Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

[Steve]

Campaign Background

 

In the year 2040, an event long-feared came to pass: scientists detected a planetoid (nicknamed Loki) on a collision course with Earth. Worldwide panic ensued as people frantically sought ways to avoid the inevitable... when a miracle occurred. Loki didn’t hit the Earth, but it was a very near miss — it passed directly between the Earth and the Moon. And that, unfortunately, turned out to be nearly as bad as a direct hit.

 

The “wake” of its passage did two things. First, it roiled Earth’s atmosphere, playing havoc with the weather patterns. Second, it drew the Moon closer to Earth, nearly halving the distance between the two bodies. And that had far worse effects than just intensifying the weather. The increased gravitic pull strained the Earth. Tidal waves and flooding affected nearly every coastal region and rerouted rivers. Tectonic plates shifted, causing massive earthquakes around the globe. Volcanoes sprouted in dozens of places, and ones that already existed blew for the first time in centuries or millennia. The entire planet became engulfed in a cataclysm the likes of which not even ancient myths had ever contemplated, and Man’s civilization was cast down into ruins.

 

Centuries passed, and the after-effects of Loki gradually died down and the planet “settled,” but it’s a new world. The Moon in the sky at night is twice as big as it was in 2040. The continents that once covered the planet have changed. The ruins of Man’s buildings and past works dot the landscape, providing both a mute testimony to humanity’s former greatness and shelter for the survivors.

 

Humanity crawled back from the abyss, slowly but surely. With the technology of the Ancients destroyed or lost along with the knowledge and skills to re-create it, men returned to their roots: farming the land; hunting for game; simple barter trading. Eventually towns and small kingdoms arose, and some of those kingdoms are on the verge of becoming empires. A few technologies, such as the longbow and the sailing ship, were rediscovered, changing societies in ways both subtle and gross.

 

Today’s Mehrikah is a land of many peoples and kingdoms set amidst a backdrop of ruins-dotted wilderness. Most people remain content to live the same lives as their fathers, close to the land with hard labor the main source of income —but a few, tantalized by the ruins and rumors of the Ancients, seek a more exciting and unusual life as adventurers.

 

Sprawling across the central region of what was once North America is a vast savanna that runs for thousands of square miles, called the Tribal Lands by outsiders. It is known as the Sea of Grass to the Clans, a proud collection of dozens of nomadic tribes, and the campaign will begin there. The PCs have heard stories of the many places that lay beyond the boundaries of the Sea of Grass, such as Mehiko to the south, Jaxon to the east, or the fabled and debauched Free City of Vaiga to the west, and they have chosen to see them for themselves.

 

It is the year 2501.

 

Welcome to Mehrikah, an alternate future for the Kazei Five universe.

 

Welcome to the future.

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

The campaign intro above is a combination of the mini-campaign "Moonshattered Earth" from Post-Apocalypse Hero, the Kazaei Five universe created by Michael Surbrook, and the Horseclans novels by Robert Adams.

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

PC Genotypes of the Tribal Lands

 

Mankind was once the dominant genotype on Earth, but that ended with the loss of the Old World. Some of the creations of the Ancients and mutations occurring after the passing of Loki, survived in the Tribal Lands alongside the remnants of Mankind.

 

Human: The most common humanoid genotype, the different variants may interbreed with each other without difficulty. While Humans are unable to interbreed with the other genotypes, that has led to the practice of rishathra (sexual relations outside one’s own species but within the intelligent humanoid genotypes) to become acceptable, especially at gatherings of the Clans.

 

The Human tribal languages are either an altered form of American English (Mehrikahn) or (more rarely) Mexican Spanish (Eespanyohl).

 

• Human (Standard): Outwardly similar to pre-Loki Humans, they are toughened by their ancestors' surviving the harsh conditions of life after the end of the Old World. They are the default genotype, so no modifications are given. Optionally, some Standard Humans are more resistant to things like sunburn, cold weather, hot weather and low-level radiation.

 

Options

Sun-Bronzed or Dark-Skinned: LS: Character is Resistant to Sunburn +1

Chill Resistant: LS: Character is safe in Severe Cold +1

Heat Resistant: LS: Character is safe in High Heat +1

Rad Resistant: LS: Character is safe from Low-Level Radiation +1

 

• Human (Jenmahd): The Ancients used tailored retroviral agents to introduce improvements to the human genetic code. The resulting “Jenmahd” variety of Humanity is stronger, faster, smarter, and better looking than an unmodified human. The upgrade process normally resulted in an idealized athletic body type, with clear skin and a symmetrical and balanced face and figure. Men of this genotype tend to have broad shoulders and narrow hips, while women are noted for voluptuous figures. Hair, eye, and skin color generally follow normal human patterns, although pre-Loki advances in gene selection allowed for a degree of customized appearance, and this has carried down into descendants.

 

Human (Jenmahd) Package Deal

Abilities Cost

+5 STR 5

+3 DEX 3

+5 CON 5

+3 INT 3

+3 PD 3

+3 ED 3

+1 SPD 10

+2 REC 2

+5 END 1

+3 BOD 3

+6 STUN 3

Attractive: Striking Appearance (+1/+1d6) 3

Improved Longevity: LS (Longevity: 200 years) 1

Hyper-Immune System: LS: Immunity (All Terrestrial Diseases)(Not vs. Bioweapons; -½) 3

Swift Runner: Running +2m 2

 

Disadvantages Value

None n/a

 

Total Cost of Package: 50

 

Options

Sun-Bronzed or Dark-Skinned: LS: Character is Resistant to Sunburn +1

Chill Resistant: LS: Character is safe in Severe Cold +1

Heat Resistant: LS: Character is safe in High Heat +1

Rad Resistant: LS: Character is safe from Low-Level Radiation +1

Swifter Runner: Running +2m +2

Tireless: LS: (Sleeping: Character only has to sleep 1 hour per night) +1

Tireless: Reduced END (½ END; +¼) on STR var

Tireless: Reduced END (½ END; +¼) on Running var

 

• Human (Witchbreed): Pre-Loki, the Witchbreed were once called Espers. These humans possess various telepathic/telekinetic abilities. The Witchbreed do not generally manifest their abilities until the onset of puberty. They are looked upon with a mixture of awe and dread by other genoytypes.

 

Human (Witchbreed) Package Deal

Abilities Cost

+5 DEX 5

+5 EGO 5

+1 SPD 10

Esper Abilities 45

 

Disadvantages Value

Distinctive Features: Witchbreed (NC; Noticed and Recognizable; Only By Unusual Senses) -5

Social Complication: Witchbreed (Frequently; Minor) -10

 

Total Cost of Package: 50

 

Options

Improved Longevity: LS (Longevity: 200 years) +1

Sun-Bronzed or Dark-Skinned: LS: Character is Resistant to Sunburn +1

Chill Resistant: LS: Character is safe in Severe Cold +1

Heat Resistant: LS: Character is safe in High Heat +1

Rad Resistant: LS: Character is safe from Low-Level Radiation +1

Physical Complication: Powers Occasionally Out of Control (Infrequently; Greatly Imp) -10

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

PC Genotypes of the Tribal Lands (Continued)

 

Mitsumi: A result of Ancient genetic manipulations and subsequent mutations following the passing of Loki. Due to a genetic quirk possibly brought on by mutation, there is a ratio of roughly 4:1 women to men. The typical Mitsumi woman stands about 5’11” and weighs between 150 to 170 pounds, and the men are 1” to 2” taller and 10 to 15 pounds heavier. Broad-shouldered with a well-defined build and a thick mane of hair that falls below their shoulders, the women bind it into what is called a "warrior's braid" or ja’alan in their own language. Mitsumi men wear their hair cut short and do not braid it. At the top of the skull is a pair of cat-like ears, and their eyes are also pupilled like a cat. While hair and eye color generally follows human norms, eye colors of silver and amber are also common. Skin tones tend to be light tan to medium bronze, but some Mitsumi tribes are more asian in appearance.

 

The Mitsumi tribal language (Mitsu) is a descendant of Japanese with a fusion of words from English and Spanish. Most will also speak the other two Tribal languages: American English (Mehrikahn) and Mexican Spanish (Eespanyohl).

 

Mitsumi Package Deal

Abilities Cost

+5 STR 5

+5 DEX 5

+3 CON 3

+1 SPD 10

+3 PD 3

+3 ED 3

+1 REC 1

+5 END 1

+2 BOD 2

+4 STUN 2

Powerful Leaper: Leaping +4m 2

Swift Runner: Running +4m 4

Attractive: Striking Appearance (+1/+1d6) 3

Cat-Like Grace: +1 with Agility Skills 5

Cat’s Ears: +3 PER with Normal Hearing 3

Cat’s Eyes: Nightvision 5

Hyper-Immune System: LS: Immunity (All Terrestrial Diseases)(Not vs. Bioweapons; -½) 3

 

Disadvantages Value

Distinctive Features: Cat’s Ears & Eyes (Conc; Noticed & Recognized; not in Tribal Lands) -5

 

Total Cost of Package: 55

 

Options

Sun-Bronzed: LS: Character is Resistant to Sunburn +1

Chill Resistant: LS: Character is safe in Severe Cold +1

Heat Resistant: LS: Character is safe in High Heat +1

Rad Resistant: LS: Character is safe from Low-Level Radiation +1

More Powerful Leaper: Leaping +4m +2

Swifter Runner: Running +4m +4

 

Nightwalker (Neffilluhm): Descendants of those infected by an Ancient bioweapon and subsequent mutations following the passing of Loki. While they appear to be almost identical to Standard Humans, their altered genetic makeup prevents inter-breeding with other genotypes. Stronger and faster than normal humans, this genotype possesses some of the abilities ascribed to vampires of Ancient legends, including the ability to ingest and survive on blood. Sunlight and heat discomforts them more than other genotypes.

 

It is forbidden by Clan laws and traditions for one of their kind to feed on other humanoids, but it is allowed if the blood is offered willingly. As their genotype is quite fecund among themselves, to avoid having their numbers explode past the abilities of their herds to provide sustenance, they practice birth control by engaging in rishathra with other Tribal Land genotypes.

 

Nightwalker Package Deal

Abilities Cost

+3 STR 3

+2 DEX 2

+3 CON 3

+3 PRE 3

+2 PD 2

+2 ED 2

+2 REC 2

+5 END 1

+1 BOD 1

+4 STUN 2

Retractible Small Fangs: HKA 1 pt.; No STR Bonus (-½); -2 STUN Multiplier (-½) 2

Drink Blood: HKA 1 pt.; NND (defense is not having blood or protective skin or equipment

too thick to bite through; +1); Does BODY (+1); Continuous (+1); Reduced Endurance (0

END; +½); No STR Bonus (-½); Fangs Must Do BODY First (-½); -2 STUN Multiplier (-½) 9

Hyper-Immune System: LS: Immunity (All Terrestrial Diseases)(Not vs. Bioweapons; -½) 3

Predator’s Nose: +2 PER with Smell/Taste Group 4

Night Eyes: Nightvision 5

Rapid Healing: Regeneration (1 BODY per 6 Hours) 6

 

Disadvantages Value

Physical Complication: Poor Eyesight (suffers -2 to all Sight PER Rolls in sunlight or

bright light) (Infrequently; Greatly Impairing) -10

 

Total Cost of Package: 40

 

Options

Pheromonic Control: Charm +5 (Bonus Only Works Versus Target of Opposite Gender; -½) +10

Chill Resistant: LS: Character is safe in Severe Cold +1

Rad Resistant: LS: Character is safe from Low-Level Radiation +1

Physical Complication: Tritanopia Colorblindness (character has difficulty with blue-yellow hue differentation) (Infrequently; Slightly Impairing) -5

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

PC Professions of the Tribal Lands

 

The inhabitants of the Tribal Lands are horse-riding nomads by nature, and so after selecting a genotype, each PC will take the Nomad cultural package (Fantasy Hero, page 45; 8 points). The following suggested professions are available.

 

Archer: One of the alternate profession paths to the more standard Barbarian types, Archers are respected for their lethal ranged abilities (Fantasy Hero, page 66; 67 points).

 

Barbarian: The “default” profession of the Tribal Lands (Fantasy Hero, page 67; 65 points). The only exceptions to this are Mitsumi men, who are usually protected by the women of their tribes.

 

Commander: This profession is seen among promising young heirs to a Clan, or capable warriors who have led many a raid already (Fantasy Hero, page 68; 24 points).

 

Craftsman: This profession (Fantasy Hero, page 76; 16 points) is often the path followed by Mitsumi men, who maintain the weapons and armor for the women. Many of them are excellent cooks.

 

Martial Artist: Several martial arts styles have survived in the Tribal Lands, passed down from master to student over the centuries (Fantasy Hero, page 69; 85 points). Abilities from Hero System Martial Arts are available for purchase, but GM approval is required for any outside the Realistic and Cinematic abilities.

 

Rememberer: The Tribal Lands equivalent to Bards (Fantasy Hero, page 63; 44 points). A person trained in memory techniques to remember history and lore in the absence of the written word. Eidetic Memory is considered the “Rememberer Gift.” Another path for Mitsumi men, who by tradition are held back from becoming warriors due to their rarity.

 

Shaman: Frequently seen as advisors to clan leaders, who look to them for their wisdom. No magic, but they do often have minor Esper abilities such as precognition (Fantasy Hero, page 59; 46 points). This profession path is sometimes taken by Witchbreed.

 

Witch/Warlock: The Tribal Lands profession (Fantasy Hero, page 76, 84 points - substitute Esper abilities from Kazei Five for magic) typically followed by Witchbreed who seek a more solitary path, going off on their own to develop their abilities. There is also one small clan among the Tribes that is composed of mostly Witchbreed, led by the Witch known as Silver Eyes, rumored to be a descendant of a powerful pre-Loki Witchbreed known as the Empress.

[Grymour]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

The campaign intro above is a combination of the mini-campaign "Moonshattered Earth" from Post-Apocalypse Hero' date=' the Kazaei Five universe created by Michael Surbrook, and [b']the Horseclans novels by Robert Adams[/b].

 

And here I thought I was the only one who read that series... sounds like a fantastic campaign setting you have going here.

 

Keep up up the good work and keep posting.

 

Grym

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

Thanks. I'm picturing the setting as a cross between Low Fantasy and Low Post-Apocalyptic for the most part, with a few elements of High Post-Apocalyptic (such as esper powers).

[Brother Jim]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

But where are the Undying and Prairie Cat packages ????

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

But where are the Undying and Prairie Cat packages ????

 

Well, instead of Prairie Cats, I have the Mitsumi (Amazon Catgirls dressed in deerskin with feathers bound in their braids).

 

The Undying might make an appearance, but I haven't decided. The Horseclans influence in my campaign concept so far is the nomadic nature of the tribes, and I may borrow tribe names as well.

[clsage]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

 

That's about all I have to say....except that I will, most likely, be adapting chunks of this for my own uses/campaigns...Thanks for the cool stuff!

 

-Carl-

[Susano]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

So, who's going to Lost Vegas to be the next king of Rock and Roll?

[Susano]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

PS: Sweet stuff, Steve! I like it!

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

PS: Sweet stuff' date=' Steve! I like it![/quote']

 

Thanks! I've been tinkering with it since Kazei Five 2.0 came out in print. The map I am using is the one for the Amrica mini-campaign out of PA Hero.

 

I really like how the Mitsumi worked out as a race when I was writing them up.

 

I'm still working on more, and I plan to post when I have it ready.

[薔薇語]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

This is looking really interesting. Just behind Horror HERO, PAH is my fav., so my interest has certainly been peaked. .

 

Keep up the good work!

 

La Rose.

[Susano]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

Steve,

are you on the Kazei 5 Mailing List? You might want to discuss this idea there, if you are.

[mattingly]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

Later this year, BlackWyrm Fiction will be offering an anthology of cyberpunk stories, plus an entire trilogy about -- get this -- a sentient ambulance in a post-apocalyptic future.

[Steve]

Re: Mehrikah: A Post-Apocalypse alternate future for Kazei Five

 

Steve,

are you on the Kazei 5 Mailing List? You might want to discuss this idea there, if you are.

 

I don't think I am. I'll send you a PM with my email address, and you can check if I'm on it.