[M&M 3e, WIP] World of Aranth

[Quellian-dyrae]

Been running a couple games using the skeleton of this setting, and got some inspiration to start fleshing it out some. Still probably at least a couple days work for just the current ideas I have, and might wind up taking it further as inspiration strikes, but there's definitely enough here to at least start posting it.

Introduction

The world is called Aranth, and this document focuses primarily on the country of Ilessia, which shares the continent Aldonis with the country of Limbra. Ilessia and Limbra are largely friendly rivals; they have a history of on-and-off warfare up until some three centuries ago, and remain economic competitors (and have their share of military rivalries), but also enjoy lots of trade and a strong military alliance.

This is an M&M setting, so one of the most important parts of it is the superhumans. For now, this document focuses a lot on the super- and game-oriented information, with less detail on history, geography, and culture (although there's some, and more may be forthcoming as inspiration strikes).

Superhumans are commonly referred to as Dreamers, since their powers are always heralded by very vivid, lucid Dreams. Several terms have been used to mean people without Dreamer powers (the ones favored by the main Dreamer-related organizations are, in order, "Sleepers", "Mundanes", "Unpowered", "Non-Dreamers", "Normals", and "Potentials"). Thanks to the substantial media efforts of the Assembly of Dreams, their favored term, "Sleepers", tends to be the most commonly used. The Dreams are always related to the powers involved, though they can range from clear depictions of the Dreamer wielding its powers, to value symbolism. Some Dreams have proven to be prophetic, and others of an historical nature, like a memory of a past life. Where the Dreams, and the attendant powers, actually come from remains unknown, despite the best efforts of scientists and Dreamers with divination-related powers alike, though theories abound.

As best anyone can tell, Dreamers have existed for a long time, but they've been relatively rare and often low-profile. The first documented case that modern science is fully confident was an actual Dreamer was around a thousand years ago. That said, there are plenty of (quasi?)-historical or mythological stories dating back as much as seven-thousand years that could have been Dreamers, or could have just been exaggerated/romanticized history (think Romance of the Three Kingdoms type stories). As communication and mass media developed, Dreamer sightings became more common and more apparent to the public. Many Dreamers during this time relied on secret identities to avoid notice. Public reaction to living, breathing superheroes was...mixed.

This state kept up for a little more than a century. During this time, Dreamer powers were poorly understood - the Dreams themselves were pretty much unknown outside the Dreamers, who didn't realize they were common to each other. Bits and pieces of data was gathered, but peoples' understanding of Dreamers was very limited.

That changed in what has come to be called the Year of the Awakening (Year 0 PA, which in terms of technological and sociological development was roughly equivalent to modern-day Earth). Several powerful Dreamers officially revealed their identities to the world, and began the organization which would grow into the Assembly of Dreams. Over the next several decades, Dreamers became a fixture of modern society. Advanced, super-science inventions (commonly called Dreamtech) were developed by Dreamers with such powers as super-intelligence or hyper-creativity, and while such technology was limited in several important ways, it still shot modern technology centuries ahead of where it had been.

It is currently the year 124 PA (Post Awakening). Approximately one percent of people have had a Dream, although only about one percent of them have powers of significant note. Being a Dreamer is considered a major and valuable skill; even the most minor of powers can often be put to good use. Dreamers with serious powers have a vast array of life options, and are often celebrities in their own right. Dreamers are in many ways as important to society as computers; information on Dreamer powers are taught in schools, including such things as basic knowledge of how to discern and resist psychic invasions, recognize illusions, and other basic defensive measures against Dreamer powers.

It is also important to note that Dreamer powers are not entirely limitless. In general play, powers are still usable at will. However, most non-personal powers do have some limits, and repeated use of high frequency or intensity can drain a Dreamer's deeper reserves of energy, which takes a long time to recover. Thus, a healer, for example, could certainly make a living as a doctor, and could easily keep up with the party's injuries accrued in normal play, but it couldn't hope to be constantly healing large numbers of people day after day, or cure an epidemic. A teleporter, likewise, couldn't just invalidate normal trade routes, although every so often, it could transport massive volumes. Most Dreamers who do use their powers commercially, thus, charge appropriately, both to earn a good living and ensure they don't push themselves too hard. Generally speaking, this shouldn't come up in normal play (for standard heroing, powers are still basically at-will unless explicitly limited), but it's the explanation for why society can resemble the modern world at all (although to be fair, there are quite a few differences).

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Expertise (Dreamer Lore): Use this Expertise skill to gain information about important Dreamers, understand how a Dreamer's powers might work, and otherwise gain information regarding Dreamers and their powers.

Dreamer Registration: Ilessia has two major registrars for Dreamers - the Assembly Registrar, and the Government Registrar. Registration is entirely optional, and anonymous registration is allowed (meaning, civilians can't look it up, and government agencies have to go through protocols). The Assembly is generally preferred for anonymous registration, as they take it very seriously and can require warrants or legally dispute searches, whereas the Government Registrar just needs the proper protocols followed, wheich can be processed in under an hour for legitimate searches.

Unregistered Dreamers don't have any problems generally, but they are tightly restricted in how they can use their powers. In particular, any sort of "hostile power use" without registration is a felony in itself (if you kill with your powers in self defense, it's still justified as self-defense, but if your powers weren't registered, it's like having a gun or possibly even more powerful weapon without a permit, which is a separate crime entirely). This isn't to say registration gives you license to use harmful or invasive powers at will; the use of powers in a criminal act is still a crime of the relevant sort, it's just that using unregistered powers to do it is a separate crime, where using registered powers isn't.

Again, though, it is important to note that only the use of unregistered powers, and only in restricted ways, is a crime. It doesn't matter if you have an unregistered power to blow up a city block, as long as you don't use it (or only use it in non-harmful ways, such as in a demolitions job). Similarly, if you do actually blow up a city block, all the registration in the world won't help you.

Hostile Power Use: Ilessian law defines a hostile power use as any use of a Dreamer power that:

• Alters the subject's body or mind against its will.
• Causes significant physical pain, mental stress, or emotional trauma.
• Causes the target to do something it does not want to do.
• Causes physical injury or property damage.
• Invades the privacy of a person's home, business, property, or mind.
• Violates or invalidates a contract or legal agreement.

So crashing a car because you know you'll survive thanks to Regeneration is hostile. Using an illusion to appear more attractive and get someone to go on a date is hostile. Healing someone who doesn't want to be healed is hostile. Invisibly sneaking into an office and rooting through files is hostile. And so on.

A hostile power use is generally a low-end felony that can carry a sentence as high as 1-3 years. Naturally, many hostile power uses are in themselves other crimes. Importantly, use of Dreamer powers in the commission of another crime can be prosecuted as a special circumstance, increasing the severity of sentencing.

There are, however, situations where hostile power uses are justified. Self defense and the defense of others is the primary one. Likewise in the defense and security of one's property or business (a super-strong bouncer can use its power to eject people from the establishment, a flame-throwing bodyguard can use its power to respond to threats, etc). Of course, appropriate force is still a factor; responding to a nonlethal threat with lethal force can still land you in a heap of trouble. And, as noted previously, using an unregistered Dreamer power hostilely is always a crime (although the action itself may still be justified).

It's also worth noting that crimes committed while under the influence of mind-controlling powers are legally considered committed by the controller, not the victim. Yes, people have tried getting a co-conspirator to mind control them into doing what they already want to do. No, it doesn't work.

Now, with all this said, like any legal system, this isn't a perfect computerized machine of justice. Minor hostile power uses can be glossed over. A Dreamer who saves lives with hostile power use, even unregistered, probably won't be prosecuted or convicted. Good lawyers can get you through a lot of these things (and the Assembly has a very good legal department that often do pro-bono work for Dreamers who get on the wrong side of the law for good reason or who are just in over their heads). Likewise, there can be miscarriages of justice where justified power use gets convicted for various reasons, or non-hostile powers get treated as hostile, or so on.

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Complication - Unregistered: Your powers aren't registered. Hostile power use is always considered a crime for you (although the action itself may be justified, the power use is not). This can land you in trouble with the law and make active heroics difficult.

Benefit - Licensed Power: You have a license to do something with a power that would normally only be allowed in special circumstance, if at all. This license isn't strictly unlimited, it has its terms, but they're a lot broader than normal and even if you go outside, prosecuting you for it is going to be a pain. You might have a license to kill with your powers, to freely read the minds of others, and so on.

Costumes and Codenames: Use of costumes and codenames varies widely. A lot of the normal reasons for having a secret identity can be dealt with in this setting with minimal effort (register your powers, join Hero Corps, etc). That said, plenty of Dreamers want to keep their personal lives out of the public eye and have time for themselves. Likewise, there are a lot of Dreamers who do use costumes and codenames without having a secret identity at all - their heroic identity is their brand, and they promote it like any business entity. Some just do it for the style factor. The media loves "super identities"; chances are if you don't pick your own, they will pick at least a codename for you as soon as you spend a few minutes in the spotlight.

On the flip side, a lot of Dreamers see these things as gimmicky and outdated (back in the day, the argument was that they were gimmicky and childish, making actual heroes look like they jumped out of kid shows and comic books). Likewise, plenty of Dreamers want to be known for who they are, they don't want people to know them as some guy in a mask. A lot of Dreamers really like the feeling of being able to walk down the street or head to the grocery store and see people pointing and waving, or run up for autographs or whatever. In the entertainment industry, branding too heavily into a costumed identity makes it hard to get recognition as a legitimate actor; you're typecasting yourself right off the bat.

So there's actually a pretty big debate in the Dreamer community about them, which can get fairly heated. Members of Hero Corps, in particular, have some very strong opinions on both sides and will give fellow Heroes endless grief if they make the "wrong" choice.

Super Powered Battles! So, down to the brass tacks. We have all these awesome powers, how often do we actually get to use them beating people up?

Well, it depends on the GM of course, but yeah, there's plenty of that going on. Going by demographics, there's something like 100,000 Dreamers of significant power in the country of Ilessia alone. Significant power meaning, PL 7+, with at least one power worth at least 2 PP/rank at a decent rank, and that's not counting the normal folks who have the training or technology to make a PC's life a pain. Yeah, organizations like Hero Corps and SIDE handle a lot, but between corrupt SIDE agents, Protectors of Paradise with a vendetta, Reclaimer terrorists, IDEA experiments gone wrong, fallen Heroes, Dreamcatchers, misprogramed robots, Dreamers with uncontrolled powers, super-powered criminals, and the odd outright super-villain, there are plenty of potential threats out there that need a good pounding.

You don't have too many outright, mustache-twirling supervillains. The ones that do exist are usually either very subtle, very powerful, or very well-connected. You're a lot more likely to find well-intentioned extremists, anti-villains, corruption, souped-up criminals, and dangerous accidents than outright, plotting-world-domination villains. Although a couple do exist...

Non-Dreamer Powers: By default, there are three main sources for "powers" in this setting - Dreamer Powers, Technology, and Skill. The setting does not, inherently, include any expectation of aliens, fantasy creatures, outright magic, mutations, Ki, and other power sources.

That said, there are some nods to just about all of them. Any of them would work well enough in the setting. If the GM wants to run a plot about an alien invasion, it's perfectly viable. If a player wants to be a mage or an angel, that's fine too. You might want to do some extra work with how they fit into the setting, is all (in particular, such characters can have major ramifications for the setting's two major religions; aliens lend credence to the Arch-Faith, while angels and fantasy creatures lend credence to Deionism). Basically, the setting isn't a fantasy kitchen sink, but it could be turned into one pretty easily.

In particular, Dreamer powers are massively varied. Having magic as a Dreamer power is fine. Likewise, a Dreamer who happens to have white feathered wings, and holy/light based powers with emphasis on healing, protection, and a glowing sword is just as reasonable. Such Dreamers may attract interest to related factions (a Dreamer mage would quickly draw the attention of IDEA's Department of Occult Sciences, while one who appeared as an angel would almost certainly draw Deionists and Seekers of the Dream).

Threat Levels: SIDE and Hero Corps use Threat Levels as a broad method of ranking the priority of crimes, hazards, and such. Higher Threat Levels entail greater risk to more people. Threat Levels are fairly commonly referenced in the news as well.

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Threat Level 1: Small-scale, non-violent crimes, or minor things of the "cat caught up a tree" variety.

Threat Level 2: Most crimes that are harmful to a single person, but either non-violent or not lethal - thefts, drunken brawls, etc.

Threat Level 3: Situations that entail a small risk of loss of life, serious property damage, or substantial physical, mental, or emotional trauma, with sufficient emergency personnel either en route or already on the scene. Armed robbery, fires, domestic abuse, grand theft, etc.

Threat Level 4: As Threat Level 3, but sufficient emergency personnel is not on scene and not expected to be arriving in the next few minutes.

Threat Level 5: Situations that entail high risk of above concerns, or low to moderate risk to multiple people, again with sufficient emergency personnel either en route or on the scene. Bank robberies, hostage situations, kidnappings, rape, murder, aggravated assault, hit and run, hate crimes, major fires, low-end uncontrolled Dreamer powers or direct Dreamer attacks (typically PL 7 or below), etc.

Threat Level 6: As Threat Level 5, but again, emergency personnel not on scene, or as Threat Level 7 but with emergency personnel on scene.

Threat Level 7: Serious risk of major loss of life or extensive property damage, with no emergency personnel on scene. Terrorist attacks, significant uncontrolled or intentionally harmful Dreamer powers (typically PL 8-12), small-scale disasters.

Threat Level 8: A community, neighborhood, or some large group is at risk; Threat Levels of 8 or above retain their designation regardless of emergency personnel on scene. Multiple powerful Dreamers, small-scale military operations, mid-scale disasters, giant rampaging monsters, etc.

Threat Level 9: Entire city at risk.

Threat Level 10: Entire region at risk.

Threat Level 11 (theoretical): Entire country at risk.

Threat Level 12 (theoretical): Entire world at risk.

In addition, the Threat Level is also used as a quick-and-dirty way to measure the power of Dreamers. This methodology was popularized by the Reclaimers, and was something of a media masterstroke. Sociologically, having people calling Dreamers "threats" whenever discussing their power is a significant win for the Reclaimers. Likewise, even though the two scales are unrelated, it's pretty natural for people to link them up. Psychologically, knowing a Dreamer is Threat Level 5 creates the impression that it is as dangerous as such things as major house fires, murders, hostage situations, and so on.

Dreamer Threat Levels don't necessarily correspond to Situational Threat Levels, since the systems were devised by two different organizations. The descriptors for the Dreamer Threat Levels are not part of the original Reclaimer system, but have kinda worked their way into it over time. Dreamer Threat Levels are rated as follows:

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Threat Level 1 - Trivial Powers: Trivial powers are the weakest of the weak, abilities that honestly don't have much value at all. In most cases, Dreamers of this level have only a single Feature worth of Dreamer Powers, or maybe some other weak effect like +1 or +2 to a skill, an Enhanced Advantage, or stuff like that. Their powers are rarely worth more than one point, and some one-point powers might even be too strong to count! (Something like Speed 1 or Quickness 1, for example, would rate at Minor Talent, because being twice as fast as the average person, while not much on the M&M scale, is still non-trivial).

Threat Level 2 - Minor Talents: Minor talents are where the majority of Dreamers lie. Typically rated at 5 PP or less, they aren't amazing, but can be very useful in their niche. Most of the powers in the Dreamer Civilian template would qualify as Minor Talents. Some weak, harmless attack powers (Afflictions, often) can still be qualified as Minor Talents, as might things like Strength boosts low enough that they're still in the normal human range. Even the weakest of outright direct-damage powers though (like the Civilian Energy Controller's Ranged Damage 2) gets moved into the Harmful Powers category.

Threat Level 3 - Job Stealers: This level applies for Dreamers who don't have any real combat ability, but do have significant powers that can allow them to, at the very least, do a job better than pretty much any normal person, or possibly better than multiple normal people. At the low end, Job Stealer Dreamers are pretty much always going to get selected over an equally (or more) otherwise-qualified Normal, because no amount of skill or experience can match their power. At the high end, a single Dreamer can replace an entire workforce. Quickness is probably the single best example of this sort of power, but lots of powers can qualify in the right niches. Even highly skilled jobs can be subject to this - what surgeon can really compete with a healer? Or how many IT specialists can actually do the job as well as a technopath?

Threat Level 4 - Harmful Powers: Dreamers with powers that can hurt others. "Hurt" is pretty broadly specified. Mind Reading generally fits in here, for example, because you can steal secrets and use them to cause extreme social harm. Morph ranks of 2 or higher can fit as well for the duplicity purposes. And so on. But mostly we're talking about direct offensive powers, though typically of rank 6 or less and without Area or other boosts allowing the powers to cause harm on a large scale.

Threat Level 5 - Combat-Capable: A Dreamer with the full package - a means to harm others, and a means to defend themselves from most forms of harm, at least that regular people can bring to bear. Combat-capable Dreamers are typically PL 5+ (although PL 4 or maybe even 3 can qualify if their powers are especially effective) and have more-or-less PL-appropriate stats across the board. These are Dreamers that can probably come out on top against a typical law enforcement officer, and might be able to take on a fully-armed soldier in single combat, with a bit of luck.

Threat Level 6 - Weapons-Grade: A Dreamer with harmful powers up there with serious weaponry. The typical weapons-grade Dreamer is PL 8-9, has offensive powers equivalent to professional-grade weapons, and usually has PL-appropriate defenses as well, although less-defended Dreamers who still have high-powered offenses can easily fit here. Offensive Area powers - Damage in particular - usually winds up here regardless of other considerations unless the rank is especially low. A weapons-grade Dreamer can casually take down your average soldier, is the safe bet against a SIDE agent, and can usually go toe-to-toe with lighter or older suits of powered armor and have a good shot at winning a straight fight. Only about 1% of Dreamers qualify as weapons-grade or higher Threats.

Threat Level 7 - Hero-Level: Although this isn't a minimum requirement for Hero Corps, this is pretty much the average power of Hero Corps members. PL 10, professional-grade offensive powers, PL-appropriate defenses, a solid-to-high-end mobility power, and probably another trick or two to boot. Hero-level Dreamers are serious combatants. Individual soldiers, even special forces operatives, can't hold a candle to them, and the more powerful examples can mow down entire units in seconds. Even an OUT-SIDE agent would struggle to defeat most Hero-level Dreamers in a straight fight. To really have a shot at taking one of these guys one on one, you're talking full suits of modern powered armor, or serious military vehicles.

Threat Level 8 - Military Class: Military class Dreamers are as powerful as high-end military vehicles, full-scale artillery-emplacements, and sometimes even small-scale mecha. PL 9 or less need not apply, and PL 12 is the average. Military class Dreamers don't necessary possess military-grade weapons powers, but they might, especially if they have actual military training in the use of their powers. Even if they're a bit lacking in the offense department, they make up for it with high mobility and specialized capabilities that big vehicles with big guns just can't match.

Threat Level 9 - Nation Class: Most of the most powerful Dreamers in a given country will generally be PL 13-15, often with higher-than-average PP for their PL (few Dreamers actually truly push past PL 12, instead just adding additional levels of PP to broaden and refine their powers). This is an extremely rare level of strength for Aranth; generally less than 1% of weapons-grade or higher Dreamers hit this level. Many Dreamers of this level keep their true strength largely hidden; this much power simply isn't needed for most of them to achieve their goals, and flaunting it can bring challengers or complications to their door. But when they are forced to reveal what they are truly capable of...well, just hope you have an entire unit of power-armored soldiers, an equally-powerful Dreamer, or maybe a mech or aircraft carrier on hand to oppose them.

Threat Level 10 - World Class: The strongest Dreamers (and Nulls - in theory; there actually hasn't been a confirmed case of a Null this strong) on the planet are PL 16+. They are the only things on Aranth with an individual PL that high in the modern day - everything else, even superweapons, stick to the PL 13-15 range and just represent higher levels of power in that area with more PP. A PL 16+ Dreamer will already have at least +60 PP from their base total, and may have more than that. The hard cap for actual individual PL on Aranth in the modern day is...somewhere between 16 and 18. But probably 16. Maybe.

Additional Setting Information

Economy: Aranth isn't quite post-scarcity, but it's pretty darn close. Matter generation exists; it's Dreamtech, it's expensive, but it's there, and it's growing every year, slowly but surely.

Production, then, is pretty much down to a science. Between Dreamtech, robots, the odd Dreamer, and so on, most mundane jobs simply aren't done by hand any more. The big one is Energy Generation, which is the main type of unskilled labor that people still perform in large numbers. There's still plenty of room for administration, management, service, technical, and creative jobs.

Most modernized countries use the "credit" as money. That actually has nothing to do with the credit system as we have it on Earth (though that also exists); a credit is short for an "energy credit". The amount of energy it takes to power some technology or create some item are known and measurable, and is basically what matters in terms of resources. Likewise, energy generation is a very good quick-and-dirty way to view a country's overall power. The Energy section in Technology below has more on exactly how energy is generated and used.

Since an Economics major I ain't, and I'm not even going to pretend that I have any ability to figure out the effects of inflation on a purely fictional system of commerce, we're going with one credit being functionally equivalent to a modern dollar in terms of "well just what do these numbers mean?" Make it easy.

Although all civilizations on Aranth produce sufficient energy to maintain their existing populations and infrastructure (and even slowly grow), energy generation isn't infinite. It's limited by time, and sometimes effort. Add in the fact that more energy means literally more power in a way that numbers in a computer or dollars in your wallet simply can't, and you may rest assured that there is plenty incentive for people to collect as many credits as they can.

And yeah, things like homelessness, hunger, and poverty? I'm not saying they don't exist, but they're pretty darn rare and a sign of serious exploitation (but yeah, it does happen). Modern technology has literally developed to a point where a normal person, with a bare amount of effort, can simply produce enough energy (which converts to money) to live pretty much comfortably, even if they can't afford many luxuries. You've really got to try to mess that up.

Entertainment: And lots of it. You think we have too many channels? We don't come close. People want to be entertained, and will pay good money for it. Big media corporations control a lot of it, but there's comparatively a good bit more independent entertainers making a good living.

Of particular note, Dreamer-centric sporting-type shows are really popular. Ranging from classic sports (except everyone has powers), to fighting competitions, to entirely new sports designed entirely around specific powers. Also add in the fact that plenty of Dreamers are their own special effects departments (protip: best way to do a really cool blockbuster superhero movie? Cast actual superheroes!). End result, entertainment is a common field for Dreamers, and in fact, the most common field of work for Dreamers in Ilessia, hands down (this is also one of the reasons that the Assembly of Dreams has such a tremendous media presence, and one of their most common jobs is as agents for the Dreamer celebrities).

Religion: There are two major overarching religious traditions, each with numerous sects, factions, and splinter groups. In particular, the Seekers of the Dream interact with both of these traditions as a sort of Venn diagram; there are those who combine Seeker teachings with those of one of the major religions (or one of the smaller religions), that believe in one religious teaching or another but not in what the Seekers claim, and that follow Seeker traditions as a separate religion entirely. There are a few scattered smaller religious and non-religious but still mystical traditions all throughout the world, but they're generally much smaller.

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Deionism
The first tradition is collectively referred to as Deionism, a polytheistic and heavily mystical tradition. Its stories are where you'll find the foundation for lot of Earth's mythological and fantasy concepts and creatures - angels, demons, dragons, elves, fairies, vampires, even eldritch abominations. Most of those have been co-opted by numerous fiction and fantasy writers over the years, and for many, the popular depictions don't much resemble the religious depictions at all, but a sizable majority of such concepts at least originated from Deionic traditions.

The core concept of Deionism is that there are numerous gods, each with their own sphere of influence. It places a lot of emphasis on morality, though the gods themselves are never inherently good or evil. Rather, each deity's sphere comprises a balance between positive and negative extremes, and the big premise is that mortal actions collectively influence the nature of the gods. Murder, war, and other violent killings, for example, subtly alters the nature of the Promise towards death, which also increases the overall amount of death in the world. Likewise, protecting, preserving, and creating life alters the Promise towards life. The core teaching is that a perfectly moral society would massively reduce or even utterly eliminate the negative aspects of the gods, resulting in a perfect world.

Prayer to individual gods doesn't strengthen them, but does have influence. The idea is less that you're requesting a personal favor, more that you're focusing your will towards tipping the balance in hopes that you'll see benefit. For example, when a Deionist prays to the Drive for success, they aren't really expecting the Drive to consciously reach down and bless them with success, but rather hoping to make success in general just that much more common throughout the world, in hopes that it will trickle down to make them more likely to accomplish what they want. Prayer can be both positive and negative, although negative prayer is officially heavily frowned upon (since the "goal" is to remove the negative aspects of the gods and the world, and the negative can spill over onto you just as easily). That said, people aren't perfect, and they can and do pray for negative effects to befall competitors or enemies.

The afterlife is also extensively discussed in Deionism. The gods exist in a different realm, where mortal souls travel upon death. Mortals devoted to a given deity may be reincarnated as servants of that deity - the various fictional creatures. The nature of the mortal's soul, however, also has an influence on that realm and all the gods and beings within it - a mortal who dies having done a great deal of evil brings more negative energy to the gods, while one who has done a great deal of good brings more positive energy. Likewise, the form one is reincarnated in will depend on the person's nature.

There are eight "main" gods, each of which has several demigods beneath it. Below them are angels and demons - embodiments of specific positive or negative ideals, waging a constant cosmic war against each other, the "personalized" representation of the conflict in each deity. Below them are the reincarnates, the various mythological creatures created of former mortal souls. Each full-fledged god has its own unique type of reincarnates, while demigods, angels, and demons serve all gods, though their ideals and spheres of influence are related to the deity they serve. The full-fledged gods tend to be viewed as more sentient energy beings, fairly abstract, though they occasionally are said to manifest more human-like avatars. Demigods tend to have more humanoid forms, names, and personalities.

The Drive of Success and Failure: The Drive governs all forms of accomplishment, or failure thereof. Success, achievement, luck, and beneficial results are its positive forces, while failure, surrender, ill fortune, and negative results are its negative forces. People pray to the Drive to help them accomplish their goals, or to cause their enemies or opponents failure. Demigods, angels, and demons serving the Drive embody various forms of success and failure - an Angel of Triumph, for example, would represent victory in direct competition, while the Demigod of Luck would hold sway over fortune.

The Fate of Purpose and Insigificance: The Fate governs purpose and meaning, or its lack. Its portfolio includes willpower, goals, destiny, and fate, as well as sloth, apathy, meaninglessness, and worthlessness. While the Drive holds sway over achieving one's goals, the Fate holds sway over having goals and knowing what you are meant to do. People pray to the Fate to find purpose in life, to overcome their own laziness or inhibitions...or for a reprieve from their responsibilities. Servitors of the Fate often embody the destinies of large groups; each country, for example, is said to have a demigod that rules over its peoples' shared destiny.

The Gift of Gain and Loss: The Gift governs acquisition and loss both tangible and intangible. Wealth, power, fame, prestige, material luxuries, and so on. People pray to the Gift because they want more, or to remove things that they feel others do not deserve. Interesting trivia fact, positive prayers to the Gift typically vastly outnumber negative prayers, but more recently that's been less true as a lot of people, especially those associated with the Reclaimers, have been praying for the removal of Dreamer powers. It's actually starting to scare some of the church elders... Servitors of the Gift represent specific forms of gain, a Demigod of Wealth or Angel of Business, for example.

The Heart of Joy and Pain: While Joy and Pain are called out explicitly, the Heart holds sway over all emotions, positive and negative. Joy, hope, calm, love, pain, fear, rage, hate, and more besides. People pray to the Heart to find love, or for pleasant things to happen, or for control over their negative emotions...or to inflict dark emotions on those they dislike. Servitors of the Heart represent individual emotions or facets thereof, Demigods of Love or Rage, Angels of Valor, Demons of Vengeance, and so on.

The Lore of Knowledge and Ignorance: The Lore holds sway over all knowledge - scientific, mystical, historical, and so on. Ignorance, inaccuracy, and foolishness are the results of its negative energy, and the official word is that belief in other religious systems (or simple disbelief in the gods) is a force of negative energy towards the Lore. Prayers to the Lore are for enlightening and understanding, or negatively, for secrecy or confusion. Servitors of the Lore govern specific areas of knowledge, such as a Demigod of Science or Magic.

The Nature of Balance and Chaos: The Nature governs the balance of the natural forces of the universe. Light and dark, heat and cold, matter and energy, space and time, nature and civilization, and so on. These are not individually positive and negative, however. The "positive" energy of the Nature comes from the balance among these forces, where they exist in harmony and do what they are supposed to do, fulfilling the natural order and allowing for life to flourish. The "negative" of Nature is chaos among these forces, where they become unpredictable, destructive, and dangerous. The fire of a family's hearth is Balance, while a raging wildfire consuming that same family's home is Chaos. Prayers to the Nature are typically to tweak the balance in some way - a breeze on a hot day, for example, or simply to quell disasters or similar expressions of Chaos. Of course, negative prayers to beset others with uncomfortable, hazardous, or deadly Chaos also exist. Servitors of the Nature represent individual natural forces, such as a Demigod of Fire or Angel of Warmth.

The Promise of Life and Death: The Promise controls life and death, and by extension, thing such as health and sickness, and other things that influence the state of life. People pray to the Promise to keep themselves, their loved ones, or their fellow people alive in hazardous situations, to restore health to the sick and injured, and so on. Negative prayers to the Promise for the death of one's enemies and such are considered the second most horrible abuses of prayer in the religion. Similar to the Fate, servitors of the Promise tend to represent groups of living beings, but can extend down to individuals - every living soul, it is said, has its own angel.

The Truth of Right and Wrong: The Truth encompasses moral and ethical action. Compassion, honor, mercy, tyranny, treachery, oppression, and so on. Prayers to the Truth are typically for guidance as to the right thing to do, and many call the Truth the most important of the gods, for it is the Truth who shows mortals how to best act to bring out the best in their deities (the scriptures say that it was the Truth who originally made mortals aware of the gods and their natures). Likewise, negative prayers to the Truth are considered the worst one can give, even beyond prayers for Death, as they explicitly mean you are actively and intentionally praying for what is definitionally wrong or evil. Servitors of the Truth are embodiments of the highest and most base ideals, such as Angels of Virtue and Demons of Corruption.

The Arch-Faith

The Arch-Faith is monotheistic, believing in a singular deity who created and controls all of reality, who goes by the name of Arch (pronounced "Arc"). Arch is, as far as we mortals may as well be concerned, omnipotent and omniscient. With a bare amount of effort, he could utterly duplicate, change, and/or destroy every particle of every bit of matter or energy that is in any way connected to our planet.

That said, he created, controls, and continues to expand on not just our tiny little world, but the entire universe, which is a project of mind-bogglingly massive scale. The Arch-Faith is quite adamant that there exists life on other worlds beyond our own, and the universe itself is so tremendous even before life that maintaining and even adding to it requires simply a colossal amount of effort and energy at all times. That being said, Arch has not only provided everything that the human race and other living creatures of the world need to survive and thrive, but he still pays attention, still watches over us, hears our prayers, and is interested in our lives.

The personality ascribed to Arch is that of the perennial creator. He devises entire worlds, sets them on a certain evolutionary path or just outright creates inhabitants, and likes to see what happens from there. He's interested on both of macro and micro scale, watching with equal interest the rise and fall of civilizations over centuries and the day-to-day lives of mortal men and women. That said, every world that he creates, he assigns himself a different set of rules for his future interactions with it, and every soul he creates is given a choice what sort of world it will go to.

On some worlds, Arch uses his powers freely to influence the lives of his creations. Some worlds receive only beneficial influence, some only detrimental, and some it varies. On other worlds, his influence can be requested (which may involve rituals of various levels of complexity, or specific deeds, or bloodlines, or whatever other rules he chooses for that world). Other worlds have very limited, or even outright no influence beyond creation.

One of the biggest debates among factions of the Arch-Faith is just how much influence Arch has given himself over Aranth. The sects run the gamut from "everything that happens is part of Arch's careful planning" to "Arch created us and leaves us to our own devices, watching impassively but never interfering." And they hit everything in between. This often makes them seem to be a much more fractitious religion than the Deionists (who tend to have fewer large-scale disagreements, and more just focus their worship on different gods or even divine servitors).

The Arch-Faith categorically denies mysticism and cosmology. Arch doesn't have minions or servitors (although they note that his creations on certain worlds could very well be similar or identical to popular or other religious depictions of certain fantastic creatures). There isn't some opposing cosmic force of evil or entropy in their teachings. Arch-Faithful don't believe in a spiritual afterlife, but rather that when a person dies, its soul returns to Arch and is sent to a new life on a new world, once again allowed to choose how much influence it would like Arch to have over its life. Basically, where the cosmic scale is concerned, there is Arch, the Universe he created, and that's that, with nothing else in existence even coming vaguely close to approximating the barest fraction of his power or influence.

Other Countries

Still to come!

Spoiler: Really, Really Ugly, Extremely Bare-Bones, Possibly Subject To Change Map

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[Quellian-dyrae]

Organizations

In Ilessia, there are several organizations related to Dreamers. Many of these have analogues in other countries, or cross national borders.

The Assembly of Dreams: Organization devoted to integration of Dreamers into Sleeper society. Emphasizes public relations through the media, use of Dreamer powers to enhance local communities and business, and providing a degree of organization through registration, training, and guidance services, and lobbying for laws to aid in Dreamer integration. Also maintains the Hero Corps, Dreamers who work to aid local law enforcement and counteract Dreamers that are threats to society, or people who are threats to Dreamers. Has numerous Dreamer members, but also many Sleepers on staff. Generally well-respected organization with excellent public relations, especially among Dreamers, though some ranking members use their sway with Dreamers to fulfill their own ends, and there are factions that believe the Assembly should focus on claiming more political power and control of government.

At their best, the Assembly is an organization of heroes and good samaritans, using both supernatural and political power to better the lives of Dreamers and Sleepers alike. At their worst, they are a multinational organization that counts many of the most individually powerful people on the planet among their number, and have no qualms about using that fact and their amazing media proficiency to change the world as they deem best.

Spoiler: Notable Factions

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The Agency: For a lot of people, the Agency is what they think of when they think of the Assembly of Dreams. While the Assembly also has large departments working in law, politics, and business, the Agency is the organization's media powerhouse. They are, by a vast margin, the single biggest provider of agents to Dreamer celebrities of all sorts. They negotiate on behalf of their clients for entertainment jobs, get endorsement deals, handle public relations and branding, and so on. They're the single biggest deparment in the Assembly, involving nearly 40% of its entire staff.

Hero Corps: Hero Corps is a group of (primarily) Dreamers who actively take up the full-fledged superhero role. While they have no government ties, they are authorized to use their powers offensively in the protection of others, and have some (limited) law-enforcement authorization. They have a close relationship with SIDE; Hero Corps tends to operate as a first response team, using teleportation technology or simple super-powered movement options to quickly respond to threats, bringing a lot of focused power to bear quickly. They also respond to lesser crimes, hazards, and general problems as they deem. Hero Corps is very popular, although a lot of people associate them with SIDE rather than the Assembly (much to the Assembly's chagrin), since it usually goes as, "Hero Corps swoops in and saves the day, SIDE arrives a few minutes later and does the processing."

The Corps is quite savvy as well. It is very well-known that any intentional attack on the friends or family of a Hero will provoke an all-out assault by the entire Corps.

Not all hero Dreamers are part of Hero Corps. Registered combatant Dreamers who use their powers in this way are referred to as Registered Independents, or just Independents for short. They don't get all the perks of being in the Corps, but also don't have to answer to them or deal with Assembly politics. Unregistered Dreamers who use their powers in this way are considered vigilantes, which is illegal. Officially, SIDE and the Corps are obligated to fight and arrest vigilante Dreamers. In practice, a vigilante who doesn't cause any serious harm or property damage and does good work usually gets a pass, although they'll be pressured to at least register, if not join the Corps outright.

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Benefit (Hero): You're a full-fledged member of the Hero Corps. You receive a generally positive reaction from most people, and probably have at least a moderate amount of fame if you've been active for at least a few months. Assembly backing allows you to skirt around most minor legal and financial issues that might come up as a superhero. You have access to Corps resources, including (in big cities where there's a regional base) teleporter technology to get to threats within the region quickly. Personal use of teleporter technology is discouraged, but everyone does it anyway, just don't push it too hard. Also, any villain who wants to go cliche and try and attack your loved ones to get to you? Yeah, they'll be prompting a siege from the entire Corps.

The Hero App: All members of Hero Corps (and some independents) with access to a mobile computer (smart phone, tablet, Active Crystal Computer Station, etc) can be assumed to have The Hero App. This application taps in to Hero Corps threat mapping software, allowing you to see threats throughout the region as they come up (including Threat Level, and an assessment of emergency personnel on scene, en route, and whatever is known about the threat itself). If a satellite feed has been called up for a threat, you can view it too. The app also gives alerts when you are the closest Hero to a threat (and you can set filters to weed out threats that are beneath you/above you/already have enough people on scene/etc), and lets you indicate if you are en route, set an ETA, request backup, add information to the threat assessment, and so on.

The Circle of Shared Dreams: A secretive group at the top levels of the Assembly. Not many people even know about them. They have a lot of influence throughout the Assembly, and from there, the country and even the world, and use their influence to sway the media, alter policy, and call upon Dreamers to handle specific tasks. They're secretive and manipulative, and while they aren't necessarily malevolent (they do seem to focus a lot of energy towards achieving net positive results), they can sometimes be coldly pragmatic and often take the long view of things. They are trying to mold the world into their idealized view of it, a project they call the Shared Dream, which...may or may not be a good or bad thing for any given individual or group. Possibly depending on the time of day.

They are also very, very powerful. To even be considered for the Circle, one has to be a Dreamer with a Threat Level of at least 7 (generally meaning, PL 13+). They also don't call themselves the Circle of the Shared Dream just because of their overall goal; they have some means of inducting their members into a supernatural link that allows them to share their powers among each other.

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Benefit 10 (Circle of the Shared Dream): As a member of the Circle of the Shared Dream, you have access to the resources and connections of the Circle. Treat this Benefit as four ranks of Wealth, four ranks of Cipher, a rank of Security Clearance, and a general benefit to represent the miscellaneous advantages of being a member of this powerful secret society.

Shared Dream: Senses 1 (Communication Link [Other Members of the Circle]), Immunity 1 (Powers of other Circle members).

Shared Powers: Variable ? (Powers of other Circle members). This power is always placed in one or more Arrays, the other powers of the Array being what other Circle members are allowed to draw from. The ranks of Variable are the maximum possible with that Array's PP value.

Lore:

Check Result	After Cipher	Information
25	5	You've seen and heard enough to suspect that there's a secretive group that directs most of the large-scale aims of the Assembly, though you can't prove anything.
30	10	You know about the existence of the Circle, that they're a secretive group of powerful Dreamers, most of which are high-ranking Assembly members.
35	15	This level of success lets you learn if a specific person is a member of the Circle (assuming no additional ranks in Cipher).
40	20	You know that the Circle seeks to mold the world to their ideal image, which they call the Shared Dream.
45	25	You know all information provided in the entry of the Circle.

ACC: Often referred to as "Hero Corps' kid sister", ACC is the Assembly Cleanup Crew. Made up primarily of Dreamers who want to help out but either can't or don't want to fight, they typically have powers like Healing, Nullify, Create, Transform, Enhanced Strength, Move Object, and so on. They are the ones who go in when the disaster is over. Once the Heroes have saved the day and SIDE has processed the scene, they work to heal the injured, repair damage, clear rubble, set up shelters, and just generally clean up. Basically, the super-powered Red Cross. They also do a lot of charitable work, and while they accept donations and put them to good use, they are well-funded by the Assembly. They don't have the sheer fame or popularity of Heroes or of Dreamers who sign on with the Agency, but they're generally deeply respected and welcome just about anywhere. Mess with a member of the ACC in front of a member of Hero Corps at your peril.

Being part of Hero Corps and ACC are not mutually exclusive, although an ACC Hero doesn't generally get afforded the raging protection from other Heroes unless they're actively on the job as ACC (Heroes back each other up when necessary, but they're also expected to be able to take care of themselves, and go into things knowing it's a dangerous job).

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Benefit (ACC): As a member of the Assembly Cleanup Crew, you can expect full support from the Assembly (and likely generous donations from others) to support any charitable or humanitarian endeavor. You can expect most people to welcome you with open arms, and unprovoked attacks against you (particularly when you're on the job) will provoke the wrath of Hero Corps.

The Children of Paradise: The Children of Paradise promote Dreamer separation. They believe that Dreamers and Mundanes can never fully integrate - at best, Mundane lifestyle holds Dreamers back, and at worst is actively detrimental or harmful to Dreamers. The Children of Paradise have created a small continent, Paradisia, as a homeland for Dreamers with their powers. Plans are to eventually colonize the world’s moon as an even more secure home. Though in disagreement with the Assembly, they have a relationship of mutual respect, with each thankful that the other provides a haven for those Dreamers who do not agree with their own beliefs. Though they largely keep to themselves, there are factions who are very militant about threats to Dreamers, and a small but devoted group that feels that Dreamers should be the ones to claim the world, wiping out or banishing the Mundanes. Public relations sometimes suffer as Mundane friends and families of new members blame the society for taking their loved ones from them.

At their best, the Children of Paradise provide a homeland and support network for Dreamers of all races and nationalities, and wield their considerable powers in the creation of a better world. At their worst, they are a supremacist cult who care nothing for non-Dreamers and their societies and will use their powers in the creation of their "paradise" regardless of the risk or cost.

Spoiler: Notable Factions

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The Paradisian Embassy: Ever since the creation of Paradisia, many former offices of the Children of Paradise have been converted to full-fledged Embassies. The diplomats and ambassadors of Paradisia interact with governments and organizations through these embassies.

As far as the Children of Paradise are concerned, all Dreamers automatically receive citizenship in Paradisia. The Embassies are often used by Dreamers who need shelter or sanctuary. This has been abused in the past, by Dreamers seeking to escape SIDE and so on.

It is important to note, though, that Paradisia is not considered some pet project of a non-governmental organization. It is taken very seriously in the international community. Remember, pretty much every single person who lives in Paradisia is a Dreamer (and there is definitely a good share of Dreamers throughout other countries who take the whole "automatic dual citizenship" thing at face-value). In terms of international political power, they're a major force.

Welcome to Paradise: The Welcome to Paradise Travel Agency is what most people considered the "Children of Paradise" as an organization. They're the ones actively recruiting Dreamers, inviting them to visit or move to Paradisia, and so on. They have plenty of travel offices, a few private airports, but their biggest focus is their cruise line.

The cruises serve as sort of miniature excursions to Paradisia. In addition to actually taking Dreamers to Paradisia for a visit, they allow Dreamers the chance to spend a few weeks surrounded by other Dreamers exclusively. Dreamer powers are used extensively throughout the trip. It's quite a vacation, to say the least. Mundanes are, however, strictly excluded.

Working on the cruise line also serves as an option for Dreamers who aren't ready to completely leave their friends and families behind, but also believe in the message of the Children of Paradise and don't really wish to stay in Mundane society. The cruises tend to spend about a third of their time in Paradisia, a third at sail, and a third in their country of origin, typically divided into two-week segments of time. That said, not everyone is accepted for such a position. The cruise line makes a conscious effort to put their best face forward - literally. More than a few have noticed that every single crew member aboard these cruises, down the lowliest janitor, is impressively attractive (basically, they simply don't hire Dreamers who don't have at least one rank of the Attractive advantage). And to be fair, while they aren't quite that picky about their passengers, they don't exactly discourage less attractive Dreamers from taking a plane or space flight for their visit to the Dreamer Homeland. Not the most ethical of practices for certain, but for making a good first impression on the people you're trying to convince to leave their home, families, and Mundane lives, it works pretty darn well.

The Better World Institute: The Better World Institute is a subset of the Children of Paradise who focus their efforts on creating a secure Dreamer homeland. Paradisia was their first major effort. Many of them (or the original members, at least) have backgrounds working with IDEA.

They are well-respected for their power, knowledge, and creativity, but there's a good amount of fear regarding them as well. They don't always think their plans all the way through. In other words, let's just say that calling a massive island (or small continent, however you want to look at it) from the depths of the ocean floor had...predictable results on a not-insignificant number of coastal communities throughout the world. More than a few people speak their name with a thick layer of sarcasm.

Protectors of Paradise: The most elite, militant group of the Children of Paradise. In terms of reputation and popular depiction, these guys are like a super-powered Mossad. Officially, they're Paradisian Special Forces, charged with protecting Paradisian shores and citizens.

But remember, as far as Paradisia is concerned, every Dreamer everywhere is considered a citizen. The Protectors have absolutely zero qualm entering another country (to be less kind about it, invading, as they are a foreign military force) and neutralizing threats to Dreamers with extreme prejudice.

And they go at it like PCs, too. Small, elite groups with a diverse selection of powers. Except instead of being a ragtag group of heroes without a cause, they're super-elite, incredibly experienced, have worked together extensively and built synergies and combos that have proven effective throughout years of high-risk missions. Just the rumor of a Protector group in town puts SIDE on high alert.

Now, a lot of Protectors are genuinely decent people who have even helped out SIDE and Hero Corps where it counted. But just as many are as fanatical about Dreamer safety as the worst Reclaimers are about neutralizing Dreamers, and couldn't care less about Mundanes who get in the way.

When the Protectors of Paradise encounter the Defiants or the Dreamcatchers, carnage always ensues.

SIDE (Special Investigations and Dreamer Enforcement): SIDE is a military and law enforcement organization specializing in Dreamer-related crimes. They enforce laws governing Dreamers and serve as law enforcement regarding crimes made by and against Dreamers. With a combination of expertly trained and experienced Unpowered and several Dreamers of various levels of power, even the most powerful Dreamers are slow to challenge SIDE. SIDE polices itself rigorously, but there remains a number of members, commanders, and even units that initiate black ops, as well as supplying training and equipment to smaller organizations with such aims. SIDE works closely with the Assembly, and the two organizations have a somewhat wary respect for each other. Relationships with the Children of Paradise is notably cool, but non-hostile.

At their best, SIDE is the front line of defense for and against Dreamers, an elite organization that put their lives on the line to protect, and protect against, people with amazing special powers. At their worst, they are a secretive organization equipped with top of the line military technology and sufficient jurisdiction to use it against any Dreamer they deem even a potential threat.

Spoiler: Notable Factions

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FIRE-SIDE: The largest and most well-known division of SIDE is the Fieldwork, Investigation, Regulation, and Enforcement division, or FIRE-SIDE. They are the primarily law-enforcement arm of the organization. They patrol, gather information, solve crimes, process scenes, arrest criminals, and when necessary, do battle personally to protect others from dangerous Dreamers (or to protect Dreamers from the dangers that their powers so often draw upon them). They are fairly well-respected, but many people, Dreamers in particular, regard them with some degree of caution.

OUT-SIDE: OUT-SIDE is the Overseas Units and Training division of SIDE. That is, they're the military end of the scale. They don't do law enforcement; they are the ones who go to other countries in times of war, or assist allied governments in dealing with dangerous Dreamers. They are quite capable in personal combat, but as their name suggests, they specialize in providing training to other groups (allied armies, militias, resistance forces, etc).

In the Ilessian military as a whole, these guys are considered the elite of the elite, the special forces that other special forces call when they can't get the job done. In SIDE as a whole...yeah, pretty much the same thing. They have the top toys and training of both SIDE and the Ilessian military, and have enough of a reputation that they can pick the top players from both with relative impunity.

In terms of sheer reputation for martial superiority in Ilessian popular culture, there is no one - not even Hero Corps - that matches OUT-SIDE. Whether or not that reputation is fully merited is...certainly open to debate, but even if it's not strictly accurate, they are very, very close to as good as most of the country thinks they are.

IN-SIDE: IN-SIDE is the Intelligence and Neutralization division of SIDE, and that's just as dark as it sounds. If FIRE-SIDE agents are equivalent to the FBI (with a heaping helping of SWAT thrown in), IN-SIDE is the CIA. And they're the Hollywood CIA to boot, the shadowy organization who are just as likely to be the bad guys of the film. They specialize in shadowy operations, ranging from as "nice" as deep-undercover investigations, to spying, black ops, and outright assassination.

They're the ones who get their hands dirty - and the only ones allowed to do so. IN-SIDE also serves as SIDE's Internal Affairs division. Between that and their reputation, even among SIDE, they're not well-liked or often much trusted. That said, they are very thorough in their investigations, and do not play games when exposing corruption in the rest of the organization. It's largely because of them that SIDE as a whole is so well-respected in general.

TOP-SIDE: TOP-SIDE is the Tactics, Organization, and Protocols division. Or, as they are affectionately known to the rest of the organization, "the boring jobs". They are administration, management, bureaucracy, leadership, desk jobs, and so on.

That said, don't underestimate them. Most of them are still combat-capable, and in their field, they wield a lot of power. SIDE as a whole wouldn't be the organization it is today if not for their constant efforts to improve procedures and strategies. Many TOP-SIDE agents are known for being Crazy Prepared often to the point of paranoia, and they have a reputation for coming up with ways to neutralize specific combinations of Dreamer powers with increasingly few resources for fun.

DES-SIDE: DES-SIDE is the Detention, Evaluation, and Security division. They primarily handle the actual incarceration of Dreamers, and reintegrating them into society when their sentences have been served. They also monitor potential threats, such as Dreamers with substantial uncontrolled powers. On a broader scope, they are SIDE's security division, responsible for keeping their bases and information protected.

IDEA (Institute of Dreamer Education and Analysis): IDEA is a scientific organization that studies Dreamer powers, Dreamtech materials, and Dreamers themselves. Although most members of IDEA are knowledgeable and professional scientists, more maverick elements have given them something of a more negative reputation (kidnapping Dreamers to experiment on them, experiments gone wrong, etc). Nonetheless, IDEA has provided the world with a wealth of knowledge about Dreamer powers and numerous practical applications for Dreamer powers and Dreamtech alike. They also provide high-level technology for detecting, neutralizing, and combating Dreamers, and as such have a close relationship with SIDE. They also work with the Assembly to teach and train new Dreamers, and though Non-Dreamers are far more common on their staff than Dreamers, even the Children of Paradise are thankful for their knowledge. However, the Assembly and the Children of Paradise are somewhat leery of some of their methods, and the Children especially are strongly against some of their research - such as their attempts to find a "cure" for Dreamer powers.

At their best, IDEA is a font of knowledge and practical technology, providing the world with amazing advancement and helping people to understand and live with these powerful beings that walk among them. At their worst, they are classical mad scientists who see Dreamers more as an interesting and valuable experiment than living, breathing people.

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Scientific Departments: IDEA is divided up into several scientific departments that focus on specific types of research.

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Department of Analysis and Education: The most public department (and overall the one with the best reputation), the Department of Analysis and Education focuses on the practical study of Dreamer powers, their usage, and their effects. They work closely with the Assembly and various educational institutions, helping Dreamers learn how to use and control their powers, and what their powers can really do.

Department of Biomechanics: The Department of Biomechanics specializes in physiological and technological research and inventions. Cybernetic enhancement, genetic alteration, cloning, and similar sciences are their specialty.

Department of Dreamer Studies: While the Department of Analysis and Education studies Dreamer powers, the Department of Dreamer Studies focuses on the nature of Dreamers and their abilities. How they work, why they manifest, how they can be duplicated or removed, and so on. They receive a lot of funding for their two biggest projects - artificially inducing and removing Dreamer powers (naturally, their biggest contributors are the Children of Paradise and the Reclaimers, respectively). While their success in those fields have been...limited (they've accomplished both, but with serious side-effects) they've managed several lesser breakthroughs in the understanding of Dreamer powers and expanding them into repeatable science (such as healing serums created using the blood or DNA of regeneration-capable Dreamers).

Department of Dreamtech Analysis: The Department of Dreamtech Analysis focuses on studying existing Dreamtech, with the aim of developing new, mundane technology from it, or converting it to mundane technology. It's generally slow, often frustrating work (especially since it requires mundane scientists to work closely with super-sciences, which is just a pain for everyone), but has led to several valuable advances.

Department of Dreamtech Development: While the DDA studies existing Dreamtech, the DDD creates new inventions. Often called "the playground" by the rest of IDEA, the DDD has the highest percentage of Dreamers on staff, being populated almost completely by super-scientists working together to devise wondrous new inventions. The place is heavily secured, but for those who are allowed in, it is a wonder to behold.

Department of Energy Management: The Department of Energy Management works tirelessly to solve the primary challenge of modern Aranth - energy. Energy availability is the primary limiter of the power of modern super-science, and the scientists here work tirelessly to develop new ways to generate energy, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and otherwise boost energy availability.

Department of Occult Sciences: Looked down upon by the other departments, the Department of Occult Sciences is only barely considered a legitimate part of IDEA. When you live in a world where supernatural powers exist though, yeah, you can't really blame people for trying to study magic. The DOS primarily studies the mechanics of using Dreamer powers, how they tap into, use, and alter spiritual energy. Their hope is to eventually refine these powers into a trainable skill. On that, they haven't made any real progress, although they have devised ways to convert other forms of energy into something Dreamers can use, are responsible for a lot of breakthroughs in the understanding of Spiritual Energy, and are having some success enhancing (though not creating) items created through Dreamer Artificers. So, they've done good work, but they don't get much respect for it.

Department of Practical Sciences: Interestingly, the Department of Practical Sciences is largely considered only a step above the Department of Occult Sciences by most of IDEA. To the rest of the world, though, they're probably the most respected (and certainly most valuable) department. They focus on mundane science entirely, incorporating Dreamer-based or super-science knowledge where useful, but focusing primarily on normal physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and so on. It's not that these sciences aren't appreciated by IDEA - it's just that there are other scientific organizations that can do those jobs just as well, and a lot of IDEA scientists see such mundane work as beneath them.

The Dreamcatchers: First thing to know about the Dreamcatchers (name assigned by the media), is that they are the Bogeymen of the Dreamer community. Supervillains, SIDE, even the Reclaimers have nothing on the Dreamcatchers in terms of inspiring utter dread in a tragically high percentage of Dreamers. There are highly-experienced, PL 10+, combat-capable, full-fledged members of Hero Corps who have nightmares about these guys.

So who are they? They are secretive warrior-scientists who go out and hunt for Dreamers to experiment on. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology (some that even SIDE can't get its hands on), and while they lack SIDE's numbers and aren't quite as well-trained (although a fair number do have a background in SIDE or the military), they even the playing field using high-tech stealth, surveillance, and power-neutralization technology. They study their target (sometimes for weeks or even months), and make blitz attacks when they are at their weakest, attacking for rapid neutralization and carrying them off to secret labs to study, tag, experiment on, and even dissect. You don't become a Dreamcatcher without being coldly dispassionate, and those that have been caught and jailed often admit that they don't see Dreamers as people at all.

As a group, they can't hold a candle to SIDE or even Defiant Reclaimers in terms of total power, but they are patient, smart, amazingly-equipped, and Dreamers taken by them almost always end up severely traumatized...when they survive their experiences with their memories in-tact, that is. The fact that they are very careful about keeping their identities a secret and work as legitimate, respected scientists by day makes them that much harder to catch.

IDEA as a whole officially denounces them and claims no association with them...but the simple fact is that the organization has made advancements with data that could only have come from Dreamcatcher experiments. It's the darkest stain on an organization that already has a bit of a reputation for taking things a bit too far in the name of science.

The Lights of Science: The Lights of Science is an invitation-only society of those who are responsible for major advancements in modern science. The inventors of game-changing technology, developers of theories that push fields of study ahead, people who find amazing new uses for old knowledge, and so on.

To be a member of the Lights of Science is incredibly prestigious, and its members are almost universally afforded incredible respect by both the scientific community and the world at large.

Naturally, super-scientists hold the majority of seats. The Lights don't grade on a curve. That being said, those few mundane scientists who do join their number are only shown greater respect for proving able to compete among the greatest, often-superhumanly-enhanced minds in history.

Elderage College: Elderage is the top Ivy League school in the country, possibly the world. One of the top three in the world for sure. It is IDEA-run and -staffed, and even includes some of the Lights of Science among its professors. Even Non-Dreamer Elderage graduates have been known to work on Dreamtech right alongside super-scientists.

The Reclaimers: The Reclaimers are an organization strongly opposed to Dreamers in general, seeing them and their powers as serious threats to themselves and to others. Officially, the Reclaimers lobby for strict regulations on the use of Dreamer powers, severe punishments for misuse, and segregation and regulation as necessary to ensure people are protected. Between accidental and deliberate misuses of Dreamer powers, and the damage caused thereby, they do have a fair case. However, their PR is utterly awful, owed largely to the fact that the organization also attracts a large number of Normals with grudges against Dreamers (people who were hurt, lost loved ones, or even were simply replaced by Dreamers), who have taken to violence and terrorism to "curtail the Dreamer threat". Adding to these people are several Dreamers whose powers ruined their lives (often those with highly destructive or uncontrollable powers), many of whom have entered into pacts to eradicate Dreamers and then suicide themselves. Worse, unscrupulous Dreamers who want to eliminate threats or competition often work with the Reclaimers or use them as patsies. Although these fanatics are a minority, they are a very visible one, giving the organization as a whole a bad reputation (and the Assembly, with their strong media connections and opposing ideology, only adds fuel to that fire). The Reclaimers are far less trained, organized, and equipped than SIDE, but many of them are fanatical to the point of obsession or insanity, the Dreamers of their number especially. The Assembly doesn't like them at all, gleefully attacking them in the media with every chance they get, while Hero Corps in particular fights against their more fanatical elements. The Children of Paradise hate them with a (very mutual) consuming passion, and when the more aggressive elements of the two organizations come into conflict, the results are often devastating. SIDE officially denounces those of their number that resort to violence against Dreamers, and they do fight against them often, but they are also one of their main suppliers of equipment and training, and they have a much closer relationship with the more politically-oriented majority of the organization. IDEA has a fairly neutral relationship to them, although the Reclaimers are the main funders of its research into a cure for Dreamer powers.

At their best, the Reclaimers are the voice of reason in a world where the guy walking down the street could possibly have the power to disintegrate you to ash, blow up a city block, or turn you into a helpless slave with a thought. At their worst, they are a paramilitary terrorist organization who fanatically attack Dreamers, and tend to count the most unpredictable and destructive of those beings among their number.

Spoiler: Notable Factions

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The Sentinel Project: The Sentinel Project is a Reclaimers-staffed operation that...basically works like a Neighborhood Watch, except focused on Dreamers. They keep an eye out for suspicious use of Dreamer powers and report them to the authorities, and sometimes step in when immediate action is called for and no emergency personnel are on-scene. They...sometimes take things a bit far (and of course, any time they do, the Assembly makes sure it gets plenty of media attention), but for the most part their efforts are respected by the authorities.

Sentinels generally have better PR than the norm for Reclaimers. Although they do focus on Dreamer crimes, they won't just sit back and do nothing when regular crime occurs (and they're competent enough that most mundane criminals don't want to tangle with them). A Sentinel presence in a neighborhood usually comes with a solid 20% or so reduction in crime compared to neighboring communities. A lot of people sleep better at night knowing Sentinels are on call.

The Repentent: The Reclaimers do accept Dreamer members occasionally. They are often called the Repentent. Of course, typically, these are Dreamers who have a reason to hate their powers, which often means their powers are uncontrolled or otherwise dangerous.

For the most part, the Reclaimers take on the Repentent to help them contain their powers. For some, they hold support groups and use therapy to help them resist the urge to use their abilities, treating the powers like an addiction. For those who simply can't control their powers, the Reclaimers offer containment, keeping their loved ones and the rest of the world safe from them. It's a kinda tragic service, but in many cases, a necessary one.

Unfortunately, more radical elements in the Reclaimers often instead offer these troubled Dreamers an outlet to use their powers for "good", that is, in destroying other Dreamers. And there are some members of the organization who work to convince the Repentents that the only way to truly protect those they care for from their dangerous powers is through suicide. These sorts of stories are a big part of the reason that even the non-Defiant Reclaimers can't catch much of a break in the public eye (although, again, this isn't necessarily common and certainly isn't a majority).

The Defiant: The Defiant are, sadly, what most people think of when they think of the Reclaimers. The Defiant are a minority - but to be fair, not an insignificant one, with anywhere from 15%-25% of the organization estimated to be part of or at least supportive of the faction.

The Defiant are terrorists and murderers, and there's little to mitigate that fact. They aren't nearly as competent or well-equipped as SIDE, or as patient and efficient as the Dreamcatchers, but they are utterly vicious and many of them are willing to accept collateral damage if it means bringing down "dangerous" Dreamers. While the Dreamcatchers are far more feared, few factions are as universally despised as the Defiants. Even their own parent organization publicly denounces them...although privately, they still provide funding and equipment, sometimes even taking equipment legitimately licensed to and purchased for Sentinels and providing it to Defiants instead.

The Protectors of Paradise and Defiant Reclaimers brutally attack each other pretty much on-sight, often with devastating results to any bystanders in the way. Hero Corps hates them almost as much - they're one of the few groups who has ever gone so far as to attack the ACC in the middle of a disaster relief effort. Three times.

The Truthspeakers: The Truthspeakers are your basic crazy conspiracy theorist. In The World According To The Truthspeakers, the entire government, most large corporations, the media, and more are all controlled by some huge Dreamer Conspiracy. They accuse IDEA of kidnapping normal people to turn into Dreamers (to be fair, I wouldn't put it past the Dreamcatchers to have tried it once or twice...), Hero Corps of being a Paradisian army, SIDE of just about everything they can think of whether contradictory or not...yeah, crazy conspiracy theorists, basically.

I mean, they even say that there's some sort of, like, secretive cabal of powerful Dreamers at the head of the Assembly. And they're trying to, like, change the world man! The whole world! In some sort of shared project! And they can use all of each other's powers, like a hive mind of high-level Dreamers or something! I know! Crazy right?

Oh...wait...

You see, here's the thing about the Truthspeakers. Yeah, a solid eighty, ninety percent of what they say is delusional, paranoid, utter nonsense. But the rest is some of the most carefully hidden, heavily guarded, viciously protected secret information in the setting. When you need to know what's really going on, they are, hands down, the best people to look to. If, and only if, you can manage to separate the delusions, misunderstandings, and outright lies from the critical secret information.

Unfortunately, no one actually knows that, so all the secret stuff gets treated like more of their delusional ramblings.

Spoiler

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Benefit (Conspiracy Theorist): You know the truth! You may completely ignore the effects of the Cipher benefit (regardless of its rank). However, for each Cipher rank you ignore, you also receive a piece of completely false information related to your line of inquiry - and you don't inherently learn which pieces of information are true and which are false. Degrees of success that would have bypassed the Cipher simply remove these extraneous pieces of information (so if you could have gotten all the true information even without this benefit, you don't get any false information).

Seekers of the Dream: The Seekers are a religious organization that believes...well, several things, since they have a number of sects and factions in themselves. The overarching premise of the faith is that the Dream and the powers derived thereby are divinely gifted, and that all people have the potential to achieve such powers. Various sects believe that Dreamers are part of some divine plan, divinely rewarded, or even themselves avatars of the divine. Of course, since the evidence of their "miracles" are visible every day, they have amassed a tremendous following in short time. The Assembly is a close ally, and gives them lots of media support, not necessarily because they believe in the divinity of Dreamers, but boy is it a useful thing for other people to believe. The Seekers themselves also have a strong hand in convincing many Dreamers to join Hero Corps or the ACC. The Children of Paradise tend to see the Seekers as the "church" to their "state"; ordained clerics of the Seekers of the Dream have the easiest time of all Potentials visiting Paradisia, and are the only Potentials permitted to live there. SIDE is completely neutral to them. IDEA doubts their claims, but of course, has no means to fully prove or disprove them; the two organizations tend to see each other as trying to reach the same goal in two different ways, and largely leave each other alone to do so. The Seekers oppose the Reclaimers ideologically, but seek to sway them from their path rather than fighting against them as the Assembly and Children do, especially those Dreamers among them who hate their powers.

At their best, the Seekers of the Dream provides a moral and ethical foundation for new Dreamers, as well as a sense of community and purpose open to Dreamers and Potentials alike, and a more mystical and spiritual insight into these supernatural powers. At their worst, they are charlatans promising power in exchange for devotion...and, of course, a small donation to the church.

Spoiler: Notable Factions

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Seekers of the Arch-Faith: The Seekers of the Arch-Faith combine the teachings of the Seekers of the Dream with those of the Arch-Faith. They believe that the Dream, and the powers derived thereby, are the work of Arch. As is common with the Arch-Faith, the specifics of Arch's involvement (did he simply create the potential for the Dream? Does he personally bestow the Dream? Are the Dreamers his chosen people, and their powers are just manifestations of his own?) varies extensively between individual sects.

Seekers of the Gods: The Seekers of the Gods combine the teachings of the Seekers of the Dream with those of Deionism. While the exact functions of the Dream are still debated, the faction generally agrees that the prevalence of the Dream is in some way connected to the positive energy of the gods, a sign that the world as a whole in on the right path. By their view, more Dreamers manifesting is an explicit sign of more positive change in the gods, and when every living person has Dreamer powers, the gods will be purely positive forces and the world will achieve perfection.

Seekers of the Eternal Dream: The largest faction of the Seekers (though not by that great a margin), the Seekers of the Eternal Dream believe that the Dream itself is a divine power, or bestowed thereby, with no connection to other religions. Again, the specifics vary between sects, but the Seekers tend to offer prayer to the Dream itself, and look upon Dreamers as being blessed by or emissaries of the divine. Many Seekers of the Eternal Dream believe that the Dream has some sort of grand plan in mind for the Dreamers; their religion places heavy emphasis on destiny.

The Blessed Seekers: The Blessed Seekers are a small group, but in recent years have been a very visible one. They originate from Paradisia, and are spreading throughout the world. They are gifted by some means (IDEA scientists say a transformative Dreamer power; they say divine blessings) with seemingly angelic powers, and the ability to detect Dreamers. They travel throughout the world, finding, helping, protecting, and gathering Dreamers.

To become a Blessed Seeker, one must visit The Temple of the Blessed in Paradisia. Any Dreamer is welcome to make a pilgrimage there to receive the Blessing. While they are asked to seek out, protect, and gather other Dreamers, they are not required to. Many do, however, and in interviews they have generally indicated that the blessing was a deeply moving, spiritual experience. None who have been talked to have expressed anything other than sincere belief in the divine nature of the Dream since the blessing, even if they had previously been doubtful or disagreed outright.

The Blessing provides a Dreamer with a number of effects. Feathered wings (typically pure white, but sometimes colored) grow from the Dreamer's back. Their appearance changes to become an idealized version of themselves. They gain the ability to see clearly in darkness, and to detect other Dreamers and sense their powers. They can also glow with an aura of bright light, and communicate telepathically with other Dreamers.

Spoiler

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Blessed Seeker: Multiple Effects {25}.

Angelic Wings: Flight 5 (Winged).
Eyes of the Seeker: Senses 5 (Darkvision; Ranged Acute Mental Detect [Dreamer Powers]).
Advantages: Attractive 2.
Aura of Light: Environment 3 (Daylight 2, Light 1).
Telepathic Communion: Mental Communication 2 (Limited [Dreamers Only]), Comprehend 2 (Speak and Understand All Languages; Limited [Dreamers Only]).

[Quellian-dyrae]

Technology

Technology on Aranth is highly advanced, although a lot of it is difficult to mass-produce. Generally, it's worth assuming that general society has access to modern technology with some advancements (flying cars and jetpacks, for example, exist). Militaries, large corporations, the fabulously wealthy, and of course, super-genius and gadgeteer style characters, can have access to all manner of incredibly advanced tech. Things like powered armor, mechs, matter generators, laser weaponry, teleportation, nano-technology, and similar incredibly technology does exist, but is very limited and currently impossible to mass produce.

Year 0 PA was roughly technologically equivalent to modern-day Earth, so Aranth has over a century of additional technological advancement. Dreamtech, and scientific breakthroughs derived thereby, also mean that in certain fields, technological achievements even more advanced or impossible under real-world physics do exist, though they tend to be rare. As a general rule of thumb, if it exists today on Earth, even as a prototype or proof-of-concept, there's a good chance that it's available on Aranth.

This is a sampling of the sort of technology available on the world. Just about any sort of technological item is possible as a Device. Devices can also be supernaturally imbued with powers by Dreamers with artifice powers.

Armor: The most common type of armor is lightweight body armor that provides ranks in Protection, though people who want to invest in their defense can just as easily acquire "Dreamer Class" armor that provides Impervious protection. Both types are available as Equipment up to rank 5. All other forms of armor must be purchased as Devices.

Some more advanced armors are also built in with tactical computers and some robotics, a sort of "lesser powered armor", granting Enhanced Dodge and Enhanced Parry. Armor can also include power dampeners and other protective measures to provide Enhanced Fortitude and Enhanced Will.

Two of the most common forms of professional defensive gear are forcefield projectors and powered armor. Powered armor generally includes at least Protection and Enhanced Strength, and some also include tactical computers (Enhanced Dodge and Parry or Enhanced Fighting) and power dampeners (Enhanced Fortitude and Will). More advanced versions also include mobility tools such as jet boots (Speed with a Leaping Alternate) or jet packs (Flight), Life Support systems, and various sensor suites. Professional and military grade powered armor also typically include weapons systems.

Forcefield projectors are more subtle than powered armor, typically built into accessories (belts are the most common) and generally provide straight Protection, but more advanced versions can include deflector fields (Enhanced Dodge and Parry) and power dampeners (Enhanced Fortitude and Will).

Naturally, specialized versions of both these types of items that do other things are perfectly viable, but these are the most common options.

Finally, getting to the point where calling it "armor" is rather ludicrous, giant mechs do exist in setting. These devastating war machines are typically PL 15+, and typically decked out with all the bells and whistles. Power dampeners, enough weaponry (ballistic, explosive, and laser) to level a large city backed by extreme super-strength, loads of Impervious Toughness, neural uplinks networked to tactical computers, nanite regeneration and ammo generation, supersonic flight, and usually a special trick or two to boot.

Communications: Even on modern day Earth, communication technology is pretty flat-out amazing. The cellular network on Aranth is pretty much ubiquitous; you can get a wireless internet connection and perfect phone signal pretty much anywhere except deep underground or in places specifically designed to not allow access.

It is suggested that in most modern societies, characters are assumed to have access to a full-featured smartphone (Phone, Computer, Video/Audio Recorder, GPS, Camera, Flashlight, plus various sundry apps) at no Equipment cost, for descriptive and plot purposes. However, unless actually purchased with EP, the GM can freely cause phones to arbitrarily fail whenever used "tactically", such as to call in aid or interface for a Technology check. Lacking such a phone entirely in a modern society could be part of a Complication.

Computers: Most significant computer systems are composed of what's called "active crystal". Despite the fancy name, it's basically high-tech glass. Although designed as Dreamtech, it has been perfected and is considered standard technology at this point. Active crystal can function as a computer, touchscreen, monitor, sensor, and more, depending on its programming, and it's quite tough and bullet-resistant (typically Impervious Toughness 6, more with greater thickness or for tempered varieties).

The most typical setup is the Active Crystal Computer Station. This consists of three sheets of active crystal of varying sizes, and a small disk, with a few little plastic connectors and such. All together, they weigh two to three pounds. They are usually small enough to fit in a good-sized briefcase or backpack. In a normal configuration, they are set up like a modern desktop computer, with the largest sheet serving as the monitor, the middle sheet being the keyboard, and the smallest being the mouse. On the go, the middle sheet can basically function as a tablet and the smaller a smart phone, or the large and middle sheets can be connected together to work as a laptop. All three of the sheets have the same programs and capabilities available.

The disk is usually worn to serve as a sort of wristwatch, bluetooth, headset, or even a monocle.

An Active Crystal Computer Station costs 10 EP (two ranks of Equipment), providing the benefits of a Computer, Audio/Video Recorder, Cell Phone, Camera, GPS, Flash Light, and Commlink. The other two EP are for the various utility functions of modern apps, programs, networking, and having four durable little devices all synched up together that all function as the above. A character with Wealth 1 or higher may substitute the free smartphone for a free ACCS, subject to the same limitations.

Less common are full-fledged Dreamtech versions of Active Crystal, which extend the above features with such things as holographic displays and a neural linkup, allowing the user to use its own senses as "output" and thoughts or movements as "input". This basically doubles the cost of the relevant types of equipment (Computer, Camera, Audio/Video recorder, and Commlink, generally). So an Active Crystal Computer Station using Dreamtech active crystal would be 15 EP or 3 PP. These tools should not be available freely.

Computer systems added to headquarters generally mean any glass in the Headquarters is active crystal. By taking the Computer feature for the headquarters a second time, at least some of the glass is the Dreamtech version (how much generally depending on the overall value of the Headquarters, the character's Wealth benefits, etc).

Energy: The people of Aranth are very, very good at getting the most out of their energy, to the point where, as noted earlier, "energy credits" are used as their primary form of commerce in addition to being a measurable value of power. Large volumes of energy are continuously generated by power plants, with nuclear, solar, and geomantic (harnessing geothermal or atmospheric electro-magnetic energy) power being the three most efficient means of energy generation, in roughly that order. Wind and water power are both useful supplements. The vast majority of energy used in Aranth is produced renewably; non-renewable energy storage mediums such as coal and oil are almost entirely outdated.

A new form of energy, only recently fully developed, is spiritual energy. Originally discovered by virtue of Dreamers with spirit-, aura-, or energy-viewing or -detecting powers, it was eventually concluded that living beings give off some form of ambient energy that doesn't seem tied to their physical, biological energy intake and usage. This does appear to stem from an internal, supernatural source of energy, and is noted as being weaker in animals and stronger, often much stronger, in Dreamers. Plenty of scientific research has been done regarding spiritual energy in the past half-century, and the following is what is known (or not known) about it:

First and foremost, science has not found any conclusive evidence that this energy or its source is in any way related to or indicative of a "soul" or "spirit" as posited by various religious or mystical traditions. There is no indication that it has anything to do with a person's personality or nature. There is definitely no indication that it maintains any sort of consciousness beyond death or travels to any sort of afterlife (it does appear, upon death, to cease energy production, the energy making it up dispersing into the air, like an object removed from a heat source). That all being said, words like "soul", "spirit", "ki", "aura", "life force" and the like are ingrained enough into the public consciousness and generally get the concept across well enough that they've stuck (often to the chagrin of those scientists who study the phenomenon).

The energy is constantly, naturally produced by all living beings. It does not appear to have any measurable biological effect.

The energy is, however, in at least some manner tied to life. Sick, injured, tired, and otherwise weaker individuals produce less of it. Artificially inducing reduced production leads to general weakness, and artificially ceasing production results in death. Artificially increasing production has been known to cause feelings of euphoria and generally improved health, vigor, and physical and mental capability.

The energy is produced at a fairly constant rate. Most of the energy appears to remain within the body, slowly radiating out. Intense activity increases the rate at which it leaves the body. Strong emotion can influence the rate of production. A higher or lower rate of production typically results in proportional output.

The energy appears to be the power source for Dreamer powers. Active powers tend to draw more energy, particularly when used in rapid succession. How much is drawn for a given power can often (but not always) be consciously chosen by a Dreamer, and the techniques to do so are learnable skills (many children learn the basics of this in school in case they ever have a Dream, and since these techniques have begun to be taught, the rate of uncontrolled Dreamer manifestations has dropped by a third). These techniques are fairly abstract, though, so a lot of people don't really get it, or not until they actually have powers and receive active training with them.

Dreamers seem to produce well more power than they can tap into at once. Repeated use of active Dreamer powers can drain this energy though, and the amount of drain does appear to negatively influence production.

All this has led to the modern form of unskilled labor: Energy Generation. Basically, letting the ambient spiritual energy your body naturally gives off be collected and sent into the power grid, and receiving energy credits for it. In a proper facility designed for such a purpose, a normal person produces about three usable credits worth of energy an hour at rest, going down to a mere half-credit an hour while sleeping. Most such facilities, however, are basically set up as gyms (the really big "energy farms" have row upon row of stationary bikes). Since exertion increases the rate at which the energy radiates out, using such facilities can generally increase energy production to about sixteen credits an hour on average, although of course, more fit individuals can push it further. Dreamers, naturally, can produce substantially more energy even using these basic techniques, but since this is all waste energy, even Dreamers can only push it so far (a strong Dreamer can earn an extremely comfortable living on Energy Generation, but it's almost certainly the least profitable way to use Dreamer powers for money).

Spoiler: Nerdy Number Crunching - Calculating Spiritual Energy

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NOTE: All numbers in this section are rough. It's not like everything scales perfectly with rank, this is kinda an overall average for characters at this level statistically. Someone with lots of powers or high Abilities or whatever would push towards the next rank, while someone with less would drop down some, etc.

To get a character's Spiritual Energy "value" use the Mass column of the Ranks and Measures table, with one pound equally one point of Spiritual Energy. The character's Spirit Rank is a function of one of the character's power ranks. Exclude any powers whose ranks simply provide a menu of options rather than scaling directly (i.e. Senses, Movement, Immunity, etc). Of the remaining, first cap at PL, and then modify by power Origin as follows:

Dreamer or Magic: X1.
Chi or Totemic: X1/2.
Skill or Physiological: X1/4.
Technological or Null: X0.

The character's Strength, Stamina, Agility, or Presence X 1/4 can be substituted if this is higher than any of the above.

Treat 1/2 as 0, 1/4 as -1, and 0 as -2.

If the character has any powers with a [Physiological] origin and a [Braizen Radiation] source - i.e. a Braizen Mutation - subtract one-third the rank of the highest qualifying power, minimum 1. If the character has any Complications relating to a Braizen mutation, treat its Abilities as a Braizen Mutation power for this purpose, rather than allowing them to contribute positively to the rank.

So for example, assuming some appropriate power with a rank equalling PL, a PL 10 Dreamer or Mage would have a Spiritual Energy rating of 50,000. A PL 10 Chi-practitioner or Perallan Hunter would have a Spiritual Energy rating of 1,600. A PL 10 martial artist or Perallan Beast would have a Spiritual Energy rating of 200. The weakest Dreamers (and average Dymaran citizens) generally have Spiritual Energy of 100. Your average Dymaran or Perallan teenager might have a Spiritual Energy of 50. Your average civilian has a Spiritual Energy of 12, but an athletic one might have 25.

How does that translate into Energy Credits? At rest but in a well-designed facility, a character can generally generate a number of credits per hour equal to 5 plus its Spirit Rank. So an average civilian probably generates 3, while a PL 10 Dreamer generates 15.

With physical effort, this goes up substantially, averaging out to ((1/2 Spirit Rank)+5) squared. So an average civilian generates give-or-take 16 credits an hour, while an average PL 2 Dreamer generates around 36, and a PL 10 Dreamer generates give-or-take 100. Typically, a person can keep up such a pace for 6+Stamina hours per day (+5 with the Great Endurance Advantage!) This is about the most efficiency you can get out of energy generation long-term - you can push harder to generate more faster, but you'll burn out much earlier. You can go longer than the suggested limit, but you can't keep that up more than a couple or a few days in a row without seeing degredation, etc. By and large, you can push it in the short term, but by the end of about a week these limits will have proven generally more efficient, and by the end of a month the difference will be pronounced.

Worth noting, these numbers are what the average facility will return as Energy Credits to the person generating the energy. Actual energy output tends to be about 150% of this base number, but collection is not perfectly efficient. The most efficient, absolute-bleeding-edge Dreamtech devices might be able to collect almost all of the energy. Your average facility probably collects 120% of the base total, give or take, with the "extra" going to the facility as their profit and to finance amenities (food, drink, entertainment, etc). Naturally, some facilities will take more off the top, and some will require amenities be paid for out of the generators' pocket.

There are also personal devices that can collect energy and send it to the grid in exchange for Credits. These tend to be highly inefficient though. Mobile ones, such as certain active crystal devices or exercise accessories, generally collect between a fifth and a third of the base generation value. Stationary ones generally range from 50% to 100%. Only the best of consumer-grade collection devices can go above 100% of the base numbers like the professional devices in the farms do. Even so, there are usually good subsidies for these devices, and they typicaly pay for themselves in a year or two.

Medicine: The thing about medicine is, evolution can be a creep sometimes. Yes, Aranth medical sciences have benefitted from the progression of time. And, yes, the diseases have adapted to keep up in many cases.

This does change the face of medical sciences some. Viruses, bacterias, fungi, and other organisms have been able to evolve. Most medical conditions that are basically "the body not working right" (cancer, allergies, a fair number of genetic diseases, although those are so diverse that new ones that science has never seen before often crop up) are generally curable at this stage. Life expectancy has increased as a result, with the average person living around 125 years if not killed by disease, accident, or violence (and the longest-lived people on the planet, not counting age-retarding powers, are pushing the two-century mark). Most people start feeling the effects of age around 75, and don't start really seeing a significant loss of mental and physical capability until around 100, assuming they have normal access to medical treatments.

Spoiler: Aranth to Earth physical age equivalencies

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Aranth Age	Equivalent Earth Age
Early twenties or less	Equivalent age.
Late twenties to thirties	Still early twenties.
Forties	Late twenties to early thirties.
Fifties	Thirties
Sixties to early seventies	Forties
Mid-seventies to nineties	Fifties
Nineties to early second century	Sixties to seventies
Quarter to half through second century	Eighties to nineties
More than half through second century	Entering second century
Nearing third century	Early second century

But people do still get sick, sometimes seriously so, and can die as a result. There are still occasional outbreaks and epidemics, and there are diseases out there that are resistant or even immune to modern medicine, Dreamtech medicine, and even Dreamer powers (although a powerful enough Dreamer could potentially cure just about anything). Most major diseases have a specific DC to be cured by powers (often 20+), some are considered Incurable (requiring Persistent healing), and most disallow trying again except with Extra Effort (the Effortless Extra can be added to Healing if you really want to be able to obliterate whatever diseases you encounter).

Several Dreamers with healing powers do work in the medical community, although the natural limitations of Dreamer powers on the large scale mean that medical science is still the primary form of care most people get. Many Dreamer healers either focus their efforts on people with less access to modern medicine (the charitable ones) or make big money healing what science can't (the majority). The best healers, with things like Persistent Effortless Healing or Ultimate Effort (Healing), can become fabulously wealthy.

There are also diseases out there that specifically affect Dreamers, and may affect their powers in various ways. The ones that cause powers to go uncontrolled can be very, very scary.

Robotics: Robots are definitely in! Robotics on Aranth is leaps and bounds ahead of Earth technology, going whole-hog into the sci-fi genre. Cybernetic enhancement, full-fledged AI, humanoid and even human-appearing robots, nanomachines, and so on all exist.

Most middle-classed households can be expected to have at least a few low-end robotic devices (that is, automated mechanical and computerized pieces of technology capable of autonomously performing certain tasks in a generally intelligent manner). The more advanced ones - humanoid robots with full-fledged AI, androids, cybernetics, nanotech, and so on - are generally the domain of large companies, very wealthy individuals, or skilled inventors who can build and program their own. Robotic soldiers, law enforcement, and guards are not uncommon, though are still less common than human soldiers (they are, however, significantly more common than Dreamer combatants).

Advanced suits of powered armor, up to and including mechs, can potentially have highly advanced AI and serve as characters or NPCs in their own right.

Security: Security has, naturally, improved substantially. This doesn't inherently mean that meaningful security across the board would be DC 40 or something, though; just as new security measures have been put in place, new means of dealing with them have been devised. A basic security system is generally DC 20, a good one DC 30, and a top-of-the-line one DC 40, but beating them through Technology checks involves using more advanced tools (improvised tools are similarly more advanced; a basic smartphone might qualify as an "improvised tool" for disabling an Aranthian security measure.

One very common security device is the Power Scanner. One of the first Dreamtech inventions, it is now sufficiently understood to be mass-produced and is considered mundane technology. These scanners are often built into security cameras and similar devices (they're also included in many forms of combat-oriented equipment, such as powered armor, and are standard-issue in SIDE Tactical HUD Helmets). At the most basic, the ones you pick up at the local electronics store, they have a Ranged Visual Detect (Dreamer Powers), basically noting any Dreamers shown. More advanced versions, the sort you'll likely see in military gear and corporate security, are also Acute, giving a broad overview of the Dreamer's powers. Getting even more advanced - specialized military gear, and SIDE standard-issue - are also Analytical, provided a full list of powers, including relative strengths and effects.

On a similar note, pretty much the full range of Senses powers (excepting extreme things like Precognition, Postcognition, and ludicrously specialized Detects and such) are generally available as security measures, at various costs. High-end security systems can detect a vast array of threats, but those are usually only installed in highly restricted areas (or by the truly paranoid).

Again aside from really crazy stuff, pretty much any Senses power can be purchased as Equipment as part of an Installation or Vehicle. Personal and portable Senses Equipment is generally limited to: Extended Vision or Hearing 1 (potentially up to 4 with some hindrances on use, such as focusing in a narrow spot, requiring Concentration, etc), individual Counters Concealment effects that apply to natural phenomena (Darkvision or Counters Concealment [Weather] or [Clouds] is fine, but not [Invisibility] or Counters All Concealment), Rapid Vision or Hearing 1, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, ...technically Time Sense except that's kinda pointless, Infravision, Ultravision, and Tracking. As always, Devices can have any Senses powers you can devise.

Nullification technology is also often used in security. Power Nullifiers and Power Suppressors are used for prisons and the like designed to hold Dreamers. More selective nullifiers that only work on certain powers are common in government buildings and corporate offices. Almost any location serious about security has some form of Projection Blocker.

Spoiler: Common Defense Systems

Show

Individuals can generally be keyed into security systems to allow passage. This is functionally equivalent to Immunity 1 (Installation's Powers; Affects Others), with the time required to key a person in (generally a few minutes) a Quirk buying off the dinky cost. Without authorization, keying yourself into a Defense System requires beating the Installation's Security System with a Technology check. Note, however, that such terminals are generally set up to require physical access (not connected to wi-fi, the internet, etc), barring technopathy or the like.

Systems are designed at rank 10, but high-security locations can have them as high as rank 15 or even 20!

Dreamer Power Suppressors: Nullify Dreamer Powers 10 (Perception Range, Burst Area, Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Limited [Targets in or on the Installation]).
Each round a Dreamer is in or on the Installation, it must roll Will DC 1d20+10 or lose all Dreamer powers for as long as it remains. Powers with a rank higher than the Dreamer's Will may substitute their rank to determine if they remain active.

Dreamer Power Negators: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Perception Range, Burst Area 2, Cumulative, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only, Transformed removes all powers], Limited [Targets in or on the Installation]).
Each round a Dreamer is in or on the Installation, it must roll Will DC 20 or suffer the Affliction, becoming unable to use or maintain powers unless threatened, then at all, and then losing access to all Dreamer powers, even Permanent and Continuous ones. Powers with a rank higher than the Dreamer's Will may substitute their rank to determine if they remain active. In the first two cases, a new save is allowed each round to throw off the effects, but once powers are fully negated, they're considered disabled for as long as the character remains within. Very large Installations may want to add additional Area ranks to assure the effect can constantly cover the whole building (not a concern for Suppressors thanks to their Sustained Duration letting them set a zone and leave it be).

Dreamer Power Nullifiers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 10 (Broad, Reaction [Dreamer Power used within], Limited [Counters Only]).
Any time a Dreamer tries to use a power within the Installation, it must roll a power rank check opposed by 1d20+10 or the effect is countered. This security option costs two applications of Defense System to purchase regardless of the Installation's PL. It is typically used to prevent active powers while still allowing passive effects to function normally - often, to block attack powers.

Infiltration Blockers: Infiltration blockers use one of the above templates, but are Limited to powers that influence or affect the mind or perceptions, saving some points/cost. In a lot of cases, they are further Limited to only triggering once per five rounds for a given target for greater savings.

Projection Nullifiers: Nullify Projections 10 (Reaction [Projection passes through Installation area], Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Counters Only]).
Projection Nullifiers will attempt to counter any projection (a power that passes through objects) made into, within, or through the Installation at 1d20+10. This form of projection blocker isn't the most reliable, but it is useful for curtailing projections even across open air within the area. This sort of nullifier is also the type easiest to make portable, although in that case some Area ranks have to be added.

Projection Blockers: Immunity 20 (Projections).
The most typical form of projection blocker, this makes the installation itself immune to projections, so they can't pass through walls, doors, windows, and other objects within. Projections can be used while within so long as they don't try to pass through objects (so you can teleport down a hall, but not onto the other side of a door).

Perfect Projection Blockers: Immunity 20 (Projections), Create 20 (Limited [Projections]).
The best you can get, blocks all projections through the physical structure of the Installation, and fills in the Installation with a Created object for purposes of blocking projections.

Most people carry around an identification card, which basically links them up to various databases and accounts with relevant information. These cards serve a variety of functions serving as ID cards, liscences, debit/credit cards (all such accounts are linked to the card), security cards, passwords, and so on. These cards are very convenient, and also come with a number of built-in security measures. The cards are composed of a plastic material similar to active crystal, and are keyed to the individual's biometrics. For particularly secure capabilities, the cards have a PIN number and a password, and a thumbprint scanner. Finally, the cards can be synched to computerized devices, limiting access if the relevant device isn't nearby, instantly reporting transactions and other events to the device, linking the person to the device's GPS location and other applications, and so on. Notably, synching the card to a device, while very convenient and often required to get full functionality out of a lot of applications, also makes a person generally easier to track (the cards don't have GPS, the devices usually do), and of course open up your various targeted ads, which can be helpful or annoying (advertisers being advertisers, usually the latter). A lot of people do it, for added convenience and security, some are paranoid about it and don't, and some take the best of both worlds and have two devices, leaving one unsynched.

Most serious security systems have several failsafes; an ID card swipe, synched device, and independent biometric or retinal scan are not uncommon in corporate security. Dreamtech security options include such advanced technology as brainwave scanners, which can detect threats (Senses 1 [Danger Sense]), or even outright look into a person's mind to make sure they pass (Mind Reading effects). The most popular version is a brainwave scanner that scans for a specific password in the person's thoughts. These are often hidden, used in conjunction with other security measures, so only people who are supposed to have access to a location even know about them, let alone know the password. And the really crafty use these as the foundation for even more elaborate security measures (multiple thought-codes to send secret alerts, combinations of thought-codes and entered passcodes, and so on). The Assembly of Dreams is noted for their top-level security requiring a password telepathically implanted deep into the person's unconscious; the person doesn't consciously know it so it can't reveal it, anyone who does consciously know it triggers an alert, and passing the checkpoint requires the mind to be fully open to the scan, allowing a thorough mental scan.

Space Travel: Aranth has some fairly advanced space travel, sufficient to fully explore their solar system, although no real efforts have been made to colonize other planets (excepting Paradisia with the moon, but even that effort is in its infancy). There are a few individual isolated bases on the moon and other nearby planets, created by powerful Dreamers or Dreamtech scientists, but they're very rare. No alien life has been discovered by the people of Aranth, although given the existence of Dreamers, a notable majority believe it exists (more because "hey, at this point, why not?" than out of any belief of a connection). An abundance of satellites is largely responsible for the world's ubiquitous wireless network capabilities.

Space has - sadly - been weaponized. Most major countries have at least a few military platforms in space - orbital battleships, satellite weapons platforms, and so on. Every so often there is an outright space battle (typically in low orbit, but space nonetheless). Some forms of modern aircraft (including most state-of-the-art military aircraft as this is in many ways their big advantage over flying tanks and such and pretty much all mechs) are designed to be space-capable.

Vehicles: While the common vehicles on Aranth (cars, motorcycles, trucks, etc) haven't developed much in terms of sheer speed or power (largely because such advancements aren't all that necessary) they are vastly more energy-efficient and filled with plenty of cool gizmos. Most of them use Active Crystal for all windows, for more protection, greater range of senses, and more display options. Automated driving is the norm. Safety features are also generally improved, ranging from simply tougher bodies to outright force fields on luxury cars (the latter are even able to pick up and safely carry along pedestrians in the event of a collision).

Flight is available to the masses. Flying cars, jet bikes, and even personal jetpacks are all available on a middle-class budget. All flying vehicles require GPS tracking (and will not fly without it without extensive modification, a DC 25 Technology check, since this is what ensures they stay in their lane). Even if you can pull the Technology check, flying without the GPS is incredibly dangerous, and is a felony. Flying vehicles are relatively new, really got going a couple decades ago, and aren't quite as ubiquitous as cars are on modern-day Earth, but they're getting there. A substantial number of flying vehicles have low-end forcefield Dreamtech that offers additional protection and cushions falls.

Get into the big stuff, and the stops all get pulled out. Tanks are flying, and jets are going into space to maintain the advantage. Teleporter technology is very rare and highly energy-intensive, but present (Hero Corps, in particular, uses it extensively). Commercial space travel? As common and routine as Earth air travel (a space flight can get you pretty much anywhere in the world in two to three hours, tops, and a good portion of that is loading, unloading, takeoff, landing, and such; the actual trip rarely takes more than an hour).

Personal transportation Equipment can include Speed, Swimming, and Leaping (up to rank five and non-arrayed), and any of the following Movement options: Environmental Adaptation, Slithering (I...guess...?), Sure Footed, Swinging, Wall-Crawling, and Water Walking. All other Movement powers have to be taken as Devices to operate on a personal level.

Vehicles, however, can add in Flight and Burrowing.

Weaponry: Most personal weaponry is broadly classified into three grades: Civilian-grade, professional-grade, and military-grade. Civilian-grade weaponry can be purchased as Equipment, can have a rank of up to 4, a cost per rank no more than 2, and a total PP value no more than 10. In practice, most personal defense weapons are only rank 2, 2 PP/rank, Accurate 1, costing one full rank of Equipment to purchase. The more serious civilian-grade weaponry, costing two Equipment ranks, is generally rank 4, 2 PP/rank, Accurate 2 (or Extended Range 2, for those who are personally proficient). Such weapons are typically in the hands of hunters, vigilantes, the wealthy, criminals, and other people who either expect to need or can afford the additional firepower. In general, weapons and offensive powers that cost 2 PP/PL or less would be referred to as "civilian-grade", even when exceeding Rank 4.

Professional-grade weapons are about where most serious real-world weaponry falls on the scale, though perhaps a bit beefier. Professional-grade weaponry can be purchased as Equipment, but requires appropriate licenses. Generally, this means buying some sort of Benefit for it (either a dedicated benefit for a license, or having the license through some other benefit like being a member of law enforcement). Professional-grade weapons can be up to rank 6, and can have a PP value of up to 20. That said, your typical professional-grade weapon is a rank 4, 3 PP/rank weapon, often with some combination of Accurate, Extended Range, Penetrating, or Alternate Effect to make up the remaining points for three ranks of Equipment. But well-trained and equipped professionals might tote rank 5 weapons, or shell out the fourth Equipment rank for a rank 6 weapon with two flat Extras or alternate effects. In general, weapons and offensive powers worth 3 PP/PL tend to be referred to as "professional-grade" even at higher rank.

Military-grade weapons are anything above. They cannot be purchased as Equipment; they have to be taken as Devices, except when part of a vehicle or installation. Military-grade weapons are heavily restricted, but a character who uses them can be assumed to have any necessary licenses as part of the Device cost (a character using military-grade weaponry illegally might take a Complication to reflect this). Military-grade weaponry is generally rated at 4 PP/PL, and they bottom out at rank 5.

For some examples of the more common forms of modern Aranthian weaponry, check out the Armed Civilian, Law Enforcement Officer, Ilessian Regional Guard, Soldier, and SIDE Agent templates.

Most Dreamers with serious combat powers are rated as "professional-grade", three PP/PL. You rarely see Dreamers with "military-grade" powers unless they actually have military-training in using their powers as a weapon (or they're just that powerful...)

[Quellian-dyrae]

The Country of Ilessia

Ilessian Government

The President: The highest-ranking person in the Ilessian Government, the President wields enormous political power, but its power is restricted by the Senate. Once elected, a President serves a single ten-year term unless removed from office by the Senate.

The President's big power comes in the form of executive decrees. The grossly simplified version of this is that the President can pretty much give orders, and they must, by law, be carried out. Refusing a legal order from the President is (with certain exceptions) considered treason. However, the word legal is key there - there are numerous restrictions on what sort of orders the President can actually give and to whom they can be given, most of which are applied by the Senate. Another big restriction on the power of an executive decree is that it must be a positive action. The President has no special legal ability to order someone not to do something (granted, obeying when the President tells you to stop it is good sense, but such orders don't carry legal weight). Naturally, there are some gray areas - the President, for example, couldn't order law enforcement not to imprison someone, but could order them to release someone. The President may also countermand previous executive decrees freely.

While there have occasionally been powerful Dreamer Presidents, it's far from required. For any who worry about their Commander-in-Chief being assaulted or afflicted by various Dreamer powers, they may rest assured that upon entering office the President receives various technological defensive and tactical measures that rival full-scale mecha, allowing the Ilessian President to enter battle as PL 15 threat if need be, to say nothing for various bodyguards, the security of the Presidential Estate and the President's personal vehicles, and of course, the threat of an Ilessian military response against anyone who dares try to attack their Commander-in-Chief with either weapons or powers. Reaching the Presidency in a world of Dreamer powers and superhuman levels of skill is a daunting task, and most Presidents can be assumed to have at least some social and knowledge skills that take full advantage of this Power Level as well.

The current Ilessian President is Mandy Blythe, who in fact is a Dreamer, possessing the power of Compassion Inducement, and ability she oftens wishes it were legal for her to use in her job.

The Delegates: One of the checks on Presidential power comes in the form of the Delegates. The Delegates are the highest-ranking members of the President's staff, each one responsible for a certain broad area of governance. The Delegates are, literally, the people that the President delegates governmental matters to. Delegates can make executive decrees just as the President can, with the following additional restrictions: the decree must be in their field, and the President must authorize them to give the decree. A Delegate only has power to act as granted by the President, who can selectively revoke a Delegate's authority at will.

Many laws that limit the power of the President, rather than preventing a decree outright, only restrict it to being given through a Delegate. This includes most major matters of government. Thus, for the most part, the President tells the Delegates what to do, and they give the actual orders to do it. However, and this is important, Delegates themselves are entirely immune from executive decrees, with one exception: if a majority vote by the Senate confirms the decree, it applies to the Delegate. This means, above all, that they may refuse orders from the President freely - and they are expected to do so if they feel it does not serve the national interest. Delegates also are not mere mouthpieces for the President. The President cannot dictate exact decrees to them, but only authorize them to decree certain things. This means that while they are only empowered to decree the things the President wants, they can choose the wording of the decree, and use their own interpretation of the President's orders.

Delegates are appointed by the President, but once appointed, can only be removed from power by a Senate-confirmed decree from the President. The President then appoints a new Delegate at its own discretion. If a replacement has not been chosen when the original Delegate is removed from office, the Senate selects one of its number to act as a temporary Delegate in the interim. By tradition but not by law, Presidential candidates name their delegates during the election process, and voters typically take them into account when casting their vote.

In practice, the President generally works closely with the Delegates to determine decrees so there is no conflict, with any issues hashed out beforehand. The Delegates serve primarily as an organizational tool. However, having both the power to interpret and even prevent the President's actions in their fields, and being the President's primary source for information in their fields, they each wield great political power.

The Delegates are not the President's personal staff, who assist the President in more day-to-day matters such as scheduling events and meetings, running communications with the press (and keeping the President abreast of news and such), making sure the President doesn't forget to eat and sleep, and so on.

While replacing Delegates is, in theory, much easier than replacing Senators and the President, actually finding one that is sufficiently knowledgeable in its field and that the President can trust and work well with isn't always the easiest task, and the loss of a Delegate can temporarily bind the President's power in important ways. As such, Delegates are furnished with sufficient technology to enter combat at PL 12. While Delegates do not run for office directly, they are usually selected for their social savvy and knowledge in their fields, and can be expected to meet PL 12 standards in relevant areas.

The Delegate of Economy: Responsible for all matters involving domestic use and acquisition of finances. Any actual expenditures of taxpayer money, or governmental actions that affect Ilessian business interests, are in the purview of the Delegate of Economy.

The Delegate of Environment: Responsible for matters involving the Ilessian environment. Maintaining national parks and protected wilderness areas, approving urbanization of land, implementing regulations regarding polution and waste, and combatting natural disasters, for example.

The Delegate of Infrastructure: Responsible for matters involving public works and infrastructure. Electricity, water, sewage, roads, rails, the internet, and so on.

The Delegate of Justice: Responsible for matters involving civil and criminal law and the enforcement thereof. Pretty much everything in the Ilessian Law Enforcement section.

The Delegate of Knowledge: Responsible for matters involving Ilessian knowledge. Education at all levels, maintaining libraries and museums, funding or otherwise incentivising scientific projects, and the like. Notably, Ilessian intelligence agencies are under the purview of the Delegate of Knowledge not the Delegate of War.

The Delegate of Law: Responsible for matters involving the creation of law, primarily by serving as the President's main point of contact with the Senate.

The Delegate of State: Responsible for general diplomatic interactions with other countries - specifically, those that don't involve war or trade.

The Delegate of Public Safety: Responsible for matters involving protection of the public from things other than people. So, EMTs, hospitals, firefighters, and even the ACC all fall under this Delegate.

The Delegate of Trade: Responsible for trade with other countries.

The Delegate of War: Responsible for all matters of war and defense of the country.

The Senate: The Senate is made up of 100 people, who serve five-year terms, but can serve as many terms as they can get elected for. They are responsible for determining what is law in Ilessia. Strictly speaking, the big divide between the powers of the President and the powers of the Senate is that the President tells people what to do, while the Senate tells people - up to and including the President - what they may not do. Where the President makes positive decrees, the Senate makes negative laws. The Senate generally meets for three days every two weeks, spending two days in formal discussion about current items on the agenda and possible new items to add to the agenda, and the last day voting and formally proposing new items, which are then deliberated on during the off time. This schedule can be altered in cases where emergency action is called for, or an especially large agenda requires additional time be added.

As a simple example, say that Ilessia has a billion credits in tax money that they want to use. The President is the one who actually says, "fund this, buy that" and so on, almost always through the Delegates. But the Senate writes laws saying, for example, "The President cannot spend more than 10,000,000 credits per year except through Delegates", "The President cannot spend more than 250,000,000 credits per year on military expenditures", "The President cannot send any Ilessian money to the Empire of Haptarus", "The President may not order citizens to spend money on its behalf, except through taxes, which cannot exceed..." and so on.

While Senators do not have the same broad immunity to executive decrees that Delegates do, there are Constitutional protections for the Senate against decrees that would allow the President to influence their jobs.

In general, a law simply requires a majority vote to pass. In the event of a tie, the Vice President casts the deciding vote. The Delegate of the field relevant to the Law, however, has a limited veto power (the President itself does not have veto power). If the law was not passed by at least a 67% majority, it is subject to veto. A law passed with 67% or more of the Senate vote is immune from veto.

The Senate may also vote the President out of office, but this requires a 75% majority vote. The Senate can "vote down" executive decrees, in essence passing a law against that decree directly. With a majority vote, the decree is robbed of legal power in the future. With a 67% majority, the decree is retroactively negated, removing any legal consequences from people who might have originally refused it.

The Senate may change or remove laws as well. The revision or removal of laws may be proposed by any Senator, with a standard majority required to amend the law, but a 67% majority required to remove or extensively change it. However, at every Senate meeting, a small number of laws are automatically brought up for review. These laws can be stricken or changed with a normal majority.

Senate votes may only be cast at the Hall of the Senate (colloquially "the Hall"), which includes numerous safeguards to detect and prevent undue influence upon how a Senator votes (such as mind-manipulating, illusory, or shape-shifting powers), as well as robust physical defenses. Senators are provided with sufficient personal defense technology to operate at PL 10 in combat, and generally have the skills and experience to do so in more political realms as well.

City Government: The highest level of city government is largely the same as federal on a smaller scale. The city has a Mayor, who has the power of executive decree within its city (but Mayoral decrees cannot run opposed to Presidential decrees), and a Council, who are basically equivalent to the mayor's Delegates, except Councilors are elected rather than appointed. Mayors serve for five-year terms and can serve up to four terms. Councilors can serve any number of terms, but each term lasts only two years. Individual cities do not have their own equivalents to Senates; generally speaking, all Ilessian cities are subject to the same laws. However, it is entirely possible for the Senate to create laws specific to individual cities. By tradition but not by law, only Senators from (that is, elected to a district within) a given city may propose laws specific to their city, so a city's Senators also wield impressive local power.

After accounting for defensive tech, Mayors can generally be assumed to operate at PL 10, barring any superior personal powers, and Councilors are generally PL 8.

The Ilessian Constitution: The Constitution is a document that describes the powers of the government. It establishes the roles of the President, Delegates, Senate, Mayors, and Councils, describes the absolute limits of what they're capable of, and determines certain basic limits of their powers. Take it as a given that any blatantly obvious government-breaking uber-loophole that would make the entire system go crashing down into the fires of anarchy or dictatorship (like executive decrees on who to vote for or other such nonsense) are covered up somewhere in the Constitution.

The Constitution is also a living document. The Senate can propose changes or amendments to the Constitution as with normal laws. If a Senate majority approves, the President must then decree that the people can vote on it. From there, the change is passed only if a nation-wide popular vote approves it with a 60% majority. However, the Constitution can only declare and restrict powers of the government. It has no basis in itself in national law.

Elections: Elections in Ilessia are always by popular vote, with whichever candidate receives the most votes getting elected. Naturally, who actually gets to vote varies. Every citizen in the country may vote for the President, and every citizen of a given city can vote for that city's Mayor and Councilors. There are 100 Senate districts in the country, and any citizens living in those districts vote for that district's Senator.

Elections are held at the same time period as terms last for (President every ten years, Mayor every five years, etc). Senatorial elections are staggered so that each year, a fifth of the districts are holding elections.

Political Parties: There are five major political parties in Ilessia. Every President since they were established has been a member of one of these five parties, and most Senators, Mayors, and Councilors have as well, but occasionally an independent can squeak out a win in those fields. Broadly speaking, the big thing that separates the parties is their emphasis on which fields of government - that is, which Delegates - are the most important. The different parties are generally favored in different regions and by different major organization, but such favoritism, while statistically noticeable, isn't completely pervasive. There's generally plenty of competition among the parties throughout cities and organizations.

The Leaders: Most Important: Economy, State. Least Important: Law, War. Favored In: Arbera. Favored By: The Assembly of Dreams.
The Leaders encourage Ilessia's progress as a strong nation and world leader, a major player in the global community. They emphasize economic growth and strong diplomatic relations with out countries, and generally favor fewer legal restrictions (allowing more government-funded projects and freer trade) and strongly oppose war with other nations.

The Preservers: Most Important: Environment, Law. Least Important: State, Trade. Favored In: Estruan. Favored By: The Children of Paradise.
The Preservers are a more conservative party that emphasizes general comfort, health, and stability of Ilessian people. They favor more legal restrictions on government and protections in place to ensure long-term stability, which also includes a far-sighted view of environmental protections. They are much more focused on domestic matters than interactions with other countries.

The Builders: Most Important: Infrastructure, Justice. Least Important: Economy, Environment. Favored In: Lastelle. Favored By: SIDE.
The Builders are all about creating a better, more efficient society. They have a heavy emphasis on public works and crime reduction, in particular focusing on making sure kids have the resources they need to find fulfilling careers and avoid falling in with gangs and street crime. They have taken some licks on environmental matters, as they don't have all that many qualms about sacrificing the environment for efficient infrastructure. If anything, they prefer wealth be more spread out so everyone gets a chance at good education and a good career, so they often oppose big business interests and honestly are not fans of how many Ilessian citizens work at energy farms.

The Defenders: Most Important: Knowledge, War. Least Important: Public Safety, Infrastructure. Favored In: Adaros. Favored By: IDEA.
The Defenders are all about the protection of Ilessia from external threats, through a combination of superior military intelligence, power, and technology. They strongly lobby for sending more forces into Indelar to end the threat of Haptarus before it becomes a global one. They support technological innovation, particularly in military matters, and have caught quite a bit of flak for supporting such innovation even despite risks. In the political arena, it's often said that for every IDEA experiment gone wrong, there's a Defender writing the check that funds it.

The Neighbors: Most Important: Public Safety, Trade. Least Important: Justice, Knowledge. Favored In: Verdania. Favored By: The Reclaimers.
The Neighbors focus on public welfare, ideally with minimal costs on the people. They support extensive trade to both create peaceful connections with other countries and bring in income to provide free or cheap resources for public safety, and to take advantage of research and technology pioneered by other countries. They aren't huge fans of the Ilessian justice system as it stands, and lobby extensively for reforms that emphasize rehabilitation over incarceration.

Dreamers and Government: Dreamers are free to take part in Ilessian government, and have no special restrictions in doing so. Naturally, using Dreamer powers to influence governmental procedure, in addition to being quite difficult (most government buildings have specialized nullifiers to prevent things like mind control, mind reading, shape changing, and so on), is hideously illegal. That said, many Dreamers use their powers as a selling point in their campaigns - there's a Senator with a high level of Mental Quickness who ran on a platform of personally reviewing and responding to all communications from people in his district, for example, and while President Blythe can't actually legally use her Compassion Inducement powers in matters of government, it sure sounded good to voters that their leader's power was all about making people nicer.

Ilessian Military

The Army: The Army is the largest of the three main Forces of the Ilessian military, and the most active currently. It consists primarily of ground forces, although the Army does use flying vehicles for transport. The Army in its modern incarnation is meant as a defensive Force more than an offensive one, intended primarily to neutralize threats against Ilessian territories and interests. They specialize in securing and holding terrain, and emphasize teamwork and defensive tactics. The "ground force" of well-trained, well-equipped soldiers (PL 5) are backed up by four armored divisions - the Light Infantry (soldiers in suits of lighter, faster powered armor; PL 8), the Heavy Infantry (soldiers in heavier, more expensive powered armor; PL 10), the Light Cavalry (PL 10 Aerial Combat Vehicles), and the Heavy Cavalry (PL 12 Hovertanks). The Army makes extensive use of artillery emplacements (Movable Installations that have high-range, high-point-value offensive powers, typically at PL 12) to secure territory and neutralize foes before they become a threat. The most powerful weapons in the Army's arsenal are mecha - enormous humanoid robots piloted by some of the best fighters in the Army. Mecha are designed with cutting-edge neural link technology, allowing the pilot to move in them as fluidly as in their own bodies, allowing all their skill and natural physical prowess to translate - at a vastly augmented scale - to the mech. More importantly, the humanoid form allows the mech to conduct energy in the same way as the human body does, which combined with the linking technology allows the pilot's Spiritual Energy to help power and further augment the mech - which, among other things, means a Dreamer mecha pilot can channel its powers through the mech, augmenting them thereby.

While much of the Army is on passive duty in Ilessia, guarding military bases, the border with Limbra, and so on, a sizable chunk is on active duty in Indelar, helping to defend the borders of the various Indelan nations from Haptarus.

The Navy: While they may not be the fastest means of transport, even in the modern age, ships are one of the most cost-effective means of transporting goods in bulk. The Ilessian Navy defends Ilessian waters, and Ilessian ships in international waters, serving as a powerful deterrent to pirates. Naturally, there are strict international laws against military ships entering another country's waters, so trade ships have to leave their naval protection behind when they do so. Just as naturally, the Ilessian Navy has outfitted their ships with sufficiently powerful weaponry to wage an effective battle from well outside that radius.

The Navy is in some ways both the strongest and the weakest of the three Forces. Ilessia has never had anything more than minor skirmishes with most of the nations that the Navy would primarily defend them from (if war were to break out again between Ilessia and Limbra, the Army would be far more important to it, and Haptarus being in the center of Indelar, is largely beyond the Navy's range of engagement). As a result, when money gets cut from the military, the Navy is usually more adversely affected.

That being said, the Navy has some of the most powerful weaponry in the entirely military. Naval sailors are generally trained more for shipboard operations than combat, and not as personally well equipped as their Army counterparts (PL 4). They make up for it, however, as ships can easily fit what are normally artillery emplacements as primary weapons, giving them extreme offensive range and power. The main classes of Navy ships are Cutters (PL 8), Destroyers (PL 10), Battleships (PL 12), and Carriers (PL 15).

But the most devastating weapon in the Navy's arsenal - and, for that matter, the Ilessian military as a whole - is the nuclear missile. How do you build a nuke mechanically. Take a PL 15 character. Spend every point it's got on Equipment. Spend every EP on a single rank 15 attack with a huge range, huge area, and generally a Linked effect or two. And do not so much as glance in the direction of the Selective Extra.

The Air Force: If the Army is the most "defensive" of the three Forces, the Air Force is the most "offensive". While the Army and Navy have planes and flying vehicles as well, the Air Force has the best and the most. The Air Force plays only a minor role in the war in Indelar, flying occasional combat or bombing runs against Haptaran targets when necessary to support the Army, but so far the Ilessian military is hesitant to commit to an outright offensive war against the Empire.

Like sailors, most Air Force pilots have less training and gear for personal combat than Army soldiers (PL 4), but that hardly matters when they're usually flying war planes. Most war planes count as PL 12 threats, although different ones have different specialties. The Air Force is also the only military branch that goes into space regularly, and they are capable of engaging in an orbital battle with their starfighters.

The Air Force's Big Gun is the Kill Sat, a satellite armed with devastating orbital bombardment weaponry. Although it does have kinetic impact weapon capable of causing wide-area devastation, Kill Sats generally rely on extremely high-powered energy discharge weapons that affect a relatively focused area. They're generally used to obliterate a building and everyone in it. Kill Sats operate at PL 15, but most of their attacks are Rank 20 Targeted Area effects - and being up in orbit, they usually have no qualms about All Out Attacking.

Special Forces: Special Forces are always tied to one of the three main Forces. They're elite units that tend to run missions where a small, well-trained squad would be more effective or appropriate than a major military assault. Your typical Special Forces operative is a PL 6-7 badass by virtue of skill and gear alone - but they can rank quite a bit higher with the addition of accumulated experience, powered armor, cutting-edge weaponry, or Dreamer powers. Some well-known Special Forces operations include:

OUT-SIDE: The military arm of SIDE is officially a Special Forces division tied to the Army. OUT-SIDE is the largest Special Forces division, but their size doesn't restrict their skill - their soldiers operate at PL 8 at the minimum, and some OUT-SIDE soldiers have been known to push to PL 10 on skill alone. They also have access to PL 10 and PL 12 suits of powered armor. OUT-SIDE specializes in dealing with situations involving enemy Dreamers, and are well-equipped to detect and disable Dreamer threats.

Dream Teams: The military has a few "Dream Teams" spread throughout the Forces; small groups of generally 4-6 Dreamers, typically at PL 10, with extensive military training and synergistic powers. A lot of Dream Team operatives are actually kinda "weak" in terms of raw Dreamer power - it's their training, tactics, and, above all, teamwork more than their personal power that makes them deadly.

Armored Division Elite (ADE): An Army Special Forces team consisting of some of the finest power-armored soldiers in the country, equipped with top-of-the-line, absolutely bleeding-edge powered armor (PL 12). ADE is sent in when both extreme power and extreme precision are required, but subtlety is not an issue.

The Wetworks: A Navy Special Forces team, the Wetworks are all about stealth. Trained and equipped for amphibious infiltration, they are typically used to swiftly and silently take over enemy ships, but have also been used in the past for purposes of spying and assassination. They travel light, but their stealth suits and weaponry use cutting-edge tech that lets them operate at PL 10. They are also known to be masters of stealth, to the point that they have been known to slip by even high-tech cameras and Dreamer powers. The government of Ilessia cannot confirm or deny that they have successfully infiltrated Paradisia.

Alpha Storm: An Air Force Special Forces team, and widely agreed to be the most overconfident, arrogant, over-the-top, glory-hounding group in the entire military. Their motto is "Strike like lightning", and to be entirely fair, that is absolutely what they do. Equipped with cutting-edge suits of light powered armor (PL 10) designed to withstand high-velocity impacts and built for extreme speed, their primary strategy is to take a space flight way, way over their target, and drop on them with all the speed that gravity and their own thrusters will allow (this means of deployment serves an important purposes - by coming in at speed from space, they cross borders from out of range of most border defense systems). Their impacts can smash through fortifications, kill single targets, and cause weak shockwaves that can stun those nearby. From there, they proceed to wage a rapid assault to neutralize threats, achieve their mission parameters, and get gone at speed. They boast that they usually complete their mission before the sonic boom of their arrival reaches the ground.

Spies: Spies are military assets, but the operate outside of military command structure (even up to the Delegate level - they answer to the Delegate of Knowledge rather than the Delegate of War). Ilessian spies work in the Ilessian Intelligence Network. Many spies are simply watchers and analysis with only limited combat training and eschewing military technology (as it tends to draw attention), and operate as low as PL 2. However, there are plenty of elite spies out there, including former Special Forces operatives, who can act at a much higher PL. IN-SIDE operates as part of the IIN, and as with IN-SIDE's role in the rest of SIDE, the IIN is responsible for internal affairs and investigations of law enforcement, government, and military personnel.

Military Regulations: By law, the military is largely prohibited from acting against Ilessian citizens. That is to say, they can't serve in a law enforcement, crowd control, or similar capacity where they would be dealing primarily with Ilessians. They are empowered to defend Ilessia against foreign attack, up to and including defending individual Ilessian citizens from individual foreign agents. They are free to secure their bases and other holdings even against Ilessians, and may use lethal force if necessary to ensure their security. Finally, taking a cue from Hero Corps, the military is legally allowed to respond to attacks upon government officials, or the families of government, law enforcement, or military personnel, even when the attack was initiated by Ilessian citizens.

SIDE's Role in the Military: OUT-SIDE is a special forces team attached to the Army, and IN-SIDE is part of the IIN. Both factions serve as dedicated groups for dealing with Dreamers and Dreamer-related matters in their respective fields. OUT-SIDE, for example, is equipped with Dreamer detection and neutralization technology in addition to standard military gear, and trained to combat enemy military Dreamers. It's important to bear in mind that SIDE is only a small part of the military; OUT-SIDE makes up maybe 5% of all special forces units, and well less than 1% of the total Ilessian military. IN-SIDE accounts for maybe 2% of the IIN.

Dreamers and the Military: Ilessia eagerly welcomes any Dreamers who wish to serve in a military capacity, but do not require such service from their Dreamers. There are several incentives, but Dreamers make up only a small portion of Ilessia's military, as relatively few wish to take on the risk, and most can get far better benefits in the private sector. Even then, most of the Dreamers in the military are considered reservists - they are willing to be called in by the military for certain tasks, but don't work for it full-time. The Ilessian military is very good at teaching their Dreamers to get the most out of their powers; the majority of Ilessian military Dreamers don't have amazing raw power, but with training and tactics, are able to use what they have to very impressive effect.

Dreamers vs. the Military: In a lot of superhero worlds, the superheroes are the big guns and the military is lucky to be even vaguely relevant. This is not the case on Aranth. While your average soldier is no match for a Hero-level Dreamer, a soldier in modern powered armor, or a well-piloted ACV, could give one a fair fight. Even experienced Heroes and other Dreamers of power would find a hovertank, fighter jet, or naval destroyer to be a credible challenge, as they would the cutting-edge powered armor that some high-ranking officers use when they take to the front lines. Even the most powerful Dreamers should think carefully before battling something like a mech or carrier in open combat.

It's also worth noting that even among combat-capable Dreamers, many of them have combat powers equivalent to professional-grade weaponry (roughly 3 PP/PL). Most military-grade weapons clock in at 4 PP/PL.

This is not to say that in any matchup of Dreamer vs. Military, the Dreamer loses. Dreamers in particular have access to specialized capabilities that the military can't easily emulate. The military also needs time to gear up and send orders down the chain of command, and of course, is subject to legal prohibitions restricting what sort of battles they can involve themselves in. However, in terms of open combat, the military has no problem whatsoever keeping up with - and often exceeding - the fighting power of Dreamers.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Ilessian Law Enforcement

Local Police: Local police are the backbone of Ilessian law enforcement. Police offers are employed by individual cities, and have jurisdiction throughout their city. Outside of their own cities, police have roughly the same level of legal authority as members of Hero Corps. Police are not primarily combat units. They're trained to defend themselves and others, of course, and your average police officer is more than a match for your average punk criminal, but their role is primarily investigation, apprehension, and general public safety. Most police officers are PL 3, with "professional grade" weapons (generally valued at 3 PP/rank, compared to the typical 4/rank of military-grade weapons or 2/rank of civilian-grade weapons).

Regional Guards: The Ilessian Guard occupies a special niche in the law enforcement arena. The Guard is employed by the Big Five cities, and have jurisdiction throughout their region. They primarily work cases that go between cities in their region, but tend to serve more as coordinators than lead investigators, ensuring that the police of all cities involved are sharing information, smoothing over jurisdictional issues, and so on. They also serve as mediators between the local police and the national Watch, or other governmental agencies, such as SIDE or the IIN. The Guard have a reputation for calm, unshakable patience. They are quite adept at mediating between various law enforcement branches, and are sometimes called in to coax information from reticent suspects or witnesses.

Aside from their role as mediators, though, the Guard is the primary combat arm of Ilessian law enforcement, fulfilling roles largely similar to state militias, the National Guard, and SWAT. The Guard as an organization doesn't have the same resources as any branch of the military, but individual guards are as well-trained and well-equipped as any soldier (PL 5, military-grade weapons). The Guard favors nonlethal weaponry, but they have access to lethal weapons when they are required. They also have access to light ACVs and light suits of powered armor, both of which they can field as PL 8 threats. When law enforcement needs to deal with well-armed criminals, hostage situations, and the like, they call in the Guard - who, conveniently, also have the psychological training to sometimes talk such threats down without resorting to violence.

The National Watch: Federal crimes are investigated by the National Watch, whose jurisdiction extends throughout Ilessia. They're basically the Ilessian equivalent of the USA's FBI. There is some tension between the National Watch and local police, but the Regional Guards are usually able to keep things running smoothly. It's worth noting that the National Watch are, in general, not big fans of Hero Corps, Registered Independents, the Sentinel Project, or other operations where civilians take on a law enforcement role. Such individuals should expect bureaucratic impediment when their activities cause them to cross paths with the Watch.

Like the police, the Watch is not primarily a combat arm, turning to the Guard when serious fighting power is required. That said, they have a federal budget, so they have somewhat better tech and training than most police (PL 4, professional-grade weaponry).

Ilessian Courts: The courts in Ilessia are purely a law enforcement organization, with no role in the creation of laws. Ilessia does not use a Common Law system - judges are empowered to interpret the law where it may be unclear, and may use their own sense to determine whether the facts of a case fit a certain law, but the rulings of one judge have no direct influence on the rulings of another or the legal system as a whole. However, especially in major cases, a judge's interpretation may inspire the Senate to clarify or revise a law.

Many civil and criminal cases are settled out of court through negotiations among lawyers, although a judge has to sign off on the settlement. Outside of settlements, civil trials are always argued before a single judge, as are minor criminal trials (misdemeanors, pretty much). For major criminal cases, the defendant may choose one of three options: a bench trial (single judge), a tribunal trial (three judges, majority decision required), or a jury trial (ten random people, unanimous decision required to convict, majority to acquit). If a given trial does not result in a decision, a different structure is used for the next trial (if you get a hung jury, for example, the retrial is either bench or tribunal). If all three structures go through without a solid decision - which is very rare - the case is ended as an acquittal.

Criminal cases are prosecuted either locally (city-scale) or federally (nation-scale). There aren't region-scale cases. Small towns and villages usually have individual judges for civil and minor criminal cases, but major criminal cases are prosecuted at the nearest large city, to allow for a broader roster of judges. Generally speaking, only experienced judges with proven records are allowed to sit major bench trials, to minimize the possibility of corruption or human error.

In general, a bench case is what you want when you want a single, highly experienced, intelligent legal professional looking over the facts and making a decision. Bench cases weigh extremely heavily on a judge's professional record, so there is extreme pressure to make sure they get it right. Bench judges tend to be difficult to manipulate and highly resistant to tactics of social influence. That being said, it means putting your fate into a single person's hands. The most experienced lawyers, capable of making their own unbiased review of the case, will generally suggest a bench trial when they are 100% convinced that their client is innocent. Less experienced lawyers...are more wary about it. Oftentimes, opting for a bench trial can lead to a settlement, as putting everything in the hands of a single, experienced judge is generally taken as a sign of high confidence. Naturally, no system is 100% perfect, and lawyers advise avoiding a bench trial if any of the bench judges in the area have a reputation for corruption or (more likely) being especially hard on certain types of defendants or cases. For example, a good lawyer would advise against a bench case for a Dreamer client if any of the judges in the area have strong Reclaimer leanings. There may be only a one-in-ten shot of actually getting that judge, and even then, the seriousness of a bench trial may outweigh the judge's personal feelings 99% of the time, but that one-in-a-thousand chance of it going wrong isn't worth it.

Tribunal trials tend to be favored by defendants who want to prove a point. Getting two out of three qualified judges to agree with you can be huge, especially for someone who has already been raked across the coals in the court of public opinion. And of course, a unanimous verdict from a tribunal can carry huge weight. Tribunals are also widely considered the most precise form of trial - the judges will deliberate among themselves before rendering a verdict, so they each cover any blind spots the others might have, but they're all experienced professionals who know the law thoroughly and aren't going to be easily manipulated. Less experienced lawyers will often favor tribunals over juries when up against more skilled attorneys, since sheer eloquence is less of a factor than simply being right.

Jury trials are generally considered the least precise from a legal standpoint - after all, juries are random people, not trained professionals. They tend to be the most prone to being decided on the sheer charisma of the lawyers and witnesses, or how sympathetic the defendant or victims are. They are also usually the longest form of trial, because jurors are heartily encouraged to ask their own questions (although lawyers may, of course, object to any juror question that is not relevant to the case). That being said, they make it very hard for a defendant to be wrongfully convicted. When the facts of the case might give you trouble but you have a slick attorney and a handful of well-spoken experts in your pocket, a jury trial is hard to beat for purposes of maximizing your change of an acquittal. That being said, ten people mean ten places for ideas and realizations to come from. Juries have more game than they sometimes get credit for.

Criminal cases are judged in three areas - on the facts, on the merits, and on the law. Acquittal in any area results in an acquittal, although it's possible for one area (typically merits) to mitigate a conviction - the defendant is convicted, but generally receives lighter sentencing due to mitigating circumstances.

The facts are the hard facts of the case, in short "did this person commit this crime". A conviction by the facts is the most important area of the case, and is always potentially subject to review. Double Jeopardy exists, but only applies to people convicted on the facts but acquitted on the law and/or the merits (basically, they can't be tried again if the law changes, if someone made a legal error, or by different people who might take a different view of the case). If a defendant is acquitted on the facts, and new evidence is brought to light indicating they did in fact commit the crime, they can be retried. However, a retrial must first unanimously pass a tribunal confirming that the new evidence is even sufficient to allow retrial, before the actual trial even has a chance to take place, so it's not the easiest thing. Likewise, if new facts are brought to light exonerating a person, they are rapidly cleared of prior charges and released. This sort of thing can be absolutely devastating to the careers of investigators, attorneys, and judges involved - convicting the wrong person of a crime is pretty much the biggest legal failure there is.

The merits are the circumstances of the case. Generally speaking, merits are going to modify a conviction on the facts, leading to reduced (or sometimes, more severe) punishments. However, it is possible to be convicted on the facts but acquitted on the merits. Judges tend to be unlikely to entirely acquit on merits (but it can happen), but juries do so often enough, especially for very sympathetic defendants. It's worth noting that unless there's a strong reason like self defense, being convicted on the facts but acquitted on the merits can still be socially debilitating, carrying a stigma of being guilty of the crime, but having gotten away with it by putting on a good show. This is doubly true for jury trials.

The law is about, well, whether or not the action being prosecuted is actually against the law. Ideally, this means areas like self-defense, or other areas where the law provides clear-cut situations where what is ordinarily a crime is allowed. By and large, the Senate tries to keep the law up to date, relatively easy to parse, and relatively free of loopholes - but no system is perfect, and in some cases where the law doesn't quite fit, an acquittal by the law may occur when even the facts and the merits of the case would convict. Outside of the clear-cut by-the-law situations, most acquittals by the law come from judge interpretations of a vague or tangential law.

Importantly, the law enforcement process generally does not influence prosecution. Violations of rights do not result in evidence being deemed inadmissible, so long as the evidence itself is trustworthy (a coerced confession will be thrown out, for example). However, these violations are, themselves, major crimes. Law enforcement officials who resort to illegal searches, invasions of privacy, torture, coercion, and so on may count themselves lucky if all they lose is their jobs (especially if it turns out the person whose rights they were violating were actually innocent - a cowboy cop might get away with it for a time if they keep bringing in really, really nasty bad guys, but once they violate the rights of a more sympathetic criminal or an actual innocent, they are in for a whole heap of trouble). These sorts of activities are regarded by law enforcement as a whole as equivalent to things like jury tampering, witness intimidation or killing, and so on - all of which are extremely thoroughly investigated and come with severe sentences. If a key witness dies before they can testify, you can bet that it will strongly negatively influence the defendant's case unless they can prove they truly had nothing to do with it.

This feeds into the salient goal of the Ilessian justice system - its purpose is to get to the truth so the laws can be fairly and correctly applied. The system does err on the side of acquittal, because punishing the innocent is considered far worse than letting the guilty go (which is why the defendant gets to choose the trial structure, and why jury trials are largely defense-favorable), but the system is designed at its core to find the truth. This influences several key aspects of the system, a big one being, the assumption is not innocent until proven guilty. The assumption is, "we have no assumption, but we are going to find out".

This also influences the role lawyers play in the system. Attorney-client privilege does not apply towards the courts. What you tell a lawyer, the lawyer cannot reveal to the press, to business rivals, etc. But they are legally required to divulge information they learn that is relevant to getting to the truth. An attorney who knows or believes their client to be guilty is not expected to try and trick the courts into getting them off - and lawyers lose a lot of professional respect if it's found that they are doing so. Defendants have the right to not self-incriminate of course, and defense attorneys are generally supposed to take their clients at their word (it's their job to be on the lookout for the information that can exonerate them, even when the prosecution's case seems ironclad), but if it's obvious that the client is guilty, the defense attorney's job becomes advising them to come clean and assisting them in getting a fair deal for doing so.

Similarly, court cases, while not the fastest things in the world, are reasonably efficient. An army of lawyers with an unlimited budget can't bury their opponents in motions. Opposing counsel, judges, and jurors are all entitled to tell them to get to their point in a timely manner. Most lawyers, in fact, have fairly reasonable rates, and while having a lawyer is strongly advised, it's more for their experience and debating skill than because they're necessary to navigate the legal system. In fact, most lawyers have fairly reasonable rates, and your average Ilessian court case is based largely on the facts, influenced a bit by attorney charisma and so on.

However, for those with the money or the connections, it is extremely possible to operate outside the system to gain an advantage. The Assembly of Dreams in particular are quiet masters of exploiting these options. The main ways of doing this are:

Expensive Lawyers: There are some lawyers out there who "go beyond the call of duty" as they like to put it. The best of them are simply very, very good at what they do - they are smart, they are slick, they have very high social skills, and they will have a jury eating out of their hands, manipulate opposing counsel into accepting advantageous settlements or simply making mistakes, and may even have enough savvy to sway the opinions of a judge. The worst of them will exploit every dirty trick in the book to get their client off, including withholding information or lying outright to the court, caring for wealth and reputation for victory over professional status. The worst of the worst are both, combining a willingness to break the rules with sufficient social acumen to avoid getting caught.

Media Campaigns: A well-run media campaign can influence a trial, pushing jurors in a certain direction, smearing opposing witnesses or counsel, and so on. It's expensive, and not completely reliable (there are safeguards like jury sequestering in play to help prevent these things), but it can work.

Working the Government: With enough wealth and influence, it's possible to lobby the Senate to pass an advantageous law, if one can conceal one's intentions. Likewise, in local cases, a mayoral pardon can sometimes be acquired with enough money or the right words spoken in the right ears.

Bribery: Naturally, bribery is severely prosecuted when discovered...but first it has to be discovered. Some prosecutors may be incorruptible, but there are plenty out there who can be convinced to make a favorable settlement for the right price.

Hero Corps' Role in Law Enforcement: Hero Corps is not a law enforcement organization - they are an emergency team, a group dedicated to first-response intervention in dangerous situations. They do have certain legal protections, and in many cases, law enforcement officials happily accept their help. But they have no law enforcement authority in and of themselves - their role is ending dangerous situations, not arresting criminals or investigating crimes. Some Heroes, especially in areas where Heroes are not on as friendly terms with law enforcement (or when they step on the toes of the National Watch) can get into fairly serious hot water if they cross the line between responding to danger, and trying to hunt down criminals.

Heroes tend to cluster around PL 10 (figure roughly half of all Heroes are PL 10, and the overwhelming majority of the rest range from PL 8 to 12). Most Heroes have combat powers equivalent to professional-grade weaponry. The real strength of Hero Corps, though, is not in its numbers, or its raw fighting power - it's in its members diversity, their speed of response, and above all, their will and proven ability to overcome even seemingly overwhelming odds.

SIDE's Role in Law Enforcement: FIRE-SIDE is the primary law-enforcement arm of SIDE. They aren't the primary law enforcement body of Ilessia by any means. On average, there's maybe one SIDE agent per hundred police officers - much like how Dreamers make up roughly one percent of the population. They deal with Dreamer-related crimes. If Dreamers aren't involved, neither is SIDE.

SIDE deals with Dreamer-related crimes, and that means elite training, top of the line weaponry, and a strong tactical acumen. SIDE has to be able to deal with people with superhuman powers, which means that even though law enforcement is their main deal, they have to be beyond competent in a fight. SIDE is also all about overwhelming force. Typical SIDE units are as follows:

SIDE Patrol Team: Four SIDE agents equipped with cutting-edge weapons and armor (PL 6 each). As the name implies, typical units on active patrol, guard, and recon duty. Typically sent out to apprehend low-powered or non-combat Dreamers (generally PL 6 or less; SIDE doesn't like to play fair). SIDE agents can all be expected to have fully PL-appropriate stats, personal power nullifiers, access to military-grade weapons, and access to Analytical Detect (Dreamer Powers) technology - meaning they'll know a target's exact powers on sight. If they know what they're up against and have time to prepare, there is a very high chance that they can get access to technology that is particularly effective against their target.

SIDE Assault Team: Six SIDE agents, led by a single captain in modern suits of military-grade powered armor (PL 10). This is the typical force that SIDE sends out to handle something remotely serious; small groups of weaker Dreamers, or individual Dreamers up to PL 10. The suits have a modular design, so specialized weapons or devices appropriate to a specific target may also be incorporated if they have time to prepare and foreknowledge of their foe.

SIDE Combat Unit: Two teams of four agents each, with each team led by a power-armored captain. Each team travels in an ACV (Aerial Combat Vehicle); flying cars with heavy armor and weapons, high speed (Flight 6; 120 MPH), and excellent maneuverability. They serve as armored platforms for the agents, rapid transport, and can engage super-powered threats as PL 10 combatants in their own right. In many cases, the vehicles are driven by Dreamers with some sort of tactical or support power (typically PL 6-8). This is what groups of Dreamers, or high-powered Dreamers (PL 10+) can expect if SIDE is making a dedicated effort to bring them in.

SIDE Battle Squadron: Four to six full Combat Units, backed by one to four Dreamers with various combat, tactical, or support powers (PL typically 8-10, rarely 11-12), and led by a lieutenant in cutting-edge Dreamtech powered armor (PL 12). Resources of this level are generally only available in major cities (i.e. one of the Big Five), and are rolled out for large-scale threats.

The Sentinel Project's Role in Law Enforcement: The Sentinel Project is really just a neighborhood watch organization on steroids. That being said, they're pretty good at what they do, and extremely determined. Your average Sentinel is PL 4, and has access to professional-grade weaponry, although elites with higher-tech gear can hit PL 6. Some Sentinels are lucky enough to have old-model powered armor (PL 8). They really shouldn't, but it is possible for some Sentinel groups to get their hands on military-grade weaponry, or possibly even more modern suits of powered armor (PL 10), but these are rare.

Dreamers and Law Enforcement: Dreamers are just as eagerly accepted into law enforcement as the military - although granted, more on the combative end. Investigative Dreamer powers are...tricky to work with. Heavy Reclaimer lobbying has left many easy case-solving powers, such as mind-reading, mind control, divinations, scrying, precognition, postcognition, and so on, virtually useless in law enforcement. Partially, this is because they are usually violations of civil rights, but that can be dealt with via warrants. However, most of them are also considered actually inadmissible on the grounds of trustworthiness - you can't guarantee that a mind reader or precog is being honest. This is one area where Reclaimer lobbying really scores points, in large part because the Assembly doesn't seem to oppose such laws with as much fervor as they have other ones, so thus far the laws largely stand. That said, with warrants or in exigent circumstances, such powers are eagerly put to use to do things like locate kidnapping victims or the like, or to give police a trail to where they might find more admissible evidence.

Dreamers vs. Law Enforcement: In most cases, serious Dreamers can take on most law enforcement groups and expect to win unless overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Standard police or Watch teams might be able to take down a weak combat-capable Dreamer, but will generally lose against anything in the vicinity of Hero-level. Regional Guard teams and Sentinel groups can potentially engage Hero-level Dreamers, but not reliably, and usually not without casualty - although Sentinels can sometimes pull out a victory against an overpowering foe just by being willing to go that extra mile. Naturally, Hero Corps can tangle with Dreamers on even keel. SIDE will usually be able to beat all but the most overwhelming of Dreamer threats, provided they A) know what they're up against, B) have enough resources in the area to field a sufficient threat, and C) have enough time to gear up and get there. This is the big reason SIDE and Hero Corps really works well together though - Heroes can bring a lot of power to bear quickly to deal with emergencies, but when it comes to hunting down and taking in recurring villains? SIDE can bring brutally overwhelming force.

The Big Five - Ilessian Regions and Major Cities

Arbera (Central) - The Capital

The capital city of Ilessia is also the second-largest city in the country, covering about 12,000 square miles pretty much smack-dab in the center of the country. "Bustling" is both the primary word that could be used to describe Arbera and also entirely insufficient to convey the city's nature. Arbera is the country's political, legal, and commercial center. It is also the center of Ilessia's entertainment industry. People in Aranth say Arbera the same way people on Earth say Hollywood. Naturally, all of this means that the city has a huge media presence covering all the stories and scandals. This is a city with a lot of highly-visible jobs that attract big-ego personalities. Politicians, lawyers, actors, producers, CEOs, journalists, lobbyists, diplomats...people looking to make a name for themselves know the capital is where to do it. If you can endure the hectic pace and navigate the often-treacherous social waters.

"Nothing is nothing in Arbera" is something of an unofficial slogan for the city. The media is constantly on watch for the next big thing, be that a new up-and-comer with big ideas or a scandal that can bring down the entrenched elite. It's a city where it often seems that everybody has an opinion and nobody is shy about sharing it. People take sides in Arbera - nowhere is the conflict between the Assembly and the Reclaimers more cutthroat, for example. That being said, despite Arbera's reputation as a city of constant bustle and ambition, not everyone can be a big name. Millions of the city's residents live among the elite and those trying to become the elite, doing normal jobs and living normal lives. The normal people of Arbera tend to a demeanor of jaded bemusement. They've seen it all, and the noise and chaos just slides off their shoulders as they give a little smirk and shake of their heads. These are savvy people who take little at face value, and know well how to consider the facts and come to their own conclusions.

Arbera's skyline is a sight to see. The capital is home to several thousand towering skyscrapers that house everything from movie studios to apartment complexes to business headquarters. Just in general, buildings in Arbera tend to be bigger than in most of the country. Arbera doesn't have as much as some cities in the way of architectural creativity, but its buildings are sleek, practical, and ultra-modern. Arbera has the largest population of flying vehicles in the country, with just over seventy percent of the city's vehicles flight-capable.

One thing that doesn't last long in Arbera is organized or career crime - at least, not on the more personal levels. Arbera doesn't have that much of a military presence, but the National Watch is headquartered there, and Arbera has a large enough Regional Guard force and SIDE presence to qualify as armies in their own rights. More than that, Hero Corps, the ACC, and the Sentinel Project all have their largest headquarters in Arbera. Finally, Arberan streets are protected by the largest number of registered independent crime-fighters in the country. Gangs, organized crime syndicates, Defiant cells, and the like really just don't stand a chance.

Now, this isn't to say the city is free of crime and peril. It just wears a different face. White collar crime is a persistent problem in Arbera, as is all manner of corruption. There are plenty of big-name, big-ego people who exploit their wealth and power to the harm of others. Corporate espionage, political assassinations, police brutality, and elite thieving rings all exist within the capital, and a villain with good enough publicity can amass a terrifying amount of power without ever getting so much as investigated. Worse still, all of the powerful organizations that keep the city relatively free of more low-brow crime will often take the side of those criminals who ooze beneath their radars. Where a Hero seeking to keep the streets safe may find little threat or challenge in Arbera, a heroic vigilante or cowboy cop trying to stop corruption at the root will find no small amount of danger within the pristine capital.

The Assembly in Arbera: Arbera is the Assembly's playground. Politics, law, media, entertainment, commerce...all the best and biggest pies that the Assembly has their super-powered fingers in are central to the Capital. The Assembly presence in Arbera is surprisingly, almost terrifyingly, pervasive. It is often said that the Assembly wields more power in Arbera than any single political party. This...may or may not be strictly true, but it's probably not far off the mark.

Arbera Hero Corps has something like a hundred members active at any one time, and the region itself has at least twice that many spread throughout its environs. Arberan Heroes tend to be flashy and powerful, with a strong tendency towards over-the-top costumes and codenames, always happy to make a big speech as they lead the evil-doer away with a smile for every camera and a high-five for every kid they pass. Fact is, though, Arbera isn't a city that really needs more defenders, and so it tends to attract the sort of Hero that are more in it for the prestige and publicity than the job. Heroes from other regions - and, for that matter, from smaller towns and cities within the Arbera region that actually have serious crime and threats to deal with and don't have massive hordes of defenders available at all hours of the day - have a tendency to look down on them some.

The Assembly Cleanup Crew, though, is as kind-hearted and earnest an organization here as they are anywhere. They're of the mind that just because their city doesn't often face the damage of uncontrolled superpowered battles, explosive Defiant attacks, gang wars, and whatever else, doesn't mean they just sit on their laurels and collect a paycheck or trot out every weekend for a photo shoot. They actively seek out things they can make better, and then do it, frequently traveling to other cities when there is a need.

The Children of Paradise in Arbera: Paradisia's embassy to Ilessia is located in Arbera of course. Beyond that, the Children of Paradise actually have a fairly token presence in the capital. There's some Welcome to Paradise travel agencies, but they provide much simpler, more practical options for transport to and from Paradisia - planes, space flights, and teleportation, primarily. The land-locked, hectic capital doesn't exactly provide much of a setting for cruise ships or resorts. That being said, more than a few Dreamers have been known to burn out from Arbera's hectic pace, and the Children of Paradise are quick to offer them a better option.

SIDE in Arbera: SIDE wears something of a different face in Arbera, really emphasizing the investigative chops of FIRE-SIDE and IN-SIDE. Arbera is a city with lots of Dreamers running around among CEOs, politicians, judges, and other extremely socially powerful people. Arbera SIDE focuses less on bringing in dangerous Dreamers through sheer martial might and tactical skill, and more on weeding out Dreamers using their powers to spy on, manipulate, or coerce others. This does not, however, mean they are incapable of the former, especially considering the full eight Battle Squadrons that Arbera SIDE can bring to bear if required.

SIDE is largely more cognizant than many law enforcement organizations about the presence of crime and corruption in the upper echelons of the Arberan elite. Often, their hands are kinda tied due to jurisdictional regulations, buuuut, well, let's just say that IN-SIDE has some files that they shouldn't have, and those files sometimes get left - entirely accidentally, of course - on certain FIRE-SIDE agents' desks, and since there are, of course, very few records of these files, it can be no surprise when occasionally a few of them wind up falling into the hands of a trusted Hero, independent crime fighter, vigilante, local cop, grizzled PI, or the like.

IDEA in Arbera: Crazy scientific experiments aren't exactly the favorites of Arbera. IDEA in the capital tends to put its best foot forward. The Departments of Analysis and Education, Dreamer Studies, and Dreamtech Analysis - that is, the more "studious" than "creative" branches - are the most active in Arbera. Arberan IDEA has...much less of a reputation for the sort of crazy shenanigans the organization often gets up to elsewhere.

Except, well, Dreamcatchers. There is a persistent and terrifying Dreamcatcher presence in Arbera, and so far despite all the efforts of Hero Corps, SIDE, the Watch, the Guard, independent crime fighters, and even vigilantes, Dreamers still routinely vanish from their lives without any warning, and those that do return are...changed.

The Reclaimers in Arbera: The Reclaimers are big in Arbera. Not as big as the Assembly, but big enough to at least kep the Assembly from acting with complete impunity. The media fights between Arberan Reclaimer and Assembly representatives are a constant source of entertainment. That said, much like IDEA, the Reclaimers but their best foot forward in the capital. The Sentinel Project is an extremely well-respected institution in Arbera, the Defiant are pretty much non-existent, and the more political factions of the Reclaimers are reasonable and well-spoken. In terms of media presence, public approval, and political capital, the Assembly definitely has an edge, but if nothing else the Reclaimers keep them honest. That being said, the occasional spectacular breakdown on live television has been known to happen.

Adaros (South) - The Big City

Adaros is the single largest city in Ilessia. It's a sprawling urban center, covering about 18,000 square miles - a block roughly 300 miles long and sixty wide situated smack-dab in the center of the south-most portion of Ilessia, going right up to the twenty-mile-wide no-man's land that is the negotiated border between Ilessia and Limbra.

The reason for its size is largely military, and dates back some five hundred years to when Ilessia and Libra were bitter enemies. Adaros occupies a sizable chunk of the area around the Ilessia-Limbra border. As more bases, fortresses, and so on were built to strengthen defense against Limbran incursions (or provide a gathering point for Ilessian attacks into Limbra), more infrastructure sprang up to support the bases. For a long time, the Adaros leadership was largely hand in hand with the military, so rather than founding new towns and cities to support their bases, they continued expanding the one - which of course resulted in population growth and a relative increase in political power. The city's growth was only really checked once treaties and alliances were formed between the two nations.

Today, Adaros remains the major military center of Ilessia, at least in terms of ground forces, though being entirely land-locked, its naval forces are nonexistent. It's famed for its architecture - the portion of the city closest to the border is in particular scattered with old-school, solid stone fortresses designed to both withstand attacks and give an impression of majesty and power to whoever attacked them. Many wealthy citizens or businesses, churches, and so on over the years have designed their buildings with that same idea in mind - and gone wild on beautiful design work to differentiate their structures from those of the military. While more modern buildings have replaced many older structures, throughout the city you can still find hundreds of old-style fortresses, barracks, churches, and even full-fledged castles, many of which are still in use, after some modernization. It's important to note that even with more modern buildings replacing many of the old-style ones, the city has in no way foregone its architectural roots. Some of the finest architects and engineers in the world are responsible for designing Adaros and its buildings, and many businesses and wealthy citizens compete to show off.

Despite its sheer size and rather piecemeal development, the combination of brilliant engineering and military organization leaves Adaros an extremely well-organized city. The city is laid out as a huge grid, with several streets (and two huge highways) that stretch its entire length, divided by smaller streets that go along its with, creating individual square-mile "megablocks". Each megablock is usually under the purview of a specific architect or design firm, so the exact nature of street layouts and building designs can vary widely between them, and they can range from pure efficient practicality to wildly creative artistic layouts.

The emphasis on organization extends to more than city layout. The bureaucracy of Adaros is (in)famous throughout Ilessia. While the military and the city government are no longer essentially one and the same, the military still has ties to the government, and many people who start their careers in the Adaros military end them in the city government. They are extremely efficient, and extremely intolerant of any break in procedure or other hold-up. In short, lines go by quickly, and they have absolutely no qualm about sending you straight to the back if you reach their desks without everything you need in exactly the right state to process.

Nowhere is Ilessia's rivalry with Limbra more clear than in Adaros. While the military feuds may be things of the past, business rivalries have sprang up to replace them. Many of the largest companies in the country are based in Adaros. Some companies own an entire megablock, placing their main operation, homes for their employees, and various small businesses all together like little square-mile mini-towns in the middle of the huge city. Some of the most famous of these are huge resort blocks, owned by major hotels or casinos. Adaros isn't as big on tourism as, say, Verdania, but the resort blocks specialize in luxury getaways within the city, ideal for busy people looking for a brief vacation or soldiers looking to blow off steam.

While crime is not rampant in Adaros, it is extremely tenacious. Just as there are entire megablocks owned by big businesses, so to are there some that have been largely taken over by gangs or big criminal organizations. Some of the biggest businesses and fanciest casinos are fronts for even more elaborate, even more profitable crime syndicates that operate with varying degrees of secrecy. One of the biggest problems with crime in Adaros is that the criminals are able to get their hands on military-grade weaponry, among other things - the black market in Adaros is absolutely thriving. It's a big problem and the military vastly underreports how often it happens, but the fact of the matter is that ousting the worst of the worst would require the equivalent of a small-scale war.

The Assembly in Adaros: The center of the Assembly in Adaros is called Dream Street, a single long street full of Assembly offices, businesses, studios, and so on. Calling it a "single street" only gives you half of the story though. The Assembly owns a megablock, which Dream Street runs through east to west, multiple times in parallel lines. Extensive work with space-folding Dreamer powers causes each line of the street to feed into the next, with many side-streets leading to different locations. Navigating Dream Street can be...difficult for the uninitiated, but people who know its twists and turns can get pretty much anywhere within it in a minute or less, give or take for stoplights. And for those who don't, well, "when in doubt, keep going straight".

Adaros has about forty Heroes in operation at any one time, but their turnover rate is...high. A lot of Heroes eventually get pulled into a conflict with one of the larger criminal organizations, and sadly, such conflicts have a tendency to only go well for so long. The Heroes of Adaros have a reputation for bring grimmer, more serious, and less flashy than those of other regions. They have a big area to cover, have lost a lot of comrades and only been able to get justice for a few of them. It can be hard.

The Assembly's big play in Adaros is helping Dreamers find jobs where their powers are especially useful. Competition for valuable Dreamer powers can be extremely fierce among businesses. There have been several investigations into the Assembly connecting Dreamers with less savory operations as well. Few have ever been proven, but there's still a strong belief that there are members of the Assembly who are helping less moral Dreamers find profitable lives in the Adaros underworld, and even a few Heroes who are secretly working for certain criminal organizations, having abandoned the hope of trying to meaningfully fight them.

The Children of Paradise in Adaros: It was a huge controversy when the Children of Paradise were allowed to purchase a megablock and declare the entire thing - a full square mile of Ilessian territory - as Paradisian soil. Non-Dreamers are strictly prohibited from entering the Paradisian megablock. No houses of for sale there, but Dreamers are welcome to rent homes and apartments, giving them a chance to experience a Dreamer-only society while still remaining near to friends and family. However, this is a largely temporary option - the Children of Paradise encourage a choice to be eventually made.

In addition to residences, the Paradisian megablock contains a huge resort open to Dreamers, staffed by workers from the Welcome to Paradise travel agency. The resort takes full advantage of the climate of Adaros to create a tropical atmosphere.

SIDE in Adaros: Most Ilessian towns have a single SIDE agent or, maybe, a SIDE unit working with the police to deal with or at least consult on Dreamer crimes. Larger cities have full SIDE headquarters that can field entire Combat Units, sometimes more than one. Major cities have at least a Battle Squadron available.

Adaros SIDE is capable of fielding four full Battle Squadrons, with at least one more available as a reserve force, to say nothing for having the single largest contingent of OUT-SIDE soldiers in the entire country.

And they are astonishingly overworked.

Many criminal organizations have at least one significant Dreamer on staff, and those Dreamers have a huge impact on their operations. SIDE works night and day trying to separate them from their networks and take them down. It's a difficult and thankless job, and a lot of SIDE agents are extremely frustrated that even if they can remove the Dreamers from the equation, they can't bring down the criminal operations as a whole. OUT-SIDE, being legally only allowed to operate on Ilessian soil for reactive defensive measures, catches a lot of flak for having the weaponry and training to actually bring down some of these organizations, but not actually doing it. Resultantly, tensions between SIDE and Hero Corps tend to be high.

IDEA in Adaros: IDEA has various operations throughout Adaros, but the DDA and DDD are by far the most prominent. They work extensively with both the military and various business interests. Competition for the work and consultation of top IDEA scientists is fiercer than competition for powerful Dreamers, and the money flows freely. IDEA scientists mostly operate in labs provided by the businesses or groups they work for (the biggest military base in the city also hosts a state of the art IDEA facility), but there has been talk of several top scientists, with the assistance of corporate sponsors, purchasing a megablock to create a "Dreamtech playground" as it's been described. There have been...more than a few terrified reactions to the plan.

The Reclaimers in Adaros: The Reclaimers are bigger in Adaros than any other city in the country, for a few reasons. First, there's the simple fact that the Sentinel Project is directly responsible for "taking back" no less than three entire megablocks from the huge gangs (each led by Dreamers) that had previously controlled them. Second, the fierce competition among businesses has led to huge swaths of layoffs caused by the acquisition of Dreamer employees whose powers can replace hundreds or even thousands of workers, resulting in a lot of simmering resentment. The controversy surrounding Paradisia's megablock definitely played to the Reclaimers' advantage. Perhaps most importantly though, Defiant make up a statistically much smaller percentage of crazy people running around with high-powered weaponry in Adaros than they do in many other cities, and as citizens of the largest city in the nation, the people of Adaros are much more cognizant of the fact that in any large enough group of people, you're going to get some bad apples.

That said, the scale of the Adaros black market means that members of the Defiant are able to get weapons more easily than anywhere else in the country - and more powerful ones too. The Defiant don't tend to cluster into one big operation the way many gangs and criminal networks do - rather, they're spread throughout the city's underworld, working with this gang or that crime family, turning the resources of these powerful illegal organizations against Dreamers wherever they can get the chance. The Defiant are a pervasive threat in Adaros, and just how deeply their reach extends into the various great crime syndicates in the city is terrifyingly uncertain.

Estruan (East) - The Heartlands

Lastelle (North) - The Quiet Place

Verdania (West) - The Crossroads

[Quellian-dyrae]

The Nations of Aranth

Ilessia

Cultural Watchword: Responsibility
Population: 1 Billion (1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: A (Mech, Nuke, Kill Sat, Special: Heroes)
Wealth Rating: 9/10
International Reputation: B+
Chief Import: Metal
Chief Export: Entertainment Media
Colors: White and Blue
Flag: Blue diamond with circle in the center on a white background

Occupying the northern half of the continent of Aldonis, Ilessia is a large, powerful, fully modernized nation. Possessing one of the most advanced and powerful militaries in the world (second only to Haptarus, and that's more a matter of sheer numbers than military advancement), Ilessia is a potent and active force in world politics. Of all the nations of the world, Ilessia is the one whose culture the other nations are probably most familiar with, as they produce a massive amount of entertainment media that is consumed worldwide. Beyond that...well, Ilessia's kinda the nosy neighbor of the world, a little too happy to poke into everyone else's business. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - they're one of only two non-Indelan nations who are actually involved in the war with Haptarus, for example, and they frequently send aid or relief to nations that need it - but they can overstep their bounds at times, which can be a little scary for a nation with their military might.

Ilessia has a President and a hundred-seat Senate, both popularly elected by majority vote. The governing power is largely divided between them, with the President capable of making Decrees that must be followed, while the Senate makes laws that preclude certain actions. The President's power, however, is worked primarily through its Delegates, each of which has responsibility for a certain section of the government.

Ilessia is, if anything, a somewhat Dreamer-obsessed nation. It has several major organizations that are in one way or another focused on Dreamers, both in and out of government. Many Dreamers are treated as celebrities - and a large number actually are celebrities, fueling the country's entertainment media machine.

Ilessia is currently at war with Haptarus, and has a strong alliance (and friendly rivalry) with Limbra that has lasted several centuries, although the two countries were regularly at war before that. They have generally positive relations with most other countries.

Perhaps the most internationally recognizable people of Ilessia are its Heroes. The organization called the Assembly of Dreams maintains an elite group of give-or-take a thousand Dreamers throughout (and some outside) the country, who use their powers as a sort of first-response team to deal with disasters, hostile Dreamers, and other problems. They aren't an official government organization, but they are extremely popular throughout most of the country and, honestly, beyond. In recent years, some Heroes have begun to take their good work abroad, and they are often welcomed with open arms by those nations they visit. Some of them really play up the whole superhero routine, with costumes and codenames and so on. While every country has its Dreamers that use their power to do good work, none of them have a force as cohesive, popular, and powerful as Hero Corps.

And it's worth noting, Heroes aren't necessarily the most individually powerful Dreamers (although they're often used as the Gold Standard by which other Dreamer combatants are judged - to say a Dreamer is Hero-level is to say it is a seriously powerful combatant), but the thing is...they have a tendency to overcome odds that by all rights should be beyond them. This isn't something that can be scientifically measures or statistically analyzed. It's not a matter of power, or gear, or Spiritual Energy. But Heroes, by whatever quirk of fate or providence, seem to be able to win even when the odds say they shouldn't.

So, given that the majority of this document goes into far more detail on Ilessia, what is even the point of putting this here?

Well, it's to make a point. See the above overview? It's your basic detail of some of the points of the nation that stands out. Enough to give you a few details to work with on what Ilessia is like and what separates them from other nations. In short, it's the same treatment as all the other nations in this section get.

And it's missing a ton!

Hero Corps gets some info, because Heroes are the Special military bit of Ilessia. The Assembly gets mentioned and the other organizations get alluded to, but there's nothing on SIDE and IDEA and the Reclaimers. No discussion of registration, Hostile Power Use laws, law enforcement, political parties, religion, or for that matter any of the things that aren't even in the above, much more detailed documentation on Ilessia. So when reading these nation summaries, keep this in mind. They are overviews. Extremely broad, extremely basic overviews of the big points and individual cool special stuff of these nations. They are not anywhere close to comprehensive.

Limbra

Cultural Watchword: Patience.
Population: 1 Billion (1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: A- (Mech, Nuke, Kill Sat, Special: Matrix)
Wealth Rating: 10/10
International Reputation: A-
Chief Import: Machinery
Chief Export: Technologies
Colors: White and Gold
Flag: White background, gold X symbol in each of four corners (with the ends of the X's squared off except the one at the corner, which is "pointed" to fill the corner), large gold + symbol in center.

Occupying the southern half of the continent of Aldonis, Limbra is a staunch ally and perhaps stauncher rival of Ilessia. While the two nations have had a history of warfare, they have been allies for several centuries now. Limbra is every bit as technologically advanced as Ilessia (they, in fact, would say they are more advanced, and indeed their computer technologies in particular are probably the best in the world, although Ilessia definitely has the edge in vehicular and weapons tech).

Limbra's government is an elected Parliament of five-hundred seats. Each representative can serve in up to two ten-year terms. Every two years, an election is held to fill a hundred seats. Each citizen may cast a vote for one candidate in one political party. The number of seats filled by that political party is proportionate to the number of votes that party received, and the representatives who fill those seats are the ones with the highest vote totals within that party.

The President is elected every four years, by the Parliament. The majority party selects a minimum of six candidates, voting among themselves to determine the options. All other parties then vote to determine which is chosen. The President is mainly an executor of Parliamentary decrees and a public face of the government, but does have certain powers for emergencies, war, and other situations where a rapid government response is required. The President's primary power, though, is in hiring, promoting, and managing high-level members of other governmental bodies, such as directors of various government agencies, judges, the top levels of the military, and so on.

Limbran Parliament is notorious for their long, elaborate, thorough debate processes. They actually keep the bureaucratic snags and delays to a respectable minimum, but any time saved thereby is more than made up for by their extensive decision-making process. Just in general, Limbra tends to be a cautious actor on the world stage, and favors a policy of non-intervention in most circumstances.

Limbra is in some ways both a more and less Dreamer-friendly nation than Ilessia. They have much stricter laws regarding power use and more limitations on businesses to prevent a single Dreamer from entirely replacing a workforce. One thing they noticeably lack is large-scale Dreamer-centric organizations like Ilessia has. Sure, some units of the police or military might have training or equipment specialized for dealing with Dreamers, some scientists may focus on Dreamers and Dreamtech, some politicians may be more pro- or anti-Dreamer, and so on, but they don't have huge and hugely-government-funded organizations like SIDE or IDEA, or extremely influential Dreamer-centric groups like the Assembly or the Reclaimers. Dreamer-related things tend to be handled on a much more case-by-case basis.

Limbra's major claim to fame is their computer technology, in particular their Matrix, an extensive, full-sensory virtual reality setup for navigating computer systems. Officially, the Limbran Matrix is limited to computers connected to the Matrix system, which are mostly operating in Limbra itself (there are some hubs in other countries with limited-to-varying-degrees Matrix access). However, Matrix programming can dynamically mod other systems in by normal connection processes...and with the right programs and know-how, you can access those connections within the Matrix. Primarily, the Matrix is a tool for rapid computer-related work - subjective time spent in the Matrix goes by much more slowly than time outside, and the VR elements allow for intuitive navigation of systems. It's also used recreationally through various simulations, games, and so on.

But oh yes, the Matrix absolutely has dangerous potential. Masters of working the Matrix (often referred to as technomancers) can do wild things within the virtual world, and have an amazing ability to access and manipulate other systems they connect to. By influencing how the program defines the systems it connects to, and then manipulating their capabilities within the program, a lot of lesser computer securities can be overcome with comparative ease. Consider, for example, a system whose firewall manifests as a solid brick wall...and is then wailed on by a technomancer whose virtual avatar possesses superhuman strength. There are Matrix-oriented programs that can protect systems from hostile technomancers, but they are naturally rather rare outside of Limbra. Dreamer technopaths, however, have proven able to project into the Matrix and combat technomancers on an even field. The capabilities of the Matrix and technomancers to attack and affect systems not intentionally connected to the Matrix is a closely-guarded secret, with such attacks generally assumed to be mundane hacking. However, a DC 30 Technology check could allow a character to recognize a cyber attack as Matrix-powered.

Spoiler: The Matrix

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Understanding the Matrix: There are three levels of familiarity with the Matrix.

Unfamiliarity: The character might have some basic knowledge of the Matrix, and if given a linkup can use it for basic VR and organizational functions, but doesn't know much about its serious options. This is the level of familiarity that most people are at.

Familiarity: A Limbran character who makes a DC 20 Technology check to research it (or who hits DC 20 Technology on a Routine check) or a non-Limbran who hits DC 30, has some basic understanding of how the Matrix can be used to circumvent cyber-security, and some preventative means. They can't really do much with the Matrix beyond what the average person can, but they're a bit better able to deal with more capable Matrix users using standard computer functions.

Proficiency: A character who has some Matrix-specific capability (such as explicitly purchased ranks in Expertise [The Matrix], or Benefit [Matrix Proficiency], or a power Limited to use in the Matrix, etc) is considered proficient with the Matrix, and has a lot more options for using it.

Accessing the Matrix: For game purposes, the Matrix counts as another dimension, accessed via Dimensional Movement. Most people project into the Matrix using virtual reality neural link devices which provide Movement 1 (Dimensional Travel [The Matrix]). A person projecting into the Matrix manifests an Avatar, which by default is simply a duplicate of the individual, possessing all the same stats and capabilities. Those with training in the use of the Matrix, however, can modify their Avatars, generally represented by either Inventions, or by permanent purchased capabilities Limited to being used in the Matrix. Damage and effects done to Avatars do not translate to their users, although the users do perceive through their Avatars' senses and thus experience what they do for the most part (extreme negative sensations, such as pain, are generally muted). The Matrix involves a full neural linkup; all of the user's senses and impulses are translated to the Avatar. Resultantly, the user is effectively unconscious and helpless while interfacing with the Matrix.

Most Limbran computer systems, and some non-Limbran systems, are also connected to the Matrix. However, any computerized or digital object, device, or even character can be accessed via the Matrix by someone who is proficient with and currently connected to the Matrix with a DC 20 Technology check. The Matrix in essence overlays the real world, so accessing a system in this way requires travelling to it through the Matrix. If you are linked in at your personal computer and want to access a computer three-hundred miles away, your Avatar has to travel three-hundred miles to do it. However, if you have a connection to the desired target (for example, you're both connected to the internet), such travel time is unnecessary. You can access them through the connection. Note, though, that this does mean that even computers and such which are on their own private networks can be accessed remotely via the Matrix, requiring only proficiency and a DC 20 Technology check.

Cyber Security and the Matrix: While most uses of the Matrix are benign tools intended for efficiency, organization, and entertainment, it also presents new options for getting around computer security. Once a system is accessed via the Matrix, the Matrix will automatically translate all aspects of the system - including its security measures - into a virtual reality. Thus, extremely complicated and specialized security measures can be much more easily overcome by, say, smashing them to pixels with an overpowered Avatar rather than actually figuring out ways around them.

That said, the level of security matters. A computer system has a Matrix Power Level equal to two per five points its Security System DC is above 10. So a DC 20 system would have a PL of 4 and a DC 40 system would have a PL of 12. The system's PL is used to determine two main factors - its Keeper, and its Installation.

The Keeper is an active representation of the security system - in essence, another Avatar. The Keeper is a Heroic character with a PL equal to the system's Matrix PL. However, most Keepers are...less than impressive combatants. Keepers use the following base template for stats:

Spoiler: Matrix Keeper

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Abilities

STR: PL. STA: PL. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: PL. INT: 0. AWE: PL. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +PL. Damage: +PL. Dodge: +PL. Parry: +PL. Toughness: +PL. Fortitude: +PL. Will: +PL. Init: +4.

Skills

Insight 0 (+PL), Investigation PL (+PL), Mobility PL (+PL), Perception 0 (PL), Stealth PL (+PL), Technology PL (+PL).

Advantages

Improved Initiative, Move-by Action.

Powers

Matrix Parkour: Flight PL (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]) {PL-1}.

Matrix Combat: 2*PL point Strength-discounted Array, one randomly-determined option per odd PL. Each option also confers a corresponding Advantage, except the last if odd PL, outside of the array {2PL-1}.

(1-2) Flurry: Damage PL (Multiattack). Takedown.

(3-4) Defensive Strike: Damage PL Linked Deflect PL (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]). Defensive Attack.

(5-6) Stunning Strike: Damage PL Linked Affliction PL (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude). Power Attack.

(7-8) Distracting Strike: Damage PL Linked Affliction PL (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Incapacitated; Will). Agile Feint.

(9-10) Hampering Strike: Damage PL Linked Affliction PL (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Prowess). Improved Disarm.

(11-12) Crushing Strike: Damage PL Linked Weaken Toughness PL (Toughness). All Out Attack.

(13-14) Crippling Strike: Damage PL Linked Weaken Strength PL (Fortitude). Improved Smash.

(15-16) Hindering Strike: Damage PL Linked Weaken Fighting PL (Will). Accurate Attack.

(17-18) Gun: Damage PL (Ranged). Improved Aim.

(19-20) MMA: Damage PL Linked Move Object PL (Reduced Range [Close]). Improved Grab.

Calculations

Abilities 4PL + Defenses 0 + Skills 2PL + Advantages 2 + Powers 3PL-2 = 9 PP/PL

One Keeper spawns per hostile attempting to access the system - much like how a Team Check can only push a technology check so high, raw numbers only go so far. Although of course, multiple technomancers working together have more strategic options, and most Keepers aren't very strategically gifted. Each Keeper focuses on the Avatar that caused it to spawn, and they vanish if their Avatar is defeated, so a group could definitely claim an advantage by focus-firing and such.

The Installation represents passive security measures. It functions as an Installation with Impervious Toughness of 6 + twice the system's PL and a Security System with a DC equal to the system's own security DC (obviously, most technomancers would favor ignoring the security system and just smashing through). The Matrix is designed as an organizational tool though, so once you get past the security measures, finding what you're looking for will generally take a lot less time than doing it manually.

In any event, such defenses are not all that impressive, especially considering Keepers are 6 PP per PL shortchanged and Installations don't use any cool Installation features. It gets worse when you consider that they'll probably be going up against an opponent with extra effect PP due to powers that are Limited to use in the Matrix.

Of course, this is just for a basic security system. If the system's designer has familiarity with the Matrix, it can develop security systems that are somewhat better at dealing with Matrix intruders. The designer can customize the existing templates. It can't add points, but it can swap them (and it can also choose its Keepers' Matrix Combat options, or redesign them). So for example, it might drop a Keeper's Investigation and Technology in favor of making its Matrix Combat Array professional-grade, and then choose which powers the Keeper has. Likewise, it might drop the Installation's Security System to raise its Toughness, or to add Defense Systems or the like. Finally, its security systems can use whatever tactics it lays out (focus firing, laying ambushes, etc) and Keepers whose primary targets are defeated won't vanish for one round per two Matrix PL, allowing them to keep working on other attackers.

Someone who is actually proficient with the Matrix can design much more robust security systems. They can fully customize their Keepers using the full 15 PP/PL they should receive (within reason, as appropriate to the game). They can also add two EP per system PL to their Installations on top of the normal functions.

Responding to a Matrix Attack: Characters who are able to technologically access a system coming under Matrix attack have options to assist.

Characters who are skilled at Technology and authorized to access the system can attempt to counter the attack, improving or sending in more Keepers. By default, such actions will improve existing Keepers - if there are three attackers and three defenders, the defenders will each improve one of the Keepers spawned by the system itself, rather than sending their own. The defender rolls a Technology check, and if it is higher than the system's DC, one of the Keepers has its PL calculated by the result of the check rather than the normal DC. Further, regardless of whether or not that Keeper has its PL improved, if the character is familiar or proficient with the Matrix, it can edit the Keeper as if it had designed the security system. A familiar or proficient character can also control its Keeper.

If there are more defenders than Keepers, any excess defenders can spawn new Keepers, but using their Technology check to determine the Keeper's PL (it does not have a minimum equal to the system's PL). If new attackers enter the fray while Keepers outnumber them, new ones won't spawn.

Naturally, characters who have a way to enter the Matrix on hand can project in personally, replacing a Keeper if there are any present and fighting personally in Avatar form. No familiarity is required, and while dedicated technomancers may have an edge here, the base Avatar is identical to the character in every way - including powers! A tech-ignorant Powerhouse is still a Powerhouse in the Matrix.

A technopath can perceive and comprehend a Matrix attack automatically as it happens, and thus may interfere with it as if it were fully proficient in the Matrix (and may substitute interaction skills for Technology as normal). Further, a technopath can use its powers directly on Matrix attackers if it enters the Matrix - Avatars are considered to count as both objects and machines for purposes of technopathic powers, and lack the normal immunity that living characters have to the technopathy descriptor. A technopath can use a Power Stunt to project into the Matrix during a Matrix attack even if it doesn't have an appropriate device on hand. These capabilities are part of the [Matrix] and [Technopathy] descriptors, and do not cost the technopath any points.

Attacking Computerized Targets: In addition to attacking systems, it is possible to attack computerized targets from the Matrix. This includes most modern vehicles, robots, cyborgs, suits of powered armor, and so on. Basically, if it runs on electricity and processes data, it can be accessed through the Matrix following normal rules - proficiency required, DC 20 Technology, Avatar must physically travel there if no connection exists, etc. Being attacked in this way counts as a Complication for the target, earning PCs a Hero Point.

This isn't necessarily an unfair fight though - the target is effectively its own Avatar. Go up against a suit of modern powered armor via the Matrix, you better have a beefy Avatar to throw against it! Such attacks can also be defended by others following the same rules as defending systems, although no Keepers are auto-spawned here. If the target has a personal cyber-security system, that system (its Keepers and Installations) must be overcome before the target itself can be attacked. The battle in the Matrix effectively plays out as a real battle for the target - any damage or effects taken apply for real. Likewise, if the target is in the middle of a real-world battle at the time, it has to divide its actions between the two!

Attacks via the Matrix count as Technopathy effects for purposes of effects related to them. Some high-end modern military vehicles and devices have partial Immunities to Technopathy, and these would likewise apply against any attacks by Matrix Avatars.

Paradisia

Cultural Watchword: Separation
Population: 30 Million (99.99% Dreamer)
Military Grade: A (Nuke, Kill Sat, Mech, Special: Aura)
Wealth Rating: 9/10
International Reputation: D
Chief Import: Dreamers
Chief Export: Strong Opinions
Colors: White, Green, and Sky Blue
Flag: Filled in green circle in center of white background with sky blue edges.

A huge island (or small continent, depending on how you look at it) raised from the ocean by the combined powers of the Better World Institute, Paradisia is a homeland for Dreamers.

The country of Paradisia and the organization the Children of Paradise are two different things, although there's a lot of overlap. The Children of Paradise are responsible for the creation of Paradisia, but at the end of the day, they are an organization of Dreamers that are devoted to the idea of Dreamer separation. You don't have to be a card-carrying member of the Children of Paradise to be a Paradisian, and you don't have to live on Paradisia to be a Child of Paradise (in fact, a majority of the Children of Paradise don't live on Paradisia full-time, since their main goal is convincing Dreamers to separate and helping them to do so, which you can't do very effectively from the place where Dreamers go to be separated!)

As a matter of national law, Paradisia considers all Dreamers to be Paradisian citizens. It is up to them whether they retain their citizenship to their prior nation, but all Dreamers are considered to have the protection of Paradisia as if they were native citizens. How seriously the international community (and international Dreamers themselves) take this stance...varies.

Paradisia is not a particularly popular nation, with a strong and not entirely undeserved reputation for xenophobia, espousing Dreamer supremacy, and the like. Coastal regions in particular have not forgiven them for the enormous damage caused by the raising of Paradisia fifty-two years ago - East Luren, Gil, and Fasus, in particular, while not actively at war with Paradisia, treat them as an enemy nation and have no diplomatic relations with them. Just in general, Paradisia is something of a wildcard on the international stage, not dependent in the least on trade, and possessing something of a tendency to send people to foreign countries when they deem Dreamers in peril. Of course, since their whole point is to separate themselves from the rest of humanity, Paradisians only care so much about their international relations.

Paradisia is governed by a Council of twenty. In practice, each Councillor has a scope of powers fairly similar to an Ilessian Delegate. However, there is no separate Senate, nor a President or other chief leader who has the final say on things. Each Councillor essentially has complete discretion in its field, but by majority vote the rest of the Council can veto an executive action by another Councillor. So, for example, the Councillor of War could declare war on another nation, but if a majority of the other Concillors voted against it, the declaration would be nullified. Councillor actions are not voted on automatically, but any Councillor can call for a vote on any action. There is also a core of regulations that the Council must follow, limiting their powers, which can be amended by unanimous Council vote. The Council is elected by popular vote, using a points-based system (each voter can assign each candidate points from -2 to +5, with the highest point total getting the seat) and they serve indefinite terms, but votes to retain or change Councillors are held yearly.

Paradisia is effectively Dreamer-exclusive, something they catch a lot of international flak for. Paradisia has a reputation for splitting families apart, as they only accept Dreamer immigrants, and while children born on Paradisia do seem vastly statistically likely to become Dreamers themselves, those who do not will eventually be sent back to Mundane society. The only non-Dreamers who are welcome on Paradisia are ordained Seekers of the Dream.

Paradisia may be a rather haughty name, but it does its best to live up to it. The island is an absolute picture-perfect tropical paradise. While it's fairly small, its population is smaller still and its city design is incredibly light. Space-warping powers are used for buildings, allowing them to take up minimal space and offering exceptional security. Roads are nonexistent, because the populace can fly or teleport where they need to go (see the Paradisian Aura section). As a result, Paradisia's towns and cities are designed more for aesthetic appeal than practicality. The practicality is built in.

Paradisia's military strength is difficult to quantify. It's hard to declare anything a "typical Paradisian soldier", since they all have their own Dreamer powers. You can bet, though, that any serious Paradisian militant has either sufficiently potent gifts or enough training in the use of weaker ones to present at least a PL 8 threat, with PLs of 10 or 12 far from uncommon. Of course, even Paradisian citizens may be capable of entering combat on behalf of their land or their community if pushed to it - do not make the mistake of assuming that just because a given Paradisian has not enlisted in the military, that it isn't potentially capable of presenting a Hero-level threat.

Spoiler: Paradisian Aura

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Those with knowledge of Paradisia have probably heard the term Aura a time or two in discussions on the nation. The common knowledge of it is that it is a sort of energy field that surrounds the island, presumably as a result of some Dreamer or another's powers. The true nature of Aura is a closely-guarded secret, and most characters won't know about it.

Spoiler: Known to Dreamers who visited Paradisia, Children of Paradise, Seekers of the Dream, or with a DC 20 Expertise (Geography, Dreamer Lore, or Magic) check

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Paradisia's Aura allows Dreamers to use powers beyond what they otherwise possess. It takes a bit of practice, but with a bit of training (generally ranging from a day or so to a week, depending on one's aptitude), a Dreamer in Paradisia can access the following powers freely, regardless of their personal abilities. These powers are considered an independent array: Protection 4 (Sustained); Flight 2; Teleport 1 (Accurate, Extended, Easy, Limited [To Outdoor Locations Only]); Senses 4 (Darkvision, Extended Vision, Extended Hearing); Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Radius Detect [Dreamer Powers]); Mental Communication 1; Speed 2+Quickness 2; Immunity 4 (Hunger/Thirst, Need for Sleep, Poison, Disease); Move Object 2; Comprehend 2 (Speak and Understand All Languages). Aura can also be used to perform minor feats of supernatural power, such as cleaning an object, shedding some light, heating some food, chilling a drink, sparking a candle, and so on. Much of Paradisian technology, particularly security and communications technology, uses Aura; homes, for example, are unlocked by a simple Aura manipulation keyed by the owner.

Most of the city-design powers that let Paradisia operate the way it does - dimensional folding in buildings and so on - are functions of its Aura.

Spoiler: Known to Dreamers who live in Paradisia, Children of Paradise, Blessed Seekers, or with a DC 30 Expertise (Geography, Dreamer Lore, or Magic) check

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Dreamers with more experience manipulating Aura can channel it through their own powers. This allows them to use any Aura powers as if they were Dynamically arrayed off of their own (non-Permanent) powers. Further, for the powers that scale with rank (rather than offering choices based on rank), they can divert extra points to them, boosting a power to a rank as high as half their PL (Mental Communication caps at rank 3, but additional available ranks can be used to add ranks of the Rapid Extra). With advanced training, Dreamers can potentially learn other, specialized techniques for manipulating Aura.

Paradisia's Aura also protects it. At the very least, it covers the island with a barrier against attacks (Immune to Fortitude and Will, has Dodge and Parry 10, Impervious Toughness 20, and Regeneration 20), and blocks all forms of projections. The Aura may provide other security measures, but these are not publicized.

Spoiler: Known only to Dreamers who live in Paradisia and either have Security Clearance or similar or can make a DC 25 Expertise (Dreamer Lore, Magic, or Science) check

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Aura is not an energy field created by a specific Dreamer. It is a collection of ambient Spiritual Energy constantly given off by Dreamers. What Paradisians have learned is that having a lot of Dreamers in one place will result in an abundance of spiritual energy. The number and proximity of the Dreamers in Paradisia have allowed an island-wide energy field, and once that field was strong enough to create a barrier around the island, it allowed it to stay "locked in", minimizing waste from dispersal. Resultantly, Paradisia is extremely rich in spiritual energy, and they use it freely.

This abundance of ambient spiritual energy makes it vastly easier to detect and manipulate, and that is exactly what is happening when Dreamers use these "Aura powers". They are manipulating the vast ambient spiritual energy directly to achieve specific effects - in other words, performing magic. Magic is a trainable skill in Paradisia; the stuff that the DOS struggles daily to figure out how to do a bare fraction of, usually getting mocked for their efforts, Paradisians casually teach in elementary school. And while Aura makes it much, much easier to do, an experienced enough Paradisian with enough personal spiritual energy could learn how to perform such feats even off of the island (buying such powers normally).

It is possible for non-Dreamers to use Aura to perform magic. However, it is much harder, since they don't possess strong spiritual energy themselves. This also means that they can't use their own spiritual energy to power the magic. The way Aura manipulation is taught - as a very, very rough analogy - the Dreamer "shapes" the ambient energy as needed, and then uses its own energy as fuel to spark the effect, so the majority of the effort comes from itself. This is necessary when performing magic elsewhere; there isn't enough ambient energy to serve as fuel. It can't reach "critical mass" so to speak. In Paradisia, though, there is enough ambient energy to use it to fuel the spell. However, this burns off a lot more Aura. This is probably the second-biggest reason (after sincere belief that Dreamers and Mundanes should be separate) that Paradisia so strictly excludes Mundanes - their entire culture is built around the use of Aura, and a Mundane would be contributing nothing to Aura, and burning it off every time they tried to do anything, in addition to the difficulties of trying to compete with Dreamers while possessing no powers themselves. Resultantly, the story that most of the populace, and the well-informed in the rest of the world, know is that only Dreamers can use the powers of Aura. The techcniques that would potentially allow Mundanes to do it simply aren't taught.

Many professional Paradisian soldiers and law-enforcement officials (those who serve as a national defense, not Protectors of Paradise) are taught how to use Aura to its fullest. Whatever their basic powers may be, while on Paradisian soil, their ability to tap into the Aura to work their battle-magic allows even the least-skilled Paradisian warmage to operate as a PL 10 threat, with the average hitting PL 13, and such Aura-powered battle-spells are quite capable of functioning as military-grade weapons in their own rights.

This abundance of spiritual energy (possibly, Spiritual Energy generated by Dreamers; even Paradisian scientists are not certain whether that makes an actual impact) also makes Dreamers more likely in Paradisia. While the requirement that children who don't develop Dreamer powers eventually leave the island is a heartrending and controversial fact, it's also a rare one. A child, born to two Dreamers, who is conceived, brought to term, and delivered all on Paradisia, has a roughly 99.99% chance of eventually developing Dreamer powers. And that chance is growing over time.

Peral

Cultural Watchword: Individualism
Population: 1.7 Billion (1.4% Dreamer)
Military Grade: A- (Kill Sat, Special: Totems)
Wealth Rating: 5/10
International Reputation: B+
Chief Import: Energy
Chief Export: Agriculture
Colors: Green, Silver, and Red.
Flag: Three evenly spaced I symbols (vertically centered, positioned at 25%, 50%, 75% on the X axis) on a deep green background. The left and right symbols are red, the center one silver.

Peral is generally considered a single country, but that's not particularly true. Peral is a large continent covered with hundreds of independent city-states, thousands of small essentially feudal towns, and tens of thousands of tiny independent ranches, farms, forts, keeps, castles, homesteads, and other plots of claimed land. Peral has much more limited access to technology than most modern countries, for several reasons. For one, Peral is very spread out, and its culture puts a premium on independence. There is no central government of Peral (the city-state of Acedon offers the closest thing to it, and represents the continent as a whole internationally, but its authority only goes so far). This means the sort of infrastructure that is necessary for large-scale energy generation, transport, and containment simply isn't available on a large enough scale.

The people of Peral also don't really care that much for modern conveniences. They're a tough, proud, and fiercely independent culture, and see such luxuries as largely unnecessary. This isn't to say they reject technology out of hand, but it's rarer and generally less advanced than you see throughout most of Aranth. Peralans still have fuel-efficient cars, satellite-covered cell phones, and fast computers. But they don't have many flying cars or Active Crystal Computer Stations. Their weaponry tends to be less advanced - your typical Perallan soldier would be equipped with what other countries consider professional-grade weaponry, rather than military-grade. And of course, energy is comparatively scarce. A Peralan isn't likely to burn the energy needed to power its car when it can walk to the store, or air condition its home when it can open the windows.

And while it might be possible for other countries to step in and help modernize Peral...none of them have. Perallan foodstuffs are in high demand throughout the world, and the trade of energy for fine Perallan meats, fish, and produce is a booming global industry. So too, the fact is that a unified Peral would would the single most populous nation in the world, and possessed of a...uniquely strong population. No, an energy-independent Peral, while a fine and noble idea, is not actually something the other nations of the world particularly desire.

And none of this is to say that the Peralans are suffering. Sure, hard times can fall on them somewhat more easily than in other countries, but Peral is, in fact, by far the countinent with the most natural resources of the entire planet. From an abundance of natural flora and fauna, to seemingly inexhaustible mines, to rich soil that consistently yields some of the finest produce in the world - there is, simply, no competition between a freshly grown Perallan fruit or vegetable and one conjured up by matter-generation technology. The huge continent's natural resources are plentiful enough, and its people knowledgeable enough of managing their consumption, that it could probably feed the majority of the planet if it needed to. There is no denying that there is a certain energy, a natural vibrancy, to the continent of Peral - which factors heavily in the shamanic traditions that are the continent's primary religion. Regardless of any mysticism, it is statistical fact that life, plant and animal alike, flourishes unusually strongly in Peral. Its natives are some of the most naturally gifted athletes on the planet, setting the bar for what is considered the peak of (unpowered) human physical achievement. And because of its size and shape, Peral extends through the full range of climates and ecosystems, from the tropical jungles of the north to the sweeping plains and vibrant forests of its central heartlands to the massive, snow-topped mountains of its southern reaches. The continent is a favored vacation spot for tourists and adventurers of all kinds - and even now, some daring souls strike out to stake their own claim of land.

But visitors should tread with care, for there is one other reason that a proper continent-spanning infrastructure has never been successfully set up in Peral.

Here There Be Monsters.

Whatever it is that makes Peral such a naturally rich land also means that it contains a variety of natural dangers far beyond anything the other continents can claim. Its plethora of normal animals, including all manner of deadly predators, is impressive enough. But there are also huge, ancient, and terrifyingly powerful beasts that live out in the Perallan wilds. While not in any way supernatural, these animals can be extremely fierce and superhumanly physically capable, potentially reaching Power Levels of 12 or more on raw physical prowess alone, although such powerful specimens are astonishingly rare. Still, PL 6 and even 8 animal encounters are far from impossible for one who wanders too far from civilization - or who simply is unlucky enough to be in a civilization too close to the lair of such a creature when it gets hungry.

These powerful creatures play an important role in Perallan shamanic traditions even to this day, and there are powerful and scientifically-confirmed shamanic rites involving them. Through these rites, it is possible to create a link to such an animal, making it into a Totem, to a variety of possible effects. These rites, though, are neither simple nor safe. In all cases, they involve the Hunter seeking out such an animal, alone, and bearing only tools and objects which it has crafted with either its own hands, or with other tools so formed. The use of any other item, the assistance of any other individual, or, it has been determined, the use of Dreamer powers in the effort, will cause the rite to fail. The Hunter must confront the beast, and face it in a manner befitting the rite. There are several, but the three most common are:

The Feast: The Hunter kills the Totem, and feasts upon it, absorbing some of its strength (and, modern science believes, its Spiritual Energy). The Hunter's physical prowess is permanently augmented. It is possible to perform such a rite multiple times, but the boost seems to be a sort of "average" between the Hunter and the Totem, so the stronger you get, the stronger a Totem you need to Hunt to receive an increase.

The Offering: The Hunter kills the beast, but then - while the kill is still fresh - must offer it to a second beast which it wishes to take as a Totem. If the Totem accepts the offering, a spiritual bond is formed between it and the Hunter. The strength and effects of this bond can vary. Some Hunters receive certain mental or perceptual augmentations related to the Totem. For some, the Totem actually follows them as a pet or companion. In some cases, typically only among those with very high amounts of spiritual energy (Dreamers, or very experienced Hunters who have performed many Rites of the Feast), the Hunter may even gain the ability to supernaturally summon the Totem and direct its actions.

The Sacrifice: Easily the rarest rite, and one that few Hunters truly set out to perform. But a Hunter who is ritually prepared may, in the course of its hunting, come upon two great beasts in battle. If it aids the weaker one, and between them they defeat the stronger one, and the Hunter loses its life in or as a result of the effort, it is possible (not anywhere close to guaranteed) that the rite will bond the Hunter's spirit to the Totem it rescued. Again, the strength of the bond can vary. In most cases, the Totem only gains a certain measure of intelligence and empathy from the Hunter - there have been many reports of Perallan families whose members died on a Hunt, only for great beasts to come to lair near their home and even rise to their defense when threatened. But, again in the case of those with especially high amounts of spiritual energy, it's possible for the Hunter to take full mental control of its Totem, somehow possessing and living on through it. Some such Hunters can even speak normally in their new body, or even shapeshift back and forth between their original form, and their bestial one.

[Quellian-dyrae]

The Braizen Isles

Cultural Watchword: Independence
Population: 100 Million (0.3% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C- (Special: Mutants)
Wealth Rating: 5/10
International Reputation: D
Chief Import: Waste Materials
Chief Export: Energy
Colors: None universal.
Flag: None universal.

So, Aranth isn't really the sort of world where megalomaniacal supervillains plot global destruction from their isolated island volcano bases in the middle of treacherous arctic waters.

But if it were, the Braizen Isles are where you'd find them.

I'm not saying they're actually there. I'm just saying they would be. If they existed. Which they Very Probably Might Not.

Ahem.

The Braizen Isles are cold, isolated, and...not particularly fond of other nations. This is largely because of how the other nations of the world have treated them for several centuries. Let's talk history.

The Braizen Isles do have a native population. Historically, they've lived in small, independent communities, often migrating between the various islands for reasons of supplies or to avoid hazards like the not-infrequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Permanent settlements on the Braizen Isles are a relatively recent development. Starting some five centuries ago, other nations started regularly sending exiles to the Braizen Isles. A couple centuries ago, testing of nuclear, radiation, chemical, and similar technologies was often done on "unpopulated" islands...without much thought put into the fallout of these tests and the fact that Braizen communities were nomadic and an island that was empty one year might be home to thousands another year. This was not assisted by various waste dumping practices in the world's less ecologically-friendly days, a substantial portion of which led, due to ocean currents, to the Isles. Add in an experimental prototype for Paradisia about a century ago, and you have a melting pot of nomadic tribes wandering among unstable experimental energies and chemicals, heavy geomantic activity, a degrading prototype Aura, and, heck, toss in the Aurora Borealis for good measure, it probably had an arbitrary effect due to sheer glowiness at some point.

The result? The Pits. Starting a little over fifty years ago, several major volcanoes and an uncounted number of smaller volcanos, hot springs, tar pits, and the like have begun giving off strange radiations, often coinciding with the lava, water, or tar glowing with odd colors. These energies also seem to be absorbed by indiginous stone and metal from the region. Such materials can be left in or near the Pits to gather a charge of energy, which can be used as a power source or even as part of special forging processes to make objects that are stronger and sometimes carry random special abilities.

The problem is, prolonged exposure to radiation from the Pits appears to cause random mutations in organic beings. Plantlife around the Pits become strange and psychadelic, and humans and animals with extended exposure mutate in unpredictable ways. Often, these mutations are simply strange, sometimes actively detrimental. But beneficial mutations have also been known to occur. Such mutations aren't generally on the same scale as Dreamer powers, but can result in superhuman physical attributes, special immunities, odd senses, and other primarily physical powers. Mental powers have also developed on occasion, but they are very rare and typically only low-end perceptual stuff like short-range mental communication, passive empathy, surface-level mind reading, mind-sensing, and so on. In many cases, these mutations also cause a substantial loss of Spiritual Energy, and many mutants must carry around charged minerals or periodically visit the Pits to survive. Continual exposure to the radiation tends to exacerbate the mutations, but the process is extremely random - just because you got a beneficial mutation once doesn't mean it will improve directly, or that your next mutation will be beneficial. Many mutants suffer from a vastly shortened lifespan.

Of course, Dreamers themselves seem to have their own rules for interacting with the Pits, which can weaken, improve, or change their powers in random ways, temporarily or permanently. There is one particular Pit, called the Pool of Dreams, which was a hot spring that was at the center of the proto-Paradisian experiment. Its waters shine like mother-of-pearl, and it is confirmed fact that any Dreamer who bathes in the pool will have its powers removed, weakened, augmented, or changed. But which will occur, and to what degree, is completely unpredictable.

The volcanic Pits seem to fuel the Pits as a whole. Material dumped into them is consumed and fuels the weird energies. Hazardous or energetic materials seem to have a greater effect. As a result, the Braizen Isles now actively import the waste of other nations, using it as fuel for their own strange energy source. This would make them extremely wealthy, being able to literally transform trash to power, but the process of actually converting the Pit radiation to safe, usable energy is difficult and fairly slow. It isn't helped by the fact that the Braizen Isles have nothing in the way of a centralized government to build infrastructure, with Pits controlled by fortified communities built around them, or wealthy and powerful individuals who have claimed them. Conflict is frequent in the Isles; they are a no-man's land where natives, the descendents of exiles, and ambitious settlers seek to control these new and potentially powerful (but also extremely hazardous) resources. Permanent cities have sprung up around the major Pits, powered by the not-quite-limitless energies that are refueled by the city's own waste. Many of these cities are extremely modern and surprisingly comfortable despite their somewhat-haphazard, often-a-little-experimental technology, but their governments are rarely benevolent and the number of people sporting random mutations is a clear indication that the technology shielding their populations from their power sources are not perfect.

Many denizens of the Isles make use of specialized technology powered by Pit radiation and designed to shield the user from the power source...assuming no mistakes are made and they are kept in good repair. This technology tends to be more haphazard and less refined than typical modern technologies, but can be quite effective for all that, depending on the skill of the designer and the strength of the power source. Meanwhile, the wilderness is inhabited my warped animals, nomadic populations trying to navigate their now much more dangerous land, mutants so warped by Pit radiation that they've been exiled from their communities, and adventurers looking to find an unclaimed (or, for the less ethical, only lightly-defended) Pit to stake a claim of their own.

The Dymaran Kingdoms

Collectively referred to as the Four Kingdoms, Dymara is a quiet, peaceful continent. The kingdoms of Dymara are the oldest nations in the world, having existed in more-or-less their current forms for over fifteen-hundred years. In that time, the four kingdoms have never gone to war with one another. This lasting peace was born out of an extremely tumultuous history; something like a century before the current kingdoms were established, the various nation-states that made up Dymara were locked in a bloody and terrible war, until a great queen was able to conquer the warring nations and establish a single kingdom in her name. She did this not through the strength of her army, but by personally challenging generals and rulers of other nations to single combat, while using her ever-growing army to guard against treachery or massed attacks, and force ever-more-reluctant fighters to accept her challenges. As her life drew to a close, she divided the kingdom up among her four children, who worked together to establish lasting alliances between their new realms, so that the terrible wars that had killed so many would never start up again. To this day, peace is enforced between the four sibling nations through both strong cultural connections and allegiances, and the certain knowledge that any ruler that should break the peace would be swiftly overrun by the other three.

Another reason for this long-lasting peace is the deep-seated Dymaran concept of the Champion, as exemplified by Queen Dymara and codified by her children. Dymarans are strongly averse to clashes of vast armies. When the kingdoms came into conflict after first being established, rather than going to war, their rulers met with their siblings and worked the matter out. If a compromise could not be reached, the neutral rulers would propose a fair challenge between them, with their backing going behind the winner. This concept of personal discussion before a neutral party, followed by a challenge where compromise cannot be reached, is central to the Dymaran view of conflict resolution. Over time, this notion has evolved into several specific Trials which can be undertaken to resolve a matter on which a compromise cannot be reached, with the possibility of enlisting a Champion to undertake the Trial in a person's stead. The role of the Champion is important, because the Champion must itself be persuaded to assist you, and while wealth and favors can be a route for that, many of the finest Champions in the kingdom will refuse to help those they do not truly believe are in the right. While the truth of the matter is somewhat more muddled, the cultural perception, at least, is largely that the strength of a Champion is reflective of the rightness of the cause it fights for.

Largely as a result of their peaceful history and emphasis on personal conflict resolution, the Dymaran nations do not have exceptional military strength in general. This is not to say they don't have militaries, but their budgets for them are nowhere near the level of, say, Aldonian or Indelan nations. Dymaran nations in particular tend to have substantially less modern military gear (typically only their elite soldiers have access to what other nations would consider military-grade weaponry, with most soldiers wielding professional-grade weapons). That said, the fighting power of Dymarans should not be discounted.

The big reason for this is their understanding of chi. Chi is essentially the knowledge, awareness, and manipulation of the flow of spiritual energy within the body. Through physical and mental exercises and meditation, it is possible to develop a sufficiently strong chi to use spiritual energy to augment one's physical feats, and even to gradually increase one's spiritual energy over time. Strength of chi, however, is not something that is easily taught. There isn't a precise formulaic procedure for how to develop it; it's something that's a little different for everyone, and you kind of know it when you have it. The foundations are best learned in childhood; it's a lot harder for adults and even teenagers to quite notice when they've got it, and go with it when they do; it's way too easy to lose it by overthinking it. It is, of course, also a big help to have people who are themselves strong in chi around when you're learning, since they can give feedback on what seemed to be working and not. Resultantly, while chi is a skill that anyone can potentially learn, it is rather rare outside of Dymara, but nearly ubiquitous within.

For no doubt extremely relevant, thoroughly scientifically understood reasons, though, some of both the main uses for chi and generally effective methodology for training it involves awesome martial arts feats and superhuman acts of parkourish acrobatic ability. Definitely...definitely a good, solidly grounded reason for that that is way too complicated and, you know, scientific and stuff to get into here. For sure.

As a result, even your average Dymaran citizen is often surprisingly physically capable, able to focus their spiritual energy to move faster, jump higher, hit harder, and perform feats of prowess that almost seem to bend - but not break - the laws of physics. Truly gifted masters of chi, either those with great talent or those with vast experience, have personal volumes of spiritual energy that can rival Dreamers, and perform feats equivalent to mid-grade Dreamer powers. And of course, since chi is based on personal spiritual energy, Dymaran Dreamers tend to see a noticeable boost, and even Dreamers with weak powers can, due to the massive overabundance of spiritual energy Dreamers possess, perform chi-fueled feats that are blatantly superhuman, allowing even Dreamers with trivially weak powers potentially reach Hero-level or greater combat ability, and perform such amazing feats as directing their spiritual energy outwardly, using it to fly or teleport, and perform similar shamelessly anime extremely scientifically plausible given the nature of chi and spiritual energy feats.

Dymara has its dark side though. Corruption is fairly prevalent through the mid-levels of government in all four Dymaran nations. Conflict resolution is a personal matter, and that means that personal solutions tend to be valid. A criminal whose family member is the local judge or who works in the governor's office or even the ruler's palace can get away with a lot. The Dymaran kingdoms also are kingdoms, with a strong and proud noble caste. Many noble houses trace their lines back centuries, and the web of social and political alliances and feuds is a complex and tangled thing. Members of the high nobility wield tremendous power. The royal families themselves actually do have a long tradition of benevolent rulership and are widely well-respected both at home and on the world stage, but they aren't immune to mistakes, oversights, or simply poor information. Social and political conflict, spying, and even assassination attempts all regularly occur at the higher ends of Dymaran government, with powerful nobles, military commanders, and bureaucratic directors all jockeying for royal favor.

Darpon:
Cultural Watchword: Honor
Population: 500 Million (1.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C+ (Mech, Nuke)
Wealth Rating: 6/10
International Reputation: A-
Chief Import: Weapons.
Chief Export: Textiles.
Colors: Silver and Gold.
Flag: A silver shield in the center of a gold background.

Darpon is the most militaristic of the Dymaran kingdoms. They've long held the largest standing army and a strong warrior class. In recent times, they've been heavily expanding their military forces, both importing and developing more powerful weapons, training more soldiers, and otherwise trying to bring their military strength up closer to the level of heavy-hitters like Ilessia and Limbra. There is a certain cultural perception that they are the "big brother" of the Dymaran kingdoms. People of Darpon tend to have a strong national protectiveness of their sibling kingdoms, and Darpon is almost invariably the first in line to send aid when disasters strike the other Dymaran nations. Martial ability is highly respected here, and honor duels are a popular form of Trial even in the modern day.

Kyana:
Cultural Watchword: Organization
Population: 700 Million (1.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C- (Mech, Kill Sat)
Wealth Rating: 8/10
International Reputation: B
Chief Import: Machinery.
Chief Export: Medicine.
Colors: Silver and Blue.
Flag: A silver scroll in the center of a blue background.

The most populous of the Dymaran nations, Kyana has a much more extensive government bureaucracy than the other nations. The southern third of the kingdom qualifies as an arctic region, so it's actually a fair bit more crowded than sheer square-footage would suggest. Kyana is also a more isolated nation than the others, not as active on the world stage. Their cultural reputation is of a people that largely keep to themselves and don't really bother anyone, but also aren't very open or friendly.

Leron:
Cultural Watchword: Inspiration
Population: 300 Million (1.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C- (Mech, Kill Sat)
Wealth Rating: 10/10
International Reputation: A-
Chief Import: Energy.
Chief Export: Art.
Colors: Silver and Yellow.
Flag: A silver quill in the center of a yellow background.

The smallest of the Dymaran nations in terms of both size and population, and in many ways the polar opposite of Kyana. Leron is a warm-to-temperate kingdom with several beautiful vistas and a strong tourist economy. They are the wealthiest of the Dymaran nations as a whole, although their wealth is perhaps the least evenly distributed, with vast swaths of the population living in near-poverty while the big resorts, noble families, popular artists, studios, and producers, and so on living in tremendous luxury.

Veneil:
Cultural Watchword: Peace
Population: 500 Million (1.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: D (Mech, Kill Sat)
Wealth Rating: 8/10
International Reputation: A+
Chief Import: Agriculture.
Chief Export: Food.
Colors: Silver and Green.
Flag: A silver goblet in the center of a light green background.

Veneil is probably the single most well-respected nation on the world stage. They cultivate peaceful and positive ties with almost every other nation on the planet. And beyond that...well, here's the thing you have to understand about Veneil. They are probably the strongest believers in the Dymaran ideal of peace. They have the smallest military budget of all of the already not particularly militant Dymaran kingdoms. They are not a powerful kingdom, combatively-speaking. And they are the only non-Indelan nation on the planet other than Ilessia that has stepped up to the plate and officially declared war on Haptarus. And this is not just some formal, make a statement declaration. Veneil has sent combat troops to Indelar on multiple occasions, and they have at least one mech dedicated to the war - and rumor is, one of the king's children is on the front lines piloting it.

The Empire of Haptarus

Cultural Watchword: Dominance
Population: 1.4 Billion (0.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: S (Mech, Nuke, Kill Sat, Special: Blood Magic)
Wealth Rating: 8/10
International Reputation: F
Chief Import: Ill-will, the occasional missile, land
Chief Export: Hostile soldiers, the Emperor's rulership
Colors: Black and Red
Flag: A series of alternating black and red bars. The upper left corner of the flag are horizontal, the upper right corner diagonal going up, the lower left corner diagonal going down, and the lower right corner vertical.

Let's make one thing clear off the bat. In a world that assumes nuance and interpretation, where the villains are usually just out for themselves and some Heroes are merely seeking wealth and fame, where most major organizations have ideals they strive for and deep flaws they try to hide, where virtually nothing can truly be said to be all good or all bad...

The Emperor of Haptarus is unquestionably, unapologetically, and unrepentantly evil.

Haptarus is a state that for the last thirty-seven years has terrorized its continent and terrified the rest of the planet. Its Emperor is a Grade A megalomaniacal supervillain, everybody knows it, and the only reason the entire planet has not banded together to destroy him is that most nations of the world range from completely terrified to healthily cautious of him and his Empire. Haptarus is, without question, the most militarily powerful nation in the world, and it has not gotten there by showing anything resembling compassion, mercy, or even basic conscience.

Do not go looking for the mitigating factors here, for the reasonable argument from the other side. The best that can be said about Haptarus as an Empire is that its people are not entirely behind their Emperor ideologically. Vast numbers of Haptaran residents would flee or turn against their current government - if they could.

Haptarus is ruled (with an iron fist) by its Emperor. His given name is unknown; to the world, he is called only the Emperor, the Emperor of Haptarus, or simply Haptarus. He prefers the latter - in his view, he is Haptarus, and would prefer that the rest of the world know it. The Emperor of Haptarus is a tyrannical ruler, with complete control over all of Haptarus, its assets, and its citizens. He rejects the idea of human rights on their face. It is known that he has a driving motivation to conquer and rule the entire continent of Indelar. Many fear that should he succeed, his designs would soon turn global, although he has in fact publically disavowed any such intention. He is also one of the most powerful Dreamers on the planet (PL 16+?) - he is confirmed to have taken down mechs in single combat. His exact power set is unknown, and reports of his abilities are many and conflicting. Speculation abounds.

The Haptaran military is roughly technologically equal to Ilessia's - it's just much, much larger. Most citizens are compelled to serve in the military at least once in their lives, and on any given day it's a safe bet that a fifth of the Empire's adult population is on active military duty. That being said, most citizen and conscript soldiers are poorly-trained and equipped (PL 2-3), while professional soldiers still hit PL 5. ALL Haptaran Dreamers whose powers have any value for it whatsoever are pressed into military service. Such Dreamers undergo rigorous, even torurous training, and the weaker ones often perish. But those who survive are showered with wealth and prestige, and possess exceptional personal power - most Haptaran military Dreamers range from PL 9 to 12, with a sizable number hitting PL 11, and they often have powers equivalent to military-grade weapons. The vast majority of the Empire's economy goes to funding its military.

Haptarus also possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, but so far, has chosen not to engage in nuclear war, although the Emperor has been known to threaten it loudly when other countries get too uppity about what's going on in Indelar. This, more than perhaps anything else, is what keeps the rest of the world from uniting against the Emperor in force. That said, there is not a single country in the world that has an actual alliance with Haptarus. Ilessia and Veneil are both officially at war with Haptarus, although in Ilessia's case, it's more a war of supporting and defending the other countries of Indelar rather than an open conflict. In Veneil's case, the military support, while present, is far less a matter than trade - Veneil is the single biggest source of supplies and foreign aid to the combat-embroiled countries of Indelar. That said, given the generally pacifistic nature of the Dymaran continent in general (and their correspondingly low military power), the fact that Veneil has declared itself an unmitigated enemy of a state as powerful as Haptarus and has sent combat forces against it has earned the country some major points for sheer audacity. Naturally, all remaining Indelan countries are at war with Haptarus, but the rest of the world's nations are officially neutral.

Haptarus is strictly divided into a caste system. The various castes of the Empire are as follows:

The Emperor: The Emperor stands in a caste all his own. He has absolute sovereignity in Haptarus. To defy his will is to die, unless you give him a good reason to spare you.

The Royal Caste: The Emperor's family (that is, wives and children - if he has any extended family, they are unknown, and it's strongly believed he killed them all as part of his rise to power), and his Speakers. They are extremely wealthy, powerful, and can basically do whatever they want if it doesn't conflict with the Emperor's will.

The Noble Caste: Officially made up of loyal and trusted members of the Haptaran Nobility but in practice basically anyone the Emperor likes and trusts enough to assign to it - Nobles generally run cities and are otherwise top-level commanders in specific areas. Again, wealthy, powerful, and generally living on top of the world as long as they keep the Emperor happy.

The Military Caste: Strictly speaking, this is military elites and officers - people who have dedicated their lives to the military. Generally the last caste to really receive the benefits of wealth and power. The high-level commanders, powerful Dreamers, eminent military scientists, and other people at the high-end of the caste basically get the Rock Star treatment. From there it trickles down, but even the lowliest military officer can generally be assured a comfortable life for itself and its family.

The Government Caste: Low-ranking government officials. Bureaucrats, basically. Overworked, underpaid, unappreciated, but they can usually get by with a tolerable life as long as they keep their heads down and keep their little corner of Haptarus running smoothly. When they don't...well, there's a lot of talk of impromptu head explosions.

The Citizen Caste: Normal people, but people who have declared loyalty to the Empire (and done nothing to have it called into question). Pretty much everything they do goes to the Empire, and the Emperor sees to it that they are provided with pretty much just enough to get by. If they don't like it, tough.

The Slave Caste: Convicts, prisoners of war, citizens of conquered kingdoms who refused to swear loyalty to the Empire, traitors, or pretty much anyone the Emperor doesn't like. Anyone who is of no value to the Empire is also relegated to the Slave Caste, including people who would otherwise be Government or Citizen Caste but are too old, too young, infirm, handicapped, and so on. If they're physically capable, they're forced to work at physical labor jobs, energy generation, and so on, receiving no pay only the bare minimum sustenance required to keep them operating efficiently (fun trivia horrifying scientific fact - occasional spikes of intense feeling, such as pain, can improve energy generation by up to 15%!) Otherwise, they're usually placed in important military bases to "make the bleeding hearts of other nations thing twice about bombing them". Those that are physically capable but refuse to work are generally sent to the front lines for use as human shields, or even tactically sent to other countries in "refugee waves" to gobble up some of their resources (hidden bombs or infection with contagious diseases optional, but encouraged). Finally, as if that all wasn't sufficiently evil, Haptaran ritualists are proficient at blood magic - potent rituals augmented through the use of blood sacrifice.

The Free Nations of Indelar

The entire central portion of the continent of Indelar has been conquered by Haptarus, but the remaining fifteen nations are resisting the Empire's advance strenuously. The Free Nations of Indelar have put old grudges (mostly) aside and united against their common enemy. These are war-weary, battered countries, but the war hasn't consumed them entirely. Daily life still goes on, people still work and play and love. But they rarely truly relax.

Aside from the war, there are few unifying facets to the various countries of Indelar. Their geographical proximity is not an indication of cultural similarity, and even before Haptarus, Indelar was a fairly conflicted region of the world. Even since the Awakening, regimes have risen and fallen occasionally, although the conflict had been steadily declining with the rise of a more connected international community - again, until Haptarus.

The remaining nations of Indelar are holding on against Haptarus, if only just. The fact is, the Empire is surrounded and has no source of external supplies. They're self-sufficient enough, but still, it matters. For the past couple years, the war in Indelar has been a tense stalemate. Haptarus is stretched so thin against the Free Nations that it hasn't been able to make serious headway, but the Free Nations are putting their all just into maintaining that state. There are weak links among them, and if Haptarus were to break one, the war could very quickly change.

Perhaps the greatest advantage the Free Nations hold over the Empire is their Nulls. Nulls are simply a type of Dreamer, specifically with the ability to neutralize other Dreamer powers. But the thing is, in Indelar, they are extremely common. They are, in fact, the single most common manifestation of Dreamer powers in the Indelan nations, beating even such broad classifications as "physical augmentations" and "energy control" for that title. In most countries, the ability to neutralize Dreamer powers is just one of many types of Dreamer power, albeit a rare one. In Indelar, it's an entire class of Dreamer power. Most Nulls possess strong personal resistance to Dreamer powers, the ability to neutralize Dreamer powers actively. But from there, it branches out tremendously. Some can neutralize other classes of effects. Some can use the powers of those they nullify. Some can nullify certain natural forces. Likewise, some are more limited, only able to counter certain types of Dreamer powers or so on. Some powerful Nulls are completely immune to Dreamer powers (often both for good or ill), and even radiate such an immunity around them.

Spoiler: Not Your Average Nullifiers

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There are a few additional wrinkles about Nulls. These details aren't strictly speaking secret, but they aren't common knowledge either.

Spoiler: Expertise (Dreamer Lore) DC 10

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While Nulls are Dreamers, something about how their powers manifest makes them somewhat...different.

Spoiler: DC 15

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Paradisia does not consider Nulls to be Dreamers for their legal purposes. Indeed, they consider Nulls to be a complete abomination. Note that Paradisia has nothing against Dreamer power nullification in itself - there are nullifiers on Paradisia and they are an important part of the society - but Nulls specifically they won't abide. Some Paradisian zealots have even been known to attack Nulls on sight when encountered.

Spoiler: DC 20

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While no known Null has been proven able to do it reliably, it has been documented on multiple occasions that Dreamers subjected to a Null's abilities may permanently lose their powers, or in some cases, become Nulls themselves. There have so far been no successful attempts to experimentally determine why this happens. It isn't completely random - Dreamers that hate their powers have signed up for experiments to be bombarded with Null powers repeatedly without effect. Speculation abounds, and there is a popular theory that every Null that exists is "matched" to one or more Dreamers, and if the Null uses its power on the Dreamer, that Dreamer will be rendered permanently powerless. However, while this is a narratively satisfying belief, it is pure speculation. Many scholars of Dreamer lore do, however, believe that this capacity is something that all Nulls are theoretically capable of, even the weakest of them.

The Emperor of Haptarus is frankly terrified of this power of Nulls, and any Null found in the Empire is immediately put to death, no matter how weak its ability.

Spoiler: DC 25

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Many Nulls appear to have a sort of immortality...if you can call it that. Slain Nulls have been known to spontaneously return to...at least a form of life. It wouldn't quite be fair to call them undead, strictly speaking, but they do appear to suffer varying degrees of mental degredation, and sometimes physical alteration. Mentally, it's always a change for the worse, although how the change manifests varies - it could be a general loss of intellect, amnesia, a loss (note: loss, not change) of personality, or the development of various mental maladies, psychoses, compulsions, or the like. Physically it can go either way. Some returned Nulls suffer from physical deformations, rotting flesh, boils, and so on, and some gain augmented or even superhuman physical prowess. Some get both. The changes are typically exacerbated with every death and return.

There is no universal method for keeping a Null dead. Sometimes they just don't come back. This may be due to personal limitations on their immortality, some maximum usage, or simply being one of the (un?)lucky Nulls who can't reanimate. As is often the case with Dreamers, it is different for different individuals.

Anvar:
Cultural Watchword: Practicality
Population: 200 Million (1.3% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 8/10
International Reputation: C-
Chief Import: Food
Chief Export: Technologies
Colors: Purple and Silver
Flag: A silver candle flame in each corner with a purple background.

Dyburen:
Cultural Watchword: Happiness
Population: 300 Million (0.8% Dreamer)
Military Grade: D (Kill Sat, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 1/10
International Reputation: B-
Chief Import: Building Materials
Chief Export: None (formerly Technologies)
Colors: Pink and White.
Flag: Literally it's a smiley on a white background except the smiley is pink rather than yellow.

East Luren:
Cultural Watchword: Freedom
Population: 100 Million (1.1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B+ (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 1/10
International Reputation: C
Chief Import: Weapons
Chief Export: Biofuels
Colors: Brown and Green
Flag: A brown hollow rectangle about 20% from the edge, on a green background.

Endris:
Cultural Watchword: Duty
Population: 250 Million (0.6% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B+ (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 4/10
International Reputation: C
Chief Import: Energy
Chief Export: Metal
Colors: Yellow, Orange, and Purple
Flag: A circle of eight alternating yellow and orange stars on a purple background.

Fasus:
Cultural Watchword: Growth
Population: 250 Million (0.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C- (Nuke, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 3/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Weapons
Chief Export: Building Materials
Colors: White, Green, and Black.
Flag: Four green stars around a black ring on a white background.

Gil:
Cultural Watchword: Progress
Population: 100 Million (0.9% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B (Nuke, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 12/10
International Reputation: D+
Chief Import: Medicine
Chief Export: Energy
Colors: White, Red, and Gold.
Flag: A gold lion in a red square on a white background.

Maire:
Cultural Watchword: Creativity
Population: 200 Million (0.6% Dreamer)
Military Grade: D- (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 7/10
International Reputation: D+
Chief Import: Entertainment Media
Chief Export: Art
Colors: Gold and Red
Flag: A gold sun rising into a red sky.

Marketh:
Cultural Watchword: Safety
Population: 200 Million (1.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B- (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 7/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Weapons
Chief Export: Energy
Colors: Silver, Blue, and Yellow
Flag: A silver shield with a yellow + across the whole thing on a blue background.

Nydir:
Cultural Watchword: Curiosity
Population: 100 Million (1.1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: F (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 1/10
International Reputation: A-
Chief Import: Food
Chief Export: None (formerly Knowledge)
Colors: Purple and Blue
Flag: A grid of alternating purple and blue boxes with the other color as stars in the center of each one.

Pelal:
Cultural Watchword: Community
Population: 400 Million (1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C+ (Nuke, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 6/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Agriculture
Chief Export: Metal
Colors: Silver, Pink, and Orange.
Flag: Three pink circles overlapping like a Venn diagram, pale orange where two overlap and bright orange where all three overlap, against a silver background.

Shul:
Cultural Watchword: Heroism
Population: 100 Million (1.3% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 7/10
International Reputation: C-
Chief Import: Weapons
Chief Export: Energy
Colors: Blue and Orange
Flag: A single big orange star in the center of a blue background.

Telvir:
Cultural Watchword: Efficiency
Population: 400 Million (1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: D- (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 4/10
International Reputation: C-
Chief Import: Building Materials
Chief Export: Precious Stones/Metals
Colors:
Flag:

Terol:
Cultural Watchword: Self-Sufficiency
Population: 100 Million (1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C+ (Kill Sat, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 1/10
International Reputation: C
Chief Import: None
Chief Export: None
Colors: Green, Orange, and Silver
Flag: An orange circle inside a silver square on a green background, vertically centered but positioned a bit off to the left of center.

West Luren:
Cultural Watchword: Loyalty
Population: 250 Million (0.8% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 3/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Technologies
Chief Export: Biofuels
Colors: Green, Blue, and Black.
Flag: A black X separating a light green flag into four triangles, with a blue triangle (pointing inward) in the center of each one.

Zell:
Cultural Watchword: Precision
Population: 300 Million (0.8% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C- (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 4/10
International Reputation: C-
Chief Import: Metal
Chief Export: Machinery
Colors: Yellow and Blue
Flag: A blue circle filled with a yellow star, against a yellow background.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Playing in Aranth

This is where I'm adding a bunch of mechanical stuff to provide inspiration to players, options for GMs, or (let's be honest, most likely) a bunch of quick tools I can personally use for my games. Heavily WIP!

Spoiler: Assumed House Rules

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In my games, I've fairly-well settled on certain house rules that largely apply to character creation. I assume these house rules in the mechanics below, so some tweaking may be required for games that don't use them.

Ability Rebalancing

Strength: You can lift a Mass Rank equal to your Strength Rank. Your basic physical attacks have a Damage rank equal to your Strength rank.

Additionally, all Affliction, Damage, Move Object, and Weaken powers you possess can be designated as "Strength Discounted". Each rank of Strength reduces the PP cost of such powers by 1. However, in any given round, you may only use one Strength Discounted power at a time, so if you want to Link multiple attacks or have some use lower action types, only one may be Strength Discounted. Strength Discounted powers cost a minimum of 1 PP each. This applies to all such powers; they don't have to have anything to do with Strength. This is an "I already paid for that" discount, not a realism discount.

("Strength Discounted" and "Strength-based" are two sides of the same coin. You can't use both simultaneously, but if you want to write out a power as Strength-based because your Strength actually adds directly to it, feel free).

Stamina: Each rank of Stamina provides +1 Toughness and +1 Fortitude.

Agility: Each rank of Agility provides +1 to your Ranged Attack bonus, +1 Dodge, +1 Mobility, and +2 Initiative.

Dexterity: Each rank of Dexterity provides +1 to your Melee Attack bonus, +1 Parry, +1 Stealth, and +2 Initiative.

Fighting: Each rank of Fighting provides +1 to your Melee Attack bonus, Ranged Attack bonus, Dodge, and Parry. Note that while these bonuses do stack with Agility and Dexterity, they are still capped at your PL limit.

Intellect: Each rank of Intellect provides +1 Expertise, Investigation, Technology, and Treatment.

Awareness: Each rank of Awareness provides +1 Will, +1 Insight, and +1 Perception.

Presence: Each rank of Presence provides +1 Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion, and also provides one bonus skill point which may be spent only on Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion, Insight, or Expertise.

Combat Stats

Attack Bonus: Attack Bonus in general is considered to be worth 1 PP/rank, with Melee or Ranged being 1 PP per 2 ranks, which is accounted for in the bonuses you get from Abilities. The Close and Ranged Combat Advantages thus provide +2 to attack bonus with the relevant attack mode rather than +1, and the skills have been removed. The Accurate Extra still works normally. If you want a character who is only skilled with certain weapons, treat it as a Complication.

Defense: Dodge and Parry are worth 1 PP per 2 ranks, so Defense in general comes out to 1 PP per rank. This is reflected in the Abilities, and also applies when purchasing Dodge and Parry directly or as Enhanced Traits. For purposes of Weakens, Dodge and Parry are considered a single stat (so each point of failure lowers both by only a single point). In essence, there is one Defense stat, and Dodge is "Defense Limited to Ranged Attacks" while Parry is "Defense Limited to Close Attacks".

Skill Changes

Combat Skills: Remove Close Combat and Ranged Combat skills entirely.

Expertise: If you have ranks in any Expertise skill, you may apply those ranks to additional Expertise skills for one skill point each. You may divide one instance of the ranks among multiple Expertise skills, but no given skill can exceed your base purchased ranks. (This is more-or-less how it works with Intellect anyway, aside from the dividing up option, but this lets you do it with straight skill points too).

Mobility: Combine Acrobatics, Athletics, and Vehicles into one skill, Mobility. Mobility also gains the Escape and Contortion options from Sleight of Hand. A Mobility check to increase speed can boost any movement mode, not just land speed, and beating the DC by multiple degrees can generally let you cross some spare distance above your normal movement but below the next Distance Rank, if you need to. Mobility is straight Agility-based even though it also absorbs some Strength and Dexterity based skills.

However, in any circumstance where you would normally be given the option of rolling either an Athletics or Acrobatics check (such as to escape a Grab or resist a Trip), you may substitute your Strength for your Agility on the Mobility check, if doing so would be advantageous to you.

Stealth: Stealth gains all other functions of Sleight of Hand, which is removed.

Treatment: In addition to its other capabilities, as a standard action, you can use Treatment to assist a character suffering from an Affliction. A successful Treatment check (DC 15 + Affliction rank) reduces the degree of the Affliction by one per degree of success. You can only treat a given Affliction once. Treatment can also be substituted for Expertise (Medicine).

Alternate Resistances

Alternate Resistance Toughness, Fortitude, and Will are always worth +0 except when applied to powers created "on the fly" as with a Power Stunt or Variable power, in which case they're worth +1 as it's assumed you're targeting a weakness.

I generally don't use Alternate Resistance (Dodge) or (Parry) because they're frankly overpowered. I have three alternatives that I use instead, so when you see these below, this is what they mean:

Highest Active Defense: The higher of Dodge, Parry, Defensive Roll, or Deflect. A character who is actively defending gets the usual +10 on rolls of 10 or less. This option is slightly more balanced (and more realistic) than straight Dodge or Parry by letting more stats get in on the act and allowing active defense to improve the result, although it doesn't fix the glaring balance issue that active defense stats are way easier to reduce than normal resistance checks. Costs +1/rank.

Prowess: Functions as Highest Active Defense, but also allows Strength (and similar effects such as Move Object) or your highest speed-based power rank (Speed, Leaping, Flight, Teleportation, etc). Costs +0/rank - if the enemy can't pull together a basic level-appropriate defense with all these options, that's their problem.

Highest Base Active Defense: Functions as Highest Active Defense, but doesn't include Deflect and doesn't include any external modifiers that apply to active defense stats specifically, including the Defend action bonus, Vulnerable, Defenseless, All Out Attack, or Defensive Attack. The most balanced option (though admittedly, somewhat less realistic than straight Highest Active Defense), it does have its advantages in terms of enemies not being able to supercharge their resistance check through Defending or Defensive Attacking, but it also means they can't be easily crippled with Vulnerable, Defenseless, or All Out Attack. Modifiers that apply to the stats directly (such as Weakens and Enhanced Traits) or to checks in general (such as Impaired, Disabled, and Inspire) still apply as normal. Costs +1/rank; even with the glaring balance issue fixed, active defense is directly opposed to Toughness, and even with the costs evened out, resistance is generally favorable to defense. Toughness shifting is generally favorable, so this still carries a surcharge.

Other Little "Abbreviations

Targeted Area: Basically a Feature/Quirk added to an Area effect that causes it to require an attack roll instead of allowing a save for half. Good because it lets you do stuff like crit, Multiattack, Accurate/All Out/Defensive/Power Attack, etc. Bad because it means you can miss, you have to have attack bonus, you're subject to Interpose and Deflect and such, etc.

Quirk (Heal Order): A Quirk added to Healing powers that makes them heal Dying -> Bruises -> Staggered -> Incapacitated rather than the normal Dying -> Incapacitated -> Staggered -> Bruises. Usually paired with Limited to One Degree for Linked or Area Healing effects, or Quirk 3 (two degrees to heal Staggered, three to heal Incapacitated) for individual targeted ones, to make Healing actually adequately balanced.

Relative Power

PL 0: Your average civilian.

PL 1: Your average Dreamer or Null, Perallan civilian, or Braizen Mutant. A typical athlete, or punk criminal. Your average Wealth 1 civilian.

PL 2: Your average Dymaran civilian. A civilian with typical self-defense training and equipment. A Dreamer with minimally combat-capable powers. Your typical pro athlete, career criminal, or security guard. A conscripted soldier. Your average Wealth 2 civilian.

PL 3: Most police officers. Most professional hunters (non-Perallan!). A Braizen civilian with basic self-defense tech. Most civilian vehicles. Your average Wealth 3 civilian.

PL 4: Veteran police officers, Ilessian Watchmen, and similar. Some hit-men and serial killers. Your typical Perallan frontiersman or physically-augmented Braizen Mutant. Professionally-trained Dymarans. Most Sentinels and Defiant. Your average Wealth 4 civilian.

PL 5: Most professional soldiers, mercenaries, Ilessian Guards, and similar. A typical "combat-capable" Dreamer or Null. The probable ranking of a robot or cyborg that doesn't need any combat capability but gets it anyway. Your average Wealth 5 civilian.

PL 6-7: Most rank-and-file SIDE agents and Braizen security specialists (calling them law enforcement officials is...not quite precise). A successful Perallan Hunter, or low-end Perallan Beast. A powerful Braizen mutant or average Braizen soldier. An average Dymaran soldier, noble, Dreamer, or law enforcement officer. A typical Null who developed physical augmentations upon revival. A low-powered ACC member. Most special forces operatives. Light, old-model powered armor. The weakest of combat robots or cyborgs.

PL 8-9: A typical "military-grade" Dreamer or Null, often including members of the ACC, Blessed Seekers and other more "active" Children of Paradise, low-powered Heroes, Dreamers involved in law enforcement or professional security, and many Registered Independents and Dreamer criminals. An average OUT-SIDE soldier. Most Dreamcatchers, in terms of personal combat ability. Light modern power armor or heavy old-model power armor (the powered armor that Sentinels, Defiant, and well-connected criminals have a reasonable chance of getting access to). An average Perallan Beast. An old Dymaran guru. Weaker combat vehicles. Most combat-oriented robots and cyborgs.

PL 10-11: A typical "Hero-level" Dreamer or Null, such as an average Hero Corps member, military or SIDE Dreamer, Protector of Paradise, combat-capable Dymaran Dreamer, powerful revived Null, and so on. Highly successful Perallan Hunters, most Perallan beastmasters, and strong Perallan Beasts. A typical technomancer (within the Matrix). An experienced Dreamcatcher or Braizen gadgeteer. An average Paradisian mage (off-island) or Haptaran blood mage, or a weak Paradisian warmage (on-island). Most of the very best "pure skill" individuals on the planet. Most forms of modern powered armor and standard combat vehicles such as ACVs, tanks, naval destroyers, attack helicopters, and light fighter planes.

PL 12-13: A typical "artillery-grade" Dreamer or Null, including many Hero Corps veterans, junior members of the Circle of the Shared Dream, on-island Paradisian warmages, elite Haptaran military Dreamers, powerful Dymaran Dreamers, and so on. Cutting edge powered armor. The most powerful of Perallan Beasts (or perhaps, the most powerful that anyone survived to tell about?) Most forms of modern artillery. Powerful combat vehicles such as battleships, fighter jets, bombers, and hovertanks. The weakest of superweapons (mechs, nukes, and kill sats).

PL 14-15: Most "nation-class" Dreamers or Nulls. Your average aircraft carrier. The vast majority of mechs, nukes, and kill sats.

PL 16+: A "world-class" Dreamer or Null.

Descriptors

The following are some common or important descriptors for Aranth games, and how they relate to each other.

Spiritual Energy [Source]: Any power that is fueled by spiritual energy. This is an extremely broad source; Immunity to all powers with a Spiritual Energy source would cost 80 PP. It is too broad for powers with the Broad Extra (such as Nullify and Weaken) to target, largely because a reduction in Spiritual Energy causes other adverse effects. To create attacks that target Spiritual Energy powers, come from the other direction with say an Impaired/Disabled/Transformed Affliction, with a Quirk that restricts the Transformed condition to only affecting traits based on Spiritual Energy.

Dreamer [Origin]: A Dreamer power. Dreamer powers are fueled by Spiritual Energy. Dreamers are the primary form of superhuman in the setting; Immunity to direct Dreamer Powers ("Immunity: All Dreamer Effects") costs 30 points. Immunity to the Dreamer-improved portion of any effect created or augmented by Dreamer powers ("Immunity: All Effects with a Dreamer Origin") costs 40 points. Affecting Dreamer powers requires the Broad descriptor.

The [Dreamer] origin can justify pretty much any power you can build with the game rules and that the GM allows.

Null [Origin]: Nulls are technically Dreamers, but the way their powers work on a technical level is very different. Null powers do not count as Dreamer powers for mechanical purposes - among other things, this means a Null cannot nullify the powers of another Null. In most cases, Nulls are pretty rare; targeting Null powers doesn't require Broad unless you also want to add Simultaneous, and Immunity to Null powers costs 10 PP (or 5 PP for a specific type of Null power, such as Damage or Nullify). In an Indelar-focused game, Nulls would be much more common, and Broad should be required and Immunity costs doubled.

The [Null] origin isn't as broad-based as the [Dreamer] origin. Primary Null powersets include Immortality 2 (Uncontrollable) and various forms of Dreamer power negation. The latter, however, can expand into any form of power, effect, or energy neutralizing powers by a strong enough Null, and other non-augmentative meta-powers are also possible (such as randomizing or compelling Dreamer powers or even other effects). Revived Null can also receive various physical enhancements. These rarely reach the same levels that Dreamers can, but there's not really an explicit cap.

Magical [Origin]: First thing's first, the Magical descriptor means something slightly different than the Magic descriptor. Magical means the effect is generated by magical means (an Origin). Magic means the effect is delivered as raw magic energy (a standard Descriptor). Naturally, many magical effects use both, but not all; a wizard's fireball would have a [Magical] Origin but a [Fire] Descriptor, for example. Targeting [Magical] powers requires the Broad Extra, but [Magic] does not.

Magic is a trained skill, but some Dreamers have the power to do magic. This is much like how Dreamer super-scientists have amazing ability with technology. In this case, their spells have both the [Dreamer] and [Magical] Origins. However, things like enchanted objects would only have the [Magical] Origin.

In terms of Immunities...well, it works like this:

Immunity 5: Magic Damage, or some other Magic Effect (like Magic Afflictions, Magic Nullifies, etc). This means immunity to all effects of that type with the [Magic] descriptor. So immunity to Magic Damage gives you immunity to, say, a death curse, or a wizard's energy bolt, or getting hit with a mage's telekinesis spell, etc.

Immunity 10: All Magic Effects. Any effect with the actual [Magic] descriptor. Would protect from curses, raw magical energy, being turned into a frog by a witch, having your own (personal) spells dispelled (but not a Counter targeting your spell's Effect directly), etc. Would do nothing against a wizard's fireball or lightning bolt ([Magical] Origin, [Fire] or [Lightning] Descriptor).

Immunity 20: All Magical Effects. Any effect directly generated entirely by magic. Protects from all of the above, plus a wizard's fireballs, lightning bolts, etc. Still won't protect against a wizard buffing its own strength and punching you in the face for [Physical] [Bludgeoning] damage, or telekinetically grabbing a tree and beating you over the head with it.

Immunity 30: All Effects with a Magical Origin. Full immunity to anything that magic makes possible at all. There might be some reduced effect for things that have functon beyond their magic (a telekinetically-wielded tree is being propelled entirely through magic, so you're safe; a strength-buffed punch is still a punch, but now it's just a punch from some spindly little wizard wrist; a magic sword is still a sword and might cause some basic damage, but it won't get its enchanted damage rank or any cool Extras or Linked Effects that come from magic).

Magic can justify pretty much any type of power.

Blood Magic [Descriptor]: An extra descriptor added on to magic generated through spiritual energy gathered via blood sacrifice. Evil evil evil. Normal descriptor, but for Immunities take a related Magical Immunity and Limit it, since this descriptor doesn't really have anything to do with the effect itself.

Aura [Descriptor]: An extra descriptor added on to magic generated or augmented through Paradisian Aura. Normal descriptor, but for Immunities take a related Magical Immunity and Limit it, since this descriptor doesn't really have anything to do with the effect itself.

Chi [Origin]: Power is based on manipulating the flow of Spiritual Energy throughout one's body. In a Dymaran game, treat the Chi Origin as equivalent to the Magical Origin for purposes of Broad, Immunities, etc. Otherwise, it doesn't need Broad, and the Immunity costs are a step lower (2/5/10/20) due to rarity. Note, though, that many Chi powers are augmentative in nature. Not all, though; skilled practitioners can disrupt the flow of an opponent's Chi to afflict them with various maladies, and for powerful practitioners you can have things like Chi blasts and stuff.

The Chi origin mainly justifies physical enhancements and perhaps some meta-Chi effects such as Chi detection, negation, etc. At high levels, it can push a bit further to things like outright flight and energy blasts, but it's usually quite a bit simpler than correspondingly potent Dreamer powers. Really explicitly supernatural stuff isn't appropriate for Chi, but Chi and Dreamer powers can dovetail nicely.

Totemic [Origin]: Power is due to a Totemic ritual. For the most part, Totemic works like Chi mechanically; in a Perallan game it is equivalent to [Magical], otherwise it gets the same rarity discounts as Chi. Note, however, that direct Totemic effects are even more rare than direct [Chi] effects.

The Totemic origin mainly justifies physical and perceptual enhancements, and maybe some limited mental stuff restricted to animals (more really strong animal empathy than outright mental powers, but built the same). The more advanced Totemic effects, such as summons, shapeshifting, and the like, are [Magical] as well as or instead of [Totemic]. Likewise, you could build a Perallan shaman or witch doctor or something that can do things like heal, curse, and manipulate the elements, but it would be using [Magical] effects rather than [Totemic] ones for such purposes.

Technological [Origin]: Any effect created by any form of modern technology has the [Technological] Origin. Technology requires Broad to target. Technological immunities would be huge game-changers in Aranth; Dreamer powers may be the main form of supernatural ability, but technology is everywhere. Immunity to direct technological effects would be 60 points, and Immunity to all effects generated by Technology would be 80.

Technological powers can be just about anything, but the more explicitly supernatural it is, the more likely it qualifies as Dreamtech and isn't something that can be easily mass-produced.

Practical Energy [Source]: "Practical Energy" is the ambiguous energy that fuels most modern Aranth technology. The stuff that gets counted as Energy Credits. It's...more or less electricity, but I'm hedging my bets a bit there. Practical Energy is where most Technological powers come from, so it functions as equivalent to Technological. Nullify Technological restricted to Practical Energy would be a one-point Quirk. A Technological Immunity restricted to Practical Energy would be a five-point Quirk.

Braizen Radiation [Source]: Braizen Radiation works differently than Practical Energy. Mechanically, it follows the same rules as [Chi]; use [Magical] rules in a game centered around the Braizen Isles, and discounted rules elsewhere. For protection against direct Braizen Radiation effects, such as mutations, just take Immunity to the [Radiation] descriptor at 1 point for Environmental levels, 5 points for a single direct effect, or 10 points for All Radiation Effects.

Matrix [Source]: Powers with a Matrix source are generally only usable within the Matrix, although Matrix-enhanced cybernetics can make them possible outside. Mechanically, same rules as [Chi], using full costs in a Limbra-centric game. In an actual Matrix-centric game, you might instead use the rules for Dreamer powers.

Skill [Origin]: [Skill] origin powers are not quite innate, but they come from talent and training with no special funky enhancements. Immunity to all powers with a [Skill] origin would cost 30 PP, but [Skill] it is not considered Broad; [Skill] is kinda "innate but not really". Effects that Nullify Skills are pretty rare, but if you want to save on those Innate points, you can deal with those Nullifiers that do work against you saving on Broad!

Skill powers don't necessarily have to be realistic, but they have to be at least somewhat grounded - nothing blatantly supernatural or completely obviously superhuman. Things that an action hero could feasibly do. Often, [Skill] powers have some degree of limiting factors that keep them from working quite as well as powered equivalents, or come along with Complications that they might work poorly or fail in situations where they don't make as much sense.

Physiological [Origin]: Physiological powers are permanent changes to one's body. Some Dreamer powers that alter the character's form may be [Physiological] as well as [Dreamer], or even purely [Physiological] if normal Nullifies and stuff won't change the character back. The powers of Braizen Mutants and Perallan Beasts are generally Physiological with a [Braizen Radiation] or [Spiritual Energy] Source, respectively. [Physiological] follows the same rules as [Skill].

Physiological powers, naturally, generally only justify physical and perceptual enhancements and alterations, although they have a bit more breadth than the average [Totemic] or [Chi] power. They can include biological but non-physical things like acids, poisons, bioelectricity, biolunination, etc. Explicitly supernatural stuff, though, is out of their range.

Projection [Descriptor]: The Projection descriptor automatically applies to any power that can work through objects - Teleport, Insubstantial, Permeate, Communication, Penetrates Concealment, Remote Viewing, and so on. Projection blockers are a fairly-common security system on Aranth that will negate or prevent Projection effects from being used in a certain site.

Character/NPC Templates

Spoiler: Civilian (PL 0, 5 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +0. Dodge: +0. Parry: +0. Toughness: +0. Fortitude: +0. Will: +0. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Insight 1 (+1), Perception 1 (+1), Persuasion 2 (+2), Technology 1 (+1).

Additional Expertise (1): Popular Culture +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

None.

Powers

None.

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 0 + Skills 5 + Advantages 0 + Powers 0 = 5 PP

Notes

The basic civilian is given 5 PP so it's more than a string of zeros.

Spoiler: Perallan Civilian (PL 1, 15 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 1. STA: 1. AGI: 0. DEX: 1. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 1. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +1. Damage: +1. Dodge (1): +1. Parry: +1. Toughness: +1. Fortitude: +1. Will: +1. Init: +2.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Insight 1 (+2), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 1 (+2), Stealth 0 (+1).

Advantages

Favored Environment.

Powers

None.

Calculations

Abilities 8 + Defenses 0.5 + Skills 5.5 + Advantages 1 + Powers 0 = 15 PP

Notes

Even the "average" Perallan civilian is fairly physically impressive by normal standards.

Spoiler: Dreamer Civilian (PL 1, 15 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 1. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +0. Dodge: +0. Parry: +0. Toughness: +2. Fortitude: +1. Will (1): +1. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Insight 2 (+2), Mobility 1 (+1), Perception 2 (+2), Persuasion 2 (+2), Technology 1 (+1).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +4, Popular Culture +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

None.

Powers

Dreamer's Resilience: Protection 1 {1}.

Dreamer Power: Your average Dreamer civilian possesses a single power worth up to 4 PP. Civilian versions of more common powers include:

Paragon: Power Lifting 2, Flight 1.

Super Strength: Power Lifting 4 or Enhanced Strength 2.

Super Speed: Speed 2, Quickness 2.

Energy Bolt: Damage 2 (Ranged).

Telekinesis: Move Object 2.

Telepathy: Mental Communication 1.

Teleportation: Teleport 1.

Technopathy: Comprehend Machines 2.

Calculations

Abilities 2 + Defenses 1 + Skills 7 + Advantages 0 + Powers 5 = 15 PP

Notes

This is a kinda average Dreamer civilian. Not the absolute weakest of Dreamer powers, but definitely in the bottom ten-or-so percent.

Spoiler: Thug (PL 1, 15 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 1. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +2. Dodge: +0. Parry: +0. Toughness: +2. Fortitude: +2. Will: +0. Init: +0.

Skills

Deception 2 (+2), Expertise (Criminal) 2 (+2), Intimidation 4 (+4), Mobility 2 (+2), Stealth 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (2): Any One +2, Popular Culture +2.

Advantages

Improved Critical (Improvised Weapons), Improvised Weapon.

Powers

None.

Calculations

Abilities 6 + Defenses 0 + Skills 7 + Advantages 2 + Powers 0 = 15 PP

Notes

A punk criminal, not too skilled, but dangerous to the average person.

Spoiler: Dymaran Civilian (PL 2, 30 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 2. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +2. Damage: +2. Dodge: +2. Parry: +2. Toughness: +2. Fortitude: +2. Will: +2. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Insight 0 (+2), Mobility 4 (+4), Perception 0 (+2), Persuasion 4 (+4).

Additional Expertise (2): Chi +4, Popular Culture +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

Improved Initiative, Trance.

Powers

Martial Arts: Damage 2 Linked Move Object 2 (Reduced Range [Close]) OR Damage 2 Linked Affliction 2 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) OR Damage 2 (Multiattack) OR Damage 2 Linked Deflect 2 (Reduced Range [Close]) {4}.

Chi Parkour: Flight 2 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]) {3}.

Chi Awareness: Senses 2 (Acute Awareness [Chi]) {2}.

Calculations

Abilities 12 + Defenses 0 + Skills 7 + Advantages 2 + Powers 9 = 30 PP

Notes

Dymara has some of the most powerful basic civilians, thanks to the ubiquitous practice of Chi techniques.

Spoiler: Armed Civilian (PL 2, 30 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +2. Damage: +2. Dodge (2): +2. Parry (2): +2. Toughness: +2. Fortitude: +2. Will: +2. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Insight 2 (+4), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 2 (+4), Stealth 4 (+4), Technology 2 (+2), Treatment 4 (+4).

Choose one of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion at 4 (+4).

Additional Expertise (1): Popular Culture +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

Equipment 1, Improve Defense, Improved Initiative, Second Chance 3 (Mobility to Escape Grabs, Perception to avoid surprise, either Mobility or Stealth to escape a threat).

Equipment

Civilian-grade Weaponry: Choose one of the following:

Light Pistol: Damage 2 (Ranged, Accurate 1).

Stun Baton: Damage 2 Linked Affliction 2 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited Degree); Accurate 1.

Impact Baton: Damage 2 Linked Affliction 2 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree); Accurate 1.

Tazer: Affliction 2 (Impaired/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Ranged, Concentration, Cumulative, Diminished Range 2, Limited [Must take a standard action to reset it for each new shot], Accurate 1).

Pepper Spray: Affliction 2 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Accurate 1).

CPU-assisted Collapsible Staff: Damage 2 (Reach) Linked Deflect 2 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 1.

Powers

None.

Calculations

Abilities 8 + Defenses 2 + Skills 14 + Advantages 6 + Powers 0 = 30 PP

Notes

This template is for more than just a civilian with a basic weapon; it includes broad-based self defense training including personal defense, awareness, evasion, first aid, and even some power resistance techniques.

Spoiler: Law Enforcement Officer (PL 3, 45 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 2. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +2. Damage: +4 or +2. Dodge (2): +4. Parry (2): +4. Toughness: +2. Fortitude (2): +2. Will (2): +4. Init: +8.

Skills

Deception OR Persuasion 4 (+4), Expertise (Law Enforcement) 6 (+6), Insight 2 (+4), Intimidation 2 (+2), Investigation 5 (+5), Mobility 4 (+4), Perception 2 (+4), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (1): Current Events +3, Criminal +3.

Advantages

Benefit 1 (Law Enforcement), Equipment 8, Improved Initiative 2, Teamwork.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 2 {2}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 2, Leaping 2 {4}.

Law Enforcement Gear: Handcuffs, Restraints {2}.

Professional-grade Weaponry: 15-point Array {15+2}.

Service Arm: Damage 4 (Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range, Improved Critical 2).

Sidearm: Damage 4 (Ranged, Diminished Range) Linked Weaken Stamina 4 (Fortitude; Ranged, Diminished Range); Improved Critical.

Stun Baton: Damage 4 (Reversible, Reach) Linked Affliction 4 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Reach).

Powers

CQC: Damage 2 Linked Move Object 2 (Reduced Range [Close]) {4}.

Firearms Expertise: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both]; Limited [Partial Cover Only]) {1}.

Calculations

Abilities 8 + Defenses 6 + Skills 14 + Advantages 12 + Powers 5 = 45 PP

Notes

The typical police officer of a modern Aranth nation.

Spoiler: Perallan Frontiersman (PL 4, 60 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 4. STA: 4. AGI: 4. DEX: 4. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +4. Damage: +4. Dodge: +4. Parry: +4. Toughness: +4. Fortitude (1): +5. Will (3): +3. Init: +16.

Skills

Expertise (Survival) 8 (+8), Mobility 1 (+5), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 1 (+5).

Advantages

Fast Grab, Favored Environment, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown, Tracking.

Powers

Athleticism: Speed 2 (Alternate Effects: Leaping 2, Movement 1 [Trackless], Movement 1 [Wall Crawling]) {2+3}.

Alertness: Senses 1 (Danger Sense) {1}.

Rifle: Damage 4 (Ranged, Extended Range, Easily Removable) {9-4-2}.

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 4 + Skills 9 + Advantages 6 + Powers 9 = 60 PP

Notes

None.

Spoiler: Ilessian Watch Officer (PL 4, 60 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 3. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +3. Damage: +5. Dodge: +3. Parry: +3. Toughness: +5. Fortitude (2): +4. Will (2): +4. Init: +8.

Skills

Deception 6 (+6), Expertise (Law Enforcement) 8 (+8), Insight 4 (+6), Investigation 8 (+8), Mobility 4 (+4), Perception 4 (+6), Stealth 2 (+2), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (2): Current Events +4, Criminal +4, Politics +4, Popular Culture +2, Law +2.

Advantages

Benefit 1 (Law Enforcement), Contacts, Equipment 9, Improved Initiative 2, Second Chance (Investigation to locate clues), Teamwork.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 3 {3}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 2, Leaping 2 {4}.

Law Enforcement Gear: Handcuffs, Restraints {2}.

Professional-grade Weaponry: 18-point Array {18+3}.

Service Arm: Damage 5 (Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range, Improved Critical 2).

Sidearm: Damage 5 (Ranged, Diminished Range) Linked Weaken Stamina 5 (Fortitude; Ranged, Diminished Range).

Stun Baton: Damage 5 (Reversible, Reach) Linked Affliction 5 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Reach).

Flash-Bang: Affliction 4 (Dazed+Impaired+Vulnerable/Stunned+Disabled+Defenseless; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Extra Condition 2, Limited Degree).

Powers

CQC: Damage 3 Linked Move Object 3 (Reduced Range [Close]) {6}.

Firearms Expertise: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both]; Limited [Partial Cover Only]) {1}.

Calculations

Abilities 14 + Defenses 4 + Skills 20 + Advantages 15 + Powers 7 = 60 PP

Notes

With a bit of tweaking, mainly to skills and Advantages, this template can also be used for things like Ilessian Navy sailors or Air Force pilots, or similar characters with strong combat training but not a particular combat focus.

Spoiler: Sentinel/Defiant (PL 4, 60 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +4. Damage: +4 or +2. Dodge (4): +4. Parry (4): +4. Toughness: +4. Fortitude (2): +4. Will (4): +4. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Intimidation 6 (+6), Mobility 4 (+4), Perception 4 (+4), Stealth 4 (+4), Treatment 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +4, Popular Culture +2, Current Events +2.

For Sentinels: Investigation 6 (+6), Perception 2 (+6).

For Defiant: Deception 6 (+6), Stealth 2 (+6).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit (Weapons Access), Close Attack 2, Equipment 4, Favored Foe (Dreamers), Improved Initiative, Improvised Weapon 2, Power Attack, Ranged Attack 2, Takedown 2, Teamwork.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 2 {2}.

Tactical Shotgun: 15-point Array {15+3}.

Spreading Shot: Damage 4 (Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range, Improved Critical 2).

Armor-Piercing Shot: Damage 4 (Ranged, Penetrating 4, Extended Range, Improved Critical 2).

Explosive Shot: Damage 4 (Ranged, Secondary Effect, Extended Range, Improved Critical 2).

Fireburst Shot: Damage 4 (Ranged, Cloud Area, Penetrating 2, Extended Range).

Powers

Fanaticism: Immunity 6 (Interaction Skills, Fear; Limited [Only against known Dreamers], Limited [Only for purposes of exerting social influence]); Immunity 2 (Nonlethal Damage, but attackers can freely choose to inflict lethal damage if desired; Limited [Half Effect]) {3}.

Power Scanner: Senses 2 (Ranged Detect [Dreamer Powers]). Alternate Effect: Senses 2 (Acute Detect [Dreamer Powers]). Easily Removable. {3-1}.

Defiance: Impervious Toughness, Fortitude, and Will 4 (Limited [Attacks generated or augmented by Dreamer Powers]) {6}.

Calculations

Abilities 4 + Defenses 10 + Skills 17 + Advantages 18 + Powers 11 = 60 PP

Notes

Your average Sentinel and Defiant often have largely similar training and equipment, although Sentinels are a lot more careful where they use those Fireburst Shots...

Spoiler: Ilessian Regional Guard (PL 5, 75 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 2. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 5. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +5. Damage: +5. Dodge: +5. Parry: +5. Toughness: +5. Fortitude (2): +4. Will (4): +6. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Law Enforcement) 6 (+6), Insight 4 (+6), Investigation 4 (+4), Mobility 4 (+4), Perception 2 (+4), Persuasion 8 (+8), Stealth 4 (+4), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (2): Current Events +4, Criminal +4, Politics +4.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit 1 (Law Enforcement), Equipment 5, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 3 {3}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 3, Leaping 2 {5}.

Law Enforcement Gear: Handcuffs, Restraints {2}.[/INDENT]

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 3 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {3}.

Firearms Expertise: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both]; Limited [Partial Cover Only]) {1}.

CQC: Damage 3 Linked Move Object 3 (Reduced Range [Close]) {6-5}.

Military-grade Weaponry: 20-point Easily Removable Array, choose three of the following {20-5+2-6}.

Autolock Assault Rifle: Damage 5 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 5 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 5.

Armor-piercing Sniper Rifle: Damage 5 (Ranged, Penetrating 5, Extended Range 5).

Plasma Rifle: Damage 5 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 5 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Flash-Bangs: Affliction 5 (Dazed+Impaired+Vulnerable/Stunned+Disabled+Defenseless; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Extra Condition 2, Limited Degree).

Sleep Grenades: Affliction 5 (Entranced/Stunned/Asleep; Will; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative).

Stun Baton: Damage 4 Linked Affliction 4 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Progressive).

Impact Baton: Damage 4 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 4 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Fortitude; Multiattack, Cumulative, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Pulse Rifle: Damage 5 (Cone Area, Alternate Resistance [Will]) Linked Affliction 5 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Cone Area).

Calculations

Abilities 22 + Defenses 6 + Skills 18 + Advantages 13 + Powers 16 = 75 PP

Notes

With a bit of tweaking - mainly swapping some skills about - this template can be used for other highly combat-capable law enforcement or similar NPCs.

Spoiler: Soldier (PL 5, 75 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 2. STA: 3. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 4. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +4. Damage: +6. Dodge: +4. Parry: +4. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (2): +5. Will (3): +5. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 4 (+4), Insight 2 (+4), Intimidation 6 (+6), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 4 (+6), Stealth 2 (+2), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Benefit 1 (Military), Defensive Attack, Equipment 5, Improved Critical (Firearms) 1, Improved Initiative, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 3 {3}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance

Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 3, Leaping 2 {5}.

Military Gear: Miltitool, Camo Clothing {2}.[/INDENT]

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 3 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {3}.

CQC: Damage 3 Linked Move Object 3 (Reduced Range [Close]) {6-5}.

Military-grade Weaponry: 25-point Easily Removable Array, choose three of the following {25-5+2-8}.

Autolock Assault Rifle: Damage 6 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration, Extended Range).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 6 (Ranged, Multiattack, Precise) Linked Deflect 6.

Armor-piercing Sniper Rifle: Damage 6 (Ranged, Penetrating 6, Extended Range 5, Improved Critical 2).

Plasma Rifle: Damage 6 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged, Incurable).

Grenades: Damage 5 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 5 (Ranged, Burst Area, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Knockback]).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 6 (Ranged, 5 ranks Burst Area 2, Extended Range 3).

Flame Thrower: Damage 5 (Cone Area, Secondary Effect) Linked Affliction 5 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cone Area).

Breaker Mace: Damage 6 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Fortitude; Affects Objects and Creatures), Improved Critical.

Charged Bayonet: Damage 6 Linked Affliction 6 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Secondary Effect), Improved Critical.

Calculations

Abilities 22 + Defenses 5 + Skills 13 + Advantages 17 + Powers 18 = 75 PP

Notes

None.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: SIDE Agent (PL 6, 90 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 2. STA: 3. AGI: 2. DEX: 2. FGT: 4. INT: 0. AWE: 3. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +6. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (3): +6. Will (3): +6. Init: +12.

Skills

Expertise (Law Enforcement) 6 (+6), Insight 3 (+6), Investigation 6 (+6), Mobility 2 (+4), Perception 3 (+6), Stealth 4 (+6), Technology 5 (+5).

Choose one of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion at 6 (+6).

Additional Expertise (3): Dreamer Lore +6, Tactics +6, Current Events +3, Criminal +3.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Benefit 1 (SIDE), Defensive Attack, Equipment 5, Improved Initiative, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 3 {3}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 3, Leaping 2 {5}.

Law Enforcement Gear: Handcuffs, Restraints {2}.

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {4}.

Firearms Expertise: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both]; Limited [Partial Cover Only]) {1}.

CQC: Damage 4 Linked Move Object 4 (Quirk [Reduced Mass], Reduced Range [Close]) {7-6}.

SIDE Tactical Visor: 4-point Easily Removable Array {4+1-2}.

Power Scanner: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Dreamer Powers]).

Broad-spectrum Sensor Suite: Reduced Senses 2 (Darkvision), Senses 5 (Vision Counters All Concealment), Senses 2 (Vision Counters Illusion; Limited [Only allows a check to disbelieve on sight rather than auto-countering]).

Military-grade Weaponry: 24-point Easily Removable Array, choose four of the following {24-6+3-8}.

Autolock Assault Rifle: Damage 6 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 6 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 6.

Armor-piercing Sniper Rifle: Damage 6 (Ranged, Penetrating 6, Extended Range 5, Improved Critical).

Plasma Rifle: Damage 6 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Laser Rifle: Damage 6 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Power Nullifiers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 6 (Broad, Simultaneous).

Power Suppressors: Affliction 6 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cumulative, Progressive, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Negation Grenades: Affliction 6 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Cumulative, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Napalm Grenades: Damage 6 (Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect).

Stun Grenades: Affliction 6 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative).

Buckytube Blades: Damage 6 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Energy Baton: Damage 6 Linked Affliction 6 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Fortitude).

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 6 + Skills 16 + Advantages 14 + Powers 22 = 90 PP

Notes

SIDE has the coolest toys. That is all.

Spoiler: Perallan Hunter (PL 6, 90 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 6. STA: 6. AGI: 6. DEX: 6. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +6. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +6. Fortitude: +6. Will (6): +6. Init: +24.

Skills

Expertise (Survival) 10 (+10), Mobility 0 (+6), Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 0 (+6).

Advantages

Animal Empathy, Fast Grab, Favored Environment, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown, Tracking.

Powers

Alertness: Senses 1 (Danger Sense) {1}.

Totemic Traits: 4-point Array {4+5}.

Beast Speed: Speed 4.

Beast Stride: Movement 2 (Trackless, Wall Crawling).

Beast Jump: Leaping 4.

Beast Nose: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Accurate Scent).

Beast Senses: Senses 4 (Extended Vision, Extended Hearing, Low Light Vision, Ultrahearing).

Beast Empathy: Enhanced Intimidation and Persuasion 6 (Limited [Animals Only]).

Hunter's Tricks: 12-point Strength-discounted Array {12-6+3}.

Ranged Weapon Proficiency: Damage 6 (Ranged).

Natural Combatant: Damage 6 Linked Move Object 6 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Feral Frenzy: Damage 6 (Multiattack).

Mark Prey: Damage 6 Linked Affliction 6 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Conditions only apply against self]) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Fortitude; Limited [Penalty only applies against self]).

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 6 + Skills 10 + Advantages 7 + Powers 19 = 90 PP

Notes

This is a fairly broad-based Perallan hunter. With some tweaks to arrays and stats, you could easily create variations based around a specific Totem animal.

Spoiler: Dymaran Adept (PL 6, 90 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 4. AGI: 0. DEX: 8. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 4. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +4. Dodge (8): +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +4. Fortitude (2): +6. Will (2): +6. Init: +16.

Skills

Expertise (Chi) 6 (+6), Insight 2 (+6), Mobility 6 (+6), Perception 2 (+6), Persuasion 6 (+6).

Advantages

Assessment, Defensive Attack, Evasion, Improved Hold, Instant Up, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown.

Powers

Chi Parkour: Flight 4 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Movement 1 (Safe Fall) {9}.

Chi Awareness: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Detect [Chi]) {6}.

Martial Arts: 12-point Array {12+4}.

Flurry of Blows: Damage 4 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 4 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Stunning Strike: Damage 4 Linked Affliction 4 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative).

Defensive Strike: Damage 4 Linked Deflect 8 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]);

Shattering Strike: Damage 4 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Penetrating 4).

Counter Stance: Damage 4 (Reaction [When Attacked], Limited [Only if attack misses]).

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 8 + Skills 11 + Advantages 8 + Powers 31 = 90 PP

[b]Notes

A serious Dymaran martial artist. Tweaking the skills can change the flavor some; a noble might drop a couple points in Mobility and Perception for more Insight and Persuasion (and might swap one or the other for Deception), while a soldier may swap Persuasion for Intimidation or a police officer might swap it for Investigation.

Spoiler: Cyborg (PL 6, 90 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (6). STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: (6). INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +6. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (8): +8. Will (4): +4. Init: +0.

Skills

Intimidation 5 (+5), Investigation 5 (+5), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 5 (+5), Stealth 5 (+5), Technology 5 (+5).

Advantages

Move-by Action, Well Informed.

Powers

Servo Strength: Enhanced Strength 6 (Permanent) {12}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 6 (Permanent) {12}.

Subdermal Armor: Protection 6 {6}.

Computer Brain: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Eidetic Memory, Equipment [Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone]), Quickness 6 (Limited [Mental]) {5}.

Bionic Eye: Senses 4 (Darkvision, Extended Vision, Analytical Vision) {4}.

Propulsion Systems: Flight 3 (Alt: Speed 6) {6+1}.

Weapons Systems: 18-point Strength-discounted Array {18-6+3}.

Cybernetic Strike: Damage 6 Linked Affliction 6 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Move Object 6 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Finger Guns: Damage 6 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Hand Cannon: Damage 6 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 6 (Impaired/Stunned; Fortitude; Ranged, Limited Degree).

Eye Beams: Damage 6 (Perception Range).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 12 + Skills 15 + Advantages 2 + Powers 61 = 90 PP

Notes

Cyborgs have a Complication making them subject to technopathy effects.

Spoiler: Dangerous Braizen Mutant (PL 6, 90 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 8. STA: 8. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 4. INT: -3. AWE: 0. PRE: -2.

Stats

Attack: +4. Damage: +8. Dodge: +4. Parry: +4. Toughness: +8. Fortitude: +8. Will (4): +4. Init: +0.

Skills

Intimidation 14 (+12), Mobility 8 (+8), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 8 (+8).

Presence Bonus Buyoff 2.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Diehard, Fearless, Power Attack.

Powers

Mutations: Randomly roll four of the following (1d20) {32}.

(1) Tentacles: Extra Limbs 5, Elongation 2 (Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]), Enhanced Advantages (Fast Grab, Improved Hold).

(2) Acid: Strength Damage gains Secondary Effect.

(3) Spittle: Strength Damage gains Ranged.

(4) Wings: Flight 8 (Wings).

(5) Metabolism: Regeneration 5, Healing 1 (Restorative, Reduced Action 2 [Free], Limited [Self Only], Limited [Restorative function only]).

(6) Worm: Burrowing 5, Movement 1 (Slithering), Enhanced Advantages (Prone Fighting).

(7) Battle Roar: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 6 (Vulnerable/Compelled [Forced to Flee]; Will; Perception Area [Hearing], Limited Degree); Startle, Feature (Penalty to Startle as move action reduced to -2).

(8) Claws: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude).

(9) Webs: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 8 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Alternate Resistance [Prowess], Cumulative, Limited [Physical actions only]).

(10) Poison: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Stamina 8 (Fortitude).

(11) Rage: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Chosen Defense 8 (Will; Broad, Limited [Penalty only applies against self]).

(12) Scales: Impervious Toughness 8.

(13) Breath Weapon: Strength Damage gains 6 ranks Cone Area, Precise, Incurable.

(14) Ferocity: Immunity 30 (Fortitude; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]).

(15) Madness: Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]).

(16) Adrenaline: Speed 8.

(17) Skittering: Movement 4 (Wall Crawling 2, Trackless, Sure Footed).

(18) Eyes Everywhere: Senses 8 (Extended, Rapid, Radius Vision Counters All Concealment).

(19) Olfactory Maws: Senses 8 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Extended Smell Counters Concealment [Overlapping Scents]).

(20) Stealth: Concealment 4 (All Visual Senses; Passive); Teleport 4 (Limited [Only while not in sight]).

Calculations

Abilities 30 + Defenses 4 + Skills 20 + Advantages 4 + Powers 32 = 90 PP

Notes

I mean, sure, you could also just choose four mutations from the list or make up your own to suit the needs of your story and encounters. If you want to be boring!

Some of the mutations may not go great together. Some tweaking or rerolling may be required. For example, if you get two Afflictions just make one Extra Condition, or if you get Ranged and a Linked effect put Ranged on both at the cost of another mutation, etc.

Spoiler: Revived Null 'Ghoul' (PL 6, 90 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 8. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: -3. AWE: 0. PRE: -3.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +6. Dodge (4): +4. Parry (4): +4. Toughness: +8. Fortitude: +8. Will (4): +4. Init: +0.

Skills

Intimidation 9 (+6), Mobility 6 (+6), Perception 4 (+4), Stealth 6 (+6).

Presence Buyoff 3.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Close Attack 3.

Powers

Revenance: Immortality 5 (Unreliable), Regeneration 5 {10}.

Power Resistance: Immunity 30 (Dreamer Effects; Limited [Half Effect]) {15}.

Rotting Body: Immunity 10 (Life Support; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Near Mindless: Immunity 5 (Interaction Skills) {5}.

Claws and Bite: Damage 6 {6}.

Pounce: Leaping 4 {4}.

Ghoulish: 12-point Array {12+3}.

Gnaw: Claws and Bite gain Linked Weaken Stamina 6 (Fortitude), Enhanced Trait 6 (Progressive; Limited [Only if ghoul remains in Close range of the target and spends a move action each round continuing to gnaw]).

Rotting Stench: Affliction 4 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude; Burst Area, Reaction [Start of turn], Sense-dependent [Smell], Limited Degree).

Flense: Claws and Bite gain Multiattack, Linked Affliction 6 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Fortitude).

Null: Claws and Bite gain Linked Nullify Dreamer Powers 6 (Broad, Simultaneous, Reduced Range [Close]).

Calculations

Abilities 4 + Defenses 8 + Skills 14 + Advantages 4 + Powers 60 = 90 PP

Notes

A modestly powerful Null that was killed and revived with a rotting form, withered mind, and hunger for living flesh. It would almost be better if it were undead.

Spoiler: Perallan Beast (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (10). STA: (10). AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: -5. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +10. Dodge (11): +6. Parry (11): +6. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: +10. Will (6): +6. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Survival) 11 (+6), Intimidation 5 (+10), Mobility 8 (+8), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 0 (-10).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Close Attack 3, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Cover), Takedown 2.

Powers

Giant Animal: Growth 10 {20}.

Beast Senses: Senses 3 (Low Light Vision, Ranged Acute Scent) {3}.

Minor Beast Traits: Choose three of the following. {15}

Ferocity: Regeneration 10 (Limited [Bruises Only]).

Big: Enhanced Toughness 2, Reduced Dodge and Parry 2, Speed 1, Power Lifting 2, Enhanced Intimidation 4.

Swift: Enhanced Dodge and Parry 2, Reduced Toughness 2, Speed 2 (Alt: Leaping 2), Enhanced Mobility 4.

Augmented Eyesight: Senses 5 (Improve Low Light Vision to Darkvision, Extended Vision 2, Vision Counters Concealment [Invisibility]).

Augmented Hearing: Senses 5 (Accurate Extended Hearing, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise]).

Augmented Scent: Senses 4 (Accurate Extended Tracking Scent), Senses 2 (Extended Scent 2; Limited [Blood]).

Running: Speed 4 (Alt: Leaping 4).

Sprinting: Speed 5.

Swimming: Swimming 5.

Burrowing: Burrowing 5.

Wings: Flight 5 (Wings).

Mobility: Speed 1, Movement 2 (Any but Permeate, Dimensional Travel, Time Travel).

Stealth: Enhanced Stealth 10.

Camouflage: Concealment 2 (Vision; Blending); Enhanced Stealth 6.

Silence: Concealment 2 (All Auditory Senses; Passive); Enhanced Stealth 6.

Pack: Teamwork, Agile Feint, Set Up, Enhanced Mobility 4.

Shielded: Impervious Toughness 4, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Limited [Half Effect]).

Major Beast Traits: Choose two of the following, and then an alternate effect with two more. {20+1}

Claws: Strength Damage gains Multiattack.

Bite: Strength Damage gains Concentration.

Might: Strength Damage gains Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Slam: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude).

Spike: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude).

Webs: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Prowess).

Poison: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude).

Rend: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness]).

Cripple: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Fighting 10 (Fortitude).

Shockwave: Strength Damage gains Burst Area.

Armored: Impervious Toughness 10.

Roar (costs 2): Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Strength-discounted, Perception Area [Hearing], Cumulative, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Howl (costs 2): Weaken All Defenses 10 (Will; Strength-discounted, Broad, Simultaneous, Burst Area, Sense-dependent [Hearing]).

Calculations

Abilities -10 + Defenses 17 + Skills 16 + Advantages 8 + Powers 59 = 90 PP

Notes

Rolling Beasts? I mean, it's doable, but how closely the result will resemble any actual animal is...debatable. Some quick builds for you:

Dire Bear: Big, Mobility (Sure Footed 2), Ferocity, Claws+Might, Roar.
Dire Tiger: Swift, Stealth, Silence, Claws+Bite, Claws+Rend.
Dire Wolf: Augmented Scent, Running, Pack, Bite+Might, Howl.
Dire Ape: Big, Swift, Mobility (Wall-Crawling, Swinging), Might+Slam, Might+Shockwave.
Dire Elephant: Big, Big, Augmented Hearing, Might+Spike, Shockwave+Shockwave.
Dire Boar: Big, Ferocity, Augmented Hearing, Slam+Spike, Rend+Cripple.
Dire Hawk: Swift, Augmented Eyesight, Wings, Claws+Might, Spike+Rend.
Stegosaur: Big, Big, Shielded, Armored+Spike, Armored+Slam.
Tyrannosaur: Big, Sprinting, Augmented Scent, Bite+Might, Roar.

Spoiler: Costumed Vigilante (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +6. Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (6): +8. Will (8): +8. Init: +12.

Skills

Deception 8 (+8), Insight 0 (+0/+12), Intimidation 12 (+12), Investigation 10 (+10), Mobility 8 (+8), Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 12 (+12).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Contacts, Equipment 2, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Redirect, Set Up, Uncanny Dodge, Well Informed.

Equipment

Armored Costume: Protection 4 {4}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 3, Leaping 3 {6}.

Powers

Tactics: Enhanced Insight 12 (Limited [Only for purposes that can't substitute Deception]) {4}.

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 6 (Reduced Dodge 6; Limited [Only against Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {1}.

Ninjutsu: Feature 2 (Can use Stealth to Feint and Trick, opposed by Perception or Insight; Penalty for feinting/tricking as a move action reduced to -2) {2}.

Honed Senses: Senses 7 (Danger Sense, Rapid Vision, Low Light Vision, Accurate Hearing, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise]) {7}.

Smoke Bombs: Create 4 (Cloud Area, Limited [Only provides Concealment, not cover], Limited [Can't be used to trap foes, support weight, block movement, or deal area damage], Limited [Visual concealment only]) {2}.

Combat Preparedness: 24-point Array {24+4}.

Martial Arts: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 6 (Precise, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Defensive Kata: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Deflect 10 (Subtle, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Throwing Mastery: Damage 6 (Ranged, Secondary Effect, Ricochet, Homing, Accurate 5, Diminished Range).

Stun Grenades: Affliction 8 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Bolos: Affliction 6 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Prowess; Ranged, Cumulative, Accurate 5, Diminished Range) Enhanced Trait 6 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited Degree, Limited [Physical actions only]).

Calculations

Abilities 4 + Defenses 24 + Skills 30 + Advantages 18 + Powers 44 = 120 PP

Notes

The Costumed Vigilante has some powers that are technically gear (Smoke Bombs, Stun Grenades, Bolos), but due to low base costs or that rule about not applying to individual effects, they aren't considered Removable. They can still be taken away as a Power Loss Complication.

Spoiler: Null Soldier (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 8. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 8. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +8. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +8. Fortitude: +8. Will (8): +8. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 6 (+6), Intimidation 8 (+8), Mobility 6 (+6), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 12 (+12).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +6, Tactics +6.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Equipment 3, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Powers

Revenance: Immortality 2 (Uncontrollable) {2}.

Jet Pack: Flight 5 (Removable) {10-2}.

Null Forces: 32-point Array {32+4}.

Nullify Spiritual Energy: Damage 8 (Alternate Resistance [Will]) Linked Weaken All Abilities 8 (Fortitude; Broad, Simultaneous).

Mass Energy Nullification: Weaken Stamina 8 (Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Selective).

Nullify Dreamer Powers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 8 (Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Reduced Range [Close]).

Mass Power Nullification: Nullify Dreamer Powers 8 (Broad, Simultaneous, Burst Area).

Auto-Nullification: Damage 8 (Alternate Resistance [Will]); Nullify Dreamer Powers 8 (Broad, Reaction [When targeted by a Dreamer power], Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Can only be used to Counter]).

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 8 + Skills 21 + Advantages 13 + Powers 46 = 120 PP

Notes

A military-grade Null with military training. Classic elite Indelan soldier.

Spoiler: Light Power Armored Guard (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 2 (8). STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 5 (8). INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8/+5. Damage: +8/+3. Dodge: +8/+5. Parry: +8/+5. Toughness: +8/+2. Fortitude (2): +8/+4. Will (4): +8/+6. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Law Enforcement) 6 (+6), Insight 4 (+6), Investigation 4 (+4), Mobility 4 (+4/+8), Perception 2 (+4/+8), Persuasion 8 (+8), Stealth 4 (+4), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (2): Current Events +4, Criminal +4, Politics +4.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit 1 (Law Enforcement), Equipment 2, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork.[/INDENT]

Powers

HUD: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, Flashlight, GPS, Direction Sense, Distance Sense

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 3 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {3}.

Firearms Expertise: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both]; Limited [Partial Cover Only]) {1}.

CQC: Damage 3 Linked Move Object 3 (Reduced Range [Close]) {6-5}.

Light Powered Armor: Removable Device {-15}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Guard's case, this means -2 Strength, -3 Combat Training, -2 Toughness, -1 Fighting, -4 Fortitude, and -6 Will {-21}.

Servo Strength: Enhanced Strength 8, Enhanced Mobility 4 (Permanent) {18}.

Light Armor: Protection 8 {8}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 4 (Permanent) {8}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 8 (Permanent) {16}.

Sensor Suite: Senses 5 (Darkvision, Extended Vision, Rapid Vision, Radius Vision), Enhanced Perception 4 {7}.

Force Generation System: 16-point Array {16+2}.

Flight: Flight 8.

Thrust and Shield: Speed 8, Impervious Toughness 8.

Area Forcefield: Enhanced Linked Deflect 8 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]).

Weapons Systems: 24-point Strength-discounted Array {24-8+4}.

Computed Tactics: Damage 8 Linked Move Object 8 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Autoguns: Damage 8 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Explosive Rounds: Damage 8 (Ranged, Secondary Effect).

Blade-Arms: Damage 8 Linked Weaken Toughness 8 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Multiattack).

Tazer Gauntlets: Affliction 8 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Multiattack).

Calculations

Abilities 22 + Defenses 6 + Skills 18 + Advantages 10 + Powers 64 = 120 PP

Notes

The powered armor is fairly modular, using the Stat Discount construct to allow it to be added to other templates, although it's built for the Guard so other templates might not quite hit the full PL 8 PP value (or might go a bit over) with it applied. It has a base value, before Stat Discount, of 95 PP, reduced by 19 for the Removable discount. Note that characters with base attack and defense bonuses of less than 4 will be a bit below PL caps; this armor can help an unskilled fighter, but it works best when the wielder is already competent.

The powered armor's weapons are 3 PP/rank, technically only Professional-grade. However, the Force Generation System has some defensive as well as mobility options. Essentially, this suit is designed more for speed and defense than overwhelming firepower.

Spoiler: Defiant or Sentinel in Old-model Powered Armor (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6/+4. Damage: +10/+2. Dodge (4): +6/+4. Parry (4): +6/+4. Toughness: +10/+2. Fortitude (2): +8/+4. Will (4): +8/+4. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 4 (+4), Intimidation 6 (+6/+12), Mobility 4 (+4/+8), Perception 4 (+4), Stealth 4 (+4), Treatment 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +4, Popular Culture +2, Current Events +2.

For Sentinels: Investigation 6 (+6), Perception 2 (+6).

For Defiant: Deception 6 (+6), Stealth 2 (+6).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Close Attack 2, Favored Foe (Dreamers), Improved Initiative, Improvised Weapon 2, Power Attack, Ranged Attack 2, Takedown 2, Teamwork.

Equipment

Powers

Fanaticism: Immunity 6 (Interaction Skills, Fear; Limited [Only against known Dreamers], Limited [Only for purposes of exerting social influence]); Immunity 2 (Nonlethal Damage, but attackers can freely choose to inflict lethal damage if desired; Limited [Half Effect]) {3}.

Power Scanner: Senses 2 (Ranged Detect [Dreamer Powers]). Alternate Effect: Senses 2 (Acute Detect [Dreamer Powers]). Easily Removable. {3-1}.

Defiance: Impervious Toughness, Fortitude, and Will 4 (Limited [Attacks generated or augmented by Dreamer Powers]) {6}.

Old-Model Powered Armor: Removable Device {-16}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Sentinel/Defiant's case, this means -2 Improvised Weapon, -2 Toughness, -4 Fortitude, -4 Will, and removed Defiance {-18}.

Servo Strength: Enhanced Strength 10, Enhanced Mobility 4 (Permanent) {22}.

Night Vision Visor: Senses 2 (Darkvision) {2}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Protection 10 {20}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 2 (Permanent) {4}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 8 (Permanent) {16}.

Salient Threat: Enhanced Intimidation 6 {3}.

Rocket Boots: Speed 5 (Alt: Leaping 5, Alt: Flight 5 [Distracting]) {5+2}.

Weapons Systems: 30-point Strength-discounted Array {30-10+5}.

Crushing Blow: Damage 10 Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness]) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Awesome Blow: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Move Object 10 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Autoguns: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Explosive Rounds: Damage 10 (Ranged, Secondary Effect).

Rockets: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area).

Flame Thrower: Damage 10 (Cone Area, Secondary Effect).

Calculations

Abilities 4 + Defenses 10 + Skills 17 + Advantages 13 + Powers 76 = 120 PP

Notes

The old-model Powered Armor is worth a base 99 PP, reduced by 20 for Removable. It's better armed (especially in terms of mass combat) and tougher than the modern light armor, but way less mobile, lacks some useful sensor systems, and is just generally less slick. As an older model suit, it doesn't have fully modern Military-grade weapons.

Spoiler: OUT-SIDE Soldier (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 4. STA: 4. AGI: 4. DEX: 4. FGT: 4. INT: 0. AWE: 4. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +8. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +8. Fortitude (4): +8. Will (4): +8. Init: +16.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 8 (+8), Intimidation 8 (+8), Mobility 2 (+6), Perception 4 (+8), Stealth 4 (+8), Technology 4 (+4).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +8, Tactics +8.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Benefit 1 (OUT-SIDE), Defensive Attack, Equipment 6, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 (Ranged/Both), Takedown 2, Teamwork.

Equipment

Heavy Body Armor: Protection 4 {4}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 5, Leaping 5 {10}.

Multitool {1}.

Powers

Military Strategist: Feature 1 (Substitute Expertise (Tactics) for Assessment attempts and opposing Feints and Tricks) {1}.

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {4}.

Hyper Parkour: Flight 1 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]) {1}.

CQC: 9-point Strength-discounted Array {9-8+2}.

Martial Arts: Damage 4 Linked Move Object 4 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 1.

Flurry: Damage 4 (Multiattack, Accurate 1).

Disorienting Blow: Damage 4 Linked Affliction 4 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Extra Condition, Limited Degree); Accurate 1.

SIDE Tactical Visor: 4-point Easily Removable Array {4+2-2}.

Power Scanner: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Dreamer Powers]).

Broad-spectrum Sensor Suite: Reduced Senses 2 (Darkvision), Senses 5 (Vision Counters All Concealment), Senses 2 (Vision Counters Illusion; Limited [Only allows a check to disbelieve on sight rather than auto-countering]).

Tactical HUD: Senses 6 (Radius Extended Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]), Senses 1 (Analytical Vision).

Military-grade Weaponry: 32-point Easily Removable Array, choose four of the following {32-8+3-10}.

Autolock Assault Rifle: Damage 8 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 8 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 8.

Armor-piercing Sniper Rifle: Damage 8 (Ranged, Penetrating 8, Extended Range 5, Improved Critical 3).

Plasma Rifle: Damage 8 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 8 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Laser Rifle: Damage 8 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Power Nullifiers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 8 (Broad, Simultaneous).

Power Suppressors: Affliction 8 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cumulative, Progressive, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Negation Grenades: Affliction 8 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Cumulative, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Napalm Grenades: Damage 8 (Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect).

Stun Grenades: Affliction 8 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative).

Buckytube Blades: Damage 8 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Energy Baton: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 8 (Fortitude).

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 8 + Skills 16 + Advantages 18 + Powers 30 = 120 PP

Notes

OUT-SIDE agents don't have quite the breadth of skills that FIRE-SIDE agents do, but they have superior weaponry and combat training.

Spoiler: Combat Robot (PL 8, 120 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 8. STA: -. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 8. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +8. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +8. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: +8. Init: +8.

Skills

Mobility 8 (+8), Perception 8 (+8).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown 2.

Powers

Robot: Immunity 30 (Fortitude Effects; Quirk 5 [Subject to Affects Objects powers, substituting Toughness for Fortitude]), Feature 1 (Possesses a Will trait despite Absent Intellect, which begins at -5, and immunities for Absent Intellect don't apply to technopathic or similar effects), Enhanced Will 13 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Protection 8 {33}.

Rockets: Flight 8 {16}.

Sensors: Senses 4 (Darkvision, Radius Vision, Extended Vision) {4}.

Computerized: Quickness 8 {8}.

Nano-Repair: Regeneration 10 {10}.

Weapons Systems: 24-point Strength-discounted Array {24-8+3}.

Servo Strength: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Move Object 8 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Gun Ports: Damage 8 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Rockets: Damage 8 (Ranged, Burst Area).

Shockburst: Affliction 8 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Burst Area).

Calculations

Abilities 12 + Defenses 0 + Skills 8 + Advantages 10 + Powers 90 = 120 PP

Notes

This is a middle-of-the-road combat robot, designed for professional security and some utility. A military-grade version would forego Quickness in favor of an additional 8 points in its Weapons Systems array, allowing another Extra on each of its attacks.

Spoiler: Cybernetic Mercenary (PL 8, 120 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (8). STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: (8). INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +8. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +8. Fortitude (10): +10. Will (6): +6. Init: +8.

Skills

Intimidation 8 (+8), Mobility 8 (+8), Perception 8 (+8), Technology 4 (+4).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Improved Aim, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack.

Powers

Servo Strength: Enhanced Strength 8 (Permanent) {16}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 8 (Permanent) {16}.

Subdermal Armor: Protection 8 {8}.

Computer Brain: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Eidetic Memory, Equipment [Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone]), Quickness 6 (Limited [Mental]) {5}.

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 5 {5}.

Bionic Eye: Senses 4 (Darkvision, Extended Vision, Analytical Vision), Senses 8 (Vision Counters All Concealment, Vision Penetrates Concealment, Radius Vision; Concentration]) {8}.

Propulsion Systems: Flight 4 (Alt: Speed 8) {8+1}.

Weapons Systems: 24-point Strength-discounted Array {24-8+4}.

Cybernetic Strike: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Move Object 8 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Finger Guns: Damage 8 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Hand Cannon: Damage 8 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Stunned; Fortitude; Ranged, Limited Degree).

Eye Beams: Damage 8 (Perception Range).

Plasma Grenades: Damage 8 (Ranged, Cloud Area).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 16 + Skills 14 + Advantages 7 + Powers 83 = 120 PP

Notes

Cyborgs have a Complication making them subject to technopathy effects.

This mercenary cyborg, in addition to being higher-PL, is more combat-focused than the normal. A military-grade version could drop its Mental Quickness, Concentration Senses, and Analytical Vision to add eight points to its Weapons Systems array, allowing another Extra to be added to each attack.

Spoiler: Dreamcatcher (PL 8, 150 PP; EPL 9)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 6. INT: 6. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +10. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: +6. Will (10): +10. Init: +12.

Skills

Deception 12 (+12), Expertise (Science) 4 (+10), Investigation 2 (+8), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 12 (+12), Technology 6 (+12/+18), Treatment -6 (+0).

Additional Expertise (4): Dreamer Lore +10, Current Events +10, Tactics +10, One Other +10.

Advantages

Benefit 2 (Cipher), Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Initiative 3, Inventor, Move-by Action, Well Informed.

Powers

Warrior-Scientist: Enhanced Technology 6 (Limited [Inventing]), Quickness 6 (Limited [Inventing]), Feature 1 (Functions as Assessment, but using Expertise [Tactics] rather than Insight) {6}.

Forcefield Generator: Protection 10; Removable {10-2}.

Hazard Suit: Enhanced Fortitude 6, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits), Variable 2 (Immunities; Slow); Removable {20-4}.

Warp System: 20-point Easily Removable Array {20+3-9}.

Bend Space: Teleport 10.

Fold Space: Teleport 5 (Accurate, Precise, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Turnabout, Feature [Can split into multiple teleports and function as movement]).

Abduct: Teleport 10 (Increased Action [Standard], Increased Mass 5) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Limited Degree).

Shun Space: Concealment 10 (All Senses).

Tactical Scanner: 10-point Array, Easily Removable {10+5-6}.

Dreamer Scanner: Senses 10 (Ranged Acute Analytical Accurate Tracking Extended Rapid Radius Detect [Dreamer Powers]).

Broad Frequency Scanner: Senses 10 (Ranged Acute Analytical Radius Detect [Technology]; Vision Counters All Concealment).

Spy Camera: Senses 10 (Radius Vision Penetrates Concealment; Hearing Penetrates Concealment; Danger Sense).

Remote Drone Uplink: Remote Viewing 9 (Visual, Auditory; Simultaneous, Subtle, Increased Action 2 [Standard], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Assessor: Affliction 8 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Perception Range, Extra Condition, Subtle, Insidious, Triggered [Free action to read the data], Activation 1 [Move], Limited Degree, Limited [Conditions only apply against self], Instant Recovery).

Analyzer: Mind Reading 8 (Subtle 2, Limited [Only to learn the target's weaknesses and Complications]).

Arsenal: 50-point Easily Removable Array {50+5-22}.

Atomic Disruptor: Damage 8 (Perception Range, Affects Insubstantial 2) Linked Weaken Toughness 8 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Perception Range).

Disintegration Ray: Damage 10 (Ranged, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Multiattack, Penetrating 10).

Cellular Corrosion Spray: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Stamina 10 (Progressive).

Electrochemical Suppression Wave: Affliction 8 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Burst Area, Selective, Cumulative, Progressive, Subtle 2).

Target-Specific Custom Weapon: Variable 7 (Weapons; Slow, Continuous); Enhanced Trait (Accurate 1).

Situation-Specific Custom Weapon: Variable 7 (Weapons; Slow, Continuous); Enhanced Trait (Accurate 1).

Calculations

Abilities 24 + Defenses 10 + Skills 21 + Advantages 9 + Powers 86 = 150 PP

Notes

Dreamcatchers are not terrifying because of their excellent stalking and amazing information gathering abilities. They are not terrifying because of their ability to be gone in an instant, and potentially take you along with them. They are not terrifying because of their tremendous capacity for customizing their capabilities to a specific target given some prep time. They are not terrifying because of their supra-Military-grade weaponry and customizable slots that still afford full PL 8 Military-grade combat power.

They are terrifying because even with all of these personal options for ensuring an attack goes their way, they rarely work alone.

Pleasant Dreams.

Spoiler: Hero-level Paragon (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 10. STA: 10. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 8. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +12. Fortitude: +10. Will (10): +10. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 8 (+8), Intimidation 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10), Persuasion 10 (+10).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Attractive, Benefit (Any One), Close Attack, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Ranged Attack, Takedown 2.

Powers

Dreamer Resilience: Protection 2 {2}.

Paragon: 20-point Dynamic Array {20+7}.

Flight: Flight 10.

Super-Speed: Speed 10, Quickness 10.

Super-Durability: Impervious Toughness 12, Immunity 10 (Life Support; Activation 2 [Standard]).

Super-Senses: Senses 18 (Extended Vision 3, Rapid Vision 3, Extended Hearing 3, Rapid Hearing 3, Accurate Hearing, Darkvision, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise], Ultra-hearing), Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Concentration, Quirk [Loses Extended while in use).

Paragon Combat: 30-point Strength-discounted Array {30-10+4}.

Augmented Fighting: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Heat Vision: Damage 10 (Perception Range).

Shockwave Strike: Damage 12 (10 ranks Burst Area) Linked Move Object 12 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited Direction [Towards/Away], Limited [Away Only]); Inaccurate 1, Improved Critical 3.

Ramming Speed: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited [Must spend a move action flying at the target]) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Fortitude; Secondary Effect, Limited [Must spend a move action flying at the target).

Hasted Throw: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Calculations

Abilities 56 + Defenses 10 + Skills 19 + Advantages 12 + Powers 53 = 150 PP

Notes

The eight Hero-level Dreamer templates are PC-strength examples of the eight most common Dreamer powers on Aranth - give or take 75% of Dreamers manifest some sort of variation on these eight powersets. They're meant to be able to operate as (better-designed, I would hope) archetypes that could theoretically be used pretty much out of the box as a PC group, and all be effective, balanced against each other, and with their own niches. There's overlap between them, sure, but they all have their little special moves and twists. If I've done my job right, any given set of them should cover a lot of bases and be able to work together with some fairly advanced tactics, while still ensuring each one has its own role to play.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: Hero-level Powerhouse (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 14. STA: 14. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 6. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +14. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +14. Fortitude: +14. Will (6): +6. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Any One) 6 (+6), Intimidation 16 (+16), Perception 10 (+10).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Fast Grab, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Interpose, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Cover), Startle, Takedown 2.

Powers

Resilience: Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Limited [Half Effect]), Regeneration 1 {2}.

Great Leap: Leaping 10 {10}.

Durability: 15-point Array {15+4}.

Impervious: Impervious Toughness 14, Crit Immunity loses Limited.

Stubborn: Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect]).

Immovable Object: Immunity 15 (Defense-resisted Effects).

Rapid Recovery: Enhanced Regeneration 9, Healing 2 (Restorative, Reduced Action 2 [Free], Limited [Self Only], Limited [Restorative function only]).

Shrug Off: Immunity 60 (Fortitude, Will; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]).

Super-Strength: 28-point Strength-discounted Array {28-14+4}.

Slam: Damage 14 Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Smash: Damage 14 Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness]).

Awesome Blow: Damage 14 Linked Move Object 14 (Contagious, Limited [Only to knock targets back or down], Reduced Range [Close]).

Shockwave Clap: Damage 10 (Cone Area, 8 ranks Secondary Effect).

Ground Pound: Damage 10 (Burst Area, Limited [Targets must be on same surface]) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Alternate Resistance [Prowess], Burst Area, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Targets must be on same surface]) Linked Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Increased Mass 3, Limited [Targets must be on same surface], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down], Reduced Range [Close]).

Calculations

Abilities 68 + Defenses 6 + Skills 16 + Advantages 11 + Powers 49 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Hero-level Speedster (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 6. AGI: 0. DEX: 14. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +14. Damage: +6. Dodge (14): +14. Parry: +14. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (4): +6. Will (10): +10. Init: +28.

Skills

Investigation 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 2 (+16).

Advantages

Agile Feint, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Instant Up, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Redirect, Set-up, Takedown 2, Teamwork, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 6 (Reduced Dodge 6; Limited [Only against Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {1}.

Greater Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Limited [Only against Perception-range attacks]) {2}.

Whisk Away: Power Lifting 2 (Limited [While Moving]) {1}.

Super-Speed: 30-point Dynamic Array {30+7}.

Hasted: Speed 15, Quickness 15.

Hyper-Parkour: Flight 15 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Immunity 2 (Falling Damage; Limited [Half Effect]).

Blur: Concealment 10 (All Senses; Limited [Must spend a move action moving each round or effect lapses]); Insubstantial 4.

Rapid Recovery: Regeneration 5 (Continuous), Immunity 60 (Fortitude, Will; Continuous, Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]).

Speed Tricks: 18-point Array {18+4}.

Overwhelming Flurry: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 6 (Vulnerable/Defenseless; Will; Multiattack, Limited Degree).

Defensive Flurry: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Deflect 14 (Reduced Range [Close], Quirk [Self Only]).

E=1/2mv²: Damage 14 Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Limited Degree); Inaccurate 4, Improved Critical 1.

Death Of A Thousand Cuts: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness]).

Barrage: Damage 6 (Targeted Cloud Area, Selective).

Calculations

Abilities 40 + Defenses 21 + Skills 11 + Advantages 15 + Powers 63 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Hero-level Energy Controller (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude (10): +10. Will (10): +10. Init: +8.

Skills

Deception 10 (+10), Expertise (Any One) 8 (+8), Intimidation 10 (+10), Mobility 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Improved Critical (Energy Evocation) 2, Improved Initiative 2, Move-by Action, Power Attack.

Powers

Energy Field: Protection 10 {10}.

Energy Radiation: Environment 2 (2 points/rank by energy type) {4}.

Energy Invocation: 30-point Dynamic Array {30+5}.

Self Propulsion: Flight 10.

Augmented Field: Impervious Toughness 10, Immunity 10 (Appropriate Energy).

Energy Aura: Damage 5 (Reaction [When Touched]).

Energy Evocation: 35-point Array {35+4}.

Energized Strike: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative); Accurate 5.

Energy Blade: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Fortitude); Accurate 5.

Energy Bolts: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Accurate 5).

Energy Blast: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area, 5 ranks Selective).

Energy Wave: Damage 10 (Cone Area 2, 5 ranks Selective).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 30 + Skills 24 + Advantages 8 + Powers 88 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Hero-level Telekinetic (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 12. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude (8): +8. Will: +12. Init: +8.

Skills

Deception 10 (+10), Expertise (Any One) 8 (+8), Insight 0 (+12), Mobility 10 (+10), Perception 0 (+12), Stealth 10 (+10).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Improved Defense, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Skill Mastery (Mobility), Teamwork.

Powers

Telekinetic Armor: Protection 10 {10}.

Personal Telekinesis: 20-point Dynamic Array {20+7}.

Inertial Armor: Impervious Toughness 10, Immunity 10 (Forced Movement, Entrapment Effects).

Telekinetic Flight: Flight 10.

Telekinetic Hands: Extra Limbs 5 (Projection, Subtle), Elongation 10 (Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]).

Telekinetic Rearrangement: Teleport 4 (Burst Area, Selective, Precise, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Increased Mass 5, Limited [Must be able to physically pass through intervening space]).

Telekinesis: 35-point Array {35+4}.

Telekinetic Combat: Damage 10 Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Limited [Results of 10 or less treated as 10 rather than gaining +10], Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Psychokinesis: Move Object 10 (Perception Range, Precise, Subtle 2, Affects Insubstantial 2).

Telekinetic Shield: Create 10 Linked Deflect 10 (Reflect, Limited [Results of 10 or less treated as 10 rather than getting +10]); Accurate 5.

Telekinetic Blast: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area, 5 ranks Selective).

Mass Telekinesis: Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Precise, Subtle 2, Affects Insubstantial 2).

Calculations

Abilities 24 + Defenses 18 + Skills 19 + Advantages 13 + Powers 76 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Hero-level Telepath (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 8. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 12. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +10. Dodge (12): +12. Parry (12): +12. Toughness: +8. Fortitude (-2): +6. Will (2): +14. Init: +4.

Skills

Deception 12 (+12), Expertise (Any One) 8 (+8), Insight 4 (+16), Perception 0 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+12), Stealth 10 (+10).

Advantages

Assessment, Improved Initiative, Interpose.

Powers

Hoverchair: Flight 5 (Platform, Easily Removable) {5-2}.

Mental Guardian: Feature 2 (Can Interpose against Area and Perception attacks; Limited [Only against Mental attacks]), Feature 1 (Can Interpose against mental attacks without moving, as long as Mindsense is active and target is in Mindsense range) {2}.

Passive Telepathy: 20-point Array {20+3}.

Mindsense: Senses 8 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Radius Extended Detect [Minds]), Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Analytical Radius Extended Detect [Emotions]), Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Analytical Radius Extended Detect [Mental Powers]).

Mindlink: Mental Communication 3 (Subtle 2, Rapid 2); Comprehend 3 (Automatic Language; Activation 2 [Standard]).

Mindscan: Mind Reading 10 (Burst Area 2, Selective, Subtle 2, Reduced Range 2 [Close], Limited [Surface Thoughts], Activation 2 [Standard]).

Active Telepathy: 40-point Array {40+4}.

Mind Blast: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Secondary Effect, Alternate Resistance [Will]).

Mind Crush: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Perception Range, Cumulative).

Mind Control: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Range, Cumulative).

Mind Fray: Weaken Will 10 (Will; Perception Range, Secondary Effect).

Mind Probe: Mind Reading 10 (Cumulative, Continuous, Subtle 2 [Limited: Only if attempt succeeds], Activation [Move Action]).

Calculations

Abilities 40 + Defenses 12 + Skills 23 + Advantages 3 + Powers 72 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Hero-level Teleporter (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 6. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge (14): +14. Parry (14): +14. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (2): +8. Will (12): +12. Init: +12.

Skills

Investigation 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 16 (+16).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Defense, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Redirect, Set-up 2, Takedown 2, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 6 (Reduced Dodge 6; Limited [Only against Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {1}.

Greater Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Limited [Only against Perception-range attacks]) {2}.

Teleportation Mark: Feature 3 (May place a continuous mark on a willing target by touch as a standard action; that target is thereafter considered to be in contact with the teleporter for purposes of being teleported, as long as it is within a Distance Rank equal to the Feature Rank) {3}.

Teleportive Tactics: Feature 1 (Can substitute Stealth for Deception for Feinting and Tricking, opposed by Perception or Insight) {1}.

Teleporter's Senses: Senses 6 (Rapid Vision 2, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision 2) {6}.

Teleportation: 20-point Array {20+2}.

Precision Teleportation: Teleport 5 (Accurate, Extended).

Combat Teleportation: Teleport 5 (Increased Mass 5, Precise, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Turnabout, Feature [Can divide among multiple teleports, functioning as movement for purposes of relevant advantages]).

Long-range Teleportation: Teleport 20 (Increased Mass 10, Increased Action [Standard], Limited [Must also spend a move action]).

Tactical Teleportation: 35-point Array {35+4}.

Phase Strike: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Limited [Must spend a move action teleporting into Close range of the target]) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative, Multiattack, Limited); Accurate 5.

Blink Strike: Teleport 4 (Turnabout, Increased Action [Standard]) Linked Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Deflect 10 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Baleful Teleportation: Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude; Perception Range, 5 ranks Secondary Effect).

Targeted Teleportation: Teleport 10 (Attack [Prowess], Burst Area, Selective, Increased Mass 5, Limited [Max Distance Rank equal to points resistance check fails by]).

Summon Object: Create 10 (Continuous, Innate, Precise, Accurate 5, Diminished Range 2).

Calculations

Abilities 12 + Defenses 28 + Skills 18 + Advantages 18 + Powers 74 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Hero-level Technopath (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +10. Dodge: +10. Parry: +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: +10. Will: +10. Init: +0.

Skills

Deception 12 (+12), Expertise (Any One) 8 (+8), Investigation 16 (+16), Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 12 (+12), Technology 16 (+16).

Advantages

Benefit 2 (Cipher 2), Equipment 3 (Dreamtech ACCS), Second Chance (Technology to hack), Skill Mastery (Technology), Well Informed.

Powers

Kinetic Forcefield Belt: Enhanced Dodge 10, Enhanced Parry 10, Enhanced Toughness 10, Enhanced Fortitude 10, Enhanced Will 10, Flight 10 (Platform); Permanent, Removable {50-10}.

Technopath: Comprehend 2 (Machines), Mental Communication 3 (Limited [Machines]), Quickness 6 (Limited 2 [One Task - Technology]), Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Mental Detect [Technology]) {21}.

Command Technology: 40-point Array {40+4}.

Control Technology: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Fortitude; Perception Range, Cumulative, Burst Area, Selective, Affects Objects Only, Limited [Machines], Limited [Requires Technology check against security measures in place of resistance check]).

Electronic Discharge: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Limited [Target must be within ten feet of an electronic device]) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defensless; Will; Perception Range, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Target must be within ten feet of an electronic device]).

Techwipe: Nullify 10 (Technology; Broad, Simultaneous, Perception Range, Feature 2 [Standard action to reactivate each power], Check Required 2 [Technology]).

Scan Technology: Mind Reading 10 (Cumulative, Effortless, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Affects Objects Only, Subtle 2 [Limited to successful attempts], Quirk [Machines only]).

Fry Technology: Damage 10 (Burst Area 3, Selective, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Affects Objects Only, Limited [Machines]).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 0 + Skills 37 + Advantages 8 + Powers 105 = 150 PP

Notes

See the Paragon.

Spoiler: Ilessian Wetworks Operative (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0 (4). STA: 4. AGI: 4. DEX: 4. FGT: 8. INT: 0. AWE: 4. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +4/+8. Dodge: +12. Parry: +12. Toughness: +4/+8. Fortitude (4): +8/+10. Will (4): +8/+10. Init: +16.

Skills

Mobility 8 (+12), Perception 8 (+12), Stealth 8 (+12/+20), Technology 0 (+0/+15).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit 3 (Military Rank; Ninjutsu 2 [Use Stealth to Feint or Trick, opposed by Perception or Insight; reduce penalty for Feinting/Tricking as move action to -2]), Equipment 2, Favored Environment [Underwater], Hide in Plain Sight, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Second Chance (Stealth to escape notice), Takedown 2, Teamwork, Uncanny Dodge.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.

Powers

Infiltrator: Enhanced Technology 15 (Limited [Only to establish or bypass security systems]) {5}.

CQC: Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {4}.

Stealth Suit: Removable Device {(54)-11}.

Armored Suit: Protection 4 {4}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude 2, Enhanced Will 2 {4}.

Adaptable Camouflage: Enhanced Stealth 8, Concealment 4 (All Visual Senses; Blending) {8}.

Sonic Dampeners: Concealment 2 (All Auditory Senses) {4}.

Amphibious: Movement 1 (Environmental Adaptation [Aquatic]), Immunity 1 (Drowning) {3}.

Sensor System: Senses 11 (Darkvision, Extended Vision 2, Extended Hearing 1, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise], Hearing Penetrates Concealment); Senses 6 (Ranged Accurate Radius Extended 2 Tactile Sense; Limited [Only while underwater]) {14}.

Propulsion Pack: 16-point Array {16+1}.

Aerial Propulsion: Flight 8.

Aquatic Propulsion: Swimming 16.

Wetworks Weapons: 24-point Strength-discounted Easily Removable Array {24-4+5-10}.

Buckytube Knives (Flurry): Damage 8 (Multiattack, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Buckytube Knives (Sneak Attack): Damage 8 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Limited [Vulnerable/Defenseless Targets Only]) Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken Dodge and Parry 8 (Limited).

Nerve Probe: Affliction 8 (Entranced/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Progressive).

Silenced Sniper Rifle: Damage 8 (Ranged, Extended Range 5, Improved Critical 2, Subtle).

Silenced Dual Machine Pistols: Damage 8 (Ranged, Multiattack, Subtle, Diminished Range).

Auto-rope: Affliction 8 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Prowess) Linked Move Object 8 (Reduced Range [Close]); Enhanced Trait 8 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited Degree, Limited [Physical Actions Only]); Elongation 5 (Feature [Has a camera attached to end], Quirk [Auto-rope only]).

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 8 + Skills 12 + Advantages 15 + Powers 67 = 150 PP

Notes

Wetworks operatives are skilled infiltrators and combatants in themselves, but their stealth suits and weapons allow them to really shine. They use their Nerve Probes to easily silence non-Minion sentries. They use their Auto-ropes for mobility assistance, scouting, tactical maneuvers, and of course their favorite - sending them stealthy up aboard an enemy ship to grab unsuspecting hostiles and yank them into the ocean.

Spoiler: Ilessian Alpha Storm Operative (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (4/6/10). STA: 4. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +4/+10. Dodge: +10. Parry: +10. Toughness: +4/+10. Fortitude (4): +8/+12. Will (4): +4/+8. Init: +16.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 8 (+8), Mobility 15 (+15), Perception 10 (+10).

One of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion 10 (+10).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +8.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Attractive, Benefit (Military Rank), Equipment 2, Evasion 2, Fearless, Improved Initiative 4, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.

Powers

CQC: Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {4}.

Alpha Storm Powered Armor: Removable Device {(63)-12}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 6 {12}.

Armor: Protection 6 {6}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude 4, Enhanced Will 4 {8}.

Jet Pack: Flight 8 {16}.

Wing Jets: Enhanced Flight 4 (Wings, Limited [Outdoors Only]) {2}.

Rapid Descent: Enhanced Flight 4 (Wings, Limited [Outdoors Only], Limited 2 [Only While Descending]) {1}.

Sensor Suite: Senses 7 (Extended Vision 2, Vision Counters All Concealment), Senses 10 (Extended Vision 5, Rapid Vision 5; Limited [Only to counteract altitude and flight speed]).

Impact Resistance: Immunity 5 (Own Slam Damage, Falling Damage, Strike Like Lightning) {5}.

Strike Like Lightning: Slam Damage gains Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned; Fortitude; Burst Area, Limited Degree, Strength-discounted) {1}.

Alpha Storm Armaments: 40-point Strength-discounted Easily Removable Array {40-10+5-14}.

Slam Hammer: Strike Like Lightning gains Cumulative; Slam Damage gains Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Toughness); Improved Critical 4 (Slam Damage); Not Strength-discounted.

Lightning Gun: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Cumulative); Enhanced Trait 20 (Shapeable Area; Limited [Only for a 6"x6"x120' line, changing direction only on reaching a target]).

Shock Bayonet: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless/Incapacitated+Paralyzed; Fortitude; Cumulative, Extra Condition).

Shock Grenades: Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Ranged, Burst Area).

Nanite Grenades: Weaken Toughness 10 (Ranged, Burst Area, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, 10 ranks Burst Area, Improved Critical 4, Extended Range 3, Inaccurate).

Calculations

Abilities 28 + Defenses 8 + Skills 22 + Advantages 16 + Powers 76 = 150 PP

Notes

Typical Alpha Storm tactics involve dropping a team, typically of four to eight operatives, from a star flight over their target. With their sensors, they pick their targets from somewhere in the mid-thermosphere. They come down with a Slam using their Slam Hammers, attacking at +4 (due to PL limits) for rank 18 (Descending Flight 16+1 Slam+1 Full Movement) Damage, Linked to a rank 16 Weaken Toughness and a rank 10 Burst Area Affliction. They often All Out Attack, and this attack often catches foes Vulnerable due to surprise. This tactic allows them to smash through buildings or devastate key targets. They use their Lightning Guns, Shock Bayonets, and Shock Grenades to swiftly neutralize targets disoriented by their shockwaves, or a combination of Nanite Grenades and Rocket Launchers to obliterate structures. Once their objective is achieved, they fly up and out at Speed Rank 12.

Spoiler: Limbran Technomancer (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0/10. STA: 0/10. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0/10. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0/+10. Damage: +0/+10. Dodge: +0/+10. Parry: +0/+10. Toughness: +0/+10. Fortitude: +0/+10. Will (10): +10. Init: +0/+16.

Skills

Deception 8 (+8), Expertise (The Matrix) 15 (+15), Investigation 12 (+12), Perception 8 (+8/+14), Stealth 8 (+8/+14), Technology 15 (+15).

Additional Expertise (2): Any Two +10, Any Two +5.

Advantages

Benefit 2 (Specialty 2 [Choose one use for Technology to get a +5 circumstance bonus on]), Contacts, Eidetic Memory, Equipment 3 (Dreamtech ACCS), Second Chance (Specialty), Skill Mastery (Technology), Well Informed, Ultimate Effort 2 (Expertise [The Matrix], Technology).

Powers

Technomancy: Feature 2 (Functions as Artificer and Ritualist, but using Expertise [The Matrix] rather than [Magic] and only usable within the Matrix) {1}.

Enter the Matrix: Movement 1 (Dimensional Travel [The Matrix]) {2}.

Avatar: Multiple Effects, Limited (Only within the Matrix).

Superhuman Prowess: Enhanced Strength 10, Enhanced Stamina 10, Enhanced Fighting 10; Permanent {30}.

Personal Programs: Enhanced Advantages 28 (Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Attractive 2, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Defense, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Initiative 4, Instant Up, Interpose, Luck 4, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both], Takedown 2, Uncanny Dodge) {14}.

Codereading: Enhanced Perception 6, Enhanced Stealth 6 {4}.

Download: Variable 2 (Skills, Advantages, and [Skill] Powers; Slow) {10}.

Super-Parkour: Flight 10 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]) {4}.

Bullet Time: Quickness 8 {4}.

Codesense: Senses 4 (Acute Analytical Rapid Matrix Awareness) {2}.

Combat Algorithms: 30-point Strength-discounted Array {30-10+5}.

I Know Kung Fu: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Multiattack, Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Move Object 10 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Bullet Time Fighting: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Multiattack, Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Deflect 10 (Secondary Effect, Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Lots of Guns: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude; Ranged).

Bullet Time Shooting: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 10 (Secondary Effect).

Crushing Blow: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]).

Codebreaker: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Nullify Technology 10 (Broad, Concentration, Sustained, Reduced Range [Close]).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 10 + Skills 32 + Advantages 12 + Powers 96 = 150 PP

Notes

Largely normal (albeit, skilled and strong-willed) civilians in the real world, a skilled technomancer is a deadly threat in the Matrix. Having most of their character sheet Limited to while in the Matrix allows them to get a massive effective PP advantage, and their Technomancy allows them to prepare for specific challenges they expect to encounter within.

Spoiler: Limbran Matrix Cyborg (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (6/10). STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: (10). INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +6/+10. Damage: +10. Dodge: +6/+10. Parry: +6/+10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude (8): +8. Will (12): +12. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (The Matrix) 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10), Technology 10 (+10).

One of: Intimidation, Investigation, or Stealth 10 (+10).

Advantages

Move-by Action.

One of: Startle, Well Informed, or Hide in Plain Sight.

Powers

Matrix Hookup: Easily Removable Device {-40}.

Enter the Matrix: Movement 1 (Dimensional Travel [The Matrix]), Feature (Counts as having Matrix Hookup while within the Matrix) {3}.

Technomancy: Variable 4 (Improve Existing Traits; Reduced Action [Move], Requires Matrix Hookup) {32}.

Servo Strength: Enhanced Strength 6 (Permanent) {12}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 10 (Permanent, 4 ranks require Matrix Hookup), Enhanced Strength 4 (Permanent; Limited [Combat Purposes]) {24}.

Subdermal Armor: Protection 10 {10}.

Computer Brain: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Eidetic Memory, Equipment [Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone]), Quickness 12 (Limited [Mental], 6 ranks require Matrix Hookup) {8}.

Combat Programming: Enhanced Advantages 14 (All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Improved Defense, Improved Initiative 2, Instant Up, Interpose, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both], Takedown 2; Requires Matrix Hookup) {14}.

Technomantic Flight: Flight 10 (Without Matrix Hookup, loses five ranks, gains Platform, and gains Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]) {20}

Bionic Eye: 8-point Array, 4 points require Matrix Hookup (lost benefits marked by asterisk) {8+2}.

Broad Spectrum Sensors: Senses 8 (Vision Counters All Concealment* [Becomes Darkvision], Extended Vision, Rapid Vision*, Analytical Vision).

X-ray Vision: Senses 8 (Vision Penetrates Concealment, Darkvision*, Vision Counters Concealment [Weather]*).

Tech Scanner: Senses 8 (Ranged Acute Accurate* Analytical* Extended Rapid* Detect [Technology]).

Matrix Manifestations: 30-point Strength-discounted Array, Requires Matrix Hookup {30-10+5}.

Haste Framerate: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Deflect 10 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]).

Programmatic Combat: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Encode Weapon: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack).

Encode Obstruction: Damage 10 (Reversible) Linked Create 10 (Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 10 (Reduced Range [Close]); Reach 4.

Glitch: Damage 10 (Perception Range).

Slow Framerate: Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Burst Area, Selective, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 20 + Skills 20 + Advantages 2 + Powers 108 = 150 PP

Notes

A Matrix Cyborg is basically a normal cyborg who A) is a capable technomancer and B) has a special portable link to Matrix programming. Using their technomantic skills, they can augment their cybernetics, and using their Matrix-augmented cybernetics, they can emulate certain technomantic effects outside of the Matrix. While not as skilled at technomancy as a dedicated technomancer, their intuitive interface affords them far greater flexibility.

The Improve Existing Traits Variable presumes the following restrictions on usage:
-Effects and Extras not already on the charactcer's sheet cannot be emulated.
-A given trait cannot be augmented by more than 5 ranks. This is reduced to two ranks for traits whose ranks correspond to a X10 or greater improvement in a base value.
-A given trait cannot be given a higher cost per rank than its rank.
-Traits that provide selections from a menu (such as Senses, Movement, Immunity, etc) can only be improved to add more of an already existing selection.
-Advantages cannot be provided at all, even improvements to existing ones.
-New Alternate Effects must initially possess the exact same Effects, Extras, and Flaws as a currently existing power (sub-choices within those areas may be changed, and the power can then be further augmented with new ones at a normal cost in Variable points).
-The augmentation must descriptively qualify as an improvement to existing capabilities, not the acquisition of new capabilities.
-Flaws or Reduced Traits can be applied, but cannot provide a total discount greater than the base PP value of the Variable.
-Flaws and Reduced Traits must have a clear detrimental or limiting effect on the character in the current situation to be worth a discount.
-Flaws that are considered "iconic" to the power's theme or critical to its balance cannot be bought off.

Spoiler: Indelan Null Super-Soldier (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 10. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge: +10/+5. Parry: +10/+5. Toughness: +10/+15. Fortitude: +10. Will (10): +10. Init: +12.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 10 (+10), Mobility 10 (+10), Perception 12 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+12), Stealth 12 (+12).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +10, Tactics +10.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Equipment 3, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Powers

Revenance: Immortality 2 (Uncontrollable) {2}.

Reactive Force Nullification: Enhanced Toughness 5 (Reduced Dodge and Parry 5) {1}.

Jet Pack: Flight 5 (Removable) {10-2}.

Null Forces: 40-point Array {40+5}.

Nullify Spiritual Energy: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Will]) Linked Weaken All Abilities 10 (Fortitude; Broad, Simultaneous).

Mass Energy Nullification: Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Selective).

Nullify Dreamer Powers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 10 (Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Reduced Range [Close]).

Mass Power Nullification: Nullify Dreamer Powers 10 (Broad, Simultaneous, Burst Area).

Auto-Nullification: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Will]); Immunity 30 (All Dreamer Effects).

Null Zone: Nullify Dreamer Powers 10 (Broad, Reaction [When a Dreamer power is used or targeted within range, or one or more Dreamer powers are maintained by a target within range], Limited 2 [Must spend both a standard and move action each round focusing to maintain the zone]); Enhanced Trait 20 (Concentration, Sustained; Limited [Cannot sustain effect on targets who move out of range or break line of sight]).

Calculations

Abilities 40 + Defenses 10 + Skills 29 + Advantages 14 + Powers 56 = 150 PP

Notes

Aside from stat boosts, the Null Super Soldier has three main advantages over the regular Null soldier. First, it can reactively nullify the force or energy of attacks against it; this takes non-trivial focus, but allows it to withstand tremendous harm. Second, its Auto-Nullification is improved, allowing it to render itself completely immune to direct attack by Dreamer powers. But most importantly, super-soldiers have mastered the feared power of creating a Null Zone, allowing them to neutralize all Dreamer powers over a large area, provided they have line of effect. Null super-soldiers are used to protect entire units of troops from enemy Dreamers, guard important locations, and so on. Their ability to protect themselves from all forms of direct Dreamer powers (including mind reading and mind control) also makes them valuable as diplomats.

Spoiler: Indelan Revived Null 'Vampire' (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 8. AGI: 0. DEX: 6. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 10. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +8. Dodge (12): +12. Parry (6): +12. Toughness: +8. Fortitude (2): +10. Will: +10. Init: +12.

Skills

Deception 12 (+12), Insight 6 (+16), Mobility 12 (+12), Perception 6 (+16), Stealth 10 (+16).

One of Intimidation or Persuasion 12 (+12).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Attractive 2, Evasion, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown, Tracking, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Create Spawn: Enhanced Trait 2 (Remove Uncontrollable from Immortality, Attack [Fortitude], Affects Objects Only; Quirk [Applies only to the corpses of unrevived Nulls who have been killed by the vampire using Blood Drain or Drain Spiritual Energy. The Null will acquire all the revenance Complications of this Null, and it will develop Null Vampire traits as its PL and GM discretion allows]) {1}.

Hyper-Parkour: Flight 5 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Movement 1 (Wall Crawling; Limited [Holding On Only]) {5}.

Revenance: Immortality 5 (Limited [Not if staked or beheaded]), Immunity 1 (Age) {6}.

Creeping Flesh: Regeneration 5 {5}.

Might: Power Lifting 5 {5}.

Predator's Senses: 8-point Array {8+2}.

Keen Senses: Senses 8 (Ranged Acute Accurate Smell, Darkvision, Extended Vision, Extended Hearing).

Bloodhound: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Extended Smell; Limited [Blood]); Senses 3 (Extended Smell 3; Limited [Blood], Limited [Blood must be reasonably fresh and exposed to open air]), Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Olfactory Detect [Physical/Emotional State]).

Smell Powers: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Olfactory Detect [Dreamer Powers]); Senses 4 (Olfactory Detect Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Only to go around obstacles, not through them]).

Vampirism: 32-point Array {32+5}.

Blood Drain: Damage 8 Linked Move Object 8 (Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Grabs Only]) Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude) Linked Weaken Stamina 8 (Fortitude); Enhanced Trait 16 (Progressive on Weaken; Limited [Only while a target remains Grabbed]).

Drain Spiritual Energy: Damage 8 (Alternate Resistance [Will]) Linked Weaken All Abilities 8 (Fortitude; Broad, Simultaneous).

Drain Powers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 8 (Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Reduced Range [Close]).

Compel Powers: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Range, Cumulative, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only], Quirk [Target must be able to hear voice or meet gaze]).

Power Vampire: Variable 4 (Dreamer Power Mimicry; Continuous, Reduced Action [Move], Limited [Can only take powers from someone who has failed a resistance check against Blood Drain, Drain Spiritual Energy, or Drain Powers last round]).

Vampiric Power: Enhanced Hyper-Parkour, Might, and Crawling Flesh 5 (Fades, Limited [Starts each scene at 0 points]); Damage 6 (Inaccurate 2, Improved Critical 2); Enhanced Damage 6 (Fades, Limited); Enhanced Trait 12 (Linked Affliction 12 [Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative], Fades, Limited); Enhanced Trait 12 (Linked Weaken Toughness [Toughness]; Fades, Limited); Enhanced Trait 12 (Multiattack on Damage; Fades, Limited); Enhanced Senses 12 (Choose from options in Predator's Senses array; Fades, Limited).
The vampire has a pool of points which begins each scene at 0, which it may invest into Fades effects. Each rank of a Fades effect applied for a round drains one point from the pool. The pool gains one point per point that a target of Blood Drain, Drain Spiritual Energy, or Drain Powers fails its resistance checks by.

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 11 + Skills 29 + Advantages 13 + Powers 69 = 150 PP

Notes

Naturally, it wouldn't be a proper vampire without a bunch of Complications to random stuff, but Revived Null mental and physical degradation can explain all those.

Spoiler: Perallan Beastmaster (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 6. STA: 6. AGI: 6. DEX: 6. FGT: 8. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +14. Damage: +6. Dodge: +14. Parry: +14. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (4): +10. Will (10): +10. Init: +24.

Skills

Expertise (Survival) 12 (+12), Mobility 4 (+10), Perception 12 (+12), Stealth 4 (+10).

Advantages

Animal Empathy, Fast Grab, Favored Environment, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Sidekick 25 (one PL 8 Perallan Beast), Takedown, Teamwork, Tracking, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Alertness: Senses 1 (Danger Sense) {1}.

Beast Link: Senses 1 (Communication Link [Sidekick]) {1}.

Totemic Traits: 5-point Array {5+5}.

Beast Speed: Speed 5.

Beast Stride: Speed 1, Movement 2 (Trackless, Wall Crawling).

Beast Jump: Leaping 5.

Beast Nose: Senses 5 (Ranged Acute Accurate Extended Scent).

Beast Senses: Senses 5 (Extended Vision, Extended Hearing, Darkvision, Ultrahearing).

Beast Empathy: Enhanced Persuasion 15 (Limited [Animals Only]).

Hunter's Tricks: 12-point Strength-discounted Array {12-6+3}.

Ranged Weapon Proficiency: Damage 6 (Ranged).

Natural Combatant: Damage 6 Linked Move Object 6 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Feral Frenzy: Damage 6 (Multiattack).

Mark Prey: Damage 6 Linked Affliction 6 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Conditions only apply against self]) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Fortitude; Limited [Penalty only applies against self]).

Calculations

Abilities 64 + Defenses 14 + Skills 16 + Advantages 35 + Powers 21 = 150 PP

Notes

It's possible for a Perallan Hunter to augment up to a more personally-powerful PL 10 (or so) with enough Rites, but rare. This is a Hunter who has not only gained a lot of extra skill, but has performed a Rite of the Offering and gained a Perallan Beast as a permanent sidekick. At Sidekick 25, you can use the Perallan Beast template straight with five extra PP; one of those should go to Communication Link but the other four can be spent on additional skills, Advantages, or Alternate Effects to represent training by the Hunter (Teamwork and Interpose are strongly advise).

Spoiler: Perallan Beastshifter (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 6/10. STA: 6/10. AGI: 6. DEX: 6. FGT: 8. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +14/+10. Damage: +6/+10. Dodge: +14/+6. Parry: +14/+6. Toughness: +6/+14. Fortitude (4): +10/+12. Will (10): +10/+8. Init: +24.

Skills

Expertise (Survival) 12 (+12), Intimidation 6 (+6/+12), Mobility 4 (+10), Perception 12 (+12), Stealth 4 (+10/+6).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Favored Environment, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Cover), Takedown 2, Tracking, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Alertness: Senses 1 (Danger Sense) {1}.

Totemic Traits: 15-point Array {15+1}.

Hunter Form: Speed 5, Leaping 5, Movement 2 (Trackless, Wall Crawling), Immunity 2 (Hunger/Thirst, Need for Sleep; Limited [Half Effect]).

Beast Form: Choose three Minor Beast Traits from the Perallan Beast list; Growth 4, Feature/Quirk 1 (Effective Growth 10 for size purposes), Reduced Fighting 4 (Limited to Attack Bonus), Reduced Dodge 6, Reduced Parry 6, Enhanced Toughness 4, Reduced Fortitude 2, Reduced Will 2, Enhanced Intimidation 4.

Shifter's Tricks: 20-point Array {20+5}.

Ranged Weapon Proficiency [Hunter]: Damage 6 (Ranged, Extended Range) Linked Affliction 6 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Ranged, Extended Range, Extra Condition, Limited Degree); Strength-discounted.

Natural Combatant [Hunter]: Damage 6 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 6 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]); Improved Critical 2; Strength-discounted.

Mark Prey [Hunter]: Damage 6 (Secondary Effect) Linked Affliction 6 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Secondary Effect, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Conditions only apply against self]) Linked Weaken Toughness 6 (Fortitude; Secondary Effect, Limited [Penalty only applies against self]); Improved Critical 2; Strength-discounted.

Major Beast Trait [Beast]: Choose two Major Beast Traits from the Perallan Beast list.

Major Beast Trait [Beast]: Choose two Major Beast Traits from the Perallan Beast list.

Major Beast Trait [Beast]: Choose two Major Beast Traits from the Perallan Beast list.

Calculations

Abilities 64 + Defenses 14 + Skills 19 + Advantages 11 + Powers 42 = 150 PP

Notes

Psshaw, who even needs Metamorph?

A Beastshifter is, of course, a Hunter who won the lottery performing the Rite of Sacrifice. Able to shift back and forth between human and Beast form, the Hunter has more options than most. Latent bestial power adds some oomph to human-form capabilities, while Hunter savvy makes the beast form all the more dangerous for its superior skill.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: Braizen Gadgeteer (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 5. AGI: 2. DEX: 2. FGT: 3. INT: 6. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge: +5/+10. Parry: +5/+10. Toughness: +5/+10. Fortitude (7): +12. Will (8): +8. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Science) 10 (+16), Investigation 4 (+10), Mobility 8 (+10), Stealth 8 (+10), Technology 10 (+16), Treatment 0 (+6).

Additional Expertise (2): Cooking +16, Dreamer Lore +10, Business +10, One Other +8, All Others +6.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Extraordinary Effort, Evasion 2, Fearless, Inventor, Jack of All Trades, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Skill Mastery (Technology).

Powers

Side Effect - Radiation Sickness: Exposure to too much Pit Radiation in a short time can be physically and mentally debilitating. Powers with Side Effect (Radiation Sickness) trigger a Weaken when the Side Effect triggers, affecting a single randomly-determined Ability per "instance" of the Side Effect (so Radiation Sickness 3 would affect three randomly-determined Abilities). The Weaken is always of a rank equal to PL, and is resisted by Fortitude for Strength, Stamina, Agility, and Fighting, or by Will for Dexterity, Intellect, Awareness, and Presence. The Weaken isn't capped and can neither recover nor be removed by Restorative Healing until the end of the scene in which it is taken, but also can't actually Debilitate an Ability. Rather, if an Ability were to be Debilitated, the Weaken moves on to another Ability, and one of the Gadgeteer's Mutation Complications permanently worsens (or the Gadgeteer develops a new Mutation Complication). With GM approval, the Gadgeteer may instead gain a positive Mutation, trading in points of reduced abilities (thus lowering them permanently until bought back up) to pay for it. Immunities to Radiation Sickness naturally preclude a person from receiving a discount from the Side Effect. Note that not all Pit Tech comes with the potential for Radiation Sickness; safer devices can carry little (Complication) to no risk of it...but they also cost more points. Radiation Sickness is considered to be a Side Effect with a point value equal to PL times the number of applications, for purposes of whether it's a significant enough Side Effect to apply to a given power.

Lesser Radiation Sickness: Lesser Radiation Sickness only applies half the points of failure to the Weaken. It is considered a Side Effect with a point value equal to half PL times number of applications.

Knack: Enhanced Fighting 1 (Limited [Attack Bonus]) {1}.

Tinker: Variable 4 (Improve Existing PitTech; Side Effect 2 [Radiation Sickness 2 on each reconfiguration]) {20}.

Propulsion Pack: Flight 6 (4 ranks Limited [Only in straight lines]); Enhanced Flight 4 (Side Effect 2 [Lesser Radiation Sickness]); Removable {10-2}.

Stim Patch: Enhanced Traits 10 (Fighting 5 [Limited to Defenses] and Toughness 5; Side Effect [Lesser Radiation Sickness if either bonus applies against an attack and it causes an effect, full Radiation Sickness if both apply against an attack and it causes an effect], Removable); Regeneration 10 (Persistent, Sustained; Side Effect 2 [Radiation Sickness each time a condition is healed], Removable) {10-2}.

Juicer: Quickness 12 (Side Effect 2 [Radiation Sickness in each actual round it is used], Quirk [Max six ranks usable for Inventing]) {3}.

Rad Goggles: 4-point Array {4+2}.

PitLight: Senses 8 (Vision Counters All Concealment, Vision Counters Illusion, Ultravision; Limited [Doesn't work in bright light]).

Photon Cloning: Senses 5 (Extended Vision 2, Rapid Vision 2, Radius Vision; Quirk [Doesn't work in dim light/darkness]).

Rad Scanning: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Braizen Radiation]).

PitTech Weaponry: 32-point Easily Removable Array {32+4-14}.

Chainsaw Sword: Damage 10 Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness); Enhanced Trait 10 (Weaken Toughness gains Secondary Effect, Progressive, Side Effect 2 [Radiation Sickness 2]); Accurate 2.

Radiation Vent: Weaken Random Ability 10 (Resistance per Radiation Sickness; Cone Area 2, Incurable, Insidious).

Irradiated Blade: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude); Accurate 2.

Hyper-Compressed-Air Harpoon: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Move Object 10 (Limited [Only if the target is successfully damaged]); Accurate 2.

Graaand Mallet: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect) Linked Burrowing 10 (Attack [Prowess, target must be on the ground]).

Calculations

Abilities 36 + Defenses 15 + Skills 21 + Advantages 10 + Powers 68 = 150 PP

Notes

Braizen tech is highly effective, but kinda dangerous and not very streamlined. The various random Flaws and things are meant to represent the rather experimental and somewhat crude nature of Braizen tech. Of course, those Flaws also mean more points for good stuff!

See the Matrix Cyborg for restrictions on Improve Existing Traits Variables.

Spoiler: Braizen Horror (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 8 (12). STA: 8 (12). AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 8. INT: -4. AWE: 0. PRE: -4.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +12. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +14. Fortitude: +12. Will (8): +8. Init: +4.

Skills

Intimidation 20 (+16), Mobility 8 (+8), Perception 8 (+8).

Presence Bonus Buyoff 4.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Diehard, Improved Initiative, Fearless, Power Attack, Startle.

Powers

Huge: Growth 4 (Permanent), Protection 2 {10}.

Protean: Regeneration 10, Variable 5 (Two Random Mutations; Uncontrollable, Side Effect 2 [Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude)]) {30}.

Radioactive: Affliction 5 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed; Fortitude; Cumulative, Reaction [Creature ends its turn in the area], Cloud Area, Unreliable [50% chance], Limited [Once/round maximum]) {20}.

Mutations: Randomly roll two of the following (1d20) {36}.

(1) Tentacles: Extra Limbs 5, Elongation 6 (Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]), Enhanced Advantages (Fast Grab, Improved Hold).

(2) Acid: Strength Damage gains Secondary Effect.

(3) Spittle: Strength Damage gains Ranged.

(4) Wings: Flight 12 (Wings).

(5) Metabolism: Healing 4 (Restorative, Reduced Action 2 [Free], Limited [Self Only], Limited [Restorative function only]).

(6) Worm: Burrowing 6 (Penetrating 3), Movement 1 (Slithering), Enhanced Advantages (Prone Fighting).

(7) Battle Roar: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Compelled [Forced to Flee]; Will; Perception Area [Hearing], Limited Degree), Feature 2(Penalty to Startle as a move action negated).

(8) Claws: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude).

(9) Webs: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Alternate Resistance [Prowess], Cumulative, Limited [Physical actions only]).

(10) Poison: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Stamina 12 (Fortitude).

(11) Rage: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Chosen Defense 12 (Will; Broad, Limited [Penalty only applies against self]).

(12) Scales: Impervious Toughness 12.

(13) Breath Weapon: Strength Damage gains 10 ranks Cone Area, Incurable, Precise.

(14) Ferocity: Immunity 30 (Fortitude; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]), Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Reflect [Causes the Horror's next successful rolled attack against the attacker before the end of its next turn to count as a crit, an attacker who is aware of this power may elect not to crit to avoid triggering the reflection]).

(15) Madness: Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]), Senses 4 (Vision Counters Illusion, Hearing Counters Illusion).

(16) Adrenaline: Speed 12.

(17) Skittering: Speed 4, Movement 4 (Wall Crawling 2, Trackless, Sure Footed).

(18) Eyes Everywhere: Senses 8 (Extended, Rapid, Radius Vision Counters All Concealment), Remote Sensing 1 (Visual; Simultaneous, No Conduit).

(19) Olfactory Maws: Senses 12 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Extended 2 Smell Counters All Concealment).

(20) Stealth: Concealment 6 (All Visual and Auditory Senses; Passive); Teleport 4 (Limited [Only while not in sight]).

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 8 + Skills 20 + Advantages 6 + Powers 96 = 150 PP

Notes

You know, nothing special. Just your average randomly shapeshifting radioactive killer mutant.

Spoiler: Dymaran Samurai (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 5. STA: 5. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge: +10. Parry: +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude (3): +8. Will (12): +12. Init: +16.

Skills

Insight 12 (+12), Intimidation 12 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+12).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Assessment, Attractive, Benefit 2 (Staredown [Penalty to Startle as a move action reduced to -2]), Connected, Defensive Attack, Evasion, Fearless, Improved Defense, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Concealment), Startle, Takedown 2, Weapon Bind.

Powers

Weapons Master: Enhanced Strength 5 (Limited [Combat Purposes]), Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes], Limited [Defensive Purposes])) {7}.

Iron Skin Meditation: Protection 5 {5}.

Chi Parkour: Flight 5 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Movement 1 (Safe Fall) {6}.

Ancestral Weapon: Easily Removable Device {(35)-14}.

Mastercraft: Improved Critical 4 {4}.

Iaijutsu: Improved Initiative 1 {1}.

Unstoppable: Regeneration 10 (Quirk [All regenerated conditions return if effect is negated]), Healing 2 (Reduced Action 2 [Free], Restorative, Limited [Self Only], Limited [Restorative Function Only]) {15}.

Never Give Up: Immunity 30 (Fortitude; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]) {7.5}.

Never Give In: Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]) {7.5}.

Sword Saint: 20-point Strength-discounted Array {20-10+5}.

Flurry: Damage 10 (Multiattack).

Defensive Strike: Damage 10 Linked Deflect 10 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]).

Cut Through Anything: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]).

Kiai Shout: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Perception Area [Hearing], Limited [Penalties only apply against self]).

Banzai Charge: Damage 10 (Limited [Must charge opponent from initial distance of at least 30']) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Fortitude; Limited).

Whirlwind Strike: Damage 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Limited [Also costs a move action]).

Calculations

Abilities 40 + Defenses 15 + Skills 18 + Advantages 23 + Powers 54 = 150 PP

Notes

A Dymaran Samurai with its blade in hand is a uniquely implacible foe, rapidly shrugging off everything thrown at it. Its attacks rate as only Civilian-grade, but its powerful recovery options and ability to target any resistance easily makes up for that.

PL 10 is rather high for a Dymaran whose Spiritual Energy isn't boosted by Dreamer powers, so as a template this one is a bit odd fluff-wise. But samurai are inherently cool, so no one cares.

Spoiler: Dymaran Ninja (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 12. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +8. Dodge (14): +14. Parry (2): +14. Toughness: +6. Fortitude (10): +10. Will (10): +10. Init: +24.

Skills

Deception 10 (+10), Investigation 8 (+8), Mobility 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 6 (+18), Technology 0 (+0/+12).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit 5 (Ninjutsu 3 [Substitute Stealth for Deception for Feints and Tricks, opposed by Perception or Insight; penalty to Feint or Trick as a move action negated], Cipher 2), Contacts, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Aim, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Concealment), Redirect, Second Chance (Stealth to avoid detection), Skill Mastery 2 (Stealth, Mobility), Takedown 2, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Ninja Run: Flight 5 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Movement 1 (Safe Fall), Movement 1 (Wall Crawling; Limited [Hanging On]) {7}.

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 6 (Reduced Dodge 6; Limited [Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {1}.

Greater Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Limited [Perception-range attacks]) {2}.

Uncanny Defensive Roll: Protection 6 (Quirk [Benefits lost if both Stunned and Defenseless]) {5}.

Security Specialist: Enhanced Technology 12 (Limited [Only for creating or disarming security systems]) {4}.

Ninjutsu: 10-point Array {10+3}.

Vanish: Feature 10 (Can use Stealth to hide without needing cover or conealment from one sense per Feature rank, two ranks per sense type, visual costs double, 10 ranks for all senses).

Master Infiltrator: Teleport 4 (Accurate, Precise, Change Direction, Limited [Must either move through space physically or be unseen]).

Smoke Bomb: Create 4 (Cloud Area 2, Reaction [Upon activating array slot], Diminished Range 2, Limited 3 [Only to provide visual Concealment], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Log Trick: Teleport 1 (Reaction [When Attacked, after attack resolves], Limited [Only on a miss]) Linked Concealment 2 (Vision; Reaction); Feature (Leaves behind some harmless decoy).

Assassinate: 24-point Array {24+4}.

Martial Arts: Damage 8 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 8 (Limited [Combat Maneuvers], Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 8 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Sneak Attack: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited [Vulnerable/Defenseless Targets Only]) Linked Weaken Stamina 8 (Limited); Enhanced Trait 8 (Secondary Effect on Damage; Limited).

Poisoned Blades: Damage 8 (Multiattack, Secondary Effect [Fortitude]).

Envenomed Strike: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled/Paralyzed; Fortitude; Cumulative).

Stealthy Strike: Damage 8 (Subtle 2, Improved Critical 2); Concealment 6 (All Visual Senses, All Auditory Senses).

Calculations

Abilities 24 + Defenses 28 + Skills 17 + Advantages 21 + Powers 60 = 150 PP

Notes

Masters of stealth and misdirection, Dymaran ninja are able to suppress the flow of their Chi, creating a sense of not being there even when opponents are looking right at them. While their abilities often seem supernatural, they aren't. Their powers are largely [Skill] and [Chi] based. These aren't Dymaran Dreamers with stealth powers - they're just that good.

And as above, PL 10's on the high end for non-powered Dymarans, but on the other hand, NINJA!

Spoiler: Paradisian Mage (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +0. Dodge: +10. Parry: +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: +8. Will (12): +12. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Magic) 15 (+15).

One of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion 8 (+8).
One of Insight, Investigation, or Persuasion 8 (+8).

Additional Expertise (3): Dreamer Lore +15, Any Three +10.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Artificer, Attractive, Close Attack 5, Improved Initiative, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Ritualist.

Paragon, Powerhouse add: Interpose.
Speedster, Teleporter add: Uncanny Dodge.
Energy Controller add: Takedown.
Telekinetic add: Improved Hold.
Telepath add: Attractive +1.
Technopath add: Inventor.

Powers

Wizardry: Extra Limbs 1 (Subtle 2, Projection, Increased Mass 1), Elongation 6 (500'; Quirk [Extra Limb Only]) {10}.

Cantrips: Feature 1 (Can perform minor acts of magic significantly weaker than one-rank powers at will as a free action) {1}.

Enchanted Garb: Enhanced Traits (Toughness +10, Dodge +10, Parry +10, Fortitude +8; Feature 2 [Quick Change]; Permanent, Removable) {40-8}.

Arcana: 12-point Array {12+4}.

Flight: Flight 8 (4 ranks Limited [Outdoors Only]).

Teleport: Teleport 12 (Increased Action [Standard]).

Scrying: Remove Viewing 12 (Visual, Auditory; Independent, Concentration, Increased Action 2 [Standard]).

Arcane Sight: Senses 12 (Ranged Acute Analytical Accurate Tracking Detect [Magic]; Darkvision; Vision Counters Illusion; Danger Sense).

Mindlink: Mental Communication 3.

Battle Magic: 30-point Array, Variable Descriptor 2 [Magic Descriptors] {32+7}.

Energy Bolts: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Stunned; Fortitude; Multiattack, Limited Degree).

Energy Blast: Damage 10 (Burst Area, Selective).

Arcane Shield: Create 10 (Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]).

Dispel: Nullify Magical Powers 10 (Broad, Concentration, Sustained, Continuous, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Duration expires at end of scene or if unable to take free actins]).
This power is purchased thrice, with the other purchases affecting Dreamer powers and Technological powers rather than Magical ones.

Baleful Polymorph: Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed; Fortitude; Cumulative, Secondary Effect).

Repair Damage: Healing 10 (Affects Objects and Creatures, 4 ranks Restorative, Quirk [Heal Order], Quirk 3 [Requires 2 degrees to heal Staggered, 3 degrees to heal Incapacitated]).

Dreamer Power: Choose one of the following {10}.

Paragon: Remove Enchanted Garb; increase Arcana Array by 3 points (+1 Flight and +1 Limited Flight, +3 Teleport, +3 Remote Viewing, +3 Senses [Extended Vision 2, Extended Hearing 1], +2 Rapid and 1 rank Area on Mental Communication); add Power Lifting 10+Quickness 5 as additional Alternate Effect of Arcana; Protection 12, +8 purchased Dodge, +8 purchased Parry, +10 purchased Fortitude, -2 purchased Will.

Powerhouse: Remove Wizardry; add Enhanced Strength 10 and corresponding +10 points to Energy Bolts (Linked Weaken Toughness 10, resisted by Toughness), Energy Blast (another rank of Burst Area), and Baleful Polymorph (change Secondary Effect to Progressive); +4 purchased Stamina, -4 purchased Will, -4 Dodge/Parry from Enchanted Garb, Improved Initiative -1.

Speedster: Flight loses Limit, gains Platform, raises to rank 12; replace Teleport with Quickness 12; out of Arcana array add Platform Flight 4 and Quickness 4 (stacking with arrayed version); +4 purchased Dodge and Parry, -4 Toughness on Enchanted Garb, Improved Initiative +1.

Energy Controller: Add 12 points to the Battle Magic Array (enough for an additional Extra and two flat PP in Extras, choices dependent on energy selected) and remove Variable Descriptor.

Telekinetic: Enhanced Elongation 4, Increased Mass 6 on Extra Limb; Battle Magic loses Variable Descriptor and gains Affects Insubstantial 2; Affliction of Energy Bolts changes to Linked Move Object (Reduced Range [Close]).

Telepath: Mental Communication 1 (Stacks with Mindlink); Comprehend 3 (Automatic Language); add Alternate Resistance (Will) to the damage of Energy Bolts and Energy Blast (renamed Mental Bolts and Mental Blast); Baleful Polymorph changed to Dominate (Will resisted, Entranced/Compelled/Controlled); Enhanced Will 2, Reduced Fortitude 2.

Teleporter: Teleport 1 (Accurate, Reaction [Start of Turn], Selective, Precise, Change Direction, Turnabout); Alternate Effect: Enhanced Arcana Teleport 4 (Increased Mass 5); Enchanted Garb gets +4 Dodge/Parry, -4 Toughness.

Technopath: Comprehend 2 (Machines), Enhanced Technology 12.

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 12 + Skills 17 + Advantages 13 + Powers 108 = 150 PP

Notes

Now, magic can itself be a Dreamer power...but on Paradisia, it's a trained skill. Also on Paradisia, everyone's a Dreamer. So a Paradisian mage has a modest Dreamer power as well as its magic, and its power will often inform its magical specialties. This template provides suggestions for the "big eight" Dreamer powers, but naturally, any modest power could fit in.

Spoiler: Paradisian Diplomat (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0 or +10. Damage: +0 or +10. Dodge: +10. Parry: +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: +8. Will (12): +12. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Dreamer Lore) 12 (+12), Insight 15 (+15), Investigation 10 (+10), Mobility 5 (+5), Stealth 10 (+10), Perception 10 (+10).

Two of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion 15 (+15).

Additional Expertise (4): Politics +12, Current Events +12, Any Three +8.

Advantages

Attractive 2, Benefit 2 (Diplomatic Immunity, Security Clearance), Connected, Contacts, Fascinate (Chosen social skill), Favored "Foe" 2 (Dreamers; People of the nation the diplomat is assigned to), Second Chance (One of: Insight to detect lies, Deception to avoid getting caught in a lie, Intimidation to interrogate, or Persuasion to talk someone down from conflict), Set Up 2, Skill Mastery (Chosen social skill), Teamwork, Well Informed.

Powers

Enchanted Garb: Enhanced Traits (Toughness +10, Dodge +10, Parry +10, Fortitude +8; Feature 2 [Quick Change]; Permanent, Removable) {40-8}.

Emissary Link: Senses 1 (Communication Link [Paradisian Superior]) {1}.

Training: Choose either the third interaction skill at +10, Stealth and Perception +5, or Close Attack 5 {5}.

Minor Powers: Create an array of three of the following {10+2}.

Mindlink: Mental Communication 2 (Subtle 2).

Cloaking: Concealment 10 (All Senses; Passive).

Superhuman Beauty: Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed [Affected traits set to 0]; Will; Perception Area [Sight], Cumulative, Alternate Resistance [Will rather than Dodge to negate the Perception Area, but Evasion still applies], Limited [Penalties only apply to skills and stats used to resist, oppose, or detect social influence], Limited [Penalties only apply against self]).

Flight: Flight 5.

Hyper-Efficiency: Quickness 10.

Tongues: Comprehend 5 (Speak All, Understand All, Read All, Speak and Understand Animals).

Handshake: Mind Reading 16 (Subtle 2, Reduced Range 2 [Close]).

Shapeshift: Morph 2 (Humanoids of same size/gender).

Independence: Immunity 10 (Interaction Skills, Mind Control).

Infiltrator: Teleport 1 (Accurate, Extended, Effortless, Precise, Change Direction, Increased Mass 3).

Power Scanning: Senses 10 (Ranged Acute Analytical Accurate Rapid Radius Counters Concealment [Dreamer Powers] Visual Detect [Dreamer Powers]).

Empathy: Senses 8 (Ranged Acute Analytical Accurate Rapid Radius Mental Detect [Emotion]); Senses 4 (Empathy Penetrates Concealment; Concentration).

Hyper-Observation: Senses 10 (Extended Vision, Extended Hearing, Accurate Hearing, Low Light Vision, Vision Counters Concealment [Crowds], Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise], Rapid Hearing).

Major Powers: Create an array of four of the following {22+3}.

Mind Scan: Mind Reading 10 (Burst Area 2, Subtle 2, Alternate Resistance [Will rather than Dodge to halve effect, but Evasion still applies], Reduced Range 2 [Close]).

Mind Probe: Mind Reading 10 (Cumulative, Subtle 2 [Limited to successful attempts], Precise, Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Suggestion: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Area [Hearing], Selective, Subtle 2 [Limited to power detection], Insidious, Alternate Resistance [Will rather than Dodge to negate the Perception Area, but Evasion still applies], Limited [One Command - Entranced targets can act normally so long as their actions are in line with the command]).

Seduction: Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless/Controlled; Will; Cumulative, Subtle 2 [Limited to power detection], Insidious, First Two Conditions have Extra Condition but also Limited [Penalties only apply against self]).

Healing: Healing 10 (6 ranks Restorative, Quirk [Heal Order], Quirk 3 [2 degrees to heal Staggered, 3 to heal Incapacitated]).

Mass Healing: Healing 10 (Burst Area, 3 ranks Restorative, Limited [One Degree], Quirk [Heal Order]).

Magic Strike: Damage 10 (Variable Descriptor 2 [Magic Descriptors]) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Magic Blast: Damage 10 (Cone Area, Variable Descriptor 2 [Magic Descriptors]).

Project Senses: Remote Sensing 10 (Vision, Hearing, Mental; Simultaneous, Subtle 2, Increased Action 2 [Standard], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Weave Illusion: Illusion 1 (All Senses; Continuous, Independent, Precise, Area 14).

Shielding: Deflect 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Subtle 2, Reduced Range [Close]).

Barrier: Create 10 (Affects Insubstantial 2, Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 10 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 12 + Skills 48 + Advantages 15 + Powers 75 = 150 PP

Notes

While a Paradisian Diplomat could have any of a variety of powers, the most common ones have a selection of low-to-mid-grade abilities emphasizing social influence, information gathering, and support. Strictly speaking, powers can be cherry-picked from the list, but most diplomats would have only one or two thematic power sets. That said, more off-theme powers could be from magical training rather than innate ability.

Spoiler: Haptaran Blood Mage (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 12. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +10. Dodge (8): +8. Parry (8): +8. Toughness: +12. Fortitude: +12. Will (8): +8. Init: +4.

Skills

Deception 8 (+8), Expertise (Magic) 10 (+10), Intimidation 16 (+16), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 8 (+8).

Additional Expertise (4): Dreamer Lore +10, Military +10, Tactics +10, Any One +10.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit (Military Caste), Close Attack 5, Improved Initiative, Power Attack, Ritualist, Takedown.

Powers

Wizardry: Extra Limbs 1 (Subtle 2, Projection), Elongation 5 (250'; Quirk [Extra Limb Only]) {8}.

Cantrips: Feature 1 (Can perform minor acts of magic significantly weaker than one-rank powers at will as a free action) {1}.

Blood Mage's Robes: 12-point Removable Array {12+1-2}.

Regenerist: Regeneration 10, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits).

Rejuvenist: Healing 4 (Reduced Action 2 [Free], Restorative, Limited [Self Only], Limited [Restorative Function Only]).

Blood Wings: Flight 12 (Wings).

Dreamer Mage: 10-point Array, Variable Descriptor 2 (Magical Descriptors) {12+5}.

Energy Flash: Damage 10.

Curse: Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude).

Domination: Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will).

Disintegration: Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness).

Necromancy: Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude).

Blood Magic Focus: 10-point Dynamic Array Easily Removable {10+25-14}.

Twin Spell: All five Alternate Effects of Dreamer Mage are repurchased here as Enhanced Linked traits.

Quicken Spell: Enhanced Trait (Multiattack).

Repeat Spell: Enhanced Trait (Secondary Effect).

Widen Spell: Enhanced Trait (Burst Area).

Sculpt Spell: Enhanced Trait (Selective).

Heighten Spell: Enhanced Trait (Cumulative).

Maximize Spell: Enhanced Trait (Broad).

Persistent Spell: Enhanced Trait (Progressive).

Extend Spell: Enhanced Elongation 5.

Blood Sacrifice: Enhanced Blood Magic Focus 60 (Fades [Gains one point for each point of failure a target rolls on resistance checks against Dreamer Mage powers, max one target and one resistance check per spell and to max pool of 20 points; resistance checks that result in death ignore both maximums], Limited [Pool begins each scene at 0 points rather than full], Easily Removable [Requires Blood Magic Focus]) {20-8}.

Willing Sacrifice: Feature (Can target self or a willing subject with an unaugmented Dreamer Mage power once per round as a free action as a routine attack) {1}.

Blood Ritual: Feature 1 (Can add Reduced Blood Sacrifice Pool to rituals, each three points of currently available Blood Sacrifice consumed lowering the cost of the ritual by one. However, this cost reduction only applies for purposes of the ritual's DC, not its time to devise or perform) {1}.

Calculations

Abilities 24 + Defenses 16 + Skills 27 + Advantages 12 + Powers 71 = 150 PP

Notes

A typical Haptaran Blood Mage is a modest Dreamer mage (spells have both the [Dreamer] and [Magical] descriptors) who has received focused training in ritualism and offensive magic. While not the most versatile of wizards, they are extremely flexible attackers who can channel the life force of others to strengthen their spells. Without a blood sacrifice, the Blood Mage only rates civilian-grade offensive power. "Safe" blood sacrifices, ensuring the targets remain alive, are possible, and with a few of them can push the Blood Mage up to military-grade combat power. However, their true power comes from the surge of energy provided by killing their sacrifices, allowing them to flexibly weave together tremendously powerful spells. Remember, however, that Fades loses one rank each use, not one PP, so one point of Blood Sacrifice is spent per trait that it enhances (or two points in the case of Persistent Spell, since Progressive is 2 PP/rank). Multiple Blood Mages working together and with enough sacrifices can perform astonishingly powerful rituals - but these still take a long time to prepare and perform.

Spoiler: Haptaran Super-Soldier (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 5. STA: 7. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 8. INT: -2. AWE: 0. PRE: -2.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +12. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +12. Fortitude (8): +15. Will (5): +5. Init: +20.

Skills

Intimidation 22 (+20).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Benefit 4 (Military Caste, Bodyguard 3 [Interpose 2/round, Interpose against Area attacks, Interpose against Perception attacks]), Evasion 2, Equipment 6, Fast Grab, Fearless, Improved Critical (Military-grade Haptaran Weaponry Array) 4, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Initiative 5, Improved Smash, Interpose, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 (Close/Cover, Ranged/Cover), Startle, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Body Armor: Protection 5 {5}.

Deployment Boots: Speed 5, Leaping 5 {10}.

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather, Senses 5 (Darkvision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision) {15}.

Powers

Weapons Master: Enhanced Strength 5 (Limited [Combat Purposes]), Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes], Limited [Defensive Purposes]) {7}.

Ignore Wounds: Regeneration 10 (Quirk [Doesn't provide actual healing, effects return if negated]) {9}.

For the Emperor!: Immunity 10 (Interaction Skills, Mind Control) {10}.

Military-grade Haptaran Weaponry: 48-point Strength-discounted Easily-removable Array {48+5-20}.

Rocket Maul: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Contagious) Linked Move Object 12 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Rocket Spear: Damage 12 (Targeted Shapeable Area 2, Limited [Only to created a 6"x6"x240' Line]) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Targeted Shapeable Area 2, Limited).

Rocket Gattling Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Acid Gun: Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Ranged, Progressive).

Napalm Flamethrower: Damage 10 (Cone Area 2, 8 ranks Cone Area 3, Secondary Effect).

Buckytube Claymore: Damage 12 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]).

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 13 + Skills 11 + Advantages 35 + Powers 59 = 150 PP

Notes

Most people, you want a super-soldier, you want the whole package. Fighting ability and personal defense, sure, but also leadership, tactics, cunning, social savvy, inspiration. You want someone who can wade into a packed battlefield one day, infiltrate an enemy base another, inspire the troops a third, and do a bit of spying next week.

The Emperor of Haptarus is not most people.

The Emperor of Haptarus doesn't care if his super-soldier program leaves its recipients stupid and maybe kinda have trouble remembering that they're individuals. In fact, he would consider that a feature, not a bug. They aren't individuals, after all. They are the fists of Haptarus!

And oh, yes, those fists are currently wrapped around some of the most devastating personal weaponry the Haptaran Military can offer.

Spoiler: Ilessian Power Armor Soldier (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 10/2. STA: 3. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10/4. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10/+4. Damage: +10/+3. Dodge: +8/+4. Parry: +8/+4. Toughness: +12/+3. Fortitude (2): +10/+5. Will (3): +10/+5. Init: +8/+4.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 4 (+4), Insight 2 (+4), Intimidation 6 (+10/+6), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 4 (+6), Stealth 2 (+0/+2), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Benefit 1 (Military), Defensive Attack, Equipment 2, Improved Critical (Firearms) 2/1, Improved Initiative 2/1, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.[/INDENT]

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 3 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {3}.

CQC: Damage 3 Linked Move Object 3 (Reduced Range [Close]) {6-5}.

Ilessian Powered Armor: Removable Device {(115)-23}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Ilessian Soldier's case, this means -2 Strength, -3 Toughness, -2 Dodge, -2 Parry, -5 Fortitude, -5 Will, Remove Combat Training, Remove CQC {-25}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 10 (Permanent) {20}.

Armor: Impervious Protection 12 {24}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 6, Enhanced Improved Initiative 1, Enhanced Improved Critical 1 (Permanent) {14}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 10 (Permanent) {20}.

Salient Threat: Enhanced Intimidation 4, Reduced Stealth 2 {1}.

HUD: Senses 6 (Radius Extended Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {3}.

Sensor Suite: Senses 5 (Vision Counters All Concealment) {5}.

Jet Pack: Flight 8 {16}.

Weapons Systems: Create a Strength-discounted array of six of the following {40-10+5}.

Servo Strength: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Autolock Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 10.

Plasma Cannon: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 10 (Ranged, Burst Area, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, 10 ranks Burst Area, Inaccurate 1, Extended Range 7).

Flame Thrower: Damage 10 (Cone Area, Secondary Effect) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude; Cone Area, Limited Degree).

Breaker Mace: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Fortitude; Affects Objects and Creatures).

Lightning Sword: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Secondary Effect).

Laser Eyes: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Calculations

Abilities 22 + Defenses 5 + Skills 13 + Advantages 14 + Powers 96 = 150 PP

Notes

Aside from gear that gets replaced by the Powered Armor directly, the base stats are those of the standard Soldier template, representing a typical Ilessian soldier.

Ilessian powered armor emphasizes heavy resilience and a diverse selection of military-grade weaponry, while providing solid mobility and sensory upgrades. This is reflective of their military strategy in general - diverse weaponry supplemented by solid teamwork, battlefield awareness and mobility, and as much protection as they can provide their soldiers without slowing them down too terribly are pretty much the Ilessian military's watchwords.

Spoiler: Limbran Power Armor Guardian (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 10/2. STA: 2. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10/5. INT: 0. AWE: 2. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10/+5. Damage: +10/+4. Dodge: +10/+5. Parry: +10/+5. Toughness: +10/+2. Fortitude (3): +10/+5. Will (3): +10/+5. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 4 (+4), Insight 2 (+4), Intimidation 4 (+4), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 4 (+12/+6), Persuasion 4 (+4), Stealth 4 (+10/+4), Technology 4 (+4).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +2, Current Events +2.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, Benefit 1 (Military), Defensive Attack, Equipment 2, Improved Critical (Firearms) 4/2, Improved Defense, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.[/INDENT]

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 3 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {3}.

CQC: Damage 4 Linked Deflect 4 (Reduced Range [Close]) {6-5}.

Limbran Powered Armor: Removable Device {(110)-22}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Limbran Soldier's case, this means -2 Strength, -2 Toughness, -5 Fortitude, -5 Will, Remove Combat Training, Remove CQC {-20}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 10 (Permanent) {20}.

Armor: Protection 10 {10}.

Forcefield: Impervious Toughness 10 {10}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 5, Enhanced Improved Critical 2 (Permanent) {12}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 10 (Permanent) {20}.

Sleek: Enhanced Stealth 6 {3}.

HUD: Senses 6 (Extended Radius Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {3}.

Sensor Suite: Senses 5 (Darkvision, Extended Vision), Enhanced Perception 6 {8}.

Force Propulsion: Speed 10 (Alt: Flight 5) {10+1}.

Weapons Systems: 40-point Strength-discounted array {40-10+5}.

Servo Strength: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Prowess; Cumulative) Linked Deflect 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Guardian Programming: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Limited [Only against a target who attacked someone else last round]) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken All Defenses 10 (Will; Broad, Simultaneous, Limited).

Exploit Opening: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Limited [Only against a target who missed with an attack last round]) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken All Abilities 10 (Fortitude; Broad, Simultaneous, Limited).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 10.

Counter Shot: Damage 10 (Ranged, Reaction [When Attacked], Limited [Only While Defending]).

Shield Mode: Create 10 (9 ranks Impervious, Affects Insubstantial 2, Reduced Range [Close], Reduced Duration [Concentration]) Linked Deflect 10 (Reflect, Burst Area, Selective, Limited [Result of less than 11 treated as 10 rather than getting +10], Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Immunity 20 (Perception Range Attacks; Increased Action 2 [Standard], Reduced Duration [Concentration]) Linked Enhanced Evasion 2 (Affects Others, Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Calculations

Abilities 22 + Defenses 6 + Skills 16 + Advantages 14 + Powers 92 = 150 PP

Notes

Patience is the watchword of Limbra for good reason. Limbran powered armor in particular emphasizes the nation's cautious approach to war. Limbran soldiers tend to be less hardy and aggressive than Ilessian ones, but somewhat more skilled (less boot camp, more training, is how they put it). Limbran weapons technology is slightly less advanced than Ilessian (110 PP in their typical powered armor compared to Ilessian 115, although really after factoring in the Stat Discount, it's actually 132 compared to Ilessia's 141), and while the Limbran military absolutely has the broad selection of weapons available that the Ilessian military has, they aren't as common. Standard-issue Limbran powered armor is much lighter and sleeker than Ilessian, reinforced with a forcefield that offers additional protection as well as rapid propulsion. Weapons are basic assault rifles in the hands and the mechanical super-strength of the armor; as is often the case, where Limbra really shines is in its computers technology. Their powered armor is programmed with a number of defensive tactics used to protect the soldier and its allies and exploit openings left by attackers. And when necessary, weapons power can be diverted to the forcefield to generate a potent barrier against all manner of threats.

Where Ilessian powered armor is meant to provide a "soldier only better", Limbran powered armor is explicitly specialized in a defensive role (Limbran power armored soldiers are generally called "Guardians"), so they aren't generally equipped with crowd-control devices.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: Dymaran Power Armor Warrior (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 4. AGI: 0. DEX: 8. FGT: 4/0. INT: 0. AWE: 4. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12/+8. Damage: +8/+4. Dodge (8): +12/+8. Parry: +12/+8. Toughness: +8/+4. Fortitude (2): +10/+6. Will (2): +10/+6. Init: +16.

Skills

Expertise (Chi) 6 (+6), Insight 2 (+6), Mobility 6 (+12/+6), Perception 2 (+12/+6), Persuasion 6 (+6).

Advantages

Assessment, Defensive Attack, Evasion, Improved Hold, Instant Up, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown.

Powers

Chi Parkour: Flight 4 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Movement 1 (Safe Fall) {9}.

Chi Awareness: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Detect [Chi]) {6}.

Martial Arts: 12-point Array {12+4}.

Flurry of Blows: Damage 4 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 4 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Stunning Strike: Damage 4 Linked Affliction 4 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative).

Defensive Strike: Damage 4 Linked Deflect 8 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]).

Shattering Strike: Damage 4 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Penetrating 4).

Counter Stance: Damage 4 (Reaction [When Attacked], Limited [Only if attack misses]).

Dymaran Powered Armor: Removable Device {(75)-15}.

Powered: Power Lifting 6 {6}.

Armor: Protection 4; Enhanced Toughness 2 (Limited [Perception-range attacks]); Enhanced Toughness 2 (Reduced Dodge 2; Limited [Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {6}.

Chi Conduit: Enhanced Dodge, Parry, Fortitude, Will 4; Enhanced Close Attack 2; Enhanced Perception and Mobility 6; Enhanced Chi Parkour 8; Enhanced Chi Awareness 4 (Extended, Counters Concealment [Powers]; Danger Sense) {32}.

Combat Programming: Enhanced Advantages (All Out Attack, Evasion +1, Improved Initiative, Interpose, Move-by Action, Precise Attack 2 [Close/Cover, Close/Concealment], Skill Mastery [Mobility], Takedown +1, Uncanny Dodge) {10}.

Chi Focus: Enhanced Martial Arts 20 {20}.

Flurry of Blows: Damage 8 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 8 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Stunning Strike: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless/Incapacitated+Unaware; Fortitude; Cumulative, Extra Condition).

Defensive Strike: Damage 8 Linked Deflect 12 (Cloud Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]).

Shattering Strike: Damage 8 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Penetrating 8, Multiattack).

Counter Stance: Damage 8; Damage 8 (Reaction [When Attacked], Limited [Only if attack misses]).

Weapon: Add one of the following to the Martial Arts Array; all have Quirk [Individually treated as Easily Removable] {1}.

Buckytube Katana: Damage 10 Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]); Inaccurate 1, Improved Critical 4.

Flaming No-Dachi: Damage 12 (11 ranks Secondary Effect) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude; Cumulative, Limited Degree); Inaccurate 2.

Extending Naginata: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Prowess; Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]); Inaccurate 1, Elongation 4.

Autolocking Multi-section Staff: Move Object 8 (Damaging, Multiattack, Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Feature 1 [Can Damage and maneuver in same action], Limited [Combat Maneuvers Only], Reduced Range [Close]).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area, Feature 3 [Can divide the radius among up to four individual bursts]).

Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range 3, Accurate 5); Reduced Close Attack 5.

Chi Channel: Damage 10 (Area [Choose one], Selective, Affects Insubstantial 2, No Quirk).

Calculations

Abilities 32 + Defenses 8 + Skills 11 + Advantages 8 + Powers 91 = 150 PP

Notes

In many ways, Ilessian powered armor is meant to replace the soldier within. Sure, you need someone to pilot it and it helps for them to know a thing or two about fighting, but it's the suit that has all the weapons, the tactical computers, the power dampeners, the sensors, the mobility tools. To a large degree, the human's there to provide the brain.

Not so with Dymaran powered armor. Dymaran suits are a tool, designed with specialized technology similar to (though much less advanced than) what is found in mechs to channel the flows of the wielder's Spiritual Energy through the suit. While almost all suits of Dymaran powered armor do come with a high-tech weapon for the wearer to use, the skill and the power comes almost entirely from the wearer - the armor simply helps it along. Appropriately for the less-militaristic Dymaran nations, the armor itself is substantially less advanced than what you see in Ilessia - a mere 75 PP with no overlap necessitating a Stat Discount. This template used the Dymaran Adept template for the base soldier.

Spoiler: Paradisian Power Armor Paladin (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 5. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 5/0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10/+0. Damage: +10/+0. Dodge (5): +10/+5. Parry (5): +10/+5. Toughness: +10/+5. Fortitude: +10/+5. Will (5): +10/+5. Init: +8/+0.

Skills

Expertise (Theology) 10 (+10), Insight 10 (+15/+10), Investigation 8 (+8), Persuasion 10 (+10), Perception 5 (+10/+5), Treatment 8 (+8).

Additional Expertise (5): Dreamer Lore +10, Magic +10, Psychology +10, Any One Artistic/Creative +10, Any One +10.

Advantages

Assessment, Attractive 2, Benefit 2 (Blessed Seeker, Diplomatic Immunity), Connected, Interpose, Ritualist, Second Chance (Persuasion checks to talk someone down from combat).

Paragon add: Instant Up.
Powerhouse add: Diehard.
Speedster, Teleporter add: Uncanny Dodge.
Energy Controller add: Favored Environment (as appropriate to energy type).
Telekinetic add: Improved Hold.
Telepath add: Second Chance (Insight to detect lies).
Technopath add: Second Chance (Persuasion to influence machines).

Powers

On Angel's Wings: Flight 5 (Wings) {5}.

Blessed Seeker: 10-point Array {10+2}.

The Light: Senses 5 (Darkvision; Ranged Acute Mental Detect [Dreamer Powers]); Environment 3 (2 ranks Daylight, 1 rank Light).

The Communion: Mental Communication 2 (Rapid, Limited [Dreamers Only]), Comprehend 3 (Automatic Language; Limited [Dreamers Only]).

Dreamer Power: Choose one of the following:

Paragon: Power Lifting 4, Quickness 3, Enhanced On Angel's Wings 3. If this power is chosen, also gain Permanent Enhanced Toughness 2, Reduced Dodge/Parry 2 outside of array.

Powerhouse: Power Lifting 10. If this power is chosen, also gain Permanent Enhanced Toughness 4, Enhanced Fortitude 2, Reduced Dodge/Parry 4, Reduced Will 2 outside of array.

Speedster: Enhanced On Angel's Wings 5, Quickness 5. If this power is chosen, also gain Permanent Enhanced Dodge/Parry 4, Reduced Toughness 4 outside of array.

Energy Controller: Immunity 10 (Chosen energy type). If this power is chosen, also add an energy descriptor to attacks from powered armor.

Telekinetic: Extra Limbs 1 (Subtle [Power Detection], Projection), Elongation 4 (120'; Quirk [Extra Limb Only]), Power Lifting 4.

Telepath: Mind Reading 10 (Reduced Duration [Concentration]). If this power is chosen, also gain Permanent Enhanced Will 2, Reduced Fortitude 2 outside of array.

Teleporter: Teleport 5 (Increased Mass 4), Reduced On Angel's Wings 4. If this power is chosen, also gain Permanent Enhanced Dodge/Parry 4, Reduced Toughness 4 outside of array.

Technopath: Comprehend 2 (Machines), Mental Communication 2 (Limited [Machines Only]).

Paradisian Powered Armor: Removable Device (Enchanted Blade portion is Easily Removable) {(103)-20-8}.

Powered: Power Lifting 5, Quickness 5 {10}.

Armor: Protection 5, Impervious Toughness 10 {15}.

Disguise Enchantment: Feature 2 (Quick Change) {2}.

Wards: Enhanced Dodge 5, Enhanced Parry 5, Enhanced Fortitude 5, Enhanced Awareness 5 {20}.

Winged Mail: Enhanced On Angel's Wings 5 {5}.

Combat Programming: Enhanced Advantages (All Out Attack, Improved Initiative 2, Move-by Action, Power Attack) {5}.

Runes of Augmentation: Enhanced Blessed Seeker Array 5 {5}.

The Light: Darkvision upgrades to Counters All Concealment, Dreamer Power detection gains Analytical, Environment third rank upgrades to Daylight.

The Communion: Mental Communication gains one additional rank and Subtle 2.

Dreamer Power:

Paragon gains +3 Power Lifting, +2 Quickness (Limited to Physical), -1 On Angel's Wings, +2 Impervious.
Powerhouse gains +1 Power Lifting, +4 Impervious.
Speedster gains +5 Quickness, -4 Impervious, +4 Toughness/-4 Dodge Limited to Toughness-resisted Area attacks, +4 Toughness Limied to Perception attacks, Senses 1 (Rapid Vision).
Energy Controller gains Half Effect Immunity to an opposed Energy type (heat vs. cold, lightning vs. water, light vs. dark, etc).
Telekinetic gains +2 Elongation, +3 Power Lifting.
Telepath gains Immunity to Mind Control.
Teleporter gains +5 Teleport, Precise, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Turnabout, -5 On Angel's Wings, -4 Impervious.
Technopath gains Enhanced Persuasion 6 (Limited to Machines) and +1 Mental Communication.

Enchanted Blade: 36-point Array, Easily Removable {36+5}.

Blade of the Seeker: Damage 10 (Reversible) Linked Affliction 10 (Entranced/Stunned/Asleep; Will; Cumulative); Accurate 5.

Blade of the Guardian: Damage 10 (Reversible, Accurate 5) Linked Deflect 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]).

Blade of the Champion: Damage 10 (Reversible, Accurate 5) Linked Healing 10 (Persistent, Secondary Effect, Limited [One Degree], Quirk [Heal Order]).

Blade of the Avenger: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Incurable, Limited [Only against an opponent who attacked someone else last round]) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative, Limited) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Limited); Accurate 5.

Blade of the Magi: Damage 10 (Ranged, Shapeable Area, Penetrating 6).

Blade of the Dreamer: Varies by power.

Paragon: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 10 (Precise, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Powerhouse: Damage 14 Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Toughness; Feature 5 [Increased Cap]); Accurate 3.

Speedster: Damage 6 (Targeted Cloud Area 2, Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Activation 1 [Move Action]); Accurate 7.

Energy Controller: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Precise, Accurate 5).

Telekinetic: Damage 10 Linked Move Object 10 (Contagious, Precise, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Telepath: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Cumulative, Insidious [Insight]); Accurate 5.

Teleporter: Damage 10 (Perception Range) Linked Teleport 6 (Increased Action [Standard]).

Technopath: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Progressive, Insidious [Technology], Limited [Target's technological devices and equipment only]); Accurate 5.

Spoiler: Quick Reference

Show

In armor and with their Dreamer Power active:
A Paragon has Flight 12, Power Lifting 12, Quickness 10 Physical/8 Mental.
A Powerhouse has Flight 10, Power Lifting 16, Quickness 5.
A Speedster has Flight 15, Power Lifting 5, Quickness 15.
An Energy Controller, Telepath, or Technopath has Flight 10, Power Lifting 5, Quickness 5.
A Telekinetic has Flight 10, Power Lifting 12, Quickness 5, Elongation 6 (500').
A Teleporter has Flight 1 (10 with power off though), Power Lifting 5, Quickness 5, Teleport 10.

Calculations

Abilities 10 + Defenses 10 + Skills 28 + Advantages 10 + Powers 92 = 150 PP

Notes

Paradisian powered armor isn't so much a military tool, as a defensive one for Dreamers who wish to help bring Dreamers who wish to go to Paradisia. This task can be a dangerous one - some Dreamers have uncontrolled powers, some are being exploited by powerful people, and there are plenty of hateful people like the Defiant or angry friends or family members who can threaten Dreamers whose own powers are not particularly ideal for combat.

Frequently used by Blessed Seekers, Paradisian powered armor has angelic motifs and is a work of both magic and technology. Technological and mystical power sources allow for augmented physical might and supernatural haste alike. Potent wards offer defense from a variety of threats. Mystical enchantments bolster the wearer's own Dreamer powers. Spells of transmutation and illusion can disguise the armor as any attire the wearer wishes. Finally, the suits come with a rune-carved blade imbued with enchantments of battle, protection, and preservation alike.

Paradisian armor is a defensive tool, not a military one. It's a bit less potent in combat than some nations' powered armor, but provides exceptional utility and support options. Many Paladins, as those Blessed Seekers who don the armor are often called, use their armor's capabilities to assist in humanitarian and emergency service tasks as they go about their self-appointed duty to help Dreamers who wish it make the transition to Paradisia.

Spoiler: Perallan Power Armor Protector (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 10/5. STA: 10/5. AGI: 10/5. DEX: 10/5. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 10/5. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10/+5. Damage: +10/+5. Dodge: +8/+5. Parry: +8/+5. Toughness: +12/+5. Fortitude: +10/+5. Will: +10/+5. Init: +20.

Skills

Insight 5 (+15/+10), Intimidation 0 (+10/+0), Mobility 5 (+15/+10), Perception 5 (+15/+10), Stealth 5 (+10).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Defensive Attack, Fast Grab, Favored Environment, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork, Tracking.

Powers

Athleticism: Speed 2 (Alternate Effects: Leaping 2) {2+1}.

Perallan Powered Armor: {(94)-19}.

Hulking: Growth 5, Enhanced Intimidation 8 {14}.

Powered: Enhanced Agility 5, Enhanced Dexterity 5, Enhanced Awareness 5, Enhanced Athleticism 8 {38}.

Armor: Protection 2 {2}.

Sensors: Senses 6 (Darkvision, Vision Counters Concealment [Weather], Extended Vision, Extended Hearing) {6}.

Weapons Systems: 30-point Strength-discounted Array {30+4}.

Servo Strength: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Great Spear: Damage 8 (Reach) Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Fortitude; Reach, Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Weaken Stamina 8 (Fortitude; Reach); Accurate, Improved Critical 2.

Big Gun: Damage 14 (Ranged, Extended Range 4, Inaccurate 2).

Just Swing A Tree: Damage 10 (Cloud Area 3, Distracting).

Just Throw A Boulder: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Ranged, Limited Degree).

Calculations

Abilities 50 + Defenses 0 + Skills 10 + Advantages 12 + Powers 78 = 150 PP

Notes

Much ado is made about Perallan Hunters, and Totemic rites, and so on, but let's make something very clear right now: to the vast majority of Peral, Beasts range from being expensive annoyances that regularly destroy food, supplies, infrastructure, and property, to absolutely lethal hazards that claim hundreds-to-thousands of lives a year. And they don't always operate alone, either. So when there's a pack of dire wolves, a herd of mastodons, or a flock of pterodactyls descending on your city-state, it's a job for the military.

Peral does use some old-model imported powered armor - for a substantial majority of Beasts, flight plus ranged attacks are where it's at. But Peral isn't an especially energy-rich nation. Fueling such suits is extremely expensive. Perallan powered armor is much more mechanical than electrical or computerized - although it has both. Designed using Spiritual Energy Collection technology to supplement its power cells, it mainly provides support systems for the already-physically-impressive Perallan soldiers who don it. It's not super-high-tech, but give Perallan craftsmanship its due - it uses something like a tenth the energy of most modern forms of powered armor (a good chunk of which is offset by Spiritual Energy collection, thanks to the typical strong spirits you see in Peral), and magnifies its wearer's strength to a point where someone with the physical aptitude of a normal Perallan soldier can go toe-to-toe with all but the mightiest of Beasts.

Spoiler: Haptaran Power Armor Destroyer (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 12/4. STA: 4. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 2. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8/+2. Damage: +12/+4. Dodge: +6/+2. Parry: +6/+2. Toughness: +14/+4. Fortitude (2): +12/+6. Will (4): +8/+4. Init: +4.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 6 (+6), Intimidation 8 (+12/+8), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 4 (+4).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +2, Haptaran Propaganda +2, Criminal +2.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Benefit 2 (Military, Shock and Awe [Penalty to Startle as a move action reduced to -2]), Equipment 2, Improved Initiative 1, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Startle, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 4 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {4}.

CQC: Damage 4 (Penetrating 1) Linked Affliction 4 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) {9-8}.

Haptaran Powered Armor: Removable Device {(119)-24}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Haptaran Soldier's case, this means -4 Strength, -4 Toughness, -2 Dodge, -2 Parry, -6 Fortitude, -4 Will, Remove Combat Training, Remove CQC {-29}.

Hulking: Growth 4 (Permanent) {8}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 8 (Permanent), Immunity 5 (Forced Movement; Limited [Half Effect]) {18.5}.

Armor: Protection 10, Impervious Toughness 14, Immunity 15 (Defense-resisted attacks; Limited [Half Effect]) {31.5}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 6 {12}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude 8 and Will 8 (Permanent) {16}.

Salient Threat: Enhanced Intimidation 4 {2}.

Tactile Scanner: Senses 2 (Ranged Acute Touch Sense); Senses 4 (Touch Sense Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Only for going around objects, not through them]) {4}.

Jet Pack: Flight 5 (Alt: Flight 10 [Concentration]) {10+1}.

Four Arms: Extra Limbs 2, Feature 1 (Close attacks with arms count as unarmed strikes for Fast Grab purposes), Fast Grab, Improved Grab, Improved Hold {6}.

Armaments: 48-point Strength-discounted Array {48-12+3}.

Blade Arm: Damage 12 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Secondary Effect).

Chain Arm: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Prowess; Cumulative); Enhanced Trait 12 (Extra Condition 2 [Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled/Incapacitated+Unaware]; Limited [Physical Actions Only]).

Gun Arm: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Stamina 12 (Ranged).

Blast Arm: Damage 12 (10 ranks Burst Area 2, 4 ranks Selective) Linked Move Object 12 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock target back or down]).

Calculations

Abilities 20 + Defenses 6 + Skills 12 + Advantages 12 + Powers 100 = 150 PP

Notes

The base PL 5 Haptaran Soldier would also include three more ranks of Equipment (Darkvision, Extended Vision, and Rapid Vision on the HUD, Speed/Leaping 3 Deployment Boots, and Protection 4 body armor) and would have an Easily Removable Strength-discounted array of four 32-point Military-grade weapons, making their typical attack +2 for rank 8 effect, and their physical defense Dodge/Parry 2, Toughness 8. Haptarus...is kinda big on Damage/Toughness shifts, in case it wasn't clear.

Well, sort of, anyway. What the Haptaran military is big on is specialization. It just so happens that a...slightly higher percentage of their military is specialized in "rolling up and crushing anything in their way". Their power armored soldiers reflect this. A Haptaran "Destroyer" suit is designed for wading unconcerned through hordes of mook soldiers, locating the major targets, isolating them, and rapidly destroying them. Hulking monstrosities of black metal packed with heavy-duty reinforced armor that can stand up to darn near anything, they have two additional robotic arms extending from their shoulders, and each arm is equipped with a different death-dealing instrument. Typical strategy is to close with the target, grab it with the Chain Arm, and then once it's securely held stab it with the Blade Arm until it dies. The Gun Arm is used when ranged engagement is required, and the Blast Arm allows the Destroyer to clear the field of lesser annoyances while still pummeling on its primary target.

Spoiler: Braizen Power Armor Specialist (PL 10, 150 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 4. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10/+0. Damage: +10/+0. Dodge (4): +10/+4. Parry (4): +10/+4. Toughness: +10/+4. Fortitude: +10/+4. Will (4): +10/+4. Init: +16/+8.

Skills

Deception 8 (+8), Expertise (Braizen Radiation) 8 (+8), Investigation 8 (+8), Intimidation 8 (+8), Perception 8 (+8), Stealth 8 (+8).

Additional Expertise (4): Military +8, Tactics +8, Law Enforcement +8, Criminal +8.

Advantages

Improved Initiative 2, Skill Mastery (Any One).

Powers

Braizen Powered Armor: Removable Device {(131)-26}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Braizen Specialist's case, this means -4 Toughness, -4 Dodge, -4 Parry, -4 Fortitude, -4 Will {-16}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 10 {20}.

Armor: Protection 10 {10}.

Deflectors: Enhanced Dodge and Parry 10 {10}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 10 {20}.

Rad Shielding: Immunity 10 (All Radiation Effects; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Metal Manipulation Device: 10-point Array {10+2}.

Hardened Metal: Impervious Toughness 10.

Fluid Metal: Regeneration 10.

Sealed Metal: Immunity 10 (Life Support).

Quantum Facilitators: 20-point Array and Enhanced Advantages (Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Aim, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Precise Attack 2 [Close/Cover, Ranged/Cover], Takedown 2) {30+5}.

Personal Teleporter: Teleport 5 (Extended, Accurate).

Tactical Teleporter: Teleport 8 (Precise, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Feature [Functions as movement and can be broken up into multiple jumps]).

Mass Teleporter: Teleport 5 (Extended, Accurate, Increased Mass 5, Increased Action [Standard]).

Quantum Cloaking: Concealment 10 (All Senses).

Quantum Communicator: Mental Communication 4 (Rapid 2, Subtle 2).

Quantum Scanner: Senses 20 (Vision Counters All Concealment, Vision Counters Illusion, Vision Penetrates Concealment, Radius Vision; Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Braizen Radiation]; Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Technology]).

Weapons Systems: 35-point Strength-discounted Array and Enhanced Advantages (Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Improved Critical 2 [Weapons Systems], Power Attack) {31+4}.

Quantum Servos: Damage 10 Linked Move Object 10 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5.

Pneumatic Crushers: Move Object 14 (Damaging, Limited [Grabs], Reduced Range [Close], Reduced Duration [Concentration]) Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Increased Duration [Concentration], Grab-based); Accurate 3; Extra Limbs 5 (Projection), Elongation 2 (Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]).

Field Manipulator: Damage 10 (Reversible) Linked Create 10 (Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 10 (Burst Area, Selective, Limited [Results of less than 11 treated as 10 rather than getting +10], Reduced Range [Close], Quirk [Radius reduced to 25']); Accurate 5.

Rocket Fist: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Ranged, Limited Degree); Accurate 5.

Radiation Beam: Damage 10 (Ranged, Secondary Effect, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Accurate 5).

Calculations

Abilities 8 + Defenses 8 + Skills 26 + Advantages 3 + Powers 105 = 150 PP

Notes

The basic Braizen Specialist comes in with PL 4 defenses, no meaningful offense, and only PL 3 PP. Normally, though, they'd have another 45 PP in Braizen Devices bringing them up to professional-grade PL 6. That all gets replaced with the Powered Armor for these guys. Importantly, these aren't gadgeteers. Specialists are skilled professionals who use much safer, more stable tech than crazy experimenting gadgeteers.

Spoiler: Indelan Power Armor Veteran (PL 10, 150 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 10/2. STA: 3. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10/5. INT: 0. AWE: 3. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10/+5. Damage: +10/+3. Dodge: +10/+5. Parry: +10/+5. Toughness: +10/+3. Fortitude (2): +10/+5. Will (2): +10/+5. Init: +8/+4.

Skills

Deception 6 (+6), Expertise (Military) 6 (+6), Insight 3 (+6), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 5 (+12/+8), Stealth 6 (+12/+6), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +6.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Benefit 1 (Military), Defensive Attack, Equipment 2, Favored Foe (Haptarans), Improved Critical (Weapons Systems Array) 2, Improved Initiative 2, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Teamwork.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.[/INDENT]

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 3 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {3}.

CQC: Damage 3 Linked Affliction 3 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will) {6-5}.

Indelan Powered Armor: Removable Device {(102)-20}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Indelan Soldier's case, this means -2 Strength, -3 Toughness, -5 Fortitude, -5 Will, Remove Combat Training, Remove CQC {-21}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 10 (Permanent) {20}.

Armor: Protection 10 {10}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 5 {10}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 10 (Permanent) {20}.

HUD: Senses 6 (Radius Extended Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]), Enhanced Perception 4 {5}.

Sleek: Enhanced Stealth 6 {3}.

Anti-Grav Pack: Flight 10 (Subtle [Ultra Hearing]) {21}.

Weapons Systems: 40-point Strength-discounted Array {40-10+4}.

Servo Strength Nerve Strike: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Stamina 10 (Will).

Homing Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Cone Area, Multiattack, Selective).

Laser Sword: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Limited [Non-Stacking]) Linked Deflect 10 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Sonic Cannon: Afliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative).

Specialty Weapon: Varies By Country (see below).

Country Extras: Choose one {3}.

Anvar: Benefit 1 (MacGuyvering [As Inventor, but uses Expertise (Tactics) rather than Technology]), Quickness 3 (Limited [One Task - MacGuyvering]), Enhanced Technology 2.
Specialty Weapon - Laser Rifle: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Dyburen: Enhanced Persuasion 6, Enhanced Will 2, Reduced Fortitude 2.
Specialty Weapon - Sleep Gas: Affliction 10 (Entranced+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled/Asleep+Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative, Cone Area, Extra Condition).

East Luren: Enhanced Deception 2, Enhanced Stealth 2, Second Chance (Stealth to sneak into a guarded location).
Specialty Weapon - Weapons Import: Choose any rank 10, military-grade weapon.

Endris: Enhanced Insight 2, Enhanced Perception 2, Interpose, Enhanced Toughness 2, Reduced Dodge/Parry 2.
Specialty Weapon - Oversized Axe and Hammer: Damage 10 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness; Secondary Effect).

Fasus: Improved Aim, Improved Defense, Second Chance (Perception to guard a location).
Specialty Weapon - Weapons Import: Choose any rank 10, military-grade weapon.

Gil: Benefit 2 (Wealth), Additional Expertise 2 (Business, Any One).
Specialty Weapon - Disintegration Beam: Damage 10 (Ranged, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Secondary Effect).

Maire: Benefit 1 (MacGuyvering [As Inventor, but uses Expertise (Tactics) rather than Technology]), Quickness 3 (Limited [One Task - MacGuyvering]), Additional Expertise 2 (Popular Culture, Any One Artistic/Creative).
Specialty Weapon - Harmonic Grenade: Affliction 10 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled/Incapacitated+Paralyzed; Will; Extra Condition, Cumulative, Ranged, Burst Area, Sense-dependent [Hearing]).

Marketh: Improved Defense, Interpose, Teamwork.
Specialty Weapon - Defensive Weapons Import: Choose any rank 10, professional-grade weapon and add Linked Deflect 10. If Close add Secondary Effect and Reduced Range, if Perception add Increased Range and Limited (Results of 10 or less treated as 10 rather than getting +10).

Nydir: Additional Expertise 4 (Any Four), Second Chance (Expertise to recall facts).
Specialty Weapon - Confusion Gas: Affliction 10 (Entranced+Impaired/Compelled+Disabled/Controlled; Will; Progressive, Cone Area, Extra Condition, Uncontrolled [Compelled/Controlled targets act randomly, Entranced targets may act normally, but choices and targets for their actions are determined randomly from among reasonable and valid options]).

Pelal: Interpose, Set Up, Teamwork.
Specialty Weapon - Kinetic Battery: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Fortitude; Ranged, Limited [Only to a target hit by another Kinetic Battery since end of last turn]) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Ranged, Progressive [Only applies in rounds the target is hit by a Kinetic Battery], Limited 2 [Only to a target hit by at least two other Kinetic Batteries since end of last turn])

Shul: Diehard, Fearless, Interpose. Enhanced Toughness 2, Reduced Dodge/Parry 2.
Specialty Weapon - Avenger's Strike: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Limited [Only against a target that attacked someone else last turn]) Linked Weaken All Defenses 10 (Broad, Simultaneous, Limited) Linked Move Object 10 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close], Limited).

Telvir: Quickness 1, Skill Mastery (Any One), Improved Initiative. Enhanced Dodge/Parry 2, Reduced Toughness 2.
Specialty Weapon - Prism Beam: Damage 10 (Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line], Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Secondary Effect).

Terol: Additional Expertise 2 (Any Two), Immunity 2 (Hunger/Thirst, Need for Sleep; Limited [Half Effect]).
Specialty Weapon - Rocket Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, 10 ranks Burst Area, Inaccurate 1, Extended Range 7).

West Luren: Fearless, Interpose, Teamwork. Enhanced Will 2, Reduced Fortitude 2.
Specialty Weapon - Forcefield Blaster: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Create 10.

Zell: Enhanced Stealth 4, Improved Aim.
Specialty Weapon - Sniper Rifle: Damage 8 (Ranged, Secondary Effect, Extended Range 3) Linked Weaken Toughness 8 (Fortitude; Ranged, Extended Range 3, Limited [Non-stacking]); Accurate 1, Extended Vision 1.

Calculations

Abilities 26 + Defenses 4 + Skills 17 + Advantages 14 + Powers 89 = 150 PP

Notes

The Indelan nations have been dealing with the war against Haptarus for years now. Their soldiers tend to be experienced and skilled...but could be better-equipped in general. Their base soldier template doesn't really have enough PP left for full military-grade weapons, so they'd probably make use of rank 5, 4 PP/rank Equipment. Except for Gil, whose basic soldiers can probably just be boosted to EPL 6 (either taking a full extra PL or staying statistically PL 5 but getting 30 extra PP) purely on account of how well-equipped they are; being the wealthiest nation on the planet has its perks.

Indelan powered armor tends to be balanced, not leaving any openings to exploit. The war against Haptarus has led to a selection of standard-issue weapons that have proven effective against the Empire's trends, although each nation also has it own little specialized tool. The Indelan nations have also cultivated a massive mobility advantage, allowing them to send troops quickly to respond to Haptaran attacks, make swift raids into Haptaran territory, and use kiting tactics to limit engagements with superior forces, taking full advantage of the Emperor's preference for weighing most of his troops and vehicles down with heavy armor and weapons.

Spoiler: Aerial Combat Vehicle (ACV) (PL 10 Vehicle, 150 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: L. Strength: 6. Defense: +8. Toughness: +12. Speed: Flight 6 (Alt: Speed 6+Swimming 6).

Features

Alarm 3 (DC 30), Communications, Computer, Navigation System, Remote Control.

Powers

Anti-Collision Forcefield: Immunity 5 (Slam Damage) {5}.

Crash Protection System: Movement 1 (Safe Fall; Affects Others Only) {2}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 3 (Affects Others Only) {3}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Toughness 12 {12}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 13 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {17}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Sealed Environment: Immunity 10 (Life Support; Affects Others) {10}.

Nanite Repair System: Regeneration 6 {6}.

HUD: Senses 6 (Radius Extended Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {3}.

Sensor Suite: Senses 7 (Vision Counters All Concealment; Ranged Detect [Dreamer Powers]) {7}.

Weapons Systems: Create an array of five of the following {40+4}.

Autolock Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Incendiary Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Homing Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Targeted Cone Area, Accurate 5, Homing 1, Improved Critical 4).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 10 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness; Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Flame Blaster: Damage 10 (Cone Area 2, Secondary Effect).

Electricity Blaster: Damage 10 (Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]).

Sound Blaster: Damage 10 (Burst Area) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Burst Area).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, 10 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range 6).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Limited 2 [Knockback Only]).

Missile Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area 3, Unreliable [5 Uses]).

Calculations

Size 1 + Strength 2 + Defense 9 + Toughness 5 + Speed 12 + Features 7 + Powers 114 = 150 EP

Notes

This is a military ACV; professional-grade versions also exist, generally toned down to PL 8 and professional-grade weaponry, lacking the nanite repair system, and with the Sensor Suite reduced to simply Darkvision. SIDE's version would have some more anti-Dreamer weaponry options (see some of the SIDE templates) and would lower the Nanite Repair System to 1 rank in favor of Acute and Analytical on its Dreamer Scanner, Counters Illusion on its Sensor Suite, and one additional effect in its Weapons System.

For full PL stats, the ACV is best piloted by a character with an existing Ranged Attack bonus of +4, although area attacks are usable effectively regardless.

Spoiler: Naval Destroyer (PL 10 Vehicle, 150 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: C. Strength: 16. Defense: 5. Toughness: +15. Speed: Swimming 5.

Features

Communications, Computer, Navigation System, Rooms.

Powers

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 4 (Affects Others Only) {4}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Toughness 15 {15}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 13 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {17}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Radar: Senses 12 (Ranged Accurate Radius Extended 4 Rapid 3 Radio Sense); Senses 2 (Radio Sense Counters Concealment [Cloaking]; Limited [Requires Perception vs. Stealth or Concealment Rank]); Enhanced Perception 12 (Limited [Radar]) {16}.

Weapons Systems: 60-point Array {60+5}.

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged, 10 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Extended Range, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged, Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Shapeable Area 2).

Missile Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area 3, Extended Range 10).

Torpedo: Damage 14 (Ranged, Extended Range 6, Homing 2, Limited [Waterborn Targets Only]) Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Toughness; Ranged, Extended Range 6, Homing 2, Limited) Linked Nullify Swimming 14 (Extended Range 6, Homing 2, Limited); Inaccurate 1, Improved Critical 2.

Artillery Volley: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Targeted Burst Area, Indirect [From Above], Extended Range 9, Improved Critical 2).

Calculations

Size 4 + Strength 0 + Defense 13 + Toughness 2 + Speed 5 + Features 4 + Powers 122 = 150 EP

Notes

The Navy has the Big Guns. Ships are limited to ocean deployment of course, but in their field there are few things more dangerous than a fully-equipped naval warship.

Spoiler: Attack Helicopter (PL 10 Vehicle, 150 EP)

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Basics

Size: H. Strength: 8. Defense: +10. Toughness: +10. Speed: Flight 10.

Features

Communications, Computer, Navigation System, Remote Control.

Powers

Crash Protection System: Movement 1 (Safe Fall; Affects Others Only) {2}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 1 (Affects Others Only) {1}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 13 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {17}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

HUD: Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {2}.

Sensor System: Senses 9 (Extended Vision 2, Vision Counters All Concealment, Radius Vision, Tracking Vision) {9}.

Cloaking System: Concealment 10 (All Senses; Affects Self and Others, Passive) {20}.

Weapons Systems: Create an array of five of the following {50+4}.

Autolock Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration, Extended Range 4, Improved Critical 4, Homing 2).

Incendiary Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Targeted Shapeable Area).

Homing Machine Gun: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Diminished Range 1, Homing 1).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 10 (Ranged, Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness; Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 10 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Shapeable Area).

Flame Blaster: Damage 10 (Cone Area 3, Secondary Effect).

Electricity Blaster: Damage 10 (Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]).

Sound Blaster: Damage 10 (Burst Area) Linked Affliction 10 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Burst Area, Cumulative).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, 10 ranks Burst Area 2, Extended Range 6).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 10 (Burst Area, Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Missile Launcher: Damage 10 (Ranged, Burst Area 3).

Calculations

Size 2 + Strength 0 + Defense 12 + Toughness 1 + Speed 20 + Features 4 + Powers 111 = 150 PP

Notes

While an ACV provides the Army with flying fighting power, the attack helicopters that are the basic military vehicle of the Air Force have vastly superior speed, better sensors and weaponry, and state-of-the-art cloaking technology. They're not as resilient as either ACVs or Naval Destroyers though, as heavy Impervious armor would curtail mobility. More powerful than an ACV, more flexible than a destroyer, and by far faster and stealthier than both, attack helicopters are easily the most offensively useful of the three branches' basic combat vehicles.

Spoiler: Ilessian ADE Operative (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 12/2. STA: 3. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 10/6. INT: 0. AWE: 4. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12/+6. Damage: +12/+3. Dodge: +10/+4. Parry: +10/+4. Toughness: +14/+3. Fortitude (2): +12/+6. Will (2): +12/+6. Init: +8/+4.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 8 (+8), Insight 4 (+8), Intimidation 6 (+10/+6), Mobility 5 (+5), Perception 4 (+8), Stealth 8 (+8), Technology 2 (+2).

Additional Expertise (1): Tactics +6, Current Events +2.

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Assessment, Benefit 1 (Military), Defensive Attack, Equipment 2, Improved Critical (Firearms) 2/1, Improved Initiative 2/1, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Skill Mastery (Any One), Teamwork, Takedown 2.

Equipment

Tactical Helmet: Video/Audio Recorder, Camera, Computer, Phone, Commlink, GPS, Flash Goggles, Gas Mask, Rebreather {10}.

Powers

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 5 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {5}.

CQC: Damage 4 Linked Move Object 4 (Reduced Range [Close]) {8-7}.

Cutting-Edge Ilessian Powered Armor: Removable Device {(131)-26}.

Stat Discount: The cost of traits rendered irrelevant by the powered armor are discounted as if the powered armor applies a Reduced Trait. In the Ilessian Special Forces Operative's case, this means -2 Strength, -3 Toughness, -4 Dodge, -4 Parry, -6 Fortitude, -6 Will, Remove Combat Training, Remove CQC {-29}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 12 (Permanent) {24}.

Armor: Protection 14 {14}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Fighting 6, Enhanced Improved Initiative 1, Enhanced Improved Critical 1 (Permanent) {14}.

Power Dampeners: Enhanced Fortitude and Will 12 (Permanent) {24}.

Salient Threat: Enhanced Intimidation 4 {2}.

HUD: Senses 6 (Radius Extended Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {3}.

Sensor Suite: 6-point Array {6+2}.

Broad Spectrum Sensors: Senses 6 (Extended Vision Counters All Concealment).

Dreamer Scanner: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Detect [Dreamer Powers]).

Tech Scanner: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Detect [Technology]).

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (All Technopathy Effects; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Nanotech: 20-point Array and Feature 2 (Quick Change) {22+3}.

Nanite Reinforcement: Impervious Toughness 14, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Limited [Half Effect]), Immunity 5 (Ballistic Damage).

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 10 (Continuous).

Nanite Thrusters: Flight 10.

Nanite Sealing: Immunity 10 (Life Support; Continuous).

Weapons Systems: Create a Strength-discounted array of six of the following {48-12+5}.

Servo Strength: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Move Object 12 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Autolock Machine Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 12.

Plasma Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 12 (Ranged, Burst Area, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 14 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area, Inaccurate 1, Extended Range 7).

Flame Thrower: Damage 12 (Cone Area, Secondary Effect) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude; Cone Area, Limited Degree).

Breaker Mace: Damage 12 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Fortitude; Affects Objects and Creatures).

Lightning Sword: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Secondary Effect).

Laser Eyes: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Calculations

Abilities 30 + Defenses 4 + Skills 19 + Advantages 16 + Powers 6 = 180 PP

Notes

An Ilessian Special Forces Operative in a suit of cutting-edge powered armor. Aside from higher stats, this advanced powered armor has a wider selection of sensory options, but it's big advantage is its nanotech systems.

Since the power-armored operative is subject to both mental and technopathic effects, it pays a lower price for its partial technopathy immunity than a pure machine or vehicle would.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: Ilessian Teleporting Hero Abroad (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 10. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12. Dodge (14): +14. Parry (14): +14. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: +10. Will (14): +14. Init: +12.

Skills

Expertise (Geography) 12 (+12), Investigation 12 (+12), Perception 12 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+12), Stealth 16 (+16).

Expertise (2): Any Two Nations +12.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Attractive, Benefit 2 (Hero Corps, Diplomatic Immunity), Connected, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Defense, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Redirect, Set-up 2, Takedown 2, Uncanny Dodge, Well Informed.

Powers

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Reduced Dodge 4; Limited [Only against Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {1}.

Greater Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Limited [Only against Perception-range attacks]) {2}.

Teleportation Mark: Feature 5 (May place a continuous mark on a willing target by touch as a standard action; that target is thereafter considered to be in contact with the teleporter for purposes of being teleported, as long as it is within a Distance Rank equal to the Feature Rank) {5}.

Teleportive Tactics: Feature 1 (Can substitute Stealth for Deception for Feinting and Tricking, opposed by Perception or Insight) {1}.

Teleporter's Senses: Senses 8 (Rapid Vision 4, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Extended Vision 2) {8}.

Teleportation: 30-point Array {30+2}.

Combat Teleportation: Teleport 8 (Accurate, Precise, Change Direction, Feature [Functions as movement], Increased Mass 3).

Basic Teleportation: Teleport 15.

Global Teleportation: Teleport 20 (Accurate, Increased Mass 10, Increased Action [Standard], Limited [Must also spend a move action with each use]).

Tactical Teleportation: 42-point Array {42+5}.

Portal Blade: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Accurate 6).

Phase Strike: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Limited [Must spend a move action teleporting into Close range of the target]) Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative, Multiattack, Limited); Accurate 6.

Blink Strike: Teleport 4 (Turnabout, Increased Action [Standard]) Linked Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Deflect 14 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 6.

Baleful Teleportation: Weaken Stamina 12 (Fortitude; Perception Range, 6 ranks Secondary Effect).

Targeted Teleportation: Teleport 12 (Attack [Prowess], Burst Area, Selective, Increased Mass 6, Limited [Max Distance Rank equal to points resistance check fails by]).

Summon Object: Create 12 (Continuous, Innate, Precise, Accurate 6, Diminished Range 2).

Calculations

Abilities 20 + Defenses 28 + Skills 33 + Advantages 23 + Powers 76 = 180 PP

Notes

While most Heroes watch over their home cities and towns in Ilessia, some fight the good fight throughout the world. The most famous of these are the Heroes Abroad, a small group of powerful Hero Corps members who have reputations for doing good the world over. The roster of the Heroes Abroad changes regularly, but they are expected to be able to deploy to anywhere on the planet in under five minutes (practically speaking, this generally means rank 15 or greater movement capabilities). Heroes Abroad tend to be - but aren't strictly required to be - on the upper end of the Hero Corps power scale.

This teleporter is an example Hero Abroad. Compared to the default Hero-level teleporter, it's a bit more powerful, but also has more social savvy and world-knowledge, befitting its prestige and well-traveled history.

Spoiler: Limbran Technomantic Keeper (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: (12). STA: (12). AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: (10). INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +14. Dodge: +12. Parry: +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude: +12. Will: +12. Init: +20.

Skills

Expertise (The Matrix) 10 (+10), Perception 18 (+18), Technology 10 (+10).

Advantages

Eidetic Memory.

Powers

Possess Avatar: Affliction 12 (-/-/Controlled+Transformed; Will; Extra Condition, Perception Range, Limited 2 [Third Degree Only], Limited [One attempt per target], Limited [Only while not possessing an Avatar], Quirk [Target may substitute Technology for Will if desired], Quirk [If incapacitated in Corrupted Avatar form, automatically loses possession of Avatar]) {4}.

Ghost in the Machine: Immunity 60 (Fortitude, Will), Insubstantial 3 (Energy), Concealment 10 (All Senses), Regeneration 10 (Limited 2 [Only While Incapacitated]), Absent Strength, Stamina, Dexterity, Fighting, Presence; All are Permanent and Limited (Only while not possessing an Avatar) {30}.

Corrupt Avatar: Multiple Effects, Limited (Only while possessing an Avatar).

Superhuman Prowess: Enhanced Strength 14, Enhanced Stamina 12, Enhanced Fighting 10, Enhanced Dodge 2, Enhanced Parry 2, Enhanced Will 12; Permanent {43}.

Personal Programs: Enhanced Advantages 22 (Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Improved Defense, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Initiative 5, Instant Up, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 [Ranged/Both], Takedown 2, Uncanny Dodge) {11}.

Super-Parkour: Flight 12 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]) {5}.

Bullet Time: Quickness 8 {4}.

Hyperdodge: Immunity 45 (Targeted Ranged Attacks, Defense-resisted Attacks; Side Effect 2 [Loses next turn in any round in which it uses this immunity to avoid an attack]) {12}.

Codesense: Senses 8 (Acute Analytical Rapid Extended Accurate Radius Matrix Awareness) {4}.

Combat Algorithms: 56-point Strength-discounted Array {56-14+5}.

I Know Kung Fu: Damage 14 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Multiattack, Cumulative, Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Move Object 14 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Bullet Time Fighting: Damage 14 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 14 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Multiattack, Cumulative, Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Deflect 12 (Secondary Effect, Multiattack, Subtle 2, Reduced Range [Close]).

Lots of Guns: Damage 14 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Weaken Stamina 14 (Fortitude; Ranged, Multiattack).

Bullet Time Shooting: Damage 14 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Affliction 14 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Ranged, Multiattack, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Penalties only apply against self]) Linked Deflect 12 (Secondary Effect, Subtle 2).

Crushing Blow: Damage 14 (Secondary Effect, 12 ranks Burst Area 2 [Limited to other targets if original target was hit]) Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]); Improved Critical 2.

Codebreaker: Damage 14 (Multiattack) Linked Nullify Technology 14 (Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Reduced Range [Close]).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 0 + Skills 19 + Advantages 1 + Powers 160 = 180 PP

Notes

Limbran Blatant Agent Ripoffs Technomantic Keepers are Keepers built into a DC 40 security system by a skilled technomancer, typically to defend some network, server, or the like. Mere passive programs normally, when a threat is detected they can possess a nearby Avatar (usually striking for a Minion; a competent technomancer can almost always easily fend off such an intrusion) and corrupt it into a powerful defender. This process can be...traumatic for those not trained to endure it (in most cases, corporations and other entities capable of setting up these sorts of defenders will have a trained security staff hooked into the Matrix to serve as hosts, but programs designed by less moral individuals - or worse, programs whose AI has become corrupted and have gone rogue - can attempt to possess any Avatar they encounter).

These advanced programs are designed for Matrix security, and tend to be far more powerful than most technomancers. Even if defeated, unless the program itself can be detected and neutralized, it will rapidly recover and move on to possess a new Avatar to renew the assault, if one is available.

Spoiler: Limbran Technopathic Technomancer (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0/+10. Damage: +12/+14. Dodge: +10/+12. Parry: +10/+12. Toughness: +10/+12. Fortitude: +10/+12. Will: +10/+12. Init: +0/+8.

Skills

Expertise (The Matrix) 12 (+12), Investigation 16 (+16), Perception 10 (+10), Persuasion 12 (+12), Stealth 12 (+12), Technology 16 (+16).

Additional Expertise (2): Any Two +12.

Advantages

Equipment 3 (Dreamtech ACCS), Second Chance (Technology to oppose hacking attempts), Skill Mastery (Technology), Well Informed.

Powers

Kinetic Forcefield Belt: Enhanced Dodge 10, Enhanced Parry 10, Enhanced Toughness 10, Enhanced Fortitude 10, Enhanced Will 10, Flight 10 (Platform); Permanent, Removable {50-10}.

Matrix Combat Training: Enhanced Advantages 6 (All Out Attack, Defensive Attack, Improved Initiative 2, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Takedown 2; Limited [Only while within the Matrix]) {3}, Enhanced Dodge, Parry, Toughness, Fortitude, Will, Platform Flight 2 (Limited [Only in the Matrix]) {5}.

Idealized Avatar: Enhanced Attractive 2 (Limited [Only while within the Matrix]) {1}.

Technopath: Comprehend 2 (Machines), Mental Communication 3 (Limited [Machines]), Quickness 12 (Limited 2 [One Task - Technology]), Senses 11 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Extended Penetrates Concealment Counters Concealment [Technological] Mental Detect [Technology]); Dimensional Movement 1 (The Matrix) {30+1}.

Alt: Technopathic Technomancy: Variable 5 (Improve Existing Traits; Limited [Only while within the Matrix]).

Command Technology: 48-point Array {48+5}.

Control Technology: Affliction 12 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Fortitude; Perception Range, Cumulative, Burst Area, Selective, Affects Objects Only, Limited [Machines], Limited [Requires Technology check against security measures in place of resistance check]).

Electronic Discharge: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Limited [Target must be within ten feet of an electronic device]) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defensless; Will; Perception Range, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Target must be within ten feet of an electronic device]).

Techwipe: Nullify 12 (Technology; Broad, Simultaneous, Perception Range, Feature 2 [Standard action to reactivate each power], Check Required 2 [Technology]).

Scan Technology: Mind Reading 12 (Cumulative, Effortless, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Affects Objects Only, Subtle 2 [Limited to successful attempts], Quirk [Machines only]).

Fry Technology: Damage 12 (Burst Area 3, Selective, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Affects Objects Only, Limited [Machines]).

Matrix Combatant: Damage 14 (Multiattack, Limited [Only while within the Matrix]) Linked Move Object 14 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close], Limited) Linked Deflect 12 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 5, Improved Critical 3.

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 0 + Skills 40 + Advantages 6 + Powers 134 = 180 PP

Notes

A technopathic technomancer possesses both the training to manifest a powerful Avatar within the Matrix, and a technopathic Dreamer ability. These two powers feed on each other. With knowledge of Matrix functions and protocols, even a minor technopathic gift can be fostered to Hero-level and greater strength. Meanwhile, the ability to literally speak to the Matrix in its own language is, well, hacks. The technopath still isn't the biggest beast around in direct, real-world combat, but in any field involving computers it's a virtual god - in both senses of the phrase.

As always, Improve Existing Traits Variables assume certain limits as part of the descriptor; see the Matrix Cyborg for details. Note, however, that none of the technopath's normal Flaws are considered iconic while the technomancer is in the Matrix. So, for example, a technopathic technomancer in the Matrix could totally use its Variable to remove the Limited from Electronic Discharge and go around shooting lightning willy-nilly. That said, it's also important to remember that Flaws added on the fly must be flaws at the moment, so they can't add Limited (Only while in the Matrix) to other powers for a discount (though they can build off of Matrix Combatant to start out with a single strong Matrix power).

Spoiler: Paradisian Better World Astronaut (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 12/6. STA: 6. AGI: 6. DEX: 6. FGT: 6. INT: 6. AWE: 6. PRE: 6.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12/+6. Dodge: +12. Parry: +12. Toughness: +12/+6. Fortitude: +12/+6. Will: +12/+6. Init: +24.

Skills

Deception -6 (+0), Expertise (Science) 12 (+18), Investigation -6 (+0), Insight 6 (+12), Intimidation 6 (+12), Mobility 2 (+8), Perception 6 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+18), Stealth -6 (+0), Technology 12 (+18), Treatment -6 (+0).

Presence Discount -6.

Additional Expertise (6): Dreamer Lore +18, Magic +18, Space +18, Politics +18, Any Two +18, All Others +6.

Advantages

Artificer, Attractive, Benefit (Better World Institute), Connected, Eidetic Memory, Favored Environment (Zero-G), Fearless, Improvised Tools, Inventor, Jack of All Trades, Move-by Action, Ritualist, Second Chance (Technology to make repairs), Well Informed.

Powers

Paragon: 12-point Array {12+4}.

Flight: Flight 6.

Super-Speed: Speed 6, Quickness 6.

Space Flight: Immunity 10 (Life Support), Movement 1 (Space Travel).

Impervious: Impervious Toughness 12.

Super-Senses: Senses 12 (Extended Vision 2, Extended Hearing 2, Accurate Hearing, Analytical Vision, Analytical Hearing, Darkvision, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise]).

Custom Spacesuit: Removable Device {(47)-9}.

Powered: Enhanced Strength 6 {12}.

Armor: Protection 6 {6}.

Spacesuit: Enhanced Fortitude 6, Enhanced Will 6 {12}.

Support Systems: Paragon Array becomes Dynamic; Enhanced Paragon Array 12. Flight and Super-Speed caps increase to rank 12 {17}.

Calculations

Abilities 96 + Defenses 0 + Skills 16 + Advantages 14 + Powers 54 = 180 PP

Notes

A mid-powered "true Paragon" whose powers permanently enhance all of its natural aptitudes, physical and mental. Using its inventing and enchanting ability, it's constructed a custom spacesuit to augment its powers and allow it to work on the Better World Institute's pet project of colonizing the moon. Though not a dedicated combatant, its personal power can't be discounted, and given time to prepare it can bring customized inventions, magic items, and rituals to bear against whatever enemy or problem it is faced with.

While colonizing the moon is the main project, using a combination of magic and super-science, Better World Astronauts have been able to construct spaceships that can go beyond Aranth's solar system in reasonable time (Space Travel 2), allowing them to seek out other worlds that might be habitable more easily.

Spoiler: Paradisian Paragon Mage-Knight (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 12. STA: 12. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12. Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +14. Fortitude: +12. Will (12): +12. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Magic) 12 (+12), Intimidation 12 (+12), Perception 12 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+12).

Additional Expertise (2): Dreamer Lore +12, Any One +12.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Attractive 2, Benefit 1 (Cipher), Close Attack 6, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Ritualist, Takedown 2, Well Informed.

Powers

Wards: Protection 2 {2}.

Enchanted Blade: Improved Critical 4, Damage gains Affects Insubstantial 2; Easily Removable {6-2}.

Augmentation: 30-point Dynamic Array {30+11}.

Flight: Flight 12.

Haste: Speed 12, Quickness 12.

Warding: Impervious Toughness 14, Immunity 10 (Life Support).

Divination: Senses 18 (Extended Vision 3, Rapid Vision 3, Extended Hearing 3, Rapid Hearing 3, Accurate Hearing, Darkvision, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise], Ultra-hearing), Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Concentration, Quirk [Loses Extended while in use), Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Magic]).

Wizardry: Extra Limbs 5 (Subtle 2, Projection), Elongation 10 (1 Mile; Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]), Feature 3 (Cantrips, Quick Change 2).

Scrying: Remote Sensing 12 (Visual, Auditory; Simultaneous, No Conduit, Increased Action 2 [Standard], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Mage Knight: 38-point Strength-discounted Array {38-12+5}.

Invoke Energy: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Variable Descriptor 2 [Magic Descriptors]).

Bestow Curse: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Will; Extra Condition, Insidious [Magic Detection], Limited Degree) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Will; Insidious [Magic Detection]).

Conjure Barrier: Damage 12 Linked Deflect 12 (Burst Area, Selective, Subtle [Magic Detection], Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Results of 10 or less treated as 10 rather than gaining +10) Linked Create 12 (Subtle [Magic Detection], Reduced Range [Close]).

Repair Damage: Damage 12 (Reversible) Linked Healing 10 (Secondary Effect, 5 ranks Restorative, Limited [One Degree]).

Negate Magic: Damage 12 Linked Nullify Magical Effects 12 (Broad, Simultaneous, Feature 2 [Each Nullified trait takes a separate standard action to reactivate], Reduced Range [Close]).

Weave Illusion: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Area, Selective, Insidious [Insight], Feature [May choose sense affected on use], Limited [One Command - Entranced targets may act normally in any round that their actions are in line with command]).

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 22 + Skills 25 + Advantages 19 + Powers 76 = 180 PP

Notes

The Mage-Knights of Paradisia are not so much a secretive group, but they are one that does not draw much attention to themselves. Powerful Dreamers already, they are given specialized training not just in combat and magic, but in melding the two with their Dreamer powers to create a complementary whole. Paragons are the most common among their number (and the order was founded by just such a Dreamer), but they accept any Dreamer who is willing to take up their vows.

While the Mage-Knights do believe in the Paradisian ideals of Dreamer separation, they also feel that Paradisia has an obligation to look after those left behind. To a large degree, this means other Dreamers who have not yet made the transition, but it also means the Mundane families of Dreamers who have moved to the island. The Mage-Knights are travellers, wanderers, forsaking the comforts of home to watch over their self-declared charges. They do not seek to convince other Dreamers to journey to Paradisia, nor do they attempt to spirit them there by force, for their own good or not. They abide stringently by any laws of the lands they pass through except where those laws are unjust. They make sure to register their powers and capabilities with the proper authorities where such is required. They don't spy on their charges - they simply travel, and when they are given an opportunity to meet with a Dreamer, or the family or a new Paradisian, they take the opportunity to meet with them if one comes up. They will not generally reveal who they are or anything of their power - but they'll meet, talk, socialize, and if the person has troubles, they will offer to do what they can to help. Few of their charges ever know that the kind-hearted, chance-met strangers who came into their lives one day, helped them solve some problem they were having, and then moved on was in fact a powerful Dreamer warrior/mage.

But if they find someone or something actively harming or threatening their charges, they will not hesitate to neutralize the hazard with extreme prejudice and with all the power that their blades, spells, and Dreamer powers allow them to bring to bear (though unless it is absolutely necessary to preserve lives, they always do their best to bring the threat down with minimal permanent harm and see that it is delivered to the proper authorities so that proper legal action may be taken).

The Mage-Knights and the Protectors of Paradise...well, let's just say, they do not see eye to eye.

Spoiler: Dymaran Champion (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 12. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 12. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +14. Damage: +10. Dodge (12): +12. Parry (12): +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude: +12. Will: +12. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Chi) 12 (+12), Insight 3 (+15), Mobility 12 (+12), Perception 3 (+15).

One of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion 12 (+12).

Other Expertise (2): Any Two +12.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Initiative 2, Power Attack, Takedown 2.

Powers

Dreamer Power: Choose a 10-point power. The nature of this power may influence other traits of this template {10}.

Chi Mobility: Movement 1 (Safe Fall) and 12-point Array {14+4}.

Chi Parkour: Flight 6 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Feature (May take an automatic Mobility check total result of 20 for purposes of performing descriptive acrobatic stunts).

Chi Athletics: Flight 6 (Platform, Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Power Lifting 6, Feature (May take an automatic Mobility check total result of 20 for purposes of performing descriptive acrobatic stunts).

Walk on Air: Flight 12 (Platform).

Flash Step: Teleport 10 (Change Direction, Limited [Must move through area]), Flight 1 (Continuous; Platform, Limited [Hovering Only]).

Inner Eye: 10-point Array {10+2}.

Chi Awareness: Senses 10 (Ranged Acute Accurate Radius Penetrates Concealment Detect [Chi]).

Behold the Truth: Senses 9 (Vision Counters All Concealment, Vision Counters Illusion, Hearing Counters Illusion), Feature 1 (If a lie is spoken by someone whose Deception skill is lower than own Deception or Insight, the lie is automatically detected as if through an Evaluate attempt).

Hyper Awareness: Senses 10 (Extended Vision, Rapid Vision, Radius Vision, Vision Counters Concealment [Crowds], Extended Hearing, Rapid Hearing, Ultrahearing, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise]).

Chi Attacks: 37-point Array {37+6}.

Flurry of Blows: Damage 10 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 10 (Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 7.

Stunning Strike: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative); Accurate 7.

Defensive Strike: Damage 10 Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled; Prowess; Limited Degree) Linked Deflect 14 (Secondary Effect, Subtle, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 7.

Shattering Strike: Damage 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Penetrating 10); Accurate 7.

Chi Blasts: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack); Accurate 7.

Chi Wave: Damage 12 (Shapeable Area 2, Incurable).

Signature Move: Create one additional attack power.

Super Mode: Multiple Effects, Activation 1 (Move Action) {-1}.

Overflowing Chi: Enhanced Chi Mobility 4 (Chi Parkour and Chi Athletics gain two ranks, Walk on Air and Flash Step gain four ranks) {4}.

Body Subsumes Spirit: Enhanced Fortitude 2, Reduced Will 2 {0}.

Overpowering Chi: All effects of Chi Attacks Array gain Side Effect 2 (Damage 12 [Alternate Resistance Fortitude] Linked Affliction 12 [Fatigued/Exhausted/Transformed [Chi traits lost]; Fortitude; Cumulative]) and are improved as follows (the Side Effect applies once per use of the power; its applying to multiple Effects is included in the value of the Side Effect itself {0}.

Flurry of Blows: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Side Effect 2) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Toughness; Progressive, Side Effect 2) Linked Move Object 10 (Multiattack, Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Side Effect 2); Accurate 7.

Stunning Strike: Damage 10 (Burst Area 2 [Limited: doesn't apply to main target and main target must be hit for it to apply], Selective, Side Effect 2) Linked Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Burst Area 2 [Limited: doesn't apply to main target and main target must be hit for it to apply], Selective, Side Effect 2); Accurate 7.

Defensive Strike: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Side Effect 2) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Prowess; Cumulative, Multiattack, Side Effect 2) Linked Deflect 14 (Secondary Effect, Burst Area, Selecive, Subtle, Reduced Range [Close], Side Effect 2); Accurate 7.

Shattering Strike: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Penetrating 10, Side Effect 2); Accurate 7.

Chi Blasts: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Side Effect 2) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Ranged, Multiattack, Side Effect 2); Accurate 7.

Chi Wave: Damage 12 (Shapeable Area 4, Incurable, Side Effect 2).

Signature Move: Add Side Effect 2 to all Effects and add new Extras or Effects to offset the cost reduction.

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 12 + Skills 22 + Advantages 12 + Powers 86 = 180 PP

Notes

To reach the level of a Dymaran Champion, you need three things. The first is to be killed by your brother and trained by the great martial arts master who lives at the end of Snake Road wait no ignore that I mean to possess a uniquely high volume of Spiritual Energy, typically due to having a Dreamer power. Second, you must push your body and spirit to the absolute limit by training under one-hundred times normal gravity NO BUT YOU DO have to train extensively at chi practices and martial arts, likely seeking out masters of the art from which to learn advanced techniques for harnessing and controlling the flow of Spiritual Energy. Finally, you must go into an overwhelming rage by watching your best friend be callously killed by a much stronger villain oh who am I kidding you get the point.

Spoiler: Dymaran Telekinetic Warrior (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 6. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 12. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 12. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12. Dodge (12): +12. Parry: +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude (12): +12. Will: +12. Init: +24.

Skills

Expertise (Chi) 12 (+12), Insight 0 (+12), Mobility 12 (+12), Perception 0 (+12), Stealth 0 (+12).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Instant Up, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 (Close/Concealment, Close/Cover), Takedown 2.

Powers

Weapons Master: Enhanced Strength 6 (Limited [Combat Purposes]) {6}.

Telekinetic Armor: Protection 12 {12}.

Telekinesis: Extra Limbs 1 (Projection, Subtle 2), Elongation 6 (500'; Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]) {10}.

Tactical Telekinesis: 12-point Dynamic Array {12+9}.

Expanded Telekinesis: Enhanced Extra Limbs 4, Enhanced Elongation 4.

Invest Armor: Impervious Toughness 12.

Hyperkinesis: Power Lifting 12.

Telekinetic Platform: Flight 12 (Platform).

Telekinetic Parkour: Flight 6 (Quirk [Must end movement solidly supported]), Feature (May take an automatic Mobility check total result of 20 for purposes of performing descriptive acrobatic stunts).

Telekinetic Combat: 36-point Strength-discounted Array {24+5}.

TKMMA: Damage 12 Linked Move Object 12 (Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Deflect 12 (Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close]).

TK Barrage: Damage 12 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Stunned; Prowess; Multiattack, Limited Degree).

TK Disintegration: Damage 12 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Limited [Non-Stacking]).

TK Follow-Up: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

TK Counter: Damage 12; Damage 8 (Reaction [When Attacked], Accurate 2, Limited [Only if attack misses]), Reduced Tactical Telekinesis Array 2.

TK Puppetry: Affliction 12 (Dazed/Compelled/Controlled; Prowess; Multiattack, Cumulative, Progressive, Limited [Physical Actions Only], Limited [Must spend equal actions to actions compelled or lost]).

Calculations

Abilities 60 + Defenses 18 + Skills 12 + Advantages 12 + Powers 78 = 180 PP

Notes

Dreamer powers are valuable assets to anyone. To Dymarans, perhaps even somewhat moreso, as the high Spiritual Energy that Dreamers receive makes chi practices all the more effective. Of course, this is before you get into Dreamer powers that, themselves, dovetail nicely with the martial arts and acrobatic abilities of a skilled chi practitioner.

The Dymaran Telekinetic is an example of such a Dreamer. Combining Dymaran chi and martial arts training with a Hero-level telekinetic Dreamer power, the result is a warrior who can telekinetically augment its own speed and power, strike at foes from numerous angles, attack physically and telekinetically simultaneously, and present an equal threat in both melee and at range.

Spoiler: Perallan Dragon (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (16). STA: (16). AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: -1. AWE: 8. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +16. Dodge (16): +8. Parry (16): +8. Toughness: +16. Fortitude: +16. Will: +8. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Survival) 8 (+8), Insight 0 (+8), Intimidation 12 (+20), Mobility 16 (+16), Perception 12 (+20).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Close Attack 4, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Startle, Takedown 2.

Powers

Great Wyrm: Growth 16 (Permanent) {32}.

Dragonflight: Flight 12 (Wings) {12}.

Enormous: Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances [Defense, Strength, etc]; Limited [Half Effect]) {10}.

Ancient Spirit: Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect]), Immunity 1 (Age) {16}.

Dragonfear: Feature 1 (Penalty to Startle as a move action reduced to -2) {1}.

Expanded Senses: 6-point Array {6+2}.

Enhanced Sight: Senses 6 (Extended Vision 2, Darkvision, Vision Counters Concealment [Terrain]).

Enhanced Hearing: Senses 6 (Extended Hearing 2, Accurate Hearing, Hearing Counters Concealment [Natural Elements (i.e. wind, water, etc)]).

Enhanced Smell: Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Extended Smell).

Dragon: 48-point Strength-discounted Array {48-16+5}.

Claws: Damage 16 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 16 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Grabs]).

Bite: Damage 16 Linked Weaken Toughness 16 Linked Move Object 16 (Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Grabs]); Reach 8.

Tail Slap: Damage 16 Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree) Linked Move Object 16 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Tail Sting: Damage 16 Linked Affliction 16 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative).

Wing Buffet: Damage 12 (Burst Area) Linked Move Object 12 (Burst Area, Reduced Range [Close]).

Breath Weapon: Damage 12 (Cone Area 2, Concentration).

Calculations

Abilities 14 + Defenses 16 + Skills 24 + Advantages 10 + Powers 116 = 180 PP

Notes

Even considering the many and mighty Beasts of Peral, most believe dragons to be myths. Ancient and powerful beasts that are said to slumber in the most primeval of untouched wilds, only waking every several decades or few centuries to hunt and feed. But many frontiersmen have claimed to see a great winged lizard soaring past the sun, and no few Hunters have told tales of catching a glimpse at these ancient beasts, though most take these stories as mere tall tales. Of the homesteads, farms, and even whole towns that have been burned to the ground amidst shattered and claw-rent earth, with nothing but bones remaining of inhabitants both human and animal, all that any can say for sure is that Peral is a dangerous place to live.

Spoiler: Perallan Telepathic Beastlord (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 12. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 12. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +12. Dodge (12): +12. Parry (12): +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude (-2): +10. Will (2): +14. Init: +4.

Skills

Deception 16 (+16), Expertise (Survival) 12 (+12), Insight 4 (+16), Perception 0 (+12), Persuasion 12 (+12), Stealth 12 (+12).

Additional Expertise (2): Politics +12, Any One +12.

Advantages

Assessment, Improved Initiative, Move-by Action.

Powers

Super-Athleticism: Speed 5 (Alt: Leaping 5, Alt: Swimming 5, Alt: Power Lifting 5) {5+3}.

Passive Telepathy: 24-point Array {24+3}.

Mindsense: Senses 8 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Radius Extended Rapid Tracking Detect [Minds]), Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Analytical Radius Extended Rapid Detect [Emotions]), Senses 6 (Ranged Acute Analytical Radius Extended Rapid Detect [Mental Powers]).

Mindlink: Mental Communication 3 (Rapid 2, Feature 2 [Can extend throughout an area roughly the size of Peral]); Comprehend 5 (Automatic Language, Animals; Activation 2 [Standard]).

Mindscan: Mind Reading 12 (Burst Area 2, Selective, Subtle 2, Reduced Range 2 [Close], Limited [Surface Thoughts], Activation 2 [Standard]).

Active Telepathy: 48-point Array {48+5}.

Mind Blast: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Secondary Effect, Alternate Resistance [Will]).

Mind Crush: Affliction 12 (Entranced/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Perception Range, Cumulative).

Mind Control: Affliction 12 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Range, Cumulative).

Mind Fray: Weaken Will 12 (Will; Perception Range, Secondary Effect).

Mind Probe: Mind Reading 12 (Cumulative, Continuous, Subtle 2 [Limited: Only if attempt succeeds], Activation [Move Action]).

Call Beast: Summon 8 (Heroic, Controlled, Ranged, Variable Type 1 [Perallan Beasts], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Calculations

Abilities 48 + Defenses 12 + Skills 29 + Advantages 3 + Powers 88 = 180 PP

Notes

The city-state of Acedon is the closest thing Peral has to a country-wide government. Acedon is the most advanced and powerful city-state of Peral, having technology and infrastructure nearly equal to nations like Ilessia and Limbra. Acedon is the largest single city on the planet, a sprawling urban metropolis set amidst the natural vibrance of Peral. It's also probably the single biggest tourist destination on the planet, with over half of all visitors to the country at least passing through, and most spending their vacation entirely within the city and its environs. Many Perallans feel that Acedon is forsaking its roots in its drive to modernize, but its citizens tend to be quite happy with the conveniences and safety that the great state offers.

Part of the reason for this safety is the Beastlords. Moderately-to-massively powerful Dreamers with mind-influencing abilities, the Beastlords make up the governing class of Acedon, filling the role of judges, leaders, diplomats, and so on. But above all that, they are the city-state's protectors against the Beasts. Using their telepathic powers, they quell, drive off, or compel to the city's own defense any dangerous Beasts that come near. Since their establishment nearly seventy years ago, no significant damage has been done to Acedon by any Beast, and as their numbers grew, they have become able to expand the city far beyond what any other Perallan settlement has managed.

Officially, the Beastlords are subject to tight restrictions regarding the use of their powers on people in general, Perallans in particular, and fellow Acedonians especially. That being said...they're the ones who make the rules, they're the ones who enforce the rules, and in many cases, they're the only ones who can really detect and prove when the rules have been broken. Just how much they exploit their power is unknown.

Spoiler: Haptaran Speaker of the Emperor (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 12. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +0. Damage: +0. Dodge (12): +12. Parry (12): +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude: +12. Will (12): +12. Init: +0.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 18 (+18), Insight 12 (+12), Mobility 12 (+12), Perception 12 (+12).

Two of Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion 18 (+18).

Additional Expertise (6): Tactics +18, Dreamer Lore +18, Any Three Artistic/Creative +18, Any One +18.

Advantages

Animal Empathy, Attractive 2, Benefit (Royal Caste), Connected, Fearless, Improved Initiative 3, Inspire 5, Move-by Action, Redirect, Set Up 3, Teamwork.

Powers

Emperor's Domain: Flight 8, Senses 6 (Extended Vision Counters All Concealment) {22}.

Emperor's Voice: 36-point Array {36+6}.

Inspiring Voice: Healing 12 (Perception Area [Hearing], Selective, Secondary Effect, Limited [Bruises Only], Limited [One Degree]).

Restorative Voice: Healing 9 (Perception Area [Hearing], Selective, Restorative, Limited [Restorative Function Only]).

Supportive Voice: Nullify Afflictions 12 (Broad, Simultaneous, Perception Area [Hearing], Selective, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to Counter]).

Encouraging Voice: Deflect 12 (Perception Area [Hearing], Selective, Secondary Effect, Reduced Range [Close])

Empowering Voice: Damage 8 (Reaction [Ally attacks with a Damage power], Ranged, Accurate 8, Extended Range 4, Limited [Only to support a Team Attack], Limited [Must spend a move action speaking each round to have ready]).

Commanding Voice: Affliction 12 (Entranced/Compelled/Controlled; Will; Perception Range, Progressive, Sense Dependent [Hearing], Limited [One Command]).

War Cry: Damage 8 Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will; Cumulative); Accurate 8, Improved Critical 4.

Calculations

Abilities 24 + Defenses 24 + Skills 48 + Advantages 20 + Powers 64 = 180 PP

Notes

The Speakers of Haptarus are high-ranking Haptaran government and military officials, the only members of its Royal Caste outside of the Emperor's family. They serve as diplomats, spies, and combat commanders, and are said to speak with the full authority of the Emperor.

This is more than literal. The Speakers are gifted, by some unknown means, with superhuman powers of charisma and persuasion. It is theorized that one of the Emperor's powers is bestowing this augmented presence upon his chosen Speakers. This power affords them exceptional social savvy, and makes them exceptional combat leaders, allowing them to inspire and encourage their allies to fight on despite heavy injury, direct their attacks and defenses, and even issue commands so powerful that their foes are compelled to obey. There is a saying in Haptarus that all that is surveyed by the Emperor's Speakers is the Emperor's Domain - and that the Speakers can survey far more than most.

There are currently seventeen known Speakers of Haptarus.

Spoiler: Haptaran Energy-controlling Bombardier (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +16. Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +14. Fortitude (12): +12. Will (12): +12. Init: +8.

Skills

Expertise (Military) 8 (+8), Intimidation 16 (+16), Mobility 12 (+12), Perception 12 (+12).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Benefit (Military Caste Dreamer), Improved Initiative 2, Move-by Action, Power Attack.

Powers

Energy Field: Protection 14 {14}.

Energy Invocation: 30-point Dynamic Array {30+7}.

Self Propulsion: Flight 15.

Augmented Field: Impervious Toughness 14, Immunity 10 (Appropriate Energy), Immunity 6 (One Damage descriptor and one Environmental Condition appropriate to an opposing energy type)).

Energy Aura: Damage 7 (Reaction [When Touched]).

Energy Radiation: Environment 10 (2 points/rank by energy type; Selective).

Energy Evocation: 42-point Array {42+4}.

Energy Bolts: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Accurate 6).

Energy Rockets: Damage 12 (Ranged, Secondary Effect, Accurate 6).

Energy Missiles: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area 2 [Limited to if main target is hit and not including main target], Accurate 6).

Energy Blast: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area), Enhanced Trait 12 (Area +1; Limited [Must spend a move action to gather power]).

Energy Wave: Damage 12 (Cone Area 2), Enhanced Trait 12 (Area +1; Limited [Must spend a move action to gather power]).

Bombardier's Rifle: Enhanced Energy Evocation Array 30, Easily Removable {30-12}.

Energy Bolts: Damage 16 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed/Stunned; Fortitude; Ranged, Limited Degree); Accurate 4, Improved Critical 4.

Energy Rockets: Damage 16 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect); Accurate 4, Improved Critical 4.

Energy Missiles: Damage 16 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area 3); Accurate 4.

Energy Blast: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area 3, Selective).

Energy Wave: Damage 12 (Cone Area 2) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Cone Area 2).

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 34 + Skills 24 + Advantages 7 + Powers 115 = 180 PP

Notes

Powerful Dreamers are the rockstars of the Haptaran Empire, showered with wealth, fame, and luxury - so long as they are able to survive the grueling training and scientific procedures designed to help them maximize their powers. Equipped with state-of-the-art Dreamtech weaponry designed to complement or even directly augment their abilities, they devastating threats on the battlefield. Bombardier class Dreamers are masters of war-scale ranged combat, boasting extraordinary mobility and devastating ranged attacks augmented by specially designed rifles that they can charge up with their powers to unload blasts far stronger than they could themselves. While best known for blasting through enemy armored troops with their targeted attacks or raining destruction down on entire units with their area blasts, they have also been known to travel into enemy kingdoms radiating severe heat or cold, conjuring terrible storms, and otherwise slowly choking the life out of them with large-scale energy emanations.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: Indelan Revived Null 'Lich' (PL 12, 180 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 0. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12. Dodge (12): +12. Parry (12): +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude (12): +12. Will (12): +12. Init: +12.

Skills

Deception 16 (+16), Expertise (Magic) 18 (+18), Perception 12 (+12), Stealth 16 (+16), Technology 10 (+10).

Additional Expertise (6): Dreamer Lore +18, History +18, Tactics +18, Science +18, Any Two +18.

Advantages

All Out Attack, Artificer, Benefit 4 (Cipher), Close Attack 6, Eidetic Memory, Fearless, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Ritualist.

Powers

Phylactery: Immortality 5 (Limited [Phylactery must be in-tact], 2 ranks Unreliable), Immunity 1 (Age) {5}.

Mage Armor: Protection 12 {12}.

Cantrips: Feature 1 (Can perform minor feats of magic significantly weaker than one-point powers at will as a free action) {1}.

Arcana: 20-point Array {20+3}.

Flight: Flight 10.

Wizardry: Extra Limbs 1 (Subtle 2, Projection), Elongation 7 (900'; Quirk [Extra Limb Only]), Immunity 10 (Life Support).

Disguise Self: Morph 4 (Any Shape).

Ghostform: Insubstantial 4 (Reduced Duration [Concentration]) Linked Flight 4 (Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Null Lich: 14-point Array {14+6}.

Nullify Powers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 12 (Broad, Feature 2 [Nullified powers must be individually reactivated as a standard action], Reduced Range [Close]).

Nullify Magic: Nullify Magical Powers 12 (Broad, Feature 2 [Nullified powers must be individually reactivated as a standard action], Reduced Range [Close]).

Evocation: Damage 12 (Variable Descriptor 2).

Transmutation: Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed; Will; Subtle [Magic Detection], Insidious).

Necromancy: Weaken Chosen Ability 12 (Fortitude; Broad, Incurable, Insidious, Limited [Non-Stacking]).

Abjuration: Deflect 12 (Burst Area, Selective, Subtle 2, Limited [Results of 10 or less treated as 10 rather than getting +10], Reduced Range [Close]).

Metamagic Focus: 12-point Easily Removable Dynamic Array {12+25-14}.

Twin Spell: All six Alternate Effects of Null Lich are repurchased here as Enhanced Linked traits, minus their flat cost Extras.

Quicken Spell: Enhanced Trait (Multiattack).

Repeat Spell: Enhanced Trait (Secondary Effect).

Widen Spell: Enhanced Trait (Burst Area).

Sculpt Spell: Enhanced Trait (Selective).

Heighten Spell: Enhanced Trait (Cumulative).

Maximize Spell: Enhanced Trait (Simultaneous).

Persistent Spell: Enhanced Trait (Progressive).

Power Absorption: Enhanced Metamagic Focus 36 (Fades [Gains one point for each rank of powers Nullified], Limited [Pool begins each scene at 0 points rather than full], Easily Removable [Requires Metamagic Focus]) {12-4}.

Calculations

Abilities 0 + Defenses 36 + Skills 39 + Advantages 21 + Powers 84 = 180 PP

Notes

Once upon a time there was a Haptaran Blood Mage, whose son manifested the powers of a Null.

As per Haptaran law, he was ordered to execute and (to prevent Null revival) cremate his son as soon as his powers were discovered. (Technically it wasn't Haptaran law that the father had to do it, but the Emperor of Haptarus rarely misses an opportunity to test his troops' loyalties, so when a friend or family member is slated for execution, traditionally he gets them to do it. Have I mentioned the Emperor is unquestionably and irredeemably evil? Because he really, really, is).

But the Blood Mage came up with a plan. While he could not refuse the Emperor's orders (that would at best simply get them both killed and at worst get their entire family killed. Seriously it's like he's checking off a list...) he came up with a possible way around them. He did not merely execute, but sacrificed his son and used his Spiritual Energy in an impromptu ritual to enchant an object with the power to contain the Spiritual Energy invested into it, and use it to recreate the body from whence the power came. It was his hope that by binding his son's Spiritual Energy to the object, not only would it recreate his body, but it would help allow whatever strange quirk of Nulls caused them to revive to do so. Then he might be able to spirit his son safely away from the Empire.

And it worked! The newly-created phylactery recreated the dead Null's body, and his powers revived it. What's more, he revived with no evident physical or mental degradation, and soon discovered that the ritual that had returned him to life had afforded him an inherent aptitude for magic, as if he had been a Dreamer mage.

This was in the early years of the war in Indelar, before Haptarus had conquered half the continent. The Lich traveled to a different country and began to build a life there. But eventually, Haptarus attacked. In time, the land was conquered, and the Haptarans began hunting Nulls, rounding them up into prison camps for experimentation to be followed with execution. The Lich did what he could to help Nulls escape the Empire's reach, but he could only aid so many.

So one day, he used his magic to sneak into one of the camps, and he made the doomed Nulls therein an offer...

The next morning, the Haptaran guards found the twenty Nulls that had been held in the camp all lay mysteriously dead.

Within a week, the Cabal had risen.

In the years since, the Cabal has spread throughout Indelar. They appear as ordinary, indeed unrevived, Nulls. Their powers can vary (the template presented above is on the upper end; most Null Liches are in the PL 10-11 range, with a few 8-9s and a few 12-13s), but all of them have an innate aptitude for magic as a result of the ritual processes that revived them. While they don't perform Blood Magic, their aptitudes are aligned with its practices, and they can absorb the energy of Dreamer and Magic powers that they neutralize to fuel their spells. The Cabal is mostly composed of Nulls from conquered Indelan countries who had no way to escape Haptaran execution. Most of them are firmly dedicated to seeing the Empire brought down and their countries restored.

The Cabal is a secretive organization consisting of somewhere between a hundred and a few hundred liches. They have used phasing spells to create a sprawling series of underground havens miles beneath the Empire, which they call the Necropolis. They rarely engage the Empire directly, but they subtly assist and influence Indelan efforts, work rituals to counter imperial Blood Rites, and they have worked on experiments designed to help mitigate physical and mental degradation of Null revival, and undo pointless Null deaths to the best of their ability (aside from the Cabal themselves, they have been amassing a small army of secretly-revived Nulls, living in the hollow caverns of the Necropolis. Mostly, they wait. One day, the Empire will stretch too thin. One day, it will be open to attack. On that day, the murdered Nulls of the Conquered Nations of Indelar will make their move.

Spoiler: Indelan Hyperspeed Raider (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 8. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +16. Damage: +8. Dodge (16): +16. Parry (16): +16. Toughness: +8. Fortitude (4): +12. Will (12): +12. Init: +20.

Skills

Mobility 12 (+12), Perception 12 (+12), Stealth 18 (+18).

Advantages

Agile Feint, All Out Attack, Close Attack 8, Defensive Attack, Evasion 2, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Initiative 5, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Redirect, Takedown 2, Uncanny Dodge.

Powers

Improved Evasion: Enhanced Toughness 4 (Reduced Dodge 4; Limited [Toughness-resisted Area attacks]) {1}.

Dodge Anything: Immunity 20 (Perception-range attacks; Limited [Requires a successful Dodge check, DC 14+rank]) {10}.

Instant Movement: Teleport 1 (Reaction [Start of Turn], Precise, Change Direction) {6}.

Hyper-Speed: 24-point Dynamic Array {24+9}.

Speed: Speed 16.

Quickness: Quickness 16.

Run On Anything: Flight 12 (Platform).

Invisible Speed: Concealment 10 (All Senses; Limited [Must spend a move action moving each round or it ends], Feature 10 [For each rank of Concealment+Feature, Dodge Anything DC goes down by 1, with the Limit removed entirely at 10 ranks]).

Vibrate: Insubstantial 4 (Increased Action [Move], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Instantaneity: Enhanced Instant Movement 6.

Hasted Combat: 32-point Array {32+5}.

Overwhelming Flurry: Damage 8 (Multiattack) Linked Affliction 8 (Impaired+Vulnerable/Disabled+Defenseless; Prowess; Multiattack).

Never Stop Striking: Damage 8 (Targeted Cloud Area, Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Selective, Limited [Must spend a move action moving through the area/adjacent to each target each round the effect is used or repeats]).

High Velocity Impact: Damage 16 Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Toughness); Inaccurate 4, Improved Critical 4.

Whisk Away: Move Object 8 (Damaging, Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Feature [Can maneuver and damage simultaneously], Precise, Quirk 2 [Reduced Mass], Reduced Range [Close]).

Hit and Hit and Hit and Run: Damage 8 (Multiattack) Linked Deflect 16 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Unavoidable Speed: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Burst Area, Limited [Must spend move action moving to and through the area as part of use]); Reduced Hyperspeed Array 4.

Calculations

Abilities 16 + Defenses 32 + Skills 21 + Advantages 25 + Powers 86 = 180 PP

Notes

Hyperspeed Raiders are a little bit insane.

A loose association of Indelan speedsters, they make lightning-speed raids into Haptaran territory to take out key targets, destroy critical supplies, rescue POWs, deliver supplies or communications to freedom fighters, and so on. In defiance of border defense weaponry. They train specifically to dodge the reactive laser weapons that are intended to keep out high-speed potential threats. Because they're just that fast. The thing is, the Raiders...honestly mostly aren't in it for the war effort itself. Sure, some of them are trying to defend people from Haptarus, or serve their country, or whatever, but for most of them it's...well, not so much a game as a dare. They compete to see who can achieve the most impressive (here meaning suicidal) tasks and get out safe. They aren't the most reliable warriors of the Free Nations, but they do extraordinary work. Unfortunately, the casualty rate is...not low.

Spoiler: Braizen Giant Robot (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (12). STA: -. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 12. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: -.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12. Dodge (2): +8. Parry (2): +8. Toughness: +16. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: +12. Init: +0.

Skills

Perception 10 (+10), Stealth 0 (-12).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Interpose, Power Attack.

Powers

Giant: Growth 12 {24}.

Robot: Immunity 30 (Fortitude; Quirk 5 [Is subject to Affects Object powers, but resists them with Toughness]), Feature 1 (Possesses a Will defense, beginning at -5, despite Absent Intellect), Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-Mind-Affecting powers]) {35}.

Metal Body: Protection 4 {4}.

Way Too Big: Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances [Defense, Strength, etc]; Limited [Half Effect]) {10}.

Thrusters: Flight 12 {24}.

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 1 {1}.

Lead Shielding: Impervious Toughness 16, Immunity 20 (All Technopathy Effects) {36+1}.

Alt - Radioactive: Affliction 9 (Impaired/Disabled; Fortitude; Reaction [Start of Turn], Burst Area, Limited Degree).

Weapons Systems: 48-point Strength-discounted Array {48-12+5}.

Servo Strength: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Prone; Prowess; Burst Area 2, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Thruster Stomp: Damage 12 (Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness) Linked Move Object 12 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Automated Gunports: Damage 12 (Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Multiattack).

Radiation Wave: Weaken All Abilities 12 (Fortitude; Broad, Simultaneous, Cone Area).

Radiation Beams: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed; Fortitude; Ranged).

Radiation Bomb: Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Transformed; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative).

Calculations

Abilities -6 + Defenses 2 + Skills 5 + Advantages 3 + Powers 176 = 180 PP

Notes

The warlords who control the greatest Pits in the Braizen Isles defend their holdings fiercely. A popular option for that is with giant military robots. Anyone who is surprised by this has not been paying attention to the rest of this document. While design conceits and weapons systems can vary, this is a fairly standard model. The entire robot is constructed out of Pit-irradiated metals and alloys, its entire body effectively its power source. Though it doesn't have all the sleek sensors and specialized weapons systems of more traditional military machines, it is bristling with a lot of guns and can unload the radioactive energies powering it into focused damaging beams or debilitating bursts.

These robots are entirely encased in lead shielding to keep them from, you know, poisoning and mutating anyone who walks by, and stuff. Conveniently, this lead also entirely blocks any technopathic access. The lead shielding can nanotechnically disabled, causing the robot to again give off dangerous radiation. In the short term, exposure to the radiation will usually just sicken and debilitate, but it can potentially cause lasting health consequences or mutations. Unshielded robots are often used to guard important locations that don't require constant active personnel, like storage facilities. The robots can shield up when authorized entrants come by, but otherwise, the dangerous radiation serves as about an effective a keep out sign as the giant military robot itself.

Spoiler: Braizen Mutant Powerhouse (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 16. STA: 16. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 8. INT: 0. AWE: 0. PRE: 0.

Stats

Attack: +8. Damage: +16. Dodge: +8. Parry: +8. Toughness: +16. Fortitude: +16. Will (8): +8. Init: +0.

Skills

Intimidation 20 (+20), Perception 8 (+8).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Fast Grab, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Interpose, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Cover), Startle, Takedown 2.

Powers

Resilience: Immunity 2 (Critical Hits), Regeneration 1 {3}.

Tentacles: Extra Limbs 5, Elongation 4 (120'; Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]) {8+1}.

Alt - Tentacle Scramble: Speed 8.

Horror: Feature 1 (Penalty to Startle as a move action reduced to -2) {1}.

Durability: 15-point Array {15+4}.

Impervious: Impervious Toughness 15.

Stubborn: Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect]).

Immovable Object: Immunity 15 (Defense-resisted Effects).

Rapid Recovery: Enhanced Regeneration 9, Healing 2 (Restorative, Reduced Action 2 [Free], Limited [Self Only], Limited [Restorative function only]).

Shrug Off: Immunity 60 (Fortitude, Will; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Afflictions Only], Limited [Recovery Checks Only]).

Super-Strength: 32-point Strength-discounted Array {32-16+5}.

Slam: Damage 16 Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Smash: Damage 16 Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness]).

Awesome Blow: Damage 16 Linked Move Object 16 (Contagious, Limited [Only to knock targets back or down], Reduced Range [Close]).

Horrific Strike: Damage 16 (Improved Critical 2) Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Controlled; Will; Perception Area [Sight], Limited [Impaired/Disabled only apply while in sight, Controlled can only force targets to flee or cower]), Feature 2 (Fearless Advantage only gives a +2 on saves vs. the Affliction; a properly-costed Immunity to Emotional Effects is required for full immunity).

Shockwave Clap: Damage 12 (Cone Area, 8 ranks Secondary Effect).

Ground Pound: Damage 12 (Burst Area, Limited [Targets must be on same surface]) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Alternate Resistance [Prowess], Burst Area, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Targets must be on same surface]) Linked Move Object 12 (Burst Area, Increased Mass 2, Limited [Targets must be on same surface], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down], Reduced Range [Close]).

Random Mutation: Randomly roll one of the following (1d20). Such effects often modify Strength Damage - if they do, also apply to the first four powers of the Super-Strength array, and make Shockwave Clap Cone Area 2 and full Secondary Effect, Ground Pound add Cumulative to the Affliction and +4 Increased Mass to the Move Object, to account for array growth {16}.

(1) Beast Legs: Speed 8, Leaping 8.

(2) Wings: Flight 16 (Wings).

(3) Worm: Burrowing 13, Movement 1 (Slithering), Enhanced Advantages (Prone Fighting).

(4) Skittering: Speed 8, Movement 4 (Wall Crawling 2, Trackless, Sure Footed).

(5) Acid: Strength Damage gains Secondary Effect.

(6) Claws: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 16 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude). Slam instead gains Cumulative on the Affliction.

(7) Bite: Strength Damage gains Concentration.

(8) Webs: Strength Damage gains Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Alternate Resistance [Prowess], Cumulative, Limited [Physical actions only]).

(9) Poison: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Stamina 16 (Fortitude).

(10) Rage: Strength Damage gains Linked Weaken Chosen Defense 16 (Will; Broad, Limited [Penalty only applies against self]).

(11) Terrain-Warping Blows: Strength Damage gains Linked Create 16 (Reduced Range [Close]); this applies fully to all arrayed effects, including the Area ones.

(12) Scales: Impervious is moved out of the Durability Array, gains one rank. Enhanced Advantages (Defensive Attack).

(13) Madness: Stubborn is moved out of the Durability Array. Enhanced Advantages 2 (Diehard, Fearless).

(14) Random Phasing: Immovable Object is moved out of the Durability Array. Movement 1 (Permeate).

(15) Metabolism: Rapid Recovery is moved outside of Durability Array; Speed 2.

(16) Ferocity: Shrug Off is moved out of the Durability Array. Enhanced Advantages 2 (Diehard, Fearless).

(17) Eyes Everywhere: Senses 11 (Extended Rapid Analytical Vision, Vision Counters All Concealment, Vision Counters Illusion), Enhanced Perception 10.

(18) Ears Everywhere: Senses 9 (Extended Rapid Accurate Hearing, Hearing Counters All Concealment), Senses 4 (Hearing Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Only for going around objects, not straight through them]), Enhanced Perception 10.

(19) Olfactory Maws: Senses 11 (Ranged Acute Accurate Analytical Extended Smell, Smell Counters All Concealment), Enhanced Perception 10.

(20) Stealth: Concealment 4 (All Visual Senses; Passive); Teleport 4 (Limited [Only while not in sight]), Enhanced Stealth 16.[/INDENT]

Calculations

Abilities 80 + Defenses 8 + Skills 14 + Advantages 11 + Powers 51 = 164 PP

Notes

Braizen Pit Radiation can interact weirdly with Dreamer powers. It can cause Dreamer powers to weaken, change, vanish, or even (rarely) grow. Some fifteen years ago, an Ilessian scientist felt that a thorough study of this phenomenon was required. And oh, yes, she was a Dreamcatcher.

Claiming a mid-sized Pit, establishing a secure base, and secretly kidnapping Ilessian Dreamers and transporting them to the Isles, she conducted her experiments. Initial results were unpromising, with most Dreamers seeing an overall reduction in total power, if not from the effects of the radiation itself, then from the loss of Spiritual Energy caused by prolonged exposure. Many of the subjects died, often due to complications when they lost Required Secondary Powers that kept their abilities from harming them or having other unforeseen effects. Some went mad and injured or killed themselves or others in blind fury. This was all marked down as "interesting data".

However, the Dreamcatcher found that using cybernetic implants constructed of irradiated materials, along with certain drugs and treatments, could allow Dreamers to draw on the Braizen radiation itself to power their abilities, along with their Spiritual Energy. In fact, with the proper procedures, the odds of seeing an overall improvement in Dreamer abilities went up significantly. Granted, it meant the Dreamers subject to such treatments would suffer horrifying physical and mental transformations and become dependent on recharging on dangerous Braizen radiation for their own survival. But, you know, SCIENCE! And stuff.

Of course, in recent years, warped, twisted, and surprisingly powerful Dreamers have begun walking the Isles, seeking out Pits to recharge the dangerous cybernetics keeping them alive, often coming into conflict with natives or various other interests. Of the Dreamcatcher who performed the experiments, well, no one's really heard from her in years. No doubt these facts are entirely unrelated.

Spoiler: Hovertank (PL 12 Vehicle, 180 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: H. Strength: 12. Defense: +8. Toughness: +16. Speed: Flight 3 (Alt: Speed 6).

Features

Communications, Computer, Navigation System.

Powers

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 4 (Affects Others Only) {4}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Toughness 16 {16}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 17 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {19}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Nanite Repair System: Regeneration 11 {11}.

HUD: Senses 6 (Radius Extended Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {3}.

Sensor Suite: Senses 5 (Vision Counters All Concealment) {5}.

Active Defense System: Nullify Physical Projectiles 12 (Reaction [When targeted by an appropriate effect], Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Counters Only]) {24}.

Tank: Immunity 7 (Slam Damage, Critical Hits) {7}.

Weapons Systems: Create an array of four of the following plus Main Tank Cannon and Crush {48+5}.

Main Tank Cannon: Damage 16 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area, Improved Critical 4).

Crush: Damage 12 (Burst Area, Limited [Must first spend a move action getting into position above the target]) Linked Move Object 12 (Burst Area, Limited, Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Burst Area, Limited); Enhanced Trait 12 (Progressive on Weaken; Limited [Only while a Grab is maintained]).

Autolock Gattling Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Incendiary Gattling Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Homing Gattling Gun: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Targeted Cone Area, Accurate 6, Homing 2, Improved Critical 4).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Flame Blaster: Damage 12 (Cone Area 2, Secondary Effect).

Electricity Blaster: Damage 12 (Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]) Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]).

Sound Blaster: Damage 12 (Burst Area) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Burst Area).

Guided Rocket Launcher: Damage 14 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range 6, Homing 2).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 12 (Burst Area, Limited 2 [Knockback Only]).

Missile Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area 3, Unreliable [5 Uses]).

Calculations

Size 2 + Strength 4 + Defense 10 + Toughness 7 + Speed 7 + Features 3 + Powers 147 = 180 EP

Notes

Honestly, one of the biggest strengths of hovertanks is the sheer intimidation factor of having a huge, armored, absolutely-not-aerodynamic tank come flying your way. Or a squadron of them, as the case may be. Hovertanks can be equipped with pretty much all of the same weaponry (although they typically use heavier ordinance) as an ACV, as well as packing a heavy artillery cannon for really tough targets. Of course, in many cases, simply floating up above the enemy and dropping on it is plenty sufficient for dealing with a wide range of threats.

Hovertanks are intended as heavy cavalry vehicles to break an assaulting military force. They don't have as many utility features as ACVs, but have extremely robust defensive systems, including high-end nanite repair functions and automated defense systems.

Spoiler: Battleship (PL 12 Vehicle, 180 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: A. Strength: 20. Defense: 8. Toughness: +16. Speed: Swimming 5.

Features

Communications, Computer, Navigation System, Rooms.

Powers

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 4 (Affects Others Only) {4}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Toughness 16 {16}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 17 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {19}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Control; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Radar: Senses 12 (Ranged Accurate Radius Extended 4 Rapid 3 Radio Sense); Senses 2 (Radio Sense Counters Concealment [Cloaking]; Limited [Requires Perception vs. Stealth or Concealment Rank]); Enhanced Perception 12 (Limited [Radar]) {16}.

Weapons Systems: 80-point Array {80+5}.

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 16 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range 2) Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Extended Range 2, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 16 (Ranged, Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Toughness; Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Shapeable Area 2, Subtle 2), Enhanced Trait 12 (Area +1; Limited [Must spend a move action to charge laser]).

Missile Launcher: Damage 16 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area 3, Extended Range 10, Homing 2).

Torpedo: Damage 16 (Ranged, Extended Range 8, Homing 4, Limited [Waterborn Targets Only]) Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Toughness; Ranged, Extended Range 8, Homing 4, Limited) Linked Nullify Swimming 16 (Extended Range 8, Homing 4, Limited); Improved Critical 4.

Artillery Volley: Damage 16 (Ranged, Multiattack, Targeted Burst Area, Indirect [From Above], Extended Range 9, Homing 2, Improved Critical 4).

Calculations

Size 5 + Strength 0 + Defense 20 + Toughness 1 + Speed 5 + Features 4 + Powers 145 = 180 EP

Notes

There's honestly not much to say here. A battleship is essentially just a bigger, beastlier, better-armed Destroyer.

Spoiler: Space-capable Fighter Jet (PL 12 Vehicle, 180 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: H. Strength: 10. Defense: +12. Toughness: +12. Speed: Flight 12, Space Travel.

Features

Communications, Computer, Navigation System, Remote Control.

Powers

Crash Protection System: Movement 1 (Safe Fall; Affects Others Only) {2}.

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 2 (Affects Others Only) {2}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 19 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 15 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {19}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

HUD: Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]) {2}.

Sensor System: Senses 9 (Extended Vision 2, Vision Counters All Concealment, Radius Vision, Tracking Vision) {9}.

Neural Sensor Link: Senses 5 (Rapid Vision 4, Distance Sense) {5}.

Cloaking System: Concealment 10 (All Senses; Affects Self and Others, Passive) {20}.

Weapons Systems: Create an array of six of the following {60+5}.

Autolock Machine Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration, Extended Range 6, Improved Critical 4, Homing 2).

Incendiary Machine Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Targeted Shapeable Area).

Homing Machine Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Diminished Range 1, Homing 1).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged, Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness; Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Shapeable Area).

Flame Blaster: Damage 12 (Cone Area 3, Secondary Effect).

Electricity Blaster: Damage 12 (Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]) Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative, Shapeable Area 2 [Limited to 6"x6"x240' Line]).

Sound Blaster: Damage 12 (Burst Area) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Will; Burst Area, Cumulative).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 14 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area 2, Extended Range 6, Homing 2).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area) Linked Move Object 12 (Burst Area, Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Missile Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area 3).

Calculations

Size 2 + Strength 2 + Defense 14 + Toughness 3 + Speed 26 + Features 4 + Powers 129 = 180 EP

Notes

Fighter jets are armed with more and stronger weapons than attack helicopters, and are significantly faster and more durable. They are also equipped with a neural link to camera systems that allow the pilot to take in visual data extremely rapidly, and accurately judge distances with a glance, valuable for complicated high-speed actions. Most importantly, fighter jets are space-capable, bringing an entirely new dimension to the battlefield.

Spoiler: Small-scale Mech (PL 12, 180 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (12). STA: -. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 12. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: -.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +12. Dodge (6): +12. Parry (6): +12. Toughness: +12. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: +12. Init: +0.

Skills

Perception 18 (+18).

Advantages

By Pilot.

Powers

Humongous Mecha: Growth 12 (Permanent) {24}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 1 (Possesses a Will defense despite absent Intellect, starting at -5), Enhanced Will 17 (Limited [Non-Mind-Affecting Effects]) {10}.

Robot: Immunity 30 (Fortitude) {30}.

Advanced Cyber Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Quirk [The technopath may choose to ignore this Immunity, but if it does, must roll a DC 35/30 Will save vs. Damage Linked Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated Affliction Linked Weaken Will for each power attempt]) {9}.

Piloted: Feature 3 (The pilot gains a Dynamic Alternate Effect of its full list of Advantages, getting the same Advantages with Affects Others Only for the mech), Feature (The pilot's actions can originate from the mech in any round that the mech doesn't target anyone other than itself or the pilot with an action) {4}.

Imposing: Enhanced Intimidation 8 (Affects Others) {4}.

Defense Systems: 12-point Array {12+2}.

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 11 {11}, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Limited [Half Effect]).

Forcefield: Impervious Toughness 12.

Cloaking System: Concealment 6 (All Visual, All Auditory; Affects Self and Others).

Sensor Systems: 8-point Array {8+2}.

Broad Spectrum Scanners: Senses 6 (Extended Vision Counters All Concealment), Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Tactical HUD: Senses 8 (Extended 3 Radius Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]), Senses 4 (Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Darkvision).

Target Scanner: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Dreamer Powers]), Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Technology]).

Mobility Systems: 20-point Array {20+4}.

Jet Pack/Wing System: Flight 15 (10 ranks Wings).

Space Travel: Immunity 10 (Life Support; Affects Others), Flight 8 (Wings), Movement 1 (Space Travel).

Servo Motors: Speed 10, Leaping 10.

Smash Through: Burrowing 16 (Limited [Only for objects with Toughness less than or equal to rank], Penetrating 12).

All Terrain: Speed 10, Swimming 10.

Weapons Systems: 48-point Strength-discounted Array, choose five of the following plus Pilot Enhancement System {48-12+6}.

Pilot Enhancement System: Variable 6 (Improve Existing Traits; Affects Others, Limited [Pilot Only]); not Strength Discounted.

Servo Strength: Damage 12 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 12 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Autolock Gattling Gun: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 12.

Autorockets: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 12 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 12 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

Power Nullifiers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 12 (Broad, Simultaneous).

Power Suppressors: Affliction 12 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cumulative, Progressive, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Negation Grenades: Affliction 12 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Cumulative, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Napalm Grenades: Damage 12 (Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect).

Stun Grenades: Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative).

Nanite Grenades: Weaken Toughness 12 (Ranged, Burst Area, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense]).

MechBlade: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 12 (Toughness).

Laser Sword: Damage 12 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Multiattack) Linked Deflect 12 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Energy Maul: Damage 12 Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Move Object 12 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Gunports: Damage 12 (Targeted Burst Area, Multiattack, Selective)

Napalm Flame Thrower: Damage 12 (Cone Area 2, Secondary Effect).

Pulse Generator: Damage 12 (Burst Area) Linked Affliction 12 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Burst Area, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area 2).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 16 (Ranged, 12 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range 4, Homing 2, Inaccurate 2).

Missile Launcher: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area 3 [Limited to other targets, only triggering if main target is hit]).

Calculations

Abilities -6 + Defenses 6 + Skills 9 + Advantages 0 + Powers 171 = 180 PP

Notes

Alright, let's discuss mechs.

Mechs are one of the three main classes of "common" Aranthian superweapons, with the other two being nukes and kill sats. In terms of tactical function, mechs are more for taking and holding territory. They are what you use when you want a very precise application of a lot of power to clear out an entrenched enemy, and then secure that territory for yourself. So what makes mechs so powerful?

First, mechs are extremely versatile. Whether flying through the air (at greater speeds than a fighter jet), standing guard over a secure location on the ground, plunging into the sea, or taking to the void of space, a mech will go wherever you need it to. Now, most of the weapons systems listed for the mech can be added to other military vehicles, but most of those Close range moves (which, less face it, are point-for-point more effective than ranged attacks due to the high speeds available in M&M) are exclusive to them. Mechs are also more durable, taking damage as characters rather than objects. But the real advantage of the mech is its synergy with its pilot. Mechs are giant humanoid robots for a reason - the way their energy is channeled mimics the natural flows of Spiritual Energy through a person's body. Combined with neural linking technology, piloting a mech is not just extremely intuitive, but all of the pilot's skills and capabilities can transfer to and be augmented by the mech - including Dreamer powers.

Mechanically, this is represented by that Pilot Enhancement System and the Piloted Features. The pilot can act through the mech, and the mech can augment the pilot. Most dedicated mech pilots (meaning, most mech pilots) will also have a power such as Ace Pilot, a similar Variable that works on its mech, allowing both to support each other or to just both be taking actions individually.

Bear also in mind that the above template is the smallest and weakest version of the mech. A full scale mech is PL 15. Larger mechs usually lack the Cloaking System, but have equivalent mobility, more resilience and attack power, and are often artificially intelligent, allowing them to operate independent of their pilot.

Playing a Mech: First, a disclaimer. Additional characters are one of the most powerful things you can get in M&M. Additional characters who are designed to augment a primary character are likely to do unpleasant things to PP balance. This is not a mechanical construct that is really recommended for most games.

But you know what? Mech are awesome. So if you have a GM crazy enough to allow it, here's what you do

So, you're in a PL 12 game and you want to play a mech pilot. But the mech isn't like a suit of powered armor, a single Removable device that leaves enough PP open to build a character with. What do you do?

First, you have your pilot. The campaign is PL 12/180 PP, but you build your pilot as a completely standard PL 10/150 PP character. You can even grab one of the many PL 10 templates from above. Hero-level Paragon Mech Pilot. Dymaran Samurai Mech Pilot. Limbran Technomancer Mech Pilot. Whatever. (Probably not one of the powered armor guys though. That's just silly. OR IS IT!?)

To your pilot you then add...

(Give it a second for the sane people to leave the room.)

Enhanced Sidekick 36 (Removable).

That's your mech. Note the default mechs have no Artificial Intelligence, so it's reasonable to be Removable - it can't act without a pilot, so if the pilot is separated from its mech, the mech can't go on to complete a mission or seek the pilot out or whatever. Artifically intelligent mechs won't have Removable.

Removable drops the cost there to only 29. That leaves you one PP. Toss the aforementioned Ace Pilot Variable into your main combat array and you're good to go.

Spoiler: Dark Secrets of Mechanics Twisting. Open if you dare!

Show

Seriously, I'm doing to mechanics in here what Dreamcatchers do to Dreamers. You may not wish to expose yourself to this.

Okay, so that last PP you got? Rather than going with the Ace Pilot Variable, you can add it as an Alternate Effect of the Sidekick. Buy 36 points of Enhanced Pilot Augmentation System with Affects Others (on the Enhanced Trait itself). And toss some of the points to buying off the Limit. And adding a rank of Split.

Do you see what I'm doing? If not, maybe this will make it clearer. You only do this when every other person in your group also has a mech.

Uh-huh.

Yeah.

I went there.

Spoiler: Mid-scale Mech (PL 13, 195 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (14). STA: -. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 12. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: -.

Stats

Attack: +12. Damage: +14. Dodge (5): +10. Parry (5): +10. Toughness: +16. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: +13. Init: +0.

Skills

Perception 18 (+18).

Advantages

By Pilot.

Powers

Humongous Mecha: Growth 14 (Permanent), Protection 2 {30}.

Robot: Immunity 30 (Fortitude) {30}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 1 (Possesses a Will defense despite absent Intellect, starting at -5), Enhanced Will 18 (Limited [Non-Mind-Affecting Effects]) {10}.

Advanced Cyber Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Quirk [The technopath may choose to ignore this Immunity, but if it does, must roll a DC 35/30 Will save vs. Damage Linked Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated Affliction Linked Weaken Will for each power attempt]) {9}.

Piloted: Feature 3 (The pilot gains a Dynamic Alternate Effect of its full list of Advantages, getting the same Advantages with Affects Others Only for the mech), Feature (The pilot's actions can originate from the mech in any round that the mech doesn't target anyone other than itself or the pilot with an action) {4}.

Imposing: Enhanced Intimidation 8 (Affects Others) {4}.

Defensive Systems: 16-point Array {16+2}.

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 16.

Forcefield: Impervious Toughness 16.

Superior Deflectors: Immunity 15 (Defense-resisted Attacks); Immunity 2 (Critical Hits; Limited [Half Effect]).

Sensor Systems: 8-point Array {8+2}.

Broad Spectrum Scanners: Senses 6 (Extended Vision Counters All Concealment), Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Tactical HUD: Senses 8 (Extended 3 Radius Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]), Senses 4 (Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Darkvision).

Target Scanner: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Dreamer Powers]), Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Technology]).

Mobility Systems: 20-point Array {20+4}.

Jet Pack/Wing System: Flight 15 (10 ranks Wings).

Space Travel: Immunity 10 (Life Support; Affects Others), Flight 8 (Wings), Movement 1 (Space Travel).

Servo Motors: Speed 10, Leaping 10.

Smash Through: Burrowing 16 (Limited [Only for objects with Toughness less than or equal to rank], Penetrating 12).

All Terrain: Speed 10, Swimming 10.

Weapons Systems: 56-point Strength-discounted Array, choose five of the following plus Pilot Enhancement System {56-14+6}.

Pilot Enhancement System: Variable 7 (Improve Existing Traits; Affects Others, Limited [Pilot Only]); not Strength Discounted.

Servo Strength: Damage 14 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 14 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Autolock Gattling Gun: Damage 14 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 14 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 14.

Autorockets: Damage 14 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 14 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 14 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 13 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Subtle 2, Affects Insubstantial 2).

Power Nullifiers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 14 (Broad, Simultaneous).

Power Suppressors: Affliction 14 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cumulative, Progressive, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Negation Grenades: Affliction 13 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Cumulative, Extended Range 4, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Napalm Grenades: Damage 13 (Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Extended Range 4).

Stun Grenades: Affliction 13 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative, Extended Range 4).

Nanite Grenades: Weaken Toughness 13 (Ranged, Burst Area, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Extended Range 4).

MechBlade: Damage 14 Linked Affliction 14 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 14 (Toughness).

Laser Sword: Damage 14 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Multiattack) Linked Deflect 14 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Energy Maul: Damage 14 Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Move Object 14 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Gunports: Damage 14 (Targeted Burst Area, Multiattack, Selective)

Napalm Flame Thrower: Damage 13 (Cone Area 2, Secondary Effect, Precise, Incurable) Linked Environment 1 (Extreme Heat).

Pulse Generator: Damage 13 (Burst Area, Affects Insubstantial 2) Linked Affliction 13 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Burst Area, Extra Condition, Affects Insubstantial 2, Limited Degree).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 13 (Ranged, Burst Area 2, Extended Range 4).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 16 (Ranged, 13 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range 8, Homing 4, Inaccurate 1).

Missile Launcher: Damage 13 (Ranged, Burst Area 3 [Limited to other targets, only triggering if main target is hit], Extended Range 4).

Calculations

Abilities -6 + Defenses 5 + Skills 9 + Advantages 0 + Powers 187 = 195 PP

Notes

A mid-scale mech would be Sidekick 39 (31 points after Removable), so in a standard PL 13 game the pilot could be a PL 11 character with a point or two below the norm, or a PL 10 character with several extra PP.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Spoiler: Full-scale Mech (PL 15, 225 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: (16). STA: -. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 14. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: -.

Stats

Attack: +14. Damage: +16. Dodge (4): +10. Parry (4): +10. Toughness: +20. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: +15. Init: +0.

Skills

Perception 18 (+18).

Advantages

By Pilot.

Powers

Humongous Mecha: Growth 16 (Permanent), Protection 4 {36}.

Robot: Immunity 30 (Fortitude) {30}.

Power Dampeners: Feature 1 (Possesses a Will defense despite absent Intellect, starting at -5), Enhanced Will 20 (Limited [Non-Mind-Affecting Effects]) {11}.

Advanced Cyber Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsions; Quirk [The technopath may choose to ignore this Immunity, but if it does, must roll a DC 35/30 Will save vs. Damage Linked Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated Affliction Linked Weaken Will for each power attempt]) {9}.

Piloted: Feature 3 (The pilot gains a Dynamic Alternate Effect of its full list of Advantages, getting the same Advantages with Affects Others Only for the mech), Feature (The pilot's actions can originate from the mech in any round that the mech doesn't target anyone other than itself or the pilot with an action) {4}.

Imposing: Enhanced Intimidation 8 (Affects Others) {4}.

Basic Nanite Repair: Regeneration 1 {1}.

Way Too Big: Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances [Defense, Strength, etc]; Limited [Half Effect]) {10}.

Defensive Systems: 20-point Array {20+1}.

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 20.

Forcefield: Impervious Toughness 20.

Sensor Systems: 8-point Array {8+2}.

Broad Spectrum Scanners: Senses 6 (Extended Vision Counters All Concealment), Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Tactical HUD: Senses 8 (Extended 3 Radius Vision Penetrates Concealment; Limited [Mapping]), Senses 4 (Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Darkvision).

Target Scanner: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Dreamer Powers]), Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Technology]).

Mobility Systems: 20-point Array {20+4}.

Jet Pack/Wing System: Flight 15 (10 ranks Wings).

Space Travel: Immunity 10 (Life Support; Affects Others), Flight 8 (Wings), Movement 1 (Space Travel).

Servo Motors: Speed 10, Leaping 10.

Smash Through: Burrowing 16 (Limited [Only for objects with Toughness less than or equal to rank], Penetrating 12).

All Terrain: Speed 10, Swimming 10.

Weapons Systems: 64-point Strength-discounted Array, choose five of the following plus Pilot Enhancement System {64-16+6}.

Pilot Enhancement System: Variable 8 (Improve Existing Traits; Affects Others, Limited [Pilot Only]); not Strength Discounted.

Servo Strength: Damage 16 (Multiattack) Linked Move Object 16 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Autolock Gattling Gun: Damage 16 (Ranged, Multiattack, Concentration).

Suppressive Fire Expertise: Damage 16 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Deflect 16.

Autorockets: Damage 16 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect).

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 16 (Ranged) Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 16 (Ranged) Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Alternate Resistance [Toughness], Ranged).

Laser Cannon: Damage 15 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Subtle 2, Affects Insubstantial 2).

Power Nullifiers: Nullify Dreamer Powers 16 (Broad, Simultaneous).

Power Suppressors: Affliction 16 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cumulative, Progressive, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Negation Grenades: Affliction 15 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Will; Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Cumulative, Extended Range 4, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only]).

Napalm Grenades: Damage 15 (Ranged, Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Extended Range 4).

Stun Grenades: Affliction 15 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Ranged, Burst Area, Cumulative, Extended Range 4).

Nanite Grenades: Weaken Toughness 15 (Ranged, Burst Area, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Extended Range 4).

MechBlade: Damage 16 Linked Affliction 16 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Toughness).

Laser Sword: Damage 16 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Multiattack) Linked Deflect 14 (Multiattack, Reduced Range [Close]).

Energy Maul: Damage 16 Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Move Object 16 (Contagious, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down]).

Gunports: Damage 16 (Targeted Burst Area, Multiattack, Selective)

Napalm Flame Thrower: Damage 15 (Cone Area 2, Secondary Effect, Precise, Incurable) Linked Environment 1 (Extreme Heat).

Pulse Generator: Damage 16 (Burst Area, Affects Insubstantial 2) Linked Affliction 16 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Burst Area, Extra Condition, Affects Insubstantial 2, Limited Degree).

Grenade Launcher: Damage 16 (Ranged, Burst Area 2, Extended Range 4).

Rocket Launcher: Damage 18 (Ranged, 15 ranks Burst Area, Extended Range 10, Homing 4, Inaccurate 1).

Missile Launcher: Damage 15 (Ranged, Burst Area 3 [Limited to other targets, only triggering if main target is hit], Extended Range 4).

Calculations

Abilities -2 + Defenses 4 + Skills 9 + Advantages 0 + Powers 214 = 225 PP

Notes

A full-scale mech is Sidekick 45, or 36 PP. In a PL 15 game, the pilot can be a PL 12 with some extra PP added on. Alternately, if you want to either forego Ace Pilot or grab the point from elsewhere, you can forego the Removable discount and trade a point off somewhere (maybe drop one of the Weapons Systems or some Enhanced Intimidation) to add Artificial Intelligence to the Defense Systems array. This buys off the Absent Intellect and Presence for 20 points, and exchanges the Feature from Power Dampeners to Feature 1 (Subject to technopathy effects rather than mind-affecting effects), while it is the active array slot.

Spoiler: Kill Sat (PL 15, 225 PP)

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: -. AGI: -5. DEX: -5. FGT: -5. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: -.

Stats

Attack: +10. Damage: +20. Dodge (15): +10. Parry (15): +10. Toughness: +10. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: IMMUNE. Init: +0.

Skills

Perception 16 (+16).

Advantages

Accurate Attack, All Out Attack, Improved Critical (Weapons of Mass Destruction) 4, Power Attack, Precise Attack 2 (Ranged/Both).

Powers

Armored: Protection 10 {10}.

Superweapon Security: Immunity 70 (Fortitude, Will, Technopathic Compulsion [Limited to Non-Fort/Will Resisted; Quirk that the technopath may choose to ignore this Immunity, but if it does, must roll a DC 35/30 Will save vs. Damage Linked Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated Affliction Linked Weaken Will for each power attempt], Innate) {65}.

Nanite Repair: Regeneration 1 {1}.

Targeting System: Senses 13 (Extended 6 Vision, Darkvision, Vision Counters Concealment [Weather], Infravision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense), Feature (GPS) {14}.

Satellite: Flight 6 (Limited [Orbital Movement]), Movement 1 (Space Travel; Limited [Orbit]) {7}.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: 150-point Array {150+6}.

Ion Cannon: Damage 20 (Ranged, Extended Range 15, Targeted Cloud Area, Increased Duration [Concentration], 15 ranks Burst Area, Accurate 5, Improved Critical 4, Incurable) Linked Move Object 15 (Extended Range 15, Burst Area, Limited [Grabs Only], Reduced Duration [Concentration]).

Rod from God: Damage 20 (Ranged, Extended Range 15, Targeted Burst Area, 15 ranks Burst Area 2, 10 ranks Burst Area 4, 5 ranks Burst Area 8, Accurate 5).

Death Ray: Damage 15 (Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Ranged, Extended Range 15, Burst Area) Linked Weaken Stamina 15 (Fortitude; Ranged, Extended Range 15, Burst Area, Progressive).

Disintegration Barrage: Damage 20 (Ranged, Extended Range 15, Targeted Cloud Area, Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Penetrating 10, Accurate 5).

Gravity Wave: Move Object 15 (Perception Range, Burst Area 4, Damaging, Selective, Feature [Can both damage and maneuver], Increased Mass 7, Feature 7 [Increased Velocity]).

Neutralizer: Nullify Dreamer Powers 15 (Perception Range, Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Continuous, Burst Area 3, Selective, Limited [Effect ends for any target that leaves the area]).

Diamond Shield: Create 20 (Extended Range 15, Impervious) Linked Deflect 10 (Extended Range 16, Reflect, Burst Area 2, Selective, Accurate 8, Subtle [Danger Sense]).

Calculations

Abilities -60 + Defenses 15 + Skills 8 + Advantages 9 + Powers 253 = 225 PP

Notes

Kill sats are the ultimate glass cannons; fragile for their PL, but with some of the most devastating weaponry on (well, above) the planet. In practice, kill sats are tricky weapons to use thanks to space fighters and defense satellites guarding, but they can wreak tremendous and tightly focused (or not) harm once moved into position. They also serve as powerful defensive weapons; a kill sat moved into position over an invading force can be devastating. The weakness of a kill sat is that it is, well, a satellite. It's not super-maneuverable, and while its range is tremendous, it pretty much has to move directly over its target. Highly mobile attackers will prove challenging for a kill sat. Kill sats can also provide powerful defenses to key locations, using their Neutralizers and Diamond Shields.

Kill Sats are best known for their Ion Cannons, devastating focused beams that don't let up until the target has been reduced to ash, but they are also equipped with a formidable array of long-range attacks - including a wide-area gravity beam that can launch targets straight into space!

Spoiler: Nuke (PL 15, 225 PP)

Show

Equipment 225 (1125 EP).

Cratering Impact: Linked Move Object 15 (Triggered [On Detonation], Burst Area 8, Damaging, Feature 1 [Can both damage and maneuver simultaneously], Limited [Only to knock targets back or down], Reduced Range [Close]) {137}.

Radiation Exposure: Damage 15 (Triggered [On Detonation], Incurable, Secondary Effect, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude], Cloud Area 10, 10 ranks Cloud Area 11, 5 ranks Cloud Area 12) Linked Weaken Stamina 15 (Fortitude; Triggered [On Detonation], Incurable, Progressive, Cloud Area 10, 10 ranks Cloud Area 11, 5 ranks Cloud Area 12) {394}.

Fireball: Damage 15 (Triggered [On Detonation], Secondary Effect, Cloud Area 12, 10 ranks Cloud Area 15, 5 ranks Cloud Area 16) {226}.

Pressure Wave: Move Object 15 (Triggered [On Detonation], Damaging, Feature 1 [Can both damage and maneuver simultaneously], Burst Area 9, 12 ranks Burst Area 11, 8 ranks Burst Area 13, 4 ranks Burst Area 14, Limited 2 [Knockback Only], Reduced Range [Close]) {181}.

Fallout: Weaken Stamina 10 (Fortitude; Alternate Resistance [Fortitude rather than Dodge to halve effect], Triggered 22 [Once per Time Rank that passes since detonation], Feature 10 [Cap Increase], Cone Area 14, 5 ranks Cone Area 15) {187}.

Notes

So, a nuke's a one-shot. That's why it's considered Equipment. More Equipment than pretty much any individual character can actually get (so much equipment that it counts as a character in and of itself), but whatever. It also doesn't count as making a ranged attack. The bomb/missile/whatever is delivered to the target site, by being dropped out of a plane or launched there on a missile or teleported there or whatever, and then someone hits a button triggering it (or it's programmed to trigger by impact or whatever) and kaboom.

This represents about the most powerful nukes you're going to see, give or take. Lesser ones are of course possible. So, what are you looking at?

Well, first, you get a Dodge save for half. Probably sanest to just roll one. But DCs below will be assuming full effect.

If you are within half a mile (Distance Rank 7): Toughness DC 30 vs. [Ballistic] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 25 vs. knockback (or Mobility, Strength-modified if desired, DC 1d20+15 vs. Trip), Fortitude DC 30 vs. Incurable [Radiation] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after) and DC 25 vs. Incurable Weaken Stamina (repeats next round if you remain in the area; no Secondary Effect, but you don't start regaining Stamina until you make a DC 25 Fortitude save, losing additional Stamina PP equal to the points failed by to max of 15 PP). Toughness DC 30 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after). Toughness DC 30 vs. [Bludgeoning] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 25 vs. knockback.

Within one mile (Distance Rank 8): Fortitude DC 30 vs. Incurable [Radiation] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after) and DC 25 vs. Incurable Weaken Stamina (repeats next round if you remain in the area; no Secondary Effect, but you don't start regaining Stamina until you make a DC 25 Fortitude save, losing additional Stamina PP equal to the points failed by to max of 15 PP). Toughness DC 30 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after). Toughness DC 30 vs. [Bludgeoning] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 25 vs. knockback.

Within two miles (Distance Rank 9): Fortitude DC 25 vs. Incurable [Radiation] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after) and DC 20 vs. Incurable Weaken Stamina (repeats next round if you remain in the area; no Secondary Effect, but you don't start regaining Stamina until you make a DC 20 Fortitude save, losing additional Stamina PP equal to the points failed by to max of 10 PP). Toughness DC 30 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after). Toughness DC 27 vs. [Bludgeoning] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 22 vs. knockback.

Within four miles (Distance Rank 10): Fortitude DC 20 vs. Incurable [Radiation] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after) and DC 15 vs. Incurable Weaken Stamina (repeats next round if you remain in the area; no Secondary Effect, but you don't start regaining Stamina until you make a DC 15 Fortitude save, losing additional Stamina PP equal to the points failed by to max of 5 PP). Toughness DC 30 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after). Toughness DC 27 vs. [Bludgeoning] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 22 vs. knockback.

Within sixteen miles (Distance Rank 12): Toughness DC 25 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after). Toughness DC 23 vs. [Bludgeoning] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 18 vs. knockback.

Within thirty miles (Distance Rank 13): Toughness DC 25 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after). Toughness DC 19 vs. [Bludgeoning] Damage, Strength or Flight DC 14 vs. knockback.

Within sixty miles (Distance Rank 14): Toughness DC 20 vs. [Fire] Damage (repeats next round if you remain in the area, Secondary Effect the round after).

Beyond sixty miles: SAFE! Unless the wind's blowing in your direction...

In addition, periodically from twelve seconds to eight months after the detonation, everyone within a 60 miles cone depending on which direction the wind was blowing gets a DC 20 Fortitude save vs. [Radiation] Weaken Stamina from fallout. Those from 60-120 miles lower the save DC to 15. Use Fortitude rather than Dodge to halve the effect. This Weaken can reduce Stamina by a max of 20 PP (-10 Stamina), or 15 PP (-8 Stamina) in the larger spread, which is enough to Debilitate the Stamina of most Minions if they fail the save (and of low-Stamina Heroic characters if they roll really badly).

Spoiler: Aircraft Carrier (PL 15 Vehicle, 225 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: A+. Strength: 24. Defense: 10. Toughness: +20. Speed: Swimming 2.

Features

Communications, Computer, Navigation System, Rooms.

Powers

Tactical Computers: Enhanced Ranged Attack 6 (Affects Others Only) {6}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Toughness 20 {20}.

Alt - Ultimate Deflectors: Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances [Defense, Strength, etc]).

Power Dampeners: Feature 2 (Possesses a Will and Fortitude Defense despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Will 20 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Enhanced Fortitude 20 (Limited [Affects Objects powers]) {22}.

Computer Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Control; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Radar: Senses 12 (Ranged Accurate Radius Extended 4 Rapid 3 Radio Sense); Senses 2 (Radio Sense Counters Concealment [Cloaking]; Limited [Requires Perception vs. Stealth or Concealment Rank]); Enhanced Perception 12 (Limited [Radar]) {16}.

Weapons Systems: 108-point Array {108+6}.

Kinetic Cannon: Damage 18 (Ranged, 15 ranks Burst Area 2, Extended Range 3) Linked Affliction 18 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition, Extended Range 3, Limited Degree).

Plasma Cannon: Damage 18 (Ranged, Secondary Effect) Linked Weaken Toughness 18 (Toughness; Ranged, Secondary Effect).

Laser Cannon: Damage 15 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Base Active Defense], Shapeable Area 3, Subtle 2, Incurable).

Missile Launcher: Damage 18 (Ranged, 15 ranks Burst Area 4, Extended Range 10, Homing 2).

Torpedo Barrage: Damage 18 (Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range 4, Homing 1, Limited [Waterborn Targets Only]) Linked Weaken Toughness 18 (Toughness; Ranged, Multiattack, Extended Range 4, Homing 1, Limited) Linked Nullify Swimming 18 (Multiattack, Extended Range 4, Homing 1, Limited); Improved Critical 3.

Artillery Volley: Damage 18 (Ranged, Multiattack, Targeted Burst Area 2, Indirect [From Above], Extended Range 11, Homing 2, Improved Critical 4).

Launch Jets: Summon 12 (Fighter Jets; Active, Multiple Minions 3).

Calculations

Size 6 + Strength 0 + Defense 26 + Toughness 3 + Speed 3 + Features 4 + Powers 183 = 225 EP

Notes

Aircraft carriers have bigger and more advanced versions of the standard naval weapon suites, and when those don't work they can put up to eight fighter jets into the air to lay waste to their targets. Simple enough, really.

Spoiler: B.O.D.E.S. (Border Observation, Defense, and Ejection System) (PL 15 Installation, 30 EP)

Show

Basics

Size: D.
Toughness: +10.
Features: Communications, Computer, Concealed 3 (DC 20), Defense System 18, Intelligent (Int 0, AWE 15, PRE 0), Power System, Security System 5 (DC 40), Self-Repairing.

Defense Systems

Detection Technology: Senses 20 (Extended Vision 3, Analytical Vision, Rapid Vision 5, Vision Penetrates Concealment, Vision Counters All Concealment, Direction Sense, Distance Sense), Senses 10 (Acute Accurate Tracking Radius Extended 4 Awareness [Teleportation]) {30}.

Border Defense Laser: Damage 15 (Perception Range, Selective, Reaction [When an unauthorized subject moving at Speed 9 or higher enters the defended area from outside the country]) Linked Affliction 15 (Dazed/Stunned/Paralyzed; Fortitude; Perception Range, Selective, Reaction) Linked Move Object 15 (Perception Range, Selective, Reaction, Limited [Only to launch the target back the way it came]) {300}.

Artillery Barrage: Damage 16 (Ranged, Targeted Burst Area 2, Selective, Multiattack, Extended Range 9, Homing 3) Linked Weaken Toughness 16 (Toughness; Ranged, Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Multiattack, Extended Range 9, Homing 3); Accurate 7, Improved Critical 3 {210}.

Calculations

Size -4 + Toughness 3 + Features 31 = 30 EP

Notes

The BODES system is Ilessia's Border Defense Network, designed to...well, at least reduce the risk of foreign Dreamers, vehicles, missiles, and suchlike being able to just move right across the border. Most nations (or, in the case of the Braizen Isles and Peral, fortress-cities or city-states) have similar defenses, although Ilessia's is probably pound-for-pound the most effective.

Each BODES tower covers a roughly 45-mile radius. They're generally situated about eighty miles apart, although along the border to Limbra it's more like forty, and positioned somewhere between fifteen and thirty miles back from the border (always at least thirty along the border to Limbra, since the no-man's-land that defines the border between the two countries is twenty-miles wide. Both networks can reach into the no-man's-land, but the terms of the treaty between the countries strictly prohibit such fixed artillery emplacements from putting the other country in their range).

The BODES towers can be programmed to accept certain individuals, detected via facial recognition software and biometric analysis (Analytical Vision), as well as ID card auto-scanning (Penetrates Concealment so you can leave it in your pocket). Similar identification systems are in place for planes. Anything that hasn't been pre-approved which enters the protected area from outside the country will generally trigger a communication...unless it approaches at speeds in excess of 500 MPH. Past that, there isn't deemed enough time to try to figure out whether or not it's a threat, and a defense laser is automatically fired from the tower to destroy and/or repel the threat. Incoming projectiles will also trigger this response as a rank 15 Counter.

The towers can also actively attack threats near the border with mass artillery barrages.

BODES towers will also detect and track any teleportation into the country from outside. While they generally can't respond to such directly, unauthorized teleporters will almost certainly be greeted by a military response in short time.

Spoiler: Arthur Norway AKA Stalwart - General Commander of Hero Corps (PL 15+2, 285 PP)

Show

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 10. AGI: 0. DEX: 0.
FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 20. PRE: 0.

Attacks

Initiative: +12.
Attack: +12 (DC 27 Damage, DC 22 Effect).
With True Determination: +15 (DC 30 Damage, DC 25 Effect).

Defenses

Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +14/+20. Fortitude: +10. Will: +20.

Skills

Expertise (Current Events, Popular Culture, Dreamer Lore, Tactics, Law Enforcement, Sculpture, Music) 1 (+15), Insight 0 (+20), Investigation 15 (+15), Intimidation 8 (+8/+24), Perception 0 (+20), Persuasion 8 (+8/+24).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Attractive, Benefit 11 (Hero Corps, Hero Corps Commander, Hero Corps General Commander, Fame, Wealth 3, Additional Interpose 2, Perception Interpose, Area Interpose), Connected, Contacts, Extraordinary Effort, Favored Foe (Anyone Who Has Targeted Heroes Or Their Families Seriously Don't Do It), Fearless, Improved Initiative 3, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Second Chance (Will to resist Mind Control), Takedown 2, Well Informed.

Powers

Education: Enhanced Intellect 14 (Limited [Expertise]) {7}.

Your Reputation Precedes You: Enhanced Intimidation and Persuasion 16 (Limited [Only one can apply to any given person, depending on how they would perceive the General Commander of Hero Corps; if concealing his identity, or for those who don't have a strong opinion one way or another, both simply get half the bonus]) {8}.

Hero of Another Story: Enhanced Luck 6 (Limited [Only receives 3 ranks when on-screen; other ranks are presumed used during his own adventures]) {3}.

By Will Sustained: Immunity 30 (Fortitude; 20 ranks Limited [Half Effect]; Life Support full effect) {20}.

Armored in Will: Protection 4 {4}.

True Determination: Enhanced Traits 26 (Armored in Will +6, Personal Willpower Manifestation +6, External Willpower Manifestation +14; Limited [Must spend a Luck Reroll or receive GM Fiat to power this ability]) {13}.

Ultimate Determination: Enhanced Traits 45 (Personal Willpower Manifestation +22, Personal Willpower Manifestation becomes Dynamic, External Willpower Manifestation +15, External Willpower Manifestation gains Variable Descriptor 2 [Energy], Startle; Limited [Must spend a Luck Reroll or receive GM Fiat to power this ability], Limited [Must already be using True Determination]) {15}.

Willpower to Energy: 6-point Array {6+1}.

Convert Determination: Luck Control 1 (Grant Effect), Feature 3 (Can spend Luck Rerolls to remove Fatigue as if they were Hero Points).

Convert Faith: Luck Control 1 (Grant Point; Burst Area 3, Selective, Quirk [Bestowed points expire at end of scene]).

Personal Willpower Manifestation: 24-point Array {24+4}.

Self Propulsion: Flight 12.
With True Determination: Flight 15.
With Ultimate Determination: Flight 15 (Affects Self and Others); Enhanced Flight 5 (Self Only; Wings); Movement 1 (Space Travel).

Willful Exertion: Power Lifting 12, Extra Limbs 1 (Projection, Subtle 2), Elongation 9 (Quirk [Extra Limb Only]).
With True Determination: Power Lifting 18, Extra Limbs 1 (Projection, Subtle 2), Elongation 9 (Quirk [Extra Limb Only]).
With Ultimate Determination: Power Lifting 25, Extra Limbs 5 (Projection, Subtle 2), Elongation 16 (Quirk [Extra Limbs Only]).

Unstoppable: Impervious Toughness 14, Regeneration 10.
With True Determination: Impervious Toughness 20, Regeneration 10.
With Ultimate Determination: Impervious Toughness 20, Regeneration 10 (Persistent), Enhanced Regeneration 10 (Persistent; Limited [Only While Outnumbered]), Immunity 2 (Critical Hits).

Indomitable: Impervious Toughness 14, Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances; Limited [Half Effect]).
With True Determination: Impervious Toughness 20, Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances; Limited [Half Effect]).
With Ultimate Determination: Impervious Toughness 20, Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances; Limited [Half Effect]), Immunity 30 (Will; Limited [Half Effect]), Immunity 2 (Critical Hits), Regeneration 5.

External Willpower Manifestation: 56-point Array {56+6}.

Manifest Kinetic Energy: Damage 12 (Multiattack, Incurable) Linked Move Object 12 (Multiattack, Precise, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 6.
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15, Accurate 8.
With Ultimate Determination: Move Object gains Contagious.

Manifest Disruptive Energy: Damage 12 (Affects Insubstantial 2) Linked Affliction 12 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative); Enhanced Extra 12 (Extra Condition 2 [Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled]; Secondary Effect, Limited Degree, Limited [Powers Only]); Accurate 6.
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15, Accurate 8.
With Ultimate Determination: Gains Linked Weaken Toughness 15 (Will).

Manifest Destructive Energy: Damage 12 (Ranged, Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Accurate 6, Extended Range 2).
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15, Accurate 8.
With Ultimate Determination: Gains Alternate Resistance (Highest Active Defense).

Manifest Explosive Energy: Damage 12 (Ranged, Burst Area, Selective, Affects Insubstantial 2); Enhanced Extra 12 (Burst Area; Limited [Must spend a move action to gather power]).
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15.
With Ultimate Determination: Gains another application of Burst Area.

Manifest Constructive Energy: Create 12 (Impervious, Movable, Accurate 6, Increased Mass 2).
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15, Accurate 8.
With Ultimate Determination: Gains Selective.

Manifest Defensive Energy: Damage 12 Linked Create 12 (Impervious, Affects Insubstantial 2, Reduced Range [Close], Reduced Duration [Concentration]) Linked Deflect 12 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]); Accurate 6.
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15, Accurate 8.
With Ultimate Determination: Deflect gains Secondary Effect, Create gains Reduced Duration [Instant] and Secondary Effect.

Manifest Reflective Energy: Deflect 12 (Burst Area, Selective, Reflect, Subtle 2, Accurate 6).
With True Determination: Becomes rank 15, Accurate 8.
With Ultimate Determination: Gains Redirect.

Calculations

PL: 15 (+2). PP: 0/285.
Abilities: 60. Stats: 10. Skills: 19. Advantages: 29. Powers: 167.

Spoiler: Power Descriptions

Show

Education [Skill]: Arthur is trained in a variety of mundane skills.

Your Reputation Precedes You [Skill]: Arthur is definitely a personable and commanding presence, but as the General Commander of Hero Corps, how people respond to him is going to be based less on how he uses his charisma and more on their pre-existing conceptions. For most civilians, members of law enforcement or the military, Heroes, and other people with a generally positive relationship or view of Hero Corps, he receives +16 Persuasion. But for criminals, villains, and foes of the Corps, he instead gets +16 Intimidation. When hiding his identity, or when dealing with those rare individuals who really have no preconceptions towards Hero Corps one way or the other, his social savvy is neither augmented nor impeded by his reputation, and he receives +8 to both.

Hero of Another Story [Luck]: Arthur's good, but let's be clear, he's not a PC.

By Will Sustained [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation]: Arthur can sustain himself by pure will, generating all the energy he needs to survive with his power, even bypassing many biological functions as needed. He ignores many minor ailments that most people have to deal with, and physiological attacks are of limited use against him. He does, however, need to sleep.

Armored in Will [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation] [Energy] [Force]: Even Arthur's unconscious will is formidable. When attacked, a barrier of solid green energy flashes into being an inch from his skin, blocking the attack with pure force. He need not focus on this power or even be awake to use it.

True Determination [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation]: Arthur's core power is the ability to convert willpower into energy. Just generally, his will is formidable; he's a powerful Hero who can take on high-end military vehicles one-on-one. However, when he is truly determined to win, his willpower allows him to rise to the levels of the most powerful Dreamers in the country - possibly even a little bit beyond. This is mentally taxing, but Stalwart's reserves of willpower run deep. By accepting some fatigue, Arthur can tap into his true power, bringing most of his stats from their PL 12 baselines to his PL 15 maximums. This generally lasts for about a scene, although if his determination flags it might wear off earlier. Likewise, by receiving GM Fiat, he can power this ability far more often than normal.

Note that as this boost comes from an Enhanced Trait, if Arthur is Stunned or otherwise rendered unable to take free actions, he'll lose the benefit unless he receives more GM Fiat or spends another Luck Reroll to reinstate it.

Generally speaking, Arthur does his normal crime-fighting without using this power; PL 12 with military-grade powers is plenty sufficient to deal with just about any normal threat. He usually only pulls this out for major opponents...or for those who personally target Heroes. If a Hero is put in fear for their life for the job they do, and Arthur is called in, he will bring his full strength to bear to neutralize the threat.

Ultimate Determination [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation]: There are some threats that demand - or deserve - more than even the full power of Stalwart. For these times when the need is greatest, Arthur Norway can dig deep into the reserves of his will, and pull out power to match any single force on Aranth. This potent augmentation is incredibly mentally taxing, require a use of a Luck Reroll or GM Fiat on top of the use required to manifest True Determination. But when Stalwart lets this power loose, few in all the world can oppose him. Only in times of truly dire need does Arthur call upon his deepest reserves of will...or when he is defending or avenging the families of Heroes, or members of the ACC.

When in this state, Stalwart's power no longer manifests merely as solid green energy. Tapping the deepest reaches of his will, he becomes a prismatic champion who can invoke any energy type he wishes. His eyes blaze with flashing lights of all colors and wings of rainbow energy erupt from his back. His energy-forged armor and weapons become larger, more menacing, and ablaze with fire, cold, lightning, or other forces.

Willpower to Energy [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation]: Stalwart is able to convert his willpower to pure energy.

Convert Determination: Stalwart can charge himself or others with energy drawn from his will, augmenting or reinvigorating his allies.

Convert Faith: Stalwart can also convert the willpower of others into energy, especially that reflected by their faith in him. This can provide multiple allies with a substantial boost, so long as they believe in him. Additionally, although not a concrete mechanical effect of this power, at GM discretion, a PC who says or does something to dramatically reinforce Stalwart's willpower or determination might be allowed to spend one of its own Hero Points to invoke GM Fiat for purposes of powering his True or Ultimate Determination.

Personal Willpower Manifestation [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation]: The most basic uses of his power, Stalwart converts his willpower to energy that augment his physical prowess in various ways.

Self Propulsion: Stalwart uses the energy for propulsion, allowing him to fly at speeds of up to 8,000 MPH. When using True Determination, this increases to 32,000 MPH. When using Ultimate Determination, he can bestow this flight upon others, and he personally grows wings of energy that can heighten his speeds to as much as two million MPH - in atmosphere. In the void of space, he can achieve superluminal speeds.

Willful Exertion: Stalwart uses the energy to augment his physical strength, allowing him to lift up to 100 tons. He can also project his strength from afar telekinetically, at a distance of up to a mile. When using True Determination, his lifting capacity increases to six kilotons. And when using Ultimate Determination, his lifting capacity becomes 800 kilotons, he can lift and move up to five things from range at a time, and his reach becomes sixty miles.[/size]

Unstoppable: Stalwart uses the energy to reinforce his armor, rendering it impervious to weak attacks and allowing it to regenerate rapidly from damage. The effect scales with his armor's strength when using True Determination. When using Ultimate Determination, his armor offers no weakness to even the most telling blows, recovers from even the most dire of attacks, and his will to fight is only stoked when he is outnumbered, further speeding his armor's rejuvenation.[/size]

Indomitable: Similarly to Unstoppable, Stalwart reinforces his armor, but in this way, augmenting its raw toughness rather than its overall endurance. It becomes immune to weak attacks as normal, but also becomes highly resistant even to those attacks that can cut or blast through anything. Reinforced by his will, his armor will also allow him to better withstand many attacks that might restrict, bind, or force his movements. The effect scales when using True Determination, and when using Ultimate Determination, the armor gains a measure of regeneration, the same immunity to telling blows as with Ultimate Unstoppable, and his willpower is so focused that he is all but immune to effects targeting the mind.

External Willpower Manifestation [Dreamer] [Willpower Manifestation] [Energy] [Force]: Stalwart can also manifest the energy created by his willpower externally, for offensive and defensive purposes. These manifestations typically take the form of solid green constructs of semi-transparent force. True Determination simply scales the power of these effects, but Ultimate Determination also tacks on entirely new capabilities, as well as allowing him to manifest any type of energy he wishes.

[INDENT]Manifest Kinetic Energy: Stalwart can charge his energy into his blows, often summoning up conjured weapons to attack with. His augmented strikes come extremely fast, and with enough power to knock foes down, send them flying, or bind their movements. The crippling injuries he can inflict are difficult to heal.

When using Ultimate Determination, he can send foes flying with such force that others they strike may be launched as well!

Manifest Disruptive Energy: Stalwart focuses his energy not just to harm, but to scatter and disrupt other forces. This allows him to harm even insubstantial targets, and can scatter the target's thoughts to leave them off-balance, dangerously exposed, or even unconscious. Further, he can weaken or entirely disrupt a target's powers by scattering their energies.

When using Ultimate Determination, this attack deals tremendous physical damage.

Manifest Destructive Energy: Stalwart unloads a rapid barrage of energy blasts to assail his foes at range. These blasts imbue the target with destructive forces, which detonate after a few seconds.

When using Ultimate Determination, these energy blasts are powerful enough to disintegrate virtually any matter they come into contact with.

Manifest Explosive Energy: Stalwart fires a charged blast of energy that detonates into a powerful explosion. He controls the blast precisely with his will, so it only damages those he wishes. The will component also allows the blast to harm even incorporeal foes. By charging the blast for longer, he can make it bigger.

And with Ultimate Determination, it grows larger still!

Manifest Constructive Energy: Stalwart conjures up a solid construct of energy, highly resistant to attack and movable at his will.

With Ultimate Determination, he can selectively allow attacks, perception, and movement to pass through the object as he deems.

Manifest Defensive Energy: Stalwart conjures a weapon to strike a foe, and also summons up a solid construct to serve as a shield, while charging the area with deflective energy to turn attacks aside, allowing for a powerful layered defense even in the midst of combat.

With Ultimate Determination, the barrier will lower to allow Stalwart and his allies to attack, before springing up again thereafter without further effort required on his part.

Manifest Reflective Energy: Stalwart prepares to counter and reverse incoming energies with his own, turning attacks back on their attackers.

With Ultimate Determination, he can instead redirect enemy attacks at any hostile in range.

Spoiler: Barrett Anderson AKA Interceptor

Show

Abilities

STR: 0. STA: 12. AGI: 0. DEX: 0.
FGT: 0. INT: 0. AWE: 12. PRE: 0.

Attacks

Initiative: +16.
Attack: +12 (DC 29 Damage, DC 24 Effect).

Defenses

Dodge (10): +10. Parry (10): +10. Toughness: +16. Fortitude (1): +13. Will (1): +13.

Skills

Expertise (Dreamer Lore, SIDE, Current Events, Tactics, Law Enforcement, Politics, World Culture, Oratory, Dance) 1 (+15), Intimidation 20 (+20), Insight 0 (+12), Investigation 18 (+18), Mobility 15 (+15), Perception 0 (+12), Persuasion 10 (+10).

Advantages

All Out Attack, Assessment, Attractive, Benefit 5 (Hero Corps, Former FIRE-SIDE, Hero Corps Regional Commander, Hero Abroad, Area Interpose), Contacts, Evasion 2, Fast Grab, Favored Environment (A different environment than he's been in for the past two rounds), Fearless, Improved Grab, Improved Hold, Improved Initiative 4, Interpose, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Cover), Startle, Takedown 2, Teamwork, Well Informed.

Powers

Aegis: Protection 4 {4}.

Hovering: Flight 1 (Limited [Hovering]) {1}.

Combat Training: Enhanced Strength 14 (Accurate 6, Limited [Combat Purposes]) {20}.

Experienced: Enhanced Intellect 14 (Limited 2 [Expertise Skills]) {7}.

Hero of Another Story: Luck 4 (Limited [Only has half ranks available when on-screen, others assumed used during his own adventures]) {2}.

Teleportation: 20-point Array {20+4}.

Basic Teleport: Teleport 8 (Change Direction, Change Velocity, Precise, Feature [Can convert Power Lifting to Increased Mass]).

Combat Teleport: Teleport 5 (Accurate, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Precise, Turnabout, Feature [Functions as Movement]).

Extended Teleport: Teleport 9 (Extended, Feature [Can convert Power Lifting to Increased Mass], Precise, Limited [Extended]).

Tactical Teleport: Teleport 4 (Burst Area, Selective, Ranged, Precise, Change Direction, Change Velocity, Split, Attack, Limited [Willing Subjects Only]).

Defensive Teleport: Immunity 20 (Uncommon Resistances).

Paragon: 20-point Dynamic Array {20+9}.

Improved Aegis: Impervious Toughness 15, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits), Regeneration 5 (Limited [Bruises Only]).

Titanic Strength: Power Lifting 20.

Super-Senses: Senses 18 (Extended Vision 3, Rapid Vision 3, Extended Hearing 3, Rapid Hearing 3, Accurate Hearing, Darkvision, Hearing Counters Concealment [Background Noise], Ultra-hearing), Senses 4 (Vision Penetrates Concealment; Concentration, Quirk [Loses Extended while in use).

Endurance: Immunity 10 (Life Support), Regeneration 10.

Potency: Enhanced Trait 20 (Augments the rank of a Teleport power).

Dual Powerset: 42-point Strength-discounted Array {28+5}.

Portal Blade: Damage 14 (Alternate Resistance [HAD], Penetrating).

Turbulent Strike: Damage 14 Linked Move Object 14 (Reduced Range [Close]) Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed+Impaired/Stunned+Disabled; Fortitude; Extra Condition, Limited Degree).

Teleport Strike: Damage 14 (Multiattack, Limited [Must teleport adjacent to target first]) Linked Affliction 14 (Dazed+Vulnerable/Stunned+Defenseless; Fortitude; Cumulative, Multiattack, Extra Condition, Limited Degree, Limited [Must teleport adjacent to target first]).

Apprehend: Damage 14 Linked Teleport 14 (Precise, Change Direction, Increased Mass 12, Increased Action [Standard]).

Blink Bomb: Damage 14 (Ranged, Burst Area).

Guardian: Damage 14 Linked Deflect 14 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close]).

Calculations

PL: 13+2. PP: 0/245.
Abilities: 48. Stats: 12. Skills: 36. Advantages: 29. Powers: 120.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Historical Timeline

N/A PA: Obviously, this is a very broad global timeline and there's plenty of important events, conflicts, inventions, discoveries, and so on that simply aren't mentioned. Just because something isn't included in the timeline shouldn't necessarily be taken to mean that it (or something very much like it) never happened in Aranth. However, there are some points that are, in fact, omitted for a reason.

There was never any sort of massive world-encompassing war in Aranth (although the fear is that the conflict against Haptarus will become such). There's actually been relatively few inter-continental conflicts (although there have been an inordinate number of attempts to invade Peral and start an empire upon the fertile continent. They...don't generally go swimmingly.) For the most part, though, warfare seems to happen primarily between people on the same continent, historically.

You might notice a significant lack of civil rights type historical milestones, or for that matter things like holy wars, ethnic genocides, and other large-scale assaults on entire peoples and cultures (individual bigots and hateful sorts exist, but it's a personal flaw, not a systemic thing). This is because the people of Aranth, for the most part, somehow manage to be sane enough not to hate, attack, or discriminate against each other over countless petty, pointless differences. Good on them. The Reclaimer movement is literally the biggest instance of systemic prejudice the planet has ever seen (although the way Paradisia acts towards Nulls is a close second).

c. -9,000 PA: The oldest Perallan rituals and oral traditions are confirmed to have been from at least this long ago.

c. -7,000 PA: The mythic Perallan hero Aoibheann is said to have lived during this time. Tales of Aiobheann slaying Beasts with fire and lightning have led modern scholars to believe that he might have been one of the first Dreamers, though this is only speculation.

c. -5,000 PA: Oldest known written records from what are now the Kingdoms of Dymara.

c. -4,500 PA: Written records from all major regions except the Braizen Isles have been discovered from this time period (the oldest Braizen writings are not seen until over five centuries later).

c. -4,400 PA: The oldest written records of the Arch-Faith are from this period.

c. -4,200 PA: The oldest written records of the Deionists are from this period.

c. -2,500 PA: Modern scholars believe that a three-month-long conflict between two ancient states around this time marks the first occasion where the people who would eventually become the original nations of Ilessia and Limbra (before they spread to dominate their respective halves of Aldonis) went to war against each other. It evidently had something to do with a golden chicken? The translations are unclear. The really weird thing is these states were well over a thousand miles apart and there were like a dozen other proto-nations between the two of them so how they managed to get into a fight over the chicken(!?) is unknown. Theories that the chicken(???!!!???) possessed Dreamer powers are derided as purest speculation, especially since no instance of the Dreamer phenomenon applying to a non-human creature has ever been conclusively proven.

-1,821 PA: An old nation from the continent that will eventually be known as Dymara attempts to invade Peral and begin a new empire upon the fertile continent. It does not go swimmingly.

-1,538 PA: Queen Dymara begins her campaign to unite the warring nations, fiefdoms, and city-states of what will become Dymara.

-1,512 PA: Queen Dymara's campaign is complete, the continent of Dymara united under her rule.

-1,486 PA: Queen Dymara divides her kingdom among her four children.

-1,219 PA: One of the nations that would eventually become Limbra attempts to invade Peral and begin a new empire upon the fertile continent. It does not go swimmingly.

-916 PA: One of the nations that would eventually become Ilessia attempts to invade Peral and begin a new empire upon the fertile continent. It does not go swimmingly.

-878 PA: Various conquests, alliances, treaties, unions, and so on have led to the nation of Ilessia taking on more-or-less its current form.

-858 PA: Numerous records confirm Ellen Mueller of Limbra healed injured soldiers - including some with maimed limbs - in the aftermath of a battle against another early Aldonian nation. Later forensic examination of the bodies of the people she healed confirms the stories. Oh, and also, Ellen herself is still walking around and occasionally even tells stories of events that took place a millennium ago. Ellen is accepted to be the first confirmed Dreamer, possessing mid-grade powers of healing, regeneration, and immortality.

-793 PA: Various conquests, alliances, treaties, unions, and so on have led to the nation of Limbra taking on more-or-less its current form.

-757 PA: The first of many wars breaks out between the modern forms Ilessia and Limbra.

-672 PA: Limbra and Kyana begin a hundred-and-twelve year long war over that dinky little island between them. The whole thing is stupid and everyone tells them so.

-583 PA: The unified Nation of Luren attempts to invade Peral and begin a new empire upon the fertile continent. It does not go swimmingly.

-239 PA: Formal treaties of peace and alliance are signed between Ilessia and Limbra.

-126 PA: The allied nations of Ilessia and Limbra attempt to invade Peral and jointly forge a new empire upon the fertile continent. It does not go swimmingly.

-111 PA: Dreamers start to become common enough that they are generally accepted to exist, although little is known about these mysterious super-powered people.

-97 PA: With the exception of Luren still being one nation, as of this year all of the current Indelan nations exist in more-or-less their current forms.

-93 PA: A major diplomatic incident between the Allied Nations of Aldonis and the Dymaran Kingdoms threatens to turn to war between the six nations, but cooler heads manage to prevail. Lots of thanks to Limbra and Veneil, very little thanks to Ilessia and Darpon.

-80 PA: The first nuclear weapon is successfully tested by Ilessia.

-65 PA: Civil War breaks out in the Indelan nation of Luren.

-61 PA: Peace treaties are signed between the new nation of East Luren and its parent nation West Luren.

-33 PA: Veneil attempts to respectfully visit Peral and form a large-scale trade agreement among a dozen of its preeminent city-states, gaining unprecedented access to fine Perallan agricultural products and begin a new mercantile empire in alliance with the fertile continent. It goes swimmingly.

0 PA: The Year of the Awakening. A small group of powerful Dreamers reveal their true identities and powers to the world, forming the nucleus of what will eventually become the Assembly and beginning the process of making Dreamers a well-known and understood phenomenon in the world.

5 PA: Spiritual Energy is scientifically confirmed.

8 PA: The Children of Paradise are formed.

9 PA: The Seekers of the Dream are founded.

13 PA: The first anti-Dreamer protest is held by a group that within five years will grow into the organization now known as the Reclaimers.

27 PA: The Better World Institute is formed.

28 PA: Power scanning technology is successfully produced without Dreamer assistance, becoming the first piece of Dreamtech to be successfully converted into normal technology.

29 PA: IDEA is established.

30 PA: The first mecha is built in Darpon, a giant robot designed to harness a pilot's Spiritual Energy in the same way a chi-user does. Mecha technology will spread to the other Dymaran Kingdoms within five years, but it will be another fifty before other nations are able to perfect the technology.

33 PA: Initial experiments in Aura are begun by the Better World Institute on one of the Braizen Isles.

37 PA: The first armed satellite is launched into space by the Indelan nation Haptarus. Other countries scramble to do the same. Within a decade, space is weaponized.

40 PA: The Indelan nation Haptarus sends a huge fleet of aircraft to invade the nation of Peral and begin a new empire on the fertile continent. It goes swimmingly in the sense that most of the planes end up in the ocean. Otherwise, no, it does not go swimmingly.

42 PA: In response to an increase in Dreamer crime and vigilantism throughout Ilessia, SIDE is founded.

50 PA: On the bi-centennial anniversary of the Assembly's founding, the world's premier Dreamer organization announces the creation of Hero Corps and the Assembly Cleanup Crew, allowing Dreamers who wish to use their powers to help and protect others a means to do so without the difficulties of vigilantism.

61 PA: SIDE, in association with Hero Corps, develops the Threat Level system as a way of prioritizing dangers.

67 PA: The Reclaimers develop their own Threat Level system as a way of categorizing the danger presented by Dreamers to Normal people.

68 PA: A positive repercussion of the weaponizing of space - a joint effort between Ilessia, Limbra, Kyana, Veneil, Leron, Haptarus, Peral, Dyburen, and Terol (as well as now-defunct Indelan nations Arazeth and Michtor) establishes the Safety Net, a network of defense satellites capable of detecting and destroying incoming meteors and similar threats before they can become a global hazard.

69 PA: In just sixty years, the Seekers of the Dream have become a global religion nearly on par with Deionism and the Arch-Faith.

70 PA: The first Energy Farms are established.

72 PA: Paradisia rises from the ocean, causing devastating tsunamis to coastal cities of Gil, Fasus, Terol, Luren (East more than West), western Ilessia (Verdania in particular suffered terrible flooding) and Limbra, and pretty much aaaalllll along the east coast of Peral. In no doubt entirely unrelated news, the first Pits are discovered in the Braizen Isles. The Better World Institute declares the effort an unqualified success and begins planning their next Big Thing.

75 PA: The first PitTech is developed.

76 PA: The current Emperor of Haptarus incites a military coup that leads to a civil war.

78 PA: The Emperor of Haptarus conquers his home nation and declares it a monarchy.

79 PA: With a population of over a million Dreamers and an established government, Paradisia is officially recognized as a new nation on the world stage, and joins the nations involved in the Safety Net.

80 PA: The first Mutants come about.

82 PA: Matter generation Dreamtech is advanced to the point that it can be used economically. Combined with Energy Farm technology, poverty begins to rapidly dwindle throughout the developed world.

84 PA: The potential of Braizen Radiation has attracted numerous settlers. Several fortified keeps and fortress cities are established. Conflict becomes common in the Braizen Isles.

87 PA: The Nation of Haptarus begins its war of conquest.

89 PA: The Indelan nation Hittorm falls to Haptarus.

93 PA: The Indelan nation Eskavie falls to Haptarus.

94 PA: The Indelan nation Michtor falls to Haptarus.

95 PA: The first Null, as they are currently known, manifests her powers.

97 PA: The Indelan nation Peora falls to Haptarus.

100 PA: The Indelan nation Necht falls to Haptarus. Haptarus officially declares his nation an Empire, and takes its name as his own.

101 PA: Veneil declares war upon Haptarus.

103 PA: The initial version of Limbra's Matrix is completed.

104 PA: The Indelan nation Gradis falls to Haptarus.

106 PA: The Indelan nation Ytheria falls to Haptarus.

108 PA: The Free Nations of Indelar set aside their differences and formally create a continent-wide alliance against Haptarus.

109 PA: The Indelan nation Arazeth falls to Haptarus.

110 PA: The Indelan nation Lamas falls to Haptarus.

112 PA: The Indelan nation Restille falls to Haptarus.

114 PA: Ilessia declares war against Haptarus.

115 PA: The Indelan nation Breth falls to Haptarus.

118 PA: A mad scientist from the Braizen Isles equipped with PitTech teleportation technology, robots of all sizes, and a small army of mutants, attempts to invade Peral and oh gods you know how this goes.

120 PA: The Indelan nation Egardia falls to Haptarus.

124 PA: Current year.

[Quellian-dyrae]

So, I've started doing some more Aranth writing. I think once I'm done with it I might start a new thread and get everything reorganized, but for now I'm just gonna append stuff in the next few posts. Totally unorganized but whatever, it'll be up. First off, a more thorough look at the Ilessian Justice System and what actually happens to all those villains PCs defeat!

The Ilessian Justice System

The Ilessian penal system is designed around three main goals, in descending order of importance:

1) To keep society safe by keeping dangerous or harmful people away from others.
2) To rehabilitate criminals so that they do not turn to crime in the future, and can thus reenter society without being a threat to others.
3) To serve as a deterrent to crime by presenting the threat of punishment.

Societal Debt: Societal debt is the primary form of penalty for crimes that are primarily material or financial in nature, as well as part of the penalty assessed for crimes committed for financial purposes. "Crime doesn't pay" as an explicit function of the justice system, pretty much. Put simply, as a result of the crime, the criminal owes society a certain amount of money. Major financial crimes may also carry prison time.

The amount is generally based on the financial weight of the crime committed. In general, the amount of debt accrued is 120% of the value of whatever was lost/stolen/destroyed/acquired in payment for the crime/etc. Judges may assess higher penalties in special circumstances, although these rarely go above 200% of the value and never above 300%.

Societal debt is paid to the Ilessian government directly, equivalent to tax income, but the government also carries the responsibility for reimbursing citizens who lost income or property to crime. That being said, the government is not required to make an exact repayment if it can repair the loss at a lower cost. Likewise, such reparations may sometimes be settled through payment plans, tax deductions, or similar means.

Societal debt is not required to be paid immediately. When assessing societal debt, judges also determine what percent of the convict's income must go towards paying it each month. This counts as a tax, which does entail certain legal limits on what can be charged (there is a certain minimum income that citizens cannot be taxed below, for example). Of course, a convict can pay off its debt faster if desired. In most cases, minimum payments will be deducted automatically from the convict's accounts, and the government can seize assets if necessary to pay off societal debt. When a convict fails to make payments despite these options, it may be sentenced to prison.

Income earned by the government through societal debt is legally limited in what it can be used for - primarily, it is for reinbursing victims of crime, for disaster relief or humanitarian aid, or for emergency expenditures. It is prohibited from being used as payment for any government employee or funding for any government project. This is in an effort to prevent anyone from having a financial stake in increasing the amount of crime in the country or unjustly taxing criminals.

Prison Terms: First, let's make absolutely clear that Ilessian prisons are "not that bad". They're not fun by any means, but the main "punishment" aspect of prison is that your life is on hold and you have little-to-no freedoms or luxuries. It's the adult version of time out, pretty much. But as much care is taken to ensure the safety and security of the prisoners as is taken to prevent escapes. While this doesn't make it impossible for a prisoner to be injured, sexually assaulted, or even killed, such events are rare and taken extremely seriously.

Part of what makes this possible is that roughly 75% of the prison staff are robots. While human guards can take control of or communicate through the robots, they have limited access, primarily for making complex decisions. Actions are logged and subject to review, to prevent corruption. The robots are programmed to follow prison protocols, and are robust enough that they can fairly trivially neutralize prisoners without permanent harm without being subject to much risk themselves. This helps foster a non-hostile relationship between the prisoners and the guards, as the latter are rarely in close contact with the former and thus have little need to fear for their safety, nor ability to abuse their authority.

Spoiler: Typical Prison Guard Robot (PL 6, 90 PP)

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Abilities

STR: 6. STA: -. AGI: 0. DEX: 0. FGT: 6. INT: -. AWE: 0. PRE: -5.

Stats

Attack: +6. Damage: +6. Dodge: +6. Parry: +6. Toughness: +6. Fortitude: IMMUNE. Will: +6. Init: +8.

Skills

Perception 12 (+12).

Advantages

Defensive Attack, Improved Initiative 2, Interpose, Takedown.

Powers

Robot: Immunity 30 (Fortitude Effects; Quirk 5 [Subject to Affects Objects powers, substituting Toughness for Fortitude]), Feature 1 (Possesses a Will trait despite Absent Intellect, which begins at -5, and immunities for Absent Intellect don't apply to technopathic or similar effects), Enhanced Will 11 (Limited [Non-mental Effects]), Protection 6 {38}.

Heavy Armor: Impervious Toughness 6 {6}.

Cyber Security: Immunity 10 (Technopathic Compulsion; Limited [Half Effect]) {5}.

Wheels: Speed 4 {4}.

Sensors: Senses 10 (Radius Vision, Vision Counters All Concealment, Vision Penetrates Concealment, Acute Analytical Visual Detect [Inorganic Matter]) {13}.

Computerized: Quickness 4 {4}.

Weapons Systems: 18-point Strength-discounted Array {18-6+3}.

Servo Strength: Damage 6 Linked Affliction 6 (Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated; Fortitude) Linked Move Object 6 (Reduced Range [Close]).

Tazer: Affliction 6 (Dazed+Impaired+Vulnerable/Stunned+Disabled+Defenseless; Fortitude; Ranged, Extra Condition 2, Limited Degree).

Riot Burst: Affliction 6 (Impaired/Stunned; Fortitude; Burst Area, Selective, Limited Degree) Linked Deflect 6 (Burst Area, Selective, Reduced Range [Close], Limited [Others Only]).

Knockout Gas: Damage 6 (Cone Area 2, Sleep, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude]).

Calculations

Abilities -6 + Defenses 0 + Skills 6 + Advantages 5 + Powers 85 = 90 PP

Spoiler: Typical Prison - PL 10 Installation, 30 EP

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Size: Gargantuan {4}.

Toughness: 14 {4}.

Features: Communications, Computer, Fire Prevention System, Gym, Holding Cells, Infirmary, Personnel, Power System, Security System 4 (Technology DC 35) {12}.

Robot Guards [Defense System 5]: Summon 6 (Heroic [Limited: can be treated as Minions against superior opponents at GM discretion], Permanent, Controlled, Communication Link, Feature 2 [Sensory Link - Visual, Audio], Innate, Multiple Minions 6) {5}.

Projection Blocker [Defense System 1]: Immunity 20 (Projections) {1}.

Reinforced Structure [Defense System 1]: Impervious Toughness 13, Immunity 2 (Critical Hits), Immunity 5 (Acid Damage) {1}.

Security Cameras [Defense System 1]: Senses 15 (Radius Vision, Rapid Vision 2, Rapid Hearing 2, Ranged Acute Detect [Dreamer Powers], Darkvision, Accurate Hearing, Ranged Acute Touch Sense, Analytical Vision); Perception 10 {1}.

Automated Suppression Systems [Weapons 2]: 35-point Array {2}.

Beanbag Autoguns: Damage 10 (Ranged, Multiattack, Accurate 5, Extended Range, Quirk [Rank reduced by target's ranks of Impervious Toughness]).

Water Cannon: Move Object 10 (Damaging, Accurate 5, Feature [Can Damage and Maneuver simultaneously], Diminished Range 1).

Knockout Gas: Damage 10 (Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, 5 ranks Area 2, Sleep, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude]).

Infrasonic Suppressor: Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Burst Area, Cumulative); Enhanced Trait 10 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited Degree).

Ultrasonic Suppressor: Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will; Burst Area, Cumulative); Enhanced Trait 10 (Extra Condition [Vulnerable/Defenseless]; Limited Degree).

Net Cannon: Affliction 10 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Prowess; Burst Area, Cumulative); Enhanced Trait 10 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated]; Limited [Physical Actions Only]).

Spoiler: SIDE Prison - PL 15 Installation, 50 EP

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Size: Gargantuan {4}.

Toughness: 20 {7}.

Features: Communications, Computer, Fire Prevention System, Gym, Holding Cells 3 [Punishment, Sleeper], Infirmary, Personnel, Power System, Security System 5 (Technology DC 40), Self Repairing {16}.

Robot Guards [Defense System 7]: Summon 8 (Heroic, Permanent, Controlled, Communication Link, Feature 2 [Sensory Link - Visual, Audio], Innate, Multiple Minions 6); Immunity 20 (All Technopathic Effects; Affects Others Only, Limited [Half Effect]). {7}.

Projection Blocker [Defense System 1]: Immunity 20 (Projections), Immunity 20 (All Technopathic Effects; Limited [Half Effect]) {1}.

Reinforced Structure [Defense System 1]: Impervious Toughness 20, Immunity 5 (Burrowing), Immunity 15 (Defense-resisted Attacks; Limited [Half Effect], Limited [Penetrating Only]) {1}.

Power Dampeners [Defense System 9]: Feature 2 (Possesses a Fortitude and Will score, despite Absent Abilities, starting at -5); Enhanced Fortitude 20 (Limited [Affects Objects Effects]); Enhanced Will 20 (Limited [Non-Mental Effects]); Nullify Dreamer Powers 15 (Perception Range, Burst Area, Broad, Simultaneous, Concentration, Sustained, Precise, Limited [Targets in or on the Installation]) Linked Affliction 15 (Entranced/Stunned/Transformed; Fortitude; Perception Range, Burst Area, Cumulative, Precise, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only, Transformed removes all powers], Limited [Targets in or on the Installation]) Linked Weaken Dreamer Powers 15 (Will; Broad, Simultaneous, Perception Range, Burst Area, Progressive, Feature 20 [Improved Cap], Precise, Limited [Dreamer Powers Only, Transformed removes all powers], Limited [Targets in or on the Installation]) {9}.

Deflection Field [Defense System 1]: Feature 1 (Possesses a Dodge and Parry score, despite Absent Agility and Fighting, starting at -5); Enhanced Dodge/Parry 15; Immunity 2 (Critical Hits); Defensive Attack, Improved Defense {1}.

Security Cameras [Defense System 1]: Senses 20 (Radius Vision, Rapid Vision 2, Rapid Hearing 2, Ranged Acute Analytical Detect [Dreamer Powers], Vision Counters All Concealment, Accurate Hearing, Ranged Acute Touch Sense, Analytical Vision, Analytical Hearing); Perception 20 {1}.

Automated Weapon Systems [Weapons 3]: 83-point Array {3}.

Autocannons: Damage 15 (Ranged, Multiattack) Linked Weaken Toughness 15 (Toughness; Ranged); Accurate 8.

Nanite Bladeports: Damage 10 (Multiattack, Secondary Effect, Affects Insubstantial 2, Incurable) Linked Affliction 10 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cumulative) Linked Weaken Toughness 10 (Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense]); Accurate 10.

Knockout Gas: Damage 15 (Cloud Area, Secondary Effect, Sleep, Alternate Resistance [Fortitude]) Linked Affliction 15 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Cloud Area) Enhanced Trait 15 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited Degree).

Infrasonic Suppressor: Affliction 15 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Fortitude; Burst Area, Cumulative, Progressive); Enhanced Trait 15 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned]; Limited Degree).

Ultrasonic Suppressor: Affliction 15 (Impaired/Disabled/Incapacitated; Will; Burst Area, Cumulative, Progressive); Enhanced Trait 10 (Extra Condition [Vulnerable/Defenseless]; Limited Degree).

Nanite Net Cannon: Affliction 15 (Vulnerable/Defenseless/Paralyzed; Prowess; Burst Area, Cumulative, Progressive); Enhanced Trait 10 (Extra Condition [Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated]; Limited [Physical Actions Only]).

Laser Cannon: Damage 15 (Perception Range, Alternate Resistance [Highest Active Defense], Secondary Effect, Penetrating 8).

Support Drones: Damage 15 (Targeted Burst Area, Selective, Limited [May only make Team Attacks]) Linked Deflect 15 (Burst Area, Selective, Reflect, Reduced Range [Close]), Accurate 8.

Prisons are not uncomfortable, but they aren't anything close to nice. Cells are clean and private (with regards to other prisoners; they are remotely monitored with surveillance technology 24/7 from multiple angles), kept at a reasonable temperature, and usually around 50 square feet, but they are pretty much limited to a cot with minimal bedding, a toilet, and a sink. Prisoners receive sufficient and nutritious food, but it's pretty much bland and what they serve is what you get. There are entertainment options available, but access to them is not in prisoner control, you just get what they give you on any given day. And so on.

Each cell has a touch-screen computer interface installed. Primarily, this interface is used by prison authorities for communication with the prisoner, and also allows prisoners to take notes or send communications both internally and externally (all of which are monitored and reviewed by prison staff; they aren't real-time). The interfaces also allow access to approved news feeds and educational reading.

However, good behavior, assisting law enforcement or prison authorities, and similar things can earn prisoners additional luxuries. This can range from better food, to more choice in entertainment, to more visitation days, to more in-cell functionality for their interfaces (such as access to fiction books, television shows, movies, music, and websites), and so on. Generally speaking, good behavior gets you some minimal luxuries that can get rescinded if your behavior worsens. Assisting the prison staff and generally being a positive force in the prison community usually gives significant but one-off rewards. And lasting significant rewards are provided for major things like helping law enforcement with other cases.

Conversely, luxuries can be taken away for negative behavior, such as losing entertainment time or options, or being assigned menial tasks. Actual crimes within prison are responded to with stricter security measures and extensions of sentencing.

Prison terms are fairly flexible. Based on the crime committed, convicts are assigned a maximum prison sentence. Minor crimes generally have a maximum sentence of a year or less, while more serious crimes can go up to a decade. Severe crimes that have caused irreparable harm to others can be given a maximum sentence of up to 25 years (if there are mitigating factors) or can be assigned no maximum. However, even if a sentence lacks a maximum, that doesn't mean the subject can never be released; in fact, ideally, most subjects will be released from prison before their maximum terms have expired, as a result of rehabilitation efforts.

"Life in prison" is a possibility, but it's rare, because it goes against the goal of rehabilitation with an eye towards eventual reintegration into society. It is an explicitly punitive option invoked in cases of crimes that are deemed to directly undermine Ilessian institutions. Primarily, this means High Treason. However, it is worth noting that a life sentence is possible for attacks targeting the families of Ilessian law enforcement, government, military, or emergency services personnel or officials. Due to extensive Reclaimer lobbying, murder committed with a Dreamer power can also be subject to a life sentence in a SIDE detention facility.

Ilessia does not execute criminals.

Rehabilitation: A primary goal of Ilessian prisons is the rehabilitation of criminals.

Recognizing that a great many crimes are the result of serious economic problems, the prisons offer educational and vocational training, providing inmates with the skills necessary to productively reenter the workforce upon their release. In the case of Dreamers, SIDE prison facilities offer training in controlling one's powers. Further, prisons are equipped with energy collection technology. Most prison energy collection is slightly more efficient than your average commercial energy collection facility (125% collection), and the cells are particularly efficient at collecting energy at rest. So your average civilian prisoner generates about 4 credits per hour at rest, and 20 credits per hour working efficiently (which they can expect to be able to do for the usual 6+Stamina hours per day). Thus, an average inmate can typically generate a total of 192 credits per day (of course, more athletic inmates can generate more, and Dreamers can generate much more). Most prisons require prisoners to generate at least 150 credits per day.

25% of energy generated by an inmate is credited to its personal account. Of this, 80% is put into a savings account which the inmate cannot access until release, and the remainder is available to the inmate to send to family or charitable institutions of their choice, exchange with other prisoners, or purchase the occasional thing offered by the prison. The rest is taken by the prison. However, these credits are only used to pay for prison maintenance (actual energy use, supplies, government-mandated salaries for staff, etc). Any credits in excess of the prison's budget are put into a weekly lottery. By default, each prisoner gets five entries into the lottery. More can be given for good behavior/assistance, or their entries can be removed as a punishment. Each week, a certain number of entries are drawn, and that week's lottery is divided among those prisoners' accounts (put entirely into their active accounts, so it's available for use during their incarceration). This ensures prisons are largely self-sufficient, but also don't offer anyone a particular financial stake in, say, how many prisoners they have or the like.

It also ensures that time in prison is strictly financially negative; even working a basic energy generation job, most people can earn at least twice as much as a prisoner earns with the same amount of effort. However, since 80% of the income is saved over the course of the prisoner's incarceration, the prisoner gets out with a substantial credit reserve, allowing them to immediately get back on their feet.

If the inmate also has accrued Societal Debt, then up to half of its personal earnings can be taken by the government to cover it. Prisoner earnings are taxed normally. With good behavior, a prisoner who generates more than "its share" of energy may also be able to work out a deal to let some of its overflow go towards family members, Societal Debt, charitable institutions it favors, or the like, rather than being folded back into the lottery.

Finally, prisons offer therapy and psychiatric services. These are strictly for behavioral problems, not actual mental diseases or defects, which are treated in the public health system, not the prison system. But where psychiatric correction can discourage future crime, the prison offers the resources necessary to overcome one's problems and reenter society productively. A big part of actually getting released early involves convincing therapists and evaluators that you understand what you did wrong, you regret it, and you are unlikely to do it again. Medication is also prescribed as needed.

The services offered by the prisons are mandatory, but not all are mandatory for all inmates. The prison staff determines on an individual basis what services are necessary for which prisoners.

Once a prisoner is deemed rehabilitated, unless they have a true Life Sentence, they are released, even if their maximum sentence hasn't been served. As long as the prison staff and evaluators are confident that you are ready to reenter society as a productive and law-abiding citizen, they have no further need to incarcerate you. While prisons are meant to be a punishment to serve as a deterrent, they are not meant to serve as a punitive measure to get "justice" for the victims. This is done through civil suits, or the methods of Societal Debt and Societal Wipe. Naturally, if a former criminal offends again, it will be looking at longer sentences, and it will be harder to convince evaluators of its rehabilitation.

Parole: Parole is a sort of "partial release" from prison. Most of the time, parole is for convicts who reach their maximum sentence without being deemed rehabilitated. In some cases, where a convict is deemed probably rehabilitated but there is some doubt, parole is also assigned.

A paroled convict is no longer in prison, but they aren't fully free either. The courts place certain limits upon them; where they can go, what jobs they can work, sometimes who they can associate with (if they have known criminal associates), what they can spend money on (barring a small allowance), etc. They are assigned a parole officer who they have to check in regularly with and who can check in on them at will - and who they can go to for help as needed with their reintegration. Sometimes they are forced to wear tracking devices, power suppressors, or the like. This allows them to reenter society and start making their way, but keeps a government eye on them. As the parole goes on and they appear to be reintegrating nicely, the limitations are gradually relaxed.

Paroled convicts still have criminal status. Parole can last indefinitely if deemed appropriate, but in most cases it only goes on for a few months to a year.

Supervised Release: Lighter than parole, supervised release is usually for people who seem rehabilitated in a controlled setting, but there's some question about whether they're really entirely ready for release. Unlike a parolee, they have full freedom again, but they are assigned a social worker who they are expected to check in with regularly, who checks in on them at scheduled times, and who they can go to for help with their reintegration into society. In essence, a supervised release is more a "safety net", while a parole is more a "leash".

Supervised citizens no longer have criminal status (barring any remaining Societal Debts, although that's a different type of criminal status anyway). Supervision never lasts more than a year, and usually only lasts a couple of months, although there are private-sector companies that provide similar services, usually for a fee, some as a charitable service.

Redemption: Redemption is a legal option originally pioneered by Hero Corps, although with the right paperwork it can be invoked by other people who do good work, such as Independent heroes, police, SIDE agents, ACC members, Sentinels, and so on. When a Hero invokes the Redemption clause, it takes a criminal - typically one with Dreamer powers or some other substantial asset - into its custody, even if it otherwise still has a prison term to serve. This functions as a sort of parole, and the courts will assess limitations as necessary. Beyond the duties of a parole officer, though, the Hero is obliged to see to the convict's societal rehabilitation.

But beyond that, the main point of the Redemption clause is to allow the convict to use its powers (or other assets) to do good work under the Hero's guidance. The aim, ideally, is to fully redeem the convict by turning them into a powerful positive force in the world.

The Redemption Clause can even be used to forestall Societal Wipe. Someone with the power to do true good can, with enough work, do enough to atone for even terrible past misdeeds, allowing them to retain their identity - although some choose to forsake it anyway.

While Redemption is a great thing, it should not be undertaken lightly. A failed Redemption that leads to further crime or harm can result in legal backlash, and will almost always result in strong social and reputational backlash on the Hero who attempts it. And, of course, it means living with the guilt that you let a villain back on the street, and people were hurt or killed as a result.

Criminal Status: Criminal status is a matter of public record - while the punishment is active. While a sealed record available to law enforcement persists, once a Societal Debt is paid and/or prison sentence served, there is no public record of the criminal activity. Again, the Ilessian justice system is about rehabilitating criminals and returning them to society, which a lingering black mark will not help. Likewise, if a criminal has been rehabilitated, there is no point in a constant reminder of who it used to be. There are strict laws against discriminating against people based on past criminal records.

Societal Wipe: Some crimes can never be balanced out by financial reparation. These crimes pretty much always entail a substantial prison sentence, typically an indefinite one, but the way the Ilessian prison system works, with its focus on rehabilitation...this still lacks a certain sense of justice for the victims and their loved ones. The prison system is meant to be a punishment, but not punitive; to reform criminals and allow them to reenter society. Civil suits can be used to get justice for lesser crimes, in additional to prison terms. But for some crimes...there needs to be something stronger. This is Societal Wipe.

Societal Wipe, from a social standpoint, sets the convict back to square one, a blank slate. They are, essentially, cut off from their former identity and assigned a new one - name, citizen id, and so on. Any assets that they had sole ownership of are seized (following rules for Societal Debt, but immediate). Friends, family, coworkers, and others who knew them are informed of the crime their committed and their loss of identity, and while they are not required to forsake them entirely, it's not uncommon. Finally, unlike most prisoners, they are prohibited from receiving visitors or outside contact in prison.

Societal Wipe is largely meant to serve as a sort of symbolic execution. Every asset they had, everything they worked on, their reputation and name, are taken from them. Their relationships will often crumble. If they are released from prison, they are, for most intents, an entirely new person. While their new identity has a clean slate (and any credits earned in prison), the old identity will never lose its criminal status. If they ever seek to make use of their old identity, it retains its former criminal status, and they can be subject to a new Societal Wipe and prison sentence if reported. They are not prohibited from contacting those they used to know, although those people may no longer want anything to do with them.

But they are not dead, nor necessarily imprisoned for life. They can still be rehabilitated and released, and start anew. The person who committed the unforgivable crime, in this case, is gone. They have lost everything, which is the most severe punishment the Ilessian legal system will offer. The newly rehabilitated person, so long as it forsakes its old identity, is free to rejoin society and start forging a new, and hopefully better, life.

[Quellian-dyrae]

In addition, I'm doing a fairly significant overhaul of the "organizations"; I'm going to detail an organization for each non-Ilessian country-group (with the Children of Paradise being moved to be this for Paradisia), and I'm expanding the religions list (and moving the Seekers of the Dream over here). The four remaining main organizations - the Assembly, SIDE, IDEA, and the Reclaimers - will be more specifically defined as Ilessian Dreamer-centric organizations (which are kinda a thing Ilessia is known for). They'll mostly be as written, although I might go into a bit more detail on some things. Regardless, to them, I'm adding one more, and it's written up so:

Big Dreams Inc.

Big Dreams, Inc. is a huge corporation with fingers in a whole lot of financial pies. They specialize in Powers for Profit, using Dreamer powers to make big money. They operate in similar circles to the Assembly, but focus less on the more societal aspects of things, and more on business and business-related interests. For example, while they don't have the sort of massive media presence or legal lobbies as the Assembly, their marketing, advertising, and legal resources are at least as robust. The vast majority of Big Dreams employees are Dreamers - for the most part, Others are only involved as independent contractors for basic labor, and even that's kinda rare. There are a few Others who have earned their way into the company by virtue of having sufficient sheer skill to compete with Dreamers in their fields, but it's a tiny percentage of the company.

The founding principles of Big Dreams are helping Dreamers use their powers to earn the sort of income and build the sort of life they deserve. While they don't place any great inherent value on Dreamers themselves, they say it's a simple fact that Dreamers have more to offer society than an equivalent Other person, and should both be using their powers where they can provide the most benefit to society, and be earning a profit commensurate with the extremely valuable services they can provide. As an organization, they have a reputation for caring about two things and two things only: Wealth and Power. This isn't strictly accurate, but it's not unfair to say that these are, if not the primary motivations of many of those in the company (especially at the higher levels), at least important steps to achieving those motivations. That being said, one of the company's mottos is "A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement". They have a firm understanding that long-term gains come from long-lasting relationships, and actively cultivate strong business partnerships, positive brand recognition, and loyal customer bases. They aren't opposed to achieving these things through marketing and advertising, but if they can do it through providing a superior product, service, or offer, that's all the better, and generally preferable.

Big Dreams has countless subsidiary businesses working in all areas of commerce. Their core function is to provide services for Dreamers in the business world. This ranges from helping Dreamers find jobs that suit their powers (sometimes in their own subsidiary companies, sometimes among other employers for a finder's fee), training Dreamers in the use of their powers in the business world and in various business skills, investing in Dreamer entrepreneurs, offering networking opportunities, and providing their own services to various businesses. Between their subsidiary companies, investments, and various fees and services, they bring in a lot of money. And between the powerful Dreamers on their Board of Directors, and the vast number of Dreamers in their various businesses or with connections to them, they have ready access to a tremendous amount of personal power.

It's a standard belief in the company that Dreamer powers are valuable, and failing to fully capitalize on that value is wasteful and stupid. Thus, they tend to look down on any sort of people or group who get Dreamers involved in such wasteful things as fighting. They see Hero Corps and various Independent heroes and vigilantes as just a heaping mass of wasted potential, and the Defiant, Dreamcatchers, Dreamer criminals, and similar people not only as criminals for what they do, but for perpetuating a culture where Dreamers feel like it's right and even good to use their powers to fight others. That said, let there be no doubt that Big Dreams absolutely has pieces in the public and private security games, and definitely has its share of members that cross legal and moral lines in the name of Wealth and Power.

At their best, Big Dreams, Inc. is a company that helps Dreamers take full advantage of their powers in the real world, and helps ensure that people are putting their powers to good and productive uses that everyone, Dreamers and Others alike, can reap the benefits of. At their worst, they are the epitome of the heartless megacorp that will do almost anything in the name of Wealth and Power.

Spoiler: Notable Factions

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The Big Dreams Network: The Big Dreams Network is in many ways the core of Big Dreams, Inc. It is a firm that primarily works to assist Dreamers in profitizing their powers - in exchange, of course, for a healthy commission. The Network primarily offers legal, financial, marketing, and training services - advisors, seminars, classes, and so on for Dreamers seeking to make a profit with their powers. Beyond that, though, the Network is, well, just that, a country-wide network of Dreamer professionals. The Network facilitates communications between Dreamers who might be able to assist each other's business goals, as well as seeking out Dreamers who could improve the marketability of their powers. The Network is also active in high schools and colleges, helping jump-start Dreamer students' entry into the work force as well as offering loans, scholarships, and (very often paid) internships for promising students. Many colleges have a sorority and fraternity tied into the Network, allowing Dreamers an exclusive place to meet, build relationships, and interact with other successful Dreamers. Finally, the Network is the single largest source of investments for Dreamer startups in the country. While the Network does offer paid services, they prefer to work on a commission basis, receiving a percentage of additional earnings over a set period of time rather than a flat fee. They feel this is both better for their clients and brings in a higher profit in the long term.

DreamCorp: DreamCorp is the largest subsidiary company of Big Dreams. "DreamCorp Sells Every Thing" is the company's slogan, and it is not far from the truth. Pretty much any material good available on the open market - and quite a few that aren't - can be found in one of DreamCorp's enormous stores or on its website, at competitive prices. DreamCorp handles the entire process in-house - production, marketing, transport, sales - and its employees are 100% Dreamer. Any tasks not done by Dreamers are done by robots or other automated machinery. With a small workforce, no need for middlemen, and the incredible efficiency of purely Dreamer employment, DreamCorp can offer a bewildering array of products at a low cost, and pass the savings right on to its...uh, shareholders, mostly. But enough to its customers to beat most lesser retail outlets. While DreamCorp employees do receive extremely comfortable salaries, the lion's share of their income comes from stock in the company.

It's worth noting that for those who know where to go and what to ask, DreamCorp is also a substantial resource for illicit and black market products.

The Dream Jobs Center: While the Network helps prepare Dreamers for the workforce, the DJC is all about finding Dreamers the jobs that their powers are optimized for (and collecting the resultant finder's fees). The DJC primarily works at matching Dreamers to jobs and jobs to Dreamers, but they also work to secure the positions and negotiate on behalf of their Dreamer clients. A big part of the DJC is ensuring that the Dreamers receive the compensation they deserve for their jobs. The DJC focuses primarily on long-term employment, but they do have subsidiaries - DJC Temp and DJC Gigs - for finding temporary or one-off jobs, both of which are extremely popular as they are very good at negotiating a high price for useful powers, allowing Dreamers to do some quick work, cash a big check, and then go about doing what they like until they need money again.

Dream Team Securities: The Big Dreams security firm, offering Dreamer-caliber protection for a price. Very importantly, none of their bodyguards, troubleshooters, mercenaries, and so on are actually Dreamers. They provide combat-robots designed by master super-inventors, mercenaries bolstered by Dreamer augmentations and equipped with cutting-edge Dreamtech weaponry or powered armor, technopathically fortified automated defense and security systems, battle-ready summoned guardians, and so on. In short, they put Dreamer powers to protective work while keeping their incredibly valuable Dreamers as far the flip from harm's way as humanly possible! They are founded on one of the core principles of Big Dreams, Inc: that putting resources as valuable as powerful Dreamers into situations where they could actually die is the most monumentally stupid decision that one could possibly make in the modern age.

Organization-related Benefits

Assembly Agent: You are a member of the Agency. Your media connections allow you to get access to people and events centered around Dreamer entertainment more easily than most, and you get a +2 bonus on Deception and Persuasion checks when interacting with the media or entertainment producers. If you also have the Connected Advantage, this bonus also applies to checks to secure favors from Dreamer celebrities that you represent.

Members of the Agency also typically have at least one rank of Wealth, with two being the average.

Hero: You are a full-fledged member of Hero Corps. When operating in a heroic capacity, you can expect the Assembly to spin your actions in the best possible light, and to cover minor-to-moderate legal or financial issues (such as collateral damage) that might come up. You can also expect most people to be generally aware of who you are, which usually results in a favorable response from civilians, and a healthy respect from villains and criminals. Most enemies will know better than to try to go after your loved ones to get at you.

The Hero Corps salary is enough to justify Wealth 1 if it's not put to other use.

ACC: You are a member of the Assembly Cleanup Crew. You can expect to be shown respect and welcome from all but the most hateful of individuals (or those who have personal reason to dislike you), and you have the Assembly's backing with respect to charitable or humanitarian works you wish to undertake. If you come under attack while acting in your official capacity, you can expect any Heroes who might come to defend you to give their all - you may spend your Hero Points and Luck Rerolls on their behalf.

The Assembly Cleanup Crew salary is enough to justify Wealth 1 if it's not put to other use.

Circle of the Shared Dream: You have managed to secure a position in the enigmatic Circle of the Shared Dream. This Benefit extends the scope of other Benefits that afford social and political influence, if you possess them, as the GM deems appropriate for being a member of this powerful secret society. Affected benefits include, but are not limited to, Wealth, Fame, Security Clearance, and Diplomatic Immunity. The Circle is made up exclusively of Dreamers with a personal Threat Level of 8 or higher, and members generally possess at a minimum Wealth 4 and Cipher 4 in addition to this Benefit, and they must also possess the Shared Dream powers. Naturally, GM discretion is strongly advised before allowing a PC to take this option.

Spoiler: Shared Dream

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Shared Dream: Immunity 2 (Hostile powers from other members of the Circle), Senses 1 (Communication Link [Other members of the Circle]), Feature 1 (Choose an array; power stunts off of that array can be used to duplicate powers of other members of the Circle, and they can power stunt off of their chosen array to duplicate powers of your array), Feature 1 (Shared Dream powers cannot be detected by power scans and the like) {5}.

FIRE-SIDE Agent: You are an agent of FIRE-SIDE, which gives you full law enforcement authority with regards to Dreamers and Dreamer-related crimes, as well as basic SIDE security clearance. You receive a +2 bonus on Insight checks against Dreamers.

IN-SIDE Operative: You are an operative of IN-SIDE, immune from prosecution for most crimes committed as part of an authorized IN-SIDE operation, and able to access basic confidential SIDE information. You receive a +2 bonus on Deception checks against Dreamers.

OUT-SIDE Soldier: You are a soldier of OUT-SIDE, which gives you basic military clearance, access, and authority, not to mention a reputation for being part of one of the most elite forces in the Ilessian military. You receive a +2 bonus on Intimidation checks against Dreamers.

TOP-SIDE Analyst: You are an analyst in TOP-SIDE, which gives you access to high-level SIDE clearances and protocols. If you can come up with a credible way to use your equipment or environment to potentially counteract a Dreamer's powers, you may take the Counter action using your Expertise (Tactics, SIDE Agent, or Dreamer Lore) rank minus 5 as the rank of the Counter.

DES-SIDE Specialist: You are a security specialist in DES-SIDE, which gives you relatively easy and rapid access to SIDE prisons and security systems, as well as basic SIDE security clearance. You receive a +2 bonus on Technology checks to design or defeat security.

DAE Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Analysis and Education, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. Your experience with helping Dreamers understand the limits of their powers allows you to suggest possible power stunts to allied Dreamers - when doing so, you may spend a Hero Point to negate their fatigue from the stunt, as you come up with an efficient means of using their power to achieve the desired result.

DBM Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Biomechanics, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. When using the Inventor Advantage to create biological or cybernetic inventions that have purely personal physical effects (they can't just be fluff for an energy, sensory, mental, or otherwise non-physical power) you can design the invention concurrently with building it, rather than having to spend time on each one separately, though you must still make a separate check for each.

DDS Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Dreamer Studies, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. You have experience converting Dreamer powers into technology. When using the Inventor Advantage to create inventions based off the power of another Dreamer, if that Dreamer is present for the process, it can perform a Team Check for your check using its power rank.

DDA Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Dreamtech Analysis, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. You have experience analyzing Dreamtech; by studying a piece of Dreamtech as a move action, you can make a Technology check, DC 20 + one-fifth its PP value (before counting the Removable or Easily Removable flaws). If you succeed, you learn its basic function. With a two-degree success, you learn its full powers.

DDD Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Dreamtech Design, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. Your proficiency with constructing Dreamtech gives you a +2 bonus on Technology checks to use the Inventor Advantage.

DEM Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Energy Management, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. Most modern businesses, even those that have some things to hide, compete vigorously for energy efficiency consultations by skilled DEM scientists. As long as there's no specific, personal reason not to, you can use your credentials to talk your way into most businesses, and while they won't necessarily give you your run of the place, they'll show you around and let you in to certain relevant areas. If that isn't enough, getting into more heavily secured locations is for you to figure out.

DOS Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Occult Studies, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. You can use your Technology or Expertise (Science) skills to Aid other characters using the Artificer or Ritualist advantages. You may also spend a Hero Point to negate the fatigue from an ally's power stunt off of a power with the [Magic] source by helping them work out how to cast the spell they're attempting more effectively.

DPS Scientist: You work in IDEA's Department of Practical Sciences, giving you certain scientific certifications and credentials. Other IDEA scientists may see your work as almost trivially routine, but sometimes it's the routine stuff that's most important. When making Technology or Expertise (Science) checks as Routine checks, you treat your result as if you had rolled a 12 rather than a 10.

Dreamcatcher: You have turned your skills to the dark work of the Dreamcatchers. You are a master of unobtrusive surveillance; unless you interact with someone specifically, do something that draws particular attention, or are recognized personally, bystanders won't really notice or pay attention to you, meaning that general Investigation checks to canvas for information won't turn up your presence.

Elderage Graduate: You are a graduate of the prestigious Elderage College. You can be assumed to have a variety of contacts - former classmates, professors, etc - working in various high-level scientific fields. In addition to such networking resources, if you can't answer a question off the top of your head, you probably know someone who can. Given a minute or so and access to a means of communication, you may attempt to learn the answer to a question for an Expertise skill you aren't trained in. You use your highest Expertise skill to make the check, which cannot be Routined.

Light of Science: You are a member of the prestigious Lights of Science. You can expect great respect and reasonable assistance throughout the scientific community. You may substitute your highest Expertise or Technology skill for Persuasion when attempting to make a positive impression or request assistance or favors from members of the scientific community. You may also substitute any Expertise skill for Deception when trying to convince someone of something relevant to the field, or to recognize whether someone is trying to deceive you relative to such matters.

Authorized Sentinel: You are a member of the Sentinels, giving you limited authority to detain criminals, carry weapons, and use force in defense of others. You get a +2 bonus on Persuasion towards Reclaimers and law-enforcement personnel, and a +2 bonus on Intimidation against Dreamers.

Repentant Dreamer: You are a member of the Repentent, taught how to control your powers...and, perhaps, how to make use of them to overcome those of other Dreamers. This Benefit gives you access to a special combat maneuver, similar to All Out Attack, Power Attack, and so on, called Repentance. While using Repentance, you take a penalty from -1 to -5 on all of your Dreamer power ranks, in return for an equal bonus on all resistance checks against Dreamer powers. You must have a Dreamer power with at least as many ranks as your penalty, you can't more than double any resistance bonus, and you must have at least five PP worth of Dreamer powers per point of the modifier you wish to use (so at least 25 points if you want to be able to take the full +/-5).

Defiant Fanatic: You are a fanatical Defiant, willing to die for your cause. You halve the effective rank of nonlethal Damage. However, your opponents may freely choose to inflict lethal Damage upon you, assuming they're willing to kill you (lethal damage renders you Dying when you would normally be Incapacitated, and kills you outright if you fail your resistance check by five or more degrees). Obviously, PCs should think carefully before taking this Benefit, but it's great for nameless Defiant Minions!

Speaker of Truth: You are a crazy conspiracy theorist Truthspeaker! Any time you attempt to gain information using Inspiration or the Well Informed advantage, you may request the GM give you some Truth along with it. The GM then provides some manner of obscure hint that could reveal some secret detail critical to the plot or setting, of its choice (you don't get to specify the subject). However, the GM can bury this hint among any number of equally tantalizing, but misleading, false, or outright crazy additional pieces of "information". You may reject Truth that directly conflicts with your character's core concept or beliefs, but that aside, your character is expected to act as if any Truth learned is, well, true. All claims and evidence to the contrary are clearly false information being perpetuated by the Dreamer Conspiracy!

Networker: You have joined the Big Dreams Network, giving you access to connections with a wide variety of entrepreneurial Dreamers. At the cost of a Hero Point representing a future off-screen favor, you can get a Dreamer to provide a power for a safe, non-combat, legal (unless you spend a second Hero Point) purpose. You may specify broadly what the power should do, but the GM builds it, and it has a point value equal to half your Persuasion skill, multiplied by your ranks in the Wealth benefit minus 1 (so if you have Persuasion 12 and Wealth 4, the power can be worth up to 18 points). It may take some time to contact the Dreamer and get them to where you need them, though, so this can't usually be done in fast-paced situations.

Most members of the Big Dreams Network have at least two ranks of Wealth, with three being the most common. There's only slightly fewer members with Wealth 4 than 2, and Wealth 5 is far from impossible.

DreamCorp Employee: You are an employee of DreamCorp, and DreamCorp Sells Every Thing. You can always provide a lead on where to find even the most obscure of items, provided they exist. You get a +2 bonus on any interaction skill checks necessary to acquire the items.

Even junior DreamCorp employees can justify Wealth 1 on their salary. Higher Wealth ranks can be assumed to directly translate to higher levels of authority in the corporation.

Dream Job: You work at the Dream Job Agency, which means you have access to files on all sorts of Dreamers looking to make a profit with their powers. Once per adventure, you can Edit Scene without spending a Hero Point to declare the existence of a Dreamer with a specific powerset (although the GM decides its actual stats). You get a +2 bonus on any interaction skill checks necessary to convince them to assist you, although Dreamers brought into play by this Benefit will never provide combat or otherwise dangerous assistance, and there's a -5 circumstance penalty on any checks to convince them to assist in an illegal activity (though your +2 still applies to offset this somewhat).

Even junior Dream Job agents can justify Wealth 1 on their salary. Higher Wealth ranks can be assumed to directly translate to higher levels of authority in the agency.

Dream Team Equipped: Your combat equipment and devices are provided by Dream Team industries. If lost beyond repair or recovery, it can always be replaced between adventures, assuming you have means of ordering and receiving the replacements. In addition, by spending a Hero Point, you can immediately access backup gear worth up to one rank of Equipment or one point's worth of Removable discounts (so, 5 PP of Equipment or Removable devices or 2.5 PP of Easily Removable devices) per rank of your Wealth advantage.

Most Dream Team mercenaries have at least Wealth 2 from salary, and people with elite skills of their own can easily reach Wealth 3.

Notable Organizations of Other Countries

The Association of Technomancers (Limbra)

The Association of Technomancers are a loose affiliation of technomancers who dedicate a substantial amount of their time to maintaining, expanding, and in some cases moderating the Matrix. They are unified in their belief of a free Matrix, one not controlled by the government or any big corporations, but beyond that they're a rather loose network. There's no official leadership to the Association, but there are "celebrities" who rise to (and fall from) prominence based on their work, knowledge, or just popularity, and their words often have sway with significant followings. The Association largely polices itself, meaning that if any one individual or faction seems to be gaining too much influence, others will usually step in to rein them in. The Association does have a fairly thriving counter-culture element, some of whom take their ideals to more extreme levels, seeking to use the power of the Matrix to bring down big corporations and even governments.

At their best, the Association of Technomancers are a group that volunteers to maintain the greatest technological and information resource in Limbra (and probably the world), for no profit and often at personal expense, so that everyone has equal use of the Matrix. At their worst, they're hackers and anarchists who take full advantage of both advanced technological skill and brutally powerful avatars to wreak havoc on whatever organizations attract their ire.

The Better World Institute (Paradisia)

The Better World Institute is the nucleus of what eventually became the nation of Paradisia. It is fair to say that no single organization has left as big a mark on the world as the Better World Institute - although that's not necessarily a compliment, since their work has led to the Pits of the Braizen Isles and the controversial (and highly destructive to coastal cities across the globe) raising of Paradisia. Dreamer scientists with the goal of creating a Dreamer Paradise, Paradisia was a huge step in the right direction, but it's not their end goal. Current plans involve colonizing Aranth's moon as an even more secure home, and eventually the Better World Scientists hope to be able to take Dreamers to a homeworld all their own.

At their best, the Better World Institute is a group of scientists and explorers who seek to provide Dreamers with safety and community that Mundane society cannot match. At their worst, the are obsessive Dreamer separationists who have no qualms about causing horrific collateral damage in the name of their "better world".

The Broken Ring (Indelar)

The Broken Ring is an underworld organization operating throughout the Free Nations of Indelar. They're thieves and criminals, no question, but to the common people of Indelar, they have a reputation as romantically dangerous folk heroes. They tend to have strong community ties, targeting big businesses and government institutions, and using a non-trivial portion of their wealth to improve the lives of the common people. They place a lot of emphasis on making sure people are able to live their lives and find some happiness even surrounded by the rigors of war. They also provide protection and even order to small communities whose normal law enforcement capability has been shattered by the war. The common people tend to view them favorably, but it's tough to say whether their hearts really are in the right place, or whether they just use great PR to bolster their influence and opportunity for personal profit - they give a lot back to their communities, but they also keep at least as much for themselves. And the problem with targeting businesses and governments in a war like the one Indelar is in, is that the resources they steal are very often needed for the countries' defense.

At their best, the Broken Ring is a Robin Hood style band that keep the corporations and governments of Indelar from using the war as an excuse to extract resources from their people, and offer the common folk protection against more dangerous criminals. At their worst, they're profiteering thieves who happily make Haptarus' job easier in the name of lining their own pockets.

The Champions' Guild (Dymara)

The term "champion" is used in Dymara in a much similar way as the term "hero" is used in Ilessia. There are regular, day-to-day champions, the people who step up to settle conflicts for those in need. There are professional champions, people whose job it is to represent others in civil, commercial, and legal conflicts. And then there are the capital-C Champions, master martial artists who fight in the name of causes they believe in and step up to defend people threatened by dangerous Dreamers or rogue Chi masters. These skilled warriors are members of the Champion's Guild, an organization that offers combat training, assistance in judging worthy causes, companionship, and moderation and regulation for formal duels and Challenges. And tournaments, of course. The Champion's Guild are big, big fans of epic martial arts tournaments. (Spoiler alert: so is the rest of Dymara - Champion Guild martial arts tournaments are pretty much the top sporting entertainment in the Four Kingdoms, and Dymarans can get fiercely competitive when it comes to rooting for their nation's Champions in the annual Grand Martial Arts Tournament).

At their best, the Champion's Guild is an organization of down-to-earth heroes who fight to defend the weak and protect the innocent, ever following the ideal that right makes might. At their worst, they are mighty warriors made arrogant by their power, who believe that the only laws that apply to them are the laws of the Challenge.

The Children of Paradise (Paradisia)

The Children of Paradise and the Better World Institute are two sides of the same coin. Originally a loose global political organization promoting Dreamer separation, with the raising of Paradisia they've largely evolved into Paradisia's recruitment network. They operate the Welcome to Paradise Travel Agency, which offers Dreamers transport to Paradisia. While many means of travel are available, their most iconic are their luxury cruise ships. They also maintain Dreamer-exclusive resorts throughout the world, giving Dreamers the opportunity to experience Dreamer-only society while they are still not ready to leave Mundane society permanently. They also maintain the controversial Protectors of Paradise - elite units of Paradisian warriors who travel abroad in defense of Dreamers, sometimes even whisking imperiled Dreamers to the safety of Paradisia.

At their best, the Children of Paradise provide an opportunity for Dreamers to gradually make the transition to Dreamer-exclusive society, and provide valuable assistance and support to both Dreamers who are making the transition and the Mundane loved ones they are leaving behind. At their worst, they are aggressive separationists who will stop at nothing to "protect" Dreamers from Mundane society - whether they like it or not.

The Confederation (Indelar)

The Confederation is a military and political organization that promotes the unification of the Free Nations into a single confederation, with centralized leadership and united people. The Confederation has existed in some form or another for a while, but it's only with the war with Haptarus that it truly began gaining prominence. Full unification is their goal, but until then they promote coordination, mutual aid, open borders, and strong military alliances.

At their best, the Confederation is a voice for unity against the threat of Haptarus, and a movement seeking to take the disparate, often-conflicting Indelan nations and turn them into a single great country on par with Ilessia and Limbra. At their worst, they are just another route to the same goal as Haptarus seeks, and a strain on each individual country's attention and military strength.

The Domestic Reserve (Peral)

There are totemic rites that can in certain circumstances bond a Beast to a Hunter as a companion. The Domestic Reserve is not about people who use that rite. The Domestic Reserve is an organization operating throughout Peral that works to domesticate, control, and profit from the megafauna the inhabits the continent. They acquire and train the Beasts of Peral just as if they were any normal animal and put them to work in a variety of ways, from showing them off in great zoos and controlled habitats to using them for labor and transportation to, in some cases, even butchering them to sell as extravagant food. It's a risky job, but one that offers tremendous rewards for those brave enough to undertake it.

At their best, the Domestic Reserve is an organization of Hunters and rangers that offer protection from Perallan communities while simultaneously preserving the amazing megafauna of their homeland by turning dangerous Beasts into useful contributors to society. At their worst they are heartless poachers who exploit some of the most impressive specimens of natural life on Aranth for their own personal profit.

The Ice Water Mercenary Company (The Braizen Isles)

Ever since the power of the Pits was discovered, they have been a source of conflict in the Braizen Isles. Such conflict has opened the way for many mercenary companies, the largest of which is the Ice Water Mercenary Company. Disciplined, organized, and well-equipped with a combination of regular, Dream, and Pit Tech, they operate throughout the isles guarding and taking holdings. The Ice Water Mercenary Company follows a strict code of conduct, with the #1 rule being that they will not fight one another or anyone employing them. This strict rule and their growing scope is actually contributing significantly to a decline in armed conflict throughout the Isles. Of course, this also means that any clients who cease paying their fees will again have to concern themselves with the possibility of an Ice Water force ousting them from their holdings...

At their best, the Ice Water Mercenary Company is a loyal, unfailingly professional company of warriors who will not betray or forsake their (current) clients for any price, and who actively work to minimize armed conflict throughout their area of influence, even though they charge far more for active combat than passive protection. At their worst, they are an elaborate protection racket who force their employers to keep paying them or risk losing everything as soon as their contract expires.

The International Trade Association (Peral)

Peral doesn't have much in the way of central political organization, which among other things means no central government to negotiate trade deals with other nations, set tariffs, control currency, and otherwise represent the continent's businesses to other nations. The International Trade Association developed to fill this niche. They control pretty much all aspects of trade between Peral and other nations, and most internal trade as well. Run by a board of slick businesspeople and shrewd negotiators, their slogan is "We Always Make The Best Deal!" Of course, whether that means the best deal for all parties involved, for the Perallans they represent, or for themselves is, shall we say, debatable.

At their best, the International Trade Association is an absolutely critical organization that allows Peral to trade effectively with other nations, ensuring that they get fair deals and keeping the continent's economy stable. At their worst, they are consummate middlemen who will pad their profits from both sides of the deal, regularly taking advantage of their own people and very probably complicit in Peral's overall energy shortage.

The Knights of the Empire (Haptarus)

The Knights of the Empire are an order of Haptaran warriors devoted to the nation (now the Empire) of Haptarus. As a point of pride and honor, they've always sworn loyalty to the nation, not necessarily its ruler, although they follow the orders of the latter when they are in service to the former. Nonetheless, they are not particularly enamored of the current Emperor - they have been known to always refer to him by such titles as "our current Emperor" or "the current ruler" or such - rarely just the Emperor, and never as just Haptarus. They cleave to a strict code of honor, and fight strictly in defense of their home, never aggressively in conquest. While they will strike down traitors or attackers without qualm, they see themselves as defenders of the Haptaran people, and will fulfill this role even if it means defending them from the law enforcement and military personnel of their own nation. When they do travel abroad, it is usually to protect Haptaran assets, or for diplomatic purposes - their well-established code of honor, refusal to engage in offensive military actions, and general dislike of the Emperor makes them acceptable envoys to most other countries, even in Indelar. For whatever reason, the Emperor has not disbanded or destroyed them - probably because their combat skill and diplomatic ability make them worth the trouble they sometimes cause, but there are rumors that for some reason the Emperor fears them to some degree, and does not wish to risk a conflict with them. Given who the Emperor is, this seems...unlikely, and the Knights themselves have never claimed to hold any leverage over him. So it's probably just wishful thinking.

At their best, the Knights of the Empire are one of the few truly moral units in the Haptaran military, patriots who serve their nation with pride and honor even through this dark time in its history, with a vision of brighter futures ahead. At their worst, they are just another group of Haptaran goons who deserve only more scorn for professing any sort of ethical standards when they support a ruler as monstrously evil as the Emperor.

The National Competitive Sporting Committee (Limbra)

When people think of Limbra, they usually think about the country's enormous tech industry and its iconic Matrix. But that doesn't mean Limbrans spend all their time sitting at computers. In fact, sports entertainment is about as big in Limbra as movies are in Ilessia. The National Competitive Sporting Committee is an overarching privately-run institution that controls the vast majority of Limbran sporting events. They're one of the biggest industries in Limbra, running everything from producers of sporting equipment, to little league operations, all the way to huge stadiums and national events. They wield a lot of power, not just from their political lobby, but also from controlling advertisers, branding, and athlete endorsements, giving them an uncanny ability to sway the minds of Limbra's extensive collection of sports enthusiasts. There's a persistent but well-hidden dark side to the organization though; they also run an extensive gambling operation that goes well beyond mere entertainment, and one of Limbra's most powerful crime families has a strong presence in the company, regularly using it to launder money or for even darker ends.

At their best, they're one of the proudest corporations in the world, providing entertainment, scholarships, and all manner of sporting goods and events to generations of Limbrans. At their worst, they're a terrifyingly powerful megacorp with fingers in more than a few illicit pies, and which is entirely capable of exploiting both professional and young athletes, as well as their extensive network of followers, to improve their bottom line.

The Northmark Academy (Dymara)

Several hundred miles to the north of the continent of Dymara is a large island. Held by the Dymaran kingdoms for centuries, this is the isle of Northmark, and home to the most prestigious school in the Four Kingdoms. The Northmark Academy provides normal education from grade school to masters level, but its primary purpose is a place to hone one's mastery of Chi. Separated from the distractions of the mainland, students study, meditate, practice, and spar with monastic discipline, foregoing luxuries to achieve personal mastery. Even esoteric disciplines, such as ninjutsu or the use of Chi in harnessing Dreamer powers, are taught in Northmark. The Academy is divided into eight colleges, between whom is fostered a fierce competition. The Academy does not only accept Dymaran students, but they are by far the most common. That said, people from all over the world seek entry into the school to learn the secrets of Chi.

At their best, the Northmark Academy is a premiere institution for the practice of Chi, and a common source of great Champions and warriors for the kingdoms of Dymara. At their worst, the Northmark Academy is isolated and uncaring of the outside world, and offers great secrets of Chi manipulation to any who show promise - regardless of what they intend to use their lessons for.

The Secret Wardens (Haptarus)

The Secret Wardens are an underground organization of spies, smugglers, and saboteurs operating throughout Haptarus, and all of Indelar to a lesser extent. They have no loyalties but to credits. They are an extensive part of the Emperor's intelligence network, bringing him information from all corners of his Empire, but they also smuggle information, goods, and even people out of Haptarus - for the right price. This is risky business - Haptarus has no qualms about executing such smugglers (and/or their entire families) if they get caught. The prices are commensurate, and given the perils of life in Haptarus for those who most need to leave it, it should come as little surprise that these prices are subject to spontaneous increase.

At their best, the Secret Wardens are a life-saving underground railroad who get people in peril out of Haptarus at great personal risk, and a valuable source of intelligence for the Free Nations. At their worst, they are spies, liars, and human traffickers who show no loyalty to anyway, exploiting the phenomenal leverage their services provide to take advantage of people in desperate need.

The Tribe (Braizen Isles)

Those mutated by Braizen Pit radiation have a hard enough lot in life from the often painful or debilitating physical mutations, dependence on Pit energy for survival, and shortened lifespans. As if that weren't bad enough...they're not exactly popular. Many Braizen cities treat mutants as second-class citizens at best, social pariahs at worst, and some are even evicted altogether. But the Tribe offers outcast mutants support, community, and a home. The Tribe is a community of mutants, many of which travel nomadically, but just as many of which are scattered throughout Braizen settlements and communities, offering shelter and support for their fellow mutants. The Tribe responds to hatred with hatred; they have a strongly anti-"human" disposition (they do not consider themselves humans, whatever they were before mutating, and would generally be offended if someone tried to categorize them as such), and have little fear about clashing violently with humans for resources or territory. Mutants of the tribe also tend to have a strong resentment towards Dreamers.

At their best, the Tribe is a much-needed community and support network for the mutants of the Braizen Isles, providing them with a home and with help dealing with their new circumstances, as well as a way to use any beneficial mutations they may develop for a public benefit. At their worst, they are violent extremists who use the bigotry of others to justify their own murderous impulses.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Major Religions

The following is an overview of the most significant religions in Aranth. This isn't to say they are the only ones, but they're the ones that have major followings throughout at least one country. Along with an overview of the religions themselves, each one includes a major Blessing. These Blessings are permanent augmentations, generally placed upon devoted followers by the highest priests or faithful. Each religion naturally claims that its Blessings are supernatural miracles of its subject of worship, and there are legends regarding many of the Blessings from long in the past. However, it's impossible not to note that each of the people capable of placing these blessings are, themselves, Dreamers. Although each one has different powers and there's not any confirmed evidence that the ability to place the Blessings are a Dreamer power...it's tough to be sure.

In addition to major Blessings, the devoutly faithful sometimes have been known to perform extraordinary, or even supernatural, feats purely through their faith. These tend to be fairly subtle powers, either personal in nature or difficult to really observe, so it's hard to study them conclusively. Many dismiss them as mere myth, some say it's some crude manipulation of Spiritual Energy, and of course, the faithful say it's divine miracle (when members of their religions do it, at least).

The Arch-Faith

The Arch-Faith is monotheistic, believing in a singular deity who created and controls all of reality, who goes by the name of Arch (pronounced "Arc"). Arch is, as far as we mortals may as well be concerned, omnipotent and omniscient. With a bare amount of effort, he could utterly duplicate, change, and/or destroy every particle of every bit of matter or energy that is in any way connected to our planet.

That said, he created, controls, and continues to expand on not just our tiny little world, but the entire universe, which is a project of mind-bogglingly massive scale. The Arch-Faith is quite adamant that there exists life on other worlds beyond our own, and the universe itself is so tremendous even before life that maintaining and even adding to it requires simply a colossal amount of effort and energy at all times. That being said, Arch has not only provided everything that the human race and other living creatures of the world need to survive and thrive, but he still pays attention, still watches over us, hears our prayers, and is interested in our lives.

The personality ascribed to Arch is that of the perennial creator. He devises entire worlds, sets them on a certain evolutionary path or just outright creates inhabitants, and likes to see what happens from there. He's interested on both the macro and micro scale, watching with equal interest the rise and fall of civilizations over centuries and the day-to-day lives of mortal men and women. That said, every world that he creates, he assigns himself a different set of rules for his future interactions with it, and every soul he creates is given a choice what sort of world it will go to.

On some worlds, Arch uses his powers freely to influence the lives of his creations. Some worlds receive only beneficial influence, some only detrimental, and some it varies. On other worlds, his influence can be requested (which may involve rituals of various levels of complexity, or specific deeds, or bloodlines, or whatever other rules he chooses for that world). Other worlds have very limited, or even outright no influence beyond creation.

One of the biggest debates among factions of the Arch-Faith is just how much influence Arch has given himself over Aranth. The sects run the gamut from "everything that happens is part of Arch's careful planning" to "Arch created us and leaves us to our own devices, watching impassively but never interfering." And they hit everything in between. This often makes them seem to be a much more fractitious religion than the Deionists (who tend to have fewer large-scale disagreements, and more just focus their worship on different gods or even divine servitors).

The Arch-Faith categorically denies mysticism and cosmology. Arch doesn't have minions or servitors (although they note that his creations on certain worlds could very well be similar or identical to popular or other religious depictions of certain fantastic creatures). There isn't some opposing cosmic force of evil or entropy in their teachings. Arch-Faithful don't believe in a spiritual afterlife, but rather that when a person dies, its soul returns to Arch and is sent to a new life on a new world, once again allowed to choose how much influence it would like Arch to have over its life. Basically, where the cosmic scale is concerned, there is Arch, the Universe he created, and that's that, with nothing else in existence even coming vaguely close to approximating the barest fraction of his power or influence.

The concept of choice is central to the moral teachings of the Arch-Faith. One thing that is universally agreed upon among the Arch-Faithful is that Arch never directly compels mortal will (although perhaps the greatest divide among the Faithful is the question of whether he could but never does, or whether it is beyond even his power - if the act of giving free will to mortals required him to forfeit his ability to influence it). The moral lessons of the Arch-Faith emphasize the power of a choice, and the importance of making the right choices when faced with them. Naturally, this includes the choice of whether or not to believe in Arch. This ethos has given members of the Arch-Faith a reputation for being...not intolerant, quite, but judgmental. They have a tendency to have strong opinions on what is the right choice in make in a given situation and have rather little qualm about making those opinions known. They see it as a sacred duty to help guide people to the right choice by providing them relevant information they may be lacking, and they see prayer as a way to seek guidance from Arch in making one's choices.

That said, it is a central tenet of their faith that the choice remains the sacred right of the chooser - although the consequences of their choice are also their own to reap. They are not fond of the idea of compelling or coercing others to choose in the way they do not wish to, even if it would be better for them. As should be no surprise, they find Dreamer powers that are capable of subverting the wills of others to be absolutely abhorrent.

The Arch-Faith is one of the biggest religions on the planet, with only Deionism really on the same scale, although the Seekers of the Dream are catching up surprisingly rapidly. It competes with Deionism for dominance in Ilessia, Limbra, the Braizen Isles, and Indelar (with Ilessia weighted a bit towards the Arch-Faith, and Limbra a bit towards Deionism). It also has a significant, but not as dominant, following in Peral, Dymara, and even Haptarus, though worship of anything other than the Emperor is banned in the latter.

Spoiler: The Arch-Guided

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In the city of Lastelle in Ilessia is one of the oldest and grandest churches of Arch - the Shining Cathedral, which is led by the High Priest of the Arch-Faith, Germaine Thorn. A Dreamer with the power of Nigh Invulnerability, he is also capable of bestowing the Blessing of Arch upon the Faithful.

Those seeking the Blessing of Arch do so when faced with a critical choice that can define the course of not just their own lives, but others as well. They travel to the Shining Cathedral to speak with High Priest Thorn, discussing at length the choice and its ramifications. They are then sent to study the choice, and all possible options, in great detail - often to the exclusion of almost all other pursuits, and usually for at least a year, although some have studied for as much as five years or even a decade. When they have learned all they can, if they have not yet been able to come to a decision, they return to the Cathedral, discuss the matter once more with Thorn, and if he deems it appropriate, they receive the Blessing over the course of twenty-four hours of silent contemplation.

Recipients of the Blessing have spoken often about the sense of utter certainty and clarity that comes with it. It's not that they feel a compulsion or desire to choose a certain way, it's just that the best choice suddenly becomes clear and easy to make. In the future, they find the ramifications of their choices easy to predict, and manipulating their choices becomes extremely difficult for others. None who have received the Blessing have ever expressed even the slightest doubt that they have been the recipients of divine guidance from an omniscient source.

Guidance of Arch: Senses 4 (Precognition; Limited [Only to discern the results of own choices]) {2}.

Feel the Truth: Senses 4 (Ranged Acute Radius Tactile Detect [Truth]) {4}.

Blessed Perceptions: Enhanced Perception 8 (Limited [Only for purposes of Guidance of Arch and Feel the Truth]), Senses 2 (Vision Counters Illusion) {4}.

Unfettered Choice: Immunity 5 (Mind Control) {5}.

The Deionists

The second of Aranth's two largest religions is collectively referred to as Deionism, a polytheistic and heavily mystical tradition. Its stories are where you'll find the foundation for lot of Earth's mythological and fantasy concepts and creatures - angels, demons, dragons, elves, fairies, vampires, even eldritch abominations. Most of those have been co-opted by numerous fiction and fantasy writers over the years, and for many, the popular depictions don't much resemble the religious depictions at all, but a sizable majority of such concepts at least originated from Deionic traditions.

The core concept of Deionism is that there are numerous gods, each with their own sphere of influence. It places a lot of emphasis on morality, though the gods themselves are never inherently good or evil. Rather, each deity's sphere comprises a balance between positive and negative extremes, and the big premise is that mortal actions collectively influence the nature of the gods. Murder, war, and other violent killings, for example, subtly alters the nature of the Promise towards death, which also increases the overall amount of death in the world. Likewise, protecting, preserving, and creating life alters the Promise towards life. The core teaching is that a perfectly moral society would greatly reduce or even utterly eliminate the negative aspects of the gods, resulting in a perfect world.

Prayer to individual gods doesn't strengthen them, but does have influence. The idea is less that you're requesting a personal favor, more that you're focusing your will towards tipping the balance in hopes that you'll see benefit. For example, when a Deionist prays to the Drive for success, they aren't really expecting the Drive to consciously reach down and bless them with success, but rather hoping to make success in general just that much more common throughout the world, in hopes that it will trickle down to make them more likely to accomplish what they want. Prayer can be both positive and negative, although negative prayer is officially heavily frowned upon (since the "goal" is to remove the negative aspects of the gods and the world, and the negative can spill over onto you just as easily). That said, people aren't perfect, and they can and do pray for negative effects to befall competitors or enemies.

The afterlife is also extensively discussed in Deionism. The gods exist in a different realm, where mortal souls travel upon death. Mortals devoted to a given deity may be reincarnated as servants of that deity - the various fictional creatures. The nature of the mortal's soul, however, also has an influence on that realm and all the gods and beings within it - a mortal who dies having done a great deal of evil brings more negative energy to the gods, while one who has done a great deal of good brings more positive energy. Likewise, the form one is reincarnated in will depend on the person's nature.

There are eight "main" gods, each of which has several demigods beneath it (and naturally, the number eight has a special significance to Deionists; on Aranth, the symbol of infinity looking like a sideways 8 comes from them). Below them are angels and demons - embodiments of specific positive or negative ideals, waging a constant cosmic war against each other, the "personalized" representation of the conflict in each deity. Below them are the reincarnates, the various mythological creatures created of former mortal souls. Each full-fledged god has its own unique type of reincarnates, while demigods, angels, and demons serve all gods, though their ideals and spheres of influence are related to the deity they serve. The full-fledged gods tend to be viewed as more sentient energy beings, fairly abstract, though they occasionally are said to manifest more human-like avatars. Demigods tend to have more humanoid forms, names, and personalities.

Deionism is more-or-less as prominent a religion as the Arch-Faith, spread throughout the world to largely the same degree. While the two religions have never been outright hostile to each other on any sort of large scale - religious conflicts have happened in the past, but nothing like major inquisitions or holy wars or such - they are long-standing rivals. They both do see worship of other religions as a sort of moral failing, and they're in disagreement on a lot of points. Indeed, in some cases, they disagree seemingly for the sake of being contrary to each other - Deionists tend to take the stance that there isn't life on other planets, not so much because it's a particularly important tenet of their religion, but because extraterrestrial life is a big belief of the Arch-Faith. Likewise, a lot of the Arch-Faith's rejection of fantastic and supernatural beings is a contrast with Deionism, since there's not really any reason Arch couldn't create such beings.

Spoiler: The Eight Deities

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The Drive of Success and Failure: The Drive governs all forms of accomplishment, or failure thereof. Success, achievement, luck, and beneficial results are its positive forces, while failure, surrender, ill fortune, and negative results are its negative forces. People pray to the Drive to help them accomplish their goals, or to cause their enemies or opponents failure. Demigods, angels, and demons serving the Drive embody various forms of success and failure - an Angel of Triumph, for example, would represent victory in direct competition, while the Demigod of Luck would hold sway over fortune.

The Fate of Purpose and Insigificance: The Fate governs purpose and meaning, or its lack. Its portfolio includes willpower, goals, destiny, and fate, as well as sloth, apathy, meaninglessness, and worthlessness. While the Drive holds sway over achieving one's goals, the Fate holds sway over having goals and knowing what you are meant to do. People pray to the Fate to find purpose in life, to overcome their own laziness or inhibitions...or for a reprieve from their responsibilities. Servitors of the Fate often embody the destinies of large groups; each country, for example, is said to have a demigod that rules over its peoples' shared destiny.

The Gift of Gain and Loss: The Gift governs acquisition and loss both tangible and intangible. Wealth, power, fame, prestige, material luxuries, and so on. People pray to the Gift because they want more, or to remove things that they feel others do not deserve. Interesting trivia fact, positive prayers to the Gift typically vastly outnumber negative prayers, but more recently that's been less true as a lot of people, especially those associated with the Reclaimers, have been praying for the removal of Dreamer powers. It's actually starting to scare some of the church elders... Servitors of the Gift represent specific forms of gain, a Demigod of Wealth or Angel of Business, for example.

The Heart of Joy and Pain: While Joy and Pain are called out explicitly, the Heart holds sway over all emotions, positive and negative. Joy, hope, calm, love, pain, fear, rage, hate, and more besides. People pray to the Heart to find love, or for pleasant things to happen, or for control over their negative emotions...or to inflict dark emotions on those they dislike. Servitors of the Heart represent individual emotions or facets thereof, Demigods of Love or Rage, Angels of Valor, Demons of Vengeance, and so on.

The Lore of Knowledge and Ignorance: The Lore holds sway over all knowledge - scientific, mystical, historical, and so on. Ignorance, inaccuracy, and foolishness are the results of its negative energy, and the official word is that belief in other religious systems (or simple disbelief in the gods) is a force of negative energy towards the Lore. Prayers to the Lore are for enlightenment and understanding, or negatively, for secrecy or confusion. Servitors of the Lore govern specific areas of knowledge, such as a Demigod of Science or Magic.

The Nature of Balance and Chaos: The Nature governs the balance of the natural forces of the universe. Light and dark, heat and cold, matter and energy, space and time, nature and civilization, and so on. These are not individually positive and negative, however. The "positive" energy of the Nature comes from the balance among these forces, where they exist in harmony and do what they are supposed to do, fulfilling the natural order and allowing for life to flourish. The "negative" of Nature is chaos among these forces, where they become unpredictable, destructive, and dangerous. The fire of a family's hearth is Balance, while a raging wildfire consuming that same family's home is Chaos. Prayers to the Nature are typically to tweak the balance in some way - a breeze on a hot day, for example, or simply to quell disasters or similar expressions of Chaos. Of course, negative prayers to beset others with uncomfortable, hazardous, or deadly Chaos also exist. Servitors of the Nature represent individual natural forces, such as a Demigod of Fire or Angel of Warmth.

The Promise of Life and Death: The Promise controls life and death, and by extension, thing such as health and sickness, and other things that influence the state of life. People pray to the Promise to keep themselves, their loved ones, or their fellow people alive in hazardous situations, to restore health to the sick and injured, and so on. Negative prayers to the Promise for the death of one's enemies and such are considered the second most horrible abuses of prayer in the religion. Similar to the Fate, servitors of the Promise tend to represent groups of living beings, but can extend down to individuals - every living soul, it is said, has its own angel.

The Truth of Right and Wrong: The Truth encompasses moral and ethical action. Compassion, honor, mercy, tyranny, treachery, oppression, and so on. Prayers to the Truth are typically for guidance as to the right thing to do, and many call the Truth the most important of the gods, for it is the Truth who shows mortals how to best act to bring out the best in their deities (the scriptures say that it was the Truth who originally made mortals aware of the gods and their natures). Likewise, negative prayers to the Truth are considered the worst one can give, even beyond prayers for Death, as they explicitly mean you are actively and intentionally praying for what is definitionally wrong or evil. Servitors of the Truth are embodiments of the highest and most base ideals, such as Angels of Virtue and Demons of Corruption.

Spoiler: The Anointed Pilgrims

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Legend goes that in the ages before recorded history, the Truth feared that the newly-created race of humankind would be a force of negative energy. Although the Deities were for good or ill embodiments of both their positive and their negative aspects, the Truth knew that their positive aspects were Right, and their negative aspects were Wrong, and that it was their duty to the world and peoples they had created to ensure that they knew the importance of the difference. From all throughout the world, they called people to gather, coming by foot or by steed or by ship to meet in an open section of wilderness in...more-or-less the middle of nowhere in the mid-southern region of the continent of Aldonis.

Beckoned by the call of the gods, thousands made their way to the gathering. They shared food and drink and stories, played games of sport and chance and discussed their homes and their philosophies. For eight days this gathering of strangers celebrated together like family.

And for eight nights, the first eight people who had arrived there experienced vivid dreams. Into their Hearts the gods played the Lore of Nature, giving them the Gift of revealing their Fate. And when they awoke on the eighth day, filled with a divine Drive, the eight made a sacred Promise to spread throughout the world the Truth. They spoke of what they had seen to the others gathered, and then together with a small group of followers went on a journey, travelling by foot or by steed or by boat, across Aldonis and Dymara and Peral and Indelar. And one by one they found a place where they would construct a temple, and spent a day celebrating with their fellows, before bidding them farewell to begin their work.

By the end of the year, they had staked their claims, and they returned to where the gathering had been held one year from their original arrival, where they found in over the time they had been travelling, those who they had left behind had constructed a great temple to the Eight Deities, the Gathering Home. And so four eight days they feasted and talked and celebrated. This eight day period is now known as the Feast of the Gods, the highest of Deionist holidays. And throughout the world there still stand the eight High Temples, one to each of the deities, and the day each was founded remains a major Deionist holiday as well.

Most practicing Deionists seek to visit at least the Gathering Home and the High Temple of their favored deity at least once in their lives. Many seek to visit all of the High Temples at some point. But a rare few embark on the traditional pilgrimage. Spending the Feast of the Gods at the Gathering Home, on the eighth day they receive the blessing of High Priestess Catrin Kirchner, a Dreamer with the power of Aeromancy, and begin their journey. Travelling only by foot or by steed or by boat, they journey to all eight High Temples, spending the founding holiday of each one at the temple, receiving blessings from the priests there and performing rites. The journey ends when they return to the Gathering Home on the first day of the Feast of the Gods, regaling the faithful gathered there with stories of their pilgrimage and participating in prayer and rituals. On the eighth day, if they have completed their pilgrimage truly as the Founders had before, the High Priestess places the final blessing upon them. Thereafter, they are known as an Anointed Pilgrim, and their devotion to the Eight Deities shines through as an endless font of positive energy that sooths pain and troubles for all around them.

Font of Positive Energy: Regeneration 5 (Affects Self and Others, Burst Area, Sustained, Feature [Can soothe general stress and emotional distress], Quirk [Doesn't provide actual healing for targets other than the Pilgrim itself, just soothes pain and allows targets to ignore the mechanical effects of healed conditions], Feature/Quirk [Aura Effect; does not need to be used separately on targets, once activated simply affects all within 30' of the user for as long as they remain within the area]).

Seekers of the Dream

The Seekers of the Dream are the newest major religion on the planet, but in their short lifespan of just 115 years, they have already grown to become one of the largest religions in the world, competing even with the Arch-Faith and the Deionists. The Seekers are a rather factionated religion, with a lot of variations between sects and even individual churches, but at the core of their belief system is the idea that Dreamer powers are divinely bestowed, and that all people have the potential for such powers. The specifics of the divine will behind Dreamers is a hotly debated subject among various sects, and sects that combine the teachings of the Seekers with those of the Arch-Faith, the Deionists, the Disciples of the Way, and various Perallan shamanic traditions have all achieved significant followings. The biggest sect, though, are the Seekers of the Eternal Dream, who don't cleave to any other religious tradition and instead worship "the Dream" itself as a divine entity. Even those who don't subscribe to this belief, though, will often use "the Dream" as a sort of unifying word for subjects of worship; for example, a Seeker of the Arch-Faith and a Seeker of the Gods might both refer to "the Dream" when discussing philosophy as a sort of short-hand for, "Okay, one of us believes Arch bestows the Dream, the other believes the Eight Deities do, but regardless we agree that one of them does and that's who we're talking about."

Much of the information in this section is a sort of weighted aggregate. All of the details below are subject to variation in different sects, but there's almost no sects who disagree on every point, and most of them agree on several.

The Seekers of the Dream are a new religion that rose to prominance in an age of scientific knowledge and enlightenment. This strongly informs their operations. They don't stand as much as many other religions do on tradition and ritual, and weirdly enough, actually don't place particular emphasis on faith. They do recognize that their core premise requires faith in a greater power, but beyond that, they see discerning the will of the Dream as more an exercise in observation and deduction. They don't have ancient legends and holy books that are supposed to tell you what the Dream is thinking; they try to figure it out from their observations on how the Dreamer phenomenon works. This is why they call themselves Seekers - they don't profess to have been given knowledge from on high, but they are seeking the will of the Dream by studying its works. They generally tend to be less formal and steeped in tradition than other religions (although the sects that tie into other religions naturally borrow a lot of their mysticism).

A major tenet of their faith is responsibility, the idea that Dreamers were given their powers for a reason. They note that the Dream does not manipulate or rescind the powers once given, which they say goes to mean that for good or ill, what a Dreamer does with its powers is its own responsibility. The Dream won't punish for wrong choices, but that doesn't mean Dreamers can do whatever they want without regard for consequences. If anything, it only makes it more important for Dreamers to understand what their powers are meant for, and how to use them well and properly.

The Seekers tend to believe in reincarnation. They see Spiritual Energy as literally energy produced by a person's spirit, and when the person dies the spirit can move on to another life, growing each time. They often tie the idea of everyone having potential to become a Dreamer to reincarnation; they observe that Dreamers were much more rare and evidently less powerful in the past, whereas the total number of Dreamers and the proportion of powerful ones has been rising recently. They conclude, thus, that spirits need to grow through a certain number of lives to be ready for Dreamer powers, and we've simply reached the point where more and more spirits are becoming ready. They speculate that it won't be so very many generations before everyone is a Dreamer. There is also a persistent minority theory, especially common in Paradisia, that says that once you have your Dream you are on your "last life" so to speak. While this emphasizes the need to to the best you can with your powers and maximize the positive impact they have, some adherents to it believe it invests Dreamers with a greater moral weight than Potentials.

Another big point the Seekers tend to emphasize is the community of Dreamers. While they don't (usually) set Dreamers above Potentials, they do recognize a strong connection between them, a shared responsibility and community. They believe the Dream has a reason behind giving Dreamers their powers, but not just a reason for individual Dreamers, a reason to gift these miracles upon them as a whole. There's also a pragmatic end to it; however understanding they may be, a Potential can't really get what the Dreamer experience is about and how it impacts a person's life like other Dreamers can, and the Seekers strive to remind the Dreamer community of that and build their bonds with each other.

Worldwide, the Seekers are only slightly less prominent than the Arch-Faith and the Deionists, and easily slot in as the third largest religion in the world. They are by far the dominant religion in Paradisia, and in fact, ordained Seekers of the Dream are the only Mundanes allowed to travel to and even live in Paradisia. In large part, this is because evidence of their "miracles" is visible on the streets every day. It's one thing to say some omnipotent being or beings is literally responsible for everything but doesn't really interact with us at all despite caring a lot about us for sure we promise. It's quite another thing to say, "Hey, this obviously supernatural phenomenon? Yeah, we're pretty sure there's a divine being behind it, and I bet if we study it hard enough we can figure out what they're trying to tell us." Of course, it doesn't hurt that their "everyone has the potential to be a Dreamer" stance can easily be misconstrued as "join our church and pay a monthly tithe and you'll eventually get superpowers!" An entirely unintentional misunderstanding, no doubt.

Spoiler: The Blessed Seekers

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Any Dreamer is welcome to make a pilgrimage to the Temple of the Blessed in Paradisia to meet with Earl Winters, the High Seeker, and receive the Blessing of the Dream. As is common for the Seekers, they don't put a bunch of ritual rigamorale around it - Winters is absolutely clear that while the Blessing is a gift from the Dream, it is part of his Dreamer power to be able to channel this blessing to other Dreamers (his power overall is general Dreamer metapowers - he can influence, augment, negate, detect, and even, with high but not perfect reliability, predict Dreamer powers, and can sometimes trigger a power he predicts someone will eventually develop to manifest early, though he takes great caution in using that particular ability).

While there isn't much ritual to the blessing, those who receive it have always described it as an extremely spiritual experience, and even the more skeptical among them have always left strongly believing in the divine nature of the Dream. Likewise, while the blessing doesn't require much in the way of elaborate preparation - a Dreamer can easily get a Welcome to Paradise teleporter to pop them to Paradisia, meet Seeker Winters if his schedule allows, receive the blessing, and pop back over the course of a long afternoon - it does come with a certain responsibility to use it to help, guide, and grow the Dreamer community. While no strict mandates are given, Earl's a good judge of character, and generally won't bestow the Blessing on those who aren't likely to use it to the betterment of Dreamers.

Angelic Wings: Flight 5 (Wings) {5}.

Idealized Form: Enhanced Advantages 2 (Attractive 2) {2}.

The Seeking: 6-point Array {6+2}.

Eyes of the Seeker: Senses 5 (Darkvision; Ranged Acute Radius Mental Detect [Dreamer Powers]).

Aura of Light: Environment 3 (Daylight 2, Light 1; Precise).

Communion: Mental Communication 2 (Activation 1 [Move], Limited [Dreamers Only]); Comprehend 2 (Speak and Understand All Languages; Activation 1 [Move], Limited [Dreamers Only]).

Disciples of the Way

The principle religion in Dymara (although it edges out the Arch-Faith and Deionism by only a slim plurality, and the Seekers of the Dream are catching up) and one with scattered adherence elsewhere, the Way is of two sides of the coin to the practice of chi. Where chi is a more practical and technical study, the Way builds upon that technical foundation to develop a spiritual guideline. The central premise of the Way is that the flow of chi is not something constrained to a single individual. Spiritual Energy flows throughout the world and all its people and life. If Spiritual Energy is likened to water, then the Way teaches that each individual is not a single glass containing its own individual spirit, but more like a bubble in the vast ocean, distinct perhaps, but still just part of the whole, and subject to be moved by its tides and currents.

All life is connected, the Way teaches. This means that all life is sacred, although it does not teach that life can never be taken. The circle of life is part of the Way, and so to hunt and kill for food and survival is permissible so long as it is done with respect and no more is taken than needs be used. Life so taken is not lost, but merely becomes part of the collective in a new way. But life lost needlessly, wasted in folly or destroyed in murder and war - that is gone, and so the entire collective is diminished. Naturally, then, the Way teaches peace and tolerance above all else. Conflict is best handled with nonviolent resolution or passive resistance, but where this is not possible without allowing other life to be lost, swift, merciful, and nonlethal combat must serve. The warrior-monks of the Way are masterful martial artists, and their combination of technical chi training and their faith in the connectedness of all life expands on their proficiency with chi in ways that few secular masters can match.

The Way is less about worship than about reverence and respect. It does not declare any actual god or divine entity, but it teaches that the collective of life and humanity is something to be revered - and that that reverence is best shown by offering welcome and respect to all. The Way teaches friendship, charity, and openness as central to morality. Personal proficiency with chi is also highly regarded, as it not only builds discipline, but makes one more attuned to the flow of Spiritual Energy - and, thus, the bond it forges between all people.

The Disciples believe that after death, one's own spirit simply returns to the collective. While they don't quite believe in reincarnation in the traditional sense, they do hold that the energy of one's spirit will be recycled into other lives. They also believe that the consciousness remains connected to the lives it touched, watching, guiding, and even protecting friends, family, and descendants.

While Disciples say all life is bonded, and they believe that the truly enlightened will see all bonds as equal, they also recognize that few ever achieve such clarity. For most, some bonds are indeed stronger, and the Way does not shy from that, but teaches that these bonds should be nurtured, strengthened, and so used as a focus to nurture and strengthen one's bonds to all of life. Family, friends, community, and other personal connections are emphasized as strongly important, and something that no Disciple should ever seek to lessen or forsake.

Spoiler: The Eternal Companions

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Dean Adara Kenya of Northmark Academy is...possibly the greatest master of chi on the planet (and also one of the oldest living people without a confirmed immortality power). Her mastery is built on synergies within synergies. As a powerful Dreamer, she possesses a naturally high Spiritual Energy. Which she has refined through over two centuries of chi techniques. Which she has built upon with the faith-based practices expanding chi through the Way. Which she can do amazingly well because her Dreamer power is Field Manipulation - the ability to modify energy fields around creatures or objects. Which, technically, the lifestream counts as (and since Dreamer powers can "prove" anything, whether or not the lifestream as posited by the Disciples of the Way is real is irrelevant - it absolutely is as far as her power is concerned, and that's all that matters here). She is also capable of placing the Blessing of the Way upon others.

She does not do this lightly. Recipients of the blessing must complete a two-year course at Northmark Academy to ensure they have sufficient knowledge of chi, and to give her an opportunity to observe their progress along the Way. This is a non-trivial challenge in itself, but it is expanded upon by the fact that the Blessing is not something she performs on a single person, but an entire group. Families, spouses, friends, teams, even military units - and every member of the group must prove themselves ready for the Blessing, or she will place it on none of them.

The Blessing connects the recipients to each other through the lifestream, deeply strengthening their bonds with each other, and so letting them better understand the true interconnectedness of humanity.

Eternal Companions: Senses 1 (Auditory Communication Link [Other Blessing Recipients]) {1}.

Bonds of the Lifestream: 12-point Array {12+2}.

Say My Name And I Am There: Teleport 12 (Attack, Extended, Selective, Perception Area [Hearing], Limited [Extended Only], Limited [Willing Targets Only], Limited [Bonded Companions Only], Limited [Only to Own Position]).

Walk the Lifestream: Teleport 12 (Extended, Limited [Extended Only], Limited [Only to position of a Bonded Companion]).

A Shared Experience: Remote Sensing 20 (Visual, Auditory; Subtle 2, Limited [Shares the senses of a Bonded Companion], Limited [Companion is aware of the attempt and must be willing]).

Keepers of Legend and Legacy

The shamanic traditions of Peral have passed from generation to generation, tribe to tribe, civilization to civilization, through millennia of oral tradition. While Peral is not a unified country and its people tend towards fierce independence, one thing that bonds them is their shared Legends and Legacies. The shamans and storytellers, are tasked with learning, passing on, and when appropriate, adding to the ancient tales, keeping their Legends alive throughout time.

At its core, Perallan shamanism is remembrance taken to the level of worship. If a lot of ways, Peral is both the most and the least religious country on Aranth. The vast majority of Perallans consider themselves Keepers, and the vast majority of Keepers do not consider themselves a religion. The remembrance and the reverence is simply a part of their culture. Perallan children grow up hearing stories of the Legends and Legacies of their ancestors from their parents, who heard them from their parents, who heard them from their parents, and so on and so on reaching back centuries upon centuries.

When a town gathers around a shaman's fire, they rarely consider it worship. It's entertainment. The great stories of the mythic heroes of the past. And yet, they treat these stories with reverence. Most Keepers look down on any effort to commit the stories to media - more than a few people have attempted to compile books on the subject, or make some of the stories into movies, and they never do well. Tradition dictates the stories be shared from person to person. A lifeless medium cannot keep a Legend alive.

And that is where the line between entertainment and religion gets crossed. To the Keepers, they aren't just telling stories, they are immortalizing the Legends and preserving their Legacies. Of course, in the process, they are also teaching cultural ideals, of bravery and glory, self-sufficiency and community, of both having a humble respect for the natural order, and the will to take one's place at the top of it. Of the unquenchable power of the human spirit that has allowed the people of Peral, even back when the greatest available technology was sticks and stones, to survive and thrive in a land ruled by monsters.

And, more than any religion save perhaps for the Seekers of the Dream, there is undeniable and provable power behind the Keepers' beliefs. The Totemic Rites that Peral's Hunters are known for are just a few of the primitive but powerful rituals that professional shamans are capable of. These storytellers don't just pass on the tales, but they dedicate their lives to them. The Legends and Legacies of their people burn in their minds, the spirits of ancient heroes live on within them, and the skilled among the shamans can channel their power personally.

The Keepers don't much discuss the afterlife and generally don't believe in it. You have your life, and it is all you have, so make the most of it. There is, of course, one major exception to this rule: Legends never truly die.

Spoiler: The Rising Legends

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Tales of ancient Legends continue to be told and retold in Peral to this very day, but this is not to say that all the great deeds were done in the past. Peral is ever a dangerous land, and new Legends can be made all the time. Often when a great deed that will leave a lasting Legacy is accomplished, word of it spreads. And sometimes, it reaches the ear of Hossam Taggart, the Elder Keeper. A Dreamer with the power of Ash Control (also a phoenix-style "rise from the ashes" immortality - he's at least four hundred years old, although he's hinted at being much older), he's the oldest storyteller in Peral, and he's seen his share of Legends. When a great deed reaches his ear purely by word of mouth - not by any sort of personal boasting or advertising campaign - and impresses him, he sometimes seeks out the person and offers them a challenge. The nature of the challenge varies from person to person, but if they agree and succeed, he blesses them as a Rising Legend. For while it's considered a truism of the Keepers that Legends never truly die, no one ever said that couldn't be literal.

Rising Legend: Immortality 5 (Feature [Revives in prime of life], Quirk [Only revives if stories about their deeds continue to be widely retold], Limited [Body must be cremated]), Regeneration 10 {15}.

Servants of the God-Emperor

Of...course the Emperor of Haptarus has a Crazy Fanatical Doom Cult. Of-flipping-course he does!

Thing is, sad as it is to say, these guys do actually have their bona fides. They're not some crazy fanatics who just sprang up around him when he came to power. The Servants of the God-Emperor have been around for a few thousand years now. They've never been big, until now (and even now they're not exactly huge, but they are the only religion that's technically allowed in Haptarus currently, and they do have small cells and followings scattered liberally throughout the rest of the world). For most of their history they were your more-or-less average Crazy Fanatical Doom Cult who worshipped some great God-Emperor who will one day descend to Aranth, conquer the world in his name, rule everything for eternity, his faithful will be given great power and prestige, blah blah crap Haptarus actually kinda fits.

The kinda scary thing is that it's not like Haptarus heard about this cult and decided, "That, that right there, that's what I want to be when I grow up!" Or even when he named himself Emperor he declared himself the God-Emperor out of raging ego. He just did his whole conquer-half-of-Indelar thing and these guys came to him falling all over themselves to worship him and do his bidding. And Haptarus was more or less like, "Heh. Cool."

So Haptarus just kinda happily goes along with the whole "I Am The Lord Thy God" thing while they're around. He's been clearly established to actively enjoy seeing just how far their fanatical loyalty to him goes, and has yet to find a meaningful limit. There's no evidence that he actually believes himself to be the God-Emperor or that he even much cares if he is. But the thing is, he seems to get a kick out of playing the role, and even makes major decision based on this Crazy Fanatical Doom Cult. For example, he's outlawed all other religions in Haptarus, not because he strictly has anything against them, but more-or-less because "Hey, if the alternative is worshipping me, ya'll should totally do that. Also hah look how hard it makes my little dudes cheer." As far as anyone who seriously observes the Emperor's behavior can tell, he just finds these guys amusing, and alternates between doing things they like and basically tormenting them because A) he can and B) their reactions amuse him.

He's been known to regularly "prove" the power of their god against the faithful of other religions (i.e. casually murder some priests for giggles), and has literally drawn random prophecies out of a hat and then gone and fulfilled them just because he can. This becomes especially terrifying when you give their holy book a thorough read-through and realize that, if you strip out some of the allegory and update to more modern language, some of the prophecies in there sound an awful lot like genociding all non-Dreamers, sinking the continent of Peral into the ocean, and raining nuclear armageddon on the entire continent of Aldonis. The Emperor hasn't actually tried any of those, but you know, who knows what he'll pull out of the literal hat I am not using hyperbole here next time.

And yes, the Crazy Fanatical Doom Cult cells in other countries have been known to commit murder and terrorism in the name of their God-Emperor. A lot of them are fairly mundane threats, but you never know when a particular cell will include, or even be made up entirely of, dangerously powerful Dreamers.

Spoiler: Speakers of the Emperor

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The Speakers of the Emperor are considered recipients of the God-Emperor's Blessing by his Servants. See the Speaker of the Emperor Template in the Character/NPC Templates section of the Playing in Aranth chapter for full details. It's possible, though, that Haptarus might also provide a lesser blessing for certain Servants. If this is so, the blessing would likely consist of:

Emperor's Domain: Flight 2, Senses 6 (Extended Vision Counters All Concealment) {10}.

Emperor's Voice: Enhanced Deception, Intimidation, OR Persuasion 10 {5}.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Completed Big Five section because there's not room in the original post.

Arbera - The Capital

The capital city of Ilessia is also the second-largest city in the country, covering about 12,000 square miles pretty much smack-dab in the center of the country. "Bustling" is both the primary word that could be used to describe Arbera and also entirely insufficient to convey the city's nature. Arbera is the country's political, legal, and commercial center. It is also the center of Ilessia's entertainment industry. People in Aranth say Arbera the same way people on Earth say Hollywood. Naturally, all of this means that the city has a huge media presence covering all the stories and scandals. This is a city with a lot of highly-visible jobs that attract big-ego personalities. Politicians, lawyers, actors, producers, CEOs, journalists, lobbyists, diplomats...people looking to make a name for themselves know the capital is where to do it. If you can endure the hectic pace and navigate the often-treacherous social waters.

"Nothing is nothing in Arbera" is something of an unofficial slogan for the city. The media is constantly on watch for the next big thing, be that a new up-and-comer with big ideas or a scandal that can bring down the entrenched elite. It's a city where it often seems that everybody has an opinion and nobody is shy about sharing it. People take sides in Arbera - nowhere is the conflict between the Assembly and the Reclaimers more cutthroat, for example. That being said, despite Arbera's reputation as a city of constant bustle and ambition, not everyone can be a big name. Millions of the city's residents live among the elite and those trying to become the elite, doing normal jobs and living normal lives. The normal people of Arbera tend to a demeanor of jaded bemusement. They've seen it all, and the noise and chaos just slides off their shoulders as they give a little smirk and shake of their heads. These are savvy people who take little at face value, and know well how to consider the facts and come to their own conclusions.

Arbera's skyline is a sight to see. The capital is home to several thousand towering skyscrapers that house everything from movie studios to apartment complexes to business headquarters. Just in general, buildings in Arbera tend to be bigger than in most of the country. Arbera doesn't have as much as some cities in the way of architectural creativity, but its buildings are sleek, practical, and ultra-modern. Arbera has the largest population of flying vehicles in the country, with just over seventy percent of the city's vehicles flight-capable.

One thing that doesn't last long in Arbera is organized or career crime - at least, not on the more personal levels. Arbera doesn't have that much of a military presence, but the National Watch is headquartered there, and Arbera has a large enough Regional Guard force and SIDE presence to qualify as armies in their own rights. More than that, Hero Corps, the ACC, and the Sentinel Project all have their largest headquarters in Arbera. Finally, Arberan streets are protected by the largest number of registered independent crime-fighters in the country. Gangs, organized crime syndicates, Defiant cells, and the like really just don't stand a chance.

Now, this isn't to say the city is free of crime and peril. It just wears a different face. White collar crime is a persistent problem in Arbera, as is all manner of corruption. There are plenty of big-name, big-ego people who exploit their wealth and power to the harm of others. Corporate espionage, political assassinations, police brutality, and elite thieving rings all exist within the capital, and a villain with good enough publicity can amass a terrifying amount of power without ever getting so much as investigated. Worse still, all of the powerful organizations that keep the city relatively free of more low-brow crime will often take the side of those criminals who ooze beneath their radars. Where a Hero seeking to keep the streets safe may find little threat or challenge in Arbera, a heroic vigilante or cowboy cop trying to stop corruption at the root will find no small amount of danger within the pristine capital.

The Assembly in Arbera: Arbera is the Assembly's playground. Politics, law, media, entertainment, commerce...all the best and biggest pies that the Assembly has their super-powered fingers in are central to the Capital. The Assembly presence in Arbera is surprisingly, almost terrifyingly, pervasive. It is often said that the Assembly wields more power in Arbera than any single political party. This...may or may not be strictly true, but it's probably not far off the mark.

Arbera Hero Corps has something like a hundred members active at any one time, and the region itself has at least twice that many spread throughout its environs. Arberan Heroes tend to be flashy and powerful, with a strong tendency towards over-the-top costumes and codenames, always happy to make a big speech as they lead the evil-doer away with a smile for every camera and a high-five for every kid they pass. Fact is, though, Arbera isn't a city that really needs more defenders, and so it tends to attract the sort of Hero that are more in it for the prestige and publicity than the job. Heroes from other regions - and, for that matter, from smaller towns and cities within the Arbera region that actually have serious crime and threats to deal with and don't have massive hordes of defenders available at all hours of the day - have a tendency to look down on them some.

The Assembly Cleanup Crew, though, is as kind-hearted and earnest an organization here as they are anywhere. They're of the mind that just because their city doesn't often face the damage of uncontrolled superpowered battles, explosive Defiant attacks, gang wars, and whatever else, doesn't mean they just sit on their laurels and collect a paycheck or trot out every weekend for a photo shoot. They actively seek out things they can make better, and then do it, frequently traveling to other cities when there is a need.

The Regional Commander of the Arbera Hero Corps is Elena Gallego, Codename: Nope (she's never actually made clear if this is her intentionally chosen codename, or if she's opposed to codenames and "nope" is just her response to those who ask, since given her powerset both kinda fit). Her Dreamer power is Physical Law Immunity. PL 14+2.

SIDE in Arbera: SIDE wears something of a different face in Arbera, really emphasizing the investigative chops of FIRE-SIDE and IN-SIDE. Arbera is a city with lots of Dreamers running around among CEOs, politicians, judges, and other extremely socially powerful people. Arbera SIDE focuses less on bringing in dangerous Dreamers through sheer martial might and tactical skill, and more on weeding out Dreamers using their powers to spy on, manipulate, or coerce others. This does not, however, mean they are incapable of the former, especially considering the full eight Battle Squadrons that Arbera SIDE can bring to bear if required, with another two potentially available in reserve forces.

SIDE is largely more cognizant than many law enforcement organizations about the presence of crime and corruption in the upper echelons of the Arberan elite. Often, their hands are kinda tied due to jurisdictional regulations, buuuut, well, let's just say that IN-SIDE has some files that they shouldn't have, and those files sometimes get left - entirely accidentally, of course - on certain FIRE-SIDE agents' desks, and since there are, of course, very few records of these files, it can be no surprise when occasionally a few of them wind up falling into the hands of a trusted Hero, independent crime fighter, vigilante, local cop, grizzled PI, or the like.

IDEA in Arbera: Crazy scientific experiments aren't exactly the favorites of Arbera. IDEA in the capital tends to put its best foot forward. The Departments of Analysis and Education, Dreamer Studies, and Dreamtech Analysis - that is, the more "studious" than "creative" branches - are the most active in Arbera. Arberan IDEA has...much less of a reputation for the sort of crazy shenanigans the organization often gets up to elsewhere.

Except, well, Dreamcatchers. There is a persistent and terrifying Dreamcatcher presence in Arbera, and so far despite all the efforts of Hero Corps, SIDE, the Watch, the Guard, independent crime fighters, and even vigilantes, Dreamers still routinely vanish from their lives without any warning, and those that do return are...changed.

The Reclaimers in Arbera: The Reclaimers are big in Arbera. Not as big as the Assembly, but big enough to at least kep the Assembly from acting with complete impunity. The media fights between Arberan Reclaimer and Assembly representatives are a constant source of entertainment. That said, much like IDEA, the Reclaimers put their best foot forward in the capital. The Sentinel Project is an extremely well-respected institution in Arbera, the Defiant are pretty much non-existent, and the more political factions of the Reclaimers are reasonable and well-spoken. In terms of media presence, public approval, and political capital, the Assembly definitely has an edge, but if nothing else the Reclaimers keep them honest. That being said, the occasional spectacular breakdown on live television has been known to happen.

Big Dreams in Arbera: As the country's center of commerce, it should be little surprise that Big Dreams, Inc. is headquartered in Arbera, as are many of their subsidies and child companies, including DreamCorp. In Arbera, the focus of Big Dreams is less on finding Dreamers a place in other businesses, and more on building up Dreamer businesses. Investments and stock trading are the biggest part of Big Dreams' Arberan operations, and the company is responsible for scores of Dreamer-run businesses profitizing the powers of their CEOs and other upper-level management. Big Dreams generally tries to avoid the more political side of the city, and keep the media at a professional arm's length. It's often said that they're not here to influence policy or sway opinion - they're here to make money.

Adaros - The Big City

Adaros is the single largest city in Ilessia. It's a sprawling urban center, covering about 18,000 square miles - a block roughly 300 miles long and sixty wide situated smack-dab in the center of the south-most portion of Ilessia, going right up to the twenty-mile-wide no-man's land that is the negotiated border between Ilessia and Limbra.

The reason for its size is largely military, and dates back some five hundred years to when Ilessia and Libra were bitter enemies. Adaros occupies a sizable chunk of the area around the Ilessia-Limbra border. As more bases, fortresses, and so on were built to strengthen defense against Limbran incursions (or provide a gathering point for Ilessian attacks into Limbra), more infrastructure sprang up to support the bases. For a long time, the Adaros leadership was largely hand in hand with the military, so rather than founding new towns and cities to support their bases, they continued expanding the one - which of course resulted in population growth and a relative increase in political power. The city's growth was only really checked once treaties and alliances were formed between the two nations.

Today, Adaros remains the major military center of Ilessia, at least in terms of ground forces, though being entirely land-locked, its naval forces are nonexistent. It's famed for its architecture - the portion of the city closest to the border is in particular scattered with old-school, solid stone fortresses designed to both withstand attacks and give an impression of majesty and power to whoever attacked them. Many wealthy citizens or businesses, churches, and so on over the years have designed their buildings with that same idea in mind - and gone wild on beautiful design work to differentiate their structures from those of the military. While more modern buildings have replaced many older structures, throughout the city you can still find hundreds of old-style fortresses, barracks, churches, and even full-fledged castles, many of which are still in use, after some modernization. It's important to note that even with more modern buildings replacing many of the old-style ones, the city has in no way foregone its architectural roots. Some of the finest architects and engineers in the world are responsible for designing Adaros and its buildings, and many businesses and wealthy citizens compete to show off.

Despite its sheer size and rather piecemeal development, the combination of brilliant engineering and military organization leaves Adaros an extremely well-organized city. The city is laid out as a huge grid, with several streets (and two huge highways) that stretch its entire length, divided by smaller streets that go along its with, creating individual square-mile "megablocks". (I answer any accusations that this design structure is to make the city fit a square spreadsheet map by reminding you that there would be some 18,000 of these squares and there is no way I'm doing that ). Each megablock is usually under the purview of a specific architect or design firm, so the exact nature of street layouts and building designs can vary widely between them, and they can range from pure efficient practicality to wildly creative artistic layouts.

The emphasis on organization extends to more than city layout. The bureaucracy of Adaros is (in)famous throughout Ilessia. While the military and the city government are no longer essentially one and the same, the military still has ties to the government, and many people who start their careers in the Adaros military end them in the city government. They are extremely efficient, and extremely intolerant of any break in procedure or other hold-up. In short, lines go by quickly, and they have absolutely no qualm about sending you straight to the back if you reach their desks without everything you need in exactly the right state to process.

Nowhere is Ilessia's rivalry with Limbra more clear than in Adaros. While the military feuds may be things of the past, business rivalries have sprang up to replace them. Many of the largest companies in the country are based in Adaros. Some companies own an enitre megablock, placing their main operation, homes for their employees, and various small businesses all together like little square-mile mini-towns in the middle of the huge city. Some of the most famous of these are huge resort blocks, owned by major hotels or casinos. Adaros isn't as big on tourism as, say, Verdania, but the resort blocks specialize in luxury getaways within the city, ideal for busy people looking for a brief vacation or soldiers looking to blow off steam. It was a huge controversy when the Children of Paradise were allowed to purchase a megablock and declare the entire thing - a full square mile of Ilessian territory - as Paradisian soil.

While crime is not rampant in Adaros, it is extremely tenacious. Just as there are entire megablocks owned by big businesses, so to are there some that have been largely taken over by gangs or big criminal organizations. Some of the biggest businesses and fanciest casinos are fronts for even more elaborate, even more profitable crime syndicates that operate with varying degrees of secrecy. One of the biggest problems with crime in Adaros is that the criminals are able to get their hands on military-grade weaponry, among other things - the black market in Adaros is absolutely thriving. It's a big problem and the military vastly underreports how often it happens, but the fact of the matter is that ousting the worst of the worst would require the equivalent of a small-scale war.

The Assembly in Adaros: The center of the Assembly in Adaros is called Dream Street, a single long street full of Assembly offices, businesses, studios, and so on. Calling it a "single street" only gives you half of the story though. The Assembly owns a megablock, which Dream Street runs through east to west, multiple times in parallel lines. Extensive work with space-folding Dreamer powers causes each line of the street to feed into the next, with many side-streets leading to different locations. Navigating Dream Street can be...difficult for the uninitiated, but people who know its twists and turns can get pretty much anywhere within it in a minute or less, give or take for stoplights. And for those who don't, well, "when in doubt, keep going straight".

Adaros has about forty Heroes in operation at any one time, but their turnover rate is...high. A lot of Heroes eventually get pulled into a conflict with one of the larger criminal organizations, and sadly, such conflicts have a tendency to only go well for so long. The Heroes of Adaros have a reputation for bring grimmer, more serious, and less flashy than those of other regions. They have a big area to cover, have lost a lot of comrades and only been able to get justice for a few of them. It can be hard.

While Adaros doesn't have the entertainment chops of Arbera, it does have a thriving theater and concert scene, and the Assembly has a robust presence there. Dreamer powers can add a level of special effects to live performances that can match even the best CGI firms, and as impressive as such things may be on the big scene, watching them live is another experience entirely. The Assembly's legal resources are also put to extensive use in Adaros, often dealing with the legal side of the fierce competition for Dreamers among the city's businesses...or sometimes defending Dreamers who have used their powers for less savory ends.

The Regional Commander of the Adaros Hero Corps is Corbin Pharos, Codename: Arcanis. His Dreamer power is Magic. PL 14+2.

SIDE in Adaros: Most Ilessian towns have a single SIDE agent or, maybe, a SIDE unit working with the police to deal with or at least consult on Dreamer crimes. Larger cities have full SIDE headquarters that can field entire Combat Units, sometimes more than one. Major cities have at least a Battle Squadron available.

Adaros SIDE is capable of fielding four full Battle Squadrons, with at least one more available as a reserve force, to say nothing for having the single largest contingent of OUT-SIDE soldiers in the entire country.

And they are astonishingly overworked.

Many criminal organizations have at least one significant Dreamer on staff, and those Dreamers have a huge impact on their operations. SIDE works night and day trying to separate them from their networks and take them down. It's a difficult and thankless job, and a lot of SIDE agents are extremely frustrated that even if they can remove the Dreamers from the equation, they can't bring down the criminal operations as a whole. OUT-SIDE, being legally only allowed to operate on Ilessian soil for reactive defensive measures, catches a lot of flak for having the weaponry and training to actually bring down some of these organizations, but not actually doing it. Resultantly, tensions between SIDE and Hero Corps tend to be high.

IDEA in Adaros: IDEA has various operations throughout Adaros, but the DDA and DDD are by far the most prominent. They work extensively with both the military and various business interests. Competition for the work and consultation of top IDEA scientists is fiercer than competition for powerful Dreamers, and the money flows freely. IDEA scientists mostly operate in labs provided by the businesses or groups they work for (the biggest military base in the city also hosts a state of the art IDEA facility), but there has been talk of several top scientists, with the assistance of corporate sponsors, purchasing a megablock to create a "Dreamtech playground" as it's been described. There have been...more than a few terrified reactions to the plan.

The Reclaimers in Adaros: The Reclaimers are bigger in Adaros than any other city in the country, for a few reasons. First, there's the simple fact that the Sentinel Project is directly responsible for "taking back" no less than three entire megablocks from the huge gangs (each led by Dreamers) that had previously controlled them. Second, the fierce competition among businesses has led to huge swaths of layoffs caused by the acquisition of Dreamer employees whose powers can replace hundreds or even thousands of workers, resulting in a lot of simmering resentment. The controversy surrounding Paradisia's megablock definitely played to the Reclaimers' advantage. Perhaps most importantly though, Defiant make up a statistically much smaller percentage of crazy people running around with high-powered weaponry in Adaros than they do in many other cities, and as citizens of the largest city in the nation, the people of Adaros are much more cognizant of the fact that in any large enough group of people, you're going to get some bad apples.

That said, the scale of the Adaros black market means that members of the Defiant are able to get weapons more easily than anywhere else in the country - and more powerful ones too. The Defiant don't tend to cluster into one big operation the way many gangs and criminal networks do - rather, they're spread throughout the city's underworld, working with this gang or that crime family, turning the resources of these powerful illegal organizations against Dreamers wherever they can get the chance. The Defiant are a pervasive threat in Adaros, and just how deeply their reach extends into the various great crime syndicates in the city is terrifyingly uncertain.

Big Dreams in Adaros: Both the Dream Job's Center and Dream Team Securities are headquartered in Adaros rather than Arbera, and do some of their biggest work there. Where in Arbera they emphasize to creation and development of Dreamer-run businesses under the Big Dreams umbrella, in Adaros the company's focus is more on getting Dreamers highly-paid positions in the city's various big businesses - often allowing companies to save millions on labor costs that a single skilled Dreamer can replace. The company saves money, the Dreamer earns a wage appropriate to the value of its powers, and Big Dreams makes a tidy commission. Everyone wins! Well, except for the dozens, scores, or hundreds of workers laid off as a result.

Dream Team Securities, meanwhile, conducts an extensive operation providing support and even gear for the military, and security for businesses and private citizens. In a city where criminals can regularly get access to military-grade weaponry, security forces capable of dealing with such threats are in high demand.

Verdania - The Crossroads

Verdania is Ilessia's center of tourism and trade. The third largest city in the country is situated on the western coast. Boasting the largest air and seaports in Ilessia, as a military center Verdania is second only to Adaros. The bulk of Ilessia's naval forces and a substantial portion of their Air Force are based in Verdania. That being said, Verdania is not built around being a military center the way Adaros is. Regularly called the Crossroads of Ilessia, Verdania is a place where people are coming and going all the time. Though a center for tourism, Verdania itself doesn't have many major monuments or other "must see" locations. What it does have is a lot of attractions, hotels, shopping centers, entertainment options, fine restaurants, and other places to allow vacationing tourists, in-port sailors, visiting businesspeople, and other travelers a nearly endless supply of ways to ensure their stay is enjoyable, whether they are visiting for weeks or just passing through for a couple of days.

The region around Verdania has some of the nicest and most diverse settings in Ilessia. From the towering Erdas mountains in the center of the region to its two great lakes, from the tropical jungles of its southern reaches to the snow-dusted pine forests to the north. Rolling hills and jagged cliffs, deep woods and beautiful beaches, the Verdanian Region is a picturesque setting filled with scattered tourist towns, cities, and resorts, as well as a scattered assortment of protected wilderness areas, national parks, and old keeps, castles, and other landmarks. Many visitors to Verdania itself only stay a day or two before moving on to their intended destination - but it's rarely advised that one skip out on seeing the city entirely.

The people of Verdania tend to be friendly and welcoming (outwardly at least; there's plenty of jokes and complaints at the expense of tourists behind closed doors). Almost everyone has advice and suggestions on where to go and what to see. Ask ten Verdanians where the best place to eat is, and you can expect to get ten different answers. The most common places for visitors to check out are Port Verdant, a sprawling coastal marketplace, and the Crossroads, which is the mile-or-so-radius area around the airport filled with hundreds of shops, restaurants, hotels, casinos, parks, malls, theaters, and other attractions. But these aren't the only parts of the city that cater to tourists or just locals looking to have a good time.

Verdania has a large immigrant population - Indelans in particular, as Verdania has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees since the start of Haptarus' conquest. But there are communities of just about every population on the planet in the city. Verdania tends to be considered the most casual of the Big Five. There's definitely a zestful energy and kind of intuitive organizational structure to the city, but it lacks the sheer hectic pace and bustle of Arbera, the regimented order of Adaros, the isolated quietude of Lastelle, or the strong sense of tradition of Estruan. People do their thing, live their lives, and don't stress over much.

Much ado is made about Verdania as a tourist spot, but it's important to remember that it thrives equally on trade. Verdania has plenty of big business interests, although not as many corporate headquarters as say Arbera or Adaros. That said, CEOs, salespeople, negotiators, and others who thrive on meeting and greeting are more likely to operate out of a Verdanian location even if their main headquarters is elsewhere. Probably the best way to put it is, a company might have a location in other cities for people to work, and one in Verdania from which to conduct business.

Now, this is not to say that Verdania is completely idyllic and peaceful. The city has its share of crime. The Crossroads, in particular, is largely in the grip of a criminal organization known as the Committee. They own a sizeable portion of the businesses there, using them as front operations for such things and drugs and weapons smuggling, money laundering, human trafficking, and so on - to say nothing for the protection rackets, corporate espionage, assassination, thefts, sabotage, and other more corporate crimes they get up to. That said, crime against tourists in the Crossroads is very rare, as they're where the money comes from in the first place.

Tourists do have to take more care in some of the less-traveled parts of the city, though. Gangs protecting their territory, ambitious kidnappers and muggers looking for people out of their element or who won't be missed, and the occasional Dreamcatcher, serial killer, or similar danger can come upon those who turn down the wrong poorly-lit street on the wrong night. And then there's the Underground. Old subways, sewers, catacombs, mines, and other subterranean areas have over time become a sort of city beneath the city that serves as every bit a crossroads as the city above for those who don't conduct their business in the light of day. Someone who knows the labyrinthian passages well enough can get just about anywhere in the city without once setting foot above ground, and all manner of ilicit opportunities and black market products can be found in the tunnels beneath Verdania's streets.

The Assembly in Verdania: The main Assembly location in Verdania is the Tower of Dreams, a forty-story skyscraper holding hundreds of offices and conference rooms. While Verdania isn't the big name in entertainment that Arbera is, it's still a thriving industry, and in particular Verdania and its surrounding locales are regularly used as locations for shooting all manner of shows and movies. A lot of television shows are also produced in and around Verdania. Verdania itself, being the crossroads of Ilessia, is also a common place for movies to be set in. As a result, a lot of what people, especially foreigners, think about Ilessia and its various institutions comes from depictions of Verdania.

Verdania has roughly the same give-or-take-forty full-time Heroes that Adaros can field, but being a smaller city without as fierce a criminal element they're quite a bit less overworked. That said, with all the comings and goings, and the persistent crime they do have, the Verdanian Heroes have plenty of opportunity to do good work. They tend to be confident, in themselves and each other, well assured by a history of success even against stiff odds. They find a good balance between the actual hero work and the PR side of it, many of them seeing the latter as an important part of the job not so much for the glory or reputation, but because it allows them to serve as inspirations for others. There is a lot of good-natured competition among the Heroes of Verdania; while they won't let it get in the way of keeping people safe, it's generally considered bad form to interfere in a conflict another Hero has already gone to stop, unless requested or lives are at immediate risk. It's not uncommon for threats posted to the Hero App to be replied to first by the responding Hero, and then a bunch of other Heroes with irreverent commentary such as bets on how fast the problem will be solved, or suggestions on how to make it look good, or if there's not much risk, challenges for making it a more difficult (and thereby impressive) fight.

In addition to its standing forces, Heroes Abroad is based out of Verdania Hero Corps. There are usually only a few of them actually in the city at any given time, though.

The Regional Commander of the Verdania Hero Corps is Barrett Anderson, Codename: Interceptor. His Dreamer power is Teleportation and Physical Enhancement. PL 13+2.

SIDE in Verdania: SIDE has a robust presence in Verdania, up to and including three Battle Squadrons, with a fourth available in reserve forces. However, given the amount of travel and tourism centered around Verdania, IN-SIDE has an especially strong presence there, coordinating not just the internal moderation of the city's SIDE forces, but also extensive spying operations abroad. Verdania SIDE works also closely with Hero Corps in the classic, "Hero Corps neutralizes the threat, SIDE processes the criminals" style.

IDEA in Verdania: IDEA has its share of facilities in Verdania, although the biggest presence happens to be the Department of Biomechanics. That's...not always a good thing; while Verdania doesn't have anywhere near the Dreamcatcher presence of, say, Arbera, there have been several reports of Dreamers being kidnapped in Verdania and forcibly grafted with cybernetic "enhancements" for their powers in torturous experiments. Most of these poor souls wind up installed with neural compliance technology and sold through underworld connections to buyers all over the world who want powerful, loyal Dreamer servants or soldiers with an extra edge. On the more positive side, though, Verdania is one of the top places to go to for treatments for all manner of genetic maladies. The Department of Dreamer Studies also has a strong presence in Verdania, and in fact, one particular facility staffed by DBM and DDS scientists is on the cutting edge of research into artificially inducing or removing Dreamer powers. Granted, this has led to certain, um, side effects, but you know, Hero Corps enjoys the occasional giant monster fight...!

The Reclaimers in Verdania: The Reclaimers tend to hit the nadir of their always-shaky popularity in Verdania. Part of this is because the Defiant tend to be a fairly cyclical presence here, every few years gearing up for some big attack on some significant Dreamer institution, causing a lot of damage before getting their butts handed to them by Hero Corps, and then restarting the process of building back up their power. Verdania being such a melting pot doesn't really help either; it's an egalitarian city even considering the norm for Aranth, so the Reclaimers' fear and hatred of Dreamers for their differences is particularly poorly received. A lot of Reclaimers operate under the radar, often keeping their affiliation secret from friends and family. That all said, the Sentinel Project is the only group making any real progress at trying to push the Committee out of the Crossroads...although even then, rumors abound that they also provide training and weaponry to more radical Defiant elements.

Big Dreams in Verdania: While not as big a business center as Arbera and Adaros, Verdania's thriving trade and tourism enterprises offer a lot of room for Big Dreams to work. The Network is especially prevalent here, connecting Dreamers with businesses all over the country and the world, negotiating deals and investing in thousands of small Dreamer-run businesses. Estimates are that more than half of DreamCorp's products pass through Verdania at some point...and that percentage is even higher for the more illicit products they offer.

Estruan - The Heartlands

Situated in the center of the eastern region of Ilessia, Estruan in the hub of the Ilessian heartlands. The Estruan region runs from the mountains and mines of the north through the fertile fields and farms of the central plains, on down to the humid marshes and rain forests of the south. Where Arbera is known for politics and entertainment, Adaros for business and military, and Verdania for tourism and trade, the Estruan region is where Ilessia's production is most heavily concentrated. The city of Estruan is the central hub of the region, where the various resources of the region pass through on their way out to the rest of the country. All of the biggest highways and railroads in Ilessia pass through Estruan at some point.

Estruan is a sprawling city - not as big as Adaros, but it covers more total land than Arbera, despite having barely more than half the population. It's a major production center, the inner city filled with warehouses for storing raw materials and resources and factories that turn them into finished products. It's also dotted with several geothermal energy plants. The Estruan region in general covers a very geomantically active area. On the downside, this means regular earthquakes and even occasional volcanic eruptions trouble the region, but on the plus side it means access to high-energy geothermal nodes.

The people of Estruan tend to be straight-forward, no-nonsense, and hard-working in their daily lives. But once they've clocked out it can be another matter entirely. Large gatherings with good food, ample drink, and loud music are something of an Estruan tradition. They may not have the Verdanian reputation for friendliness, but let nobody question the hospitality or politeness of the people of the Estruan region. As more than a few visitors have put it, "They make you feel welcome, just not necessarily at home." The most popular form of entertainment in Estruan is various sporting events, and Estruans have a reputation for fanatical devotion to their local teams.

While most of the city is clean and bustling, as one moves further and further in, quality of buildings, roads, and public works does tend to deteriorate. Crime is a constant problem in the central districts of Estruan, and more resources are dedicated to keeping it contained than actually cleaning it up. There are several large criminal organizations in the center of the city, but all of them pay at least lip service to the crime lord known only as "the Ace". The Ace is officially the single most wanted individual in Estruan - in practice, though, he or she keeps the other criminals in a state of simmering competition without becoming all-out war. It's an unpleasant truth that removing the Ace from the Estruan underworld might easily cause more harm than good.

A fairly large portion of Estruan's population is somewhat transient. Aside from the constantly coming and going truckers and other transporters, you often have people bringing goods to market in late autumn, staying over the winter, and then heading back to their farms and mines in early spring. There's also a fairly steady stream of young people fed up with life in the many small towns and communities spread throughout the Heartlands making their way to the big city, no few of which find themselves heading back home after only a few years.

Estruan has the smallest percentage of its population of all the big five cities (and this statistic extends regionally as well) working in energy farms. Most people can easily find work in warehouses, transportation, factories, and service industries in the city, or at farms, mines, power plants, and other production industries outside of it. Energy farm work tends to be looked down on in Estruan.

The Assembly in Estruan: The Assembly tends to operate more on the social scale in Estruan. Estruan in general is somewhat less enamored with Dreamer powers than other regions in the country. In a lot of ways, they see them as kinda unnecessary shortcuts. The people of Estruan don't mind hard work and aren't fond of rushing things. Dreamers, as a result, sometimes feel they have a hard time fitting in in Estruan, and the Assembly does a lot to help them to do so. Beyond that...well, let's just say that the Estruan love of sports extends fully to Dreamer-based sporting events. Dreamer athletes can expect every bit as much celebrity in Estruan as Dreamer actors and artists can find in other regions.

The ACC also does a lot of work in Estruan and its outlying region thanks to the geomantic instability of the region. When earthquakes hit or volcanoes erupt, you can be the Assembly Cleanup Crew will be among the first ones there, repairing the damage and helping life get back to normal. The ACC is deeply respected in Estruan, even by their normal standards. Even Estruan Reclaimers tend to have good things to say about them.

The city of Estruan typically has some thirty Heroes on call regularly. They're a rowdy, boisterous bunch, regarded with affectionate bemusement by most of the people they serve. "Happy to help" is something of an unofficial slogan for Estruan Heroes, and indeed their days tend to be filled less with super-powered crime-fighting and more with flying around providing random help to whatever folks catch their eye. The majority of Heroes see the mostly-mundane crime that has spread throughout the inner city as more-or-less beneath them, although the inner city has its share of registered independents or outright vigilantes working to clean up the streets (with the big distinction between them often being that the vigilantes go hard trying to take down the Ace, while the independents are more cautious about upsetting that particular status-quo). There's quite a bit of tension between these independent crime fighters and the city's official Heroes.

The Regional Commander of the Estruan Hero Corps is Dixie Beckert, Codename: Lucid. Her Dreamer power is Psionics. PL 13+2.

SIDE in Estruan: SIDE operates a bit abnormally in Estruan. Where in most major cities SIDE operates independently, in Estruan they tend to operate in direct conjunction with local law enforcement. Most police departments and sheriff offices in Estruan include anywhere from a single SIDE agent to a small group of them. The SIDE agents take the lead in dealing with Dreamers, but are officially sworn in as both police and SIDE, and so are able to lend their skill and support to mundane investigations as well. This somewhat limits the amount of raw power that Estruan SIDE can easily bring to bear (although it's estimated that if they needed to, the SIDE forces in the city could field the equivalent of three Battle Squadrons), it makes their local law enforcement that much more savvy and capable when dealing with both mundane and Dreamer crimes. Likewise, DES-SIDE works on security in prisons that take both mundane and Dreamer criminals, making even normal prisons that much more secure and even allowing some better gradiation for Dreamer prisoners whose powers don't demand some of the more extreme security measures that a full-fledged SIDE prison would normally make standard.

IDEA in Estruan: Estruan is the production center of Ilessia, and that title extends to energy as well as raw materials. So it should be no surprise that IDEA's Department of Energy Management is big in Estruan, constantly innovating new ways to collect, store, and transport energy. Many power plants - be they nuclear, geothermal, solar, or wind - have IDEA DEM scientists on staff working to improve their efficiency. Although, given the enthusiasm of IDEA and the occasional geomantic instability of the region, this...can occasionally lead to issues.

The Reclaimers in Estruan: The Reclaimers are probably at the top of their game in Estruan, although this is less prominent in the city itself. Nonetheless, the Estruan tendency to favor old-fashioned hard work over Dreamer powered solutions does make fertile soil for the Reclaimers. Likewise, a lot of people do have a quiet fear of the sort of Dreamer-driven layoffs that you hear about in places like Adaros. It's not the Estruan way, but if enough owners of big farms, mines, and plants decided to embrace the sheer efficiency of replacing workers with Dreamers, it could cause a major upset to the Estruan way of life, and the Reclaimer message resonates with that fear. Likewise, Dreamers are a lot less common in the small towns that cover so much of the region - there are plenty of people in the Estruan region and even in the city itself that have never personally met a Dreamer (or at least, that they knew was a Dreamer). Dreamers are more of an unknown to a lot of people in Estruan, and that prompts more fear.

That said, the Reclaimers also don't tend to be as much of an organized entity in Estruan. They're more a political movement or even a general mindset than a cohesive group in a lot of ways. Many people have Reclaimer leanings or belief, but not as many would outright identify themselves as Reclaimers.

The Sentinel Project also gets a lot of kudos for doing what they can to clean up the inner city. It's pretty much taken as a given that the Ace is a Dreamer of some kind, and the Sentinels are putting more effort than any group in the city towards uncovering his/her/their identity and bringing them to justice.

Big Dreams in Estruan: Big Dreams struggles a bit in Estruan, it's true. This isn't a place that favors big business interests and Dreamer powered work forces. But Estruan is hardly a write-off for Big Dreams. As far as they're concerned, if the other companies in the region don't want to be competitive, that's their problem. Big Dreams has fingers in all areas of production, and DreamCorp is relentless about squeezing the competition from buying exclusively from Big Dreams producers. They haven't been able to dominate the market as yet, but they are fairly brazen about their efforts to do so. Many of Estruan's people see them as leeches, trying to suck the lifeblood from the Ilessian Heartlands to feed their own bottom line.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Lastelle - The Quiet Place

Occupying the northern reaches of Ilessia, Lastelle has a reputation for peace and quiet. The region in general has fewer small towns and cities, with much of its population packed into a few centers with a lot of open, often-frozen space between them. Many areas of the Lastellan region are covered in snow from mid-autumn to late spring, although the city itself is in the more temperate southern portion of the region. The city of Lastelle is the smallest of the Big Five, covering a bit less land than Verdania and containing a bit of a smaller population than Estruan. The Estruan region is bordered by mountains on the east and west, and much of the terrain is rolling hills leading up to the sheer cliffs of the northern coast. There's a palpable sense of isolation in Lastelle, even in the city where the hills can separate the districts, especially when the land slumbers beneath a blanket of snow.

Lastelle is a land of faith and science working side by side. It is the most religious city and region in Ilessia, with the Arch-Faith being the most popular by a modest margin (the fact that one of the greatest of Arch's churches - the Shining Cathedral, led by the High Priest Germaine Thorn - is located in Lastelle may have something to do with that). However, it's also one of the biggest scientific centers in the country. What the Lastellan region is missing in smaller towns and cities, it makes up with isolated scientific facilities, wayside shrines, and even the occasional cloistered monastery dotting the terrain.

Lastelle tends to be a place of contemplation and reflection. Writers and poets have been known to travel to the northern city to focus on their work, and more than a few celebrities have secondary (or tertiary) homes here where they can enjoy some measure of privacy. This isn't to say nothing happens in Lastelle - aside from huge holiday celebrations, the so-called Quiet Place is known for its thriving night life. Clubs, bars, private parties, and the like offer a tremendous variety of nightly entertainment. Lastelle has also earned a reputation for exquisite cuisine, and some of the countries most highly-recommended restaurants can be found there.

Almost every city in the Lastellen region boasts a well-respected university, and students from all over the country compete for acceptance to Lastellan schools. The city of Lastelle boasts three major universities and a sizeable student population. All three are extremely well-respected institutions, but one stands undeniably above the rest - IDEA's world-renowned Elderage College.

The people of Lastelle enjoy their peace and their privacy, but the isolation of the city can come with a cost. While the organized crime in the city isn't as well known as in some of the other major cities in the country, it does exist. Smaller scale crime is the bigger problem though. It's way too easy for an enterprising criminal to use the privacy of Lastelle against its citizens, and with how artists, celebrities, and students so often come and go, people can vanish without a trace and not be recognized as missing for weeks or even months. Although the city keeps it quiet to the public, among law enforcement, it's well established that Lastelle has a terrifying history of attracting serial killers.

The Assembly in Lastelle: The Assembly has...somewhat muted operations in Lastelle. Quiet Places aren't exactly the sort of place where the Assembly thrives. They do their thing, sure, but probably their biggest function in Lastelle is setting up vacations for Dreamer celebrities looking for some peace and quiet to recharge. In this way, the Assembly actually takes on something of a inverse role from their usual aims - rather than playing the media and generating buzz, they work to give their clients the rest and relaxation they're looking for, taking care of things so they can enjoy their rest.

The regional base in Lastelle actually has a particularly large roster for the city's size, tending towards some fifty Heroes on call at once. However, usually better than half of them are newbies trying it out and learning the ropes, college students with Dreamer powers and a desire to become Heroes. The popularity of Hero Corps is imporant among the rather private populace of Lastelle; people tend to be more likely to report things to Hero Corps than the police, since Heroes tend to be less intrusive about things. The Heroes of Lastelle, thus, pride themselves on being able to quietly handle problems without disrupting peoples' lives. Naturally, the somewhat lower-glory operation is a large part of the reason that most of the novice Heroes head for other cities after they graduate. Lastellan Heroes tend to be the least interested in things like costumes and codenames, although since so many of their number are learning the ropes, they find things like statistics and ranking systems to be very important.

The Regional Commander of the Lastelle Hero Corps is Yua Maki, Codename: Nano. Her Dreamer power is Technomorphism. PL 12+2.

SIDE in Lastelle: For most of SIDE, there's not much to say about Lastelle. It's got about three Battle Squadrons worth of fighting power, but they do their job fairly normally. The big standout for Lastelle is TOP-SIDE. The TOP-SIDE Academy is housed in Lastelle. The Academy is not only respsonsible for training the next generation of TOP-SIDE officers, but it has elite training camps for officer training for all SIDE divisions. The Academy also works closely with IDEA to devise new tools, tactics, and protocols for maximizing the organization's effectiveness against Dreamer crime of all sorts. Much like Hero Corps, SIDE operations in Lastelle often have trainees working in the field, although always alongside more experienced SIDE agents.

IDEA in Lastelle: IDEA has a huge presence in Lastelle and its outlying region. Many of the IDEA's most risky experiments (which is saying something) are conducted in isolated laboratories and facilities deep in the frozen Lastellan wilderness, well away from civilization. As noted above, Elderage College is set in Lastelle, and all IDEA departments have substantial holdings in the city. The DOS and the DPS both have extensive research facilities in Lastelle. Lastellan IDEA scientists have a strong rivalry with Braizen scientists, although more than a few have been known to head further north to study the wondrous Braizen radiation.

Unfortunately, the same traits that make Lastelle a magnet for serial killers applies equally to Dreamcatchers. The statistics on Dreamers mysteriously vanishing from Lastelle never to be seen again would be horrifying...if they were better publicized.

The Reclaimers in Lastelle: The Reclaimers tend to be viewed as kinda annoying in Lastelle. Remember, privacy is kinda a big thing here, and the Reclaimers aren't exactly known for minding their own business. That aside, though, the really noteworthy feature of the Reclaimers in Lastelle is the Repentant. The Reclaimers have several facilities - a few in the city itself, others in the wilderness - to contain Repentant Dreamers who fear their powers are a threat to others. The Reclaimers do catch some flack from these - often from the Assembly questioning just how many "secret Dreamer prisons" they have going in the unregulated wilds of Lastelle. Although the real concern is the rumors that some of these facilities don't always receive all the food and supplies that they need, especially in the middle of the often-frozen, highly-isolated Lastellan wilderness.

Big Dreams in Lastelle: While Big Dreams has its usual share of businesses and networking operations in Lastelle, its big focus in the region is on the universities. Big Dreams has regular recruiting drives, job fairs, and internships for Dreamer students at the Lastellan universities - especially Elderage College. They're also a major provider of scholarships and financial aid for Dreamers looking to attend prestigious colleges, and they supplement the universities with their own privately-operated trade schools. Beyond all that, Lastelle is a common destination for Big Dreams business seminars.

[Quellian-dyrae]

Okay, last section I need to work on before doing a final general update/reorganization. The individual Indelar nations. Got a few done so far, will add them as I go.

Anvar:
Cultural Watchword: Practicality
Population: 200 Million (1.3% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 8/10
International Reputation: C-
Chief Import: Food
Chief Export: Technologies
Colors: Purple and Silver
Flag: A silver candle flame in each corner with a purple background.

Anvar is a more-or-less autocratic country ruled by twelve Executives - one for each major city in the country. Each Executive has virtually absolute power within its own city and its environs (there are some specific federal mandates agreed upon by the group that limit an Executive's power in its city - for example, no Executive can force their citizens to stay in their city if they wish to move to a different one), and collectively they wield absolute federal power, but federal decisions require majority agreement (with certain extremely significant decisions requiring greater majorities), and are only for things that must involve the entire country. Matters such as resource allocation are divided among the Executives based on the population of their cities for them to utilize as they deem fit. The premise is that there will be little need for politicking among the Executives, leaving them to guide the country as they determine best with their collective knowledge and debating. When an Executive dies, retires, or is deemed by a 3/4 majority unfit for continued service, the Executives collectively choose a replacement. Once appointed, the position has no term limit.

Although the Executives wield absolute power, since resources are determined by population, citizens have a certain amount of ability to "vote with their feet". The Executives compete to make their cities the most attractive to their citizens, and facilitate those who desire to move to their cities. The Executives are also surprisingly receptive to feedback for autocrats; while citizens don't have any actual legal power to influence their decisions, they do have a reputation for paying close attention to what their citizens want and taking their views and information into account. So far, the Executives have generally proved generally benevolent, if not particularly generous. The general view of them is "they'll do what is best for the country, and take as much of the profits for themselves as they can possibly get away with". Nonetheless, there are several countries that oppose the Executives' autocratic rule.

Anvar is well known for the Union of Natural Improvement via Technology, or UNIT. UNIT is a rival of IDEA, which focuses on developing practical technology (sometimes from Dreamtech, sometimes not) that provides practical improvement to peoples' lives. UNIT was founded about a century before the Awakening, and during that century was the most renowned scientific institute on the planet, responsible for such inventions as cars, refrigerators, air conditioning, and even tupperware. It's lost a fair chunk of prestige to IDEA over the past century, but it's still competitive - Active Crystal was originally designed by UNIT, among other things. Since the start of the war with Haptarus, UNIT is, for the first time in its history, working on developing military technology. There are more than a few people throughout the world who are just a little bit terrified of this.

Anvar is slow to engage Haptarus militarily where they don't need to, contributing to the war effort through the development of technology where they can, although they make surgical strikes where strategically feasible. For their part, Haptarus is content to wage a war of attrition against Anvar, using infiltrators and saboteurs against them more often than massed troops. Their country isn't exactly the most fertile, and by targeting food stores and incoming supplies, they are slowly chipping away at their resolve and building tension between the cities and Executives as resources become imbalanced...

Dyburen:
Cultural Watchword: Happiness
Population: 300 Million (0.8% Dreamer)
Military Grade: D (Kill Sat, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 1/10
International Reputation: B-
Chief Import: Building Materials
Chief Export: None (formerly Technologies)
Colors: Pink and White.
Flag: Literally it's a smiley on a white background except the smiley is pink rather than yellow.

For a long time, Dyburen's claim to fame was its schools. Not its colleges (although the University of Dyburen was very well-respected). But no country has ever so embodied the notion "our children are our future". Dyburen's biggest national investment, by far, was in its children and families. Ensuring children grew up happy, healthy, and well-educated was the biggest priority of the nation, bar none. And you know, it had an impact. Dyburen might not have had great scientific organizations like IDEA or UNIT, or amazing developments like Libra's Matrix or Gil's matter converters. But they had an extremely well-educated and heavily-motivated workforce that developed their share of impressive technologies. They were in many ways a counterpart to Anvar, responsible for many basic technologies that provided comfort, entertainment, and education over more practical functions. Dyburen will always be known as the country responsible for television.

But that was before the war. These days, the national priority has been essentially shortened to "ensuring children grow up". And even that is a struggle.

Dyburen has never been a military powerhouse, and Haptarus easily could have broken its military utterly. So far, they haven't. They've more-or-less ignored them, honestly, dedicating token forces to hold them off and otherwise rolling over them to get to other targets. Their industry and infrastructure has been shattered, and Dyburen still mourns the day Haptarus "declared war" on them - by staging a blitzing daytime bombing raid not against their military or industry, but on their schools (historical note: it was this barbaric attack that prompted Ilessia to declare war against the Empire). Haptarus likely would have conquered them entirely if not for the aid of Endris...and the fact that over the ten years since, Haptaran military Dreamers who have dared entered the country have often been set upon at night by packs of unaging, undying, revenant Null children, completely immune to Dreamer powers, who have torn them apart with savage ferocity before vanishing into the shadows of the night. How many of these not-quite-undead children are out there, how their attacks are organized, and whether there is anything left of who they originally were, is all completely unknown.

Despite the suffering they have endured, though, the people of Dyburen are still fighting, still surviving, and even though a majority of the country's families have lost at least one child, still holding to hope that one day the war will end and they will be able to rebuild. While they may not be able to provide much in the way of military or material support to the war effort, the Dyburen spirit and capacity for hope is an inspiration to all of Indelar.

East Luren:
Cultural Watchword: Freedom
Population: 100 Million (1.1% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B+ (Nuke, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 3/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Technologies
Chief Export: Biofuels
Colors: Brown and Green
Flag: A brown hollow rectangle about 20% from the edge, on a green background.

Up until almost two hundred years ago, Luren was a single nation, and for a long time one of the wealthiest in the world. This wealth came predominantly from oil, coal, and other biofuels, which Luren had one of the world's largest supplies of (in theory, Peral has a larger supply, but mining and drilling operations in Peral have...not been known to go swimmingly). But around -100 PA, alternative forms of energy - including nuclear power - began developing, along with growing concerns about pollution and sustainability of biofuels.

If you ask an East Lurener, the four-year civil war that began in -65 PA was about a disenfranchised worker's class throwing off the oppressive regime of a corrupt government firmly in the pocket of big biofuel conglomerates. If you ask a West Lurener, it was a bloody rebellion triggered by panic and greed. End of the day though, the nation went to war, and in the end, was split more-or-less in half.

While East Luren has continued to be a leading supplier of biofuels, they were also concerned with the shifting attitudes and growing concerns regarding it, and invested heavily in research and development of more renewable energy sources - nuclear energy in particular. The situation was wavering but functionally stable through the second half of the last pre-Awakening century, but with the discovery of Spiritual Energy as yet another possible route energy supply, and the significant progress made with solar and geothermal energy in the early first century PA, worldwide consumption of biofuels began to sharply decline. The development of energy farms in 70 PA was more-or-less the final nail in the coffin.

East Luren adapted to the times, phasing out its biofuel industries in favor of other exports and forms of energy generation more and more. It couldn't maintain its prior level of wealth, but wasn't impoverished or falling apart by any means. Then came the war with Haptarus. East Luren has prided itself on a strong military ever since the war of secession, so they've so far been able to hold their own capably against the forces Haptarus sends against them. However, Haptaran air strikes and saboteurs have been heavily prioritizing their nuclear and geothermal plants, cutting sharply into their energy resources. For the first time in decades, the old biofuel industries of Easy Luren have been kicking into gear to try to stem the loss of wealth and power from these attacks and keep their military in fighting shape. But everyone knows that's only a temporary solution - against an enemy with the energy resources of Haptarus, the finite and inefficient power offered by East Luren's remaining supply of biofuels will not be able to hold for long.

Endris:
Cultural Watchword: Duty
Population: 250 Million (0.6% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B+ (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 4/10
International Reputation: C
Chief Import: Energy
Chief Export: Metal
Colors: Yellow, Orange, and Purple
Flag: A circle of eight alternating yellow and orange stars on a purple background.

About three-quarters of the country of Endris is a rough, arctic region of high plateus, rocky crags, and sheer cliffs. The fields and farms of the lowlands, shielded from the worst of the arctic winds and storms by the mountains beyond them, are sufficiently fertile to feed the country with only modest supplement from trade, albeit only with extreme effort and skill from the tough, determined farmers who tend the land. About two-fifths of the population lives in the rural farmlands, with the rest in great plateu-top cities and small mountainside mining towns, many of which delve into expansive underground tunnels, some going deep enough to be warmed by the heat of the earth. The highlanders of Endris weather the bitter cold and regular blizzards with grit, stoicism, and ludicrously high heating bills.

The highlanders of Endris have a reputation for keeping to themselves and being blunt and frank in their speech. The lowland farmers - perhaps due in part to sharing a border with the historically friendly, cheerful people of Dyburen - tend to be more open and welcoming, albeit still rather taciturn. In many ways, they consider themselves two entirely different cultures, but each with a duty to one another. The highlanders provide the metal needed for tools and the soldiers and fortifications necessary for defense (and, more recently, the majority of the country's domestic energy supply through their geothermal plants). The lowland farmers offer food, and the opportunity for respite when the arctic winters become too harsh (although as technology has advanced this bit has become more of a luxury than occasional necessity).

While even before Haptarus Indelar was far from a conflict-free nation, Endris and Dyburen have always had a friendly relationship, and in fact the Endris-Dyburen border has the distinction of the only Indelan border that has never seen war, a claim that both nations take a great cultural pride in. Endris is the only Indelan nation in the modern day whose border is not exposed at all to Haptarus - but this does not mean they have stayed out of the war. They have been sending military support to Dyburen from Haptarus' first attack upon them, and have accepted tens of thousands of Dyburen refugees, with plans underway to take in the entire country if it becomes necessary. For now, they are the shield that is keeping Dyburen from collapsing. Haptarus has not directly assailed them yet - although the Emperor eagerly awaits the day that Dyburen falls so he can break the Endris border's streak of peace, and has big plans for sweeping through and annihilating the lowland farms. Military engagement of mountain cities shielded from air assault by arctic winds and storms would be difficult of course...but Haptarus is interested to see what will happen when the country is forced to divide its only mediocre energy supply between matter generation for food, and power for heat.

Fasus:
Cultural Watchword: Growth
Population: 250 Million (0.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: C- (Nuke, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 3/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Weapons
Chief Export: Building Materials
Colors: White, Green, and Black.
Flag: Four green stars around a black ring on a white background.

The country of Fasus is a temperate land of deep forests, rocky hills, and sandy beaches. Its people have a deep cultural respect for ideals of adventure and exploration, embodied by the early settlers to the land who carved their holdings out from the often-difficult wilderness. Over time, what began as a few small logging towns had spread to become a thriving nation. Though Fasus has reached the limits of its landspace, the country has continued to grow in other ways - namely, up. Fasus is the architectural capital of the world, featuring complex and detailed building designs, creative layouts, and, especially in recent years, ambitiously high skyscrapers, made possible by the country's world-renowned building materials and proprietary antigravity stabilization technology. Seven of the world's ten tallest buildings are in Fasus, and the country's five major cities have breathtaking skylines, towering above the thick forests that surround them. Between the cities the woods are dotted with quaint, picturesque towns and villages.

Though far from the wealthiest nation on the planet, Fasus does in fact produce quite a bit more energy than its overall wealth suggests - the huge buildings and antigravity stabilizers are expensive to maintain. The antigravity technology is used in more than just buildings - every modern car in Fasus is a flying vehicle, a fact which has allowed them to clear the old network of roads that once crisscrossed their forest. Though the prior locations of the roads are still apparent by the young trees that fill them, nature is already well on its way to reclaiming them.

Fasus has plans to create the world's first floating city, but so far, the energy costs and logistical challenges have been prohibitive, and the war with Haptarus has not helped matters. But the project is a source of national pride, and a major political topic. Fasusan culture strongly encourages what they call adolatry - the most literal translation might be "humble ambition", although that doesn't quite do it justice. A sense of ambitious self-confidence without pride, a drive to seek to do great things without convincing yourself that you are great - and always, always knowing that you can be better, and your dreams bigger.

Fasus is a steadfast enemy of Haptarus, and have recently been heavily stepping up weapons imports and military spending to better combat the Empire. Although not the most aggressive of the Indelan nations (that honor goes unquestionably to Shul), they focus almost as much on offense as defense. Defeating the Empire is a lofty goal for sure, and Fasus is not a nation known for turning down a challenge. For his part, the Emperor sees conquering a Fasusan city as a personal treat - two have fallen to his forces, and both times he arrived personally in the aftermath. As he once put it, "It's like a cross between billiards and dominoes. Only with bowling. Only with buildings!"

Gil:
Cultural Watchword: Progress
Population: 100 Million (0.9% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B (Nuke, Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 12/10
International Reputation: D+
Chief Import: Precious Stones/Metals
Chief Export: Energy
Colors: White, Red, and Gold.
Flag: A gold lion in a red square on a white background.

Gil is, by far, the wealthiest nation in the world. Full stop.

Let's be absolutely clear here. They have a tenth the population of Ilessia, and probably like ten times the total wealth. And yes, that absolutely means the average Gilean income per-capita is give-or-take a hundred times that of Ilessia. The Gilean equivalent of "lower-middle-class" is "non-millionaire". And they have a very small lower-middle class! This is not a "massive amounts of money in the hands of a small elite while the majority of the citizens kinda do okay" situation. The wealth isn't evenly distributed, sure, but it's definitely well distributed. The typical child's allowance in Gil could outstrip some decently-paying jobs in many other countries. "But inflation!" you say. No. Sorry. Gil killed inflation. They threw money at it until it died and then buried the corpse under their massive piles of money!

How can this be? Well, Gil's always been up there on the wealth scale just because the country has always been rich in precious stones and metals. But that alone isn't what got the country to where they are today. No no, that came about through their matter converter technology. Like matter generators in reverse, these wondrous pieces of absolute bleeding-edge Dreamtech are able to convert matter into energy. They're not as efficient as matter generators are expensive - if you try to create matter from energy and then convert it back to energy, you operate at a loss - and the type of matter does have an impact. Crude materials, and most biological materials, are very inefficient, only producing maybe a twentieth to a tenth of the energy it would take to create an equivalent amount of mass. Water comes in at like 1%. Biofuels are decent in the sense that they'll output their full energy capacity (in terms of the fuel they can provide, not the energy required to create them) and in a much cleaner way than burning them would do. Metals and elements tend to be more efficient, with precious metals and gemstones tending in the 90-95% efficiency range and remember where Gil got its original wealth from? Yeah. It's actually reached the point where Gil, who had once sold its precious metals and stones to other countries for a profit, are now able to buy them back for something like double their market value, and convert them to something like ten times their market value as energy (matter generators don't usually produce precious stones and metals, since they're expensive to create, not super-useful, and their main value is their rarity so creating them in bulk doesn't help anyone). Since they also have matter generators of their own, which are themselves a bit ahead of the curve technologically, yeah, Gil is entirely post-scarcity. Anything they can't generate themselves, they can trivially buy from other nations. This is also part of how Gil killed inflation. They don't buy and sell goods among themselves. If they want to buy something, they go to some other country to get it. Most Gilean labor is automated - they have one of the largest numbers of robots of any country in the world, and by far the most robots per-capita.

This tremendous access to energy is then leveraged for even greater effective wealth by investing in various international companies or even entire countries. Gileans have been known to go on random weekend vacations to other nations, find some small business they like (maybe they eat at a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant and really like the food, or go to some manner of entertainment that they enjoy), and just kinda arbitrarily invest tens or hundreds of thousands or even millions of credits in the business to "take it to the next level", just because they can.

Gil is not a popular country on the world stage. Aside from general envy (and the fact that a lot of people find Gileans to have a rather smug, superior attitude in general) a large part of that comes from the fact that they are keeping their wondrous matter conversion technology to themselves. So far, no super-inventor, no Dreamer omnigenius, not even the combined super-intellects of entire Better World Institute and IDEA think-tanks have been able to manage matter conversion at anything even vaguely approximating the scale or efficiency of Gilean technology. A large part of the scientific community believes it's not a Dreamtech invention at all, but some specific Dreamer power at work. I kinda want to make sure that's sunk in. This technology is so far beyond the capacity of modern science and super-science that there is a large number of people who believes it exceeds the objective potential of Dreamtech. Gil, of course, cannot confirm or deny this theory.

The other big reason Gil isn't popular has to do with the war against Haptarus. And it's...well, complex. See, the thing is, on the one hand, Gil is more-or-less bankrolling the war against the Empire. They have offered an unlimited line of credit to the other Indelan nations to finance the war and their defense and various rebuilding costs and such. And, you know, that's great. But they've also made clear that it's not a gift, it's a loan. A loan that they are offering extremely flexible, virtually-no-interest repayment plans on. By all appearances, they really are trying to finance the war for the benefit of all. But...they do intend to recoup those funds eventually, and there are serious concerns that even if Haptarus is defeated, Gil will be in a position that it could take over Indelar by financial conquest. Even if there isn't some loophole to exploit in the contracts (one concern is that if the war gets bad enough, Gil might halt the flow of money unless more favorable terms are negotiated), Gil could end up holding enough leverage to be able to take over the lands now ruled by Haptarus. And if anything like this were to happen, the continent of Indelar being assimilated into the nation of Gil would be a huge shakeup on the world stage. Gil, of course, swears roundly they intend no such thing.

On top of that, Gil hasn't actually contributed much to the fighting. They've officially declared war, and their own national defenses are extremely beefy (indeed, so much so that even Haptarus hasn't committed much towards engaging them directly), but they could be contributing a lot more to the effort in terms of materiel and particularly robotic soldiers. This only adds to the not-uncommon viewpoint that they are trying to profit from the war, and don't mind if it drags out.

Maire:
Cultural Watchword: Creativity
Population: 200 Million (0.6% Dreamer)
Military Grade: D- (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 7/10
International Reputation: D+
Chief Import: Entertainment Media
Chief Export: Art
Colors: Gold and Red
Flag: A gold sun rising into a red sky.

Maire is in many ways a nation of dreams and promise, though far from one where it is impossible for such things to go unrealized. The country was built on the principle that anyone could have the next Big Idea, come up with some creative, revolutionary solution to a problem, or some amazing piece of art that speaks to people in ways never experienced before. The country dedicates a substantial sum of its wealth to encouraging such creativity in its citizens. This had led to some great things - the Mairen education system, while not quite on the same scale as say Dyburen's, is extremely well-funded and well-run. Their national universities are well-respected, their more artistic and creative course in particular generally considered world-class. The government also funds, subsidizes, and invests in a bewildering array of artistic and creative endeavors. Their cities reflect this, with beautiful architecture and cityscapes, as well as many famous museums, restaurants, and theaters that make the country a popular tourist destination (although admittedly, tourism has dropped off sharply since the war). The face of Maire is cities full of artists and thinkers, living idyllic, luxurious lives as they come up with their next great work.

The reality, as it often is, is more complex. On the world stage, Maire takes a lot of flack for the treatment of its lower classes. Its many smaller, more rural communities get by well enough - they aren't suffering by any means, but they don't get all that much in the way of federal funding and support, and see a disproportionate percentage of their taxes go to improving the cities or supporting big corporate interests. But they have it better than the underprivileged in the big cities. The cost of living in major Mairen cities regularly tops the global lists, and in fact, between housing costs and taxes, generally exceeds what people can make in most working-class jobs. Many working-class citizens in the cities not only need to work full time, but also get in a part-time job's worth of energy generation, just to have a little money leftover once their bills have been paid. The financial stresses of the war have made it even worse, and even the rural citizens are starting to feel the pinch. Nonetheless, Mairens have been slow to call for reform, because the promise of Maire gives everyone hope that one day they will have their Big Idea and become one of the elite who reap the rewards of the country's system.

Though much of Maire extends into arctic regions, the country itself actually has a surprisingly temperate climate. There is a lot of geothermal activity near the surface, warming the land and resulting in hundreds of hot springs and even some open-air lava flows that attract about as much tourism as the cities. Naturally, this means that Maire generates a greater percentage of its energy geothermally than any other country (and in fact, efficient, environmentally-safe geothermal energy generation was pioneered in Maire, and is in many ways the Poster Idea for the Mairen dream).

One thing Maire is not is a military powerhouse. They've managed to get a pretty big army (relative to their population) together by offering good salaries to soldiers and benefits to their families...buuuut that kinda backfired because now they have more soldiers than they can effectively train or properly equip. Their southern border is a good bit further north than it used to be. The armies of Haptarus seem to take a perverse pleasure in destroying, looting, and/or burning many of their museums and artwork whenever they take a city, sometimes even staging televised "auctions" where soldiers bid on priceless works of captured Mairen art and then destroy them in excessive fashion on live TV. So far plans for a superweapon to remotely trigger massive volcanic eruptions have been stalled by technical difficulties, but don't think they're not still trying!

Marketh:
Cultural Watchword: Safety
Population: 200 Million (1.5% Dreamer)
Military Grade: B- (Special: Nulls)
Wealth Rating: 7/10
International Reputation: C+
Chief Import: Weapons
Chief Export: Energy
Colors: Silver, Blue, and Yellow
Flag: A silver shield with a yellow + across the whole thing on a blue background.

Haptarus has conquered nations to the West, to the East, and to the North.
They have expanded out. They have expanded up. But they have never expanded through!
We Are Marketh!
And the Empire! Stops! HERE!

One of the most important things to know about Marketh is that about two-thirds of its northern border is shared with the original nation of Haptarus. And while Haptarus hasn't always been the Evil Empire it is now, conflict has never exactly been uncommon on the continent of Indelar, and Haptarus has always been one of the more aggressive states. Haptarus has been warring, on and off, with Marketh for literally centuries. Their blood feud makes the old rivalry between Ilessia and Limbra look like a slap-fight. They have been a priority target for the Empire from the very start of Haptarus' war of conquest.

Through it all, they have endured.

While Marketh doesn't have the strongest military force pound-for-pound in Indelar, what they do have is an extreme defensive focus. The capital of Marketh, located at its south-most point, is the largest and most heavily fortified city in the world, with just over a quarter of the country living there full-time. However, the city has the land and supplies - including great swaths of farmland within the city itself - to house the entire nation if that becomes necessary. Many other well-defended cities and towns dot the central portions of the country, all ready to withstand an attack and wage a brutal guerilla campaign against an invading army if it becomes necessary, to slow any progress towards the capital and allow their people the chance to retreat to it.

And then, along the entire northern border, is the city known as the Wall. Itself a fortress occupied by nearly a sixth of the country's population and housing over seventy percent of its military. While Ilessia is widely regarded to have, pound for pound, the most advanced border defense emplacements in the world, what one has to remember is that Ilessia has way more border to protect than Marketh. And the northern border is where fully half of the country's border defense is concentrated. The Wall and the capital even both have border-defense style weaponry aimed upward atop high towers. Not covering the whole cities, but important buildings, to protect against rapid attacks from above. They developed it two years after Alpha Storm was first deployed. Despite decades of being hammered on by the Empire, including two direct assaults led by the Emperor himself, the Wall has never fallen.

Haptarus has had slightly more success with internal attacks - getting Dreamers or other forces with a high power concentration to slip around the wall, through a less defended part of the border, to wage attacks and sow chaos. These attacks come fairly regularly, But even they haven't been able to inflict much more than damage and annoyance. Part of the reason for this is that Marketh doesn't have mundane law enforcement. Their police force is staffed entirely by weapons-grade or stronger Dreamers and equivalent forces. They don't have as many as a modern city's police force, of course, but internal defense and law enforcement is basically handled entirely by the equivalent of superheroes - and that's who these terrorist Dreamers have to deal with when they make their attacks.