strange mold.
Satler’s Camp: A handful of scientists from
Chapter, led by Philip Gaston, have set up camp
at the edge of the Verdant beneath a large wire-
mesh net. The camp has been here a year,
as the scientists reside in the Verdant long-
term, attempting to understand and catalog its
lifeforms. Dr. Gaston hopes that some of the
fruits of the Verdant can be used to combat disease
among the growing population of Chapter.
Other goals of the scientists include identifying
Maverick, plants and animals that can be safely harvested
to feed or clothe the hungry, and experimenting
Exiled Trail Guide with Breach-infused lifeforms to determine if
their bizarre effects can be predicted or if they are
truly random. Their mercenary bodyguards keep
With a face full of scars, and a crooked nose, this
a close eye on visitors and spend a lot of time
weatherbeaten wilderness scout looks every inch
using blade and fire to keep the area immediately
the dangerous killer upon first meeting. Only
around the camp clear. Meanwhile, they quietly
after holding eye contact until it’s uncomfortable
enjoy a secondary income stream smuggling
will he reveal an easy smile and mellow voice.
beambrew back to Chapter. In addition to these
camp guards, there are often explorers resting at
He can most often be found guiding travelers
the camp, and it may be possible to hire assistants
and caravans along the Southern Reach trading
for expeditions into the Verdant.
route. He has recently took up residence at Satler’s
Camp, in the Verdant, where he offers his skills.
The Great Tree: Near the center of the Breach
Strong of arm and sharp of eye, Maverick is Zone, the Great Tree is easily the size of an Old
handy with his revolver, but refers to it as “Plan B.” World skyscraper. It’s easily visible even from
outside the Verdant. Using it as a landmark can be
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, a challenge unless the explorer has an easy way to
Strength d8, Vigor d8 get above the forest canopy. The Great Tree’s roots
range for nearly a mile, plunging above and below
Skills: Athletics d8, Common Knowledge d6, the ground. The roots alone are large enough that
Healing d4, Fighting d6, Notice d6, Persuasion a house could be built in the shelter of them, where
d6, Riding d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d6, Survival they arch above surface level. Getting close to the
d8, Taunt d6. main trunk of the Great Tree has been impossible
Pace 6; Parry 5, Toughness 9(3) for explorers so far. Ferals are common in the
Hindrances: Code of Honor, Shamed(Minor), area in large numbers. Even worse, the Tree has
Wanted(Minor) strange effects on explorers who approach. First
Edges: Command, Combat Reflexes, Connections they get dizzy, then get spontaneous nosebleeds.
(Scouts’ Guild), Dodge, Extraction, Marksman, Approaching closer leads to further disorientation.
Quick The handful of scouts who have insisted on
pressing closer did not return.
Gear: Scrap Armor, Plastic Helm (Armor +3),
Revolver, 12 bullets, 3 throwing axes (Str+d6),
horse and saddle, appropriate traveling gear
162 THE AFTER

FIVE
ENCOUNTERS Grove), a mesmer takes note of the group. This
GAZ E T T E E R
Boombug Swarm: Amid the ever-present insect Breach-infused creature, when creeping close
life of the Verdant lurk dangerous creatures, such enough to the explorers, can attempt to use a
as the explosive boombug. The explorers have form of the Gift to hypnotize one of them. If this
strayed too close to a boombug nest, where 2d6 mesmerism is successful, the character will creep
of the creatures have entered their reproduction off into the undergrowth, where the mesmer will
cycle and swoop to the attack. A Notice roll at quietly coil around them - making sure they are
-2 allows a character to pick out the impending Restrained before attacking with its fangs, possibly
danger from the intense noise of the surrounding with The Drop. A challenging GM will have the
forest - however, the skill die rolled is capped by mesmer use this power on the rearmost character
the character’s Survival skill, as knowledge of the in a march, or - even worse - on the sole character
creatures of the Verdant is mandatory to note the that’s on watch during a nighttime camp.
insect menaces. If nobody in the group notes the Crocogant Ambush: While traversing a muddy
approaching boombugs, they will ambush the path on the floor of the Verdant, the group
group - terrifying indeed, given their penchant stumbles across the hunting ground of a
for exploding! crocogant. The scaly beast is buried beneath
Bootlegger Still: The explorers stumble onto a a layer of mud, leaves, and other detritus. The
concealed camp. In a rudely-built cabin sits an lead character may attempt a Notice roll to defeat
active beambrew distillery, run by bootleggers the creature’s natural camouflage. Regardless of
who distribute the stuff throughout Wind River the result, it will launch its bulk from hiding to
Valley. Understandably, the bootleggers are very grab what it believes is easy prey, relying on its
upset that their operation has been discovered formidable scales for protection.
and will do everything in their power to drive Shimmering Pool: Through the foliage, the
off interlopers. For statistics, use 3d4 Outlaw group spots a shimmering pool that seems alive
Bandits and, if desired, the Outlaw Gang Leader. with rainbow colors. A sweet scent wafts through
A particularly formidable group of smugglers the brush. Characters that approach within 6”
might include a Helot Guardian who thinks may be compelled to approach the pool, which
beambrew is a great thing, and worth fighting for. is actually formed from the paralytic saliva of a
Chosen by a Mesmer: Should the group decide scent shrouder. The beast will attempt to devour
to climb higher than the Verdant floor (perhaps anyone that is overcome by its pool.
when visiting the Floating Isles or Mushroom
THE AFTER 163

Beware the White the PCs to be her agents, and meets with them in a
BE WARE T H E WH IT E WE NDIGO
neutral location, such as a saloon or public square.

Wendigo!
Horn is a smart and curious woman of medium
An Adventure for The After height and dressed in practical clothing. If the PCs
By Jason Tondro are not familiar with the Verdant, she tells them it is a
jungle-like Breach Zone that sprang up spontaneously
There are rumors that the Wendigos—a strain of following the Fall, and it’s filled with unique
Ferals native to the Verdant—have a leader who is creatures and terrain that no one can really explain.
bringing together all the Wendigo tribes. The PCs are It has long been home to tribes of Ferals, known as
recruited to enter the Verdant and see if these rumors Wendigos. There’s a settlement on the edge of the
are true. As the heroes investigate, they gather clues Verdant, Satler’s Camp, and explorers go into the
from throughout the Verdant while fighting off local Verdant periodically, both for research and to collect
wildlife. If they’re brave enough to enter the lair of beamfruit, which is used to make a potent alcohol.
the Ferals, they’ll come face to face with the White But these travelers have reported an unusual alliance
Wendigo himself. may be forming among the Wendigo tribes, led by
someone the people of Satler’s Camp call “the White
Wendigo.” Horn needs someone to go into the jungle
Act I—The Mission and see if these rumors are true. She’s not asking the
The adventure begins when the PCs are contacted by PCs to do this for free—her superiors have allocated a
Lieutenant Horn, an officer in the Chapter Militia. modest “expenses budget” which she can use to help
She has been tasked with gathering intelligence on a outfit the PCs for the jungle. If they return with solid
Feral leader called “the White Wendigo.” She’s chosen information, she can pay substantially more.
164 THE AFTER

If the PCs are resistant to her offer, Horn doesn’t The center of the camp is the medcenter, a trailer
have a lot more to offer them, but she can arrange where the scientists do their work and where injured
for the Militia to look the other way if the PCs decide personnel are cared for. The scientists live in two-
to bring a load of beamfruit back from the Verdant. person tents around one end of the medcenter while,
“That stuff sells for a pretty penny on the black at the other end, the mercenaries have constructed a
market,” she assures the PCs. “Should make this trip barracks from pre-fabricated materials. Supplies are
worth your while.” kept under tarps behind the trailer. A few more tents
house the assistants and labor staff, and there’s a central
If the PCs agree, Lt. Horn provides them with firepit where the inhabitants of Satler’s camp gather
a basic map; show the PCs the illustration of the when there’s insufficient room inside the medcenter.
Verdant. The map marks several landmarks inside The entire camp is surrounded by a wire mesh that
the jungle, including a Feral village, but Horn is keeps out most of the Verdant’s local wildlife; there’s a
quick to point out this is only the largest tribe within single entrance, a door-sized gate that’s been placed in
the Verdant; other Feral groups wander through the the mesh and which is usually kept closed.
jungle, usually sticking to a particular territory. “No
one really knows much about the Wendigos,” she The inhabitants of Satler’s Camp don’t get many
tells them. “That’s part of why I’m hiring you. But visitors, so the PCs are greeted positively. Characters
you might have more luck at Satler’s Camp. That’s with a scientific or academic background are
probably where you’ll want to make your home immediately welcomed into the small community
base.” The PCs may want to get some supplies or of scientists here, while heroes with a history in
adventuring gear, and Horn is willing to reimburse the military or law enforcement are invited into the
them for these things, within reason; she does not, barracks for a round of beambrew. The PCs have a
however, pay for weapons, armor, vehicles, mounts, chance to gather information, roleplay with the
or other large expenses. Instead, use this as an inhabitants of the camp, and potentially recruit a
opportunity to provide the PCs with survival gear guide or gather additional supplies. Use this as an
that their characters would logically have, but which opportunity to include a Backstory Interlude, as the
they could not afford as starting equipment. PCs tell stories about themselves and get to know
one another.
Once the PCs have their mission and any equipment
they require to complete their task, they can travel to Dr. Phillip Gaston is an enthusiastic and
Satler’s camp. optimistic field scientist with a clear appreciation
for the dangers of the Verdant. He’s heard about
Satler’s Camp the White Wendigo and read sightings that place
him in the Mushroom Grove, but Gaston’s never
About five years ago, a scientist from Chapter named
seen him personally. “I’m afraid I don’t get into
Joseph Satler set out for the Verdant with a couple of
the jungle as often as I used to,” he says. “There’s
bodyguards and pack handlers. He reached the edge
always so much to do here!” He extends the camp’s
of the jungle and set up camp; after a few months,
limited services to the PCs; they’re welcome to
however, communications ceased. A young colleague
sleep in the medcenter for a day or two, but if they
of Satler, Phillip Gaston, followed his friend, found
stay longer than that, they’ll need to arrange for
the camp, and tried to investigate, but Satler’s entire
their own housing. When he learns the PCs are
expedition had vanished without a trace. Now, Gaston
going into the jungle, he assures them they can
leads a small team of half a dozen biologists, zoologists,
use Satler’s camp as a base, and if any of them
and botanists trying to explore the Verdant. They’re
are seriously injured, they should withdraw to the
protected by a dozen mercenaries who’ve become
camp immediately.
quite experienced at jungle survival and warfare.
There’s also a few assistants and laborers at the camp, Sherman is the leader of the mercenaries here. He’s
which has a total population of less than 30. a grizzled veteran who has seen all kinds of crazy
stuff in the Verdant, but these strange sights have
unnerved him and he lives in fear of the Ferals and
THE AFTER 165

other creatures that dwell there. No matter what Late in the night, one of the PCs is confronted by
weapons the PCs have brought, he assures them it’s Sherman. “One day,” he says in a tense whisper, “the
not enough. Sherman has seen the White Wendigo White Wendigo, he’s gonna lead all them Ferals out
among the Floating Isles, and he tells the story in of the Verdant like the wrath of God, and they’re
a haunted voice. “He stands straight up. Not like gonna kill all of us, every man, woman and child. Y’all
Ferals. Like a man does. They fight for him, even should get outta here, come mornin’. Be the last one
when we mow ’em down like stalks of corn.” of us to go, not the first.”
Tesla is one of Gaston’s young assistants. She’s
seen the White Wendigo near the Great Tree, With this foreboding warning, the PCs are ready to
but is more intrigued than frightened by his march into the Verdant.
behavior. “When the other Ferals are near him,
they make this howling noise—almost as if they
were talking! But of course Ferals can’t talk! We
Act II: Into the Green
The PCs have three locations to investigate, in
really need to learn more.” Tesla is inexperienced,
addition to the Wendigo Caves, where the Ferals are
and all but helpless in combat, but she is brave,
most concentrated. It will take them several days to
loyal, and willing to guide the PCs through the
travel to all these locations, during which they will be
Verdant; she also knows the various plants and
tested by the Verdant’s many hazards.
animals that live in the jungle, and she can survive
there. She’s unarmed, but will accept a pistol or
Travel through the Verdant is slow, but trails lead
hand weapon if the PCs loan her one.
from Satler’s Camp to the Mushroom Grove and the
Louie is an experienced teamster and guide. He Floating Isles; groups who travel along these paths
came to the camp hoping to make a fortune, but cross about 1 1/2 miles in an hour, while those who
the mercenaries take all the beamfruit and he’s leave the path have to chop their way through dense
been unable to make the big score he was hoping jungle, crossing only 3/4 of a mile in an hour of travel.
for. Of all the people in camp, Louie is the best Use this as an opportunity for a Trek Interlude,
jungle survivalist and knows more about the giving one PC a turn in between each encounter
creatures that live in the Verdant than anyone location described below. In addition, the PCs might
except perhaps Gaston himself, though he’s never encounter all manner of creatures, plants, and other
seen the White Wendigo and is half-convinced hazards, depending on pacing and the amount of
the man is a myth. He will guide the PCs into the time you have available. The Verdant is a place of
Verdant if they agree to pay him; if he’s not happy wondrous biological diversity; it is dangerous, but it
with the price they offer (and as the adventure gets is also amazing. Here are some ideas for encounters
more dangerous, he expects more), he waits till he the PCs might have along the way:
can make off with all the beamfruit he can carry
before abandoning the PCs. If he can lead the PCs
D8 Encounter
into an ambush and loot their bodies, he will.
1 The PCs discover a stand of beamfruit trees.
For every hour the PCs spend harvesting,
Satler’s camp has a limited collection of jungle
they gather 2d12 beamfruit, each weighing
survival gear (mosquito nets, water purification
approximately 3 lbs.
tablets, first aid kits), scientific equipment
(microscopes, glass containers for samples, and a 2 A crocogant is lurking under cover just off the
prized solar-powered calculator), weapons (machetes, path. If the PCs do not notice it, the creature
knives, small arms, and hunting rifles), and armor attacks by surprise.
(vests and leather jackets). None of these things 3 A buzzing noise grows increasingly loud,
are “for sale” in the usual sense, as they are all the increasingly fast. It’s a swarm of boom bugs.
personal possessions of someone at the camp. But If the PCs successfully hide, the insects fly by;
if a PC has befriended someone, and has an obvious otherwise, they attack. Use 1 boom bug for
lack, the NPC may offer it to them as a loan or trade. every PC.
166 THE AFTER

Runner Edge, as they have adapted to the tangled
4 The PCs make camp within sight of a
mesmer. That evening, a random PC on and difficult terrain of the Verdant, and each has a
watch is targeted by the creature, who tries to rudimentary and twisted set of antlers or horns that
lure the victim away to be eaten. are sufficient to deliver Str+d4 damage in melee.
5 The PCs are trailed by a small horde of
There are four tribes of Ferals in the Verdant, and
monkey-like creatures which mimic the
the PCs will likely encounter several of them on this
PCs’ speech and gestures. At first, they only
adventure. Each tribe has its own territory and a unique
make animal noises, but as the day goes by,
special ability. In addition, each is led by a shaman and
their screeching begins to form words and
champions with unique powers, but the PCs will not
sentences copied from the PCs. Around dusk,
encounter most of these leaders (the exception, the
they begin talking to each other with words
Cave Clan, is detailed below). The names given for
the PCs have never used. Then they vanish.
each tribe are those used by the mercenaries of Satler’s
6 The PCs find the remains of an abandoned Camp; if the Wendigos have names for themselves, no
expedition. Twisting vines rise up from one has yet been able to understand it.
the corpses of two horses. A body, still in
clothing from Chapter, appears to have been Shroomers: These are the Wendigos of the
eaten from the inside out. The imprint of Mushroom Grove. They live atop the giant
shoes leads off into the jungle, then vanish mushroom stalks and mix pieces of these
suddenly; see “Satler & Wallace,” below, for psychedelic plants into their feasts of live meat.
the fate of this individual. Underneath the They decorate their skin with phosphorescent
leaves and mud, the PCs can salvage a first fungus in swirling patterns, as a form of warpaint.
aid kit and a heavy pistol with 4 rounds of Indeed, elder Shroomers may have fungus
ammunition remaining. actually growing from their flesh. Frequent use
7 The trees part around a small clearing with a of psychedelics makes them even more immune
pool of liquid in the center. The liquid has the to pain than they usually are; these Ferals have
consistency of water, but gives off a rainbow the Hardy special ability. See the Mushroom
sheen and smells fruity. There are no fish in Grove encounter in Act II for more details.
the water, but there are prints around the pool Crawlers: Crawlers live among the Floating
that suggest multiple creatures crawled out of Islands. They decorate themselves with feathers.
it. The liquid sustains anyone who drinks it Their hands and feet have adapted into sharp
for three days, after which it causes a random claws which they use to grip the sides and bottoms
mutation (hair falls out, skin changes color, of the floating islands themselves. Within the
grow an additional finger on each hand). Verdant, this grants them the Wall Walker special
8 Wendigo attack! The PCs come under attack ability and attack with their claws instead of
by Ferals belonging to a tribe they have not weapons, for Str+d6 damage. Crawlers are often
already encountered. armed with nets, nooses, and other trapping
weapons which they use to catch land-dwellers
The assault party consists of two Feral scavengers before hoisting the victims up onto the islands.
for each PC. Note that each tribe has a unique special They also hang vines from the islands which they
ability; see each encounter site for details. use to swing from one piece of land to the next;
see the Floating Islands encounter in Act II for
The Wendigos more details.
Ferals native to the Verdant, as a whole, are called Croakers: The Ferals of the Swamp are known as
Wendigos. Each tribe of Wendigos is heavily Croakers. It’s unlikely the PCs will travel to the
Changed, making it easy to identify one group from Verdant’s swamp, as it does not lie on the path
another. These Ferals do share two traits that are to the Wendigo Caves, but they could still come
common among all of the gangs: each has the Free under attack by this tribe. Croakers have adapted
to amphibious life; their chests inflate with air
THE AFTER 167

when they take a deep breath, like the throat of used as a bowl, for example, or stripped wire used to
a frog. This allows them to hold their breath for assemble bone and stone into a fetish). But among
an extended period; they have the Aquatic special the detritus is a shattered glass vial that still has a
ability and a Pace of 6 in water. faint residue on it of a green chemical. A label on the
Cave Clan: The Wendigo Caves are far to the vial clearly reads “Satler,” though the rest of the label
northeast in the Verdant, and are home to the has been picked off.
largest collection of Ferals in the region. These
Wendigo are led by the White Wendigo, and Tesla, the junior scientist, can identify this vial as
they revel in the strength of their numbers. a chemical sample brought into the jungle by John
Champions of the Cave Clan have large antlers Satler, the first researcher to explore the Verdant. He’s
which they can use as natural weapons (Str+d6); been missing for years, and it’s a miracle this vial has
use the rules for horn attacks, so the champion survived, but the fact that the residue is still detectable
gains a damage bonus if he runs at a target before means the sample must have been sealed until
attacking them. The Cave Clan has no shaman, recently. Satler was experimenting with psychoactive
as the White Wendigo killed him recently. The chemicals meant to enhance intelligence; no one has
White Wendigo himself is a Wild Card with the followed up on his work, however, as all his notes were
ability to use the Boon. See Acts IV and V for lost when he disappeared. If Tesla is with the PCs, she
more information. can tell them all this, but if she is not, the PCs will have
to return to Satler’s Camp to get this information.
The Mushroom Grove Needless to say, eating any of the mushroom

The Grove is home to towering mushroom plants plants here is extremely dangerous. Any PC eating
with stalks as thick as redwoods. Their caps form a so much as a bite from these enormous shrooms
canopy that leaves the ground in perpetual shadow. must roll Vigor. On a failure, the character falls
Phosphorescent mold grows on the ground and into a psychedelic coma that lasts 1d4 days. Success
stalks in elaborate knot-like patterns. The air here is indicates that the character has vivid hallucinations
musty, and smells like old vegetation. Insect life is for about an hour, leaving them Distracted and
especially common, and most of the creatures that likely to babble incoherently for the duration of
live here glow blue, green, or yellow, and grow to their visions. On a Raise, the character vomits the
enormous size. substance back up, and is Distracted for one round
but otherwise unharmed.
A Wendigo tribe claims the grove as part of their
territory, though they have no permanent home The Floating Isles
and wander from site to site, foraging as necessary.
The effects of the Breach Zone are almost entirely
The mercenaries from Satler’s Camp call them
unpredictable. In this region of the Verdant, a thick
“Shroomers”; see The Wendigos (above) for details.
carpet of kudzu-like weed has gained anti-gravitic
PCs who search the groves—a process that takes an
properties through a process of rapid mutation. As
hour—find the barefoot prints of Ferals scattered on
the weed spread over rocks and hills, the ground
the ground at the edge of the grove, but not among
slowly broke free from the earth and floated into
the giant mushrooms themselves. This is because
the air. Water poured in to fill the gaps, and now
the Ferals actually make their camps on top of the
dozens of large islands hover in a stable formation
mushrooms and leap from one to the other, only
over a large lake, while hundreds of smaller pieces
coming to the ground when they must leave the grove.
of rock and earth move among the islands in an
unpredictable pattern. This whole region is open to
PCs who climb atop the domed mushrooms
the sky, and when the PCs emerge from the jungle,
(requiring an Athletics check) might notice many
this may be the first time they’ve seen the sun in
signs of Feral presence, including the bones of
quite a while.
human and animal corpses, random objects taken
from victims and used as simple tools (a helmet
168 THE AFTER

The Isles are home to a
Wendigo tribe that has adapted
to the unusual geography;
mercenaries from Satler’s Camp
call them “Crawlers.” See The
Wendigo (above) for details. The
Crawlers have hung a network of
long, tough vines from the edges
of the larger islands, and they’ve
woven nets, nooses, and other
simple traps which they can
use to capture live prey. As well,
the Crawlers regularly patrol
their territory and their scouts
are likely to spot the PCs from
their vantage atop the islands.
This will undoubtedly lead to
an attempted ambush. Use two
Feral scavengers for each PC.
The scavengers will attempt to
approach from Stealth, disable a
target and carry it away - but they
will flee if reduced in number to
fewer than the player characters.
Swinging from one island

to another by the use of the
vine network requires an
Athletics(Climbing) roll. On
a failure, the character misses
their intended landing spot and
scatters 1d6 x 5 feet in a random
direction from the desired
target, landing prone. On a
critical failure, the character
either falls to the water below
or smashes into the side of a
vines. If Louie is with the PCs, he can assure them
floating island, taking 3d6 damage. Characters who
that Ferals do not use tools, cook their food, or make
fall into the water may face other dangers, such as
shelter for themselves; they’re not that smart! He has
swarms of man-eating fish or the bear-shark, a
no explanation for what is going on, but suggests that
predator unique to the Verdant (use the stats for a
maybe these things were all made by human travelers
great white shark).
who became victims of the Wendigos.
PCs who get up on top of the floating islands—
either to fight or chase the Wendigos—find atop the The Great Tree
largest island a camp. Among the usual signs of Feral There is no direct path to the Great Tree, but if the
habitation (bones, plunder from victims), there is a PCs reach the Floating Islands, a path leads northwest
fire pit and signs of cooking. A primitive shelter has from the far end of the inland sea. This will take them
been constructed from branches tied together with toward the center of the Breach Zone.
THE AFTER 169

When the PCs emerge from the jungle and see the Act III: Rest & Recuperation
Great Tree for the first time, they note the air is filled The PCs, perhaps injured or carrying evidence
with a kind of electric energy that makes the hair on collected from the various Wendigo territories,
their arms and necks stand up. There is a high-pitched return to Satler’s Camp. The camp is largely as they
whine just at the edge of their hearing, like the echo of left it, and the staff help to care for any wounded
a concert long after the music has stopped. The tree is characters. If the PCs tell their story, the men and
enormous, the size of an Old World high-rise building, women at the camp are eager to listen, especially
with roots that undulate out of and back down into to the PCs’ experience at the Great Tree, which is a
the ground. At the base of the tree is a cave from which source of considerable debate among them. (Gaston
slowly-shifting light emerges. wants to prepare an expedition to explore the caverns,
but Sherman adamantly refuses.)
All the Wendigo tribes have come to consider the
Great Tree a holy site - a concept quite foreign to Ferals If the PCs did not have Tesla as a guide, she or
found elsewhere! Despite (or perhaps because of ) this Phillip Gaston can identify the test tube fragment
reverence, they generally come here only on special as an element of Joseph Satler’s research. Satler
occasions. If the PCs approach the cave entrance, the disappeared years ago, and Gaston would very much
strange sensations associated with the area intensify, like to know what happened to him. The PCs may
until the PCs find it so hard to concentrate that they speculate that the White Wendigo is, in fact, Satler;
can barely place one foot in front of the other. In front Gaston and Tesla both find this impossible to believe.
of the cave entrance is a collection of random junk left
by the Ferals as offerings: a shirt torn from a scientist, Scientists at the camp can also identify the
an empty and rusted pistol, the carcass of a lizard, a dinosaur bone, if the PCs have brought it back. It’s
beamfruit, and a collection of brightly colored stones. a strange find; Gaston can shed little light upon it,
But among the collection is something the PCs except to say that there are no known fossil sites
cannot immediately identify: a long, curved stone rod within the Verdant, so either the fossil was brought
that comes to a sharpened point at one end. This is a in from elsewhere, or it’s coming from some place
dinosaur fossil, taken from the rib cage of a massive the expedition has yet to discover.
carnivore. A PC who succeeds at a Science roll can
make this identification. A Raise on the roll allows the Evidence that the Wendigos are more sophisticated
character to date the fossil to the Cretaceous period, than other Ferals—using tools, cooking food, and
about 70 million years ago. more—earns mixed reactions from the staff of
Satler’s Camp. Some insist they’ve been arguing this
PCs who linger too long near the cave entrance
all along, and the evidence brought back by the PCs
develop nose bleeds and intense headaches that only
only confirms long-held suspicions. Others hold
get worse the longer they stay near the Great Tree.
firm in the belief that these signs of more advanced
Pressure on their ears makes them feel like they
intelligence must be from outsiders who entered
are deep underwater. Anyone who actually ventures
Wendigo territory, and whose tools and camps the
into the cave complex does not return. What they
Ferals are now using. This debate is not split cleanly
see, and what happens to them, is beyond the scope
across the population of the camp—scientists and
of this adventure.
mercenaries are on both sides. If the PCs have a
Once the PCs have explored the Great Tree, the strong opinion, their stance on this point tips the
Floating Isles, and the Mushroom Grove, they face balance into a clear majority.
a choice: they can continue onward to the Wendigo
Caves, where the Ferals are most numerous, or they Use this time at the camp for a Downtime Interlude,
can return back to Satler’s camp for information, rest, as the PCs prepare for the second half of the adventure.
and resupply. If they return to Satler’s Camp, proceed
with Act III. If they choose to go on instead, skip Act The PCs might choose to return to Chapter at this
III and go directly to Act IV. time, especially if you are running this game as a
one-shot adventure and you’re running out of time
170 THE AFTER

in the session. But if they are determined to go into into a mountainous region devoid of trees. The river
the Verdant again and investigate the Wendigo Caves, continues to wind down from slopes farther northeast,
Sherman finds one of them late at night, preferably and while travel is still difficult, the PCs can at least
approaching a PC with Strength d8 or higher; this see the sun and they don’t have to hack their way
may be the same PC he spoke to in Act I. through dense undergrowth. If the PCs have already
visited the Floating Isles, there’s no second encounter
“If you’re going after the White Wendigo,” he says there; they can travel along the edge of the lake until
in a low whisper, “bows and arrows aren’t gonna cut they reach the river and continue on towards the
it. Yer going to need real firepower.” He leads the caves. Any PC that didn’t get a chance to do a Trek
PC to the prefab hut which the mercenaries use as a Interlude should do so now, on this second journey.
barracks, and opens a crate stacked against the side of
the building. Within is a flamethrower (3d6 damage, The Cave Clan Wendigos post scouts on the heights,
Cone template, ROF 1, Shots 5). “Take it,” Sherman on the way to their caves. These positions are high
tells them. “It’s got half a tank, but that’s all we’ve got.” up and camouflaged from below; the PCs can spot
Indeed, the flamethrower has room in the tank for 10 a lookout by succeeding on a Notice roll made at -4.
shots, but no one at the camp has any way to reload Once they’re aware of the Wendigo scouts, the PCs
it. A flamethrower is a horrifying weapon, especially can choose to use Stealth on their approach to bypass
against Wendigos, who have no experience with such the lookouts, or try and sneak up on the lookouts to
awesome power. The first time each combat that the take them out before an alarm is raised. There are
PCs use the flamethrower, all Wendigos within 12” multiple lookout positions, but only 2 Wendigos are
must attempt Fear checks. lurking at each. If the PCs can sneak up on one of
these Wendigo lookout positions and take them out
Sherman refuses to accompany the PCs, or allow without gunshots or allowing one of the Ferals to
any of his mercenaries to go. However, if you are escape, they can find a path to the caves that avoids
running this adventure as a two-session story, the further lookouts.
scientists, assistants, and mercenaries at Satler’s
Camp provide an easy way to introduce a new PC to The caves themselves are a warren of about a dozen
the second half of the story. chambers connected by natural tunnels. About 60
adult Wendigos live here, along with a number of
Once the PCs are rested, they are ready to travel children that are not yet dangerous enough to be
to the Wendigo Caves. Tesla is wisely reluctant to threats in combat. The mercenaries from Satler’s
go, as violence is almost assured and she is not a Camp call these Wendigos the Cave Clan, though
seasoned combatant. A PC who succeeds on a they’ve almost never seen them as no one usually
Persuasion roll can persuade her to come along, but ventures this far into the Verdant. Most of the Cave
if she dies on the mission, there’s only one person Clan are Feral scavengers, but there are 3 Feral
to blame! Louie, by contrast, agrees to come along if champions and the White Wendigo himself in the
the PC invite him; he has no intention of sticking tribe. For more on the Cave Clan, see The Wendigos
by the PCs’ side, however. He keeps an eye out for (above), and for the White Wendigo, see Act V, below.
any money-making opportunity on the journey, and There is only one way in or out of the caves other
as soon as Wendigos attack, he flees into the jungle, than the front entrance: the gore chute, a narrow
never to be seen again. sluiceway that emerges from the feasting chamber.
The Wendigos use this as a garbage chute, where they
throw their offal as well as those bits from live prey
Act IV: Caves of the which even Ferals refuse to eat.
Wendigo
There is no clear trail through the Verdant that The first thing the PCs are likely to do is observe the
leads all the way to the caves. However, if the PCs caves to gather what information they can. Any guide
take the trail to the Floating Isles, they can follow can tell them that this is the largest community of
upriver to the northeast until the jungle opens up Ferals they’ve ever seen - indeed, it’s an unprecedented
THE AFTER 171

number of Ferals for any tribe, whether in the Verdant anyone carrying heavy gear, such as the flamethrower.
or elsewhere in the Wind River Valley. A small number A successful climber finds themselves in the feasting
of Wendigos act as lookouts, crouching at the entrance cave, which might entail other problems. If the PCs
to the caves—one Feral scavenger for each PC—but can get the flamethrower into the caves, they might
many more come in or out, hinting at the size of the be able to set enough Wendigos on fire that the rest
community within. The Wendigos are primarily active flee, allowing them to face the White Wendigo with a
at night; by day, most of them are sleeping and the caves reasonable chance of success.
are significantly less active. Three groups of hunters
leave the caves every evening at dusk; each group is Your PCs may even decide to make assaulting the
composed of two Feral scavengers for each PC, led by a Wendigo Caves a long-term endeavour, retreating
Feral champion. They usually return around midnight back to Satler’s Camp after one or two tentative
with the evening’s live meat, some of which they leave raids with the hope of returning later, after they
with the lookouts before proceeding into the caves, have gained more experience. Do not consider this
where presumably the creatures make their feast. These failure! The Wendigos are a significant threat, and
three groups of hunters and the champions who lead if the PCs choose to withdraw rather than be eaten,
them make up a large share of the total Wendigos who this just leaves the Ferals as a plot in your campaign.
live in the caves, so for the hours they are gone, the caves The longer the PCs leave the Wendigos alone, the
are much less populated. more organized they will become, until eventually all
the Feral tribes of the Verdant answer to the White
This portion of the adventure is a sandbox Wendigo alone. Once that has been accomplished,
encounter which the PCs may choose to approach Satler’s Camp will be overrun and the Verdant
in various ways. For example, one or more of them will belong entirely to the Ferals. Can a follow-up
could try to sneak into the caves. They might stage adventure be far behind? (We can call it “The Wendigo
an attack on the entrance to gauge the strength of War,” and you’ll finally get a chance to use the Mass
the Ferals, then retreat when reinforcements arrive. Battle rules!)
If they’re armed with the flamethrower, grenades,
or other unusual weapons, they may just decide to If the PCs get far enough into the caves to find the
charge the caves. Bravery should be rewarded, but White Wendigo, proceed to Act V.
foolishness is its own punishment: PCs who get
caught in the caves when the hunting parties return
will be mercilessly trapped and slain. Likewise, PCs Act V: Behold... the White
who flee the caves are likely to be chased by dozens of Wendigo!
howling Wendigos. The White Wendigo lives in a group of three caverns
at the rear of the cave complex. But first, a story must
Locating the gore chute should not be automatic; be told.
the Wendigos themselves do not use it to go in or out
of the caves, and the only time it is used is immediately
after a feast. But if the PCs observe the caves for at
Satler & Wallace
least one night, and they search the entire area, they Joseph Satler was studying the effect of the Breach
can find the refuse deposited down the chute with a on human intelligence. He entered the Verdant to
successful Notice roll at -2. Of course, after discovering gather plants that grow only there and, returning to
the vile gore chute, crawling up is a trial of both body his camp, he used these plants to create a chemical
and mind. A character must succeed at a Spirit roll or solution that radically transformed the human brain.
they cannot bring themselves to crawl up the chute, However, there were side effects, and Satler was an
which is lined with blood, gore, feces, and all manner ethical scientist. He anticipated a lifetime of further
of other horrifying substances. Characters with a tests before he would be able to test the solution on a
heightened sense of smell make this roll at -2. Anyone living subject. Unfortunately, Satler was captured by
who does attempt to climb up the chute must succeed Ferals and taken to the Wendigo caves, where he was
at an Athletics(Climbing) roll, which is made at -2 for eaten by the shaman of the Cave Clan. The shaman,
172 THE AFTER

who was a little smarter than other Wendigos, kept also stimulate their intelligence. The other Wendigo
Satler’s chemicals intact. tribes will not fight with the Cave Clan now, for fear
of arousing the White Wendigo’s anger. Sometimes he
Over the years, the shaman fed the occasional speaks to all of the shamans and champions of the other
sample of Satler’s formula to prisoners, but Ferals are tribes, who meet him at the Great Tree. Slowly they are
not known for their patience; each of these victims all coming under his influence. The White Wendigo
was eaten before any effect of the formula could knows that, were Satler’s Camp to be destroyed,
manifest or be detected. But, a short time ago, a pair of Chapter would realize how dangerous the Wendigos
travelers passing through the Verdant were ambushed really are; therefore, he is waiting to take this step until
by Wendigos. One was killed, but the other—whose he has united all the tribes under his leadership as an
name was Wallace—was captured. Brought before the unstoppable force. He’s close to achieving this goal, but
shaman, he was forced to drink a vial of the mutagen. he hasn’t succeeded yet.
Wallace would have died like every other captive of
Ferals, but when he made a break for it and ran, he The Sacred Caves
got lucky. After descending into a deep gully which
The White Wendigo lairs in a group of three caves that
the Wendigos seldom ventured into, he slipped and
lie beneath the rest of the cavern complex. The primary
slid down into a previously-undiscovered cave.
cave, the Cave of the Bone Dragon, is reached by a steep
slope that descends from the gully, marked on the map.
In this cave, the fossil of a colossal dinosaur could
In the past, this gully was filled with loose stone, but
clearly be seen, it’s ribs lining the wall and its empty
now that the White Wendigo has made his lair here, it
eye sockets glaring into the darkness. Wallace was
has been cleared; phosphorescent stones that glow with
startled, but he kept his wits about him; the Ferals
a brimstone-like yellow color have been set into the
failed to discover the new cavern, and he was left
walls of this tunnel, clearly marking the path. It is not
alone for a time, during which the chemicals coursing
hard to see the descent, once PCs reach the gully.
their way through his brain did their work. Wallace
was transformed; his mind exploded with new
The Cave of the Bone Dragon is where Wallace
intelligence and ideas, and his body bleached white
originally hid from the Ferals and where he won them
as the moon. He soon realized he could see perfectly
to his side. It is a large natural cavern with a fossil of
in the darkness of the cave. Carefully, he used his
a tyrannosaur wrapped around two sides. The head
clothes and pieces of the fossilized skeleton to create
of this enormous creature faces the entrance to the
improvised torches; when he was ready, he lit them.
cave, and it’s mouth is open, its teeth sharp as knives.
There are no light sources, as the White Wendigo
The Wendigos quickly found him and slid into the
can see in the dark. Anyone who is surprised by this
cave, but when they did, they found something they
sight—for example, if the PCs are chased in here by
did not expect. Wallace stood tall and proud before
Ferals, or if they suddenly turn on a light source—
them, framed by fire and with an enormous skeletal
must attempt a Fear check. The Cave of the Bone
guardian looking over him like a spirit. In the moment
Dragon is usually empty, but if the White Wendigo
when the Wendigos hesitated, Wallace commanded
wants to address the clan, he does so here.
them to grovel before him... and they did. The White
Wendigo was born. The shaman was his first victim,
Two smaller caves lead off from the Cave of the
sacrificed to the spirit of the bone dragon.
Bone Dragon. The smaller one is where the White
Wendigo keeps his plunder: everything taken from
This was all several months ago, and in the time since,
the shaman, from the corpse of Satler, and from any
the White Wendigo has consolidated his hold on the
other victims who are brought before him. Much of
Cave Clan and begun cowing the other tribes that prowl
this may be worthless junk—fetishes and other odd
the Verdant. As his influence over Ferals spreads, his
collectibles the Wendigos pick up and bring to their
minions begin to display more advanced intelligence:
master as tribute—but more valuable things could be
whatever effect gives the White Wendigo the power
here as well. Use the hoard of plunder to seed future
to manipulate and control other Ferals appears to
THE AFTER 173

adventures. For example, there could be a map here Aftermath
to a site the PCs haven’t explored, equipment they If the PCs kill the White Wendigo, they reduce the
need to go places they have had to avoid (such as gas threat posed by the Ferals of the Verdant to its
masks or underwater gear), or even some weapons previous level. The Wendigos are still dangerous,
(a few grenades, for example, or hard-to-find but they are no longer cooperating on the scale
ammunition). Among the treasures, however, is a they once were, and they lose the characteristics of
small sturdy plastic box wrapped in canvas and tagged higher intelligence they were beginning to display.
with a biohazard symbol; within are three vials of a The tribes once again begin fighting with one
thick green liquid, all that remains of Joseph Satler’s another. Satler’s Camp is safe. When the PCs return
original formula. (The White Wendigo has consumed to Satler’s Camp, Sherman expects them to return
the rest.) The effects of this formula on a human who the flamethrower. “That was a loaner,” he says, “not
consumes it are unpredictable, but exceedingly dire. a gift.” Of course, the PCs may have used all the
Any PC who tries it should be allowed a triumphant weapon’s fuel.
scene in which they rescue everyone from the White
Wendigo, before the character turns into a mutant If the PCs withdraw, however, or the White Wendigo
monster and becomes an NPC. escapes, the threat persists. The White Wendigo uses
the PCs’ invasion of the cave complex as a propaganda
The second cave leading away from the Bone Dragon tool that mobilizes the other Wendigo tribes; soon
is the personal chamber of the White Wendigo himself, they are all loyal to him. In a late night operation, he
and he sleeps here in the company of his handmaidens, commands his army to overwhelm Satler’s Camp and
four Wendigo females. The White Wendigo has been leave no survivors (though one or two may escape to
trying to sire children on these Ferals, but the Statler reach Chapter and raise the alarm).
formula has rendered him sterile. The female Ferals
have been exposed to the White Wendigo’s psychic Finally, if the PCs do not take the chemical samples of
powers for so long that they are fanatically loyal to Satler’s formula, it’s quite possible that another White
him; they will fight and die to protect him. Use the Wendigo could appear, to take the first one’s place...
Fanatics rule for the handmaidens.
Handmaidens (4)
Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Notice d6, Stealth d8,
Survival d6.
Pace: 8, Parry: 6; Toughness: 8
Edges/Hindrances: Berserk, Brave, Brawny, Combat Reflexes, Fleet-
Footed, Free Runner.
Special Abilities

Natural Weapon: The handmaidens have long teeth which they have
filed to sharp points. Their bite attack inflicts Str+d6 and exposes the target to a Debilitating disease; the
target must succeed at a Vigor roll or contract the disease and become Fatigued until treated.
Strength in Numbers: When outnumbering the enemy at least 2:1, Ferals gain the Strong Willed Edge.
174 THE AFTER

The White Wendigo
Skills: Fighting d10, Intimidation d12, Mindbending d10, Notice d8, Stealth d8, Survival d10.
Edges/Hindrances: Arcane Background (Mindbender), Brave, Command, Commanding Presence, Fast
Healer, Fervor, Iron Will, Level Headed, Strong Willed
Special Abilities
Mindbending: 15 Power Points
Unnatural Intellect: When suffering Backlash from using Mindbending, the White Wendigo only has to
spend 2 Power Points to avoid being Stunned.
Powers: Boost/Lower Trait, Confusion, Deflection, Empathy, Fear
THE AFTER 175

FIVE
THE WRECK One of the first casualties of the War, a Butcher ship
GAZ E T T E E R
was crippled over Squaretop Mountain and crashed

there. Decades later, it remains atop the peak - to
“Old Man Crow told me there’s a Butcher ship
some, a reminder of past horrors, and to others an
that crashed right onto the top of Squaretop
irresistible lure.
Mountain, during the early days of the Ghosts’
attack. I’m not sure if it was close enough for Reaching the summit of Squaretop Mountain is no
him to see the crash, or if the knowledge came small task. Explorers may need to seek for days to
in one of those visions. Anyway, it’s true. When find a workable route to the top that doesn’t involve
the sun’s at the right angle, if you’re high free-climbing sheer cliffs. They’ll need to dodge or
enough in the mountains, you can see the glint defeat the zapdrones and wreckers that haunt the area.
off its hull. I’m glad it’s on the other side of Making the climb even more problematic are the
the mountains, but I wish it were farther away
clouds of dangerous gases that are still being emitted
still. I don’t like the idea that something might
from the starship’s wreckage - some corrosive, some
hallucinogenic, and still others laden heavily with
still be alive in the wreckage. They say those
GenBomb particles.
biomechanoid things can live without food for a
long, long time. Who’d be crazy enough to climb This means that reaching the Wreck itself is best
up a damn mountain just to bring it to ‘em?” handled as a Dramatic Task, probably focused on
Survival and Athletics. Complications might indicate
- Big Jim Haggart that the group is forced to flee from an oncoming
gas cloud, making their travels even more arduous.
176 THE AFTER

FIVE
If the Dramatic Task is failed, the GM will need Groups that reach the summit of the mountain will
GAZ E T T E E R
to determine appropriate consequences based on need to contend with the strange radiation that is
the desired ‘difficulty level’ for their campaign. In still being emitted from the shattered warship’s fuel
addition to being driven off the mountain, possible cores and engine systems. While Butcher technology
consequences could include: is esoteric and not based on real-world nuclear
The group is overcome by hallucinogen gas and technology, the Radiation Hazard rules from Savage
flees down the mountain. Each character suffers Worlds will be sufficient to model the danger. Treat
Bumps and Bruises, and after snapping out of the entire mountaintop as a “low radiation” zone,
the effect, finds they have discarded 1d4 pieces of requiring a Vigor roll once an hour to avoid Fatigue.
equipment during their retreat.
The group retreats from an oncoming cloud How accessible the Butcher spacecraft remains is
of corrosive gas, but is caught in the edge up to the individual GM’s preferences. Some might
nonetheless. Each character suffers 1d4 Wounds prefer to have the ship shockingly intact and run it
from acid burns, although they may make a single as a “dungeon”, replete with high radiation zones,
Soak attempt if they have a Benny available. biomechanoid traps and creatures, and any other
hazard they can think of. Others will prefer to think
A cloud of GenBomb nanites envelops the group.
of the Wreck as a scavenger site, where explorers
If any group member is carrying Salvage, half of it
might grab a few choice items before legging it back
is destroyed outright. Every piece of equipment
down the mountain. In addition to potential Salvage
carried by the group suffers 1d4-1 Stress Tags.
rewards, savvy explorers might stumble across
This is a crueler consequence than it might
barely-operational Butcher weaponry still clutched
seem, since it’s likely to result in a great deal of
in the dead hands of biomechanoid soldiers, or find
gear loss and may strand the group in the wild
freakish Butcher Remnants still ‘alive’ in a stasis pod.
without sufficient cold weather protection, food,
or weaponry.
Regardless of the state of the Wreck, the Star League
After fleeing an oncoming gas cloud, each group would certainly be fascinated by any artifacts brought
member is left separated and lost. Their task from the starship, or news concerning viable routes
now is to avoid the creatures of the wild, find one to the peak of Squaretop Mountain.
another, and make their way back to civilization
after their failed expedition.
For particularly adversarial GMs, all of the above.
THE AFTER 177

THE AFTER
178
SIX
ADV E RS ARIE S O F T H E AFT E R
SIX
ADVERSARIES OF THE

AFTER
A variety of dangerous creatures can be encountered
throughout Wind River Valley when an explorer
gets off the beaten path. Most common, of course,
is mundane wildlife: the region has had a hundred
years and more to return to wilderness, meaning that
it’s rife with animals such as bison, bobcats, elk, and
bears. Game statistics for such wildlife can be found
in the main Savage Worlds rulebook
Despite the return to wilderness, some portions of

the Valley remain scarred by the events of the War,
and GenBomb contamination remains present nearly
everywhere. These tainted particles have resulted
in the Change that has affected living creatures
worldwide. Changed wildlife is often visually
striking but not otherwise notable. For instance,
there’s no need to know the combat statistics for a
winged squirrel, a sparrow that glows in the dark, or
a two-headed deer.
On rare occasions, Changed wildlife can be

aggressive or dangerous, with unusual combat
abilities. A creature might have biomechanical
implants that allow it a projectile attack mimicking
a shotgun, or to project a flame blast that mimics the
burst power. It could have subdermal armor or be
able to sprint at uncanny speeds.
GMs can model this kind of dangerous Changed

beast by adding one or more of the special abilities
listed in the Bestiary section of the Savage Worlds
rulebook. These abilities are particularly appropriate:
Armor, Breath Weapon, Burrow, Ethereal, Flight,
Hardy, Poison, Regeneration, Resilient, Tentacles,
Wall Walker.
The following pages offer game statistics for a

variety of dangerous Changed creatures that might
be encountered in Wind River, such as the Butcher
Bear or Dart Vulture. Information is also provided
for a variety of more exotic creatures that are native
to the Breach Zones that are still peppered around
the region.
THE AFTER 179

SIX
Boom Bug
The Verdant is teeming with hundreds of varieties
of oversized, alien insects. Many of these are the
size of a man’s fist, with glittering carapaces that
reflect what little sunlight makes it through
the Breach Zone’s canopy. The deep hum of
their wings is a constant background noise in
the area. Most of these insects, despite their
unusual size, are harmless nuisances. The boom
bug, however, is an unpredictable menace.
A boom bug is nearly indistinguishable from

most other insects of the Verdant and is often found
among them. For most of its life cycle, it’s completely
harmless. However, when the boom bug is ready to
breed - after about thirty days of life - it seeks out a
victim to carry its larvae. It swells up to the size of a
human head and hovers about the Verdant serenely.
At a distance, the boom bug might be seen as an Special Abilities
ungainly, balloonish creature - perhaps even comedic. Explosion: The boom bug may, as an action,
But, upon becoming aware of a creature of Size 0 or create an explosion in a Small Blast Template
larger within 12”, the boom bug will immediately dart centered on itself. This automatically kills the
toward its intended target. After getting as close as boom bug and delivers 3d6 damage to everyone
possible, it swells further until it explodes! Its larvae in the template who fails to Evade the blast. See
are contained in the resulting organic shrapnel, and “Infection” below.
can become embedded into creatures caught in the
Flight: The boom bug flies at a Pace of 8. While
explosion. This serves to impregnate hapless victims
swollen and primed to explode, this is its
with the next generation of boom bugs - or to leave
maximum speed: it cannot “run”.
a corpse that the larvae can use as both shelter and a
food source. Infection: Anyone Shaken or Wounded by
a boom bug’s Explosion ability must make
While most social skills are useless when dealing a Vigor roll or become host to burrowing
with insects, boom bugs are not fond of smoke or larvae, suffering a level of Fatigue. This Vigor
fire. Anyone with a lit torch or similar fire source roll must be repeated daily, with each failure
may perform a Test using Intimidation at +2. resulting in a further level of Fatigue. A victim
Success with a Raise is likely to drive the boom bugs Incapacitated by the larvae will die within 24
out of the area entirely. hours. After seven days of infection, the larvae
exit the body: the victim must make a Vigor
Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d6, roll or suffer one Wound. A Healing roll at -2
Strength d4-2, Vigor d6. will extract the larvae without further damage
to the Host, and the healing power can be used
Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d4, Notice d4, Stealth
within 10 minutes of the infection to nullify the
d4.
condition.
Size -3: Scale Modifier -4.
180 THE AFTER

SIX
This “Breach sense” makes them an absolute

Butcher Bear nightmare for the Gifted. In the absence of more
prominent food sources like the Ghosts, the Gifted
The arrival of the Ghosts and the subsequent have become a butcher bear’s favored prey. The more
Fall dealt devastating blows to the Butchers, but a Gifted uses the Boon and the more Power Points
they fought back in many ways. One of these was they spend, the more likely the butcher bear will scent
unleashing the “Butcher bear” on the world. These them and give chase. In combat, a butcher bear will
immense creatures were constructed in Butcher always focus on users of the Boon before any other
bioforges, melding the aliens’ strange technology target. It can take hours before the “scent” wears off
with vat-grown flesh. The butcher bears’ genes were enough for the Gifted to elude the butcher bear.
specially crafted, combining the dominant traits of
several species of Earth bear with genetic material As an interesting counterpoint, butcher bears
from an unknown alien predator species. The result are less aggressive to the Changed. Their altered
was an unparalleled predator. physiology may register as something similar to
the butcher bear’s own in an internal technological
An average-size butcher bear weighs 2,500 system, or perhaps it’s simply a genetically
pounds, stands five feet tall at the shoulder, and constructed instinct. While a butcher bear will
when standing on its hind legs crests eleven feet. certainly defend itself against an aggressive
The largest adult males can grow up to 25% larger. Changed, they do not treat the Changed as a prey
animal or food source unless near to starvation.
They were designed to survive in any habitat on
Earth, no matter how harsh. From the sweltering Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d8,
tangle of the Verdant to the profound cold of the Ice Strength d12+2, Vigor d12
Plains, butcher bears can be found plodding along Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8,
unaffected by the environment, in search of prey to Notice d8, Stealth d4, Survival d8.
assuage their unending hunger. Pace: 8; Parry: 6; Toughness: 14 (2)
Special Abilities
During the War, the butcher bear’s foremost
prey was the Ghosts. Even today, the creatures can Armored Flesh: +2 Armor from internal plating.
sense fluctuations of Breach energy from miles Bite/Claws: Str+d6.
away. Speculation abounds as to whether this is a Breach Sense: A butcher bear can roll Notice
special kind of vision, an enhanced scent ability, or to sense the use of Breach energy within 1
some other sense embedded into mile per Power Point spent (or 1d3 miles for
their biomechanical internals. the activation of a Ghost Shard, doubled if it
Regardless of the source, Fractures). If this usage occurs within 100 yards
a butcher bear can of the butcher bear, it will be able to track
obviously track the use the user for 1d4+1 hours using Survival.
of Breach energy, Otherwise it merely learns the general
including the distance and direction of the
activation of Breach energy surge, and will
Shards. approach in hopes of picking
up a ‘trail’.
Draining Bite: A creature
with Power Points that is Shaken or
Wounded by the butcher bear’s Bite/
Claws attack also loses 2d4 Power Points, as
their Breach energy is siphoned away to fuel
the creature’s biomechanical systems.
THE AFTER 181

SIX
Environmental Resistance: The butcher bear formidable protection against any attacker, though
can ignore most weather-based Hazards, its underbelly is vulnerable. The crocogant rarely
gaining +4 to resist Fatigue from environmental exposes this unarmored area, but a daring attacker
heat, cold, or exposure. could attempt a Push action to roll the creature
Size 4: Scale Modifier +2. over (requiring success on the opposed roll, and
replacing the usual effect of a Push).
Very Resilient: When combined with its Size, this
means the butcher bear can take three wounds
Fortunately for explorers of the Verdant,
(and is Incapacitated upon taking a fourth).
crocogants are solitary beasts. In fact, they have
discrete territories and often clash with one another
when meeting face-to-face. Their brief mating
Crocogant season drives them to local bodies of water, where
they ignore prey in favor of pursuing procreation.
These brief, ill-tempered trysts result in fertilized
This hulking reptilian beast is a predator common eggs about the size of softballs, which are abandoned
to the Verdant. It boasts a thick layer of scales, with to drift with the current.
a slimy coating that aids the beast in hiding itself
as leaves and other detritus stick to it. This natural Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d6,
camouflage allows it to hide in a shallow depression Strength d10, Vigor d10.
and wait for prey to venture too close, so it can launch
forth from hiding and strike. Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Notice d8, Stealth
d8.
A crocogant ambush can be startling - the creature Pace: 5; Parry: 6; Toughness: 11 (4)
often emits a coughing roar while leaping to the Special Abilities
attack - but those who aren’t immediately caught can Armor +4. Scaly hide. The Armor can be
often outrun the creature. It has relatively stubby bypassed by adjacent attackers while the
legs and can be ungainly when trying to make its way crocogant is flipped over.
through the undergrowth of the Verdant.
Bite: Str + d6.
Those who choose to fight back against a hungry Natural Camouflage: The crocogant gains a +2
crocogant will have to deal with its impressive to Stealth while it is motionless, but only within
natural armor. The beast’s top and sides offer The Verdant.
182 THE AFTER

SIX
Skills: Athletics d4, Fighting d4,

Dart Vulture Notice d8, Shooting d8.
Wheeling lazily, high in the air, it’s easy to mistake Special Abilities
these creatures for the mundane scavenger Bite/Claw: Str+d4.
birds one would expect to see anywhere. Flight: Dart Vultures
However, dart vultures have been Changed have a flying Pace of 12.
after exposure to Breach energy near
Poison (-4):
the Trench, where they are most
This chemical induces
commonly found. Rather than
immediate but short-
waiting for dead animals to feed
lived agony. On a failure,
upon, they have become predators.
victims become Stunned
and suffer a level of Fatigue.
The Change has caused dart
vultures to develop the ability Spine Spray: Range
to rain down sprays of spines 12/24/48. RoF 1. Damage
that are coated in pain-inducing 2d6. Creatures Shaken
chemicals. As soon or Wounded by this attack
as their target is must resist the effects of the dart
incapacitated with vulture’s Poison.
agony, they swoop down Size -1.
to eat it alive. Of course,
they’re immune to their own toxin.
Obviously descended from Old

World vultures, these creatures behave
much as their ancestors did - building
nests, laying eggs, and raising the next
generation of airborne killers. Despite
their propensity for attacking lone travelers, they Ghost Ooze
are prone to being frightened off by loud noises
like gunshots - similar to any other wild animal. If The Blight is perhaps the strangest Breach Zone
their spines seem to have no effect on their chosen within Wind River Valley. Objects often seem to
target, they will not risk themselves by closing to sway or melt, and even the landscape can become
attack with their weak talons. Instead, they’ll beat uncomfortably amorphous, leaving explorers off-
their wings and soar away to hunt elsewhere. balance both mentally and physically. They must
resist being affected by the Blight themselves while
Dart vultures tend to fly much lower than most making their way through misshapen terrain.
scavenger birds. In part, this is because their spines
don’t retain accuracy or velocity when fired from Ghost oozes make the situation in the Blight
great heights. As well, it may be an instinctual immeasurably worse. They are solitary, amoeba-like
behavior due to the often-claustrophobic confines creatures that slither through twisted ruins, quietly
of the Trench, the narrow-walled Breach Zone from hunting for victims day and night. Speculation
which they originated. abounds as to the origin of the ghost oozes: are they
creatures from beyond the Breach that are immune
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d6, to the Blight, or are they the ‘end state’ of creatures
Strength d4, Vigor d6. overwhelmed by the Blight? Regardless of their
source, they hunt creatures made of solid flesh in
THE AFTER 183

SIX
order to engulf and consume them. They exhibit Hardy: This creature does
a preference for prey that originates from not suffer a Wound from being
outside the Blight. Shaken twice.
Phase Jump: Once an hour,
While a ghost ooze does the ghost ooze can phase
not move quickly, between dimensions to travel
it is tenacious in instantly up to 10” distant.
pursuit, able to The ooze can teleport to
squeeze through areas it cannot sense and
small gaps as has not seen previously.
well as cling to
Semi-sentient: Ghost
sheer surfaces. A
oozes are not affected
ghost ooze’s most
by Fear, cannot be
disturbing hunting
communicated with by
tactic, though, is the
any means (including
ability to briefly crawl
telepathy) and are
between dimensions and
immune to Tests that
end up right where it wasn’t
target Smarts or Spirit.
expected - a trait that hints at
a Ghost-tech origin for these Size 2: Were it to
horrible creatures. gather all its mass together, it
would be a slimy lump as big as a
Rumors persist of ghost large bear, but the ghost ooze usually occupies
oozes even bigger than a space equivalent to a Small Blast Template as
the usual specimen, large it hunts.
enough to engulf entire wagons. Very Resilient: Ghost oozes can take an
enormous amount of punishment before
Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d8, losing cohesion and dissolving into a harmless
Strength d10, Vigor d12. but smelly puddle. They can suffer two extra
Skills: Athletics d4, Fighting d8, Notice d8, Stealth Wounds before being Incapacitated.
d6, Survival d4. Wall Walker: The creature may traverse sheer
Pace: 6 (cannot run); Parry: 6; Toughness: 10 surfaces (even ceilings) at its full Pace.
Special Abilities
Amorphous: Ghost oozes take no additional
damage from Called Shots, gain +2 to recover
from being Shaken, and are immune to disease
and poison. They can also squeeze through any Glibbermen
opening the size of a fist, though this transition
costs the ooze 4” of movement.
Bizarre Senses: The creature cannot be blinded These bipeds with pale, mucilaginous flesh haunt the
or deafened and ignores penalties for low light corrupted Breach Zone known as the Blight. They
or concealment. However, it suffers -4 to Notice have no visible facial features and seem to be mute.
things more than 12” distant. Despite this inability to communicate, they seem to
Engulfing Limbs: Str+d6. The creature attacks be silently outraged by the presence of humanoids
using a storm of thrashing pseudopods. This that are unlike them. Glibbermen gather in packs to
attack affects all adjacent targets using a single pursue and attack explorers, and have been known to
Fighting attack, as with the Improved Sweep jog for hours along the trail of those who have fled
Edge. on horseback.
184 THE AFTER

SIX
What sustains a glibberman aside from this

wordless anger is unknown: they carry very little Glowbelcher
equipment, don’t use fire, and have not been
observed eating by any outsiders. If they have
gender, it’s impossible to tell them apart, and
The Fission Factory is peppered with the radioactive
immature glibbermen have not been seen.
ruins of Butcher facilities, blasted and destroyed
during the War. Years of carnage wrecked the
The strange creatures secrete a disorienting toxin
aliens’ laboratories and factories, and the retreat of
from their flesh. Each glibberman carries a sling
the Butchers from the Earth’s surface ensured they
made from woven hair or scavenged Old World
would never be rebuilt.
materials, and loads it with vile mucus balls rolled
from their secreted toxin. They use these to bring
However, deep beneath the surface, the shattered
down targets at range. When possible, glibbermen
vestiges of automated Butcher bioforges still
will choose to overwhelm and carry away poisoned
occasionally hum to life. On rare occasions, their
targets one by one, rather than engage an entire
programming functions correctly - directing
group of explorers in a mass combat. These
them to consume, conquer, and destroy. When a
victims are spirited away and hidden, then forced to
sufficient amount of power can be gathered from
consume more of the toxic mucus until, eventually,
broken reactors or stolen fuel, and raw material can
they are overwhelmed by the Blight and transform
be collected, then a horror might be birthed: a fully
into glibbermen.
operational biomechanoid war machine, disgorged
into the outside world to wreak havoc and feed the
The Librarians of Chapter
bioforge’s appetites further.
speculate that glibbermen
may worship ghost oozes and
By far, the most dangerous of these biomechanoids
could be related to them in
are the glowbelchers. Pulsing conduits and
some fashion, for the oozes do
sparking wires criss-cross diseased, alien
not attack glibbermen.
flesh as they rumble across
the land on reinforced tracks,
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4,
seeking living creatures to slay
Spirit d8, Strength d6, Vigor d8.
or capture. Fortunately for the
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, rest of Wind River Valley,
Notice d6, Stealth d4, Survival they are attracted to radiation
d6. (perhaps gaining sustenance
Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 6 from it) and usually remain
Special Abilities in the vicinity of the Fission
Disgusting Fist Smash: Factory.
Str+d4.
Construction of the incredible
Slimeball Sling: Range
ranged weaponry that shattered
4/8/16, Str+d4.
the armies of the Old World
Stun: Those hit by a is utterly out of reach of the
glibberman’s fist smash remaining bioforges. Instead,
or slimeball sling these creatures rely on fierce
(even if the damage is claws backed up by uncanny
insufficient to Shake biomechanical strength, and
the target) must resist can emit sprays of a
a mild toxin. Victims foul liquid that
who fail a Vigor roll is profoundly
become Stunned.
THE AFTER 185

SIX

Strength d12+4, Vigor d12.
Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d10,
Intimidation d8, Notice d8, Repair d4,
Shooting d10, Survival d4.
Pace: 8; Parry: 7; Toughness: 16 (4)
Special Abilities
Armor +4: Structural reinforcement
and altered physiology make the glowbelcher
difficult to affect with attacks.
Belch Slime: Glowbelchers,
true to their name, can spew forth
corrosive, radioactive slime using
the Cone Template. Creatures
within the cone may oppose the
glowbelcher’s Shooting roll with an
Agility roll to evade the attack. Those who
fail suffer 2d10 damage and must make a Vigor
roll to avoid a level of Fatigue from radiation.
Any victim that critically fails this Vigor roll will
corrosive as well as being radioactive. Similarly, the be warped by Butcher biotechnology, suffering
impregnable armor common during the Harvest an immediate, randomly chosen Cosmetic
has been replaced by downgraded protection built Change (and gaining the Not Like Us racial
from whatever scraps were available. quality of the Changed).
Biomechanical Claw: Str+d10. Heavy Weapon.
Glowbelchers maintain an internal storage Construct: +2 to recover from being Shaken;
compartment. They often fill it by shoveling in the ignores 1 point of Wound penalties; does not
remains of defeated opponents, but a glowbelcher breathe nor suffer from disease or poison.
without live targets will spend its time combing the
Fearless: Their programming renders
ruins of the Fission Factory for raw material that
glowbelchers immune to Fear effects. They
it can return to the partially-active bioforge from
cannot be affected by the Intimidation skill.
whence it came. At the GMs discretion, breaking
into a defeated glowbelcher’s storage compartment Low Light Vision: Ignores penalties for Dim
might be lucrative in terms of salvage or even and Dark lighting.
Remnants. That said, anything torn from the corpse Size 4 (Large): Glowbelchers are over 10’ tall
of the biomechanoid is likely to have a Stress Tag and easily as wide. They weigh over 4000
due to exposure to the creature’s radioactive and pounds. Because of their size, they can suffer
nanite-laden internals. an additional Wound, and Scale modifiers affect
attacks against them.
186 THE AFTER

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Swarm: Parry +2. Because the swarm is

Humbuzz Swarm composed of hundreds of individual creatures,
cutting and piercing weapons do no real
damage. Area-effect weapons work normally,
A humbuzz is a docile, batlike flyer. They have and a character flailing with a melee weapon (or
spread throughout Wind River Valley, but are most even his fists) can inflict his damage in Strength
commonly found in large numbers at the Hanging each round.
Rocks. There they gather in loose flocks, bobbing Weakness (Noise): Due to their keen hearing,
about in the weird microgravity fields of the Breach humbuzz swarms suffer -2 to resist any sonic
Zone, and nesting in cracks and crevices. Their name effect, and suffer 2 points of extra damage from
comes from the sounds the creatures make. Rather them. Intimidation attempts that include a
than the bird song one might expect, humbuzzes loud noise are made at +2 when targeting the
emit gentle humming noises that most explorers humbuzz swarm, and the swarm will usually
find soothing. disperse if Shaken by these effects.
Under normal circumstances, humbuzzes feed on

seeds and insects. Individually, they are completely
harmless. However, when pickings are scarce, or
a creature approaches too near to their nesting
grounds, the flock can become suddenly
aggressive. Within a few heartbeats,
a flock of humbuzzes can swirl into a
dangerous airborne swarm and launch
to the attack. When they turn
aggressive, their previously
soothing hum becomes a buzz
that increases to teeth-rattling
levels as the swarm closes around
its victims.
The humbuzz swarm covers an area

equal to a Medium Burst Template and
deals damage to everyone covered by the
template each round.
Attributes: Agility d10, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit

d12, Strength d4, Vigor d10.
Skills: Athletics d6, Notice d8.
Special Abilities
Biting Cloud: The humbuzz swarm inflicts
dozens of tiny bites every round to its victims.
This automatically hits all targets within the
swarm’s Template, causing 2d6 damage to
everyone. This damage is applied to the least
armored location.
Flight: Humbuzz swarms fly with a Pace of 12”.
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While ice beetles are unfazed by the fiercest cold

Ice Beetle temperatures, even the relatively tepid summers of

Wind River Valley will kill ice beetles that do not
retreat to the Ice Plains or otherwise find shelter
These six-legged horrors arrived in Wind River Valley
from the warmer climate. Only in deep, sunless
when the Ice Plains were formed. Ice beetles are about
caves or in the perpetually snow-covered regions at
the length of a human arm, with a leathery, white
the top of mountains could an ice beetle population
carapace and sharp mandibles made for tearing flesh.
persist to trouble anyone for a second year.
They are endemic to that frigid Breach Zone,
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d6,
where they lurk beneath the ever-present snow layer,
awaiting warm-blooded prey. When a potential
meal approaches, they burrow beneath the snow Skills: Fighting d6, Notice d6, Stealth d8.
to attack from surprise. An unlucky explorer that Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 6 (2)
stumbles into ice beetle territory might have to deal Special Abilities
with ten or more of the hideous creatures. A victim Armor +2
overcome by the ice beetles will become host to a
Bite: Str+d6.
clutch of dozens of bluish eggs, which hatch within
about three weeks. Burrowing: Ice beetles can only burrow through
snow.
Unfortunately, the winters in Wind River Valley are Camouflage: Ice beetles gain a +2 to Stealth
both fierce and long, allowing ice beetles to migrate rolls in snowy environments.
outward from the Ice Plains in winter in search of Environmental Resistance (Cold): Ice beetles
food. On these voyages, they instinctively band are unconcerned with low environmental
together in groups of ten to twenty. Sweetwater temperatures. Cold damage is reduced by 4, and
Ranch has a standing bounty for ice beetles killed they gain +4 to resist Hazards based on cold.
on its land, as the creatures often reach that area by
Size -1.
the end of the winter and begin harassing the herds
of sheep and cattle prized by the ranchers.
Ironfang
The hand of the Butchers still lies heavily upon Wind

River Valley. From end to end, Changed creatures can
be discovered, as the vestiges of the GenBomb have
caused insidious alterations in many lifeforms.
In many cases these creatures are harmless: a
rabbit with strange wires protruding from its
spine or a river fish with glowing diodes embedded
inside of it. But, other Changed animals have been
modified to become terrifying hazards to an entire
region.
Within the lands of the Tribe, whispered

legends speak of a terrible Changed
beast they call the Ironfang. Survivors
of its depredations report that the
Ironfang is the size of a black
bear, but vaguely canid in
188 THE AFTER

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shape, with metal plates jutting from its skin. It Special Abilities
hunts the northernmost reaches of their claim, Armor +4: The Ironfang’s Butchertech armor
always by night. Ferocious and insatiable, it prefers has properties similar to Old World Kevlar,
to stalk and devour humans over animal prey and reducing damage from firearms by 4.
exhibits no fear of weapons or fire. This aggression
Bite/Claw: Str+d6, AP 2. Heavy Weapon.
is no doubt a result of the Butcher biotech that has
become embedded throughout its scarred flesh. Fear: As an action, the Ironfang can unleash a
Grizzled and hateful, many have come to believe terrifying roar that is amplified by embedded
that the Ironfang has been present in Wind River subsonic emitters. This causes all non-deafened
Valley since the time of the Harvest and is one of creatures in a Large Burst Template centered on
the last original constructs made by Butcher hands. the Ironfang to roll a Fear check at -2.
Fleet-footed: This beast rolls a d8 when running
The elders of the Tribe agree that the Ironfang instead of a d6.
must be stopped, but they do not wish to lose more Hardy: A second Shaken result does not cause
good scouts and warriors to the beast’s appetite. As a Wound.
well, they fear that if the Ironfang is trifled with, it Infravision: Butcher-tech ocular implants allow
might follow along its attackers’ trails southward, to sight in the infrared spectrum, halving penalties
ravage more heavily populated areas. Of even more for lighting when attacking living targets. The
concern is the conjecture that there might be more creature has normal sight as well.
than one Ironfang.
Keen Nose: +2 to Notice rolls involving scent.
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d10, Size 2: The Ironfang stands 6’ at the shoulder
Strength d12+2, Vigor d10. and weighs over 1000 pounds.
Skills: Fighting d10, Intimidation d10, Notice d6, Slow Regeneration: The Ironfang makes a
Stealth d6, Survival d8. natural healing roll daily.
THE AFTER 189

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even to an explorer climbing their tentacles and

Jaunter sitting on top of them. Because of this, the beasts

are sometimes used as impromptu transports for
expeditions within the Hanging Rocks, as they offer
Enormous creatures from beyond the Breach,
a quick and relatively safe way to gain height within
jaunters are reminiscent of titanic, airborne jellyfish.
the Breach Zone.
Long, multicolored tentacles dangle from a gasbag-
like body as the creatures drift in the strange
The typical jaunter has a body about fifteen feet in
microgravities of the Hanging Rocks. This Breach
diameter and tentacles that dangle fifty feet or more,
Zone is the only place where a jaunter can be found,
though the makeup of their flesh is surprisingly
as they do not leave the shelter - or the unusual
light. The tentacles of a jaunter are slow to move
gravity - of the Rocks.
and poorly coordinated, so they are not useful for
combat applications. However, in the event that a
Jaunters are remarkably docile. They gain
jaunter is injured or otherwise upset, it responds
sustenance by slowly grinding metals and Breach
by emanating waves of painful and deadly Breach
elements out of the Hanging rocks with slithering
energy. The statistics here are for a specimen of
strokes of their tentacles, and ignore most
average size.
other creatures and stimuli. Bold travelers have
discovered that the creatures usually don’t react
Strength d12+4, Vigor d12.
Skills: Athletics d4, Fighting d4, Notice d4.
Special Abilities
Barely Conscious: The alien being is immune to
Tests, cannot become Distracted or Vulnerable,
and understands no language. Attempts to
contact it telepathically are at -4.
Damage Field: When attacked, the jaunter
erupts in an aura of lovely (but dangerous)
Breach energy waves. This energy field appears
during the jaunter’s next action and remains
until the jaunter has no foes within 12”. The
energy field causes 2d8 damage to anyone
attacking the jaunter in melee, and deals damage
to anyone touching the jaunter (such as riders)
per round of contact. The jaunter can also use
a Touch Attack to deal this damage to a single
target within 6”.
Flight: Pace 4. Jaunters hover serenely, and
don’t change direction well.
Size 7 (Large): A jaunter can suffer an additional
Wound before being Incapacitated, and Scale
modifiers apply to attack rolls targeting it.
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Mesmer
Another legacy of the War between the Butchers
and Ghosts, the mesmer is a bizarre Changed
amalgamation. Its body is long and sinuous,
reminiscent of a constrictor snake. Rather than
scales, however, its muscular core is surrounded
with plantlike fibers. This pliant exterior affords a
mesmer protection, and also allows it to blend in
with natural surroundings.
Due to this natural camouflage, mesmers are

most at home in the thickest vegetation possible.
The creatures are most commonly encountered
in the depths of the Verdant, where they can be
found climbing to the very heights of that alien
biome to prey on the weird creatures resident
there. Despite their success in the Verdant,
mesmers can be found anywhere in Wind
River Valley where there are trees for them to
lurk. During cold weather, mesmers go dormant. Special Abilities
Their bodies stiffen, lose most of their color and Arboreal: The mesmer can traverse trees and
allow them to blend in with the trees they’ve perched similar structures without making an Athletics
in. Rolls to spot a hibernating mesmer are at -4. roll. They gain +2 to Stealth rolls when among
trees.
Mesmers use their Breach ability to hypnotize Armor +3.
prey, luring vulnerable targets away from their
Bite and Trap: Str+d4. On a hit with a Raise, the
compatriots, so they can be crushed to death in
victim must make an Athletics roll or become
private. It’s rare for a mesmer to attack in the open
Restrained by the mesmer.
unless given no other choice. These creatures do
not swallow their prey whole; instead, a crushed Constrictor: +2 to Athletics and Strength rolls
opponent is penetrated by rootlike structures over made to grapple.
the course of several minutes. The mesmer then Hypnotism: The creature can channel Breach
drains their blood and innards for sustenance, energy to control its intended prey. A target
leaving a withered husk behind. The entire process must be within 6”. If the mesmer wins an
takes about an hour, after which the mesmer is opposed Spirit roll, it controls its target’s every
satisfied for several days. action for up to two minutes. Due to their
limited intellect, the only action mesmers
Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d10, usually impose on their victims is to walk them
Strength d10, Vigor d8. quietly to an isolated place, where the mesmer
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Notice d8, Stealth can envelop and crush them. Upon the victim
d8. taking any damage, the effect is immediately
broken. If no damage is taken, the victim may
attempt another opposed Spirit roll to break
free every minute. The power can only be
used on one target at a time, so if it is actively
hypnotising a victim, the mesmer cannot affect
anyone else until the effect is broken.
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Scent Shrouder Strength d8, Vigor d8.

In shadowed nooks among the tangled terrain of the d8.
Verdant, among the gnarled roots of the immense Pace: 2; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9 (2)
trees, an explorer might take note of a wonderful Special Abilities
scent drifting through the forest. Upon approaching Armor +2: Wood-like skin.
closer, he would see a small pool of shimmering,
Enticing Pool: Creatures within 6” that can see
colorful liquid that would obviously be cool and
and smell the scent shrouder’s pool must make
refreshing to drink. Moving nearer still, though,
a Spirit roll at -2 or be compelled to approach
could easily be his final act.
and touch the liquid.
The scent shrouder is an alien lifeform native Lashing Limbs: Str+d6. On a Raise against a
to the Verdant. Similar to an ant lion, most of its target of Size 0 or smaller, the target is Entangled.
bloated bulk is hidden in an underground burrow Paralyzing Saliva: Those who touch the liquid
sheltered by tree roots. Rather than a sandy pit, within the pool, or are Wounded or Shaken by
though, the scent shrouder presents its maw to the the shrouder’s lashing limbs attack, must make a
world. Gaping three or four feet wide, it rapidly Vigor roll or become paralyzed for 2d6 minutes.
fills with the creature’s unnaturally enticing saliva, Reach 1.
forming a glimmering and dangerous trap that
Size 1: Shrouders are significantly larger than
appears similar to a woodland pool. Laden with
humans and weigh about 500 pounds.
otherworldly chemicals and strange pheromones,
this substance compels most creatures to approach
and touch the liquid, which is also a powerful
paralytic poison. Paralyzed victims are quickly Screaming Eagle
pulled into the maw, drowned, and devoured.
While those who resist the paralyzing effect might be These enormous, Changed birds of prey have a
left to eventually lose interest and wander off, a hungry wingspan nearing twenty feet. They spend most of
scent shrouder won’t wait to ascertain whether a victim their time soaring in thermals at extreme heights,
was affected by its poison. Instead, it will lurch its covering vast distances in search of prey. They nest
body upward and begin lashing out with its vine-like atop mountains, where they won’t be bothered by
tentacles, which are also coated in its poison. Despite lesser creatures. As such, screaming eagles - while rare
its impressively large mouth, the creature’s jaws don’t - can occasionally be spotted taking advantage
deliver much biting power and are relatively harmless. of thermals above the Wind River Valley.
A screaming eagle is reminiscent of an

Old World vulture, with feathers that
are brown on top and bluish-grey
on the underbelly. Their heads are
featherless, allowing them to more
easily eviscerate the creatures they
hunt. The feathers of a screaming
eagle that has gorged on the
flesh of a successful hunt become
tinged with crimson, leaving
the entire bird looking as if it
were outlined in blood.
192 THE AFTER

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These massive birds are comfortable hunting Because of this weakness, a screaming eagle does
targets in the air as well as on the ground, and exhibit not stay on the ground long. It tends to eviscerate
no fear in attacking targets as large as a bison. Their and dismember its victim, gobbling down as much
primary food sources are quadrupeds such as cattle, as it can before launching back into the sky with
horses, and goats. A screaming eagle will attack a whatever it can carry. One of these raptors, upon
human that’s moving through the wilderness, but struggling skyward from a successful hunt, will
they do not usually approach closely to settled areas. emit the blood-curdling victory cry that has given
them their name, a screech that can echo for miles.
This reticence is likely due to its preferred method
of hunting. A screaming eagle rockets down from Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4 (A), Spirit d8,
the heights in a high-speed dive, smashing its talons Strength d12, Vigor d12.
into its victim, shattering their bones and driving Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d8, Notice d8, Stealth d8.
them to the ground. Preferably, the victim never
sees this coming. In game terms, the screaming
eagle attempts to approach using Stealth (often Special Abilities
against its victim’s passive Notice score) and then Bite/Claws: Str+d6. On a hit with a Raise, a
inflict maximum damage against a victim that is target of Size 2 or smaller is knocked prone
Vulnerable - or, potentially, even attacking with the (either by the force of the creature’s dive, or by a
Drop (and potentially triggering a Knockout Blow). powerful wing buffet).
Eagle Eyes: +2 to Notice visually while airborne,
After this concussive and devastating strike, a and suffers no penalties for distance.
screaming eagle finds itself relatively immobile on the Flight: The screaming eagle flies at a Pace of
ground. Their soaring grace becomes ungainly after 48”.
landing, and it’s difficult for them to get back into the
air due to their immense wingspan - it’s difficult for Impact Resistant: Screaming eagles are built to
them to find room to beat their mighty wings. They resist bone-crushing forces when they dive into
must jump off a small height such as a ridge top or their victims. They never suffer falling damage
overturned wagon - otherwise it takes them an entire and gain +4 Armor against impact-based attacks
combat round to become airborne, and they are such as clubs or sling stones.
Vulnerable while struggling back into the air. Size 2
THE AFTER 193

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These strange creatures do not appear to eat, so

Skitterlings their motivation for attacking explorers is unclear.

Despite their propensity to stalk and ambush
intruders, they are cowardly and will rarely stand
Wraith-like beings known as “skitterlings” haunt the
and fight, preferring ambushes and hit-and-run
ruins at the center of the Breach Zone called Shadow,
tactics. They seem to loathe light sources and
and are found nowhere else. These creatures of the
prioritize targets that are bearing lights.
Breach are vaguely bipedal, with smooth, featureless
faces and flesh that seems to be made of barely
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength
substantial shadow-stuff. They flit from cover to
d6, Vigor d6.
cover, watching interlopers and emitting chittering
noises. It might be easy for explorers to mistake the Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Notice d8, Stealth
fluttering and squeaking for bats, especially given d8, Survival d6.
the limited sight distances in Shadow. Some have Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 5
speculated that the skitterlings were once Ferals, but Special Abilities
were converted to their present form by the strange Ignore Shadow: A skitterling is immune to
effects of the Breach Zone. the sensory dampening that is ubiquitous
throughout Shadow. They suffer no penalties to
Skitterlings are attracted to water and can, in fact, sight or hearing due to the effects of the Breach
meld with the liquid - becoming truly shadowlike Zone. This includes taking no illumination
when immersed. They are therefore able to travel penalty in combat, regardless of light level.
through streams, and even Old World plumbing if
Shadowy Claws: Str+d4
the pipes are still full of water. They can appear
from a fountain or faucet in a sudden burst to Vulnerability (Sunlight): A skitterling removed
ambush intruders. from Shadow during the day (or somehow
exposed to sunlight within the bounds of the
Breach Zone) is immediately Incapacitated and
will die within 1d6 minutes, quickly dissolving
into a foul-smelling puddle.
Water Intangibility: When adjacent to a volume
of water (as small as a drain pipe), the skitterling
can take an action to become ethereal, using
the effects of the Intangibility power. While
immersed in this way, they can swim with a
Pace of 12 and gain +2 to Stealth rolls. Each
skitterling requires about a gallon of water to
maintain intangibility and could be trapped in
a container by a wily enemy. Exiting the water
(and becoming material again) also requires an
action, so a skitterling ambushing from water
will need to take multiple actions.
194 THE AFTER

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Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6(A), Spirit d6,

Snowbeast Strength d10, Vigor d8.
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Intimidate d6,
Large, wooly primates with sharp teeth and claws, Notice d6, Survival d8.
these nocturnal carnivores roam the Ice Plains in Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 7
family groups, burrowing into the snow for shelter Special Abilities
during the day. They hunt cooperatively, often Claws: Str+d6, Reach +1.
herding prey into an ambush. Due to their alien
Environmental Resistance (Cold): Snowbeasts
biology, they disregard the arctic cold of the Ice
are unconcerned with low environmental
Plains, but if taken into temperate surroundings, will
temperatures. Cold damage is reduced by 4, and
collapse and die within 24 hours.
they gain +4 to resist Hazards based on cold.
Rumors persist of highly dangerous “alpha” Infravision: Halves penalties for poor light vs
snowbeasts leading some packs. If the rumors are warm targets.
true, such creatures would be Wild Cards with d10 Size 1: Snowbeasts are around eight feet tall.
Athletics and Fighting, and the Improved Frenzy
and Improved Nerves of Steel Edges.
THE AFTER 195

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Special Abilities
Tankerbot Armor +6: Reinforced outer shell. Heavy Armor.

Embedded Point Defense Guns: Range 12/24/48,
These enormous biomechanoids are part alien RoF 3, Damage 3d6, AP 4. Heavy Weapon.
beetle, part armored installation. The size of a large Oblivious: The tankerbot does not take free
Old World building, tankerbots lumber across the Ice attacks against those that withdraw from close
Fields in search of oil reservoirs to tap and process combat with it.
into fuel with its industrial-strength innards. Once Size 12 (Gargantuan): Tankerbots are 50’ tall
they’ve found a prime location, they’ll usually stay and about 100’ long. They weigh hundreds
put for a few days before moving on. of tons. Scale modifiers apply, and they can
suffer 3 additional Wounds before becoming
While “embedded” at a fuel source, the tankerbot Incapacitated.
cannot move but is much more aggressive in
Slam: The tankerbot lashes out with a harvesting
shooting at anyone who approaches. While on the
probe or one of its immense legs. This attack
march, they don’t pay much attention to scrappy
affects a Medium Burst Template adjacent to the
explorers, at least until they try to smash through its
tankerbot. Resolve the attack with an opposed
armored flanks to get to the fuel reservoirs inside.
Athletics vs Agility Test against all defenders in
Given that these Butcher-created engines of war are
the template. Instead of the usual results of a
nearly invulnerable, it’s often better to try and board
Test, victims who fail to beat the tankerbot’s roll
the creature by stealth and siphon off a barrel or
suffer the tankerbot’s Str in damage.
two of fuel.
Tankerbots are often accompanied by various

biomechanoids who live symbiotically with them:
they siphon fuel and sustenance in return for acting
as scouts and defenders.
Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d6, Spirit

d12, Strength d12+10, Vigor d12.
Skills: Fighting d8, Notice d6, Shooting d8.
196 THE AFTER

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Special Abilities

Trenchworm Armor +2: Carapace.
Slicing Mandibles: Str+d6, AP 2. With a Raise
Begin with a six-foot-long centipede. Cover it in on the attack roll, a target of Size 0 or less is
spines, give it razor fangs and a voracious appetite for knocked prone.
live meat. These aggressive predators are common Spines: Anyone attempting to grapple or
to the Trench, mostly lurking in shadowy caves and Push a trenchworm suffers 2d6 damage. This
crevices, away from the light of the strange Orb at damage also applies to creatures who attack the
the center of the Breach Zone. However, on rare trenchworm in melee without a weapon.
occasions, they have been known to swarm up the Wall Walker: Trenchworms can move their full
walls of the Trench in a mass, migrating outward Pace on walls and ceilings.
in deadly waves. They don’t breed very successfully
outside of the Trench, fortunately for survivors
elsewhere in the Wind River Valley.

d4.
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Wrecker Strength d12+2, Vigor d10.

Skills: Fighting d8, Intimidate d8, Notice d6, Survival
These creatures were once moose, elk, or longhorn d4.
cattle that were Changed by the Butchers. Now they Pace: 8; Parry: 5; Toughness: 11 (2)
wander the Wind River Valley, riddled with Butcher Special Abilities
biomechanoid implants and following genetically- Armor +2: thick skin and grafted armor plating.
imprinted programming. Despite their herbivorous
Buzzsaw Hooves: Str+d4, AP 4. Heavy Weapon.
ancestors, wreckers are compelled to slay living
creatures and tear down human dwellings with their Reinforced Horns: Str+d6. If they move at least
powerful horns and buzzsaw hooves. Because of 6” before delivering an attack with their horns,
this need, wreckers often linger around Old World wreckers add +4 to the damage total.
ruins, grinding away at the structures found there. Size 2: Wreckers are usually about the size of a
In a wrecker’s territory, all the doors and windows are horse.
broken and the walls are shredded.
Wreckers are always angry and fierce, but are easily

distracted or tricked. Their inborn aggression will
lead them to chase after almost any mobile target.
198 THE AFTER

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Zapdrone
These dog-sized drones hover quietly until
they spot a potential victim, at which point
they emit an unnerving keen. Leftover relics
of the Butchers’ struggle against the Ghosts, a
zapdrone’s sensor suite is capable of detecting
Breach energy. Because of this, their attacks
prioritize the Changed and those with the Boon,
as they are somehow able to sense those qualities
on beings they see within 12”.
Despite this prioritization, a zapdrone is

programmed with the same aggression and
desire to slay that is common to much of the
Butchers’ creations. They usually ignore non-
Changed animals, but will attack Humans,
Helots, or Skav on sight.
Zapdrones are also attracted to sources of

electricity, sometimes forming small clusters
that cooperate to invade powered settlements.

Skills: Athletics d4, Fighting d4, Notice d8,
Shooting d6, Stealth d6.
Special Abilities
Arcane Resistance: Powers of the Boon that Tap the Mind: The zapdrone emits a powerful
target zapdrones suffer a -2 to the skill roll, and psychic shock, targeting a single creature within
zapdrones suffer two points less damage from 12”. The target must make a Smarts roll at -2.
those powers. On a failure, 1d8+1 Power Points are drained
from them in a spewing of uncontrolled Breach
Armor +2: Mostly metal construction. energy. This energy burst deals 2d6 damage to
Flight: Zapdrones fly at a Pace of 6, and cannot the target and anyone in a Small Blast Template
rise more than ten feet off the ground. centered on them. If the targeted creature has
Quick: Discards draws of 5 or less on initiative. no Power Points, they are Stunned (and the
Size -1. damaging burst does not take place).
Zap: Fires a burst of electricity as a single-target
ranged attack using Shooting. Range 4/8/12,
Damage 2d6. Can be used while in close combat.
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Them Ferals are different everywhere you go in Wind River, but there’s a few truths about ‘em that seem
to stick from gang to gang.
First truth to know is that Ferals have a powerful lust for meat, especially when it’s still live and hot.
Blood and guts, as often as they can get it. Once a group of ‘em gets to hungerin’, they’ll follow you for
days if they have to, waiting for a sign of weakness.
See, Ferals are not exactly smart, but… I guess ‘cunning’ is the word you’d want to use. They want that
blood and flesh. Sure, there’s plenty of it on the hoof out there in the wild. Trouble is, goats and elk and
deer are fast and have keen senses. You and me, we don’t run so well and we don’t always hear or smell the
Ferals coming.
When there’s a road, especially, they know that sooner or later, slow-walking meat’s going to come walking
down it. And, eventually, that two-legged meat is going to camp. And after a while, one of those campers
is going to walk out into the bush to drop his drawers, and he’s going to get snagged up and hauled away.
And that’s the second truth of the Ferals: whenever they can, unless they’re well and truly starved,
they’ll take a fella alive: knock him out and carry him back to whatever squalid mudhole their gang is
squatted in.And they’ll keep you there until the whole gang is back from their hunts or patrols. So they
can all dig in at once, while you’re alive and hot and wriggling.
Guess it’s their preference. Not to say they
won’t eat the dead, but anyways.
Nasty business, but there’s a silver lining to it. If’n someone in your homestead or caravan gets taken, might
be that you’ve got time to assemble a posse and go fetch ‘em. If you’re quick about it and well-armed, your
kin might not be missing anything too important by the time you get there. Hope you know a good tracker
or have a few hounds with you. And if you get there too late, at least you’ve got revenge staring you right
in the face, mm?
Third truth of the Ferals is that there’s no negotiating with ‘em. Don’t try it unless you want to end up
dead. Talking at ‘em just seems to rile ‘em up. Better minds than mine have tried to figger out what all
that hissing, barking, and cackling they make is about. Can’t rightly call it a language, but they seem to
get by among themselves. They don’t have higher concepts like music or math or philosophy, but Ferals can
communicate well enough to coordinate an ambush, establish whatever kind of pecking order they’ve got in
their gang, that sort of thing. Wouldn’t be surprised to know if there’s a little bit of the Change in ‘em,
making all that gabbling seem like a common tongue. Telepathy or whatever.
Speakin’ of the Change, that’s the last truth of the Ferals: ain’t none of ‘em quite the same from place
to place. Every one of their little gangs or tribes or whatever you want to call ‘em… they have all been
touched by the Breach. Changed, every one of them, and in a big way. Most of ‘em seem to carry more or
less the same looks within their local group - say, they’re all furry or they all have horns and tails. But I
hear tell of the occasional “champion,” if you will, among the Ferals, and those can get scary. Most often
it’s one of their warriors that has stumbled into some Breach energy or made the mistake of gobbling some
meat with embedded Butchertech. And that’s where things can take a real turn for the worse. For you, I
mean. Nobody wants to deal with a Feral powerhouse that can spit fire and heal bullet wounds.
200 THE AFTER

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Anyhow, I think there must be some echo of what their ancestors used to be, buried deep down inside those
twisted little brains. Ferals are attracted to ruins of the Old World. You’ll most often find ‘em grubbing
around in the wreckage of old towns and patrolling the streets in loose packs, scattered around their
central lair. You get to scavenging down in the Rustyard and you start hearing hooting and howling,
you’ve probably been made by a Feral scout.
Sometimes they get to rambling in the wild, but once they find a steady source of hunting they tend to
settle down. That can mean trouble if they lair up near a homestead or a trade route. So don’t be shy about
reporting Feral trail signs. Authorities in any settlement worth a damn will take it plenty serious.
I suppose if there’s any good news, it’s that the different gangs don’t get along with each other any better
than they do with you and me. Ferals will happily capture and gobble up scouts from other tribes, and
sometimes even go as far as gang-on-gang extermination warfare. At least that keeps ‘em from grouping up
together and putting a hurt on someplace like Sweetwater Ranch. That’d be a nightmare, wouldn’t it?
Anyways, it’s time for me to hit the trail. You wanna know who here in Chapter sells dogs that are the best
at sniffing out Ferals? Good. That’ll be extra.
ON FERALS, Zachariah Cole
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FERALS d10, Vigor d12.

Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8,
Ferals are dangerous, humanoid creatures that Notice d6, Stealth d6, Survival d6.
scavenge the lands of The After, congregating Pace: 8; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9
in groups called gangs or tribes. Every gang of Edges/Hindrances: Berserk, Brave, Brawny, Combat
Ferals is Changed, sometimes in profound ways. Reflexes, Fleet-Footed.
Each gang has a distinct ‘look’ that renders them Gear: Large hand weapons (spears, axes, etc) dealing
obviously inhuman, and allows most viewers to easily Str+d8 damage. Some tribes also carry javelins.
distinguish one gang from another. In addition,
the Change means some gangs of Ferals exhibit Special Abilities
surprising and dangerous abilities. Strength in Numbers: when outnumbering
the enemy at least 2:1, Ferals gain the Strong
Willed Edge.
Feral Scavenger (Base)
These statistics model the typical Feral that can be
encountered wandering Old World ruins or keeping Feral Shaman (Base)
watch on a trail. Usually they work in small groups, This Feral is even more withered and twisted than the
and are quick to raise an alarm to bring forth their other members of its gang. It has become suffused
brethren. Scavengers can be dangerous in large with Breach energy and now wields terrible powers
numbers, as their insane gibbering and howling can on behalf of its gang. The shaman is often the only
strike fear into even the stoutest of hearts. Feral in the group to bear ornamentation: most are
covered in pigments or tattoos, or wear a mantle
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength made of cobbled-together Old World junk. The
d6, Vigor d8. Breach powers outlined here are only a guideline
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Intimidation d4, for the GM: a Feral Shaman might have an entirely
Notice d6, Stealth d8, Survival d6. different array of powers. They are also not limited
Pace: 8; Parry: 5; Toughness: 6 to Breachrunning; Fleshcrafting and Mindbending
shamans certainly exist). It’s also possible for a
Edges/Hindrances: Dodge, Fleet-Footed Shaman to be a Wild Card.
Gear: Hand weapons (spears, axes, clubs, rocks)
dealing Str+d6 damage. Some tribes also carry Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d8, Spirit d8, Strength
javelins. d6, Vigor d6.
Special Abilities Skills: Athletics d6, Breachrunning d8, Fighting d6,
Strength in Numbers: when outnumbering Intimidation d8, Notice d6, Stealth d6, Survival d6.
the enemy at least 2:1, Ferals gain the Strong Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 7 (2)
Willed Edge. Edges/Hindrances: Arcane Background (Breachrunning).
Gear: A shabby knife or thick staff, junk mantle that
Feral Champion (Base) provides +2 Armor.
Fearsome to behold, these scarred fighters are the Special Abilities
backbone of a Feral gang’s prowess. They lead dedicated Breachrunning: 15 Power Points
ambush groups and war parties, and respond to alerts Powers: Blind, Bolt, Teleport.
raised within their gang’s territory. In combat, they
often lose control and become howling, enraged war Strength in Numbers: when outnumbering
machines. The fiercest Champions among a Feral the enemy at least 2:1, Ferals gain the Strong
tribe might even be Wild Cards. Willed Edge.
202 THE AFTER

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CUSTOMIZING FERALS and take a -2 penalty to climb and jump due to

While any of the Anomalies from the character their increased weight.
creation section are appropriate to add to a Feral, a Sasquatch: Covered in thick fur, this bestial gang
gamemaster should feel free to handcraft all types lopes on all fours when they run. They attack with
of bizarrely altered Feral gangs. In addition to a natural claws (Str+d6) rather than using hand
singular appearance, most gangs will share one or weapons. Each tribe member has the Alertness
more additional game qualities that are common to Edge to represent their keen, animalistic senses.
members of the tribe. For inspiration, use the list In addition to the tribal abilities noted above,
below, which includes a colloquial name that local individual Ferals can exhibit any number of traits
survivors might use to refer to the tribe: that would be considered notable or unusual. In
addition to considering the Anomalies listed for
Barfers: Their bodies seem rubbery and boneless, the Changed in the character creation chapter,
providing +1 Toughness. As well, a Barfer can use the following list as a jumping-off point for
belch forth a torrent of gluey strands onto an adding unique abilities to your own dangerous
adjacent target, requiring a Touch Attack. On a hit, ferals. Note that not every Feral encountered
the target is Entangled. With a Raise, the target should have any additional abilities; it’s rare to
is Bound. The entangled victim must escape as see more than one or two augmented individuals
if from a net (-2). Regardless of the result of the in a given gang.
entangling attack, the Barfer becomes Shaken Biter: Eschewing hand weapons, this Feral
immediately after resolving the attack. attacks with nasty fangs (Str+d4) that have the
Clickers: Their skin is slimy and pale, and their Paralysis Special Ability, perhaps using embedded
eyes have atrophied. Instead of howling or Butchertech to deliver a nasty electrical shock. A
gibbering, this tribe communicates with clicks biter often attacks from ambush or waits for its
and chittering. This clicking also serves to provide compatriots to engage a foe before attempting to
echolocation. They ignore all lighting penalties, deliver an incapacitating bite.
but can only “see” to a range of 12”. Sustained, Fire Breather: This creature is easy to identify by
loud noise may impose the Blind Hindrance at the luridly glowing sacs on its neck. Twice a day,
the GM’s discretion. it can spew forth a blast of fire for 2d6 damage,
Ghouls: At first glance, these Ferals appear dead, using the Cone Template. This attack may be
with yellowing, withered flesh drawn tight to their Evaded.
skeletal frames. They sport long claws and teeth Mimic: An affinity for duplicating the sounds of
(Str+d6 damage) and are covered in mud and filth. humans allows this Feral to easily lure victims
This is because they’ve developed a penchant into deadly ambushes. Listeners take a -4 to
for devouring dead and decaying flesh, and are Notice rolls to realize the sounds aren’t coming
prone to raid burial sites to get it. Ghouls have from a human.
Low Light Vision and are Fearless while in Dim Ogre: More hungry than all its gang put together,
or Dark conditions, but suffer a Phobia(Minor) of these terrifying Ferals are eight to nine feet tall.
bright light. They gain Strength d12+2, Size +2 (providing +2
Moldies: Covered in bizarre fungal growths Toughness), and +1 Armor due to thickened skin.
and moss, these Ferals gain +2 to Stealth when They lose the Fleet Footed Edge and have no
they remain still in natural surroundings. Their Stealth skill.
toxic flesh allows their unarmed attacks (but not Savage: This brutal warrior is much less likely to
weapon attacks) to apply the Stun Special Ability. take live prisoners and tends to launch furious
Their champions often have the Brawler Edge. frontal assaults. It has the Frenzy and Combat
Rusties: This gang has developed a foul, flaky Reflexes Edges.
rash all over their bodies that mimics patches of Sniper: This Feral has discovered the art of
rusty metal. They gain +2 Armor and the Hardy archery (or, much more rarely, has figured out
Special Ability, but lose the Fleet-Footed Edge
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SIX
how to use a scavenged or stolen firearm). It

has the Shooting skill at d8 and the appropriate Outlaw

ranged weapon and ammunition. A particularly
accomplished sniper might have the Marksman
These ruffians have been cast out from whatever
Edge as well.
civilized settlement they were born in. Most of them
Tracker: When a gang decides to follow travelers bear a brand or other mark that proves them outlaw
at a distance, this Feral leads the way. It gains a +2 - often on their dominant hand, but on the forehead
to all tracking rolls, and can follow a trail for five or cheek for more egregious criminals. They are
miles before needing to re-roll. usually tired, hungry, and desperate from trying to
Unstoppable: This Feral literally feels no pain survive in The After without proper shelter. If you’re
and has utter disregard for its own safety. It has lucky, they’ll just take your food and weapons.
the Very Resilient Special Ability and ignores all
Wound penalties. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength
Warlord: A gang following this Feral shows d6, Vigor d6.
unusual coordination in their combat formations, Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Intimidation d6,
displaying more tactics and strategy than the Notice d6, Persuasion d4, Riding d4, Shooting d6,
usual mad rush. It gains Smarts and Spirit d8 Stealth d6, Survival d4.
and the Command, Fervor, and Hold the Line! Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 6(1)
Edges.
Hindrances: Mean, Outsider (Major).
Wild Card: This Feral has become a Wild Card,
often acting as the leader of a tribe or warband. Edges: Quick.
It may have additional Edges, such as Nerves of Gear: Leather armor, various melee weapons. Usually
Steel or Hard to Kill. a bow and 10 arrows, although sometimes a group
of bandits will have a firearm and a few bullets.
Humans
Adversaries in The After are not always creatures
that have been warped and mutated by effects and
atrocities inflicted upon the Earth by the Butchers,
and the subsequent war with the Ghosts. Human
beings have long since battled between themselves
over resources and food, and this is no different now.
There are those who believe that taking what they

need, or simply just want, is easier than working hard
to gain it by honest means. Bands of miscreants
plague the roads between settlements, often
organising their own hideouts close to those who
they prey upon.
These outlaws can be just as dangerous as the

strange and vile adversaries of The After and should
never be underestimated.
204 THE AFTER

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Outlaw Leader
A leader like this can transform a ragged and cowardly What about the
band of outlaws into a vicious, ruthless force of
destruction. She uses her Boon at the slightest
Butchers and Ghosts?
provocation to ensure those in her gang leap to
You may notice that there are no stat blocks
obey every callous order… and to crush anyone who
provided for the Butchers or the Ghosts.
stands in her way. A gang led by a brainer like this is
These aliens were horrendously powerful.
more likely to burn a farmstead after they rob it, and
The Butchers were able to easily overturn the
they’re often better-armed and armored, too.
combined military might of every Old World
government and toy with the remaining
populace, while the Ghosts were powerful
d6, Vigor d8.
enough to engage the Butchers on equal terms.
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d6, Fighting
d6, Intimidation d8, Mindbending d10, Notice d6, The central concept of The After is that these
Persuasion d4, Riding d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d4, aliens have left Earth - hopefully for good. Even
Survival d4. a single Butcher or Ghost could be expected
Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 8(2) to be an overwhelming opponent, able to
Hindrances: Bloodthirsty, Outsider (Major), Vengeful destroy interlopers literally at will. They are not
(Major). appropriate opponents for explorers in The After.
Edges: Arcane Background (Mindbending), Command,
GMs who wish to ignore this advice will
Hold the Line!, Level Headed, Nerves of Steel.
need to build game statistics on their own. We
Gear: Scrap Armor (+2), Long Sword, Revolver with recommend using devices and powers of the
12 bullets. maximum power level from the Savage Worlds
Special Abilities Science Fiction Companion and Super Powers
Mindbending Powers: Bolt, Deflection, Fear, Companion. This should allow creation of
Telekinesis enemies that have the expected “unfair” power
Power Points: 15 level when compared to survivors in The After.
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SEVEN
MAJ O R PL AYE RS IN T H E AFT E R
SEVEN

Old Man Crow
Old Man Crow is the oldest person in Chapter. While he holds a seat on the Elder Council, he mostly stays
in his cave in the cliffs overlooking the settlement, rarely becoming involved in day-to-day affairs.
He was brought into the community from outside, as the founders of Chapter discovered him wandering
alone in the wilderness when he was a child. His adoptive parents named him “Joseph Hatch,” but Old Man
Crow hasn’t answered to that name in decades.
Crow served Chapter as a scout and still maintains contacts within The Tribe that were forged during his
explorations. However, during a far-reaching mission, he discovered the ruins of a crashed orbship and
found the expiring form of a Ghost. The Ghost touched him directly as it died, opening his mind to the
Boon. Crow returned to Chapter as the most powerful Gifted to walk its streets, but spends many of his
nights wracked by nightmarish oracular visions.
Children of Chapter who are found to be Gifted are usually brought to Old Man Crow for evaluation and
tutelage. Other visitors are often chased off by the irascible visionary, unless they come bearing gifts for his
two trained crows, Jeremiah and Johnson - or with some Old World whiskey to share.
Attributes
Agility d4 • Smarts d10 • Spirit d10 • Strength d4 • Vigor d6
Skills
Athletics d4 • Common Knowledge d10 • Fighting d6 • Healing d8+2 • Intimidation d6 • Mindbending
d12+2 • Notice d8 • Occult d10 • Persuasion d10 • Riding d6 • Stealth d6 • Survival d10
Pace 5 Parry 5 Toughness 5
Hindrances
Elderly • One Eye • Quirk(lousy hygiene)
Edges
Arcane Background(Mindbender) • Connections(Chapter Council) • Connections (The Tribe) • Elan •
Expert(Mindbending) • Healer • Level Headed.
Special Abilities
Ghostblooded: Old Man Crow can use Common Knowledge to identify objects and effects related to
the Ghosts.
Master Gifted: 30 Power Points, knows every Power available to Mindbenders.
Oracle: Old Man Crow is often wracked by prophetic nightmares which allow him to offer guidance to
the people of Chapter...when he can decipher their meaning.
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208
SEVEN
SEVEN

Shaun “The Broker”
Attributes Skills
Agility d8 • Smarts d10 • Spirit d8 • Athletics d8 • Common Knowledge d10 • Fighting
Strength d6 • Vigor d10 d8 • Notice d8 • Persuasion d8 • Repair d10 •
Shooting d8 • Stealth d6 • Survival d8.
Pace 6 Parry 6 Toughness 9(2)
Hindrances Special Abilities

Driven(Minor): Exterminate Ferals • Shaun the Broker is Changed and shares the Bio-
Obligation(Major): Caring for Junior Acceptance and Not Like Us qualities. Cosmetic
Changes: Translucent skin in sunlight, hair is
Edges phosphorescent in the dark. Minor Anomalies:
Environmental Resistance, Slow Metabolism
Alertness • Ambidextrous • Brave • Connections(Scouting (only needs to eat half as much as usual). Major
Guild, Chapter Council) • Level-Headed • Mr Fix It • Anomalies: Remnant Sense (can use Notice to
Quick • Rapid Fire • Two Gun Kid. detect Remnants within about 20 yards, and
can use Common Knowledge to identify their
Gear function by handling for at least five minutes).
Reinforced Leather Longcoat (Armor+2), Twin
Revolvers (12/24/48, 2d6+1, AP 1, ROF 1, Shots 6), 50
bullets in a bandolier, Paired Hatchets (Str+d6), Ace in
the Hole (see page 98), appropriate traveling gear
Teddy, Changed Dire Felid Companion

Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6(A), Spirit d8, Strength d8, Vigor d8
Skills: Athletics d8, Notice d8, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, Stealth d8.
Edges: Acrobat, Alertness
Special Abilities: Low Light Vision: Ignore penalties for Dim
Bite/Claws: Str+d6 and Dark Illumination.
Limited Shape Change: Teddy can shrink to Resilient: Teddy can take one Wound before
resemble an ordinary housecat. Teddy spends being Incapacitated.
most of its time in this comfortable and cuddly Subdermal Plating: Horny ridges show through
form, and uses the stat block for “Cat, Small” Teddy’s fur and serve to protect him from harm,
from Savage Worlds whenever doing so. Changing granting +2 Armor.
to housecat form or back to his normal shape is Speed: d10 running die.
an action.
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210
SEVEN
SEVEN

Tasha Two Wolves
A wanderer at heart, Tasha enjoys rambling through the Wind River Valley wherever she pleases. One month
she might be scavenging an Old World ruin, the next joining an expedition into the Verdant. Tasha’s many
explorations have helped her become a masterful land navigator and tracker. She is keen-witted and sharp-
tongued, and a good organizer, often working her way into a position of leadership in wilderness expeditions.
However, the many fools and failures she’s witnessed when exploring Breach Zones and ruins have destroyed
any sentiment she might have carried in her younger days. Tasha Two Wolves now sees exploration as a
viciously practical business. She is concerned about her safety first and her profit second, with everything
else falling far behind. Any trail companions are just a means to an end...and if they fall prey to the dangers
of The After, that’s more profit for her, isn’t it? Tasha always tries to have leverage in hand, to make sure the
greatest possible portion of a find ends up in her backpack. If this means abandoning a group of travelers in
the face of danger, robbing them in the night, or even outright banditry, Tasha is up for it, as long as the plan
puts more salvage in her pockets.
Born of the Tribe, Tasha winters there with her extended family. She shares her gains to build the family
fortunes, setting up luxuries for the day she gets too old to keep to the trail. Until then, she knows that if she
makes too many enemies, she can always flee back to the land of the Tribe and receive protection. To ensure
that her safety net is never taken away, Tasha would never betray another Tribe member.
Attributes
Skills
Athletics d8 • Common Knowledge d8 • Fighting d8 • Gambling d6 • Healing d4 • Notice d8 • Persuasion
d6 • Riding d6 • Shooting d8 • Stealth d8 • Survival d10 • Taunt d6 • Thievery d6.
Pace 6 Parry 8(2) Toughness 8(2)
Hindrances
Greedy(Major) • Ruthless(Minor)
Edges
Combat Reflexes • Command • Connections (The Tribe) • Dodge • Extraction • Retort • Streetwise •
Woodsman
Gear
Horse and saddle, traveling gear, crocogant hide armor (+2 Armor), medium shield (+2 Parry, -2 Cover), Hand
ax (Str+d6), hand-drawn crossbow and 20 bolts (10/20/40, 2d6, AP 2).
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SEVEN
Miguel “Nightwolf” Felipe

Even at first glance, the bounty hunter known as “Nightwolf ” radiates danger. He is covered from head to
foot with intricate, spiraling tattoos in black ink. A fierce, predator’s eye gauges anyone who approaches, and
his lanky frame is always coiled as if he were ready to spring.
Those who remain in his presence for long will note that - when he’s not on a job - Nightwolf is relaxed and
even a little soft-spoken. A perceptive companion might realize that the bounty hunter’s tattoos slowly move,
rotating almost as if they were interlocked gears - a giveaway of his Changed heritage. With concentration,
the bounty hunter can control the art and form of this ‘ink.’
In addition to the obvious cosmetic effect the Change has had on Miguel’s skin, he has developed an array
of anomalies that make him a consummate hunter of men. He can scent prey like a hound and see in the
dark. His agility and focus while on the hunt are fearsome, and when drawing near to the climax of a ‘job’,
his tattoos often expand to turn all of his skin midnight-black. As well, his noticeably biomechanically-
enhanced legs allow him to sprint over broken ground at terrifying speed to reach his target.
Miguel’s career as a bounty hunter in Wind River Valley has

been long and fruitful. Between jobs, he sometimes lingers
near Chapter, usually renting lodging for the season there
when winter nears. More often, though, he can be found at
Blackgold Station, where he is a fixture at Smokey’s. While
the bounty hunter is not a card-carrying member of the
Blackgold Company, Miguel’s efficacy and reliability has
ensured that the Blackgolds revere him.
Nightwolf is not choosy about

the jobs he accepts, so long
as they pay well and on
time. He is consumed
by the joy of the hunt
and is willing to accept
nearly any prey. While he
could be hired to hunt a
Feral chieftain, a roaming
Breach creature, or an
escaped criminal, he
feels no moral qualms
about accepting a job to
settle a vendetta or dispose
of a rival. His only constraint
is that he’s unwilling to hunt
within the bounds of a civilized
settlement. This isn’t a matter of ethics;
Nightwolf simply doesn’t want to be branded
as a criminal, himself.
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The bounty hunter wears trinkets and trophies from his most prominent hunts, and carries much of his

wealth on his person in the form of two immaculately cared-for firearms and a bandolier of bullets. He
flaunts these rare items as if daring someone to try and take them. That said, he knows that bullets are hard
to come by and the Breach makes guns less reliable. He tends to reserve firing them for situations where he’s
actually in danger, or to bring down the rare prey that can outrun even the Nightwolf.
Attributes
Agility d12+1 • Smarts d6 • Spirit d6 • Strength d6 • Vigor d6
Skills
Athletics d10 • Common Knowledge d6 • Fighting d10 • Intimidation d6 • Notice d8 • Persuasion d4 •

(d8 running die)
Hindrances
Arrogant • Stubborn • Suspicious (Minor)
Edges
Connections (Blackgold Trading Company) • Dodge • Fleet-Footed • Free Runner • Further Changed •
Quick.
Gear
Heavy Club (Str+d6), revolver with 20 bullets (12/24/48, 2d6+1, AP 1, ROF 1, Shots 6), bolt-action hunting rifle
with 12 bullets (24/48/96, 2d8, AP 2, ROF 1, Shots 5, Snapfire), Scrap Armor (Armor +3).
Special Abilities
Changed. Carries the Bio-Acceptance and Not Like Us qualities.
Minor Anomalies: Inborn Hunter, Keen Scent, Low Light Vision, Unusual Articulation
Major Anomaly: Augmented Agility
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Doc Fisher
Better known as “Doc Fisher” by the farmers of Daniel, Juan Fisher keeps a modest cabin on the outskirts
of the settlement, where anyone can come for medical care - as long as they don’t mind a lecture from the
irascible medic! He can also be encountered in Chapter, where he makes regular visits. In addition to buying
supplies for his medical practice, he trades for spectacles or lenses, as the vision in his one remaining eye is
getting blurry.
In his teenage years, Fisher became disillusioned with farming and left home to travel with the Blackgold
Trading Company. He doesn’t tell too many stories of that time. Locals speculate that he did things he
would rather forget about. But he learned to shoot and ride, and came home with a wickedly fast knife hand.
As well, he’d done some sort of favor for a Librarian of Chapter and earned the right to take home copies of a
few books - veterinary manuals, as it turns out, which Fisher devoured. He wasn’t interested in the hard life
of the trail any longer, but easing the pain of the Valley’s animals brought him joy.
Fisher had a knack for veterinary work, and soon developed a

deft touch with animals of all sorts. For the last few years,
he’s been the man all the local farmers of Daniel ask
for when there is trouble in their herds. When
his fortunes have allowed it, he’s bartered for
more medical texts and now boasts a tiny
library in the back room of his cabin.
With the help of these Old World
manuals, Doc Fisher has been able to
branch out his medical work and
start helping his fellow citizens.
He can set a bone, stitch a
wound, deliver a child, or
help break a fever.
He still carries the

fine leather bullwhip
that he brought home
from his days as a
Blackgold trail man.
Juan claims it’s there
to intimidate coyotes
or anything else he
might encounter
when walking home
of an evening.
While that might be
true, the sound of
the cracking whip
214 THE AFTER

SEVEN
will also summon forth a Changed bear that Juan calls Goliath. He found the cub abandoned and nursed

it back to health, and the bear has remembered this. Goliath lives in a den not far away from Fisher’s cabin,
and often shadows Fisher on his travels around the farmsteads of Daniel, and even on his forays to Chapter.
Goliath has developed enough unnatural intelligence that Fisher has either trained him or convinced him
not to trouble the farmers of Daniel or their herds. Still, despite the close relationship with Fisher, Goliath
avoids contact with other people.
Attributes
Skills
Athletics d6 • Common Knowledge d8 • Fighting d10 • Healing d10 • Intimidation d6 • Notice d6 •
Persuasion d6 • Riding d6 • Shooting d6 • Survival d6 • Stealth d4
Hindrances
Bad Eyes (Minor) • Code of Honor • One Eye
Edges
Brawny • Elan • Frenzy • Healer • Level Headed
Gear
Furs/leather armor (+2 Armor), Medical supplies, wicked combat blade (Str+d6), bullwhip
THE AFTER 215

SEVEN
Maverick Foster
With a face full of scars, and a crooked nose, this weatherbeaten wilderness scout looks every inch the
dangerous killer upon first meeting. Only after holding eye contact until it’s uncomfortable will he reveal an
easy smile and mellow voice. In the end, despite his looks, Maverick Foster is personable and charismatic.
His reputation is that of a consummate and trustworthy trail leader, a man who keeps to his word and
leaves nobody behind. This code of honor was born from pain and tragedy. Maverick was a teenage son
of tenant farmers who slowly fell behind in their payments to the master of Sweetwater, Derek McKellar.
Maverick tried over the years to stand up for his parents and younger brothers,
but was regularly beaten and tormented by the Sweetwater Regulators. All the
while, his family’s debt got worse.
His life in Sweetwater came to an abrupt end when his best friend’s sister,
Abbie Longmire, was taken by the Regulators. She was going to be
made to marry one of the McKellar boys who had taken a shine to
her, supposedly to pay off her own family’s debt to Derek McKellar.
Maverick had a wild teenage crush on Abbie, and put together a
reckless plan with a few of his friends to sneak into the McKellar
ranch and steal Abbie back.
Like most teenagers, Maverick hadn’t thought ahead. He was

shocked to find out that Abbie had had enough of living as a
debt-worn farmer and was happy to join the McKellar clan.
He found this out when Abbie screamed bloody murder and
brought the Regulators down on the lot of them.
Maverick Foster’s secret shame is that, heartbroken and

scared, he ran. He left his friends behind and bolted into
the darkness, to steal a horse and ride off into the night.
Maverick’s two best friends paid the price for their
caper. Both were sent to the gallows by Derek McKellar
himself. The echoes of that painful night resonate
inside Maverick even now - and he remains a wanted
man within the Sweetwater Claim.
Now he tries to carry the lessons of his awful failure forward,

bearing himself as honorably and bravely as he can - despite his
short temper. He has a soft spot for young people in love, but has
given up on finding love for himself. Instead, he keeps to the trail.
He can most often be found guiding travelers and caravans along
the Southern Reach trading route,
but sometimes ranges as far as
Satler’s Camp in the Verdant.
Maverick is friendly with Clarity,
the keeper of Highway Market,
and often winters there.
216 THE AFTER

SEVEN
Strong of arm and sharp of eye, Maverick is handy with his revolver, but refers to it as “Plan B.” He tries to

claim it’s because of the rarity of ammunition while on the trail, but the truth is that he finds the heft of his
throwing axes somehow reassuring.
Attributes
Skills
Athletics d8 • Common Knowledge d6 • Healing d4 • Fighting d6 • Notice d6 • Persuasion d6 • Riding
d6 • Shooting d8 • Stealth d6 • Survival d8 • Taunt d6.
Hindrances
Code of Honor • Shamed(Minor) • Wanted(Minor)
Edges
Command • Combat Reflexes • Connections (Scouts’ Guild) • Dodge • Extraction • Marksman • Quick
Gear
Scrap Armor, Plastic Helm (Armor +3), Revolver, 12 bullets, 3 throwing axes (Str+d6), horse and saddle,
appropriate traveling gear
THE AFTER 217

SEVEN
Tamala, Tribal Trail Master

The lands of the Tribe are vast and lush. When the winters subside and the fields bloom, the families of
the Tribe spread out to hunt, fish, and herd. Guarding them are trail masters like Tamala: scouts and
protectors who feel most comfortable standing apart from others, moving through the wilderness in silence
and solitude. Not only do these scouts stand guard over the rest of the Tribe, they also shadow the many
groups of traders, scavengers, and troublemakers that enter the Tribe’s land.
Tamala grew up as a hunter and found herself often becoming anxious among groups of people. As she
matured into a strikingly beautiful woman, the increasing emotional pressure from romantic pursuits
served only to make her more uncomfortable around others. Tamala was nearly without emotion, displaying
sociopathic tendencies that made her a perfect hunter, but caused friction even with her family. After a
disastrous winter cooped up with the rest of her family, Tamala found more and more reasons to stay on the
trail, and apprenticed with Jacie Ross, a white-haired trail master who spoke even fewer words than Tamala.
Under Jacie’s tutelage, Tamala became a fearsome hunter of both beast and man. Agile and lithe, she could
drop from a galloping horse into a combat roll, pop up into firing position, and strike a target at a hundred
yards. These talents served her well when she allowed her frustrations with society to lead her away from
the Tribe. In Chapter, Blackgold Station, or points even farther afield, she could take on bounties - favoring
those where criminals had a price on their head. Landing a headshot on
a ‘bad man’ from stealth gave her a rush like nothing else could.
218 THE AFTER

SEVEN
After years, Jacie retired to the arms of her family to be honored as an elder. Tamala took up the mantle and

tradition of the trail master. While she sometimes chafed at the responsibilities, the position gave her all the
reasons she needed to stay away from other people. Remaining apart from them was the only way she could hope
to stay sane.
Now Tamala defends the families of the Tribe, and serves grudgingly when she is asked to escort outsiders
within the tribal lands. On those occasions, she rarely speaks to travelers - instead lurking at the outskirts
of campsites and forging ahead to mark a trail. The exception to this aloofness is her soft spot for children,
especially those who remind Tamala of her three younger sisters.
Tall and lithe, she commonly wears a poncho or cloak and covers her face with a broad-brimmed hat and
camouflage paint. She dreads how she will react the next time she is approached romantically, and tries to forestall
that day by disguising her good looks as well as she can.
Her prized possession is an Old World rifle that has been passed down through the generations of her blood
family. It has been patched so many times - and covered in so much camouflage - that it’s barely recognizable
when compared to illustrations of its original model. The optic piece sitting atop the rifle is battered and
dented, and functions poorly. Offering up a replacement Old World scope might be the motivator that could
get Tamala to do almost anything.
Given that ammunition for the rifle is hard to find, she often keeps it bagged - to protect it from the weather
as well as stray GenBomb particles. For routine tasks she uses a classic Tribe composite bow, reserving the rifle
for engagements against dangerous foes or situations where she needs to strike decisively at extreme range.
Attributes
Skills
Athletics d8 • Boating d6 • Common Knowledge d6 • Fighting d8 • Intimidate d6 • Notice d10 •
Persuasion d4 • Riding d8 • Shooting d10 • Stealth d10 • Survival d8
Hindrances
Phobia(Major): crowds • Ruthless (Minor) • Suspicious (Minor)
Edges
Alertness • Marksman • Signature Weapon (Family Rifle) • Woodsman
Gear
Custom-crafted camouflage outfit (+1 Armor, +2 to Stealth in natural surroundings when not moving),
hatchet, survival knife, compound bow, 20 arrows. Family Rifle: Range 50/100/200, Damage 2d10, AP 4, RoF
1, Snapfire, Heavy Weapon. 14 bullets for the rifle.
THE AFTER 219

SEVEN
Zachariah Cole
Zachariah Cole is known to every community in the Windriver Valley. He is a famous scout, explorer, and
sharpshooter. He chooses to live a nomadic, solitary life, exploring The After. Cole visits Chapter once or
twice a year to share knowledge with the Elder Council.
He grew up an orphan after his small village was destroyed by a monstrous Changed beast he refers to as
“Redback”. Young Zachariah was the only survivor. He dreams of one day tracking down Redback and taking
his revenge. Perhaps because of this, he has been known to help communities in need, especially those
threatened by marauders or ferals.
220 THE AFTER

SEVEN

Attributes
Skills
Athletics d8 • Common Knowledge d8 • Fighting d10 • Intimidation d8 • Notice d8 • Persuasion d4 •
Riding d8 • Shooting d12 • Stealth d10 • Survival d10
Hindrances
Enemy(Minor) • Heroic • Stubborn
Edges
Alertness • Brave • Combat Reflexes • Connections(Scouting Guild) • Improved Extraction • Improved
Trademark Weapon (Winchester) • Marksman • Nerves of Steel • Quick • Steady Hands • Woodsman.
Gear
Rebuilt Winchester Rifle: Range 24/48/96, Damage 2d8, AP 2, RoF 1, Shots 15, Reinforced long coat: Armor 2
to torso, legs, arms (included in Toughness), Longknife: Str+d6
Special Abilities
Zachariah Cole is Changed and shares the Bio-Acceptance and Not Like Us qualities. Cosmetic Changes:
greyish skin and glowing eyes. Minor Anomalies: Low Light Vision, Armored Flesh (subdermal plating).
Major Anomalies: Heightened Senses
THE AFTER 221

Shadow of the Phoenix Preludes and
S H ADO W O F T H E PH O E NIX
A Savage Worlds adventure for The After Connections

by Sean Nokes
If this is your first game of The After, it might be
This adventure was written as an introductory scenario worthwhile to run quick prelude scenes for each of
for Gen Con 2019. It’s meant to quickly introduce the characters in your game. Ask them to describe
players to important touchstones of the setting: the where their character is and what they were doing
town of Chapter and its Elder Council, endurance when the summons arrived. Did the Militia
of harsh weather conditions during overland travel, drag them out of a bar fight? Were they tending
and encounters with Ferals and Changed animals. to their sick aunt, or called away from scientific
The main plot of the adventure allows the players to experimentation? Has one of the characters already
potentially learn never-before-known information been working for the Elder Council, and were they
about the Phoenix State and its soldiers. the messenger that visited all the other PCs?
The pre-generated characters used at the convention You can also ask your players how well they’d
have been provided here for your convenience. The like their characters to know one another at the
character sheets include brief backgrounds for each beginning of the scenario. Our assumption is
character that offer personal goals relevant to the plot. that the characters live in or around Chapter. If
that’s true at your table, that means the characters
The main opposition force in this adventure will know one another’s names and professions,
is too strong for a group of Novice characters to at the very least. Wild Cards, by definition, stand
simply attack head on. If you’re playing this with out in a crowd, which means that - even as Novice
your home group, more experienced characters characters - they are noteworthy and memorable,
might be able to simply draw weapons, charge in, especially in a town the size of Chapter.
and survive. Our playtest sessions at Gen Con
2019 proved that 0 XP Novice characters can still Beyond basic knowledge of one another, some
succeed, as long as they plan carefully and use all players enjoy sketching out past relationships so that
the resources at their disposal. their characters can share stories and have a deeper
emotional bond to power roleplaying. Perhaps some
of the characters served a stint in the Militia together,
Synopsis: For the trained in the same Librarian’s class as youths, or fell
in love with the same person as teenagers.
Gamemaster
The Elder Council of Chapter has received warning While it’s not vital to have this extra connection,
from the Scouting Guild that a large expeditionary some groups will find that it enhances their game.
force from the Phoenix State is building a camp near Others will want to receive their mission and get
the ruins of Old Lander. These ruins are just across on with rolling dice. You know your group the
the mountains, mere days away. best, so do what feels right.
The Phoenix State is known to be extremely
militaristic. They do not offer parlay, shoot all outsiders
that approach, and are especially aggressive in hunting The Phoenix State camp cannot be allowed to stay,
down aliens and the Changed. The Council believes but the Council has chosen not to send the Chapter
that if the Phoenix State discovers the pass through Militia to engage them. The Militia is sufficient
the mountains, Chapter will be in grave danger. In to deal with local issues, but isn’t well-equipped
a year or perhaps two, Chapter would be discovered - enough to tangle with the heavily armed Phoenix
and no doubt, a siege would follow. State soldiers. As well, the Council is concerned that
marching in an organized army will simply tip off
the presence of Chapter that much sooner.
222 THE AFTER

Instead of marching an army to battle, the Council homestead somewhere near the ruins of Old
has engaged the PCs to investigate the camp and do Lander. They must be in terrible danger from
whatever they can to discourage the Phoenix State these xenophobic killers! She begs you to get
presence. Old Man Crow’s visions have guided the them to safety.
Council in this, and they believe the PCs will be able 5. The Order of Silence believes the Phoenix State
to effectively deal with the menace. uses radios to communicate. Find out if this is true,
and destroy the offending equipment at all costs!
In Wind River Valley’s blustery autumn weather,
6. The Scouting Guild has a job for you. Surely
the heroes must scout the camp and determine what
the Phoenix State’s officers have maps detailing
the Phoenix State plans to do in Old Lander. Will
the path needed to return back to their own
they be able to drive off the invaders before they are
lands. Steal those maps - that knowledge is
fully established?
vital to the Guild.
7. You have a close relationship with a border scout of
Secondary Objectives the Tribe, who has challenged you to take a trophy
When we ran this scenario at Gen Con 2019, we from the mightiest of the Phoenix State warriors,
found it was useful to engage players that are new to gathering it by stealth rather than by force.
The After by assigning their characters an additional 8. The Blackgold Trading Company wants to know:
objective. This immediately engages them with will the Phoenix State trade? They are utterly
NPCs or Factions of Chapter and makes them more unconcerned with the threat to Chapter, and only
interested in the world and the mission. want to know about profit. Of course, there’s a
substantial company salary in line for the person
You can choose to assign these based on the who forges the first trade route with the outsiders.
interests and associations that your player characters
have already exhibited, or assign them randomly. It’s
also perfectly fine to ignore all of these and just get Act One:
on with the mission.
The Elder Council
If you’re using the pregenerated characters at the The scene begins in the Council House of Chapter,
end of the adventure, some of these objectives are with a meeting of the Elder Council already taking
already included in their biographical text. place. The meeting isn’t open to the general public,
but the council chamber is nonetheless crowded with
1. Big Jim Haggert, leader of the Chapter Militia, many of the most important folk of the town - as well
wants to know why the Phoenix State would be as the player characters, who have been ordered to
risking so many soldiers this far from their usual attend, by the will of the Council.
territory and this late in the year. It doesn’t make
sense. Why are they really at Old Lander? Surely The meeting has been tense, as the Elder Council
their commanders have some sort of intelligence. is briefing the influential people of Chapter on a
You need to find it and bring it back. threat that could spell danger for every citizen of
Chapter. The Scouting Guild has delivered word that
2. The Star League wants to know how Phoenix
a military force from outside of Wind River Valley -
State technology remains functional. The secret
from a group that calls themselves the Phoenix State -
could lead humanity to safety among the stars!
has taken up residence near the ruins of Old Lander.
Steal whatever technology you can and bring it
They appear to be building a permanent camp.
back to Chapter, secretly.
3. A previous Phoenix State patrol wiped out your These Phoenix State soldiers are aggressive and
loved ones. You’re out for revenge. Find a way to heavily armed. They’ve already attacked a group of
kill them all. scavengers hailing from Chapter, killing most of them
4. A Helot priest in Chapter advised you that in a hail of rifle fire. A clever guild scout who survived
there are a handful of Helots living in a small the assault was able to bring back the warning.
THE AFTER 223

The Council believes that this invading force, to stay behind and attend a briefing from Big Jim
despite being on the other side of the mountains, Haggert, Allie Morgan, and Old Man Crow, who can
puts Chapter in direct danger. Allie Morgan believes answer many of the questions they might have about
that, given the size of the force and the time of year, the mission.
the soldiers are clearing the way for the arrival of
colonists in the spring, which would imperil the What Is the Phoenix State?
entire region. Any colony established this close to
A brutal and militaristic society from far to the east,
Chapter will discover the pass through the mountains
outside the Wind River Valley. Most encounters
in a season or two - it’s only a matter of time, she says.
are with scavenger or scout parties gathering raw
And then, surely, the Phoenix State will invade.
material from Old World sites, but they also have
some kind of ultralight spotter aircraft. How those
This news touches off a fierce debate, as many folk
aircraft manage to operate given the effects of the
in the crowd insist that the Chapter Militia be sent
GenBomb is not understood.
to drive off the threat. However, the Elder Council
believes that attacking the camp head-on with the
Phoenix State soldiers are violently and immediately
Militia is too dangerous. The Militia is lightly armed
hostile to any outsiders, and will go out of their way to
compared to the Phoenix State and is unprepared to
utterly exterminate Changed, Gifted, or aliens. They
sally forth on an offensive. Losses during a frontal
are always heavily armed with rifles and shoot on
assault would be heavy, leaving Chapter vulnerable
sight. They don’t seem concerned with conserving
to danger. In addition, attacking the camp with a
bullets, unlike Wind River folk, implying that they
large, organized force would undoubtedly tip off
have some industrial-grade source of ammunition.
the Phoenix State about Chapter’s existence. If any
All attempts at making peaceful contact with the
survivors escaped to bring the news back to their
Phoenix State have failed spectacularly, and there has
masters in the East, it would only accelerate the
never been successful parley or trade with them. Big
potential danger.
Jim Haggert insists that trying to talk to the invaders
will just get the player characters shot.
Big Jim Haggert and the rest of the Council agree
to begin preparations to fortify the pass, and will
continue to discuss whether an organized attack in What if I Don’t Want To Do This?
the spring would be worthwhile. Old Man Crow, Chapter isn’t a democracy and the Elder Council
the famous seer, insists that some action be taken in isn’t asking - they’re ordering. Furthermore, all the
the meantime. He hints that he’s had visions about most important people of Chapter just saw the player
the matter. While he agrees that a frontal assault characters receive those orders. As Allie Morgan might
by the Chapter Militia would only lead to pain and say, “If you aren’t willing to take up this task in defense
devastation, he’s identified a small team of specialists of your fellow citizens of Chapter, maybe it’s a sign you
that might be able to do some good for Chapter and don’t like it here. If that’s really how you feel, maybe
its people. you should pack your things and find somewhere else
to hole up for the winter. Maybe you should do it
That, of course, is where the player characters are quickly. Or have you changed your mind?”
introduced. Their mission is to find and scout the
camp as best as they can, and take any actions possible What Will I Get For This?
to drive the invaders away. Under no circumstances
The Elder Council will provide the following gear to
are they to give away the existence of Chapter or even
help the PCs on their way:
of the mountain pass. To do so would bring doom
Cold weather wear for anyone who currently lacks
upon the heads of the many families living there -
it (offers Armor+1 but can’t be stacked with worn
perhaps the characters’ own families.
Armor due to bulk)
After explaining the Elder Council’s decision to the Dried trail rations sufficient for ten days in the
crowd, they are dismissed. The characters are invited field
224 THE AFTER

A bow and 20 arrows for each group member that Act Two:
is in need
A steel-headed spear for each group member that Journey To Old Lander
desires one The trip from Chapter to Old Lander is fifty miles
Two black powder hand grenades (4/8/16, 3d6, or so as the crow flies. This is four or five days of
MBT) hard marching for a healthy group on foot, given the
craggy and difficult terrain that the group must cross
through the mountain pass and down the other side
After a successful expedition, survivors can expect of the range.
free room and board through Midsummer of the
following year. Those who wish it will be lodged The autumn weather is blustery and the wind is a near-
in a freshly-built cabin near the walls of the town, constant presence. Each night, the temperature drops
where food and firewood will be delivered to them to just below freezing. For characters that are camping
throughout the winter. Any characters who have outdoors, this will invoke the Hazard rules for cold found
their own lodgings will similarly have their needs in Savage Worlds. Talk about how the characters intend
met by the Council. The Council will also cover the to pass the night safely while exposed on the trail. While
cost of any medical care, should they return with winter gear offers a +2 bonus to resisting cold weather, it
injuries that require treatment. might not be sufficient to safeguard them.
In addition to this material reward, Old Man Crow A simple Survival roll will allow characters to build
will slyly remark that, by the time they get back, and light a campfire. Keeping close to the fire over
everyone in Chapter will know what they’ve done the course of the night removes the need to make
for the town and its people. If they are successful, Vigor rolls to resist the cold - but also could expose
surely this will offer them opportunities that lesser the group to encounters with wandering creatures, at
folk wouldn’t be offered. They’ll be seen as people of the GMs discretion.
substance. This increase in social status will surely
lead to more opportunities for adventure. On the third day of their voyage, the party is well
through the mountains and are making their way
south along the foothills when they stumble across
a speedy pack of Ferals that are moving north. Use
two Feral Scavengers per player character. The
You Call That a Reward? group is led by a Feral Champion. These hairy,
fierce creatures are of the Sasquatch strain. While
Players who are used to fantasy roleplaying games they mostly eschew weapons in favor of their natural
where their characters are mercenaries who claws, half of the scavengers do carry a single javelin
command huge bags of gold, magical trinkets, and for bringing down prey at a distance.
glittering gems might be a little disappointed at
the reward offered by the Elder Council. Remind Allow the party’s lead scout a Notice roll. Failure
them that Chapter is a small community and indicates that the Ferals have blundered into the player
winter in the Wind River Valley is an exceptionally characters, and the battle starts with the two groups
harsh season. Many people struggle to stay warm, perhaps 2d4” apart. A success allows the characters a
fed, and healthy. For those who aren’t maintaining round to prepare, so that they can draw weapons, take
their own farmstead, paying for upkeep over a long cover, or create a little more space - but the Ferals will
Wind River winter can be ruinously expensive. nonetheless be upon them afterward. On a raise, the
What the Council is offering is nine months of scout has detected the Ferals far enough away that the
secure upkeep. That’s quite a big deal that nearly party has the option to avoid the encounter with stealth,
any resident of Chapter would leap at. or to spring an ambush at a longer range - which puts
the Ferals at a significant disadvantage, though it might
eat into the party’s ammunition.
THE AFTER 225

THE AFTER
226
A sharp-eyed character might note that several of
the Feral tribe members bear recent wounds that
were not received during the encounter with the
player characters. A Notice (-2) roll (or a Healing
roll while examining a defeated Feral) will show that
these are bullet wounds. It seems likely that these
Ferals have clashed with the Phoenix State and
come out the worse for it. (A GM wishing to make
this encounter less difficult might decide that the
Feral Champion, a Wild Card, has already suffered
one Wound.)
After the encounter is resolved, a successful

Feral Champion (Sasquatch) Common Knowledge roll will reveal that this tribe of
Ferals is native to Old Lander. It’s unusual for them
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, to be found this far from the ruins, especially in such
Strength d10, Vigor d12. large numbers. This indicates that the Ferals may
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, have been forced to flee Old Lander.
Notice d6, Stealth d6, Survival d6.
Pace: 8; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9 Act Three:
Edges/Hindrances: Alertness, Berserk, Brave,
Brawny, Combat Reflexes, Fleet-Footed. The Ruins of Old Lander
Gear: Claws (Str+d6) Investigation of Old Lander is likely to take most
Special Abilities groups at least a couple of days of game time, depending
Strength in Numbers: when outnumbering on the strategy they choose. Circumnavigating the
the enemy at least 2:1, ferals gain the Strong ruins offers them longer sight lines, at the cost of
Willed edge. a great deal more marching. There’s also very little
cover on the autumnal plains outside the Old World
town, which could create challenges in maintaining
Feral Scavenger (Sasquatch) stealth. Meanwhile, plunging directly into the ruins
offers a faster path to answers, but could put the
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, explorers into harm’s way.
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d6, Intimidation d4, For each four hours spent exploring along the
Notice d6, Stealth d8, Survival d6. outside of the ruins, or every two hours spent inside
Pace: 8; Parry: 5; Toughness: 6 the ruins, draw a card from the Action Deck and
Edges/Hindrances: Alertness, Dodge, Fleet- consult the chart below. If you’ve already used the
Footed encounter that is drawn, move down the chart - so
Gear: Half the group carries a single javelin each working through the encounters will eventually lead
(3/6/12, Str+d6). Claws (Str+d6) the characters to the Phoenix State military camp.
Special Abilities
Strength in Numbers: when outnumbering Old Lander Encounter Chart
the enemy at least 2:1, Ferals gain the Strong 2-5: Foul Weather
Willed edge. 6-7: Nuisance Ferals
8-9: Spooked
10: Dead Ferals
Jack: Helot Homestead
THE AFTER 227

Queen: Phoenix State Diggers

King: Fallen Librarian
Ace: Butcher Bear Encounter
Joker: Phoenix State Camp Doing Old Lander
Hexcrawl Style
Foul Weather: A fall rainstorm arrives. In warmer Some GMs prefer more ‘structure’ to their
weather, this would be only a nuisance, but autumn exploration, preferring to have encounters
in Wind River Valley is no time to be stranded in the pinned to discrete points on the map instead of
rain and wind. The cold is intensely uncomfortable. pulling at random from the Action Deck. If you’d
Characters exposed to the weather will be forced to like to do that, here’s our advice on encounter
make Vigor rolls every two hours to resist taking placement:
Fatigue from the near-freezing conditions. Even The characters should approach Old Lander
worse, when soaked to the skin, the usual bonus from from the north-northwest
their cold-weather gear will not apply. The characters
The first four encounters on the Old Lander
might choose to seek shelter within the ruins or risk
Encounter Chart can be your ‘random
a campfire to dry out their gear and get warm. Will
encounters’, along with the Phoenix State
they spend the rest of the day waiting for the weather
digging party
to blow over? If so, they may need to start worrying
about how much food they have remaining. The Helot homestead should be at a concealed
site on the west edge of Old Lander. If one
Nuisance Ferals: A group of 1d3+1 Feral Scavengers of the characters was given the side mission
encounter the explorers. They are unlikely to of contacting the Helots, they should be able
assault the explorers. Instead, they bolt in different to track down the homestead with a Survival
directions, howling and gibbering. Common roll.
Knowledge indicates that normally, scavengers raise a The battle site where the first expedition
ruckus like this to bring tribal warriors down in force was defeated is on the north side of town,
on potential prey. Will the characters chase down and but the GM might wish to be flexible about
slay the scavengers to put a quick end to the alarm, or its placement to ensure it’s discovered. The
flee the area? In any case, no mob of Feral warriors encounter offers the players more clues
will make an appearance. Due to the Phoenix State’s about what’s going on in Old Lander. This
liberal culling of the local Feral population, the local is especially important if the group didn’t
gangs have been driven away - at least for now. (That speak with the Helot homesteaders.
said, GMs who desire additional combat in their The Butcher Bear lair is within Old Lander
game are welcome to craft an appropriate war party itself, near the center of town.
of Sasquatch Ferals to assault the player characters!) The Phoenix State camp is best placed on the
southern edge of the ruins, at the ruins of
Spooked: Describe a heavy-footed shape crunching Hunt Field, which was Lander’s local airport
through nearby gravel, approaching the characters back in the Old World. The Phoenix State
from around a blind corner (behind some brush, has placed their camp where the runway used
or beyond a crumbled ruin). Ask for actions and to be, offering them clear sight lines in most
perhaps go as far as dealing Action Cards. However, directions. The material forming the walls of
the creature that wanders forth is harmless - perhaps a the camp is the corrugated steel siding that
bighorn sheep, or a descendant of Old World cows. If was used for walls and roofs of the aviation
the characters want to attack in search of meat, use the buildings - it’s not in great shape, but serves
stat block for a Mule found in Savage Worlds. GMs who as an adequate barrier for now.
don’t believe in non-combat encounters might decide
that the creature is both Changed and aggressive, and
instead use the stat block for a Warhorse.
228 THE AFTER

Dead Ferals: The characters encounter the site conceal a surprisingly sturdy door of wood, reinforced
of a battle, where at least a dozen Feral corpses are with hammered road signs and other detritus. A
scattered. The bodies are rank with decay and the Notice roll will reveal the doorway - perhaps there are
explorers may need to scare off some scavenging blood droplets on the metal paneling that hides it. A
wildlife if they wish to investigate - most likely a raise will allow the explorers to note that there are
matter of making an Intimidate roll. A cursory several cunningly screened ports near the door that
investigation of the Feral bodies will note that they allow anyone hiding within to view those approaching.
have been thoroughly shot to death.
Beyond the door is an entire Helot family who are
Rolling the Battle skill might reveal additional very upset and feeling quite paranoid. The wounded
information: with a success, the character notes Helot, Arla, has just watched her mate, Jor, be killed
that the bullet impact sites show good placement in by a Phoenix State patrol. She was shot as well, and
the center torso, implying that shooters were quite barely managed to escape and return to her family.
proficient and that the victorious force here was well- Two other adult Helots are within, Magra and Brok,
trained, maintaining order in the face of a wave of and there are four children.
charging Ferals.
This is a social encounter where the players will
Characters who investigate the battle site and need to be on their best behavior in order to coax
succeed in a Notice roll at -4 will realize that the the Helots into speaking with them. Magra takes
battlefield has been cleaned up in some ways. Despite the lead, and will open the conversation by trying
the obvious hail of bullets directed at the Ferals, no to intimidate the group into leaving them alone,
bullet casings can be found - they seem to have all claiming they have a whole bundle of dynamite and
been collected. Also, the successful character will aren’t afraid to use it!
find several areas where bloodstains indicate that the
victorious force suffered casualties, but carried them This isn’t true. However, aside from the hand
away. Due to time and weather, there aren’t tracks weapons typically possessed by Helots, Brok does
or scent remaining at this site that are sufficient to have a rusty blunderbuss at hand. Anyone attempting
allow following the path of the victors. to force open the front door (Hardness 10) is likely to
take a blast of nails to the face at point blank range.
Helot Homestead
The explorers encounter fresh footprints tracking A successful Persuasion roll will be necessary to
through a patch of mud. A successful Survival roll get the Helots talking. They are paranoid and want
will identify the tracks as belonging to a Helot, while nothing more than for the explorers to go away so
a raise will reveal small droplets of blood near the they can heal Arla’s wounds and properly grieve Jor.
trail, as if the Helot had been wounded. Persuasion rolls with the Helots will be modified by
the following circumstances:
The trail quickly leaves the muddy area and winds Speaker (making the Persuasion roll) is a Helot: +2
among deserted streets, heading toward the outskirts A Helot is accompanying the speaker: +1
of the ruins. While the GM might choose to call for Any obvious Ghost Remnants being carried or
another Survival roll to follow the trail, failing the roll used: -2
(and losing the trail) would cause the group to miss Any use of the Boon during the scene: -2
out on an interesting encounter. Consider allowing
your group to follow the tracks without a roll.
Each success or raise will reveal a parcel of
information from the list below. The GM can deliver
In any case, the trail ends in a small dale, near
these in order as presented, or choose at random if
a cluster of Old World buildings that are mostly
preferred:
collapsed. Because the terrain of the dale drops
The Helots are very upset at the use of the Boon
down, the Helot’s lair is cunningly hidden among the
or Ghost Shards anywhere near their homestead.
wreckage, with rusted metal paneling pulled down to
THE AFTER 229

This is because they’ve seen a terrible predator winter and outlast the Phoenix State, and doesn’t want
near the center of the ruins, an unstoppable to abandon everything they’ve built in Old Lander.
Changed beast called a Butcher Bear. This creature
is attracted to Breach energy, so using the Boon or Phoenix State Diggers
a Ghost Shard could bring it into the area.
The explorers have run into a patrol of six Phoenix
The Phoenix State soldiers seem to be coming State soldiers that have been sent out from their
into the area from the south. They’re digging camp to investigate the ruins. These grunts are on
through the ruins, gathering scrap and edge, counting as active guards for the purpose of
technological leftovers. Jor thought they were detecting Stealth. They are extremely hostile and will
looking for something specific, but died trying to open fire as soon as strangers are detected. Aliens
get close enough to determine what it might be. and Changed are their priority targets, followed by
The invaders are heavily armed and greet all anyone using the Boon in a visible fashion.
outsiders with a hail of bullets. Their camp is
well-fortified and protected by a gatling gun. While this is likely to become a combat encounter
Going near it during daylight would be suicidal. quickly, there are still things that savvy explorers
might discover:
Though it might be difficult to understand over
the hail of gunfire (perhaps requiring a Notice
Moving the Plot roll at a penalty of -2), a character might identify
the strange, barking argot that the Phoenix
Forward State soldiers use as English. It’s not quite the
If the conversation with the Helots goes really English the Librarians teach in Chapter - the
well, you’ll need to decide how much you’d like accent is almost unintelligible and their slang
it to move the plot forward. This may depend makes almost no sense - but it’s interesting
simply on how much time at the game table information, nonetheless.
you’d like the players to spend looking around
Anyone approaching closely (within melee range,
Old Lander. If you’re ready to move toward the
or investigating a slain Phoenix State soldier)
final act, then the Helots can share the exact
will note that the grunts’ skin is very oily, with
coordinates of the Butcher Bear lair or the
a faint greenish cast. Explorers with enhanced
Phoenix State camp. If you’d prefer to get more
scent abilities will note that the soldiers all
mileage out of the search, then the Helots can’t
provide exact coordinates, but their information
will still be useful.
If you’ve been using the Action Deck to choose Phoenix State Grunt
encounters within the ruins of Old Lander, you
might choose to accelerate matters a little by Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6,
drawing two cards for each encounter and using Strength d8, Vigor d8.
the highest. Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Notice d6, Riding
d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d4, Survival d4.
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9(2), 11(4) vs bullets
Explorers who want to convince the Helots to Hindrances: Delusional(Major): anyone outside
abandon their home and flee to Chapter will need the Phoenix State is a dangerous mutant, Loyal.
to engage Magra in Social Conflict, using the rules Edges: Brawny, Brave, Combat Reflexes.
presented in Savage Worlds. Normally the Helots Gear: Submachine Gun with 60 bullets (12/24/48,
would laugh off such a suggestion, but Jor’s death has 2d6, AP 1, ROF 3, 30 Shots), Combat Knife (Str+d4),
shaken them. Still, Magra will resist with a Spirit of Kevlar Vest and Combat Helmet.
d8. She believes the family can hunker down for the
230 THE AFTER

share the same scent. A close examination of leave the Shard in place until another, more powerful
a body combined with a successful Healing roll expedition could be organized, in the spring.
will note ‘track marks’ on the limbs of all the
soldiers, as if they received regular injections. The Librarian’s notes include easily understandable
Their equipment is lightly covered in the same directions that can lead explorers to the Butcher bear
strange-smelling, greenish oil as their skin. It’s lair in the center of Old Lander.
likely that the explorers will be able to loot a
treasure trove of Kevlar vests, submachine guns, Butcher Bear Encounter
and bullets. However, see the Secrets of the If this encounter was drawn randomly, the GM will
Phoenix State sidebar later in this adventure for need to adjudicate based on where the explorers are
more details about confiscated equipment. currently located. If they’re on the outskirts of the
While it’s hard for the explorers to tell what ruins, they may see the Butcher bear at a distance. It’s
exactly this patrol was after, they’ve gathered reasonably well-fed and isn’t particularly aggressive -
a rucksack full of things like spools of wire, unless the group includes a Gifted that makes active
thick plastic sheeting, and a few glass vials - the use of her powers, or triggers a Shard. In that case, it
equivalent of about 100 Salvage. relentlessly pursues the group!
If the GM is ready to press forward to the end
of the adventure, then either the patrol left a If the explorers are checking through the interior
trail which could be followed (using Survival) of Old Lander, then they’ve discovered the lair of the
to backtrack to their camp, or they might be Butcher bear. The character with the highest Survival
carrying a rough map which can be found after skill in the group will note the deep claw marks,
the fight. spoor, and other telltale signs that an immense
predator dwells within. As well, characters who have
spoken with the Helots or recovered the Librarian’s
Fallen Librarian notebook might be coming to the lair directly.
The explorers stumble across a corpse clad in the
vestments of a Librarian. The body has been exposed
for two weeks and is in terrible shape, as both
nature and scavengers have affected it. Nonetheless,
Common Knowledge of
explorers with strong stomachs can recover the the Butcher bear
Librarian’s personal book, still bound to his belt. These immense creatures were constructed in
Though the slipcover is fouled with gore, the contents Butcher bioforges, melding the aliens’ strange
were protected and are still readable. technology with vat-grown flesh. The Butcher
bears’ genes were specially crafted, combining
Literate explorers that examine the notebook will the dominant traits of several species of Earth
find that the Librarian’s name was Xando James. bear with genetic material from an unknown
James accompanied a previous expedition sent from alien predator species. The result was an
Chapter - in fact, the very one that was shot to pieces unparalleled predator.
by the Phoenix State, precipitating the warning that
led to the player characters being here. An average-size Butcher bear weighs 2,500
pounds, stands five feet tall at the shoulder, and
The Librarian’s expedition was here investigating when standing on its hind legs crests eleven feet.
a rumor of a Ghost Shard to be found deep in the The largest adult males can grow up to 25% larger.
ruins of Old Lander. However, while they found
the correct site, they discovered it had become the A successful Common Knowledge roll delivers
lair of a terrifying Butcher bear, a mighty Changed the information above, and allows the GM to
predator that was lured by the energy of the Shard. advise the character that a Butcher bear is a deadly
James’s group determined they didn’t have enough opponent - especially for Novice characters. Head-
firepower to deal with the Butcher Bear and would on combat might not be the best approach.
THE AFTER 231

Butcher Bear An explorer that manages to evade the Butcher bear
can climb the narrow ledge leading to the Shard with

Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6 (A), Spirit d8, an Athletics roll. Failure indicates they’ve taken a nasty
Strength d12+2, Vigor d12 spill onto some rocks, suffering 2d6+2 damage and
Skills: Athletics d8, Fighting d8, Intimidation d8, potentially alerting the Butcher bear, if it’s in the lair.
Notice d8, Stealth d4, Survival d8.
Pace: 8; Parry: 6; Toughness: 14(2) The Shard is a length of purplish crystal about the
Special Abilities size of a man’s forearm. It glimmers with an inner light
Armored Flesh: +2 Armor from internal that grows brighter when held by a creature bearing
plating. one or more Wounds. If touched to a Wound, it’s
activated: it emits a piercing trill and the light gleams
Bite/Claws: Str+d6.
intensely. The bearer is healed of a single Wound, and
Breach Sense: A butcher bear can roll Notice the device is rendered inert for 1d6 days. Its Fracture
to sense the use of Breach energy within 1 condition is Any Hearts. Should the explorers gain the
mile per Power Point spent (or 1d3 miles for device and keep it, they get to name it.
the activation of a Ghost Shard, doubled if
it Fractures). If this usage occurs within 100 Just clutching the device emits enough Breach
yards of the butcher bear, it will be able to energy to allow the Butcher bear a Notice roll to
track the user for 1d4+1 hours using Survival. realize the Shard it has been guarding is on the move.
Otherwise it merely learns the general distance There is no question that it will pursue thieves to the
and direction of the Breach energy surge, and best of its ability.
will approach in hopes of picking up a ‘trail’.
Draining Bite: A creature with Power Points Phoenix State Camp
that is Shaken or Wounded by the butcher
bear’s Bite/Claws attack also loses 2d4 Power This military camp could be a shocking sight to
Points, as their Breach energy is siphoned away the explorers. It has been fortified with hastily-
to fuel the creature’s biomechanical systems. built walls, using corrugated steel torn from nearby
ruins. These walls are topped with barbed wire, and
Environmental Resistance: The butcher platforms are spaced around them that allow spotters
bear can ignore most weather-based to examine the nearby terrain for interlopers.
Hazards, gaining +4 to resist Fatigue from
environmental heat, cold, or exposure. Most surprising of all to explorers from Chapter,
Size 4. Scale Modifier +2. electrical lights are strung throughout the camp,
Very Resilient: When combined with its lighting up the entrance as well as many of the tents
Size, this means the butcher bear can take within the camp. On a quiet night, explorers with
three wounds (and is Incapacitated upon enhanced hearing might be able to make a Notice
taking a fourth). roll at -2 and pick up the distant hum of a generator.
At the center of the camp is the tall metal skeleton

This particular creature lairs at the center of Old of a structure that the Phoenix State soldiers are
Lander, in the collapsed ruins of an Old World building. Explorers who observe for a while (and
school. Beneath the rubble are wide tunnels linking succeed in a Science roll) can identify the structure
several chambers where the beast sleeps. It remains as a radio transmission tower that is still under
attracted to the area because of a Ghost Shard that construction.
is embedded in the ceiling of one of the rearmost
lair chambers, accessible only via a ledge that is too Sharp-eyed observers who pass a Notice roll at -2
narrow to accommodate the mighty creature. Since will also realize that the covered wagon near the base
it cannot get to the Shard (to gnaw on it until it’s of the radio tower is carrying a gatling gun that has a
destroyed), instead it guards the thing. clear line of sight to the camp entrance.
232 THE AFTER

Secrets of the Phoenix State soldier’s sweat and emitted in their breath, covering
One question your players are likely to ask early and their immediate vicinity.
often: why do these guys have working technology? The
Because of this, equipment carried by a Phoenix
answer is complicated, and it may be difficult for the
State soldier is immune to Stress Tags. Larger
players to get the entire story during their expedition.
pieces of equipment (such as gatling guns, radio
transmitters, and perhaps more sophisticated items)
The Phoenix State is both militaristic and
can be preserved by having injected soldiers present
xenophobic. Their society treats ‘purity’ with a
with the item around the clock, preferably under
religious zeal: aliens, mutants, and Gifted are to be
shelter where the nanites emitted in their breath can
exterminated with prejudice, but anyone not of the
fully surround and insulate the device.
Phoenix State is considered a dangerous, unclean
creature fit only to be destroyed.
Equipment liberated from the Phoenix State
remains useful for 1d4 days. After that, the nanites that
This outlook is easy to indoctrinate into the soldiers
have suffused the equipment stop having their altered,
because of the weekly injections they receive from
protective effect and revert to what’s expected from
Phoenix State Doctors. This drug is distilled from
GenBomb particles, often with catastrophic effects.
Ghost Shards, and makes the soldiers aggressive, a
little paranoid, and very susceptible to brainwashing.
Draw a card from the Action Deck for each piece of
However, this is just a side effect. This drug causes
equipment:
human bodies to react to GenBomb nanites in a
Club or Spade: the item immediately dissolves
novel way - converting the particles into a protective
into a corroded mess or foul-smelling slime (and
field that insulates them from the GenBomb’s other
might cause Stress Tags on the owner’s other
effects. These altered nanites are embedded in the
equipment if they don’t get rid of it quickly).
THE AFTER 233

Heart: the item immediately suffers two Stress Roll! Edge in addition to their other stats.
Tags. • Three of the Grunts are Snipers with the

Diamond: the item immediately suffers one Marksman Edge and a Hunting Rifle (24/48/96,
Stress Tag. 2d8 AP 2, ROF 1, Shots 5, Snapfire, Scope).
Joker: the item remains miraculously free of • Three are Scouts with d8 Stealth, Notice, and
ill effects… at least for now. If the GM needs to Survival.
assign a random Stress Tag in the future, it will • The remaining thirty are standard Grunts with
almost certainly appear on this item. the usual statistics.
For large caches of equipment, it will be easiest Two Lieutenants, both Wild Cards.
to draw two Stress Tags from the chart found in the
A Lieutenant-Doctor, who is a Wild Card with
Gear, Salvage, and Trading chapter and assign them
strange devices that mimic arcane powers. (We
to surviving items, as opposed to individualizing
used the Weird Science rules to model him for this
Stress Tags for every single piece of gear.
encounter, but that Arcane Background remains
unavailable to player characters in The After.)
For bullets, assume that half the bullets become
useless dust that fouls magazines and mechanisms, A Commander, also a Wild Card.
requiring a Repair roll to unjam the firearm. The
rest remain sealed, stable, and usable. Points of Interest in the Camp
1: A Gatling Gun is concealed under a tarp in the
The Expeditionary Force middle of the camp, elevated on a wagon: Range
Even after suffering losses during the journey here and 24/48/96, Damage 2d8, AP 2, ROF 3 (min 2), Shots
during the exploration of the ruins, the force occupying 100. Not easily mobile without the wagon being
this camp is still dangerously formidable. With over pulled by oxen or horses, the gun nonetheless
forty brainwashed soldiers who are heavily armed, the makes a great defense for the camp, especially when
camp is too strong to simply assault head on, unless fired by one of the Sergeants.
you are running this adventure for characters with lots 2: The Walls are corrugated steel that has been rudely
of Advancements. nailed to a wooden framework (Hardness 12, Cover
Bonus +4). The steel is from Old World structures
The current roster of the camp includes (perhaps warehouses, or the hangar buildings at
Forty Phoenix State Grunts (extras) the airport) and is not in the best shape. There
• Four of these are Sergeants with the Rock and are plenty of holes that a very stealthy scout could
Phoenix State Commander,

William Ranahan
Skills: Athletics d6, Battle d8, Fighting d8, Notice d6, Riding d6, Shooting
d8, Stealth d4, Survival d4.
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9(2), 11(4) vs bullets
Hindrances: Delusional(Major): anyone outside the Phoenix State is a
dangerous mutant, Loyal.
Edges: Brawny, Brave, Combat Reflexes, Command, Command Presence,
Inspire, Improved Nerves of Steel.
Gear: Submachine Gun with 60 bullets (12/24/48, 2d6, AP 1, ROF 3, 30 Shots), Saber (Str+d6), Kevlar Vest and
Combat Helmet.
234 THE AFTER

approach and look through, although anything Without this, the Phoenix State won’t be able to
wide enough to crawl through has been sealed with maintain their base here and will retreat. There
barbed wire or wooden planks. The steel is flimsy are also notes that can be stolen. They’ll require
enough that it isn’t likely to support a climber’s some time to decipher (as the Phoenix State’s use of
weight - resulting in a dangerously loud collapse. English is almost incomprehensible), but eventually
Several wooden platforms just on the other side of will inform the players of the nature of the Phoenix
the wall allow spotters to view the outside world for State’s anti-nanite drug. This tent is always guarded
hazards. These posts are often filled by Snipers or by two Grunts in the absence of the Lieutenant-
Scouts. Doctor.
3: The radio tower would require explosives to 5: An ammo dump maintained in a large tent is
bring down quickly, or a team of horses to pull always guarded by at least four Grunts and the
down more slowly. Explorers who have the time to outside is lit with electric lights around the clock.
tear into the materials and make a successful Repair Within can be found a dozen barrels of petroleum-
roll can walk away with 100 Salvage. based fuel for the generator, a dozen sticks of
4: The generator is blocked from view by a pair of dynamite, a crate of grenades, and many boxes of
empty wagons, but isn’t far from the radio tower, bullets. Enterprising players can get up to a great
since the intention is to hook the radio equipment deal of mischief if they get into this tent. If the
up to the power. The generator is on wheels and is ammo dump is detonated, the Phoenix State will
meant to be hitched to a horse or ox when it needs initiate a retreat from the area.
to be moved. It’s burning some kind of petroleum- 6: The command tent where the Lieutenants and
based fuel. It’s Hardness 14 to break with force, or Commander sleep also has maps that show the
a Repair roll to sabotage it. There are always a pair march of the Phoenix State, indicating a clear path
of Grunts within spitting distance of the generator. back to the homeland. It also contains documents
A research tent where the Lieutenant-Doctor is that (given time to translate) will explain the Phoenix
setting up scientific equipment to brew more of State strategy: they believe they are cleansing the
the Phoenix State’s brainwashing/anti-GenBomb world by conquering it and exterminating tainted
drug. The equipment is easily smashed or stolen. alien filth. They consume the holy relics of the
Lieutenant-Doctor,
Vargo HultzRanahan
Skills: Athletics d4, Fighting d6, Notice d6, Occult d6, Riding d4, Science
d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d4, Survival d4, Weird Science d8.
Pace: 6; Parry: 5; Toughness: 5 (more with Protection power triggered)
Hindrances: Delusional(Major): anyone outside the Phoenix State is a
dangerous mutant, Loyal.
Edges: Combat Reflexes
Gear: Revolver (2d6 AP 1), Saber (Str+d6)
15 Power Points
Powers:
Burst (Trapping: Lightning Gun): Cone Template, PP 2, 2d6 damage (3d6 on a raise). For +2PP do an
extra d6.
Protection (Trapping: Creepy nanite armor): PP 1, Duration 5, Armor +2 or +4. +1 PP per addl recipient,
+1 for +2 additional armor, +2 to affect Toughness instead of Armor
THE AFTER 235

Angels (the Ghost Shards) to protect their soldiers casualties will likely cause the force to abandon the
from the infernal influence of the GenBomb. This area, as noted above.
“blessing” is mandatory for all soldiers on a weekly An exceptionally clever group might decide to use
basis to ensure their purity. the Ghost Shard (or any powers of the Boon that
7: Salvage Wagons are laden with what little material the group can trigger) to lure an angry Butcher bear
the Phoenix State has pulled from the ruins of Old into the Phoenix State camp (perhaps requiring a
Lander. If given time to sort through it for the best Chase or even a Dramatic Task). A sprinting Butcher
stuff and a wagon to transport it back to Chapter, bear can easily smash through the outer wall as an
a dedicated explorer could probably make 500 action. Even a hail of bullets is unlikely to penetrate
Salvage out of this junk. the Butcher bear’s armored hide quickly, so the
angry beast is likely to massacre many Phoenix State
soldiers before being driven off. Savvy explorers
Paths to Victory could easily take this ruckus as a chance to raid the
Given this overwhelming force, many players will camp, either by force or by stealth. One playtest
exhibit unhappiness or frustration at the obstacle facing group at Gen Con 2019 tried this method (at great
them. However, there are multiple ways to proceed that risk to their Gifted) and left the camp in a smoking
could lead to their expedition being successful. ruin, utterly victorious.
While the active guards and electric lights make
Depending on the makeup of your group, other
infiltrating the camp difficult, a sneaky group could
paths to victory might be possible. Perhaps a
enter the camp and blow up the ammo dump or
Mindbender might be able to frighten the Phoenix
destroy the lab equipment. Either of these actions
State away. A group of characters optimized to be
means that - even if the characters botch their
powerful in combat (and advanced beyond Novice
escape and all die - the Phoenix State expedition
rank) might be able to set their jaw, draw initiative,
will retreat, and Chapter will be safe.
and tear the entire camp apart by themselves.
The Phoenix State force doesn’t need to be wiped
The only thing that certainly will NOT work is
out to the very last man. If half the soldiers and two
negotiation. Under no circumstances will a Phoenix
officers (or the entire command structure) are slain,
State soldier bargain with a filthy, unholy outsider.
the expedition will retreat.
They would rather kill or die.
The characters might engage in guerilla warfare,
engaging Phoenix State soldiers by the handful on
their patrol and salvage routes. After enough of this,
the Wild Card officers will begin accompanying
the patrols. If they are defeated as well, mounting Phoenix State Lieutenants,
Susan Quell &
Mikel Corcoran
Phoenix State Grunt (40)
Strength d8, Vigor d8. Skills: Athletics d6, Battle d6, Fighting d8, Notice
Skills: Athletics d6, Fighting d8, Notice d6, Riding d6, Riding d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d4, Survival d4.
d6, Shooting d8, Stealth d4, Survival d4. Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9(2), 11(4) vs bullets
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 9(2), 11(4) vs bullets Hindrances: Delusional(Major): anyone outside
Hindrances: Delusional(Major): anyone outside the Phoenix State is a dangerous mutant, Loyal.
the Phoenix State is a dangerous mutant, Loyal. Edges: Brawny, Brave, Combat Reflexes,
Edges: Brawny, Brave, Combat Reflexes. Command, Command Presence, Nerves of Steel.
Gear: Submachine Gun with 60 bullets (12/24/48, Gear: Submachine Gun with 60 bullets (12/24/48,
2d6, AP 1, ROF 3, 30 Shots), Combat Knife (Str+d4), 2d6, AP 1, ROF 3, 30 Shots), Saber (Str+d6), Kevlar
Kevlar Vest and Combat Helmet. Vest and Combat Helmet.
236 THE AFTER

Leelee Sullivan, Gifted Mindbender
Attributes Skills
Agility d6 • Smarts d8 • Spirit d6 • Strength d6 Athletics d6 • Common Knowledge d6 • Fighting
• Vigor d6 d6 • Mindbending d8 • Notice d6 • Persuasion d4
• Shooting d8 • Stealth d6 • Survival d4 • Taunt d6.
Hindrances Edges
Curious • Stubborn. Arcane Background(Mindbending).
Gear
Leather traveling gear (Armor +1 to torso, arms, legs), knife (Str + d4), battered rifle with 21 bullets (24/48/96,
RoF 1, 2d6, AP 2), backpack, bedroll, canteen, mess kit, firestarting kit, lantern, and 1 pint lamp oil.
Special Abilities
10 Power Points
Starting Powers: Beast Friend, Deflection, Fear
Hands Free: Mindbenders do not need their hands to activate their
powers. They may cast even when Bound or otherwise restrained.
Backlash: When using a Mindbending power, she suffers Backlash
on a Critical Failure. One of the terrible intelligences from
beyond the Breach attempts to devour her mental essence. Any of
Leelee’s maintained powers are immediately terminated. She must
immediately spend 2d6 Power Points or become Stunned.
As a teenager, she began having nightly visions of angels and demons

battling each other in the streets of Daniel, her hometown. She sought
out the fabled Old Man Crow in Chapter and discovered how to take
control of her Gift. Her powers are dangerous to use, as the bizarre consciousnesses beyond the Breach
sometimes take notice of her meddling.
On the way to the Council meeting, a faction known as the Order of Silence contacted Leelee. The Order
believes that the Butchers and Ghosts will return to Earth someday, and humanity needs to be ready to go
silent and vanish once again. The Order of Silence has heard that the Phoenix State is somehow maintaining
radio communication. If this is true, they want the offending radio equipment destroyed. Bring back some
of the wreckage to prove it was done, and be rewarded.
THE AFTER 237

Glurk, Helot Soldier
Attributes Skills
• Vigor d8 d8 • Healing d6 • Intimidation d6 • Notice d6 •
Persuasion d4 • Stealth d6 • Survival d6.
Hindrances Edges
Quirk (Prays loudly at odd times) • Loyal. Brawny • Brute.
Gear
Hammered metal scrap armor (Armor +3 to torso, arms, legs), Halberd (Str+d8, Reach +1, 2 hands), Sling and
12 stones (5/10/20, Str + d4, ROF 1) - uses Athletics(Throwing) to fire, Backpack, blanket, canteen, firestarting
kit, and first aid kit.
Hover crystal: a Ghost Shard infused with Breach energies, this glimmering crystal floats lazily around
Glurk’s head. He can use a mental action, activating the Remnant to gain Flight (as the power) for one
minute, but this destroys the crystal.
Special Abilities
Reach +1 (stacks with halberd for a +2 Reach when wielding it)
+2 to resist negative environmental effects.
Lumbering (natural Pace 5, running die d4)
Limited Intelligence (-2 to all Smarts rolls)
Immune to all poisons.
Like all Helots, Glurk has short legs, wide shoulders, and unusually long
arms. His powerful musculature can bear heavy loads and his physiology
is resilient to toxins and extremes of temperature.
Glurk firmly believes that Kraim has guided him to Chapter to care for the people there. He’s acted as a
caretaker by joining the Chapter Militia, doing his best to separate troublemakers and keep internal conflict
to a minimum.
Glurk can’t wait for Kraim to return and take the Helots back to the stars, so he likes to pray as loudly as
possible, to ensure Kraim can hear. As a reward for this prayer, a priest of Kraim visited Glurk, and gave him
a holy task. She told him that there is a tiny settlement of Helots - just a few families - not far from the ruins
of Old Lander. She asked Glurk to see that they are kept out of harm’s way!
238 THE AFTER

Garth Hernandez, Former Free Trader
Attributes Skills
• Vigor d6. d6 • Notice d6+2 • Persuasion d8 • Riding d6 •
Hindrances Edges
Loyal • Overconfident • Vow(minor): kill all Ferals. Alertness • Extraction • Luck.
Gear
Leather armor (Armor+1 to torso, arms, legs). Bolt-action hunting rifle and 30 bullets (2d8, AP 2, 24/48/96,
RoF 1). Two hand grenades (5/10/20, 3d6 in a MBT). Knife (Str + d4). Backpack, bedroll, canteen, firestarting
kit, and 3 torches.
Garth had been living a charmed life as a merchant, traveling from one
end of Wind River to the other. It all fell to pieces during his most
recent caravan, when a horde of Ferals swarmed out of a nearby Breach
Zone. Fortunately, the always-lucky Garth had been taking a shift as a
forward scout when the ambush fell, and managed to escape to Chapter
to raise the alarm with the Chapter Militia. However, his caravan, his
companions, and all of his trading capital were lost and he’s starting his
career back at square one.
The nefarious Blackgold Trading Company has privately contacted Garth. Their operative hinted that he
had pulled strings to get Garth included in the mission. If he can set up trading between Blackgold Station
and the Phoenix State, there’s an enormous amount of wealth to be made. The Blackgold leadership isn’t
concerned about the success of the Elder Council’s mission or the potential danger to Chapter - profit is
what’s important to them. There’s a big percentage for Garth, if he can make this happen. You’ll need to
decide: is it worth it?
THE AFTER 239

Karx, Changed Explorer
Attributes Skills
Agility d6 • Smarts d6 • Spirit d6 • Strength d8 Athletics d6 • Common Knowledge d4 • Fighting d10
• Vigor d8. • Notice d6 • Persuasion d4 • Repair d6 • Shooting
d6 • Stealth d6 • Survival d6.
Hindrances Edges
Cautious • Heroic • Outsider(Minor) • Ugly(Minor) Brawler
Gear
Backpack, bedroll, canteen, tool kit, double-barrel shotgun with 12 shells (12/24/48, 1-3d6), and leather trail
wear (Armor +1).
Special Abilities
Bio-acceptance (-2 to resist effects from Butcher biotech or Breach energy).
Cosmetic Changes: Backward-bending legs; Stigmata.
Minor Anomalies: Armored Flesh (+2 Armor from ridged subdermal
plating) , Low Light Vision (ignore penalties for Dim and Dark
lighting).
Major Anomalies: Natural weapon (spiked forearms, Str+d8 damage
due to Brawler Edge)
Being born Changed can be a death sentence in many communities

in The After. But the Elder Council of Chapter doesn’t believe in
discriminating against mutants simply because they bear the scars of the
Harvest and the War in their DNA. Because of this, Karx has been able to
carve out a career on the outskirts of Chapter, by turns serving as trail scout, scavenger, and repairman. The
spikes protruding from his subdermal plating have a tendency to bleed around the bases, so he often wraps
his limbs in rags.
Karx hopes to someday earn a place in the Scouting Guild of Chapter. Perhaps if he were able to capture
the maps and navigational data that these invaders are using, he would be rewarded by the Scouts! Being
able to show a charted route to the Phoenix State homeland would surely be enough to get Karx entry into
the Guild.
240 THE AFTER

Masha Richards, Librarian’s Apprentice
Attributes Skills
Agility d6 • Smarts d8 • Spirit d8 • Strength d6 Academics d6 • Athletics d6 • Common Knowledge d6
• Vigor d6 • Fighting d6 • Healing d4 • Notice d8 • Persuasion
d6 • Riding d4 • Science d4 • Shooting d6 • Stealth
d4 • Survival d4
Hindrances Edges
Curious • Loyal, Driven (Minor): Protect Chapter • Connections(Librarians) • Elan
Vow(Minor): Librarians
Gear
Thick hide armor (Armor +2), short spear (Str+d6, can be thrown with Athletics 3/6/12), medium wooden
shield (Hardness 10, Parry +2, Cover -2), revolver and 12 bullets (12/24/48, 2d6, AP 1 , ROF 1), notebook, 3
pencils, chalk, blanket, tent, canteen, mess kit, firestarting kit, and backpack.
Masha has lived within the walls of Chapter all her life, toiling at
academic pursuits. Her intentions to become a Librarian came to an
abrupt halt, when her Librarian teacher, Xando James, went missing on
an expedition to examine a strange phenomenon in the ruins of Old Lander. When word came that the
Council planned a followup mission, she clamored to be included. If her teacher can’t be found, perhaps she
can recover his notes - or at least show enough initiative and worth to be inducted into the Librarians despite
an unfinished apprenticeship!
THE AFTER 241

Kitikari, Skav Infiltrator
Attributes Skills
Agility d10 • Smarts d6 • Spirit d6 • Strength d6 Athletics d8 • Common Knowledge d4 • Fighting d6
• Vigor d6 • Notice d6 • Persuasion d4 • Shooting d8 • Stealth
d10 • Survival d6 • Thievery d6
Hindrances Edges
Loyal • Overconfident • Stubborn Woodsman (+2 to Survival and Stealth in the wilds)
Gear
Leather trail gear (Armor +1), Crossbow with 20 shots (10/20/40, 2d6, AP 2, ROF 1), two throwing knives (3/6/12,
Str+d4), longknife (Str+d6), lockpicks, 30’ rope, blanket, canteen, firestarting kit, backpack.
Special Abilities
Enhanced Low Light Vision: After generations in the sub-holds of Butcher dreadnoughts, the Skav
have evolved the ability to see in the dark and detect heat patterns. They ignore penalties for Dim and
Dark lighting. Even in Pitch Darkness, a Skav halves Illumination
penalties when attacking targets that are notably warmer or colder
than the surrounding environment.
Photosensitivity: In full sunlight, a Skav’s dark-adapted eyes have
difficulty remaining focused. They suffer a -1 penalty to any Trait
roll dependent on vision (such as ranged attacks and Notice rolls)
while in bright light.
Size -1
Not quite four feet tall, the diminutive Kitikari has the skills to practically
vanish in the wilderness. While being rewarded for her reconnaissance
work is nice, it’s really the bragging rights that keep her warm at
night. She is best known for her knack of sneaking into Feral lairs and
encampments to get an accurate count of the creatures, despite the obvious risk. It’s these skills that allowed
her to survive the Phoenix State’s attack on her previous visit to Old Lander, evade their patrols, and slip away
to Chapter to inform the Council of the danger.
As the Council moved to get a second expedition in order, a faction called the Star League contacted Kitikari.
They have heard rumors that the Phoenix State somehow communicates with radios despite the Butchers’
biotech having wiped out most electronics. They want Kitikari to steal some of this technology and bring it
back to be examined. If the Star League can get electronic circuitry working again, perhaps they can move
humanity into the stars where they belong!
242 THE AFTER

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THE AFTER is © 2020 Jon Gibbons. All Rights Reserved.

On those nights I hear young explorers planning missions to delve

Whenever Chapter’s messengers come to me, that night I often

Last time I slept in Chapter I nearly clawed out my own eyes.

- Old Man Crow

WELCOME TO THE AFTER

During your game of The After, you can explore

Most importantly, it will be you - or people like

Within these pages, a player can find rules for

Immediate reprisals in the form of waves of orbital

A month after the lights went out, the invaders

The starving, terrified populaces soon found that

The nanites dispersed by the GenBomb were

Each landing ship seemed to disgorge a different

While the GenBomb wreaked havoc on Earth, the

The remaining human governments form cordons

Although it has been a mere 5 years, human society

In the Wind River Valley, determined survivors

AD 2066 After the Breaking, the Butchers and Ghosts

Construction begins on the outer walls of Chapter.

The legacy of the GenBomb also endures. The

During their decades in the mines, a small cadre of

As well, the Ghosts’ Breach energy still rippled

The Breaches still lie heavy on the Wind River

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

By default, player characters are Wild Cards, as

Other options include the Changed, the hulking

After assigning attributes, you get 12 points to buy

Before you spend those skill points, your character

As well, there are several skills from Savage Worlds

that are either not recommended or completely

 Driving and Piloting: These skills might not

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

-Big Jim Haggart

Helot characters share the

 Hulking: Helots are a large

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

COSMETIC CHANGES  Four: Strange hair growth. Roll 1d6: 1 = Completely

hairless from head to toe, 2 = Extremely hairy, with

your chest, 6 = Arms and hands are nearly fleshless

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

NEW HINDRANCES Unstable System (Major)

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

Baptized in Light Biotech Surgeon

As part of securing this lair, the character has Master Librarian

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

Seed of the New Flesh

FACTIONS concealed in the mines beneath Chapter, guarded

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

FACTIONS OF WIND RIVER

The Credo also indicates that building and farming

wrath. They believe that the Butchers were demons

P L AYE RS GU IDE TO T H E AFT ER

The New Faith strives to show God that mankind

The faithful walk the streets of Chapter seeking

Driving and Piloting: These skills might not

Hulking: Helots are a large

COSMETIC CHANGES Four: Strange hair growth. Roll 1d6: 1 = Completely

Breachrunner Bolt (coruscating hellspikes; fist-sized lightning

Relief (a stroke of your hand causes the target’s Mindbender