Difference between revisions of "All Events"

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"Sure, no problem," McGrath nods. "The more eyes we get on this, the better."
 
"Sure, no problem," McGrath nods. "The more eyes we get on this, the better."
  
Sites added to Geoscape: 4 Exploration. Site added to Geoscape: An Idle king.
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Sites added to Geoscape: 4 Exploration. Site added to Geoscape: Links to the Past.
  
 
===Pay for the data (-15 Tech, -30 Food)===
 
===Pay for the data (-15 Tech, -30 Food)===

Revision as of 01:17, 22 October 2021

This page is Unexplored POI.png Exploration Events, Anu Haven Events, New Jericho Haven events and Synedrion Haven events combined on one page. All the text events that can trigger after exploring POI or visiting faction Haven for a first time.

If you are using CTRL+F to see the outcomes before making choice you can do it here and search all of them on one page instead of searching through 4 Wiki pages.

Contents

Exploaration events with choices

A Handful of Dust

The [AircraftName] has discovered the ruins of New Babylon, a city-state founded by a schismatic sect that broke off from the Disciples of Anu two years ago. Unlike the Disciples, who see the Pandoravirus as a challenge that must be overcome via evolution, the schismatics believed that all mutations were secretly beneficial and humanity must embrace them without question. When they left their old havens, they took many sacred relics that the Disciples would like to have returned.

These relics largely consist of mutated human remains: the bones of Anu martyrs, who died in the struggle for a more evolved humanity. But New Jericho takes a different view: these relics are actually dangerous bioweapons and potential sources of infection, and ought to be destroyed.

Return the relics

The Disciples are deeply grateful for the return of their sacred artifacts, reminders of the long journey they have been on. "Perfection cannot be reached in a day," as a popular Anu saying goes, "but those who have hope can glimpse it beyond the sunset."

To express their thankfulness, they send us a shipment of valuable supplies.

Tech TECH +30, Materials MATERIALS +60, Food FOOD +220, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Burn the ruins and the relics with them

New Babylon burns. The so-called relics will be reduced to ashes, as they should be. These people were not martyrs, they were mutants. Maybe the flames will bring some kind of purity back to this place.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.


A Luxurious Apocalypse

Our operatives have discovered what can only be described as a luxury shelter: an underground facility so extravagant it beggars belief. It has multiple swimming pools, a gym, a sauna, a cinema, even a dedicated VR room. The only thing it doesn't have is people.

Dismantle the lighter equipment and install it in our facilities

Entertainment is rare in this dark and miserable world, but nothing could be more necessary. Faced with the relentless horror of the Pandoravirus, our operatives often struggle to maintain their sanity, and having access to films and games helps them forget about what they've seen, if only for a little while.

These decadent luxuries are symbols of the old world. Destroy them

An obsession with superficial luxuries at the expense of meaningful growth was how the world ended up such a mess in the first place. It's not a coincidence that this shelter is empty. Better to destroy it and focus on true self-improvement.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

A representative of New Jericho thanks us for our donation, which will be used to improve their training facilities.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

A representative of Synedrion thanks us for our donation, which will be used to improve their entertainment centers. They are particularly grateful for a copy of the Complete Tarkovsky Filmography found in the shelter.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4


Aftermath

Our operatives have discovered an unsettling sight: on a hill near the ruins of a burned-down haven, eight New Jericho soldiers have been beheaded. Their heads, still wearing their helmets, have been placed on spikes. It's impossible to know what happened here, but it can't have been good.

Inform New Jericho of our discovery

A message from New Jericho thanks us for the information and asks us to bury the soldiers' remains. There is no comment as to what the soldiers may have been doing.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Hey, free helmets!

Whatever happened here, it's all over now. The dead soldiers won't mind their helmets being reused.

3 1anvil2 helmet.png New Jericho Heavy Helmets received

Inform the other factions of our discovery, suggesting New Jericho committed an atrocity here

An official statement from New Jericho disavows any responsibility for the actions of these soldiers, who are said to have gone AWOL weeks ago, and blames the Phoenix Project for deliberately inflaming tensions.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -7, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -7.


At Peace

The [AircraftName] has encountered a large group of Anu pilgrims following the Path to the Hesychastic Ziggurat, a nearby sacred site said to bring peace and oneness with the Dead God. Despite the extreme danger of such travel, they are only lightly armed.

Accompany them

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project must be higher than -25 for this option.

The pilgrims are a merry lot, and at our offer of assistance, they spontaneously break into song. Making so much noise seems quite foolish, but by the time they've arrived at the Hesychastic Ziggurat, it's hard not to admit that they understand this world and know how to move within it. We might actually be able to learn a lot just by watching them.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Player receives 30 Skill Points.

Let them go

The pilgrims seem unconcerned by our lack of assistance. They're at ease with their surroundings.


Behind the Walls

The [AircraftName] has landed in the remains of a gated community. Judging from the design, this place was built in the early days of the Second Mist, when the upper classes abandoned the cities. The place seems to be in relatively good shape, if somewhat overgrown. Perhaps there are survivors?

Investigate

The more our operatives investigate, the stranger the situation gets. It's not entirely clear, but evidence seems to suggest that the inhabitants of the gated community actually killed each other following a dispute about an inheritance. The turrets, meant to defend the compound's walls, are turned towards the inside, and the lush gardens are full of shattered skeletons. The only thing really worth scavenging is the VR entertainment system.

Tech TECH +130

Ignore

There is not likely to be anything of interest here.


Buried Treasure

Our operatives have discovered something of a treasure trove: an old underground lab full of functional tech. Unfortunately, the structural integrity of the facility is severely compromised. Deep cracks in the walls suggest collapse is imminent.

It would be possible to reinforce the facility to buy us enough time to retrieve all the tech, but it would be costly.

It's worth it. Retrieve the tech (-50 Materials)

Costs 50 Materials MATERIALS. The operation proves exactly as complicated as expected, but also just as lucrative. Our operatives managed to retrieve so much tech from the old lab that it barely fits in the [AircraftName].

Tech TECH +150

Tempting, but a waste of resources

Not every treasure is worth pursuing, and greed can be dangerous. We'll have to get our tech elsewhere.


Cetus (coastal site)

While following an odd trail, our operatives have discovered a huge but non-hostile mutant. The creature, once a bowhead whale, is slowly, painfully pulling itself along on enlarged but fragile centipede-like legs growing along the sides of its body. It appears to be in some distress.

Put the creature out of its misery

The creature's thick skin makes it hard to kill, but after a few shots to the head, it finally stops moving. Whether this was an act of mercy or not is hard to tell, but as one last, heavy breath escapes the creature's broken body it is difficult not to feel sorry for it.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Transport it to the sea (-10 Tech)

Transporting the whale-thing back to the sea is a major logistical challenge, and dangerous to boot. It's not even certain whether the creature can survive in the water. But all doubts are laid to rest when it finally, triumphantly bursts up from beneath the waves. The oceans may no longer belong to us, but it would appear that not every link is severed... at least not yet.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

Leave the creature where it is

The whale-thing continues to crawl, oblivious to the moral dilemmas of the tiny apes that surround it.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2


Dead Town

An abandoned town, a remnant of the old world. The kind of place where children grew up, went to school, got jobs and grew old. A search of the buildings is like picking over the dead, but needs must. We might find some things we can use.

Search the area

A small cache of resources has been found.

Materials MATERIALS +160, Food FOOD +60

Leave the place undisturbed

Leaving the dead where they are is all very well, but sometimes a sacrifice has to be made. We can only hope we won't regret this decision later when we're in need of food and supplies.


Death Is A Highway

Our operatives have set down beside a ruined highway. There are hundreds of burned-out cars and trucks lying all over the place. Nature is busy reclaiming the concrete and tarmac. It looks like people were trying to live here for a while. We should look around. There might be some stuff left over that we can use.

Search the area

Our operatives have discovered a small cache of resources in a makeshift shelter between two trucks.

Materials MATERIALS +500, Food FOOD +80

Leave the place undisturbed

Do No Harm

Our operatives have located an abandoned field hospital. This is an unremittingly depressing place where lives were lost in unimaginable agony during the days of the Second Mist. It probably contains useful supplies, but entering it will take a toll on our people.

Search the site

Our operatives return with the resources they could scavenge. None of them wishes to discuss what they've seen.

Tech TECH +20, Materials MATERIALS +150, Food FOOD +180, Stamina Stamina -10.

Let's stay away

Our operatives see enough horrifying things already, they don't need more.


Dulce et Decorum est

An eerie sight awaits our operatives at this location: hundreds of tanks stand abandoned on a crumbling road. No battle was ever fought here; the weapons of the past were designed to kill fellow human beings, not to withstand a shapeless, relentless alien mist.

To New Jericho, the soldiers who fought here were heroes worth remembering, even though they were let down by corrupt, foolish governments. To Synedrion, they were victims of a decaying political system that could only resolve its problems with violence. To the Disciples of Anu, they are an embodiment of the abominations of the old world. The question is: what are they to us?

Build a memorial that portrays them as heroes (-50 Materials)

The memorial to the fallen is inscribed with the words of the poet Joseph Morland: "War is truly noble / Death is finally glorious / Failure is assuredly honorable / Only when the cause is our humanity." Perhaps it will give people hope, and inspire them to keep fighting.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2

Build a memorial that portrays them as victims (-20 Materials)

The memorial to the fallen is inscribed with the words of the poet Nadia Kammerer: "Ask not the blind giant / Why he crushes the people / Ask why we pay tribute / To a blind, fallen god." Perhaps it will inspire people to approach the struggle against the Pandoravirus in a more complex way.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Build a memorial that portrays them as fools

The memorial to the fallen is inscribed with a quote from the Gospel of the Exalted, Chapter 3: "Here were written the names of all of Man's cities, and all his nations; and all were dust and memories. No glory could last, no empire endure, for within Man was the seed of destruction, and all his creations were imperfect." Perhaps it will make people understand that they must change themselves before they can change the world.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Let these machines of death rot

There is no need to obsess over the failures of the past. If they couldn't defeat the Pandoravirus then, how can they help us defeat it now?

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3


Embalmed

In what appears to have once been a textile factory, our operatives have discovered hundreds of mummified bodies covered in a thin film of mucus. It is unclear whether this mucus was deposited on the bodies by an external source or whether it was excreted during the process of mummification.

Representatives of the Disciples of Anu demand that the bodies of the "martyrs" be turned over to them for study, while New Jericho demands that the bodies be destroyed to prevent infection.

Allow the Disciples to study the bodies

The Disciples thank us for protecting the bodies of the martyrs from the heathens at New Jericho and reward us for our good deed.

Food FOOD +300, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Demolish the building, burying the bodies

We receive a message of thanks from New Jericho. They're glad that we have the sanity to look at a bunch of mummified bodies and see a health risk, not objects to be worshipped, and they're not averse to expressing their thankfulness in material terms.

Materials MATERIALS +320, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.


Flowers for the Dead

Our operatives have set down on the edge of a town abandoned and picked clean long ago. The nearest building appears to be a crematorium. The backroom is piled up with bodies as if people brought their dead to the place and just left them here. Pink, meaty flowers are growing from the mummified corpses, swaying even though there's no wind.

Search the crematorium

Looks like this is the only place that didn't get ransacked, probably because of the nauseating smell given off by the flowers, which is so intense it actually makes our operatives retch.

Materials MATERIALS +90, Food FOOD +200, Stamina Stamina -10.

Leave

The smell of the flowers is too nauseating. Better to stay away.


Fun Games and Killer Clowns

Our operatives have set down near an old amusement park. The rides are rusted and overgrown with weeds and brush. The landing zone is pretty small and it will take quite an effort to explore the location around the aircraft. With no sightlines, it could be pretty dangerous, too.

Additionally, as one of our operatives points out, this is precisely the sort of place best avoided in horror movies.

Take off and leave the location undisturbed

Some might think this was a cowardly choice, but who needs mutated killer clowns in a post-apocalyptic amusement park?

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -1.

Clear a path and search the fun fair

It turns out that there are no Pandoran killer clowns in the amusement park, but there are plenty of broken railings and unstable roofs. Recovering the useful bits of machinery is quite hazardous.

Tech TECH +50, Materials MATERIALS +150, Stamina Stamina -10.


Fungus Humongous

Our operatives have encountered a New Jericho scientific expedition. The expedition has discovered a unique mutation of Pilobolus crystallinus in an abandoned commune's composting facility. The individual fungi are almost twenty times as large as the unmutated variety; when expelling spores, they do so with enough force to penetrate armor.

The expedition has begun preparations for burning the facility.

Petition to study the fungi first (-15 Tech)

While New Jericho disapproves of allowing the fungi to continue existing, even for a limited time period, they accede to our demands. The data collected by our operatives proves to be highly interesting and potentially useful in our own R&D.

Research points Research +100

Help them burn the facility

The world doesn't need more dangerous mutations. The facility goes up in flames.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Steal samples and donate them to the Disciples of Anu

Our actions have angered New Jericho, but the Disciples are grateful for the donation, which may help them better understand the transformation the world is undergoing, and how to make use of it for human ends.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4.

Let them burn the facility

Another threat to humanity has been eliminated, thanks to New Jericho.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4


Ghost Ship (coastal site)

Our operatives have located the wreck of a beached ship. The Mortzestus was a cargo vessel registered in San Francisco which mysteriously disappeared in the Sargasso Sea in 2026. How it ended up here is anyone's guess; the captain's log is nothing but mad scrawls, and the ship's interior is covered in a sticky, translucent membrane. The wind echoes weirdly down its corridors, distorted into an eerie moaning by the membrane. The cargo appears to be intact.

Retrieve the cargo

The cargo is indeed intact, but some of it is quite badly stuck in the membrane. Getting it out is exhausting, and once it's done, our operatives get out of there as quickly as possible. There's something unsettling about this ship.

Tech TECH +70, Materials MATERIALS +120

Get out of here

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a ghost-busting outfit. Not that ghosts exist. It's just that our operatives would rather be doing something else.


Growth Spurt

At the site of what used to be a lake, our operatives discover an unsettling sight: the entire surface of the water is overgrown with a thick layer of what appears to be dry, flaky skin. In the middle of the lake is a large orifice which pumps out a sticky, greenish liquid that has formed a small river.

A Synedrion science team led by Dr. Amanda Barlow has set up camp nearby. "I've never seen anything like it," she says. "And while I'm all in favour of life and science and all that, my personal inclination is to nuke the site from orbit. If only we had nukes and spaceships."

Dynamite the site (-5 Tech and -35 Materials)

Explosions rip the skin to shreds, exposing the viscous liquid underneath. Our team takes several samples, as does Dr. Barlow's, but for the moment it remains unclear whether or not any of this has been helpful. Perhaps we have killed whatever this organism was, but it's just as possible that the skin will just grow back.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Contribute to Dr. Barlow's research (-20 Tech)

I guess we'll keep studying this... whatever this is," Dr. Barlow says with a resigned shrug. "Maybe we'll figure out what it does, maybe not. Maybe it doesn't do anything and the Pandoravirus is just insane. Who knows? Anyway, I'll make sure all the data we retrieve is shared with the Phoenix Project.

Research points Research +75, value w+1.

Do nothing

"I don't blame you," Dr. Barlow says with a weary shrug. "We live in a messed-up world and nothing makes sense anymore."


Hard Justice

Our operatives land near a cluster of burned-out vehicles. There's been a fight here, recently by any guess, perhaps in the last week or so. On the ground, there are corpses that were tied up and left. These people were survivors, but on the losing side. They were left to die of starvation, lying in the dirt.

Search the wreckage and the corpses

It's grizzly work at times, but resources mean survival.

Tech TECH +15, Materials MATERIALS +250.

Search everything, but take time to bury the dead

Burying the dead may only be of symbolic value, but we need to cling to any shreds of decency we have left as a species.

Tech TECH +15, Materials MATERIALS +250, Stamina Stamina -10, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3


Heads Up, A Head Ahead

Our operatives have discovered a large, screaming head which appears to have grown on top of an old warehouse. The head is only vaguely human, and in some ways resembles a very large pumpkin. Its eyes bulge and drip with a viscous, pus-like fluid. Stalks resembling antennae grow from its balding pate.

It appears to be screaming the same word over and over, something like "yooglog" or "noo-kot" in a variety of intonations."

Destroy the head and search the warehouse (-10 Tech)

Destroying the head proves more difficult than anticipated. Its thick skin is almost impervious to gunfire, and it takes a strong explosive shoved into its mouth to do the trick. Everyone is relieved but also disgusted as pieces of head-pumpkin rain down onto the [AircraftName]. The warehouse has not been looted and contains some useful resources.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5

Just search the warehouse

The warehouse has not been looted and contains some useful resources, but the head's incessant screaming is very disturbing. After a while, its effect is almost hypnotic.

Materials MATERIALS +60, Food FOOD +120, Stamina Stamina -10.

Contact the Disciples of Anu

The Disciples send a team to investigate and promise to share any interesting findings. They are thankful for being alerted to the existence of this cephalic novum, whether it turns out to be sacred or just an aberration.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Research points Research +50.

We should head off

Whatever this thing is, we don't want to be near it.


Horror from the Deep (coastal site)

Our operatives have located the wreck of a beached ship. It's eerily familiar... because it's the Mortzestus, the ship that disappeared in the Sargasso Sea in 2026 and was rediscovered by our operatives not so long ago! How could it possibly have gotten here?

Investigate

As our operatives start climbing on board, the entire ship begins to violently shake, and they are thrown off. With a horrifying howl, the ship begins to glide back into the sea, leaving a trail of luminescent mucus behind it.

Soldiers lose 30 HP.

Get the hell out of here

Thanks but no thanks. Our operatives are brave, not stupid. As far as they're concerned, the creepy ghost ship can quite literally get in the sea.


Hot Stuff

The [AircraftName] has landed less than a kilometer away from a huge fire. It looks like an entire abandoned village is burning. A few buildings at the edge of the blaze could still be searched, although it's risky.

Brave the flames

The buildings are overgrown with some kind of mutated lichen that smells intensely of sulfur; it reacts explosively to fire. Our operatives retrieve as many resources as possible before the fire gets too close.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +140, Soldiers lose 30 HP.

Leave

This risk is not worth taking.


How Do You Like Them Apples

The [AircraftName] has landed in an open field next to rows and rows of apple trees. The buildings nearby have been abandoned and the whole place has been neglected for quite a while.

Initial testing on the apples indicates that they are unfit for human consumption, as they have been affected by the Pandoravirus. While they look normal on the outside, on the inside they contain internal organs closely resembling those of a crab.

Forget the apples and search the area

A nearby abandoned farmhouse contains a few things we could use.

Materials MATERIALS +150, Food FOOD +50.

Inform the Disciples of Anu

The Disciples send someone to investigate the potential of these literal crabapples. They might open up entirely new culinary possibilities! After all, how can humanity adapt to the new ecosystem without finding ways to enjoy it?

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Disgusting. Burn the place down

These abominations should not be allowed to keep infesting our planet. Every last one of these trees will be burned.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.


It Is Coming (needs value w higher than 3)

Our operatives have discovered a massive growth that seems to feature several elements that had previously been observed growing separately: a web of human hearts, connected to a series of tubes that resemble stitched-together pigs, which lead to purple, pulsating lakes covered in flaky skin, topped off with long, quivering spinal columns that reach into the sky.

It's almost as if the Pandoravirus was running tests before, and this is the next step - or maybe the final result?

Study the growth (-20 Tech)

The growth is almost like a mechanism of some kind. It could even be compared to a haven - after all, it has a power source, a command centre, and even communications equipment. But it seems to be malfunctioning, and despite being unfinished in some places, it is no longer growing.

Perhaps the experiment has failed. Or succeeded somewhere else.

Research points Research +150

Destroy it (-5 Tech, -20 Materials)

Whatever this is, it's clearly part of a greater plan, and disrupting that plan is our primary concern. So let's raze this abomination to the ground before it can get any bigger.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

Inform the Disciples

The Disciples do not declare this place a holy site; instead, a group led by an Anagnostes and a Skeuophylax arrives and immediately demolishes the whole thing on orders of the Exalted. They don't explain why, because they don't know, and don't need to.

"Understanding is not required," one of them says, quoting an ancient holy text, "only obedience."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5


Lad Land

Our operatives have discovered a theme park dedicated to the Lucrative Lads, a novelty boy band made up of young hedge fund managers, who enjoyed enormous success with their single "Golden Gecko" before crashing spectacularly when their second album failed to sell more than a hundred copies. The park, like the band itself, was initially thought to be intended ironically. It is unusually well-preserved.

"Rupert "Classy Lad" Caine, formerly of the band, now works as an analyst for New Jericho. In an urgent message, he pleads for us to destroy the park and not let anyone know about it.

"Mr West does not know about my history with the band," he says, "and I don't know what he would do if he found out I was part of something so... frivolous."

Set the park on fire

Given how much of this place is made of plywood, it's kind of a miracle that it hasn't burned down already. A bit of gasoline easily does the trick, and soon this abomination of the old world is finally gone.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3.

Share this information with New Jericho

While there is no official comment from New Jericho, Rupert Caine's position appears to have been suddenly vacated.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3.

Dismantle the park for material

Half the park appears to be made of plywood, but there's at least a few bits and pieces we can repurpose.

Materials MATERIALS +300.


Lake Placid

Our operatives have encountered a Synedrion scientific expedition. Its purpose is to analyze a small lake that has turned an odd shade of purple and seems to be pulsating with some inner force.

"I can't tell whether this is a single organism or some kind of colony," Dr. Grigorovich, one of the expedition's scientists, tells our operatives. "Of course, that distinction might not really apply to something created by the Pandoravirus. In any case, we could use some help from the experts."

Help Dr. Grigorovich analyze the lake

The lake is actually a colloid hydrogel consisting of unknown multicellular organisms (the source of the light) and water. Small animals get trapped in it and are then digested by the organisms. The hydrogel has many interesting applications in our scientific projects.

Research points Research +100, w+1, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, value w+1.

Cover the damn thing in concrete

Whatever it is, the world doesn't need more of it, so let's concrete the damn thing over and make sure no one else has to deal with it. Dr. Grigorovich may be disappointed, but safety is more important than curiosity.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Inform the Disciples of this potential holy site (needs rep higher than 0 with Anu)

We are informed that an Anagnostes has been dispatched to determine the nature of the lake and whether it bears the marks of the Dead God. Dr. Grigorovich's team has been asked to leave the area as a matter of religious tolerance.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -4,value w+1.

This is Synedrion business

Dr. Grigorovich will have to continue his analysis himself. The lake seems too trivial an issue for the Phoenix Project to get involved with right now.


Lay of the Land

The AircraftName has encountered a New Jericho scouting expedition. They're producing detailed maps of the region.

"We gotta think big," Commander McGrath explains. "Can't just sit around in our havens and hope this'll blow over. We need to know the lay of the land. It's our damn planet, after all. And you know what they say: the devil's in the details."

Ask them to share their data

"Sure, no problem," McGrath nods. "The more eyes we get on this, the better."

Sites added to Geoscape: 4 Exploration. Site added to Geoscape: Links to the Past.

Pay for the data (-15 Tech, -30 Food)

"Alright," says McGrath, "that's a fair trade. Sending you everything we got so far."

4 sites revealed on Geoscape. One exploration, one independent haven and two scavenging sites.

We have our own scouts

McGrath wishes us good luck and goes back to his mapping interface.

Let's Go To The Mall

The [AircraftName] has landed on the outskirts of an abandoned town. There is a huge shopping complex here, built out of concrete and glass. The doors have been smashed, but most of the shops and goods are intact.

Search the mall

Wandering around is like going back in time twenty years or more. There's so much wealth here, it's hard to understand why so many people in the old world were poor.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +500

This symbol of the old world should be destroyed

This mall gives form to the worst of all sins: greed. The people of the old world lost themselves in these places, never noticing what was happening around them. We should destroy it.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5


Limpet Surge

Our operatives have discovered a military depot that could hold highly valuable supplies for our cause. However, the building is overgrown with enormous, mutated purple limpets, and they appear to be multiplying exponentially. The facility will soon be covered in so many layers of limpets that drilling through their shells will be nigh on impossible.

Let's do this while we can (-20 tech and -30 materials)

The process is boring and cumbersome, but eventually, our operatives manage to break through and recover the military equipment. Humanity 1, Limpets 0.

Stamina Stamina -10, Player obtains 3 Incendiary Grenades, 1 Gauss Assault Rifle, 1 Gauss Sniper Rifle and 1 Gauss Machine Gun.

This isn't worth the effort

The limpets keep growing. How strange and alien this world has become.


Listen Up

Our operatives have discovered a New Jericho listening post, used to spy on Synedrion and the Disciples of Anu. The facility is fully automated.

Demolish the listening post (-10 Tech and -25 Materials)

The facility is easily demolished, but our action has been observed and noted.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3.

Covertly sabotage the facility (-5 Tech and -25 Materials)

Destroying the listening post without being noticed is slightly more complicated, but this way our hand remains hidden.

Do nothing

The continued activity of the listening post will doubtlessly intensify the conflict between the factions as valuable information is intercepted and taken advantage of.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -7, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -6.


Long Pig

Our operatives are disturbed to report the discovery of what they describe as a "pig pipeline" - a bizarre growth resembling the stitched-together bodies of pigs, several miles long. It is unclear to what end the Pandoravirus created this organism, or why it recombined pig DNA to achieve its purpose. Perhaps the entire thing is an aberration.

Investigate it (-5 Tech)

At some point, it disappears into the ground. Readings suggest it may continue for several more miles in this fashion. Our operatives attach a number of sensors and take several samples. Perhaps some of the data thus collected will prove useful in our research.

Research points Research +100, value w+1.

Burn it (-15 Materials)

It would be impossibly costly to burn the entire thing, so our operatives only set a section of it on fire. It writhes like a snake as it burns, and a dark brown liquid emerges with an awful gurgling sound. It smells of bacon.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Let it be. It's probably an error

Lost Expedition

Our operatives have discovered the broken remains of an experimental Synedrion mobile lab. Apparently, the vehicle suffered a containment failure; there are no signs of the crew, but some of the equipment could be salvaged.

Salvage the equipment without informing Synedrion

The research itself is sadly lost, but there are some useful parts that can be extracted from the lab.

Tech TECH +300

Inform Synedrion regarding our discovery and give them the equipment

Dr. Hussein Habinek, a Synedrion scientist who helped design the lab, sends us a message of thanks. He had argued against deploying it so early but was outvoted.

"There is little pleasure to be had in being proven right about something so terrible," he says, "but at least we know what happened, and can learn from it."

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5

Take everything useful, then inform Synedrion

Dr. Hussein Habinek, a Synedrion scientist who helped design the lab, sends us a message of thanks. He had argued against deploying it so early but was outvoted.

"There is little pleasure to be had in being proven right about something so terrible," he says. "I wish I knew what happened. I suppose it will always haunt me."

Tech TECH +175, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4


Matters of the Heart

Our operatives report that stretching across an entire valley is a field of human hearts, interconnected by thin strands of connective tissue and slimy, pulsating veins. The effect is deeply hypnotic, and looking at it for too long causes a strange feeling of one's own heart becoming synchronized to the beat.

Set up a monitoring station and collect data (-15 Tech and -50 Materials)

There seems to be a connection between the speed at which the hearts beat and the movements of nearby Pandoravirus creatures, but the hearts don't seem to be controlling the creatures. Is it possible that we're monitoring a monitoring station? Does this bizarre network represent some sort of analytical organ?

As usual, we are left with more questions than answers, but every clue counts.

Research points Research +150,value w+1.

Try to sabotage the organism (-20 Tech)

Unfortunately, the organism is so enormous, and grows back so fast, that any attempt to destroy it seems doomed to fail. But perhaps we can gain some useful insights by observing its regeneration.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6 Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Research points Research +80,value w+1.

Let it be

While unsettling, the organism poses no immediate threat. Better to focus our efforts elsewhere.


Memories

While exploring a seemingly unremarkable ruin, our operatives stumble across a book half-hidden in a pile of rubble: an old copy of Olaf Stapledon's visionary novel Star Maker. It is unusually well-preserved.

Further investigation reveals what appears to be a collapsed library. Sealed off under the rubble, the books have remained almost completely undamaged. While not useful in our war against the Pandoravirus, these books represent a vital part of humanity's history. Would digging them out be worth it?

Yes, this is part of who we are (-10 Tech, -15 Food and -25 Materials

Digging out the books takes a surprisingly long time, but the bounty is rich, including the Complete Works of Doris Lessing, Robert Byron's The Road to Oxiana, and a worn copy of Arkady and Boris Strugatsky's The Final Circle of Paradise, long thought lost.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

No, humanity must embrace new ways

Perhaps in this new era, the past should be left alone.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5

This choice should be left to a future generation if we survive the war

Perhaps the best way of preserving these texts is to let them stay exactly where they are, safely underground, until one day this war is over and there is time for books once more.


Mushrooming

The [AircraftName] has encountered a Synedrion scientific expedition. Led by Dr. Robert Laudan, its purpose is to investigate a large field of mushroom-like growths that release a cloud of spores upon contact. It's unclear whether this represents a new vector for infection or something more harmless, but Synedrion would like to know.

Assist Dr. Laudan's investigation (-50 Tech)

After gathering more data with the help of our operatives, Dr. Laudan comes to the conclusion that the spores do not contain any traces of the Pandoravirus. They are, however, highly poisonous, and could render areas uninhabitable with alarming speed. As such, the only logical conclusion is to destroy all the growths and hope they're the only specimen.

Research points Research +120

Do not get involved

Not a Barnacle

Clinging to the ruins of an old library, our operatives have discovered a half-mad creature that resembles a barnacle with a human face. The creature, apparently the former head librarian, is still human enough to give them directions to its hidden treasure. They're rambling and confusing, but somehow quite interesting.

Follow the creature's directions

It's not easy to make sense of the creature's directions, but eventually, after a lot of effort, our operatives manage to find the stash where the librarian hid his favorite book - The Complete Works of James Joyce. A valuable find for humanity, and for those of our operatives who are into this sort of thing.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, 25 Skill Points.

Better not, this could be a trap

Safety is more important than the dream-quests of unknown barnacles.

Shoot the creature

Our operatives put the poor creature out of its misery. How addled its mind must have been by the Pandoravirus! A terrible fate for anyone, to live for so long in so inhuman a shape.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2.

This creature is an oracle! Ask the Disciples to set down its wisdom

"Riverrun, past Eve and Adam’s, from swerve of shore to bend of bay, brings us by a commodious vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle and Environs," begins the prophecy which is to become the sacred Book of the Barnacle, one of the most mysterious texts circulated amongst the Disciples of Anu.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.


Piece of Mind

The [AircraftName] has landed at an unmarked and abandoned research base. Looks like this location was established in the last decade or so. The security fences are wrecked and the living areas have been picked clean, but there is a laboratory that appears to have been left alone.

Inside, in addition to the regular equipment one might expect in a lab, there is an extremely large nitrogen freezer containing a complete Arthron, its head neatly cut open.

The brain has been removed and hooked up to a makeshift device that resembles the offspring of a microwave oven and a satellite dish. It looks damaged.

Fix the device and retrieve the research data (-25 Tech)

Our operatives have fixed the device... probably. It's still not entirely clear what it does. Whoever built it was either a genius or a lunatic. Possibly both.

We now have access to many terabytes of fascinatingly incomprehensible data. Research points Research +50

Dismantle the lab

We have no need for mad science, but we do need this equipment. Whatever these scientists were trying to accomplish with this strange setup, it's less important than what the Phoenix Project is doing now.

Tech TECH +160, Materials MATERIALS +80.


Santa Claus Is Dead

The [AircraftName] has landed near an abandoned convoy of six trucks. Our operatives have searched the cargo containers and discovered that they were all carrying toys and games for children.

Disassemble the toys for parts

Quite a few of these toys contain elaborate mechanical parts. To think that such complicated tech used to be available to children! It really was a different world back then.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +140.

Distribute the toys to havens

Growing up in this broken world can't be easy; it's our duty to do what we can to make life easier for our children.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3.


Scripture

Our operatives have set down in the middle of an abandoned town, right next to the local library. All of the buildings look empty.

Search the neighborhood

The library basement contains several crates full of useful resources. However, our operatives find that almost every book in the library itself has been ripped apart, the pages torn into fragments. The phrase "in his house, the dead god waits dreaming" has been scrawled all over the walls.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +140.

???

The library appears to have been set on fire, but the damage from the blaze is minimal. However, inside, our operatives find that almost every book has been ripped apart, the pages torn into fragments and the phrase "in his house, the dead god waits dreaming." written over and over again. With limited time available, our operatives are forced to return empty-handed.


Slimetown

Our operatives have discovered a warehouse full of useful resources. However, the warehouse, along with the town it stands in, is covered in a slimy, slippery algae-like growth that makes doing anything here tedious and exhausting.

Get the resources anyway

It's hard work and when it's over everyone's going to need a good shower, but the effort is worth it.

Materials MATERIALS +500, Food FOOD +80, Stamina Stamina -10.

Just get whatever is easy to transport

Our operatives grab what they can and head back to the [AircraftName].

Materials MATERIALS +40, Food FOOD +20.

Leave

Protecting our operatives is more important than acquiring more resources.


Smells Like Survival

The [AircraftName] has set down outside an abandoned sewage treatment facility. Our operatives report that the smell is "so disgusting, we might have to invent a new scale."

Search the site

Scavenging up resources from a site like this is pretty awful work, but we need whatever we can get.

Our operatives have recovered all the resources they could find. They were attacked by a mutated flukeworm, but in the ends, the fumes were more dangerous than the mutant.

Tech TECH +25, Materials MATERIALS +250, Stamina Stamina -10, -30 Hit Points.

Leave

There are limits to what a Phoenix Project operative should have to do.


Sometimes You Get Lucky

Approaching the burned-out husks of a New Jericho convoy, our operatives are suddenly startled by a shout. From a rudimentary shelter dug out under one of the burned vehicles emerges a battered New Jericho technician, waving his arms and laughing.

Exhausted by the ordeal yet deeply grateful, the survivor offers to join the Phoenix Project.

Recruit him. We can always use more people

"This month has not turned out the way I'd expected it," he comments as he sits down in the [AircraftName], wiping the dirt from his face.

The player obtains one New Jericho Technician training.png technician soldier.

Send him back to New Jericho

The survivor is too relieved to be alive to really care about being rejected. We receive a message of thanks from New Jericho for returning their man.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Execute him

This is most likely an attempt to infiltrate our ranks. We will not fall for it.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2


Steel

Our operatives have discovered an abandoned scrapyard which appears to have once been used as a refuge by a group of steelworkers. The workers heroically defended this location for years until hunger finally forced them to abandon it. Remarkably, they recorded their history by engraving it onto the large metallic plates they used to keep out the enemy.

These plates would be extremely useful as construction material, but representatives of Synedrion have asked us to preserve them as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Resources are resources. Recycle it all

We cannot afford to be sentimental about such things. Metal is metal, and images won't win this war.

Materials MATERIALS +260, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

We must remember our history. Preserve them

If we remember those who fought, if their struggle inspires our own, then their deaths were not in vain. In this way, these works of art may help us win the war for humankind.

Synedrion.pngSynedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4.


The Beacon

The [AircraftName] has flown over a flashing beacon. After landing, our operatives have approached the source of the signal. It's an old emergency searchlight, all that's left of some kind of camp out here in the middle of nowhere. There are blackened bones and bodies everywhere. This happened years ago, but it looks like there was one hell of a fight.

Search the area

A cache of resources has been found. Materials MATERIALS +60, Food FOOD +120.

Leave the place undisturbed

The Beautiful Game

The [AircraftName] sets down on an old soccer pitch in the middle of an abandoned stadium. Long ago, people played sports here, before the world went to ruin.

Forget about scavenging and play soccer in the stadium

Sometimes it is good to remember what we're fighting for - not just to survive, but to live again. To have fun and enjoy life. A few snatched moments in this old monument to a forgotten game played by thousands and watched by millions are ones to remember.

25 Skill points received.

Search the stadium

Dismantling the few functional parts of the stadium feels strangely destructive, but at least our operatives will be bringing home a few things that we can use. Materials MATERIALS +60.

The Fields of Annonaria

The [AircraftName] has landed at the abandoned haven of Camp Annonaria. It looks like the place was evacuated in an orderly fashion. The haven's fields are covered in immense jelly-like growths that seem to feed on small insects.

Destroy the growths (-5 Materials)

Whatever these vile things are, the world is better off without them. Entombing them in concrete should keep them contained for the time being.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Gift the growths to the Disciples of Anu

The Disciples of Anu are grateful for this unexpected contribution. By studying the way in which these organisms absorb nutrients, they can learn to improve their own farming techniques. This is another small step towards building a civilization that can survive on this rapidly-changing planet.

Food FOOD +500, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3

Study the growths

These organisms appear to attract insects by exuding a translucent, nectar-like substance. When the insects land on them, they get stuck and are slowly absorbed into the gelatinous material. DNA analysis suggests that although they share no phenotypical characteristics with flowers, these jelly-like growths are ultimately just highly-modified Earth plants.

Research points Research +100, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4.


The Forgotten

Our operatives have discovered the location of an abandoned lab. The doors appear to have remained sealed for at least twenty years. Unfortunately, it is impossible to ascertain the lab's purpose from the outside.

Break in (-35 Materials)

"The scientists who once worked in this lab are nothing but skeletons, starved to death long ago. It would seem they kept working to the end, trying to find a cure to the Pandoravirus.

As our operatives strip the base, they find a note left by the scientists. It's a short, simple message: "Make it all mean something."

Tech TECH +120, Research points Research +150, Stamina Stamina -10

Let it be

Perhaps it's best not to know what is in there. Our operatives will bury the lab, leaving its mysteries for another generation, should one ever come to pass.


The Games We Used To Play

What at first appears to be a bunker that might hide survivors turns out to be more of an archive: at some point before the collapse, someone used this facility to save an extensive collection of computer games for the long-defunct operating system DOS. Word of this discovery causes an unusual wave of nostalgia and excitement, culminating in requests from New Jericho and Synedrion for the material to be shared.

Share it with New Jericho

The enthusiasts of New Jericho are thankful for this precious artefact of old-world culture, which those anarchist hippies at Synedrion wouldn't know how to appreciate.

"They probably don't even know how to set up a sound card," the message from New Jericho notes.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Share it with Synedrion

The enthusiasts of Synedrion are grateful for this precious artefact of human ingenuity, which the crude militarists of New Jericho wouldn't be able to appreciate.

"Most likely they don't even know how to recreate the proper CRT look," the message from Synedrion notes.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Share it with everyone

Everyone is very pleased, and just for a moment, it seems like we could all get along.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho +4.


The Herald of Woe

Our operatives set down near an abandoned industrial complex. As the [AircraftName] lands, a man comes out of the building and starts waving at our operatives. He introduces himself as Doctor Peter Keen. He looks half-starved and feverish, staring at anyone who comes near with wide eyes. "I need you to take it! Take all of it! I need to shed the bonds of the past, the mortal concerns of machines! Take everything, please!"

Accept his offer

"Why are you wasting time? I'm not telling you anything about my past! The past is irrelevant! Only the future matters and I can't get there whilst I'm weighed down with all this mortality! The guilt is everywhere! Take it! Take it away!" Our operatives accede to Doctor Keen's wishes and retrieve his gathered inventory of resources.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +500.

Apprehend Doctor Keen for treatment

Apprehending Doctor Keen is not easy. The man is unarmed but quickly turns feral, biting and scratching at anyone who gets near. Eventually, he runs away.

Our operatives enter the building he was in and find a cache of resources.

Tech TECH +50, Materials MATERIALS +550, Stamina Stamina -10.

Reject his offer

This seems like some sort of trap. Our operatives politely refuse.

As they depart, Doctor Keen remains on the ground below, waving at them and urging them to return. Eventually, he's just a little dot on the ground.


The Heretic

The [AircraftName] has landed near a small river and what looks to be an old fishing village. The village is abandoned, but suddenly a woman approaches our operatives. Her clothes are ragged and she is bleeding from the eyes, but she doesn't seem to notice. "You must leave an offering to the New God," she tells our operatives.

Ignore the woman and evacuate immediately

Better safe than sorry.

Make an offering (-10 Materials)

"Believers!" the woman shouts and grabs the hands of our operatives, raising them up. "I am your witness! These souls will be delivered into your bounty when the world ends!" She turns to each of the team. "Your time will come soon. The Great Worm devours the Earth and only the New God can save us!"

Then she runs away from them, leaping into the river and swimming to the far side. Our operatives, somewhat confused, search the rest of the village and retrieve what resources they can.

Food FOOD +60, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2.

Ignore the woman and search the site

A search of the site reveals some useful resources, but the woman continues to get in their way, babbling about making an offering to "the New God." It seems that she is the last surviving member of a cult that split away from the Disciples of Anu a few years ago, claiming that the Exalted is a false prophet.

Food FOOD +35, Stamina Stamina -10.


The Last Sacrament

Our operatives have set down outside a large abandoned building. It appears to have been a temple or church of some kind. Inside, there are dead bodies, still sitting in chairs and on the floor. There is a decayed corpse at the front dressed in battered robes - some sort of priest to these people.

Search the site

This is unpleasant work. The place still smells of death, and there is a sense of violation, of our presence disturbing the peace of the dead.

Materials MATERIALS +180, Food FOOD +30, Stamina Stamina -10.

Let the dead rest

These people came here to escape the horrors of the world. Maybe we should not disturb them.


The Mines

Our operatives have set down near an abandoned mining complex. The machinery has been left to rust and no sign of anyone, alive or dead. The place has been picked clean.

Searching the mine itself might yield better results, but after years of abandonment, it may no longer be stable.

Search the mining complex

There wasn't much to find, but we've recovered what we could. Materials MATERIALS +30

Search the mineshaft

We have recovered useful resources from the mineshaft, but there was a small accident.

Tech TECH +50, Materials MATERIALS +150, 30 Hit Points los.

Search the mines and the complex

The search was exhausting and there was a small accident in the mineshaft, but we have recovered several caches of useful resources.

Tech TECH +95, Materials MATERIALS +120, Stamina Stamina -10, 30 Hit Points lost.

Leave the place alone

Our operatives have returned to the [AircraftName] and are ready to leave.


The Renegade

Our operatives land near a cluster of vehicles. There's a group of refugees here, perhaps twenty or more. Their leader, a woman called Amma Erin, is cautious at first but greets our team with respect.

"Are you people with Isaiah Thompson? He came through here a few days back. Showed up at just the right time to help all these people. Said he'd send us someone to repair our vehicles."

Repair the vehicles (-15 Tech)

"Are you sure he didn't send you?" Erin asks. "Well, then we just got extra lucky, I suppose. Life is funny sometimes. One moment everything's going wrong, the next you run in several heroes on the same day. Here, you can have some of our supplies. Thompson left us more than we need."

Food FOOD +70

Leave

"Don't worry about us," Erin says. "We've already got a big damn hero on our side."


The Reshaping of Animals

The [AircraftName] has encountered what at first appears to be an Anu religious procession but is in fact a scientific expedition.

"We have come to seek understanding of the divine principles that guide the reshaping of animals," the Anagnostes leading the expedition tells our operatives. "To understand why claw replaces hand, why eye becomes stalk. It is only one step in a long road, of course, but how else will we reach enlightenment?"

Assist the expedition

The Anagnostes is grateful for our assistance.

"The Exalted has taught us that we cannot achieve anything that truly matters without cooperation," he says. "We need each other to survive, and all our understanding is built on the accomplishments of others. There is no other path to enlightenment. Therefore let us share in this knowledge together."

Research points Research +50, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4.

Sabotage the expedition

Any expedition to the world outside the havens is dangerous enough already. Making this one fall apart is as easy as damaging a few key instruments. No readings, no expedition.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2.

Let them proceed

The expedition continues with its work. In the end, just like us, all they want is to make sense of the world.


The Signal

Our operatives report seeing a strange, spindly, quivering line on the horizon. When the [AircraftName] gets closer, they discover a gargantuan spinal column extending hundreds of meters into the sky. Rising up from a pool of mucus, it holds itself in place with an array of thin, near-transparent tentacles. It seems to emit a low hum.

Dynamite it

The explosion shatters the vertebrae and the entire column collapses, almost hitting the [AircraftName]. The tentacles ship madly for a while before the whole thing seems to finally die.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Study it

It almost seems like the whole thing is some kind of emitter. An organic communications array, perhaps? But to what end? Our operatives retrieve as much data as they can, but answers remain elusive.

Research points Research +100, value w+1.

Let the Disciples know about this

The Disciples are very grateful for the tip. This could be a holy site of great significance, or at least an opportunity to learn more about the ways of the new world.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4


The Swarms

Our operatives have set down near an abandoned farm. A quick search of the house and the grounds reveals that the place has been picked clean. There's a lot of flies around, some of them bigger than a human thumb. Our team is taking precautions.

There's a large barn around 200 meters from the main buildings on the property. It might be worth investigating.

Leave the barn undisturbed

This seems like an unnecessary risk. Our operatives depart.

Search the barn

The closer our operatives get to the barn, the more agitated the flies become, swarming in spiral patterns and throwing themselves against our operatives. It's not dangerous at present, but it is exhausting.

The barn contains a makeshift lab. One wall is covered by an enormous pulsating organism that seems to somehow control or affect the flies. Our operatives recover as much of the lab equipment as they can before getting out of there.

Tech TECH +160, Materials MATERIALS +80, Stamina Stamina -10.


The Temple

The [AircraftName] has detected an abandoned structure. On landing, our operatives have been able to identify it. Someone has constructed a huge metal spire, welding together hundreds of pieces of abandoned junk into this strange object that, at 20-30 meters in height, towers over the landscape around it.

Take off and leave the location undisturbed

Perhaps this is some sort of holy site. It seems wrong to destroy it. Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Ransack the structure for materials

With blood, sweat and heavy-duty cutting equipment our team manage to hack apart the structure. No one will ever know what it was for.

Materials MATERIALS +450, Stamina Stamina -10, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +1


They Were Always Here

Our operatives have discovered an abandoned Phoenix Project microfiche archive. The building is almost entirely overgrown with pulsating yellow vines that are oddly reminiscent of long, headless moray eels. Trying to enter may result in injuries.

Search the site

Most of the microfiches are part of an archive documenting unsolved mysteries, created on the orders of Administrator Irina Semionova. Semionova was forced to quit her job after an intense conflict with the KGB in 1968, and the archive was never completed. The site languished until it was shut down by Administrator Fred Halleck in 1991.

The mysteries documented here may well represent older, isolated outbreaks of the Pandoravirus, and as such are invaluable to our scientists

Tech TECH +80, Materials MATERIALS +180, Food FOOD +100, Research points Research +75, 30 HP lost.

Better stay away

Those yellow growths look dangerous. Perhaps this information can be recovered after the Pandoravirus has been defeated.


Titan's Grasp

This site is the location of The Titan's Grasp, an unsettling surrealist sculpture created by the artist Victoria Gutierrez. Hewn into a steep cliff and decorated with swirling patterns of onyx and lapis lazuli, it was the artist's masterpiece, and also her downfall. Claiming that the voices she heard were real, Gutierrez killed herself after completing her work, her suicide note consisting only of a single word scribbled over and over: YUKKOT.

This is obscene. Destroy it

This kind of mental corruption should not be encouraged. This sculpture is not an expression of the artist's beliefs but a manifestation of what killed her. To value it would be like valuing the Pandoravirus itself.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Study the artwork. Perhaps Gutierrez had some kind of insight

While many critics dismissed Gutierrez as merely mad, there is far too much method to her madness for such a simplistic diagnosis. Unsettlingly, the shapes she depicted in such minute, swirling detail seem to be a close match for the behavior of the mist.

Research points Research +100

Turn this into a place of worship (-25 Materials)

There is a great deal to be learned from the visions of Victoria Gutierrez: not only because of what she saw but because of how it affected her. We must learn to see as much as she did, or more, without letting it destroy us.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5


Twisted Twister

The [AircraftName] has encountered a weather anomaly. On an otherwise clear day, a tornado that appears to consist of some kind of greenish gas is raging across the countryside. Such anomalous phenomena are the result of the planet's gradual change into an alien environment and would be worth studying, but there is a definite risk to our craft.

Study the anomaly

It's been a rough ride for our operatives on the [AircraftName], but the data they've collected is invaluable. Our planet is changing and we need to understand how.

Research points Research +100. 40 HP damage to aircraft.

Stay away

This is just not worth the risk.


Welcome to Hell

Our operatives have set down outside an old prison facility. The whole place is still locked up tight, but using some heavy cutting equipment our people have been able to get inside.

There are hundreds of corpses in here, all in various states of decomposition. The smell is terrible, but what's truly horrifying is to think that all these people were just left to die, not even given a chance to fight for their lives.

Take off and leave the location undisturbed

Our operatives experience enough horror on a daily basis already.

Search the prison

Our operatives brave the awful conditions and manage to gather up all the resources they can find. The worst find of all is that there was food in the storage rooms while people starved in their cells.

Materials MATERIALS +90, Food FOOD +90.


What Was Happening

A heavily-fortified building explored by our operatives has turned out to be an abandoned "server farm" for the social media platform Plapper, which collapsed in the mid-2020s. Millions of short messages are archived here, documenting in detail the lives of the pre-war middle classes.

Is this information worth preserving, or should we just take all the spare parts we need?

Take what we need

Pre-apocalyptic hot takes are not exactly a valuable commodity. Our operatives take all the parts we need, the past be damned.

Tech TECH +125

Preserve the information

Perhaps one day we can figure out why people thought snarky comments were going to prevent the apocalypse.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Just smash it all

This vile idiocy does not deserve to be remembered. Better to smash every single drivel-filled drive before such foolishness can infect us all again.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

Anu Haven Events

A Good Day

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven leader is female and haven is not starving.

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] of [HavenName] is offering a trade: building materials in exchange for food. The haven isn't starving, but there's a big festival coming up and supplies are inadequate for what she's imagining.

"Look, if I may be honest for a second," she says. "Call me [HavenLeaderForename], by the way. So, look, this isn't really about religion. We just need a good day, you know? Just one really good day to give everyone hope."

Agree to the trade (-120 Food)

"Thank you! Thank you very much!" [HavenLeaderForename] says with a big smile. "Thanks to the Phoenix Project, the people of [HavenName] will have a feast to remember! And if I'm right, that will give them enough strength to keep going for a while longer. Not forever, but... maybe until we win this war."

Food FOOD +200, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12

"Thank you! Thank you so very much! Your generosity is astounding," [HavenLeaderForename] says with a big smile. "Thanks to the Phoenix Project, the people of [HavenName] will have a feast to remember! And if I'm right, that will give them enough strength to keep going for a while longer. Not forever, but... maybe until we win this war."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +18

Refuse the trade

"That's all right," the Exarch says. "I understand that the Phoenix Project has its own priorities."

Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Careful Now

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Things at [HavenName] are a little unsettled; a recent visit from the Shadowed Hierarch resulted in the previous Exarch disappearing overnight. Our operatives are greeted formally, with great attention paid to each necessary ritual.

After the rituals are concluded, the inhabitants present our operatives with gifts.

Accept the gifts

"These things were captured on the battlefield. We hope they shall be of use to you," the Skeuophylax says as a crate is delivered to our vehicle.

Player receives 2 New Jericho Assault Rifles (+3 ammo) and 1 New Jericho Machine Guns (+2 ammo).

Decline the gifts

We have gravely offended the people of [HavenName]. The Shadowed Hierarch shall hear of this.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6.

Convictions

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

One of the Anu soldiers at [HavenName] is asking to join the Phoenix Project. He's been an admirer of our organization ever since hearing about it when he was a child, and now that it's more than just a legend, he wants to do his best to contribute to our cause.

"I've been training ever since I heard the Phoenix Project was back," he says. "You know, I never believed all the lies they told about you. If the governments of the old world had supported you when it mattered... well, I guess it is what it is. But I want to help."

Recruit him

The soldier grins. "I... I get to join the Phoenix Project? Wow. The Exalted must have blessed me in my sleep. I can't believe this is happening!"

Player receives one Berserker soldier.

Tell him his haven needs him

It's hard for him to accept, but probably true. The haven needs every good soldier it can get, especially with how things have been going lately.

Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8

Reject him as a filthy mutant

The soldier is crushed not only by the rejection, but by the realization that the Phoenix Project could harbor such prejudice. He spits on the ground before heading back into the haven.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -25.

Cut Off

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven leader is male.

The inhabitants of [HavenName] welcome our operatives with smiles and questions about the outside world. It appears their long-range communications equipment has been malfunctioning for some time, and they know very little about what's been going on recently.

Inform them about the current situation

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is pleased that we have chosen to share our information but saddened that things have not gotten better. To thank us, he offers some of the haven's food supply.

Food FOOD +240, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Help them fix their communications systems (-20 Tech)

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is extremely pleased. He commends us to the Dead God and his true prophet, the Exalted. There are many here who have family in other havens, he says, and they will finally be able to speak to their loved ones again, all thanks to the Phoenix Project. He asks his people to reward us generously.

Food FOOD +240, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Convince them things are even worse than they think

Horrified by our exaggarated tales, the people of [HavenName] retreat to their homes to pray to the god who seems to have abandoned them.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

Epic Poetry

At [HavenName], a young poet is making a name for himself. Inspired by the teachings of the Exalted, he has written an epic in verse that is the part spiritual vision of the future, part guide to letting go of the old world. Despite the heavy subject matter, it's easy to read and entertaining, even humorous. Humankind's flaws are explained in ways that get loud laughs from audiences, and there is an overall feeling of hope.

The poet would like to produce a beautiful printed edition of the work as a present for the Exalted, but the haven leadership is less than enthusiastic, insisting that the only thing really worth reading is the Gospel of the Exalted, so he has turned to us for help.

Let's get it printed (Tech -10 and Materials -15)

The end product of our efforts may not match the truly great editions of the past, but given present circumstances, it's a huge success. The young poet thanks our operatives with tears in his eyes; he never thought he would get to create something so beautiful. The Exalted will be pleased.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Tell him to ask his people for support

The Phoenix Project shouldn't be getting involved in this issue, but if the people of [HavenName] really love his poetry so much, they should force their leadership to change its ways. That is the spirit of democracy.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6.

Condemn this sick filth

This isn't poetry, it's religious propaganda disguised as art. The Phoenix Project will not support the spread of dogmatic beliefs that ultimately benefit the Pandoravirus.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Don't get involved

Not getting involved is exactly what the [HavenName] leadership expected of us.

Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Exposure

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is lower than -25.

At [HavenName], an engineer approaches our operatives, begging them for help.

"I need to get out of here as quickly as possible," he says. "Please! They're going to expose me to the damn virus, I know it. I thought... I guess I thought they knew what they were doing. Adapting to the new world, you know? But they treat people like cattle. Doesn't matter what happens to individuals so long as it's part of the Exalted's grand plan. It's terrifying. I have tech I can share if you help me get as far away as possible from these lunatics."

Help him join Synedrion

The priests at [HavenName] will be furious that a potential future Skeuophylax has escaped them, but it's clear that we've done the right thing for this person.

Tech TECH +30, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Help him join New Jericho

The priests at [HavenName] will be furious that a potential future Skeuophylax has escaped them, but it's clear that we've done the right thing for this person.

Tech TECH +40, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3 and Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Don't help him

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a taxi service.

Faith in Transformation

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 50.

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] greets our operatives in the name of the Exalted and the Dead God, wishing them long life and the achievement of biological perfection.

"It is fortunate that you have chosen to follow the path of the Disciples," he says. "I believe your choice was a turning point for our faith, a moment that will be remembered and celebrated by generations to come."

To help us achieve our common goals, he orders the citizens of the haven to contribute to our cause. Accept

The citizens gladly gather all they can spare. To them, the Phoenix Project is as much part of the Exalted's vision as Taxiarch Nergal or the Blind Legate. It would seem that we have become figures of legend.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +120, Food FOOD +150.

Faithless

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is less than -25.

At [HavenName], our operatives are approached by an apostatical Anagnostes.

"I've been living a lie for too long," she says. "I have little faith in the Exalted and none at all in the Synod of Yearning. That triple-faced freak is nothing more than a monster in a fancy robe, and I'm tired. If you help me get out of here, I'm willing to sell you all the research data I've been working on."

Help the Anagnostes (-15 Tech)

The Anagnostes feels no guilt handing over information that is supposed to be part of the Sacred Mysteries; as far as she's concerned, they're neither sacred nor particularly mysterious.

Research points Research +80, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6.

Do not help

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a taxi service.

Feed the Hungry

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven has a Food production facility.

Lately, the inhabitants of [HavenName] have been struggling to produce enough food for the entire population; despite their best efforts, the Field of Transubstantiation is not growing properly. Their Anagnostes, who would normally find the source of such a problem, is unfortunately away on a pilgrimage. They plead for our help.

Investigate the problem (-10 Tech, -30 Food)

After a few experiments, our operatives determine that the problem lies with an unknown microorganism that has infested the haven. Its metabolic waste includes several derivatives of cinnamic acid, which inhibit growth in the fungi the Disciples grow for food.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Refuse the request

Exarch [HavenLeader] expresses sadness at our choice, but promises to pray for us to the Dead God.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6, Food production facility is damaged.

Folk Heroes

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25. Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project must be between 25 and 50.

The inhabitants of [HavenName] are pleased to see our operatives. They believe that the Phoenix Project could help humanity achieve its next evolutionary step and so withstand the Pandoravirus. They're glad that we have joined their cause and gained the blessing of the Keeper of the Threshold. Even greater things await us, they assure our operatives.

To make sure we don't go hungry while saving the world, they share some of their food with us. Thank them "You will always be welcome in [HavenName]," an old woman tells our operatives. "Not just because the hierarchy supports you, but because ordinary people believe in you. They even tell stories about you! You will help realize the vision of the Exalted."

Food FOOD +360

From the Shadows

Conditions:Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be higher than 60.

At [HavenName], our operatives are surprised to find a package waiting for them. It contains highly valuable electronic parts and a note from the Shadowed Hierarch: "Thought these might come in handy with some of the issues you've been having recently. Remember: the Exalted has a plan, and that's more than can be said about anyone else."

According to the locals, the Hierarch passed through weeks ago, so it's unclear how he knew our operatives would come here.

Accept the gift

Resources are resources, and we need all the help we can get. Even if there's something unsettling about the Shadowed Hierarch and all the things he seems to know.

Tech TECH +160

Reject it

We don't need gifts from unpredictable shadow figures. This feels too much like being manipulated.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6

Haunted

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project must be between 0 and 75.

At [HavenName], the atmosphere is subdued. A massive caravan of refugees from the fallen haven of Balarama Bridge has just arrived, and many of them are still shaken by the disaster that claimed hundreds of lives. The priests are busy tending to the injured, but they are afraid that many will die in the next few days. "The human body is imperfect," one of the priests sighs. "But it's not only external injuries that claim lives. Memories, too, can kill, when kindness is in short supply."

Contribute resources to help the refugees (-40 Materials, -50 Food)

With our help, the refugees can start rebuilding their lives under the protection of the Disciples. They are still deeply traumatized by what they went through, but the teachings of the Exalted give them hope, and they express their gratitude to the Phoenix Project.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12, Population +637.

Offer thoughts and prayers

A passing Hiereus quotes the Gospel of the Exalted, chapter four: "Here were written all the names of all the faiths that had misled Man, promising salvation in the future world, yet offering nothing in the world of flesh. Yet Man knew in his heart that it was the flesh that was corrupt, and it was there that the healing must begin."

Population +1405

Offer resources in exchange for guarantees that the refugees will be granted religious freedom (-40 Materials, -30 Food)

"None shall be brought to the Dead God by force," a priest assures our operatives. "But those who do not follow the path of the Exalted, who refuse the wisdom of the Synod of Yearning, cannot receive the divine blessings, and will never attain perfection."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, Population +1544.

Ask Synedrion for assistance

A representative from Synedrion agrees that it would be appropriate to forget about whatever differences exist between Synedrion and the Disciples in order to help these refugees. Our common humanity is all we have, after all, even if we can't quite agree on what to do about it.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10. Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu +4, Havens population was changed by 550.

Idols

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

[HavenName] claims to be the birthplace of the Apostle to the Once-Born, the missionary-like figure sent to bring foreign havens into the Anu fold. Although there is no real proof of this in any of the canonical texts, Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] has decided to build a massive statue to honour the Apostle. All that's lacking is the right materials to build it with. Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is prepared to offer us a really good deal if we can help him. This is a one-time offer.

Trade materials for food (-35 Materials)

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is highly pleased by the deal we have struck, promising that the Phoenix Project will be credited on the plaque that will be attached to the statue's pedestal.

Food FOOD +400, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +16

Trade materials for tech (-45 Materials)

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is highly pleased by the deal we have struck, promising that the Phoenix Project will be credited on the plaque that will be attached to the statue's pedestal.

Tech TECH +90, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +17.

When he hears of our generous donation, Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is overcome with emotion, promising that the Phoenix Project will be credited on the plaque that will be attached to the statue's pedestal.

[File:Anu.png|30px]] Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +17.

Reject deal

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is disappointed by our lack of appreciation for the Apostle to the Once-Born and all that he or she has done for the world.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6.

Inner Workings

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project must be higher than 10.

The Anagnostes of [HavenName] would like to ask our operatives some questions about their experiences in the field. In exchange for this information, she is willing to share a copy of the Book of the Inner Workings, a compilation of scientific insights produced under the guidance of the Shadowed Hierarch.

Agree

The list of questions is surprisingly long, delving into a huge variety of minute details, from types of mushrooms observed in ruined buildings to when and where rations are consumed. None of it's classified information, and not much of it seems that useful, but the Anagnostes is satisfied and gives our operatives a copy of the promised book.

Research points Research +75, Stamina Stamina -10, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9.

Refuse

We don't have time for this. The Anagnostes will have to find her information somewhere else.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Maps of the Earth

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

The Anagnostes of [HavenName], formerly a professor of geography at a major university of the old world, is highly interested in the Phoenix Project and proposes an information exchange.

Exchange information

The world is changing rapidly, the Anagnostes says, and understanding the new shape it is taking on will be essential to the survival and evolution of humanity.

2 Scavenging sites revealed.

Politely decline

The Anagnostes shrugs. "I'm sure you have your reasons," he says.

Not Dead Yet

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project must be between 0 and 25.

At [HavenName], Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is greatly pleased to see our operatives.

"We had heard rumours that the Phoenix Project had been destroyed," she says. "That would have been a shame. There was not much about the old world that was good, but at least the Phoenix Project had the right intentions."

"Together," Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] continues, "we may have a chance of building a future worth living in. And to that end, allow us to share some Anu's blessings with you." Accept

"May the Exalted show you the way to perfection," Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] says with a smile. "As she did to me. Haven't gotten there yet, of course, but I'm working on it. That's what really matters."

Tech TECH +50

Number One Fan

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project must be less than 25.

At [HavenName], our operatives are received warmly. It would appear that the local Skeuophylax, or Keeper of the Vessels, is a great admirer of the Phoenix Project. "I used to read all the conspiracy sites when there was an internet," he says. "Everyone else thought the Phoenix Project was evil or just a myth, but I always hoped it was real because an international science organization that fights aliens would just be so, so awesome. I mean, uh, such a thing would be like a blessing from the Dead God!"

Although he is not allowed to show our operatives the Hallowed Machines themselves, he takes the opportunity to share his insights and some of the devices he has built. Thank him

"Oh, it's nothing," he says. "I hope one day the Phoenix Project and the Disciples will be as one. Then we can work on all this cool stuff together. Oh, excuse me. I mean, we shall work on the Hallowed Machines in unison."

Tech TECH +25, Research points Research +100

Pernicious Precipitation

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven has these 3 zones: production, residential and training

"Toxic rain, a side-effect of the planet's climatic transformation, has been falling on [HavenName] at unpredictable intervals, causing widespread damage and even ruining the last Rite of Hope. The haven urgently needs to add new insulation to its housing, no matter how rough, but there's so much that needs to be taken care of and so few resources.

"I've tried explaining this to the higher-ups, but I only have access to the Voiceless Hierophant and, well, I guess they don't call him that for nothing," the Exarch explains. "Perhaps... the Phoenix Project could lend a hand? There would be payment involved."

Provide the basic materials necessary (-45 Materials)

It's a stopgap solution, but better than none. Hopefully, soon humans will evolve to the point where they can deal with such problems more easily. A few skin mutations should do, although that won't prevent the damage the rain is doing to buildings and statues. "And they thought acid rain was bad," one of the haven's citizens murmurs.

Tech TECH +60, Food FOOD +280, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9.

Reach out to the Anu leadership. They need to take this seriously

Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be higher than 50.

We receive a message from the Blind Legate, assuring us that the matter will be taken care of immediately and that other havens will also begin taking precautions against toxic rain. Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is very thankful.

Tech TECH +80, Food FOOD +400, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

This is an internal matter

The Phoenix Project is a scientific organization, not an architectural firm.

All 3 zones: production, residential, and training are damaged.

Rite of Giving

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 5. Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be more than 5.

Our operatives are welcomed to [HavenName] with open arms. Today is the day of the Rite of Giving when the Disciples of Anu share food with friends and allies. After the appropriate rituals have been performed, fungi are gathered from the Field of Transubstantiation and processed so they may be donated to our cause.

Accept the gift

These fungi may be an unusual source of nutrition, but these are desperate times, and humanity needs to adapt.

Food FOOD +320

Decline the gift

Declining such a gift is taken as offensive, but not exceedingly so. "The Rite of Giving also reminds us to be kind. There are many who are afraid of the fungi because they grow on the bodies of the dead," a hiereus sighs. "Superstition is a burden to humanity. I hope you will overcome it one day."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5

Rite of Hope

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

[AircraftName] arrives at [HavenName] during the Rite of Hope, which reminds the faithful to look beyond the problems of the present and believe in a bright future. The citizens march through the haven chanting "Perfection is possible" and praising the Exalted, the first human being to approach said perfection.

After the ceremony, there is a feast, and the priests share some of their provisions with our operatives. Thank them

After the feast, with a few beers in them, the priests are quite jolly. They share funny and sometimes graphic stories about how they used to believe the world was doomed and all the foolish things they did in their despair, but how they ultimately found hope in the Exalted.

Food FOOD +300, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10

Rite of the Black Star

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be higher than 10.

Today the people of [HavenName] are performing the Rite of the Black Star, one of the darker, more unsettling rituals of the Disciples of Anu. Its purpose is to remind the faithful of the greed that once ruled the world, perverting all of humankind's efforts, and how nothing could break the grip of that greed - not politics, not technology, not even religion. Only the Great Flood, the apocalypse brought on by the Pandoravirus, gave our species a second chance.

Participate

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] makes sure to explain the Exalted's teachings correctly: the Pandoravirus is not in itself a good thing, and the Great Flood is not to be celebrated. What is to be celebrated is how this tragedy broke the old systems and the old faiths, giving humanity a chance to reconsider, to pick a new path.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6.

Condemn the misanthropy of this ritual

Assuming that only a catastrophe could allow humanity to change course is a deeply misanthropic belief that rejects not only human ingenuity but all human agency. Such a belief is contradicted by the entirety of human history, in which human beings frequently overthrew old systems because they believed in something better, and the world did gradually improve.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

Do not participate

It would be better to stay out of this. Let the people of [HavenName] celebrate their ritual without strangers getting involved.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Rite of the Clear Sky

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25. Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be more than 25.

The Rite of the Clear Sky, performed today at [HavenName], is an act of imagination: each participant must meditate and imagine themselves looking up into a clear sky, and from there to the stars, and to the universe beyond. While doing this, they must seek to understand what it would take to reach out to those stars and to compare their current, limited bodies with the bodies that would be required to ascend into the sky.

It's an exhausting process, both mentally and physically, but participating would show that we take the teachings of the Exalted seriously.

Participate

Our operatives report feeling humbled and uplifted by the experience, and have gained insights that may benefit our entire organization.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, 30 Skill Points received.

Do not participate

Perhaps another time. For now we must focus on the world in front of us, not the stars.

Rite of the Crimson Moon

Conditions:Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be more than 0.

The Rite of the Crimson Moon is about to be performed at [HavenName]. This rite is dedicated to teaching the faithful the value of physical struggle in support of spiritual goals. Invented by former decathlete Anagnostes Ninshubur, who is personally present today, and blessed by the Exalted herself, the Rite of the Crimson Moon is a brutal challenge that should not be undertaken lightly.

Anagnostes Ninshubur extends an invitation to participate to our operatives. She would love to see whether the Phoenix Project can handle such a physical trial.

Participate

Anagnostes Ninshubur is impressed by our operatives.

"Clearly the Phoenix Project teaches its people some useful skills!" she laughs. "Although you do look a little worse for wear. As a reward for your bravery, I will teach you some of my personal training methods. Help you get a little bit closer to that physical perfection we must all strive for."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, 30 HP lost, 60 Skill points received, Stamina Stamina -10.

Decline

"Cowards!" Anagnostes Ninshubur barks, but then she laughs. "We can't expect people to participate in this kind of event unprepared. We are not offended by your rejection."

Rite of the Luminous Deep

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 50.

The people of [HavenName] are undertaking the rare and sacred Rite of the Luminous Deep, which celebrates the tale of how Taxiarch Nergal came to serve the Exalted. But more than just a religious ritual, the Rite also involves learning techniques of self-control, of pushing oneself to the limits in the service of the greater good.

Our operatives are welcome to participate in the Rite and to share this knowledge with their peers.

Participate

The Rite of the Luminous Deep is far more punishing than its poetic name would suggest, but the techniques of mental and physical focus taught by the priests of Anu can definitely be applied to how we train our operatives.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9, 25 Skill points received, Stamina Stamina -10.

Decline

It was an honour to be invited to participate, so our lack of interest is not received well.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

Rite of Trust

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our operatives have been asked to participate in the Rite of Trust. Performed today at [HavenName], this ritual involves stories and riddles that seek to recontextualize the faith of the Disciples in the Exalted: to teach that it's not a matter of blindly following someone, as the false prophets of the past demanded, but of trusting her as you trust a friend, knowing her intent is good even if you don't always understand her actions.

Participate

The ritual begins with a short reading from the Gospel of the Exalted, Chapter IV: "Here were written all the names of all the faiths that had misled Man, promising salvation in the future world, yet offering nothing in the world of flesh. Yet Man knew in his heart that it was the flesh that was corrupt, and it was there that the healing must begin."

This segues into an odd, almost koan-like parable about how easily people are misled, and how the purpose of the Exalted is different than that of the false prophets.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8.

Openly reject the ritual

The Exalted is clever: her fake religion has an element of self-awareness, trying to quench criticisms before they arise. But the trust she asks for is no different from blind faith.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Politely decline

"Not everyone is ready for the Rite of Trust," says a local priest. "After all, you need to learn to trust us first."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

Sabotage!

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven has a factory.

When our operatives arrive at [HavenName], the local Skeuophylax is busy trying to repair the haven's production facilities, which were recently damaged by what she suspects was an act of sabotage.

Offer assistance (-25 Tech, -35 Materials)

As it turns out, the problem wasn't sabotage, but squirrels. Yellowish-purple glowing squirrels with strange frills, possibly incorporating nudibranch DNA. They've gnawed away at a lot of the machinery, but once located, they are easy enough to remove.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20.

Wish her well

The Skeuophylax shrugs and gets back to work. Despite her fancy title, she is an engineer at heart.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Factory is 25% damaged.

Sabotage the facilities even more

While the Skeuophylax is distracted, our operatives strategically disable some of the most important industrial machinery in [HavenName]. There will be suspicions, but no proof it was us.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10. Factory is 50% damaged.

Safe Haven

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than 75.

Our operatives have become entangled in a potentially messy diplomatic affair at [HavenName]. It would appear that a defector from New Jericho is asking the Disciples of Anu for asylum, and plans to join the religion if his request is granted. New Jericho demands their soldier be returned, claiming he has been brainwashed.

The influence of the Phoenix Project could be the deciding factor, but our choices will have political consequences.

Push for asylum to be granted

The soldier is allowed to join the Disciples of Anu and be initiated into the Waters of Life. Tobias West is said to be furious at our intervention.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +=15

Insist that asylum isn't an option

The soldier is returned to New Jericho, there to face trial for treason. The Synod of Yearning is reportedly furious at our intervention, and Synedrion expresses concern at our anti-asylum stance.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Recruit the soldier

There is no other solution that won't cause problems down the line, and the Phoenix Project can always use more recruits. Neither New Jericho nor the Disciples of Anu are particularly pleased, but neither can they really take offence.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3. One New Jericho Assault soldier join Phoenix Project.

The Exarch Blues

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] of [HavenName] is desperate: a lot of her haven's ordinary machinery is breaking down, but the haven's Anagnostes has taken all the spare parts for his Hallowed Machines.

"It's a funny thing, being an Exarch," she tells our operatives. "In theory, you're in charge of the haven, but there are a lot of other forces at play, and sometimes you end up having no authority at all. Right now all I can do is hope you're willing to trade."

Help out in exchange for resources (-15 Tech)

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is relieved. "Let me tell you, in some ways, things were a lot easier before we joined the Disciples. Well, not easier. Less complicated. But it's never been easy. And at least the Exalted has a vision for the future."

Materials MATERIALS +90, Food FOOD +80, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +14

Help out for free (-15 Tech)

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is relieved and deeply grateful. "Let me tell you, in some ways, things were a lot easier before we joined the Disciples. Well, not easier. Less complicated. But it's never been easy. And at least the Exalted has a vision for the future. I hope the Phoenix Project will be part of that vision."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20

Appeal to the Blind Legate

The Blind Legate judges situations based not on hierarchy, but the truth. And the truth is that the Anagnostes has prioritized his personal needs over those of the haven, and must do penance. Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] thanks us for our assistance, praising the Phoenix Project for being a unique force for good within the Disciples.

Materials MATERIALS +130, Food FOOD +330, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Reject deal

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] sighs. "I guess I'll have to try trading with Synedrion then," she says. "But by the time they're done arguing about what to do half our haven will have fallen apart."

The factory is 50% damaged. The energy generator is 25% damaged.

The Old World

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

In one of the public squares in [HavenName], a loud debate between a supporter of Synedrion and a local priestess has drawn a lot of attention. The debate itself is actually friendly, as the two women have known each other for a long time, but there is an unusual intensity in the crowd as arguments fly back and forth. People are deeply invested.

The Synedrion supporter argues that there is a lot that we can learn from the old world. That not everything was bad, just the way it was organized, and that we could build a civilization that had many of the same features, but without the systemic flaws.

The priestess disagrees: she thinks the old world was fundamentally broken, and that without a change in human nature, we would just repeat all the same mistakes again.

Side with the priestess

What makes us human is the best thing about us, but also the worst. We're greedy and violent, not because of our spiritual nature, but because our bodies evolved to be this way. The good news is we can change those bodies and allow ourselves to become better people in the process.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Side with the Synedrion supporter

There is far too much to be admired about the old world to just dismiss it as sinful or broken. The system that dominated the world was incapable of correctly distributing resources and couldn't respond to planetary-scale crises, but that doesn't mean everything about that time was bad. It's not about human nature; human nature isn't really a steady concept, but something that changes based on material conditions, and it's those conditions we have to take control of.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3.

Stay out of it

It's better to let this argument play out on its own. We don't need to impose our opinion on public debates of this kind.

The Waters of Life

At [HavenName], our operatives are approached by a young woman. She is uninfected, but has been selected to be taken to the Chamber of Baptism and anointed with the Waters of Life - that is, deliberately exposed to the Pandoravirus. The effects of the Pandoravirus will then be disrupted by the secret methods of the Disciples, allowing her body to transform but keeping her mind free.

The young woman is the daughter of a high-ranking New Jericho officer. He has sent several messages demanding the conversion be stopped and his daughter returned to him. She has no intention of returning, however, having abandoned New Jericho to seek out the teachings of the Exalted. Still, she is nervous and asks for advice.

Encourage her to convert

"The young woman is relieved to know that others think this is a good idea, too.

"I want to be better," she says. "I really think we can evolve, as a species. It's the only way to survive on this planet. This crazy idea my dad has that one day everything will go back to normal... I know he misses my mom, but the old world isn't coming back, and neither is she. And, I guess... neither am I."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +14.

Encourage her to go back home

She thinks about it, but ultimately decides to stay.

"Changing myself scares me," she admits. "But I really think we can evolve, as a species. It's the only way to survive on this planet. This crazy idea my dad has that one day everything will go back to normal... I know he misses my mom, but the old world isn't coming back, and neither is she. And, I guess... neither am I."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -9

Kidnap her and return her to her father

In the chaos of the slums, someone disappearing can easily go unnoticed. A drop-off point is arranged and the young woman's father shows up in person to collect her.

"Tobias West personally gave me this vehicle so I could get here as quickly as possible," he tells our operatives. "He understands how important it is to save every single person we can from this cult. Thank you. Thank you for saving my daughter. She won't understand right now, but hopefully one day, she will."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

This is a matter of religious freedom. We can't get involved

What people choose to do with their lives based on their beliefs is none of our business. Whether we agree or disagree, having the freedom to believe what you want is a human right. What are we fighting for if not that?

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

Unto Him That Is Ready to Perish

Conditions: Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project must be more than 25.

At [HavenName], the members of a local monastic order known as the Shrouded Smile are proudly announcing the creation of a new type of beer, which they are calling Exalted Ale. It is intended to help one get in touch with one's inner spiritual perfection by eroding some of the biological barriers that inhibit the human body - such as sobriety.

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname], however, seems less than pleased. She feels that drinking is a sin and only leads to regression.

The monks have invited our operatives to participate in the first public tasting of Exalted Ale. Should they attend?

Of course

The ale is a great success: dark and rich, it leads to long, passionate conversations and the invention of entirely new forms of dance.

Exarch [HavenLeaderSurname] is disappointed by our support for the Shrounded Smile, but the rest of the Anu hierarchy doesn't seem to care.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Stamina Stamina -10, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4.

Better not

The Exarch thanks us for respecting her beliefs and offers a little thank-you.

Tech TECH +100, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

What's Ahead

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

The Skeuophylax of [HavenName] has been processing the information recently gathered by the haven's scouts and offers to share some of it with us in exchange for parts for the Hallowed Machines she is tasked with maintaining.

Agree to the exchange (-10 Tech)

She uploads the data to our system.

3 Scavenging sites revealed.

Decline

"I understand your reluctance. Good spare parts are rare to come by," the Skeuophylax says. "I hope the Exalted will guide us to the world where the beauty of machines is better understood."

New Jericho Haven Events

And Taking Names

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 50. New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is more than 50.

Our operatives have arrived at [HavenName], a haven controlled by New Jericho. Commander [HavenLeader] welcomes them in person and orders her soldiers to immediately start loading several crates of supplies onto the [AircraftName].

"Nothing's too good for our friends!" she says, patting one of our operatives on the back hard enough to send them staggering.

Accept the contribution

"Hah! Excellent! The stronger the Phoenix Project gets, the stronger we all get," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] grins. "Keep kicking Pandoran ass and we'll get along just fine."

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +360, Food FOOD +180, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7.

Reject the contribution

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] orders her soldiers to stop. With a cold stare and a shrug, she leaves the landing area.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -12.

Anywhere But Here

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is less than -25.

At [HavenName], our operatives are contacted by a scientist who needs their help to escape the haven.

"I have to get out of here," she says. "I don't feel safe anymore. I opened my big mouth a few times too many, questioned Harlson's methods too openly... does Tobias West even know what goes on in his organization? I don't know and I don't care anymore. I just need to go somewhere else. Anywhere's fine by me. Please. I'll pay you."

Help her join Synedrion

Our operatives have successfully helped the woman escape [HavenName]. She'll be joining Synedrion, which won't exactly please New Jericho, but how could we abandon a person under such circumstances?

Tech TECH +50, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Help her join the Disciples of Anu

Our operatives have successfully helped the woman escape [HavenName]. She'll be joining the Disciples of Anu, which won't exactly please New Jericho, but how could we abandon a person under such circumstances?

Tech TECH +40, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

Don't help her

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a taxi service.

Big Damn Heroes

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 75.

At [HavenName], our operatives are greeted with great warmth and affection. The stories of our accomplishments have spread, and everyone here knows about the battles we have fought to help Tobias West realize his visions. "As far as we're concerned, you're genuine heroes," one the citizens says. "And heroes deserve a heroes' welcome!" Thank them

The citizens start loading crates of supplies into the [AircraftName]. "Friendship should always go both ways," our operatives are told. "You've done so much for us. Time for us to do something for you."

Food FOOD +110, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7.

Chicken Broth for the Apocalypse

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 10.

At [HavenName], our operatives witness the lighter side of life in a New Jericho haven when they are invited to judge a local cooking contest. Cooking in the post-apocalypse is a difficult task, especially if you want the result to actually be tasty, but this just brings out people's innate creativity. Human beings like a challenge.

Judge the competition

The winner is, without a doubt, Fred Ujarak's recreation of the German specialty known as Currywurst, somehow accomplished without sausages or curry. But that's not really the point of the contest. The point is that everyone feels better, more human, for a little while.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9.

Instead of judging, participate (-15 Food)

Participating in the contest, our operatives get to know the people of New Jericho, at least here in [HavenName], in a new way. As it turns out, they're just ordinary human beings trying to live meaningful lives in an increasingly alien world. The winner of the contest, Fred Ujarak, sums it up best: "We just want things to go back to normal."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Refuse

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not an association of food critics.

Common Cause

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 50, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is more than 50.

Our operatives have made contact with [HavenName], a New Jericho haven. Its leader, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], is an enthusiastic supporter of the Phoenix Project. She immediately offers to share information and resources. Accept

"I'm glad Tobias West put his trust in you," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] says. "I always thought the Phoenix Project and New Jericho were natural allies. I'm sure you can make an official alliance happen if you keep up the amazing work you've been doing."

Tech TECH +110, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8.

Curiosity

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is between 0 and 25.

Our operatives have landed at a New Jericho-affiliated haven called [HavenName]. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], a former engineer, is very interested in our work. She asks many questions about the Phoenix Project, including detailed specifications of our equipment. "I'm just a geek about this stuff," she says.

Sharing this kind of information with New Jericho may be perceived as the beginning of an alliance by the other factions.

Provide detailed specifications

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is impressed, offering the full support of [HavenName] to our cause. She has ordered one of her finest soldiers to join our team.

Player receives one assault soldier.

Politely evade the questions

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is not offended, but comments on the sad lack of trust between our organizations. "We really need to work on that," she says.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Ex Aqua

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven has a food facility. Haven is starving.

[HavenName] is in crisis. There has been ongoing starvation for some time now, and to top it all off, the haven's overstrained food production facilities are breaking down. It looks like something may have gotten into the water, but the haven lacks a better filtration system. Could the Phoenix Project use some of its advanced tech to help track down the exact nature of the problem?

Help for free

The damage to the haven's crops is being caused by a previously unknown strain of phytoplasma. Normally transmission requires an insect vector, but this strain seems to be transmittable via water, and very hard to kill. Luckily for the people of [HavenName], our scientists are very good at killing bacteria.

The results of the study should also prove useful for our own projects.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Research points Research +20, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +13.

Help for a price

The damage to the haven's crops is being caused by a previously unknown strain of phytoplasma. Normally transmission requires an insect vector, but this strain seems to be transmittable via water, and very hard to kill. Luckily for the people of [HavenName], our scientists are very good at killing bacteria.

The results of the study should also prove useful for our own projects.

Materials MATERIALS +300, Research points Research +100, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Appeal to the New Jericho leadership

If it spreads, any kind of pathogen that evades the usual safety precautions and does damage to crops could become a serious problem for humankind as a whole. New Jericho will dedicate extra resources to eliminating the threat at [HavenName] before it gets out of control.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Do not help

New Jericho will have to solve this problem itself. If they're all about purity, it shouldn't be so hard.

Food zone is damaged.

Fire from the Sky

A sudden fire is threatening to engulf [HavenName]'s training facilities. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] already has her best people trying to put it out, but the blaze is unusually powerful.

Help out

With the help of our operatives, the fire is eventually put out. An investigation reveals its cause: a strange, balloon-like creature that drifted down out of the sky. A guard shot it and it exploded into a substance similar to napalm.

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] shakes her head. "What kind of world has this become? Everything is hostile. Everything is... disgusting." By way of thanks, she shares some data the haven has been collecting.

Research points Research +20, Stamina Stamina -10, 30 HP lost, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8. Food production is slightly damaged.

Let it burn

The fire does significant damage to the haven's facilities before it can be stopped.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8. Food production and training zone is damaged.

Flight of the Sinister Ducks

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is close to losing her mind. Her haven, [HavenName], has been dealing with a plague of exploding ducks. The bloated, misshapen creatures seem to contain some kind of highly combustible gas, and entire flocks of them are throwing themselves at the haven, day after day. They come from a floating "duck hive" suspended nearly a mile off the ground.

"We've got to do something or I swear we'll go crazy," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] says. "Ducks! Of all the godforsaken things in this universe. The Pandoravirus really turns everything into an abomination. I've had to tell grieving mothers that their sons were killed by ducks. I've had to scrape torn-apart duck flesh from my roof. We need a solution. Please."

Use the [AircraftName] to get close enough to the hive to destroy it

This is without a doubt the strangest mission the [AircraftName] has ever undertaken. The ducks fly erratically, and bursting birds shake the vehicle. Finally, a well-aimed rocket shatters the hive in a massive explosion, as whatever gas kept it afloat catches on fire. The sight is disgusting, but the smell makes our operatives miss Chinese food.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20, Airacraft is damaged (-40 HP).

Look for a scientific solution

Experiments show that these duck-like beings respond strongly to magnetic fields and that the reason they are divebombing the haven is not Pandoravirus aggression but the presence of a powerful industrial magnet. Once that is removed, the ducks are relatively harmless.

Research points Research +50,NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

Mock the people of [HavenName] for being unable to live in the new world

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] does not think her situation is funny. "Real lives are being lost!" she screams. But that's the cost of trying to return to the past instead of adapting to the present. The Disciples of Anu would've turned the ducks into a source of pre-cooked food.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -20.

Do nothing

Let's get the duck out of here.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5

Full House

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25. New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is more than 25.

The officers of [HavenName], led by Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], have a bold new project they'd like our operatives to participate in: a poker tournament.

"Folks, we need some goddamned R&R," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] says. "If we keep going like this, we're gonna forget what makes us human. And humans need to play. So how about it? You in?"

Participate (-15 Food)

The tournament is a huge success, raising morale and even spreading to other havens. Even something as simple as poker gives people something worth living for. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is pleased, doubly so because she won the tournament.

"Thanks for helping me make this happen. Having the Phoenix Project participate made it seem a lot less like a crazy idea. Heck, even Tobias West himself sent me a message. Said he doesn't play poker, but he appreciates the spirit of intelligent competition it fosters. How about that?"

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, value poker=1.


Refuse to participate, but contribute to the prize pool (-15 Food)

The tournament is a huge success, raising morale and even spreading to other havens. Even something as simple as poker gives people something worth living for. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is pleased, doubly so because she won the tournament.

"Not sure why Phoenix Project folks can't have any fun, but we sure appreciated the donation," she says with a grin."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, value poker=1.


Don't get involved

"What are you, allergic to fun?" Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] complains.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7

Further Developments

Conditions: Value Nayar is 1.

Dr. Madhuri Nayar, with whom we had previously collaborated on her study of the effects of solar storms on the Pandoravirus, has been reassgined to [HavenName], where Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] properly appreciates and supports her work.

There's one issue she would like our input on, however: should she focus her research on figuring out the biochemical functions of the Pandoravirus, or on how the information she's gathered could be used in the field?

Focus on general research

Dr. Nayar thanks us for the input, and shares some of her preliminary findings.

"I'm glad the Phoenix Project had my back when I needed it," she tells our operatives. "Without that, I think I would've given up."

Research points Research +60

Focus on what will help our soldiers in battle

Dr. Nayar thanks us for the input, and shares some of her preliminary findings.

"I'm glad the Phoenix Project had my back when I needed it," she tells our operatives. "Without that, I think I would've given up."

30 Skill points gained

Infection

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our team has landed at a place called [HavenName]. The people here are sick. Our operatives believe that the locals have contracted a new strain of influenza, but panic is brewing as rumours about Pandoravirus infections are spreading.

We've made contact with Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], who runs this haven on behalf of New Jericho. She is asking for our assistance, in the form of medical supplies and expertise.

Provide medical assistance to [HavenName] (-15 Tech)

[HavenLeader] is extremely grateful for the medical assistance that our operatives have provided. Our team believes that in a week or two, the population will recover from the outbreak and everything will be back to normal.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9.

Refuse aid to [HavenName]'s sick people

The security forces at [HavenName] have been severely depleted by the illness. If the haven is attacked, they may not be able to defend themselves.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -12, Training facility is damaged.

Just Deserts

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is less than -25.

Our operatives have been approached by a New Jericho deserter from [HavenName].

"All I want is a way out," he says, "and a little something to help me start a new life somewhere else - with the Disciples, maybe. I can pay you with some research data that... accidentally found its way to my system. I'm sure you'll find it very interesting."

Help the dissenter (-15 Tech)

The deserter gladly hands over the stolen data as soon as he's out of [HavenName]. The moment he's out of the haven he seems lighter, happier, like a man feeling free for the very first time.

Research points Research +80, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Do not help

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a taxi service.

Loyalty

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is between -25 and +25.

At [HavenName], a Tobias West speech is being broadcast. West is explaining New Jericho's concept of loyalty: "Our loyalty is to the Earth. The Earth that was, the true Earth, with its systems of competition and evolution, and the apex of those processes - Homo sapiens, the rational animal that thrives in freedom."

"To stand against the invaders, against the corruption of that system, is what brings us together. It is an idea rooted in history and biology, giving birth to a voluntary community under a leader whose sole purpose is to build a future where all that is strong and good will flourish, and all that is weak and corrupt will wither, the way it has always been on this Earth."

Argue that West is wrong to think humanity has reached its apex

"And what do you think the real apex is? Growing a tentacle out of your butt? No thanks," one of the locals retorts. Nevertheless, some people here seem to think that maybe humanity has further to go, even if they're afraid to say so openly.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Argue that West is wrong for thinking a voluntary community needs a leader

This idea seems disturbing in a way the locals can't quite articulate, and our operatives are told to be quiet.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6.

Praise the speech

Everyone nods - this is indeed one of West's best speeches.

West concludes with the following words: "As long as we are driven by that loyalty, a loyalty born of the Ego, of that unalienable core that makes each of us unique, not even the most powerful abomination will be able to stand in our way."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4,Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8.

Respectfully allow the speech to conclude

"As long as we are driven by that loyalty," West continues, "a loyalty born of the Ego, of that unalienable core that makes each of us unique, not even the most powerful abomination will be able to stand in our way." There is an explosion of cheers.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5

Misty Days

Conditions: Haven is in Mist.

[HavenName] is surrounded by a white, cloudy sea, and people are terrified. Everyone living here has lost someone they loved to the Pandoravirus, and they all have vivid memories of what happened last time the Mist rolled across the land. Defenses are holding, but an undercurrent of panic is beginning to spread.

Share stories of Phoenix Project victories

It's almost like sharing stories around a fire at night - a communal experience that somehow gives everyone strength. Knowing that the Phoenix Project has succeeded before is reassuring, and the people of [HavenName] are reminded that being New Jericho is all about fighting back.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20.

Tell people to have faith in Tobias West

The legend of Tobias West - the founder, the visionary - always gives people hope. But he is very far away, more an idea than a reality, and the Mist is right here.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7.

Tell them only the Exalted can save them

To most people in [HavenName], the Exalted is a monster, something like a dragon from a fairy-tale. The idea that she could help them seems crazy. But there are those who, faced with the reality of the Mist, see the point of trying to adapt.

One assault soldier joins the Phoenix Project.

Tell them only Synedrion has the kind of technology that could beat back the Mist

It's not what any of them wanted to hear, but the truth few are willing to admit is that it sounds believable. After all, what can New Jericho really do about the Mist? Shoot at it?

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Haven Leader’s attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +8.

Pandoran Realism

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25.

There's a melancholy mood at [HavenName] that nothing seems able to lift. Too many lives have been lost, too much has changed about the planet. People feel uprooted, lost in a nightmare that simply won't end. Or maybe it's just too hard to believe that things can ever get better.

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] understands how essential morale is, but he is at his wits' end. He's willing to try anything at this point.

Help him throw a big party (-50 Food)

The party itself is only a minor event that can't permanently affect morale; once the booze wears off, everything will feel just like it did before. But the reason to throw a party anyway is the personal connection between citizens that it creates. The people of [HavenName] need to have something to live for that exists in the present, not the past, and the only thing we really have is each other.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

These people need Tobias West's wisdom

There's a reason New Jericho has managed to survive when so many other organizations didn't: its leader, Tobias West. It's his clarity of vision that has inspired people, and it's his words that the demoralized people of [HavenName] urgently need. Thanks to our connections, we can arrange that, and West is willing to take enough time out of his busy schedule to talk to dozens of citizens.

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is grateful and seems newly inspired himself.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20.

Tell him the Exalted is the only path to happiness

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is less than pleased by this advice. He has no intention of surrendering to the Pandoravirus and worshipping a false god just because people are feeling depressed.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -15.

Don't get involved

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a psychotherapy service.

Reciprocity

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is between 0 and 50.

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is willing to contribute substantially to our cause, on the understanding that we will help defend [HavenName] whenever we can, and in the hope that we will not make enemies of New Jericho.

Accept

It seems everyone here is quite confident that the Phoenix Project has a real chance of saving the Earth. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] would like to be part of that, but she also has to be careful. Her ultimate loyalty is to the people of her haven.

Tech TECH +80, Food FOOD +300, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

Assure her we will protect her haven, but make no ideological commitments

"Fair enough," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] says. "I appreciate that, and I hope we won't find each other on opposing sides one day."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

Refuse any such commitment

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] seems frustrated. She seemed to have high hopes for the Phoenix Project, but now she's not sure we can be trusted.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -9.

Royal Flush

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25. Poker value is 1.

The new tradition of New Jericho poker tournaments, which we had a small hand in starting, has really taken off. It's a distraction from the horrors of the world, but also a kind of defiance: no matter what happens, we're human beings and we still get to have fun. At [HavenName], the tournaments attract massive crowds, and successful players are almost like celebrities.

"A group of players have pooled their resources to make a donation to the Phoenix Project.

"Look, if there's one thing New Jericho always needed, it was to lighten up a little," says one of them. "And when even a serious organization like the Phoenix Project agrees, that helps change people's minds. Makes it acceptable, you know? So thank you." Accept the donation

It's strange to think how good the occasional bit of play can be for the human soul. But what are we fighting for, if not a world in which people get to play games again?

Tech TECH +120, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6.

Shadows

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion is less than 0.

Our operatives have arrived at a New Jericho haven called [HavenName]. It looks like the people here are in mourning after a recent conflict with another human faction left many dead. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] blames Synedrion, but it's not entirely clear what actually happened.

Apparently, there was a firefight near one of the gates in the middle of the night, and figures who seemed to be wearing Synedrion armor stole several crates of supplies. Several New Jericho soldiers died in the raid, including the Commander's nephew.

Provide aid to [HavenName] (-40 Food)

The unexpected help reminds the people of [HavenName] that not everyone out there is an enemy. It doesn't take away the pain, but they seem less pessimistic now. One of them, an old geographer, points out some sites that might be of interest to us.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12. One exploration and one scavenging site revealed.

Stay out of this

The people of [HavenName] go back to their lives, waiting for the next terrible thing to happen, while Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] plans his revenge.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6.

Rile people up against Synedrion

It doesn't matter whether Synedrion really is responsible for this particular tragedy. What matters is that the people of [HavenName] need an enemy, and Synedrion's ideology is incompatible with New Jericho's anyway.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -6, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12, Haven Leader’s attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -10.

Contact Synedrion about this

Synedrion representatives assure us that they had nothing to do with what happened. The culprits may have been raiders with Synedrion equipment; a shipment of armor was hijacked recently.

This information seems to change Commander [HavenLeaderSurname]'s mind, at least to the point where he's no longer certain.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, Haven Leader’s attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +6.

Sic Transit Vanadium

Conditions: New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is more than 25.

The people of [HavenName] have discovered an old Vanadium Inc. ambulance. Vanadium was the company owned by Tobias West which eventually transformed into New Jericho, so technically speaking it's their property anyway, but the important thing is that the ambulance may contain highly valuable medical supplies. Unfortunately, the ambulance is half-buried in mud in a swampy area prone to sudden gas explosions.

Salvage the ambulance at any cost

This is going to be a day people tell stories about for years to come. Heroic rescues, dramatic explosions, and the sight of an ambulance being pulled across a swamp! Our operatives have just participated in a New Jericho legend in the making.

The supplies in the ambulance are valuable, as is the reward for our assistance, but perhaps the most significant accomplishment of the day is the moment of triumph shared by the Phoenix Project and New Jericho.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20, Aircraft is damaged (-40 HP).

Tell the people [HavenName] to let go of the old world

Our argument is received surprisingly well. Vanadium is no more, and the dangers inherent in trying to recover the ambulance are just not worth it. Maybe it is time to start thinking about the future, not the past.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, Haven Leader’s attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu +10.

Don't get involved

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not an automobile club.

Starvation

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven is starving.

Our operatives have discovered a New Jericho haven. However, there is a disturbance going on. The New Jericho soldiers are trapped in a central building while the people outside are protesting. Apparently, there is a food shortage. The leader of the haven, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], has made contact by radio and is asking us for supplies.

"I'm not asking for help fixing the problem permanently," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] says. "That's my responsibility. But with your help, we could get through this without anyone having to die. These people aren't evil, they're not even rebels, they're just hungry."

Provide food to [HavenName] to support the Commander (-35 Food)

The food drop causes chaos, but gradually the crowds disperse and our aircraft is able to land. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is very grateful and offers us resources in return.

Materials MATERIALS +50, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Do not intervene

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] curses the Phoenix Project. The last thing audible in his transmission are the sounds of fighting as he orders his people to open fire on the protesters.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -15, Haven lost 150 population.

Provide food, but support the protesters (-45 Food)

Our operatives supply the protesters with food, but suggest they keep up the pressure on the Commander. Ordinary people should not have to pay for their leaders' failures.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -30.

Symes and Portents

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

[HavenName] is home to Dr. Ramon P. Jacobi, leader of the New Jericho Taxonomy Project. In addition to being a brilliant scientist, Dr. Jacobi also claims to have invented the term "Pandoran" as a descriptor for the creatures that threaten our world.

"Before that, people just called them monsters or mutants, or even aliens!" he says. "But that's really rather missing the point, isn't it?"

"Anyway," Dr. Jacobi continues, "that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. Actually, I want to make you an offer. You see, I have something. A book - but not just any book. A notebook. Written by Randolph Symes, one of the founders of the Phoenix Project. A great man, ahead of his time. I'm sure it would be invaluable to you. And I'm willing to trade for it."

Agree to the trade (-20 Tech)

The notebook appears to be authentic, although the notes are written in the idiosyncratic shorthand Symes had developed for his personal diaries. Still, his unique perspective on the history and early findings of the Phoenix Project is always illuminating.

Research points Research +100

Reject the trade

We don't need to buy old books from scientists of questionable trustworthiness to do our jobs. Randolph Symes can stay in the past.

Steal the book

Dr. Jacobi is not the most attentive individual, and in many ways, the notebook was our property to begin with. The valuable research it contains was performed by one of the founders of the Phoenix Project, after all.

Research points Research +100, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

The Bright Future

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is between 0 and 25, Disciples of Anu and Synedrion's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than 25.

Our operatives have made contact with the New Jericho haven of [HavenName]. They are warmly received by Commander [HavenLeader], who sees the Phoenix Project as an excellent potential ally in the fight against the Pandoravirus. He mentions that Tobias West always opposed the funding cuts that almost broke the Phoenix Project's back in the days before the war and the Pandoravirus.

To show that New Jericho is on our side, the commander orders that resources be made available to our cause. "You can always use more guns, right?" he laughs.

Accept the contribution

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] brings out a cask of ice-cold beer he's been saving for a good day.

"Here's to a bright future!" he says, raising a glass. "One where we finally make decent beer again."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8, 1 NJ.png New Jericho assault rifle, machine gun and sniper rifle received.

Reject the contribution

Commander [HavenLeader] seems less offended than simply baffled by the rejection.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

The Cause

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than 25.

Our operatives have made contact with the New Jericho haven of [HavenName], where a crowd has gathered in the main square to listen to a speech given by Tobias West on a large viewscreen. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] invites our operatives to participate.

In his speech, West denounces all other human factions as 'traitors to the cause of human will made manifest through individual action' to cheers from the crowd. He does caution, however, that some have embraced this treason by mistake, and may yet be swayed by reason.

Criticize the speech for its dogmatism

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is unhappy with our interference in the business of [HavenName]. Further discussions do not go well.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10.

Make no mention of the speech

Inspired by West's speech, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] decides to share some resources with us. He believes that we understand and respect West's cause and that we can help it triumph over the dangerous ideologies promoted by Synedrion and the Disciples of Anu.

Tech TECH +60, Materials MATERIALS +560, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Praise the speech

"He is a great speaker, isn't he?" Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] grins. "He actually has a philosophy, not just slogans. That's why people love him. He knows what he believes and he can explain it in a way that makes you really understand it."

Tech TECH +10, Materials MATERIALS +190, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3. Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +16.

The Helios Event

At [HavenName], Dr. Madhuri Nayar is preparing to study the effects of an upcoming coronal mass ejection on the Pandorans. Unfortunately, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] thinks her research is nonsense and is refusing to provide sufficient resources. We could help, but Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] seems like the kind of person who holds a grudge.

Help Dr. Nayar with her experiment (-20 Tech)

"Fascinating," Dr. Nayar says as the data comes in. "There's a noticeable disruption of the Pandoran movement patterns. Even the Mist seems to behave differently. But the eruption barely touched the Earth - this was no Carrington event! I guess I'll need to keep studying these results."

Research points Research +50, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10, value nayar = 1.

It's Commander [HavenLeaderSurname]'s right to make this decision

Dr. Nayar is a good scientist, but Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] has to think about the needs of the entire haven. If she can't allocate resources to Dr. Nayar's project, so be it.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

The Lost

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Haven population is less than 2000. Haven has a residential zone.

Our operatives have arrived at a New Jericho haven called [HavenName]. Parts of the settlement are almost entirely abandoned, and very little is being properly maintained. According to the haven leader, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], Pandoran attacks and a short but disastrous epidemic have brought the haven to its knees.

There are scattered refugees still living in the vicinity, but he lacks the resources and manpower to bring them home.

Help the refugees return to [HavenName] (-70 Food)

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] and his people are very grateful for the support. Thanks to us, [HavenName] may flourish once more... or at least keep going for a while.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, Haven gains 1000 population.

We have no resources available to share with [HavenName]

"Then perhaps this is the end," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] sighs. "Or perhaps New Jericho will still send help. I guess we'll have to wait and see."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Residential zone is damaged

Reach out to the New Jericho leadership

Not everything filters through to Tobias West; he's a busy man, and sometimes his assistants fail to inform him of certain situations. Once he hears about the situation in [HavenName], he immediately takes action, not only sending teams to find the refugees but sending new settlers to revitalize the haven.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, Haven gains 3000 population.

The Truth Is In There

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

At [HavenName], a nurse alerts our operatives to the presence of Colonel Budahas, whose investigation into the secrets of the US government we had funded. He's in the infirmary. Dehydrated and delirious, he clutches a black bulletproof briefcase and refuses to give it to anyone except a Phoenix Project operative.

"You don't know what I had to do to get my hands on this," he says, his whole body shaking. "The things I've seen... my mind... I'll never be the same again. But it's here. It's right here. The truth. You just have to open it."

Open the briefcase

The briefcase contains documents that prove conclusively that the CIA, a pre-war intelligence organization, had a division dedicated not only to investigating unusual phenomena but to actively sabotaging the Phoenix Project. The files, compiled by an individual known only as Operative 11, show that General Newton Sumrall was deliberately undermined by this group. The briefcase also contains the true results of Phoenix Project studies that were deliberately distorted by a double agent.

Research points Research +60, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6.

The Truth Is Out There

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

At [HavenName], our operatives are approached by Colonel Budahas, who is pursuing leads to a mystery that has eaten away at him since before the First Mist: did the US government know about the Pandoravirus? He believes that there were parts of the state apparatus that distrusted the Phoenix Project for its internationalism and created an agency to investigate unusual phenomena on its own.

That elusive agency's trail has led him all around the world - with the support of Tobias West, of course. But lately, West has been getting impatient and would prefer to invest his resources elsewhere. Maybe the Phoenix Project could help?

Finance the investigation (-10 Tech and -25 Food)

Colonel Budahas nods gravely. "I will not disappoint you, my friends," he says. "I will contact you as soon as I know more."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, value Budahas=1.

Refuse

Colonel Budahas sighs heavily. "Ah, I should probably give up. Been chasing this mystery for so long, I lost sight of the things that really matter. "

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Treason

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our operatives have made contact with a New Jericho haven, where an execution appears to be in progress. Three individuals are marched out of the main building and placed in front of a firing squad. A volley of bullets ends their lives in an instant.

After the execution is over, people cheer. Apparently the dead were well-known traitors who had only just been captured.

With this unpleasant business over, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] greets our operatives warmly.

Condemn the execution on principle

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is unhappy with our interference in the business of [HavenName].

"You have no idea what kind of crazy ideas these lunatics were peddling, and what they were willing to do to get people to believe them,"" he says angrily. ""I'm never going to apologize for protecting my haven."

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10.

Make no mention of the executions

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is in a good mood. Executions may be terrible, but [HavenName] is much safer without these criminals and their delusional ideas. He's happy to share some of the haven's resources with us.

Materials MATERIALS +150, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12

Carefully inquire as to what crime the prisoners had committed

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] sighs heavily.

"They joined one of these cults that keep springing up. Preached that the Pandorans are here to heal the planet or some such garbage. That's bad enough, but they sabotaged our security facilities to show that we've actually been safe all along. Thirty people died because of them, and still, they kept believing."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

True Grit

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Training zone is present

Our operatives have arrived at [HavenName], a New Jericho haven. The base defences show signs of having been breached at some point, and Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] is clearly limping, even though he is trying to hide it.

"We didn't let them get through," he says. "But one of those giant bastards with the many legs took down a chunk of the wall. I was standing on top of that chunk. Let me tell ya, it wasn't fun. Anyway, if you've got any good building materials to spare, we've got some holes that need plugging. We'll pay, of course."

Provide aid to [HavenName] (-50 Materials)

"Thanks, that should get us started turning [HavenName] back into an actual fort. And here's your payment. Ain't no such thing as a free meal, right?" Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] laughs, winces, and gets back to work.

Tech TECH +100, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8.

We are currently unable to help

"Huh. Well, that's a shame," Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] says with a shrug. "But I guess we'll manage."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5, Training zone is damaged.

Tell them New Jericho's ideology cannot protect them

"Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] sighs heavily.

"They joined one of these cults that keep springing up. Preached that the Pandorans are here to heal the planet or some such garbage. That's bad enough, but they sabotaged our security facilities to show that we've actually been safe all along. Thirty people died because of them, and still, they kept believing."

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -15, Training zone is severely damaged.


Unknown Soldiers

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than -25.

At the New Jericho haven of [HavenName], our operatives are treated cautiously. Commander [HavenLeader] mentions previous dealings with the Phoenix Project. Upon further inquiry, he reveals that two Phoenix Project scientists were detained here due to being infected. Unfortunately, both are deceased.

Apparently, these scientists, who never managed to make contact with Phoenix Point and may have been unaware that the Phoenix Project even still existed, were conducting research in the area when they were infected. Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] insists that their research belongs to [HavenName].

Demand that the research be shared with the Phoenix Project

Reluctantly, Commander [HavenLeader] agrees to release the cartographical portion of the research.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8, 2 Exploration site revealed.

Accept Commander [HavenLeaderSurname]'s position

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] seems pleased that we agree.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Go up the chain of command

The problem is swiftly resolved; of course, the Phoenix Project deserves access to the work of its own scientists, even if they weren't officially activated. Trust, after all, is the basis of friendship, and the Phoenix Project is a friend.

Research points Research +100, 2 Exploration site revealed.

Ask Tobias West for the research directly

West is deeply irritated with Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] and his interference with such a highly-valued ally. He strongly suggests that another mistake of this magnitude would be fatal.

Research points Research +100, 2 Exploration sites revealed (and already explored)

Wounded

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our operatives have arrived at a New Jericho settlement called [HavenName]. There are signs of a recent battle, and many of the inhabitants are injured. According to their leader, Commander [HavenLeaderSurname], they were recently attacked by another group of humans.

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] believes the attackers were sent by the Disciples of Anu. He's furious but currently needs to focus on rebuilding his haven.

Provide food aid to [HavenName] (-50 Food)

Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] and the people of [HavenName] are very grateful for the support. Next time they're attacked, they'll be ready. In return for our generosity, they share some resources they have no use for, but which we might be able to do something with.

Tech TECH +60, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +20.

Do not provide aid

It's clear that Commander [HavenLeaderSurname] was hoping for help, but he is not too offended at our lack of assistance.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +-4, Training zone is damaged.

Synedrion Haven Events

A Scanner Brightly

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

When our operatives arrive at [HavenName], the citizens are busy setting up a new, experimental long-range scanner, developed by the eccentric Dr. Jefferson Nkrumah. Some consider Dr. Nkrumah's methods to be odd, but he insists that it's necessary to look at the world without preconceptions.

"Think of my approach as Shklovskian defamiliarization, or as the scientific equivalent of the Brechtian Verfremdungseffekt," he says. "But without proper resources and at the end of the world."

Contribute resources to the experiment (-10 Tech, -25 Materials)

The scanner works, producing an entirely new method of analyzing the world's post-Pandoravirus geography... for a little while, before exploding in a shower of sparks.

"Some data is better than no data," Dr. Jefferson Nkrumah is heard to murmur. He hands our operatives a copy of the information he collected, along with an explanation of his methodology.

Research points Research +100, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, 2 Scavenging sites revealed, value Nkrumah=1.

Stay out of it

Dr. Nkrumah may be talented, but the Phoenix Project needs to focus on legitimate research.

A Time of Tragedies

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Synedrion's attitude to Phoenix Project is between 0 and 25.

The citizens of [HavenName] are greatly relieved to see our operatives. The last few months have been terrible for them, one tragedy after another; they are glad to see the Phoenix Project trying to figure out the Pandoravirus.

Promise that things will get better

A belief in a better future, everyone agrees, is necessary for humanity to keep going.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7.

Contribute resources to help them recover (-50 Food)

The people of the haven are thankful for our support.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +16.

An Oral History of the Pandoravirus

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

At [HavenName], our operatives are approached by Leyla Shupak, a writer working on an oral history of the Pandoravirus. She would like to interview them about their experiences in the field. She's also interviewed people from New Jericho and various other havens; the intent is to create a complex, multi-layered document that captures something of what it was like to be a human being in this age of the world. Assuming, of course, that there's going to be someone left to read it.

The Disciples of Anu disapprove of her work, as they believe that too much of it legitimizes the idea that the fall of the old world was tragic rather than necessary. They believe that accounts of the fall must focus on humanity's ability to adapt and grow, on the changes we have to make and the opportunities that surround us, instead of nostalgia and self-pity.

Accept

The interview session proves emotionally exhausting, as old wounds are easily reopened, but it also provides our operatives with a rare feeling of recognition. It's always good to remember that human lives have a context, that we're in this mess together.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9, Stamina Stamina -10, 50 Skill points received.

Decline

The story of the Pandoravirus will have to wait to be told until the Pandoravirus has actually been defeated. Until then, this kind of thing is just a distraction.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Bacchanalia

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25.

We have made contact with [HavenName], a Synedrion haven. A citizens' assembly is supposed to vote on contributing resources to our cause, but a significant chunk of the population appears to be busy enjoying some kind of orgy. Our operatives are invited to participate, should they be interested.

Politely decline and wait for the orgy to end

Perhaps because many of the citizens seem hungry and/or sleepy, the haven votes to donate a significant amount of food to the Phoenix Project.

Food FOOD +360

Make polite excuses and attempt to leave

The citizens of [HavenName] express some disappointment at the prissy attitude of the Phoenix Project, but quickly arrange a vote, as they do wish to contribute.

Food FOOD +70, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5.

Allow our operatives to participate

As per regulation 17.4b, the details of this event are to remain private; there is to be no log of which operatives choose to participate. Later on, the assembly votes to generously support the Phoenix Project.

Food FOOD +150, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Broken Dreams

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

The atmosphere at [HavenName] is subdued. An attack some months ago resulted in two hundred deaths, reminding the citizens that their little utopia is surrounded by an apocalypse that will not simply go away when they stop paying attention. They've never felt quite right since.

Offer our condolences

There is little that can be done for the dead, but perhaps we can help prevent such tragedies in the future.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4.

Castigate them for not taking the enemy seriously enough

Our message is received with expressions of outrage and disappointment, and our operatives are pointedly told to stay away from grieving family members. Still: if Synedrion does not start understanding the threat of the Pandoravirus, tragedies like this one will only multiply.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -12.

Fund a memorial to the deceased (-25 Materials)

A memorial can't change what happened, but it can remind us that we don't just accept the deaths of our loved ones. We remember them and we use our pain and our rage at the injustice of the universe as a source of strength in the fight to build a better world for the next generation.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6.

Building Democracy

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our operatives have made contact with [HavenName], a haven that only joined Synedrion relatively recently. The citizens of [HavenName] are currently in the process of converting their old council hall into a facility better suited for a full democratic assembly. They could use some building materials and are willing to exchange them for excess equipment.

Agree to the trade (-75 Materials)

The citizens are thankful for the Phoenix Project's support for the political system they have chosen. Finally they will be able to make decisions for themselves - at least as much as anyone can in this world.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, 1 Synedrion Assault rifle, 1 Synedrion Sniper rifle and 4 Sonic grenades received.

Offer building materials for free (-75 Materials)

There is cheering all throughout [HavenName]. "So the Phoenix Project really does stand for freedom and democracy," one of the citizens says to our operatives. "That is very, very encouraging. Didn't know people still tried to do the right thing on this broken planet. Maybe there's hope after all. At least a little sliver of it. But you can go a long way on a little hope, you know?"

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +17.

Tell them they're idiots for joining Synedrion

Our input is not deemed helpful.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10.

Reject the offer

The haven's representatives are disappointed, but they shrug and go back to their work. There's a lot to prepare before the first official assembly.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5

Cerebral Accelerationism

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

[HavenName] is home to Dr. Lexa Kennedy, a charmingly sinister neurobiologist who believes in pushing the boundaries of human cognitive experience. She has been working on a new method for transferring information into the human brain, hoping it can be used to accelerate learning processes. Unfortunately for her project, the people of [HavenName] find the value of her work questionable, particularly as they are worried it could be used to secretly indoctrinate people.

"That and the incident where I turned Larry into Barry," Dr. Kennedy admits. "But look, I'm working with limited resources here. The world is literally ending and we need every advantage we can get, right? So, if any of you... operatives is the term, yes? If any of you operatives would be interested in helping me run some tests... on your brains..."

Allow our operatives to participate

After minor brain surgery, some mild electric shocks, and a limited amount of shrieking, the experiments are finally successful.

"I've managed to download War and Peace into your brains!" Dr. Kennedy beams. "Although I think it's in Ancient Cappadocian. Sorry. Wrong file." Further experimentation shows that technology has a lot of limitations, but it will allow our soldiers to improve some of their skills.

Stamina Stamina -10, 30 Hit points lost, 10 Skill points received, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3

This sounds like a terrible idea

Dr. Kennedy sighs. "I guess I should give up on this project. There's probably a good reason everyone's against it. Well, maybe I can try making that mist-driven ship prototype work after all..."

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

Extraction

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is less than -25.

Our operatives have been approached by a Synedrion dissident. The individual in question is willing to exchange valuable information in exchange for a way out of [HavenName] and a modest payment.

Help the dissenter (-15 Tech)

The dissenter hands our operatives a small portable drive full of research data. Clearly, people are starting to doubt Synedrion's vision of the future.

Research points Research +20, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8.

Do not help

The Phoenix Project is a science organization, not a taxi service.

Fungal Crisis

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is less than 0, Food zone is present

When the [AircraftName] arrives at [HavenName], our operatives encounter a crisis situation: an unknown fungus has been found growing inside the haven. The local scientists are extremely alarmed and everyone is doing their best to figure out how bad the situation is.

Offer scientific assistance (-20 Tech)

After a great deal of hard work, the growth is isolated and removed. It turns out to be a highly mutated strain of Eremothecium gossypii, which could have caused severe damage to the haven's crops. How it infiltrated the haven remains unknown, but the inhabitants are deeply thankful for our help.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +9.

Stay out of the way

Many of the haven's fruit trees are drying up and dying, and some of the grain also seems to be affected, despite the genetic resistance to fungi engineered by Synedrion's scientists.

Food zone is damaged.

Fury

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is less than 0, Factory zone is present

[HavenName] recently suffered a breach. Small tick-like parasites invaded the haven, causing extreme rage and confusion in anyone they attached themselves to. Synedrion doctors have already found a cure, but there is still a lot to repair. The exhausted and still somewhat shaky citizens are happy to see our operatives.

Offer assistance with the repairs (-40 Materials)

Citizen Soyinka thanks our operatives on behalf of the community. This will make a real difference.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10.

Offer condolences

A representative thanks the Phoenix Project on behalf of the community.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Factory is damaged.

Argue that this shows coexistence with the new ecosystem is impossible

Perhaps a reasonable argument to make, but not one the people of [HavenName] are particularly interested in hearing right now.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10.

Argue that this shows human beings need to adapt on a biological level

Perhaps a reasonable argument to make, but not one the people of [HavenName] are particularly interested in hearing right now.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -15.

Matters of Faith

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

At the Synedrion haven of [HavenName], an unusual situation is unfolding: a significant minority of the population has joined a new religion, the Cult of the Distant Voice. Members of the Cult believe that through meditation, a person can make contact with a divine being called Yurgon, and thus receive enlightenment. Furthermore, they believe that the enlightened are immune to the Pandoravirus. This latter belief is causing a security problem.

Synedrion is predicated on full religious freedom, but it is also a society built on principles of scientific rationality. To suppress the Cult would be an assault on freedom, but the Cult's belief put the community in active danger of infection. Frustrated, worried, and unable to find a solution via debate, the people of [HavenName] have turned to us for input.

Cultists should be forced to obey security protocols or be expelled

The followers of the Cult of the Distant Voice are not pleased, and the rest of the population is deeply uncomfortable, but at some point irrational beliefs can no longer be tolerated, particularly when lives are at risk. Some of the cultists decide to leave, risking the long journey across the wasteland to stay true to their visions.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, Population is decreased by 96. Adds towards terraformers allegiance.

Cultists deserve full freedom, even if their beliefs are dangerous

Without true tolerance, Synedrion can never build a society that is genuinely free of hierarchies. Figuring out how to coexist with the Cult of the Distant Voice will be a challenge for [HavenName], but it's a challenge worth accepting.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, Adds towards polyphonic tendency allegiance.

We can't get involved

This is not a Phoenix Project matter, and we won't get involved.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Nature's Dominion

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

The Synedrion haven of [HavenName] is in uproar - over a book. "Nature's Dominion" is a new philosophical novel by Yevgenia Liu which depicts humanity's struggle against hierarchies, concluding with the idea that Nature itself is the ultimate hierarchy that must be defeated to guarantee humankind's freedom. Some critics accuse the book of advocating human supremacy, an idea the author herself doesn't find problematic in the slightest, gladly calling herself a human supremacist.

In a democratic society such as Synedrion, such debates can have a real effect on future policy, especially in the current situation. Is the ultimate goal harmony with Nature, or liberation from Nature? The answer to this question determines not only what Synedrion should do about the Pandoravirus, but also what should be done if humanity ever finds itself in control of this planet again.

For now, of course, it's just a discussion about a book, but the citizens of [HavenName] are curious: where does the Phoenix Project stand?

Liberation from Nature is the essence of civilization

Glorifying Nature has always been reactionary. The civilization the Phoenix Project was founded to defend is precisely the opposite of Nature: human beings breaking the natural patterns of conflict and competition, choosing to think for themselves, to cooperate, to transform, to build. Recognizing the essential brutality and stupidity of the natural world, civilization is the project of setting out to create something better for all of us.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +13, Adds towards terraformers allegiance.

A healthy civilization would have a balanced relationship with natural systems

The Phoenix Project understands that humanity's conflict with and destruction of the natural world isn't a matter of original sin, but a consequence of the hierarchies that have skewed human development. When these are dissolved, when people are truly equal, they will be able to coexist with Nature in a way that is healthier and more sustainable.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, Adds towards polyphonic tendency allegiance.

The only solution is changing humanity itself

The Phoenix Project believes that the question of humanity's relationship to Nature is too simplistic if we understand "humanity" to mean a static concept of Homo sapiens in this current stage of development. If we take humanity to be a more fluid concept, then we can understand that the question is not really about Nature, but about ourselves. It is we who have stopped evolving, we who have to start moving again.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4.

No comment

The Phoenix Project does not engage in literary criticism or philosophical speculation.

Our Past and Future

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25.

Representatives of [HavenName] speak warmly of the importance of the Phoenix Project and the potential advantages of our organizations pursuing a common vision based on science and humanism. An assembly is called to determine the haven's contribution to the Phoenix cause. Wait for the assembly

After much debate, including a critical analysis of the Phoenix Project's origin in state structures and how that might affect its methods, a contribution is decided upon.

Tech TECH +90

Outvoted

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

At [HavenName], a Synedrion scientist by the name of Dr. Aini reaches out to our operatives. He has been working on technology intended to help terraform the planet, but he needs more resources to continue his experiments. Unfortunately, the latest assembly voted against providing his project with further resources, as many in the community feel that terraforming is too aggressive and imperialistic an approach to the planet's ecological crisis.

Dr. Aini would greatly appreciate the support of the Phoenix Project in this matter. The haven may have voted against supporting his work, but that doesn't mean he is forbidden from finding resources elsewhere. As a Synedrion citizen, he is entitled to pursue his interests freely and without state intervention. In return he would be willing to share some of the insights he has already attained.

Support Dr. Aini's research (-10 Tech)

Dr. Aini is thankful for our support, although it does seem to cause some negative reactions with the rest of the population. Synedrion may be democratic to the core, but such situations do cause a lot of friction. Thankfully, the data that Dr. Aini shares with our scientists is quite valuable.

Research points Research +200, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5, Adds towards terraformers allegiance.

Decline

Perhaps it is better for the Phoenix Project not to get involved in the inner proceedings of [HavenName] at this time. Dr. Aini will have to continue his research on his own.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

People's Front of Synedrion

Conditions: Synedrion's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than -25.

At the Synedrion haven of [HavenName], a citizen desperately wants out. He's offering to pay our operatives for taking him along.

"Look, I just can't stand it anymore," he says. "I joined Synedrion because they seemed like they really wanted to build a better world, but do you know what they do all day? Argue! Argue about every damn thing, over and over and over. They're just incapable of getting anything done at all. I'd rather join New Jericho and play soldier, or even be one of the Disciples of Anu and grow an arm out of my spleen or something - anything's better than this endless bloody whining."

Help him join the Disciples of Anu

The local citizens aren't happy - they were certain they could have convinced the man to stay. Presumably by talking to him some more.

Tech TECH +60, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -9.

Help him join New Jericho

Tech TECH +50, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Don't help him

"Oh God," the man says with genuine horror in his voice. "It's time for another assembly. Let's see who's going to be a pedantic bore this time."

Phoenix Project: The Game

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 25.

At [HavenName], a group of young people are developing a holographic game based on the history of the Phoenix Project. People need something fun to do when they're not fighting to survive, and even in this dark time, games are still valued. The game is set in the 1960s and 70s and follows the Phoenix Project's operatives as they solve mysteries around the world. Players have to survive tactical missions to various locations while also keeping track of their diplomatic relationships with the nations that provide funding.

The main problem the young developers face, apart from the eternal lack of resources and time, is access to historical information about the Phoenix Project, much of which remained classified even after its existence was revealed to the public. Should we share some of our archive data with them?

It's possible that the other factions will see this as an act of propaganda.

Yes, our history is worth sharing

The developers are amazed. From the struggle between Director of Operations Newton Sumrall and the American government to Administrator Irina Semionova's conflict with the KGB, from the eccentric ideas of Randolph Symes to the tragic story of the Phoenix-2 mission to the Moon, there is a vast wealth of material for them to draw on. Hopefully their game will help spread awareness of how long and how hard the Phoenix Project has fought for Earth.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6,Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +16.

No, they'll have to rely on their imaginations

The developers are disappointed, but understanding. "There's probably all sorts of stuff that's really secret," one of them says. "And if anyone knew about it, it would be a really big problem. Better to keep it all hush-hush until the planet is saved. Hey, maybe we can use it in the sequel!"

Demand they stop developing the game

The developers are deeply disappointed by our attitude. They promise to rename the game to "A-FIG: Alien Fighters" and remove all references to the Phoenix Project, even though copyright is no longer a concept, at least not in Synedrion havens.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Reconstruction

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

At the Synedrion haven of [HavenName], our operatives run into a recently-returned scientific expedition helmed by Professor Maathai, which had set out to explore a complex of limestone caverns in which the Pandoravirus seems to have produced a completely unique category of bioluminescent fungal hybrids. Unfortunately, some kind of large burrowing creature caused a collapse that buried half the team and damaged much of the equipment.

Some of our advanced Phoenix tech might be able to recover the highly valuable data the scientists died collecting. With the equipment in the state that it's in, however, It would be a very expensive and complicated process.

Retrieve the data (-30 Tech)

It takes effort, ingenuity, and a lot of spare parts, but eventually, our operatives manage to retrieve most of the data. Professor Maathai is pleased, although nothing can really make up for the people she lost.

"At least we can hope that what we did will help in some small way," she says with a tired smile.

Research points Research +150, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +25.

We can't spare the resources for this project

Professor Maathai is disappointed, but not angry. "The Phoenix Project clearly has enough to contend with without having to run tech support for Synedrion," she says with a tired smile.

Ask other Synedrion havens to pitch in (-20 Tech)

Why should [HavenName] have to handle this alone? If the Phoenix Project provides some of the rarer tech, and a few other havens help out, we can solve the problem collectively. And so that's what happens: the other havens have to vote on it first, of course, but they trust us.

Professor Maathai is glad. It may be impossible to bring back the people she lost, but at least their deaths will have meant something.

Research points Research +100, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Ask New Jericho for help

In a rare moment of genuine cooperation, New Jericho shares an old Vanadium prototype data-retrieval device designed for its internal investigations unit. The device works perfectly and the data is saved. Professor Maathai is speechless.

"If only things could always work out this way," she says eventually. "Everyone working together to make the deaths of our friends and loved ones mean something..."

Research points Research +40, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho +4.

Reshaping the World

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our operatives have made contact with a Synedrion haven called [HavenName]. The citizens are currently engaged in a scheduled debate regarding the ethical dimensions of terraforming, in which an extended presentation by a member of the Polyphonic Tendency faction has caused a minor controversy. Wait for the debate to end

At the end of the day, the argument remains frustratingly unresolved and is set aside for the time being so the citizens can vote on the issue of the Phoenix Project. The overall result is positive, and [HavenName] shares some of its resources with us.

Food FOOD +320

Sharing Knowledge

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Synedrion's attitude to Phoenix Project is more than 25.

Our operatives have made contact with [HavenName], a Synedrion haven. Representatives of the citizenry say they have valuable information to share with us, but of course, this has to be voted upon first. Wait for the assembly

Citizen Selvon, part of the haven's Exploration and Cartography team, hopes that we will find this information regarding the locations of other havens useful. "The world's such a mess these days, it's good to know where things are," he says. "Even if they might be gone soon."

One New Jericho, one Anu and one Synedrion haven are revealed on Geoscape.

Shepherding Evolution

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Scientists at [HavenName] are struggling with a philosophical dilemma. They have discovered one of the few entirely harmless creatures produced by the Pandoravirus: a herd of scaly sheep. The mutation is so simple, in fact, that it could be easily reversed using basic gene-editing technology, recreating the original sheep species, currently most likely extinct.

The question is - should this be done? Normal sheep will be more useful to human beings, but scaly sheep can survive in the new ecosystem without harming us.

It should be done because it's useful for human beings

It's sentience and intelligence that ultimately matter most - the foundations of civilization, of the cosmos becoming self-aware. Human needs are considerably more important than those of animals, and we should be unafraid to alter the environment to our benefit.

Adds towards terraformer allegiance.

It should be done to restore purity

The world has become a sick parody of itself. Anything we can do to take back some of our genetic purity is worth doing.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

Every possibility of coexistence with the new ecosystem is worth supporting

We can't always try and place ourselves at the top of creation. We must learn to be part of the ecosystem, not its masters. In this case, we have a chance to coexist peacefully with something the Pandoravirus has made. Even if the Pandoravirus is our enemy, this is a tiny step towards coexistence with the world it has made.

Adds towards polyphonic tendency allegiance.

The scaly sheep are sacred

The scaly sheep are better than normal sheep: sleeker, stronger, better able to defend themselves. They have adapted; they have grown. And they have done so without their minds being enslaved by the Pandoravirus. This is what the Exalted calls holiness, and it must be valued and preserved.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Skin Off My Back

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

There are dozens of seriously injured people at [HavenName], all of them missing long stretches of skin. "We were drilling," an injured engineer tells our operatives. "We'd detected a confined aquifer down there. Good chance of finding uncontaminated water. Seemed safe enough. But something... something came out. Weird pink tendrils, whipping around... slashing. Like getting whipped with bloody sandpaper. Took your skin right off. The collapse saved us, funnily enough."

The creature that caused this is confined, but the local doctors are having trouble producing enough synthetic skin grafts to cover the damage.

The doctors are overwhelmed; one of them actually hugs one of our operatives. With this additional equipment, it will be possible to heal everyone. Having heard about our generosity, the injured engineer our operatives had talked to insists on gifting them some explosives. "Time to blow some skin off THEIR ugly backsides!" he laughs. The doctors give him a sedative, shrugging as if to say: engineers!

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +25, One spider drone pistol received and one pack of ammo.

The doctors are thankful for our donation. It's not enough to solve all of their problems, but it might be enough to tide them over until help from another Synedrion haven arrives.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, 12 Population lost.

We can't afford to help

The doctors go back to their work, trying to save as many people as they can.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -2, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6, 163 population lost.

Tentaclisticle

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Coastal site, Training zone present.

The inhabitants of [HavenName] are dealing with a particularly unusual situation. An enormous sea anemone has grown right in the middle of their haven. Two stories high and nearly indestructible, it is thankfully entirely sessile. The problem is not so much the presence of the organism itself, but the fact that at its very top, there is an oversized human mouth, and that mouth, in the words of one citizen, "simply will not shut up."

Incessantly, the mouth babbles absurd sentences in a booming, distorted voice. "TOP TEN CUCUMBERS IN THE EPITAPH. NUMBER FIVE WILL SURPRISE YOU," it moans. "THE SECRET TO SKIN LESIONS REVEALED. WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT BLEEDING HORSES."" The citizens are desperate; they haven't had a good night's sleep in weeks. "THIS NEW SOLIPSISM COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE BEING SHREDDED."

The running theory is that the organism is part sea anemone, part copy editor. But although the situation is morbidly funny, the exhaustion it is causing could cost lives."

Attempt to pull the organism into the sea using the [AircraftName]

After a great deal of planning, our operatives use the [AircraftName] to dislodge the organism and drag it into the sea. "FIVE CELEBRITY BACHELORS WHO PREFIGURE HEMATOCHROMIA!" it screams, lashing out with its tentacles. The [AircraftName] takes some damage but keeps going until the organism starts to sink. "TWELVE REASONS WHY YOUR BEST FRIEND COULD BE-" it gurgles before finally vanishing beneath the waves.

The people of [HavenName] cheer and shower our operatives with gifts.

Tech TECH +100, Materials MATERIALS +150, Food FOOD +200, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, 40 HP damage to aircraft.

Dynamite it (-25 Tech and -25 Materials)

The first few blasts don't do anything; the organism really is surprisingly solid. "THIRTY-SEVEN VICTIMS WHO LOOK LIKE BLOOD LEECHES" it bellows. Finally, a massive bomb thrown directly into its mouth manages to silence it. "TWENTY-FIVES WAYS TO TELL IF YOU'RE A-" it howls before finally exploding into a shower of pulsating parts.

The people of [HavenName] cheer even though their haven is now covered in Pandoran gore.

Food FOOD +400, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10, Training zone is damaged.

Don't destroy the organism. Instead, study it

The people of [HavenName] are not enthusiastic about this plan, but it's better than nothing. "ARE THESE THE BEST ANEURISMS IN LOUNGE COUNTRY?" the organism groans. "TEN FIENDS WHO LOOK LIKE LEPIDOPTERISTS! DO YOU KNOW NUMBER SIX?"

The investigation shows that the organism contains a series of embedded organic structures that strongly resemble a human brain, adding another puzzle piece to our understanding of the Pandoravirus.

Research points Research +100, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7. Training zone is severely damaged.

Let them figure it out themselves

"TOP TEN EPIC FAILS IN MOLECULAR DECAY," the organism growls in idiotic triumph. "CAN YOU SMOTHER THE SUBLIME FISH?"

The people of [HavenName] go back to their lives, hoping that one day the problem will be solved - but not by the Phoenix Project.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -9, Training zone is severely damaged.

The A Word

Conditions: Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than 75.

A Synedrion satirist in [HavenName] has been causing diplomatic problems by writing a series of increasingly popular songs about the "Disciples of Anus." The Disciples demand an end to these insults, while Synedrion cite their unwavering dedication to freedom of speech.

Side with the Disciples of Anu; it is their right not to be mocked

After several heated meetings, the satirist agrees to stop performing and distributing new songs, although the previous ones will remain available. While opinion is divided, most Synedrion citizens see this development as deeply troubling.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -8.

Side with Synedrion; without freedom of speech, humanity cannot flourish

After several petitions, we receive word that the Synod of Yearning has ruled it a sin to become overly emotional over such a small issue - but at the same time, they have proclaimed the songs blasphemous, and our role in "promoting" them highly questionable.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -8.

The Accused

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

[HavenName] has recently voted to grant asylum to a high-ranking New Jericho officer who is accused of having killed one of his own men. New Jericho demands he be extradited to face murder charges, but his defenders claim that the charges are merely a pretext to silence a dissenter. The officer has appealed to the Phoenix Project for support.

Demand that he be extradited

The people of [HavenName] are not interested in what the Phoenix Project has to say about this. As far as they are concerned, the sanctity of asylum is a foundational democratic principle and anyone who disregards it is stained for life. New Jericho appreciates our gesture, however.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -7.

Support his right to asylum

The people of [HavenName] are pleased to hear that the Phoenix Project supports the foundational democratic value that is the inviolability of asylum. New Jericho will just have to deal with not getting their pound of flesh.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +13.

Call in a favor with New Jericho to resolve the situation

The last thing this world needs is more conflict between human beings. Our contacts in New Jericho are willing to make this all go away, so long as the people of [HavenName] promise not to use the officer for propaganda purposes. An assembly is called to vote on this proposal, and a clear majority votes yes.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +25.

Recruit him for the Phoenix Project

The officer says he'd be happy to join, especially if it defuses the situation a little. He is grateful to the people of [HavenName] and doesn't want to cause more trouble.

One Sniper soldier received.

The Light of the Phoenix

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 50.

[HavenName] welcomes all Phoenix Project operatives as incarnations of the best parts of the spirit of the Enlightenment. By our actions, we have shown that the Phoenix Project is everything it claimed to be: a force dedicated to protecting humankind as a species, with science as its biggest weapon.

"The Phoenix Project dares to ask the difficult questions and to pursue answers even when there is a cost," one citizen says. "This dedication to scientific truth combined with universal values is what the world was missing for so long."

To back their praise up with material help, the people of [HavenName] decide to contribute directly to our cause. Wait for the assembly

An assembly is called to discuss how high the contribution should be. The discussion is quick, as there is almost no disagreement as to the value of the Phoenix Project.

Tech TECH +120, Materials MATERIALS +440.

The Measure of a Crab

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

Our operatives have made contact with a Synedrion haven called [HavenName]. Unfortunately, the citizens are currently engaged in a scheduled debate entitled Crabmen: Human or Humanoid, which has overrun significantly as various philosophical factions passionately make their points. Wait for the debate to end

It is generally agreed that the faction known as the Terraformers performed best in this debate. Its supporters, buoyed by success, vote to support the Phoenix Project with a contribution to our Tech.

Tech TECH +80

Waiting Game

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0. Value Nkrumah is 1.

When our operatives arrive at [HavenName], they receive an urgent message from Dr. Jefferson Nkrumah. Apparently he left a long-term experiment running in his old lab here in [HavenName], and he'd like our operatives to report the results. A recent assembly voted to quarantine his lab, but he assures our operatives that the experiment is only mildly explosive.

Do as he asks

After a mild explosion that mildly tears the lab in two, our operatives can tell Dr. Nkrumah that he has indeed found a way of making Pandorans explode. The process may take several months to work, but in principle it does function as intended.

Dr. Nkrumah is satisfied, and gladly allows us to access his data.

Research points Research +100, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8, Soldiers lose 30 HP.

Refuse Dr. Nkrumah's request

The lab was quarantined for a reason, and we don't want to offend the good people of [HavenName], who have undoubtedly suffered at the hands of this mad genius.

Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

Warm Welcome

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 50.

At [HavenName], our operatives are greeted with genuine warmth. The Phoenix Project is very welcome here. An assembly is quickly called to decide on a contribution to our cause, which is seen as almost synonymous with Synedrion's. Wait for the assembly

After a long and surprisingly detailed presentation from one Dr. Valerie Kwan, including top-secret information about the scientific activities of the Phoenix Project in the 1960s, the assembly votes on a considerable contribution.

Materials MATERIALS +340, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

What Could Have Been

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Synedrion's attitude to Phoenix Project is between 0 and 25, New Jericho's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than 25, Disciples of Anu's attitude to Phoenix Project is less than 25.

The inhabitants of [HavenName] are greatly pleased to see the Phoenix Project back in action after such a long absence. The world, they agree, could have used our help. Who knows how this whole war against the Pandoravirus might have gone if the Phoenix Project had been able to fight back from day one. An international scientific response was exactly what the governments and corporations of the day prevented from happening.

But they don't blame us - as underfunded and understaffed as we were, how were we supposed to deal with a global crisis? It's a miracle any vestige of the Phoenix Project has survived at all. To make up a little bit for just how much we were neglected by the world, they offer to share some of their resources. Accept

An assembly is called and the precise amount of resources to be shared is debated. This takes some time, as some individuals insist on analyzing every single projected statistic first, but in the end, an agreement is reached.

Materials MATERIALS +360, Food FOOD +50.

Who We Were

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0.

The people of [HavenName] largely seem positively inclined towards us, but one individual insists that there's a philosophical question which must be debated before any diplomatic relations can proceed: was the Phoenix Project an arm of the pre-war bourgeoisie?

It was not

The Phoenix Project was an international organization dedicated to science and protecting humanity. As such, it represented a step beyond the concerns of the rich people of this or that country, or even of countries in general. It was a promise of a better world that sadly never materialized.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +12.

It was, but it doesn't matter

Any government-created institution of the pre-war world was technically speaking an arm of bourgeoisie, but so what? Isn't the point of Synedrion's ideology that there were many good things about the old world, and that those good things ought to be seized? Otherwise this accusation sounds suspiciously like being accused of sinfulness.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15.

It was, and we're proud of that

There was a lot wrong with the old order, but that doesn't mean that the Phoenix Project is some kind of utopian project that hates the past. Yes, the Phoenix Project was created by the governments of that time, and it served the interests of those governments - including, at one time, the USSR. There's no shame in that.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -15.

The old world was nothing but sin

It doesn't matter what the Phoenix Project was in the old days. Everything was corrupt then. What matters is what the Phoenix Project is now.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -9.

Winds of Change

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Residential zone is present.

The Synedrion haven of [HavenName] is troubled by a strange growth not far from its borders. The growth appears to be a colony of pink protuberances that emit a fetid gas at regular intervals; the locals have named it the Clusterbutt. The gas is largely methane, and while not dangerous at this distance and in these amounts, the stench is stultifying. Every single attempt to destroy the growth has failed, as it always grows back within a few days.

"I'm afraid that whatever is producing the Clusterbutt is deep underground, like a mushroom, and what we're seeing is just the equivalent of the fruiting body," says a local scientist, Dr. Hendrik. "It may be impossible to eliminate under current conditions. I hope I'm wrong, because this.. well, it stinks."

Keep the growth intact and study it

The growth's name and appearance may be amusing, but its effect on the atmosphere is not: it is slowly terraforming our planet by pumping out large quantities of greenhouse gas. By itself, it's relatively harmless, but a large number of such growths could dramatically speed up the extreme climatic changes we are already experiencing. If the Pandoravirus is not stopped, Earth may become uninhabitable.

Research points Research +50, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10, Residential zone is severely damaged.

Blow it up, then pour concrete over the hole (-5 Tech, -15 Materials)

The Clusterbutt goes up in a big explosion followed by a rain of small pink blobs. But even with a thick layer of concrete poured over the crater, the problem is most likely not going to be solved permanently. Still, at least the good people of [HavenName] will get a few weeks of clean air. As thanks, Dr. Hendrik shares some of the data collected by the haven's scouts.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, One scavenging site revealed.

Inject a biotoxin into the area below the growth (-20 Tech)

It's not clear whether this will work in the long term, but it's the best idea anyone's come up with so far, and the people of [HavenName] are deeply grateful for the Phoenix Project's assistance. Funny as it all may seem, the truth is that the planet is changing in ways that do not bode well for humanity's future. To help us keep up the good fight, Dr. Hendrik shares some of the data collected by the haven's scouts.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +25, One scavenging site revealed.

Cruelly mock the inhabitants of [HavenName]

Dr. Hendrik is not amused by the puns our operatives come up with.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -25. Residential zone is damaged.

Yearning to Breathe Free

Conditions: Haven Leader's attitude to the Phoenix Project is more than 0, Haven is in Mist, Factory zone is present.

A large group of refugees is trying to get to [HavenName], desperate and malnourished. Most of the area is covered in Mist and it's clear that without help, many of them will not make it. The haven has already voted to take them in, but this kind of rescue operation is not easy.

Could the Phoenix Project help?

Yes, it's our duty to help (-75 Food)

The rescue operation is a success, and very few people are lost to the Mist. However, while everyone is busy saving the refugees, some kind of acid-spewing slug invades the haven, damaging important machinery.

"It's a low enough price for saving so many lives," one of the citizens says to our operatives.

For the help we provided, [HavenName] rewards us with spare parts from an old EnyoSec laboratory they recently dismantled.

Tech TECH +200, Materials MATERIALS +300, Food FOOD +400, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +15, 40 Damage to aircraft.

Contact the Disciples of Anu for help

The Disciples immediately send a team to help and offer to take in some of the refugees, thus also easing the burden on [HavenName]. Not everyone is comfortable with this solution, but it's better than letting people die.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7, Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion +4, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu +4, 562 population change(?),

It's better not to take any risks when the Mist is so close

The people of [HavenName] do not appreciate our philosophical position on this matter, but during the rescue, the haven is nearly infested with acid-spitting slugs, and it's only thanks to our operatives that disaster is averted. Who knows how many people could have died if no-one was paying attention?

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3, Haven Leader’s attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +8, 203 population change(?).