Nova Praxis: Savage Worlds Edition

311 Pages·2013·51.95 MB·English

by  Void Star Games

Mike McConnell
RPuisbeli shOefd bTyh: eVo iHd oStuasr eStsudios LRaiysoeu tO: Mf ikTeh Me cCHoonnueslels
Developer/Designer: Mike McConnell Art Direction: Mike McConnell, Savage Mojo
After the fall of Earth, its survivors were After the fall of Earth, its survivors were
Additional Design by: Tommy Townsley, Sean Patrick Art: Andree Wallin, Andrew Chason, Andreas
sFcaanttneorne, dJo,e d Kensappeprate and disorganized. Their sSccahttroetrhe, dM, ikdee MspceCroantnee lalnd disorganized. Their
gEdoivteedr nbmy:e nMtsit chha dA .a lWl billuiatm cso, llKarpissteand , MancCdo wnnheallt, Sgpoevceiarnl Tmhaennktss: hSeaadn aPlal tbriuckt Fcaonlnlaopns, eShda, naen Hde wnshleayt,
rJeomshauian Yeeda rswleya, sa ndw tehaek pelanyeteds tearsnd ultimately rJeomdia Bilnaeckd was weakened and ultimately
pAdodwitieorlneasl s.Contributions: Steve Townsley, Leland powerNleosvsa. Praxis © 2010, Void Star Studios
Dutro, Rob Stroud, Kyle Stroud, Wes Brown, Tomi www.voidstarstudios.com
As a result, the people found themselves As a result, the people found themselves
Sarkkinen
looking to their saviors, the corporations, looking to their saviors, the corporations,
for guidance. Most were living on ships or for guidance. Most were living on ships or
colonies owned by the corporations during colonies owned by the corporations during
this time, and simply had no other authority this time, and simply had no other authority
to turn to. to turn to.
This era of desperation and confusion This era of desperation and confusion
eventually led to the formation of a new eventually led to the formation of a new
government. The corporations began to band government. The corporations began to band
together into larger, more effective ruling together into larger, more effective ruling
bodies. The largest of the corporate micro- bodies. The largest of the corporate micro-
governments, six in total, came together to governments, six in total, came together to
charter a new nation that would encompass charter a new nation that would encompass
the whole of humanity. The corporations the whole of humanity. The corporations
came to be called the Houses, and together came to be called the Houses, and together
they became the Coalition of Free States. they became the Coalition of Free States.
Every registered Coalition citizen is a member Every registered Coalition citizen is a member
of a House, which fills the role of both local of a House, which fills the role of both local
government and employer. The Houses government and employer. The Houses
enforce both the laws of the Coalition, and enforce both the laws of the Coalition, and
a set of House Laws that vary from House to a set of House Laws that vary from House to
House. House.
The Houses structure and govern themselves The Houses structure and govern themselves
in different ways. Some are more business- in different ways. Some are more business-
like, while others take a more feudal approach. like, while others take a more feudal approach.
Unlike the nations of old, the Houses do not Unlike the nations of old, the Houses do not
recognize borders; regardless of where you recognize borders; regardless of where you
are, you are expected to obey the laws of the are, you are expected to obey the laws of the
Coalition and your own House. Coalition and your own House.
As corporations, the Houses operate all As corporations, the Houses operate all
businesses in the Coalition. While each businesses in the Coalition. While each
House has different markets they specialize House has different markets they specialize
in, citizens can file to establish subsidiary in, citizens can file to establish subsidiary
companies that may produce or provide any companies that may produce or provide any
This game references the Savage Worlds game system, available from
sort of legal product or service. It is because sort of legal product or service. It is because
Pinnacle Entertainment Group at www.peginc.com. Savage Worlds and all
of these subsidiaries that every House has of these subsidiaries that every House has
associated logos and trademarks are copyrights of Pinnacle Entertainment
ended up with at least some small stake in ended up with at least some small stake in
Group. Used with permission. Pinnacle makes no representation or warranty
nearly every market. nearly every market.
as to the quality, viability, or suitability for purpose of this product.
1
CONTENTS PERSISTENT VIRTUALITIES 68
Stygia 68
The Crossroads 68
PROLOGUE 4
Chicago 69
CHAPTER 1 - OVERVIEW 6 The Dark Archive (“The Darkive”) 69
TECHNOLOGY 70
INTRODUCTION 8
“Mimir-tech” 71
BULLET POINTS 8
Computers & Networks 72
The Singularity and Mimir 9 The Extranet 73
Earth is Lost 9 The Mesh 75
Space and Other Worlds 9 Hacking 73
The Coalition and Houses 9 Nanotechnology 76
Apostates 9 Power 79
A (Nearly) Post-Scarcity Economy 10 Biotechnology 80
Transhumanity 10 CULTURE 84
The Mesh and the Digital Divide 11
The Reputation Economy 84
Savants 11
ENTERTAINMENT 89
The Humanity Preservation Act 11
Open Conflict 12 Climax Culture 89
Shadow Conflict 12 Music 89
Optimistic Hard Sci-Fi 12 Production Experiences (“Prodexes”) 89
Nova Praxis and its Themes 12 Sensies 89
Virtual Vacations 90
WHAT HAS COME BEFORE… 13
Virtual Sports 90
THE VIEW FROM ORBIT 14
Augmented Reality Games (ARGs) 90
Legacy of the Singularity 14 The Social Scene 90
Bits to Atoms | Ideas Made Manifest 15 DISCRIMINATION 91
The Fall of Earth 16
WARFARE 91
Rise of the Houses 16
Utopian Oppression | Dystopian Liberty 17 TRANSPORTATION 92
Conspiracy and Intrigue 17
CHAPTER 3 - AGENDAS 94
Infinite Frontiers 18
Transhumanity 19 THE COALITION 96
Savants | The Bleeding Edge 20 A Consociationalist Government 96
TIMELINE OF EVENTS 22 The Coalition Government 97
SETTING TERMINOLOGY 31 Apostates (“Non-Citizens”) 100
TRANSHUMANS 104
CHAPTER 2 - THE GALAXY 32
PURISTS 106
THE GALACTIC GAZETTEER 34
RELIGION 106
Mercury 34
Mimirians 107
Venus 35
Traditional Religions 107
Earth 36
Neo-Religions 107
Luna 40
THE HOUSES 108
Mars 44
House Cipriani 108
Asteroid Belt 49
House Dalianis 112
Jupiter 50
House Jinzhan 116
Saturn 50
House Kimura 120
Uranus 52
House Silva 124
Neptune 53
House Tsarya 128
NOTABLE EXOPLANETS 56
Cygnus Alpha 58 CHAPTER 4 - CHARACTERS 132
Proch 60 CHARACTER CREATION 134
Sagitta 62
Step I – Select Attributes 134
Sanctuary 64
Step II – Select Skills 134
Shouye 66
Step III – Select State 135
CONTENTS 2
RiSstee p OIVf –T Sheeco nHdoaruys Setsatistics 135 RTiRsAeN SOPOfR TTShe Houses 229
Step V – Further Development 136 Ship 230
ASftteepr VtIh –e A lflaeglli aonfc eEsa rth, its survivors w1e3re6 ASfttaerrs htiphse fall of Earth, its survivors w2e3re0
scSatttepe rVeIdI –, dReepsp aenrda Ates saent dR adtiinsgosr ganized. Th1e3i6r scVaettheicrleed , desperate and disorganized. Th2e3i4r
goSvteeprn VmIIIe –n Gtse hara d all but collapsed, and w1h3a7t goVveehricnlmese nts had all but collapsed, and w2h3a4t
Character State 137 Walkers 238
remained was weakened and ultimately remained was weakened and ultimately
New Hindrances 146 Walkers (“Frames”) 238
powerless. powerless.
New Edges 148 Transport Weapons and Ammo 240
AEsd gae sr, eHsiundltr,a nthcees apnedo pStlaet ef oCuhnandg itnhge msel1v5e8s ANse wa Mreosdusl t, the people found themsel2v4e1s
Savant Programs 158
looking to their saviors, the corporations, lCoHoAkPinTEgR t6o -t hSePiEr CIsAaLv iRoUrsL,E St he corporatio2n4s4,
Edges and Hindrances 142
for guidance. Most were living on ships or for guidance. Most were living on ships or
Revised Hindrances 157 SPECIAL RULES 246
coRleovnisieesd Eodwgnese d by the corporations dur1in5g7 coSleottininegs Rouwlens ed by the corporations dur2in4g6
thSAisM PtiLmE eCH, AaRnAdC TsEiRmS ply had no other author1i7ty6 thRise pti amned, A asnsedt ss imply had no other autho2ri4t6y
to turn to. toR teuprunt attioo.n Hits and Bumps 247
CHAPTER 5 - GEAR 180
Acquiring Goods and Services 248
This era of desperation and confusion This era of desperation and confusion
WEAPONS TECHNOLOGY 182 Resleeving and Fragmentation 251
eventually led to the formation of a new eventually led to the formation of a new
Railguns/Coil Guns 182 Healing and Repair 254
goPvaertirnclme eAnccte. lTehraeti coonr Gpounrasti (“oPnAsc bGeugnasn”) t o ba1n8d2 goGvaemrnemplaeyn itn. Ta hVeir ctuoarlpitoyr ations began to ba2n5d6
toEgxeptlhoseirv eisn to larger, more effective rul1in8g3 toGgreatvhiteyr into larger, more effective rul2in5g6
boMdeielese. WTheea ploanrgs est of the corporate mic1r8o3- boPdroiegsra. mTmhein gla rgest of the corporate mic2r5o6-
goRveesrtrnicmteedn Ittse,m ssix in total, came together1 8to3 goOvpetironnmael Rnutsle, : sAixb sitnra tcot tAaml, mcoa maned tHoegaett her to
Weapons Statistics 184 Management 258
charter a new nation that would encompass charter a new nation that would encompass
Ammo Costs 186 CHAPTER 7 - GAME MASTERY 260
the whole of humanity. The corporations the whole of humanity. The corporations
Special Ammunition 186
caOmveer htoe abtien gc oarll ePodw tehre D Hraoinu ses, and toget1h8e7r cTaHmE eC AtMoP bAIeG Nc alled the Houses, and togeth2e62r
thSepye cbiealc Aattmaec ktsh e Coalition of Free States.187 thCeaym bpeaciganm Set ytlhe e Coalition of Free States.262
Personal Firearms Table 189 Shadow Operations 264
Every registered Coalition citizen is a member Every registered Coalition citizen is a member
Heavy Weapons Table 190 CAMPAIGN ARCS 265
ofM ae lHeoe uWseea, pwohnisc Tha bfillels the role of both lo1c9a0l ofA arc H#1o u- sTeh,e w Sehtiucph fills the role of both lo2c6a5l
goEvxeprlonsmiveesn tT abalen d employer. The Hou1s9e1s goAvrec r#n2m - eBnettr ayaanl do n Iecme ployer. The Hou2s6e8s
enAfromrcoer both the laws of the Coalition, a1n9d1 enAfrocr #c3e -b Toot Bhe ,t hOert lNaowts t oo Bf et he Coalition, a2n7d1
a Psoewt oerfe Hd oAurmseo rL aTawbsl et hat vary from House1 9to3 a Aserct #o4f -H Sochuosela eL aPwalsa titnhaaet vary from House2 7to4
Armor Table 193
House. HHoIDuDsEeN. AGENDAS 280
SLEEVES 202
Children of Dionysus 280
TBhioes Hleoeuveses s structure and govern themsel2v0e2s TThhee HFaolulesne s structure and govern themsel2v8e0s
inC dybiffeersrleenevt ews ays. Some are more busine2s0s2- inH doiuffseer Teunrtin w ays. Some are more busine2s8s2-
liAkUeG, MwEhNiTleAT oIOtNhSe rs take a more feudal approa2c0h3. likPeh,a wlahnixle F ootrhmeartiso tnask e a more feudal approa2c8h3.
UnStlaikned athrde B nioastileoenvse so f old, the Houses do n20o4t UnPrliokgee nthiseis nAaffltiioctnesd of old, the Houses do n28o4t
Standard Cybersleeves 204 Rings of Olympus 286
recognize borders; regardless of where you recognize borders; regardless of where you
SAMPLE SLEEVES 222 The Scholae Palatinae 287
are, you are expected to obey the laws of the are, you are expected to obey the laws of the
Second Chances 289
Courier 222
Coalition and your own House. CoSaerliatipohnim a nd your own House. 289
Ingot 222
ASst rifceo rporations, the Houses operate 2a2l3l ATsa locnosr opfo Frraetieodnosm, the Houses operate 2a9l2l
The Unseen Court 293
buUsrisnuess ses in the Coalition. While ea2c2h3 businesses in the Coalition. While each
Jinsoku 224 SAMPLE ANTAGONISTS 294
House has different markets they specialize House has different markets they specialize
Vixen/Satyr 224
in, citizens can file to establish subsidiary iInN,D EcXiti zens can file to establish subsidi3a0r4y
Justicar 225
coPmarpaagonnie s that may produce or provide a2n25y cHoEmRApLaDnS ieOsF tThHaEt SmINaGyU LpArRoITdYu ce or provide a3n0y7
sDoRrtO NoEfS legal product or service. It is becau2s2e6 soErvto olvfe lde Bgaacl kperros duct or service. It is becau30se7
ofC othntersoell insgu ba sDidroianreie s that every House h22a6s ofT rtahnescseen dsuebnts iBdaiackreierss that every House h30a8s
enCdreeadti nugp a w Dirtohn ea t least some small stake2 2in6 ended up with at least some small stake in
neSaarmlyp leev Derroyn mesa rket. 227 nearly every market.
3 CONTENTS
PROLOGUE Truth is, our favorite game system has evolved,
and continues to do so. There’s a new philosophy
emerging, one that the creator – the most
Breaking All the Rules excellent Shane Hensley – is gently encouraging
as he lets others play in this fantastic sandbox
This is not a Savage Setting like any you’ve ever created by the Savage community. Keep true to
seen. the core mechanics, but express the creativity and
Long-time fans are going to page through this the art of each setting as best befits the dream of
book and have their minds blown. This may be a the creators.
good thing, or it could be a very uncomfortable This should be done within reason, of course,
experience. but certainly the ability to go wherever your
At least at the beginning. imagination can conceive with this single
However, I am sincerely hopeful that you read redoubtable game engine is a powerful idiom.
this message, right here, before you make too There are ways to go that will result in a game
many quick judgments about whether or not this experience that is neither fun nor rewarding;
game is “Savage” enough. I promise you, it’s very that’s the price for straying too far from the core
Savage, and you’re going to be able to have an concepts.
incredible gaming experience when you delve into Some of you may feel Nova Praxis: Savage Worlds
it. Edition (or, as I like to call it, “Savage Praxis”) strays
You will have to delve a bit, there’s no arguing too far.
that. This is a complex setting based upon an I don’t think so. In fact, I firmly assert it goes just
incredibly expansive and complicated premise. far enough.
Transhumanism and post-singularity science Read the source material, the background
fiction is arguably one of the most involved and of the setting, and the attendant fiction and
deep concepts you could ever wish to tackle in any examples. Get to know this universe of nigh-
medium, much less a game. infinite possibilities and thought-provoking
I know a great many people in gaming and prognostication about our future as a species. If
entertainment. I can honestly say that I don’t you are a fan of science-fiction, I believe you will
know anyone more informed and more expert discover that we went where we had to in order to
in the transhuman and posthuman fiction genre present all of this potential within the framework
than Mike McConnell. I know many who are in the of the Savage system.
same league, but I am saying he’s as good as it gets Most of the complexity lies within the character
in my book when it comes to putting this kind of creation part of the game. Though it can take as
thing into your hands not only be entertained by, little as a few minutes to build the typical Savage
but to actually play with and become immersed Worlds character for many settings, I will grant
within. that’s not going to be the case here (at least not
Mike wanted to give Savage Worlds fans a truly for the first couple of PCs you work up).
complete gaming experience with the setting he A post-singularity transhuman universe promises
envisioned. To this effect, he absorbed the rules, a wealth of personal choices about your core
and he brought me in as a consultant to keep him identity. In such a proposed setting, you have
on track with what would and would not work. We elective identity! Try to wrap your head around
had a lot of arguments and discussions – a lot – that, because it’s a doozy.
and I am not ashamed to say I lost more than a Play with this concept for a minute. Right now,
few. you are looking at adopting an alternate identity
This is, as it turns out, a good thing. I tried to for a fictional exercise. That’s what we do every
hyper-focus on the old adage of F!F!F! - Fast! time we sit down to contemplate playing a new
Furious! Fun! - as a kind of Prime Directive. I game or campaign. We imagine a different
continuously attempted to gut the more elaborate identity, and we construct in our minds and on the
ideas and constructions from the framework, character sheet what that new identity will be like,
boiling everything down into how every other within the bounds of what is possible in the game
Savage Setting is “supposed” to work. setting.
I was wrong.
PROLOGUE 4
RNisoew Oimf aTghinee Htohuats eysou could extend that Rise Of The Houses
Getting Started
metaphor to its ultimate conclusion. You are
aAlloftweerd tthoe r ef-carlal fto yfo uErasretlhf ,in ietsv ersyu srivnigvloer pso swsiebrlee ATftheisr btohoek ffeaallt uoref s Ethaert Nh,o viats P rsauxrisv icvaomrsp awigenr e
swcaaytt yeorue dm,i gdhets ipmeargaitnee .a Ynodu dcoisuoldrg cahnoiozesed .t oT hbee iar scsaettttienrge. dT,h ed efisrspte hraaltf eo fa tnhed bdoiosok rfogacunsiezes do.n Tthhee ir
ghoulvkeinrgn mweanr-tbso ht amdo anlsl tbrousti tcyo; lala plitsheed,, iamnpdo wsshibalyt gosevttiernngm itesnetlfs, hwahdil ea ltl hbeu ts eccoolnladp sheadlf, parnodv idwehsa t
rbeemauatiifnuel dsu pwerassta r wdaenackeern; ea dd igiatinzded purletismenactee ilny renmewa icnheadr acwtear so pwtioenask aennde dru leasn tdo huellpti mbraintge ly
pcyobweresrpleacses. with wizard-like powers and mastery; ptohwe esrelttiesnsg. to life at your table.
or a musician today, a load-lifer tomorrow, and a To play this game you will need Savage Worlds
As a result, the people found themselves As a result, the people found themselves
deep-space miner next week. Deluxe (SWD), a set of polyhedral dice, playing
looking to their saviors, the corporations, looking to their saviors, the corporations,
You could conceivably be any one of those things cards, some paper, and pencils.
for guidance. Most were living on ships or for guidance. Most were living on ships or
with the flip of some switches and a re-sleeving of In addition, you will find that the Savage
colonies owned by the corporations during colonies owned by the corporations during
yourself into a new form. Worlds Science Fiction Companion (SWSFC) is
thThisi sti ism thee, uannidve srisme pofly N hovaad P nraox ios,t ahnedr eaxuptrheossriintyg threisf etiremnece, da ntdh rsoiumghpolyu th athdi sn ob oootkh. eWr ahuileth tohreit y
tito intu Srnav taog.e Worlds terms required some major toS WtuSrFnC tois. not required to create characters
cTrehaitis vee aran d odef sigdne swpoerrka tiino onr dearn tdo gcivoen fyuosui oanll Tahnids pelarya ino fa dNeosvpae rPartiaxoins caamndp aigcon,n fiut siiso n
of those incredible options. It means you’ve got a recommended; and required only if you intend
eventually led to the formation of a new eventually led to the formation of a new
lot more to consider when creating your concept to feature combat using starships, vehicles,
government. The corporations began to band government. The corporations began to band
and then expressing your initial presence in the and walkers.
together into larger, more effective ruling together into larger, more effective ruling
setting. That means a lot more in the way of
bodies. The largest of the corporate micro- bA oDdiifefesr. eTnht eP elarsrpgeecsttiv oef the corporate micro-
character creation options and decisions, which
governments, six in total, came together to governments, six in total, came together to
will hopefully be a fun and rewarding process.
Nova Praxis existed as a concept for a few years,
cIht airst ecre rat aninelwy an antieocens stahrayt ownoeu ilfd yeonuc owmanpta stos charter a new nation that would encompass
during which I searched for a rules system to
ttrhuely ewxhpololree tohfe nhautmuraen oift yn.e aTrhlye e ncdolerpsso eraleticotinves the whole of humanity. The corporations
which it would marry. I went through several,
cidaemntiet yt oo pbpeo rctaulnleitide st.he Houses, and together came to be called the Houses, and together
before settling on Fate for the first release.
thMeiyke b ies caa mmaec hthinee C. Hoea lditiido nal lo of fF trheee hSetaavtye sli.fting they became the Coalition of Free States.
After the success of the Fate version, I began
on this one, translating his concepts from the FATE-
Every registered Coalition citizen is a member thEivnekrinyg r eagbiosutet roetdh eCro walaitiyso tno c eitixpzerens iss tah me seemttibnegr.
driven material faithfully while rewiring everything
of a House, which fills the role of both local oAnf da oHnocues aeg, awinh, iIc hca fimlles bthaeck r otole a o sfy sbtoetmh Il ohcaadl
to ensure it was truly Savage in nature. All I did
government and employer. The Houses gexopveerrinmmenetnetd wanithd eearmlyp lion yeNro. vaT hPera xiHs’o ulifsee..s.
was hang out on the sidelines with a clipboard
enforce both the laws of the Coalition, and eSanvfaogrec eW boorltdhs. the laws of the Coalition, and
and a cup of coffee, offering my consultation and
are smeitn doifn gH ohuimse o Lfa twhes tvhaarito uvas r“yr efgroumlati Honosu”s eh et’od aS speetn doifn Hg oumsoer eL awtims teh awt ivtahr yS fWro, mit H obuesceam toe
Hwoanuts eto. stay within. If something gets through Hapopuasree.nt that the rules were a wonderful fit for
thTahte y Hoou ufseeesl sist rruecatlluyr ber aonkedn g oinv eterrnm ths eomf Ssaevlvaeges thTeh eN Hovoau sPersa xsitsr uscetttiunreg ,a anndd g oatv eGrenn tChoenm 2s0e1lv3e, sI
Worlds, that’s going to be my fault. If you like had a moment to talk to Shane Hensley about the
in different ways. Some are more business- in different ways. Some are more business-
what you are reading and playing with, all credit is possibility of licensing SW for a conversion.
like, while others take a more feudal approach. like, while others take a more feudal approach.
Mike’s first and foremost. With his help, I eventually hooked up with
Unlike the nations of old, the Houses do not Unlike the nations of old, the Houses do not
This isn’t your typical Savage Setting, and it’s Sean Fannon, and work on the Savage Worlds
recognize borders; regardless of where you recognize borders; regardless of where you
going to be a much deeper, crunchier gaming conversion began. As Sean can tell you, it wasn’t
are, you are expected to obey the laws of the are, you are expected to obey the laws of the
experience than you might have expected. easy. But I believe it was worth it.
CGoeatl itiroeand ayn dto y ohuarv eo wynou Hr oeuxspee.ctations blown Coalition and your own House.
What you hold in your hands is the culmination
wAidse cooprepno, raantido gnest ,r etahdey foHro tuhsee rsid eo opfe yraotuer liafell, oAf sh ucnodrrpedosr aotif ohnosu,r st ohfe wHoroku, sfuessi ngo ptheera steetti anlgl
bbeucsainueses stehsi s iisn onthee S avCaogael itiexopne.r ieWnchei lteh ate awcihll baruosuinnde sas ense wi nse tt ohfe r uCleos atlhitiato nse. emWehdi ldee siegancehd
challenge you in every way, and leave you ready
House has different markets they specialize Htoo aucscee pht aNso vdaiff Perarexnist f rmomar tkheet sb etghienyn insgp.ecialize
for more.
in, citizens can file to establish subsidiary inI ,o wcieti az elonts o fc apneo pfillee a tloot eofs ttahbanliskhs. Bsuutb msiodsiat royf
Who will you be? Who will you become? When
companies that may produce or provide any caoll,m I tphaannike sth teh faatn sm oafy N porvoad Puracexi so. r provide any
infinity is in front of you, which path will you take?
sort of legal product or service. It is because sort of legal product or service. It is because
Hopefully a properly Savage one. Thank you for afforded me the opportunity to
of these subsidiaries that every House has of these subsidiaries that every House has
bring this setting to life.
eSnedaend P uapt rwicitkh Fata nlenaostn some small stake in ended up with at least some small stake in
nCoenasrulylt eanvte froyr mNoavrake Ptr.axis: Savage Worlds Edition nMeaikrley eMvecrCy omnanreklelt.
Creator and Lead Designer for Shaintar Creator of Nova Praxis
5 PROLOGUE
RPuisbeli shOefd bTyh: eVo iHd oStuasr eStsudios LRaiysoeu tO: Mf ikTeh Me cCHoonnueslels
Developer/Designer: Mike McConnell Art Direction: Mike McConnell, Savage Mojo
After the fall of Earth, its survivors were After the fall of Earth, its survivors were
Additional Design by: Tommy Townsley, Sean Patrick Art: Andree Wallin, Andrew Chason, Andreas
sFcaanttneorne, dJo,e d Kensappeprate and disorganized. Their sSccahttroetrhe, dM, ikdee MspceCroantnee lalnd disorganized. Their
gEdoivteedr nbmy:e nMtsit chha dA .a lWl billuiatm cso, llKarpissteand , MancCdo wnnheallt, Sgpoevceiarnl Tmhaennktss: hSeaadn aPlal tbriuckt Fcaonlnlaopns, eShda, naen Hde wnshleayt,
rJeomshauian Yeeda rswleya, sa ndw tehaek pelanyeteds tearsnd ultimately rJeomdia Bilnaeckd was weakened and ultimately
pAdodwitieorlneasl s.Contributions: Steve Townsley, Leland powerNleosvsa. Praxis © 2010, Void Star Studios
Dutro, Rob Stroud, Kyle Stroud, Wes Brown, Tomi www.voidstarstudios.com
As a result, the people found themselves As a result, the people found themselves
Sarkkinen
looking to their saviors, the corporations, looking to their saviors, the corporations,
for guidance. Most were living on ships or for guidance. Most were living on ships or
colonies owned by the corporations during colonies owned by the corporations during
this time, and simply had no other authority this time, and simply had no other authority
to turn to. to turn to.
This era of desperation and confusion This era of desperation and confusion
eventually led to the formation of a new eventually led to the formation of a new
government. The corporations began to band government. The corporations began to band
together into larger, more effective ruling together into larger, more effective ruling
bodies. The largest of the corporate micro- bodies. The largest of the corporate micro-
governments, six in total, came together to governments, six in total, came together to
charter a new nation that would encompass charter a new nation that would encompass
the whole of humanity. The corporations the whole of humanity. The corporations
came to be called the Houses, and together came to be called the Houses, and together
they became the Coalition of Free States. they became the Coalition of Free States.
Every registered Coalition citizen is a member Every registered Coalition citizen is a member
of a House, which fills the role of both local of a House, which fills the role of both local
government and employer. The Houses government and employer. The Houses
enforce both the laws of the Coalition, and enforce both the laws of the Coalition, and
a set of House Laws that vary from House to a set of House Laws that vary from House to
House. House.
The Houses structure and govern themselves The Houses structure and govern themselves
in different ways. Some are more business- in different ways. Some are more business-
like, while others take a more feudal approach. like, while others take a more feudal approach.
Unlike the nations of old, the Houses do not Unlike the nations of old, the Houses do not
recognize borders; regardless of where you recognize borders; regardless of where you
are, you are expected to obey the laws of the are, you are expected to obey the laws of the
Coalition and your own House. Coalition and your own House.
As corporations, the Houses operate all As corporations, the Houses operate all
businesses in the Coalition. While each businesses in the Coalition. While each
House has different markets they specialize House has different markets they specialize
in, citizens can file to establish subsidiary in, citizens can file to establish subsidiary
companies that may produce or provide any companies that may produce or provide any
This game references the Savage Worlds game system, available from
sort of legal product or service. It is because sort of legal product or service. It is because
Pinnacle Entertainment Group at www.peginc.com. Savage Worlds and all
of these subsidiaries that every House has of these subsidiaries that every House has
associated logos and trademarks are copyrights of Pinnacle Entertainment
ended up with at least some small stake in ended up with at least some small stake in
Group. Used with permission. Pinnacle makes no representation or warranty
nearly every market. nearly every market.
as to the quality, viability, or suitability for purpose of this product.
1
The lunar city of serro
7 OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Things have changed. We have changed. And the value of a human soul is weighed
Earth is lost to us, but even in the aftermath and measured in lines of code.
of this terrible tragedy, we grow, evolve, and Nova Praxis is a post-singularity sci-fi
even prosper. We have witnessed the death
setting that explores transhumanism and
of our mother and the birth of a new era.
post-scarcity societies against a backdrop of
In what might have been the end, salvation action, adventure, conspiracy, and intrigue.
was found in the synthesis of biology and
technology. Augmentation, ranging from
basic genetic manipulation to Apotheosis, Nova Praxis is…
set us on the path of prosperity. And more,
…a tabletop role-playing game featuring
these advances reinforced the importance of
the Savage Worlds Role-Playing Game
identity, individuality, and what it means to
be human. System, tailored specifically for Nova
Praxis.
The loss of Earth and the resulting Exodus
gave us an opportunity to start over with a …a relatively “hard sci-fi” setting that
clean slate. And we seized it. takes place during the aftermath of a
The need for organization, stability, and a short-lived technological singularity.
reliable government was clear, but the old …an exploration of the tropes of
ways came to be viewed by the survivors as transhuman sci-fi: mind uploading,
archaic, clumsy, and too easily corrupted. resleeving, artificial intelligence, and
It was time for a new way…a Nova Praxis. augmentation.
Today, social networks allow the will of the …an exploration of the societal impacts
people to be measured instantly, accurately,
of a reputation-based post-scarcity
and without the need for representation.
economy.
The Coalition, guided by the collective voice
…a game in which players play characters
of its people, has established new homes on
who slip between the cracks of civilization
worlds lit by new suns. Molecular assembly
and perform jobs their patrons would
technology has made it possible for society
to provide a quality of life never before rather keep off the books.
imagined, at essentially no cost, to everyone. ...a setting full of conflict. The Houses
And we are virtually immortal. wage a secret Shadow War against each
But can this would-be utopia last? other, purist and transhuman ideologies
Corruption in the Coalition government clash violently, and apostates rebel
fosters decay from within. The Houses, against the oppression of the Coalition
our benefactors and patrons, run shadowy government.
networks of intrigue, espionage, and ...home to railguns, powered armor,
assassination. Apostates, those who refuse
starships, security drones, bipedal combat
citizenship in the Coalition, condemn those
frames, swarms of nanomachines, kill-
who would trade their privacy for the
sats, and the horrors of accelerated
Coalition’s security. Remnants of Earth’s old
evolution gone wrong.
governments wage a guerilla war on Coalition
forces. Ideological extremists commit acts of
terror using the latest horror to spring from a BULLET POINTS
factory or test tube…
OVERVIEW 8
BULLET POINTS
The Singularity and Mimir are dozens of other smaller colonies and
habitats, both in the Sol system and beyond,
In the year 2042, the exponential pace of that people call home.
technological advancement gave way to an
AI of unprecedented potential. This AI, called The Coalition and Houses
Mimir (pronounced “Me-Mer”), ran for three
months before mysteriously shutting down. In the wake of the Exodus there was chaos.
During its short lifespan, it advanced human The governments of Earth collapsed, and
technology by nearly a millennia. humanity struggled to survive in small
isolated pockets.
Humanity now combs through Mimir’s
research archives in search of new technology. The remnants of Earth’s corporations
The Archives are publicly available to all on eventually grew into what would become
the Extranet, but it typically requires large the Houses, and came together to form the
teams with tremendous funding to find Coalition of Free States.
anything useful. The Coalition is humanity’s only officially
recognized government. It is made up of the
Earth is Lost
Houses, of which every Coalition citizen is a
member.
Humanity has left Earth, fleeing destruction in
Coalition citizens have all their needs met
an event called the Exodus. The Technophage
by the government, and live in what many
was a nanotechnological weapon deployed
would describe as a utopia. But they pay
as a last resort during a terrible global war.
for this utopia with their privacy, and there
Control over the technophage was lost, and
are many who chafe under the restrictions
it evolved into a global threat. The war ended
placed upon them.
as humanity struggled, desperate to get off
the planet to safety.
Apostates
Just under one hundred million people
survived, and tremendous resources are Not everyone is a member of the Coalition.
committed to keeping the technophage Some choose, or are forced by circumstance,
confined to Earth. to live outside the Coalition. These non-
citizens are called apostates, and do not have
Space and Other Worlds
House membership.
Many apostates survive by avoiding the
One of Mimir’s biggest inventions was the
Coalition’s Protectorate and surviving on the
jump drive, which allowed spacecraft to
outskirts of civilization. Some work for one of
travel light years in just a few hours.
the Houses in hopes of gaining citizenship,
This technology also made it possible to
usually slaving for years with very little hope
create a system-spanning jump ring network,
of success.
which facilitates travel between the six major
Apostates who live apart from the Coalition
worlds mankind now inhabits.
are certainly more free than Coalition citizens,
The largest portion of humans remain in the
but do not benefit from the Coalition’s
Sol system, particularly on Luna and Mars.
resources. For many apostates, every day is
The rest inhabit other planets, moons and
a struggle to get by.
space stations in the Sol system. And there
9 OVERVIEW