Suitable Campaign Age: Any (Adjust to campaign)
Adventure Tone: Explorative, Action-Adventure, Macabre
Recommended Power Level: Low or Classic
Content Warning: The following adventure contains a fictionalized cult based on real world religious beliefs. The adventure also explores the ideas of life, death and the afterlife. Readers can find a wealth of information on Pythagoreanism and Hellenism online. Also, unrelated it’s not Hades, once again, not the villain.
Overview
The local history museum has been attacked by a contingent of Eisenreich soldiers, intent on stealing the Ambrotos Kubos, the Immortal’s Cube. A relic from ancient Greece that is said to grant its wielder power over life and death. This is only the beginning though. In the aftermath, the heroes are left with the curious question of where the cube originated, and it’s intended purpose.
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Museum Troubles
The heroes respond to an alarm being tripped at the local history museum. Outside he finds a Rüstung Grab Tank, a large subterranean burrowing tank with mounted artillery. This deadly earth mover is the prefered method of travel for the secretive Eisenreich, Nazi survivors who literally went underground after World War II.
Who are the Eisenreich, Wisdom + Study: World War II History (or other appropriate Study), Very Advanced (30) Difficulty
- Failure: Their clothing and armor is clearly inspired by the Nazi Party.
- Partiual: At the end of the war, a splinter group of the Nazi party used the name Eisenreich.
- Success: The Eisenreich was part of an experimental sciences wing of the Nazi party.
- 1 Degree: Towards the end of the war they were said to have gone underground.
- 2 Degrees: Rumors of them pop up through the 50s and 60s recovering hidden Nazi assests in Europe, Brazil, and South Amerca.
- 3 Degrees: Some have theorized that the Eisenreich continue to operate through an underground network, but have gotten much better at hiding their presence, or involvement.
A Brief (Alternate) History Lesson
Prior to World War II Nazi’s exposed their own citizens to Kiazer Box II, a deadly chemical agent, which, in those that survived could trigger the development of superpowers. During the 36 Olympics they unveiled the Übermensch, sixty four superhumans born of Nazi science.
After World War II the Lebensborn Project was uncovered as an attempt to breed the next generation of superhumans.
Engaging the Eisenreich
The heroes will need to decide if they want to wait outside for the Eisenreich to exit the museum or enter the building to confront them sooner. Both have their challenges.
Inside the Museum
The building is stocked with priceless artifacts and relics. Any misstep could damage these relics. At the same time the leader of the raid is trying to unlock the power of the ambrotos kubos.
Protecting the Relics
On any ranged attack against the heroes a successful Defense may mean damage to the displays. The heroes must decide to take the hit or risk damaging the relics housed in the museum. This works like the Defend Others Action, requiring the hero to spend an Action to avoid causing damage.
Notes:
- Armor is applied as normal.
- 0 Stamina does not mean Knocked Out.
- Area of effect attacks may damage the museum or artifacts depending on the nature of the power.
Heroes who drop to 0 Stamina may gain Willpower based on their Drives.
The Ambrotos Kubos (The Immortal’s Cube)
This two inch bronze cube is engraved with glyphs on each side. As it is activated it begins to open, each glyph glowing with a cool blue light. The cube opens beyond the shapes one might expect, folding and wrapping itself until it forms a six inch double helix design.
What is the Cube, Sense + Perception, Very Challenging (50) Difficulty
- Failure: The cube is inlaid with incomprehensible glyphs.
- Partial: The glyphs are actually written in Ancient Greek, but it’s so small and intertwined it is almost impossible to make out.
- Success: The writing is not actually writing, but interlocking mechanisms that can be moved if you know where to begin.
- 1 Degree: The cube could be solved mechanically, but there is some deeper meaning in the writing.
Note: Once the Cube has begun to be opened, someone taking the time to look at it can uncover these details.
History of the Cube, Wisdom + Occult, Advanced (25) Difficulty
Reading the museum’s literature on the Immortal’s Cube will provide the heroes with a Partial Success, but no additional degrees of Success on a Roll.
- Failure: The cube is Greek in origin, dating to some time in the third century B.C. The cube was found in a previously unknown chamber of Porta Maggiore Basilica in Rome.
- Partial: The Basilica is dated to the first century and is believed to be the meeting place of the Neo-Pythagoreans. The Basilica wasn’t discovered until 1917 due to railway construction. For this reason, it is believed that the cube is linked to the first Pythagoreans and is likely to have traveled from Greece to Rome during the Basilica’s construction.
- Success: The cube’s inscriptions appear to be some type of personal script of shorthand, not related to the Greek language. However, there does appear to be some form of logical flow to the writing. (Note: If the cube has been opened or if the heroes have 1 Degree of Success on What is the Cube, the hero can see that there are layers of meaning within the writing.)
- 1 Degree: Within the cube is some form of mathematical language. However, it does not seem to align with any known form of math.
Should the battle go on for 5 Turns or if Bulwark waits outside the leader will unlock the ambrotos kubos, At this time it will unfold into a shape resembling a stylized DNA double helix fusing to the leader’s chest. This Grants him the Advanced and Striker Templates, along with a Special Regeneration ability.
The Eisenreich
Escaped Nazi’s the Eisenreich fled to South American caves to avoid capture. Over the last fifty years they engaged in numerous experiments to recreate the Übermensch and return to their former glory.
Eisenreich Forces
The raid team consists of a Typical mob of Reinforced Barrierekraft along with one Krieger.
Barrierekraft (Wall Soldiers) (Low Powered + 3 Templates)
Trained to follow orders and that failure is only for the lesser peoples. The shock troops of the Eisenreich are deadly and efficient. Culled from the rank and file of various hate groups these men have been trained to see only what their masters tell them.
Basic Roll: 6 + 2d6
Stamina 10/10
Defense Reichmen Combat Suit 10 Armor 4/6 Dice 2
Offense MG 61 Zweihander 15/20 Dice 3 Range Long Damage 8 Wounds
Offense Combat Knife 15/20 Dice 3 Range Close Damage 4 Wounds
Krieger (Classic + 4 Templates) (Leader Bonus)
While it may seem that there are any number of willing grunts to follow the lead of the Eisenreich there has been a desire from the beginning to recreate the Lebensborn project. Never as successful as the original Übermensch, the Krieger are still a powerful and debilitating force.
Basic Roll: 12 + 3d6
Stamina 15
Defense Reichmen Combat Suit Mk II 24 Armor 10 Dice 3
Offense MG 71 Wolfe 28 Dice 3 Range Long Damage 12 Wounds
Offense Combat Knife 28 Dice 3 Range Close Damage 6 Wounds
If the Krieger unlocks the ambrotos kubos switch to the following block.
Note: Unlocking the ambrotos kubos heals them completely.
Ambrotos Krieger Reinforced Striker
The cube, now in it’s opened state has fused to the soldier’s exposed chest.
Basic Roll: 15 + 4d6
Stamina 24 (Heals 4 Stamina Per Turn)
Defense Reichmen Combat Suit Mk II 27 Armor 10 Dice 4
Offense MG 71 Wolfe 31 Dice 4 Range Long Damage 12 Wounds
Offense Combat Knife 37 Dice 4 Range Close Damage 12 Wounds
Optional (When scaling the encounter)
Rüstung Grab (Burrow Tanks) (High Powered + 5 Templates)
Designed to connect cave systems, the original Rüstung Grab has been outfitted with reinforced armor and artillery. Manned by five person teams the Rüstung Grab is capable of blasting through the worst terrain or burrowing under it.
Basic Rolls 12 + 2d6
Stamina 36/36
Defense 20 Dice 3 Armor 10/12
Offense Primary Cannon 25/30 Dice 3 Range Long Damage 20 Note All targets in Close Range
Offense Side Laser 25/30 Dice 3 Range Long Damage 16
Offense Drill 17/22 Dice 2 Range Close Damage 12
Only the Beginning
In the aftermath of the battle, it is clear that there is more to the Immortal’s Cube. Heroes can take the time to perform rolls for What is the Cube, and History of the Cube now if they have not already.
The MCPD (Metahuman Crime Prevention Division of the FBI) will arrive on the scene to help take the Eisenreich Forces into custody and will want to take the cube as evidence. If the heroes have a good reputation, a little diplomacy can mitigate this should the heroes want to hold onto the cube.
Keeping the Cube, Expression + Etiquette, Expert (20) Difficulty
Heroes with questionable reputations can still attempt this roll at a 10 point (or more) Penalty. Alternatively, they can roll Subterfuge to convince the MCPD that the cube was lost in the battle.
- Failure: The heroes will need to hand over the cube.
- Partial: The MCPD will allow the heroes to hold onto the cube, but will place a tracking device on it.
- Success: After a bit of paperwork, the MCPD will allow the heroes to take charge of the cube.
- 2 Degrees: Skip the paperwork.
Note: Possession of the cube is not required for the remainder of the adventure, but does modify how the story will play out.
All Roads Lead to Rome
Archaeologists located the cube in the Porta Maggiore Basilica in Rome, while it dates back to Greece, this is where the trail starts. Depending on the group, the heroes will need to decide if they are making their presence known or arriving secretly.
Note: The default assumption is that heroes can act internationally. For some games GMs will need to take additional consideration here.
Public Appearances
The Italian government will react based on the heroes’ reputations. Select Officers (the Italian equivalent of the MCPD) will meet the heroes wherever they arrive.
If they have a positive reputation, they will invite the heroes in and offer to help where they can. This will mostly consist of blocking off areas or making sure no civilians are present. If the heroes request, the Select Officers will assign a liaison to help with any requests and to provide translation services as needed. However, they will stay away from the action unless requested to help the heroes.
If they have a negative reputation, the Select Officers will insist on assigning a liaison to track their activity in the city. The liaison can perform the tasks described above. However, the heroes will need to justify their actions before receiving any assistance. More so, they will be present if any danger arrives and may need to be protected.
Select Officer Rossi (Low Powered Special Agent + Advanced + Brawler + Shooter + Talented (3))
Coda Rossi is a career officer and has been dedicated to the Select Service since encountering their first Metahuman Criminal. They know they will never be as strong or tough as some of the monsters they face but Coda is quick on their feet and uses a specially modified .50 pistol.
Basic Rolls 8 + 3d6
Stamina 6
Defense 10 Dice 2 Armor 2
Offense Monster Stopping Braced Handgun 10 Dice 3 Range Medium Damage 8
Offense Melee 10 Dice 3 Range Close Damage 4
Etiquette 14 Dice 4
Law 14 Dice 4
Tactics 14 Dice 4 Notes Once per Turn Rossi can add +4 to a hero’s action. If this is an Attack they gain +2 Damage, if it is a Defense they gain +1 Armor.
A Private Affair
Opting not to make their presence known, the heroes can move through Rome without interacting with the Select Officers. However, should they reveal themselves or be found out, they will be approached at the earliest opportunity with a negative reaction, as above.
Porta Maggiore Basilica in Rome
While it remains a mystery, it is believed that the Basilica was constructed by the Statilius family, prior to Titus Statilius Taurus Corvinus’ suicide in 53 AD. However, exact dates are lost to history.
The Basilica measures 40 feet long, with three naves, lined by six stone pillars along with an apse. The walls are decorated with images of centaurs, griffins, and satyrs along with heroes such as Achilles, Hercules, Orpheus, Paris.
Located underground, the original entrance was through a vestibule that connected to Prenestina Street. Since its discovery, the basilica has needed to be reinforced, and modern equipment brought in to maintain the temperature and air quality. At this time, only pre-arranged tours of small groups are permitted.
The recently discovered chamber is located through a secret passage below the carving of Orpheus leading Eurydice back from the underworld in the stones. The passage has been blocked off and is unavailable for public tours.
Inside there is a small alcove leading to a wrapping staircase which leads further down. The stairs terminate in a small room with carved reliefs depicting the gods escaping from Kronos, Athena escaping from Zeus, and a wall with no markings at all.
Exploring the Room, Sense + Perception, Very Laborious (40)
- Failure: The heroes touch something that triggers the blank wall to slide away revealing a hallway.
- Note: Read this part last, it happens regardless of level of Success.
- Partial: The blank wall seems more than out of place, even before removing itself.
- Success: The room feels unfinished, in a way, it would not be surprising to find carving tools in this room, but none are present.
- 1 Degree: If each image is selected for a reason, then perhaps the blank wall is a message itself.
The hallway is longer than the Basilica and walking the passage, time seems to be stripped away. There are no lights in this unexplored area, so the heroes will need some form of illumination.
What About Air? Sense + Science, Expert (20)
- Failure: The heroes are able to breathe with ease.
- Partial: Which, on the surface seems fine, but wasn’t there something about air purifiers in the main chamber?
- Success: The air here should be stale, but it isn’t. There is still the scent of millennia old dirt, but not the stagnancy expected of a sealed tomb.
- 1 Degree: There would need to be some other form of ventilation for this area to have fresher air.
When Reality Crumbles
The heroes walk for what may seem like minutes, maybe hours. Eventually someone is going to look back. When they do, it will appear as if they have not walked more than 10 or 15 feet into the hallway. If the heroes attempt to return to the recently discovered room, the distance will warp, spreading out until the light from the open doorway is only a speck in the distance.
It is at this moment that the heroes will realize that there are no walls, floor, or ceiling. In the void around them objects will begin to take shape, Forming and moving in ways that shouldn’t be possible. There are a number of these constructs between 6 and infinity.
They are at Long Range and will move in towards the heroes 1 Range Increment each Turn. If a hero tries to comprehend what they are looking at, allow them an Intelligence + Science roll against the Non-Euclidean Geometric Construct’s Defense. When they speak the equations for what they are seeing out loud, the construct will begin to unravel, see Defense below.
So long as a hero makes a Successful roll, the Non-Euclidean Geometric Constructs will ignore them, but will attack other heroes.
Non-Euclidean Geometric Constructs (Classic Mathematical Construct + Advanced + Reinforced + Striker Nut Cracker + Cluster + Crowd Control + Immune) (Minor Mob)
While the Antiakousmatikoi are primarily philosophers, they are more than willing to defend their secrets. Their primary defense is to conjure tangible representations of byzantinemathematical theory. These Non-Euclidean Geometric Constructs can be crippling to the untrained mind, moving in ways that people cannot fully comprehend. They can only be destroyed by countermagic, other reality breaking effects, or having their equation solved.
Basic Rolls 12 + 3d6
Stamina 18 – 12
Defense 12 Dice 3 Armor 5 Notes Immune to all Non-Magical Damage or Damage which breaks the laws of reality. Constructs are Vulnerable to Mathematical Truths which can be used as Attacks (Intelligence + Science). Determine Damage as normal adding 3 for the Vulnerability.
Offense Incomprehensible Probability 23 Dice 4 Range Close Damage 6 Notes Defended By Psyche
Aura of Unreality -6 to Any foes within Close Range Notes The construct’s swirling incomprehensible patterns make it nearly impossible to look at without suffering headaches or vision issues.
Should the heroes manage to defeat the Non-Euclidean Geometric Constructs, the hallway will return, and an end can be seen on the other side.
Underground Connection
Stepping into the light the heroes will find themselves in the middle of another hallway. There are no other entrances, they are simply in the middle of the passage. It is well lit with modern flood lamps and tourists seem to be moving around them as if the heroes had always been there. If the heroes are particularly flashy or well known, tourists will stop for photos or autographs.
In the process of finding a way out, it will become apparent that the heroes are in the Eupalinian Aqueduct under Mount Kastro in Samos, Greece, some 1600 kilometers from the Porta Maggiore Basilica.
The Pythagorean Link
The isle of Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras. While his first school was opened in Crotone, the philosopher’s influence can still be felt. This may be a good time to remind the heroes that the Basilica was believed to be a meeting place for Pythagoreans.
Who Was Pythagoras?
Pythagoras of Samos is often described as the first pure mathematician. A Greek philosopher, he is believed to have been born in 570 BC and lived until 495 BC, who made important developments in mathematics, astronomy, and the theory of music. While what we refer to as Pythagoras’s theorem was known to the Babylonians 1000 years earlier, he may have been the first to prove it. It is unclear when and how Pythagoras received his education, but around 530 BC he founded a school of philosophy in Crotone.
Who Were the Pythagoreans? Wisdom + Research, Advanced (25) Difficulty
- Failure: The students of Pythagoras carried his mathematical theories, philosophy, and spirituality forward even after his death.
- Partial: After the death of Pythagoras, two schools evolved from his teachings, the Mathēmatikoi who focused more on the scientific aspects, and the Akousmatikoi who turned towards the spiritual components.
- Success: The Akousmatikoi saw a life of piety as a means to escape the mortal cycle of life-death-reincarnation, and to ascend to the realms of the gods. The Akousmatikoi also began to see the sciences and math as fixed and unable to evolve further. The Mathēmatikoi continued to develop the sciences and mathematics that were begun by Pythagoras. Because they believed that there was more to learn, the Mathēmatikoi were shunned by the more spiritual Akousmatikoi.
- 1 Degree: While both schools of philosophy would eventually fade, there was a revival of Neopythagoreanism which combined Pythagorean teachings with other philosophical traditions. Neopythagorean philosophy gravitated toward Stoic monism or Platonic dualism.
- 2 Degrees: While Neopythagoreanism was the most well known revival, there are any number of potential other branches of Pythagoreanism following the revolts led by Cylon of Croton following the refusal of Pythagoras to accept democratic government. However, events around this time are highly contradictory with some versions placing Cylon as a failed student of Pythagoras and others as having rejected the austere life dictated to his students.
The Pythagoreion
Upon exiting the tunnel the heroes will find themselves in the Pythagoreion, which contains a number of statues and monuments from Ancient Greece and Rome. Of the various works is the Heraion of Samos, a sanctuary of the goddess Hera, and a statue of Pythagoras.
The Living Statue
As the heroes approach the statue it will seemingly move to face them. However, blinking or looking away will reveal that the statue has never moved. From behind them a voice will rise up.
“You passed through a gateway, but are you a Follower of the Unspoken?” Despite the surprise of the voice, it is calm and even in tone.
Should the heroes lie and say yes, they will need to make an Expression + Subterfuge roll. This is contrasted with a 20 + 4d6. On a failed roll, if the heroes answer honestly, or take any other action, the speaker will follow up with: “Then you possess minds ill prepared for the journey ahead.”
If the heroes succeed the voice will follow up by saying: “Then face an Oracle and take my hand as we return home.”
In both cases, reality will fall away, much like it did at the Basilica. Without the Oracle to guide them, the heroes will fall through endless tunnels, slamming into floors, walls, and ceilings of various buildings, at one point they will pass through an alien world , at another they are underwater. Without the Oracle to guide them, they will need to calculate the probabilities to exit the warp.
Dimensional Instability
- Stakes: The heroes fall through reality only to be spat out again.
- Size 2 – Impacts the heroes only
- Ferocity 2 – It’s going to hurt, but is unlikely to be lethal.
- Target 35
- Damage 4
- Success Threshold 7
- Starting Advantage 4
- Notes:
- Think Your Way Out: Heroes can make Intelligence + Science or Wisdom + Occult rolls to “solve” the instability.
- Painful Landing: If the Instability is victorious, the heroes suffer 6 Stamina Drain which cannot be resisted as they land in their final destination. Their minds reeling from the experience.
The Awakening
The heroes find themselves in an underground chamber. It is impossible to tell where. Fossilized skeletons line the walls, each of them holding a compass and triangle. In front of them are men and women in robes. Before the heroes is the Oracle who spoke before. They wear the same robes and stand hands folded at the waist.
“The journey to this moment has been a long road. The cube, long thought lost to us, has been found.” When they speak, it is as serene as a still pond.
Inject the following if the Oracle knows the heroes are not members of the Antiakousmatikoi
“Forgive us for the oddity of your journey, we could not control how it began, and for you to understand where you have come, it was as it needed to be for you to see. We are the Antiakousmatikoi, the Unspoken Followers of Pythagoras. Long ago, we realized that the purity that our founder sought was unobtainable by mortals. So it was that we sought alternative means to subvert the cycle of reincarnation.”
“The cube was created long ago to preserve the wisdom of our master. However, it was lost to war, even if amazingly within one of our own strongholds. We ask that you relinquish it to us, so that we may restore the head of our order.”
If pressed, the Oracle will not hesitate to tell the heroes the cube will be used to see if Pythagoras ascended to the realm of the gods or was trapped in the cycle and can be resurrected. Should he have ascended, the cube will have no impact upon his remains. If he has been trapped in the cycle of reincarnation, it will pull him back, restoring his mind and body, along with the knowledge of all his other lives.
If asked, what if he is currently living another life, the Oracle will say rather matter-of-factly that we spend the majority of existence dead, and Orpheus has taught us well.
The heroes don’t have the cube
The Oracle will show only the smallest twinge of disappointment.
“Our people have survived this far, and so it will be that we carry forward.” They will inquire to the cube’s current location, resigning to it’s fate and being out of reach once more.
The heroes refuse or lie
If the heroes lie and say they don’t have the cube, roll as with the Living Statue. On a Successful roll, use the results for not having the cube. Otherwise, the Oracle will show only the barest form of disappointment. Waving their hand, they will attempt to trap the heroes in a Reality Fracture.
“It is a shame that you would attempt to prevent this moment from occurring, but we are too close to allow those who have barely begun the path to enlightenment stop that which must occur.” The Oracle will then have a group of Initiates search the heroes for the cube. They will go as far as to note not to harm the heroes, and take only the cube.
If the heroes escape the trap, they will need to battle the Antiakousmatikoi. The Oracle stating they are sorry that it has come to this. There is a Typical Mob of Initiates + the Oracle.
The heroes hand over the cube
The Oracle will thank the heroes.
Once they have the cube, the Oracle will approach an open stone coffin, placing the stone in the center of the remains. Initially, nothing will occur. However, after a long pause the skeletal form will begin to knit itself back together. As this occurs, there are murmurs from the Initiates around the chamber:
“It’s true, even the most wise, most pure, there is no escape…”
These whispers are quickly cut off by a hollow and echoing laughter.
“Even in death, I cannot be done with you fools. Your master is dead. I am Cylon, and I shall finish that which I began so long ago!”
With that, Cylon holds his hand out as a blade of energy forms. The Antiakousmatikoi begin to age uncontrollably. Seeing the heroes are unaffected he will lash out at them. The Oracle will cry out:
“We are betrayed!” Sealing their followers in Reality Fractures. However, the Oracle will stand with the heroes against Cylon.
Each Turn they suffer 6 Stamina loss as they age. If Cylon is not defeated before the start of the Oracle’s fourth Turn, or the Oracle reaches 0 Stamina, they will age to dust, and their followers will be trapped in a fractured reality.
Cylon of Croton (Cosmic Warlord + Advanced (2) + Cluster + Reinforced (2) + Tough + Striker + Devastating + Special)
During the 6th Century BC, Croton and the neighboring colony of Sybaris waged war with one another. This ended with Croton’s deceive victory over Sybaris in 510 BC due to Pythagoras and his followers. After the victory, Cylon, a prominent citizen of Croton, along with others proposed a democratic constitution, which the Pythagoreans rejected. This was seen as a betrayal and the venerated Cylon burned the homes of Pythagoreans and drove them from Croton for their rejection. History is unclear if Cylon was a Pythagoreans himself, but he had an understanding of their methods, practices, and meeting places. Until his end, he vowed to drive the cult of Pythagoras from his home.
Cylon’s body will reform, to the point of growing muscles and strips of flesh. A crown of blue flames curling in on themselves adorning his head. In the center of his chest is the Immortal Cube, now in its complete shape (a double helix that glows blue), veins of energy stretch out infusing Cylon’s body.
Basic Rolls 25 + 4d6
Stamina 60 (Cylon regenerates 4 Stamina per Turn)
Defense 30 Dice 5 Armor 10
Offense Waves of Necrotic Force 25 Dice 4 Range Short Damage 15 Notes Hits all Targets in Close Range.
Offense Blade of Undeath 35 Dice 5 Range Close Damage 20
Antiakousmatikoi – The Unspoken Followers
The Antiakousmatikoi came to the realization that there is no level of piety that could elevate man to escape death. More so, that their brethren willing to stagnate in silence had cut themselves off from the true power of Pythagoras’ teachings.
They threw themselves into uniting the two branches of Pythagoreanism only to be rebuked by both. While they made initial advances in the sciences, the Antiakousmatikoi were seen as fringe philosophers whose discourse showed no merit and eventually faded away.
Rumors emerged over the centuries that some of the greatest mathematicians were actually members of the Antiakousmatikoi or had uncovered some of their formula, and for that reason their deaths are shrouded in mystery. Some of the suspected deaths related to the Antiakousmatikoi include Archimedes, Heron of Alexandria, and Aryabhata.
Non-Euclidean Geometric Constructs (Classic Mathematical Construct + Advanced + Reinforced + Striker Nut Cracker + Cluster + Crowd Control + Immune)
While the Antiakousmatikoi are primarily philosophers, they are more than willing to defend their secrets. Their primary defense is to conjure tangible representations of byzantine mathematical theory. These Non-Euclidean Geometric Constructs can be crippling to the untrained mind, moving in ways that people cannot fully comprehend. They can only be destroyed by counter magic, other reality breaking effects, or having their equation solved.
Basic Rolls 12 + 3d6
Stamina 18
Defense 12 Dice 3 Armor 3 Notes Immune to all Non-Magical Damage or Damage which breaks the laws of reality. Constructs are Vulnerable to Mathematical Truths which can be used as Attacks (Intelligence + Science). Determine Damage as normal adding 3 for the Vulnerability.
Offense Incomprehensible Probability 18 Dice 4 Range Close Damage 6 Notes Defended By Psyche
Aura of Unreality -6 to Any foes within Close Range Notes The construct’s swirling incomprehensible patterns make it nearly impossible to look at without suffering headaches or vision issues.
Antiakousmatikoi Initiate (Classic Mathmagician + Advanced + Sneak + Shooter + Trapping + Nutcracker)
There are two truths for the Antiakousmatikoi. First, math is the language of the gods, it is the key to the universe, and only uncorrupted means of communication. Two, there is no divinity within man, and as such math is the key to stealing that which is beyond the grasp of mortals. Members of the cult calculate out the probability of all actions, and in times of danger, inscribe these calculations into weapons to mitigate error. In addition to this, initiates who have accepted the underlying math can calculate out the edges of reality, creating temporal instabilities or fold space. This allows them to fade from sight, be overlooked, or even trap foes in pocket space.
Basic Rolls 12 + 3d6
Stamina 9
Defense 18 Dice 3 Armor 3
Offense Calculated Guns 18 Dice 4 Range Long Damage 12
Offense Reality Fractures 18 Dice 4 Range Long Damage – Notes Trapping: Escape Difficulty 22 (Mental + Concentration Only)
Offense Melee 12 Dice 3 Range Close Damage 6
Fade from Sight (Stealth) 18 Dice 4
Antiakousmatikoi Oracle (High Powered Mathmagician + Advanced (2) + Reinforced + Sneak (2) + Shooter + Trapping (3) + Nutcracker)
As the language of the universe unfolds to the Antiakousmatikoi they begin to disconnect, as an Oracle they act as mentors to initiates while trying to advance their own understanding of the universe. The Oracle is a fearsome opponent as they can see the underlying equations in all things and create solutions or counter formulas as needed.
Basic Rolls 20 + 4d6
Stamina 24
Defense 36 Dice 4 Armor 4
Offense Unmaking Calculations 36 Dice 5 Range Long Damage 8 Notes Defended By Psyche
Offense Reality Fractures 36 Dice 5 Range Long Damage – Notes Trapping: Escape Difficulty 50 (Or 3 Success at 30) (Mental + Concentration Only)
Offense Melee 30 Dice 4 Range Close Damage 8
Fade from Sight (Stealth) 36 Dice 5
After-Math
There are a number of possible outcomes.
The cube was not present, or the heroes fooled the Oracle
The Oracle will offer to return the heroes anywhere in the world, and ask that they keep the secret of the Unspoken Followers until a time comes when Pythagoras can either be restored, or his greatest theorem proved. The Oracle will then offer to take them anywhere in the world.
The heroes battled the Antiakousmatikoi and Cylon was not revived
The Unspoken Followers will disappear into nothingness. It will take some searching, but the heroes will find themselves below a manor house in Croton, Italy.
The heroes can take the Antiakousmatikoi as an Enemy Drive at the end of the story.
The heroes defeated Cylon and the Oracle survived
No matter if they fought the Antiakousmatikoi before Cylon’s resurrection the Oracle will thank the heroes, and explain that they will find the remains of Pythagoras and attempt this again, after they are sure. The Oracle will then offer to take them anywhere in the world.
The heroes can take the Oracle as a Contact or the Antiakousmatikoi as an Enemy Drive at the end of the story depending on how they feel about the idea of resurrecting Pythagoras.
The heroes defeated Cylon but the Oracle died
The initiates will be trapped in Reality Fractures, locked in contemplation as they try and calculate the probabilities to escape. The heroes will need to decide whether or not to help free them.
Optional: Time and space are constructs for the Antiakousmatikoi to manipulate. Feel free to change this to any-when that seems fun, from shortly after the burning of Pythagoras’ home, to the end of time, revealing that the Antiakousmatikoi were seeking some means to circumvent the heat death of the universe. Don’t be afraid to get weird.
If they do not help the Antiakousmatikoi, the heroes can take them as an Enemy Drive at the end of the story.
References
Pythagoras
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagoras
https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Pythagoras/
Pythagoreans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagoreanism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopythagoreanism
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pythagoreanism/
Porta Maggiore Basilica
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porta_Maggiore_Basilica
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/36219
Pythagoreion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagoreion
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/595/
