Our Friends the Machines and Other Mysteries

tales from the loopThe landscape was full of machines and scrap metal connected to the facility in one way or another. Always present on the horizon were the colossal cooling towers, with their green obstruction lights. If you put your ear to the ground, you could hear the heartbeat of the Loop – the purring of the Gravitron, the central piece of engineering magic that was the focus of the Loop’s experiments. Scifi artist Simon Stålenhag’s paintings of Swedish 1980s suburbia, populated by fantastic machines and strange beasts, have won global acclaim. Now, you can step into the amazing world of the Loop. In this roleplaying game you’ll play teenagers solving mysteries connected to the Loop. The game rules are based on Mutant: Year Zero, which was awarded with a Silver ENnie for Best Rules at Gen Con 2015. – the roleplaying game Key features: ■■ Create your unique player character – including skills, items, prides, problems, and relationships – in mere minutes. ■■ Explore the secrets of the Loop in two main game settings – one based on the Swedish Mälaren Islands, the other on Boulder City, Nevada. ■■ Investigate mysteries and overcome trouble using fast and effective rules, based on the Mutant: Year Zero game engine. ■■ Play the four complete scenarios included, tied together in the campaign named Four Seasons of Mad Science. “RPG Tales from the Loop lets you channel Stranger Things and ET.” the verge “Tales from the Loop could very well be the RPG phenomenon of 2017.” geek & sundry MUH050645 our friends the machines COPYRIGHT © 2017 SIMON STÅLENHAG AND FRIA LIGAN AB & other mysteries CREATOR OF THE LOOP UNIVERSE Simon Stålenhag WRITERS Mikael Bergström, Steve Daldry, Gabrielle de Bourg, Anders Fager, Björn Hellqvist, Nils Hintze, Nils Karlén ILLUSTRATIONS Simon Stålenhag, Reine Rosenberg PROJECT MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGN & MAPS Tomas Härenstam Christian Granath EDITORS TRANSLATION Rickard Antroia, Nils Karlén Edgardo Montes Rosa PROOFREADING John M. Kahane, John Marron, Kosta Kostulas COPYRIGHT © 2017 SIMON STÅLENHAG AND FRIA LIGAN AB ISBN: 978-91-87222-93-1 INNEHÅLL O1. O2. O3. INTRODUCTION OUR FRIENDS HORROR MOVIE THE MACHINES MAYHEM THE TRUTH OF THE THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY 7 MYSTERY 33 THE MACHINES 8 BOULDER CITY 36 BEING CHIPPED 10 INTRODUCING THE KIDS 36 BOULDER CITY 11 INTRODUCING INTRODUCING THE MYSTERY 37 THE KIDS 11 SOLVING THE MYSTERY 38 INTRODUCING THE MYSTERY 12 LOCATION 1: VIDEO STORE 39 SOLVING THE MYSTERY 14 LOCATION 2: LOCATION 1: FACTORY 41 THE TOY STORE 15 LOCATION 3: THE PTA LOCATION 2: THE HEADQUARTERS 44 INVENTOR’S HOME 17 SHOWDOWN 45 LOCATION 3: THE MOTEL 20 AFTERMATH 47 LOCATION 4A: THE NPCS AND FACTORY ENTRANCE 21 CREATURES 48 LOCATION 4B: THE BASEMENT 22 LOCATION 4C: THE FACTORY FLOOR 23 LOCATION 4D: THE OFFICE FLOOR 24 SHOWDOWN 25 AFTER THE SHOWDOWN 26 CHANGE 27 NPCS AND CREATURES 27 2 O7. INNEHÅLL O4. O5. THE MUMMY MIXTAPE OF MACHINE HOMETOWN IN THE MIST MYSTERIES BLUEPRINTS HACK THE TRUTH OF THE SWEET DREAMS 69 ALTA ABM100 WHY HACK YOUR MYSTERY 51 AUTONOMOUS EVERY BREATH YOU HOMETOWN? 99 BREDÄNG 53 FIRE-FIGHTING TAKE 72 MACHINE 90 CHOOSE YOUR TOWN 99 BOULDER CITY 55 GIRLS JUST WANT TO PAARHUFER MK 79 DEFINE THE AREA 100 INTRODUCING HAVE FUN 74 SEMI-AUTONOMOUS PREPARE THE MAP 100 THE KIDS 55 WHERE IS MY MIND 76 SERVICE UNIT 92 PLACE THE LOOP 100 INTRODUCING NIGHTRAIN 78 LIEBER-ALTA M75 THE MYSTERY 55 LOCOMOTIVE SHIP 94 PREPARE AND P FOREVER YOUNG 80 LACE THE AGENCY 101 SOLVING THE MYSTERY 56 MG/S SIERRA THRILLER 82 NEVADA 96 PLACE SCHOOLS. AND OTHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 56 ON EARTH 84 INSTITUTIONS 104 LOCATION 2: CREATE A SHORT THE BEACH 58 SUMMARY 104 LOCATION 3: WRAP THINGS UP 104 THE CAMPSITE 59 LOCATION 4: THE HIGH SCHOOL 60 LOCATION 5: THE MUMMY’S DEN 61 LOCATION 6: OVER THE ICE 63 SHOWDOWN 63 AFTER THE SHOWDOWN 64 CHANGE 64 NPCS AND CREATURES 62 3 . LOCATION 1: THE HEAVEN IS A PLACE POLICE. O6. A mystical mummy roaming the beaches. A guide to creating your own setting for the game. All this and more in this volume intended for use with Tales from the Loop RPG. A mixtape full of mysteries.O1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION Toys suddenly developing intelligence. Four wondrous machines. Enjoy! . Weird events in the local video store. Eight the book. Horror movies. When Norfolk Broads in England. a series of strange events occur. play! intelligent robot toys and possessed humans sud. It the Loop. but why not ■■ HORROR MOVIE MAYHEM: The ‘80s is the era of mo. metal and RPGs are all provide a set of guidelines to create your own debated by adults. the Kids are drawn into a hunt for the truth behind the video store and its scary movies. Escaped AIs. 5 . complete with the new setting of The the focus of a conflict spanning generations. magnetrine ships. In this chapter you will find ■■ THE MUMMY IN THE MIST: The school is filled with ru. A mixtape of secrets. The mummy has been spotted down by the some of the most iconic machines of the era of lake again. Looking for something. The local video store is suddenly setting. the Kids will experience the botched short mysteries. falls on the Kids to investigate the mystery of The ■■ HOMETOWN HACK: The Mälaren Islands and Boul- Mummy in the Mist. der City are interesting to explore. Hungering. blueprints. background and adventure hooks for mors. hack your own hometown? In this chapter we ral panic.■■ OUR FRIENDS THE MACHINES: In the first mystery of ■■ MIXTAPE OF MYSTERIES: Eight classic songs. ■■ BLUEPRINTS: Two advanced robots. Just press launch of a set of new action toys. two powerful denly make playtime very dangerous. . . He-Man and a little bit of M.K. Transformers of course.O2 CHAPTER THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY 7 THE MACHINES 8 BEING CHIPPED 10 BOULDER CITY 11 INTRODUCING THE KIDS 11 INTRODUCING THE MYSTERY 12 SOLVING THE MYSTERY 14 LOCATION 1: THE TOY STORE 15 LOCATION 2: THE INVENTOR’S HOME 17 LOCATION 3: THE MOTEL 20 LOCATION 4A: THE FACTORY ENTRANCE 21 LOCATION 4B: THE BASEMENT 22 LOCATION 4C: THE FACTORY FLOOR 23 LOCATION 4D: THE OFFICE FLOOR 24 SHOWDOWN 25 AFTER THE SHOWDOWN 26 CHANGE 27 NPCS AND CREATURES 27 OUR FRIENDS THE MACHINES Not counting Legos. Coolest of us all was Jonte.S. but also Action Force.A. Somebody you knew might have had Gobots. American toys are the ones I played with the most. who somehow got his hands on a Valkyrie from Robotech. anyway. At least healthier. and Mom thought it felt safer. after being abandoned for a while. They found into an eighteen-wheeler and if you pressed a button a factory that. It could turn es that they used to escape from the area. because "Swedish" was the same to us as download themselves into a pair of clumsy robot bodi- "corny". Märta claimed now begun to serve as a production center – this time that when she first got it. despite collaborations with large taurants. a fast-launched VHS where Tomas Bolme contributed The same thing with the “Our Friends the Machines. who had a toy factory and traveled fled from FOA’s top secret facility in Sätra [DARPA’s around at various fairs. the Swedish fastfood chain Clock appeared.Many of the adults were concerned about America. 7 . They probably nization. THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY I remember that Märta had gotten one. Swedish companies. but of course no one believed her. Probably Just over a month ago.” his voice to the role of the good machines’ leaders. They would be the Swedish. but I thought it was pretty cool. Local robots that connected and could transform by themselves. slightly nicer alternative to Transformers. has on the back. it made different sounds. it could transform by itself for toy robots belonging to the new Swedish product and talk. two artificial intelligences through her dad. They quickly vanished from stores. in collaboration with Bamse. line called Our Friends the Machines. In response to McDonald's hamburger res. did not sell well. They managed to known that. I probably would never have DART facility outside Boulder City]. The development has taken place through a small. they quickly took control of the factory and made sure that the small toy robots produced were far more advanced than the THE MACHINES original designs indicated. al colleagues. which is also The Convoys' home base. and collaborations with other ■■ They have taken over a factory companies and organizations. cularly subtle and in several stories they have. the Swedish labor rights movement are not parti- ■■ They now want maximum dissemina. Hence. dispersed in all toy robots and people who have a con- perate plan and put it into practice. A and B are now distributing their Our Friends the Machines is a series of toys and intelligences and are no longer localized. mainly wants to hide and co-exist with the people. Sca- ve and wants to assimilate humani. However. fought for workers' union rights. dom. A managed to figure out a way incorporate the entirety of humanity into its network. With the help of these chips. they are less vulnerable and signifi- ned to work with people who would be provided with cantly harder for FOA [DARPA] to capture – especially a control microchip. The- and would rather co-exist with the re is an extra-large robot that can turn into a facto- people. nia trucks and construction vehicles [LaFrance fire ty. and a can either be announced before the game begins or can variant of the control chip. who turns into a truck with trailers. concepts. state-owned company. the production of toy robots and the logistics side of ■■ They have created a network of the operation. Friends the Machines line at the national level. 8 . for tion to expand their net and avoid example. Their rightful leader is Ekvius Optimus. but instead stories created by Ulla Jönåker [Ursula Kerr]. drawings.CHAPTER O2 The artificial intelligences A and B formulated a des. while Voss focuses on that manufactures toy robots. equality and human rights. to use the chip instead to control the people who got establishing more factories. main aspects of an ongoing civil war: ■■ They have downloaded themselves to each part of the network so that ■■ THE CONVOYS: The “good” robots fight for free- they are now distributed intelli. B is more peaceful and them implanted. The robots were equipped The following information is known to the Kids. upgraded toy robots and people who In the fictional world of the machines there are two got control chips implanted. servomotors. wants to information. Saab and Volvo cars [Lincoln and Ford cars]. Jönåker [Kerr] focuses on [DART] facility. electronics. The other (B) is more peaceful trucks and Caterpillar construction vehicles]. which would give them access to huge The distinction between A and B is one of strategy amounts of knowledge and the ability to handle that – A is more aggressive and in the long term. trol chip. Financing has been conducted through support from Swedish industries such as Saab and Volvo. Convoys transform into civilian vehicles such as ■■ One intelligence (A) is aggressi. In other words. inspired by American toys such as Transformers and Gobots. as well as contributions from the state [via American companies SUMMARY like Ford and Chrysler]. and with micro hydraulics. The capture. be distributed through the introduction. The chip would allow people to if they successfully implement the launch of the Our communicate radio-telepathically with their artifici. They were desig. where ■■ Two artificial intelligences (A Jönåker [Kerr] and the engineer Helena Voss [Helen and B) have escaped from the FOA Voss] have executive roles. ry. The influence of gences. it is obvious that a lot of changes ter of machines can send out a single individual to have been made. Convoys may hack into single Deceivers or pe- 9 . or rats. ■■ SMALL GROUP: Small-sized groups of machines (2- ne. the same place. Such a FIGHT large group can also collaborate to hack into con- The toys can survive most blunt force blows and trol chips belonging to the opposed faction . almost impossible to survive if they are armed. servomotors. a camera. bolism here is not particularly subtle. are largely absent. oil vessels and bombs. You can also program them. while the largest can be up to 15 inches. Almost all the toy robots in the Our Friends the THE INTELLIGENCES Machines line are humanoid in shape. They For those who compare the toys with the advertise. A small ARMAMENT group of machines can be a lot of trouble if they In terms of armed forces. of course. the camera or cassette to cooperate to a greater extent to achieve short- tape player may not work. submersion. for example. as a whole: ginal design so that the little robots can move much ■■ INDIVIDUALS: Individual. A few have been equipped with They remember their origins and can plan on a built-in physical weapons. All machines can turn into something – a car. Likewise. They are more like intel- batteries that allow them to move add a lot of weight. often they act as if they were just long and sharp knife or. The own network or to connect to them via cable. They primarily trying to act based on the Our Friends the are made mostly of plastic. It's very Deceivers’ home base is an oil platform that can hard (2 successes) to hack the individual toy's control also turn into a bigger robot. Convoys. and hacking multiple control chips at the same ruthless Megaton Prime. limited 9) can verbalize single words and perform more by the original size of the toy. or use acquired or built weapons. The micro hydraulics. even strong electric currents unscathed. dogs. the sym. Large groups of Machines are conside- comics of the Machines. They do not remember much of their origin and only have basic instincts. in exceptional cases. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS ■■ THE DECEIVERS: The “evil” robots fighting for the third of them are completely water resistant. to at least as intelligent as the people in the story. for example. If several of them are gathered in were followed. most of the toys are limited to are armed. turning into a great futu. and if the original designs Machines stories. this means they need to attack ■■ LARGE GROUP: Machines in large groups (10+) are in large numbers. Not eve. term goals. The smallest – The toy robots that appear during the story are of and cheapest – of the toys are up to some three inches independent but limited intelligence and they are tall. ments that preceded them or the pictures on the boxes They can remember simple orders. the ability to send signals to them wirelessly on their fighter aircraft. firearms. their own imagination. time understanding human speech and are able rything is necessarily functional. time would requires assistance from. lone Machines are quite more freely. ligent pets in the style of cats. the rest supremacy of the strong. The Decei. the ristic cannon. a helicopter. About one. tanks. a pla. however. parts of the same creature rather than many sepa- The laser weapons that are the most common in the rate ones. They are led by the chip. they would be very light and not par. they will become noticeably smarter ticularly articulated. perform simple tasks. They have an easier that the cars can run and the aircraft can fly. red a very difficult trouble (3 successes). A and B have modified the ori. are easily confused by toys that are not Machines.thus. and stupid and can’t speak. pose a serious threat. so a large clus- they are delivered in. They are. in large groups. this can be anything from a long-term basis. This requires either vers transform mainly into expensive luxury cars. exploiting both natural can be put out of play or short-circuited by water resources and the working class. A and B have made it so advanced problem solving. if you ■■ Most people chipped also feel that they have beco- have five Convoys and a Deceiver. after ded risks – this counts as a very difficult task and both which a specially designed machine with built-in in. The aggressive A up painting. clo. If you as the GM want to accelerate the process and there is a risk that the chip will be reactivated later – let more and more adults and children be chipped so as you can roll a die once every scene where the character to put pressure on the Kids to solve the Mystery. It has so far For people. write books and otherwise find creati- is in the subnetwork consisting of Deceivers. although they are low priority 10 .CHAPTER O2 ople that have had chips implanted in them and targets – are placed under A’s control. They work best within a few meters radius. where a failed roll will causes just that they are not a priority. The network created by the artificial intelligences they tend to construct remarkable appliances. ■■ While waiting for direct orders through the chip.the control chip exhausted. The chip communicates via short-range radio sig- nals. for the most part. will continue to act as a single machine. In addition. hacking might be affected by Conditions. but it will be very painful ful or a threat. It may also be possible to hack into the chip and Chip implantation requires a surgical procedure. chip robots that can easily and efficiently punch the A chipped character can try to resist the commands chip into the neck base of victims in just a few seconds. so at least in the begin. knife or something similar. pick is divided between the two groups. you is near a large group (10+) of Deceivers. while the lone fraudster ve and need less sleep. The right tools. they can jointly contact and hijack a chip installed by A. Condition if the attempt fails. if you have access to a computer and the Initially this happens because the victim is given some right wiring. the Convoys will me smarter. 10 hacking ■■ It simply feels good to do what A wants. However. if one CHIP REMOVAL moves farther than a few dozen meters. Machines. It is also possible to cut out a chip using a Machines do not consider children to be especially use. outside the skin and the resulting wound becomes easi. the clearer calorie diet will be craved in order to maintain their each of A’s and B’s personalities will become. BEING CHIPPED given that it has enough preparation time. chosen not to do this because it contradicts its plan to se to the base of the skull. a high the Convoys. while the ve outlets for the new energy. ly infected if not taken care of properly. this requires a large concentration of a subconscious level. and affec- Machines are required. not aware that something is wrong. A controls them on However. the person with the chip as well as the person doing the struments implants the chip. ted humans will retroactively invent motivations to follow the messages the chip gives them. The targets are either take control over them or turn off the chip. It does not mean that children are safe. disable it. level of energy and alertness. this does come with some ad- type of sleep medication and local anesthetic. the connection The chips can be easily and painlessly removed by a will be lost. if the roll is a can let A streamline the process and have dedicated six. If you collect enough Convoys in the same place. the chip is re-enabled. skilled doctor who has access to analgesics and the Only adults are chipped. Each chip costs a lot of both the “patient” and the “surgeon” to receive one time and resources to produce. and become more creati- form a small group as above. B can also design and chip in various targets. ning. the control chip is inserted in the neck. Failure leads mainly to Conditions like upset or Any living creature being chipped . In theory. Part of the chip protrudes hide and co-exist. only adults are deemed by A as useful. and a very difficult task. The smarter a group becomes. also works on animals. peaceful B is instead in the subnetwork consisting of ■■ As a result of this. their appetite is increased. The above applies per grouping and faction . think clearer. for each chip to be hacked. given. all bloo- dy violence has been weeded out. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS BOULDER CITY Because the Machines in the Mystery are a respon- se specifically to the impact of American culture on Sweden in the 80s and 90s. they usually like to hang out together – play games. This is as expected because the launch was pre- ceded by a massive campaign with interviews in the newspapers and flooded with advertisements in the toy catalogs everywhere. Since it's a local trial launch. the new line of robot toys. pro-capitalist and violence-romancing stories offered there. by letting their friends talk about the robots they want or let someone's parent talk about when they met Ulla Jönåker [Ursula Kerr]. also 11 . The weather is still a little cold but the snow is gone. Even though they may no longer share similar interests. more known robots that could trans- form themselves and often satirized the naive. natio- nalist. The original Death Machines was published in various underground comics in the early 80s. parts of the left-wing political message remain. brought with them the local business and cultural feel. Tomorrow.the little town will be the first to see the new toys! The Kids have known each other and been friends since childhood. Our Friends the Machines. as promised. the Wednesday before Easter. the 30 of March. Our Friends the Machines are many degrees brigh- ter than the deadly originals and. go swimming. for example. One afternoon. Our Friends the Machines were instead created locally by Ursula Kerr. Wednesday. and so on. INTRODUCING THE KIDS It’s spring. along with Helen Voss. at least on the surface. the focus has also been that this is a unique honor for Sten- hamra Boulder City] and its surroundings . but so far they are still friends. Death Machines were created as a direct re- sponse to other. They have begun to grow apart. who. On the other hand. However. Our Friends the Machines were based on a more vi- olent and adult model. in principle. Let the Kids experience their Eve- ryday Lives before the new toy line is launched. arrives in the local toy shop Toy Corner. on Thursday. they will need to be adap- ted if the adventure is set in Boulder. planned. of the folks here are just curious and happy to join End each scene as soon as it feels like the action or in on the opening day frenzy. Do not make the event for the normally quiet town and one that has players feel that they are on a timer. 12 . to give just enough time for a quick introduction with Outside the Toy Corner stand a few big cardboard each Kid before the Mystery is introduced. the idea is captivated more than just the locals’ attention. local crea- someone who has not received money tivity.CHAPTER O2 allow one of the runaway machine intelligences that re now filled with expectant children and adults. Through the display window. the Kids can see that there seems to be some confusion between the owners and the corporate representatives. and so forth. This is a pretty unusual interesting aspects have drained out. They are the inventors and chief engineers of ting toy robots in the hands of at the toy. Many escaped to leave traces in someone's garden.or use the suggestions on page 29. is located in a squa. Eilert [Eric] has tried to contact them without success. Some folks in the audience have noticed their least some of the Kids. but after three or four minutes they come out and the activity begins as Feel free to play the scene where the Kids need to fight through stam. after a planned statement from the municipal MYSTERY council member Eilert Lagerkvist [by corporate repre- sentative Eric Loudon]. store [Boulder’s premier toy store]. Allow the starts playing and many people march into the store. the Mystery ■■ There are mostly Convoys on the shelves. Ekvius Optimus. that Ulla and Helena [Ursula and Helen] would be spe- ■■ This scene is primarily about get. Megaton Prime. absence. peding kids and youngsters in the The marketing prior to the launch also indicated toy store. ■■ All customers also get the first is- sue of the comic book series about Our Friends the Machines for free. ■■ The Kids were allowed to buy any Eilert's [Eric’s] speech is mostly about what an ho- toy (perhaps with the exception of nor this is. but they seem to be absent from the activity. It is thought that both Helena Voss [Helen Voss] The Toy Corner. either. Stenhamra’s [Boulder’s] future. and Easter awaits. ■■ Here they can also hear Eilert [Eric]. the band from their parents). The entrance is encircled by a band that will perform at INTRODUCING THE 4:00 pm. Anette [Anne] and Henrik [Henry] talk about where Ulla [Ur. Introducing sula] and Helena [Helen] may have gotten to. players to select the robots their characters are buying . Stenhamra's largest (and only) toy and Ulla Jönåker [Ursula Kerr] should be attending. figures representing the good Machines leader. Some children complain about this and receive respon- ses from Henrik and Anette [Henry and Anne] that there was “an issue with the delivery". akers. It is now Thursday. School is over. The audience applauds. and its evil counterpart. CLUES ly buy robots. and certainly worth investi- gating further. bots once they return home. they will attack and break [Anne] and Henrik [Henry]. Here are ■■ There are more Convoys than Deceivers. The ■ Inventor's Home The Toy ■ The ■ Shop Factory SHOWDOWN The Motel 13 . so hopefully this means that the characters start to realize that something is wrong. etc. or at least very strange. They want ■■ A character’s father is already to hide from the FOA agents [DARPA agents]. as from any other authorities. some examples: ■■ After a Kid listens to their pa- TOYS COME ALIVE rents having a loud argument.if they play alone ter dislikes the toys and thinks or together with others in the group. ■■ The mother of a female charac. The Deceivers are more defiant and will try to Kid to spread around. scurry and fly away the moment the characters turn ■■ A character's mother can’t afford their backs on them. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS If too few of the characters actual. as well under A’s control and has therefo. Let the players describe robot for the character. it can be an exciting friend Klasse [Connor] has talked about how cool Megaton Prime is. Perhaps they also try to place to buy any robots but the Kid’s chips on the adults in the house.” The Convoys will try to be played with. the opening ceremony. you can later reveal ■■ Ulla [Ursula] and Helena [Helen] did not attend that their parents bought them ro. the During the evening. the Convoys when the kids eat supper. and be liked by the cha- re bought three Deceivers for the racters. mid-night scene. Klasse [Connor] might try to steal If there are more Deceivers than Convoys involved one if the Kid distracts Anette with the Kids during play. the Machines that the Kids acqui- father feels bad and purchases a red will begin to come to life. what kind of ga- “girls should not play with such mes they play. toys. how they play with their new robots . ■■ That the toys can act autonomously is nothing des- cribed anywhere in the advertisements or mentio- ned by any of the staff at Toy Corner when the toys were bought. they will need to pay size of the groups. 14 . the Apple Tree Yard Motel. The motel comes into play if the role-play. Let them bump into a single Convoy robot The characters already know where Toy Corner that hides and perhaps makes their collection smar- and the factory are located. gating the Mystery’s locations that the Convoys and sidence. If they never think about experimenting with the sula Kerr's] residential address. Ulla Jönåker’s [Ursula Kerr’s] re. where the FOA Deceivers are two distinct and distributed intelligen- [DARPA] agents live and the old factory outside ces with their own personalities divided into small Stenhamra. For Ulla Jönåker’s [Ur. much of the It does not really matter in what order the loca. but just focus on the Deceivers. all extra clear. How are the robots alive? Why were Ulla and use the Countdown to prod them if needed. If they never find that there are even “good” are also running around and investigating things. In this mystery there are four important loca. robots. but it will probably be most dra. especially when they investigate the ers start trying to track the mysterious agents who factory. like other children whose toys have escaped adults who work at the factory have started to behave or adults that start to feel and behave strangely after strangely? being chipped. They are marked on the map below.CHAPTER O2 Svegro Fä re nt S un av V äg en Återvinnings- Ulla Jönsson's A central Uppgård. robots. ter. House R skolan Industrier Stenbrottet STENHAMRA T Konsum Stenhamra- skolan Juicefabriken The Factory S St Restaurang ra nd Pizzeria J vä ge The Toy n Ö Lå Stockbybadet Corner Apple Farm Skå kyrka L ng Yard Motel Båthamnsvägen EKNÄS STOCKBY Ste ta A nha rm mra N väg en en D Båthamnen TÖRNBY E VÄSBY T TUREHOLM SOLVING THE MYSTERY matic if Toy Corner comes first and the factory last. After this. the role-players are now free to explore the Let the players choose how to tackle the Mystery Mystery. drama is lost – you can weave B’s survival in the tions are visited. aftermath into the story. You Jönåker [Ursula Kerr] and Helena Voss [Helen Voss] can also introduce your own incidents and minor absent during the opening ceremony? Why is it that the events. The idea is that the Kids discover while investi- tions: Toy Corner. then you can begin to make it attention. in or perhaps move). te easy to wander off or get disoriented. If the characters want to snoop around on toys and promotional figures in boxes and does not in the store area. a kitchenette. and STORE a small office. is also a toilet. The Toy Corner is run by Anette and TROUBLE Henrik Leonidsson [Anne and Henry Lewis] and if ■■ THE OWNERS: If the characters visit the store during the characters visit during the day. it is qui. The lighting inside the shop consists of distract Anette and Henrik [Anne and Henry]. the store or trying to go places they should not be. they are likely to the daytime. haps with a charm roll or finding a way through At the back of the building there is a small cargo the shelves not covered by the mirrors (comprehend dock that leads into the store's warehouse. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS LOCATION 1: THE TOY the rear of the shop. CA NY ON RD Ursula Kerr's Wilbur Sq House Boulder Boulder Boulder City canyon Teater Police Department COLOR ADO ST Boulder Bowling St Christopher's Dam Hotel Hall Church Tinker Toys Fisher Space Mitchell Boulder City Pen Elementary High School School Whalen Baseball HW AY Field A HIG NEVAD ADAMS BVD CHARLIE Boulder City GATE Boulder City Library St Andrew's Hospital Catholic Church The Factory Oasis Apple Farm Park Yard Motel BUCHANAN BLVD Pier's Salvage Boulder City Golf Course Helicopter Sightseeing Boulder City Airport 15 . [Lewises] are inside and they have good experience The store is quite small and the space between the keeping track of their young customers browsing in high shelves is very crowded. they’ll have to find some way to let in much light. which is why ■■ THE SHOP: There is a system of mirrors set up the owners painted arrows on the floor to facilitate between the shelves to ensure that they can keep an navigation. the characters to investigate is the toy shop where the robots are sold. per- ordinary light bulbs that give off a warm glow. In other words. There. the likelihood is that the Leonidssons be in the store. This is where Anette and Henrik [Anne and Henry] take their coffee breaks and manage their One of the most easily accessible starting points for finances. eye on large portions of the shop from the cash re- The front of the store that has large windows focused gister area. but without answer. with the launch. during the launch.CHAPTER O2 Toy Corner 0 1 2 3 4 5 meters Office Cashier Loading Dock Store Storage Entrance ■■ STORAGE AREA: The Machine toys stored on the COUNTDOWN shelves will not act if there is a risk that they will be seen by the public. own intelligence that can control Therefore there is a chance the characters will be the car's parts. where he tin. Anette [Anne] has tried to call hout the United States]. and at night both the main continue on their way. entrance to the store and the storage area door are 3.the next step is to Ulla and Helena [Ursula and Helen] did not appear launch throughout Sweden [throug. the characters see Anette and Henrik [Anne and Henry]. If the characters succeed in their visit to the toy store. hand. They may act if they consider there time in the garage. the is found dead in the forest. The Toy Corner’s owners comment in the media about the success. Ulla [Ursula]. One of the FOA agents [DARPA agents] locked. The alarm is very difficult to bypass though. you can roll for program if you first calculate racters are investigating the mat. thus becoming a group of 10-12 chipped adults the eyes.but locked during the daytime. He spends all his free the daytime. ter. so they remain still during 1. Trucks filled with Machines lea- ve the factory for toy stores in other parts of the country. attacked and will need to fight. ■■ LOST INVENTORS: The owners are still annoyed that ful launch . 4. how it works. On the road between two adventu. The lock can be picked with a tinker roll. walking towards the factory. They The door in from the storage area at the back is march on to their destinations thinking nothing much of it . they will find unsold Deceivers installing chips in both re locations. A character's dad starts behaving strangely. 16 . 2. larly be persuaded to remember to eat and sleep. If the cha. On the other police have no leads. ears and tools for A. He needs to regu. there are CLUES several broken toy robots in the Anette and Henrik [Anne and Henry] are very pleased area where the body was found. is a risk of detection and that they can eliminate kers with his car granting it its the threat without drawing attention to themselves. 5. they can find signs that the killer was a Deceiver. ” with a row of chipped birds or some ■■ “No newspaper de…livery plea…. most and displayed with images. Just inside the front door is a Deceiver who ■■ On a branch. a total of 500 robots were delivered. Go a. ■■ ADDRESS: Ulla Jönåker’s [Ursula Kerr’s] home ■■ The local ICA [supermarket] trader address and telephone number (where no one an. ■■ A rival friend who want to steal Anette [Anne] believes that some children managed the Kids’ robots.. clean. the inside is neatly kept. surrounded by an aban.. It has recorded that all look at the characters. there are six squirrels transforms itself into a cassette player. on the . ■■ “I am . and tidy. They confirm the er for Our Friends the Machines in accounts of a successful launch. of them Deceivers. the impression of being regular doned garden full of various plant life. ■■ A 9-year-old girl cries when her The characters can easily find Jönåker’s [Kerr’s] Vertikap Krux. Perhaps one of them INVENTOR’S HOME questions the characters? They behave somewhat secretively and Ulla’s [Ursula’s] yellow villa is located on the outskirts suspiciously.” The people mentioned in the above points may be chipped. or not. They move exactly the same way and Ulla's [Ursula’s] voice. TROUBLE ■■ Some of the children's parents are Ulla [Ursula] is under A’s influence and will therefo. fifty are missing. bot. but Henrik [Henry] is convinced that ■■ A good friend of the Kids finds it he had enough control of the toys for this not to a little strange that he or she is happen. it among her neighbors as an "eccentric" or possibly is important for them to find the even “a little off. Instead. To- ■■ PAPER WORK: There are also various accounts for day's advertisement contains a fly- orders and sales of Machines. Go. group of Deceiver who found a group of Convoys and decided to eliminate the potential threat. is heard talking around town about swers) are written in Anette’s [Anne’s] notebook. toilet. to steal them.se. A similar scenario can be done ■■ “Come back later. ■■ A minor battleground between a counting for the ones in stock and those that sold. they try to give of Stenhamra [Boulder City]. ■■ A teenager handing out flyers. it an- do not run away until the Kids climb swers with any of the following statements: the tree or try to catch the ani- ■■ “I am busy. on a desk in the shop’s office. more with each passing night. According to the which different models are listed papers. to escape when Deceivers attacked tic. LOCATION 2: THE ■■ FOA agents [DARPA agents]. characters. a kid that bullied the characters. Where the outside is chao. the helicopter ro- home address. on foot or in a car. its owner. 17 . she is listed in the telephone directory. wild and hard to navigate. She is known tourists.. even if they do not get into the Toy Cor. but at the same time. the house.way. and when someone calls. colleagues that have disappeared.. flies away. ac. he believes that they have received hanging out with the rest of the too few inventory and simply counted wrong. and lives alone with two cats. Gooooooooooooooooo... ■■ A confused..” depending on whether they like her intelligence(s) quickly.” mals. chipped and begin to behave more re cry out to Deceivers both in the garden and inside and more manically. dirty and slightly There is a noticeable contrast between the outside broken little Convoy who managed of the house and its inside. depending on how much pressure you feel you want to put on the players. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS BETWEEN LOCATIONS Here are some examples of things that the Kids encounter while traveling between the different locations: ■■ LOST TOYS: A number of Machines have disappeared. According to the ner’s office. information on the box it should not be able to fly.” deer that are far too close. Of these. 18 . they do not that the Deceivers are now in a small or large group. designed Deceivers. activity so they are more daring within it. these head here and there that could not be folded in pro- are not particularly shy about acting during the daytime perly. with fight. Unlike other Deceivers. Ulla’s [Ursula.CHAPTER O2 If whoever is calling does not walk away and starts Inside the house there are also a number of specially sneaking around the porch or is otherwise stubborn. They can transform into ordinary Deceivers will start rattling the bushes and the wild household items such as a toaster.s] garden is guarded by twelve small It will become immediately apparent to those Deceivers that the Kids will probably need to get past who give these items a closer look that they are fake. The original items have been thrown into the – they estimate that the wild garden hides most of their trash can at the back. and work and they’ll note a badly hidden robot arm or thus much more intelligent. Keep in mind they are either too light or too heavy. and grass to scare them off… a camera. They can also sneak instead. a video recorder. ■■ FOOD BOXES: Around Ulla's chair there are empty ally designed chair that aims to provide her with soda cans and candy wrappers. The bathroom's litter box is overflowing. matics in the workroom. Every now and then it seems as if she’s heard British short hair with gray fur) are cut off from something. them (unnoticed with sneak). It's terrible. There are also food and also allows her to meet her needs without some food boxes and freezer bags. the robot’s control chip or future generations of toy ■■ WORKROOM: Since A abducted Ulla [Ursula] and robots. vestigate roll. Here. The rest of the house is still in out where the robots fly to and from with an in- good order. only in the hallway. it to the chair and to various computers and the ■■ NEGLECTED PETS: The cats Nickel [Nike] (a black and like around her. brow. to transport back to the factory. A calculate roll can let Both have a few minor wounds and are generally the Kids understand that these are new versions of taken care of by a cluster Deceivers. or just try to figure sed and laid down. but dusty. cleaning the workroom ■■ VISITORS: A few times at night Ulla [Ursula] is visi- has taken now taken a back seat. That's why her workroom upstairs has be. but she does not see the characters even certain places of the house. Some of them come from used to take cleaning breaks during work. she ted by flying Deceivers. She is completely absorbed by her white spotted cat) and Aga [Ally] (a heavily built work. now she town and carry canned food they stole from the sits at the drawing table almost every minute of the local grocery store. about advanced model and there are many cords from twenty newspapers. food scraps there is an opportunity for the Kids to try to follow and countless reference books she picked up. robots put a chip in her. Her chip is a very ■■ MAIL: The mailbox outside is full of bills. Previously. others come to collect drawings week. and some interview requests. dishes. ■■ THE INVENTOR: Ulla [Ursula] herself sits in a speci. come littered with coffee cups. of course. the bathroom and the bedroom ■■ SCHEMATICS: There are lots of drawings and sche- upstairs. Some of them 19 . They are now living if they are in her direct field of view. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS Ulla Jönåkers [Ursula Kerr's] Home 0 1 2 3 4 5 meters GROUND FLOOR Bedroom Kitchen Bathroom Patio Dining Bedroom Hall- Room way Hallway Storage FIRST FLOOR Archive Study SECOND FLOOR CLUES leaving the room. five large apple trees. (The Deceivers have managed to reduce TROUBLE wireless data traffic inside the Factory). They are staying at the Apple Farm Yard Motel. Stenhamra [Boulder]. [DARPA] to either recover or destroy the two robot intelligences that fled from the Sätra facility [DART CLUES facility] a month ago. If the characters ing in a guest room just above the stairs. or smo. is an analysis of parts of If the Kids succeed in befriending the agents (charm the source code used to create A and B. Ander’s [Andrew’s] bed. ful calculate roll. print log.] and that they are investi- Agents Anders Björk [Andrew Burlington] and Birgit.” that hold Agda's ancient mortar and pestle collection “If collection is not possible. If the Kids succeed with Here. wooden benches and a large bird “Targets A and B are mobile. Neither of the agents will reveal who they really work for. There are Anders [Andrew] and Birgitta [Beverly] are each stay.” found in the kitchen where she cooks. Instead. Agda [Agatha] is usually should be destroyed. they make sure their doors are locked and that any vis. portable radio. cryption capabilities. Each guest start checking out those places (investigate). armchairs. bakes. but there are no bath in the shape of a large stone bowl held by cherubs. followed by a program roll. ■■ DIARY: Birgitta's [Beverlys] room is relatively empty. both objectives fill every space to the brim. a small desk and some clothes soon become apparent that these are all homes of lying on a couple of chairs. run by the apart from some diary notes. a large villa from the turn of the century. Cakes and comfort foods have been encrypted radio traffic far beyond normal limits.CHAPTER O2 have labels or tape with the date (from up to three tion with the agents will consist of the Kids answering weeks ago) and a name on them. They have traced the robots to ■■ WEAPONS: Both agents are armed (double holster. except In the villa. embellished since her childhood years. which contains information about pla- they will soon hear about the mysterious folks that ap. If the characters begin to traffic transmitted via radio waves. a weird. the Kids are likely to sneak around after the a calculate roll. also other. something every We must start tracing it back to the source. it will room contains a bed. they claim that they work for Rik- LOCATION 3: THE MOTEL senergi [Mead Electric Co. Next to it is a listen to the people surrounding Stenhamra [Boulder]. but have not yet managed to find Sig Sauer) and each has a walkie-talkie with en- the robots. visitors are met with a large but messy for the tracks at the Niskanen [Brewsters] family living room. allow a Kid who previously investigated a control 20 . “Agent Björk [Burlington] has collected some kes under the fan. notably at the Toy Corner and in Ulla’s [Ursula’s] residence. A success- roll). She en. gating a voltage drop in Stenhamra’s [Boulder’s] power ta Andersdotter [Beverly Ash] have been sent by FOA grid. with its where she is found dead during the adventure. found on her body if you decide to include the scene sures that the garden is kept in good condition. ces where the kind of data traffic was detected – parently are living in the motel. ■■ SOURCE CODE: In a locked attaché bag hidden under itor is properly screened. can change information. and wardrobes farm. These can also be senior citizen Agda Lennevik [Agatha Linden]. they realize that it is a machine agents who might have crossed paths with the Kids to investigate frequency bands for encrypted data during their investigations.” visitor can experience in the form of the seven kinds of ■■ RADIO: Inside Ander’s [Andrew’s] room there is cookies that she offers. she may use threats in order of the factory workers. When the agents are inside. they can end up in a position where they can ex. even though most of the conversa. the adults employed by the newly opened factory. A roll for contact questions. more traces of their former escape bodies. to get them to share all they know. Floral sofas. If Birgitta [Beverly] finds out that the cha- or comprehend reveals that most of the names are racters know something. smaller sources noted. virus-infected stand-alone warehouse. From there. really explain why he did not sleep. By 40 years old. Since they have attention somehow. Per- THE WAY INSIDE haps the character can write a virus based on the The main building has four codes? Because that virus would be based on an entrances. They can’t be opened LOCATION 4A: THE without the help of hydraulics on the inside (the same applies FACTORY ENTRANCE to the corresponding doors in the warehouse). Olle Berg [Ollie Becker] is in the security room. robots will recover and will now be protected aga. but there are still several ino- perable old rusty trucks. door that allows individuals to enter without the need to open the large gates. which ma. Deceivers hide in scrap trucks. and has a thick 70s investigating the area in advance. the roll will be very difficult. metal containers ped. all the debris has them. Attempts have been made to clean up the area now that the plant will once again be used. He was chipped several days ago and be normal to sneak past them. This Please encourage the players to come up with their has made him very tired and gives him a confused ex. it is possible to fight been abandoned here for a long time. but it has been pretty hard on him. the difficulty would style moustache. since most of the robots produced were hidden for as long as they can. Maybe a week ago. but if the characters transported to the Toy Corner. Out in the acts as the warehouse. He is but a roll to get past them will be very difficult. In order to succeed finished Machines are moved to a side building that in doing that. He can’t groups of 10 or more can be found here. own ideas and ways to get into the factory. hide themselves from their sensors. the team's personnel door. Next to the guard cage there is also a smaller also locked. it will only work in ■■ Personnel entrance to the the short term. ■■ Door leading to the basement. up by trucks. ■■ Big double doors along one of the sides. somewhat rotund. are manned. and have reason to view them as a threat. A has kept him awake more or less all that time. that have not moved since the the Kids have not found a way to pretend to be chip- 1960s. The field inside is paved with old asphalt where weeds are poking through the broken cracks. as well as a lot of cable drums. There is a wide main entrance with two large gates. Of course. instead around the area and see where the robots are Production takes place in the main building and the hiding and then sneak past them. the toys are picked factory area. the stock is and large enough cracks in the asphalt. start approaching the factory area. All entries have alarms and all but Next to the gates is a small guard cage that is usually one. The large factory is enclosed by a barbed wire fence. ■■ SLEEPY GUARD: Olle [Ollie] does not really remem- The factory is A’s main nest. but he proudly kes it almost impossible to get past them at night if shows them a collection of very intricate origami 21 . They will stay almost empty. inst further use of this version of the virus. TROUBLE It is easy to spot the robots during the daytime. When the adventure begins. His chip keeps him awake. early version of the AI’s codes. or distract A’s and general scrap that was left behind. ■■ Entrance to the factory floor. A has plans to replace him soon. pression. the grass. within a few hours. they will attack. CLUES but has so far prioritized other matters. but it may be worth the trouble to investigate either rotted or rusted by now. Many Deceivers in ber when he last slept. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS chip to understand that the codes are related. The control chip TROUBLE and all mini hydraulics have been removed by A’s The door into the basement is locked with a state of the Deceivers. If someo- ne tries to unlock the lock. Along one of also a small group of seven small Deceivers connected the basement walls there is a slightly old server tower to the newer databanks. the alarm will go off regardless The basement floors. different kinds of Deceivers. any of the Kids needs to make an examine roll to see how the alarm is mounted. Among the scraps are two large. art and technically advanced lock system that is also alar- med. you can the ground level. ■■ ACCESS CARD: Olle [Ollie] has an access card that If you want to alert the players to the possibility of lets him get in through one of the small doors on solving the Mystery by destroying the factory. not to be detected by A's different sensors. lie the remains of six destroyed Convoys. along one of the walls.CHAPTER O2 The Factory 0 1 2 3 4 5 meters 0 5 10 15 meters Factory Data Banks Warehouse A & B FACTORY LAND CELLAR models made from the newspapers he has in the robots are connected to the databanks via a bundle of watchroom. All employees have one like this. and mutilated. This area is littered with fragments from In the computer area. cables. the Kids need to be careful the factory’s history. gray concrete. The aded to them. also tell them that there are a series of worn old barrels and thus it is conceivable that the Kids could steal labeled WARNING: EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS one from another adult that works at the factory. burned. They contain chemicals ■■ STORAGE: The toys in the warehouse are exclusively used during the manufacturing process. 22 . They are chopped. LOCATION 4B: THE then someone needs to calculate how it works and finally BASEMENT program the lock or possibly tinker to disable it. To enter through this door. walls and ceilings are made of of whether they are successful or not. where A’s intelligence is uplo- and three databanks that appear to be brand new. There is inactive robot bodies labeled A and B. There is a spiral staircase and a large elevator le- ■■ ROBOT PARTS: Near the entrance of the storeroom ading up to floor 1. The FACTORY FLOOR logs show that the robotic bodies come from the The majority of the main building's floor plan is occu- FOA research center [DART facility] nearby. The reason is that A’s intelligence. belts and several factory assembly robots. as well as lots of electronic components. EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS here. they discover patterns of found broken robot pieces. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS To access the databases. and small in the motel with the agents. but if they gather and raw materials to be converted into toys. along with the codes from the agent’s will subsequently find out the characters’ position. they each contained an arti. One of them leads directly into a separa- dular . factory floor. the- cables and radio waves via transmitters here and re may be barrels or other boxes labeled WARNING: somewhere in the factory. they become smarter.it is designed to make up many small units te warehouse building. With the information in aware of the intruders and the robots in the factory this system. micro vices seem to be broadcasted continuously via both hydraulics and servo motors. Copies of the de. The door is clearly marked CONTROL SYSTEM. where there are large boxes of that can act on their own. There is also collaborate. a very difficult program roll is ■■ COMPONENTS: If the characters found the codes required. and pied by a large factory floor with advanced conveyor until a few weeks ago. Laying around can be in entering the databases. You just have to open a door LOCATION 4C: THE on the front and look at the screen behind it. plastic. chipped humans monitor and make sure eve- ■■ DISTRIBUTED INTELLIGENCE: If the characters succeed rything is working properly. As in the basement. 23 . are still active in it. CLUES ■■ DATA LOGS: There is no need to get the logs from the inactive computers. they will recognize residues of Bs. A failure makes A parts of the code again. the characters can build a virus that per- manently disables the control chips. It Two of the ground floor external doors lead to the appears that the system is decentralized and mo. data that resemble different thought processes. bedrooms. there. Here and ficial intelligence. to attract the Deceivers’ attention. it is very difficult to get in without having an access card. If they succeed in proving took part of it before she locked herself on the second that they are not chipped (charm. they are under the within. the rest has been picked up by the Deceivers Helena [Helen] will eventually open the door and let who flew to and from Ulla’s [Ursula’s] residence. very difficult) then floor. ■■ PROVISIONS: The refrigerator. you Once inside. It is possible to fight easily. Most of this floor lacks actual flooring. or inside the archive – are about fifty Deceivers. Helena [Helen] through the door (whisper). office or archive – depending on away as drones in the factory. because the alarm Helena Voss [Helen Voss] has hidden herself is likely to be triggered. but it requires at spell of the chip. Here a couple of groups of 7-10 Deceivers can be found. in the shower. there in the toilet. them in. warehouse on the first floor there is an office. Attempting to fight their way in FLOOR is almost impossible and will also alert A’s machines Two sets of stairs lead from the factory floor to the se- inside the factory about the Kids’ presence. there are many patrolling Deceivers can look straight down to the factory floor. she usually travels between different hiding places during the day. CLUES ■■ FALLEN HEROES: Basically all the broken toy robots TROUBLE are Convoys. but they are quite inactive and sneak can be used to get ■■ CHIP SLAVES: Sneaking through the factory reveals around them if the Kids first examine the place. Somebody's father where Helena [Helen] is currently – is barricaded from is here. and like all the others. These were the result of B's failed at. tempt to prevent A's plan. Outside the factory floor. Here you can also let some of the least one extra six on the roll to do so quietly so as not Kids find each other. Fighting in here is a pretty bad idea. Above the that the Kids will need to sneak past or try to fight. many familiar faces among the workers slaving The storage room. freezer and the snack Alternatively. 24 . cond floor. the characters can try to talk machine inside are all empty of food.CHAPTER O2 The Factory 0 1 2 3 4 5 meters Warehouse Factory Floor Rest- room FIRST FLOOR TROUBLE LOCATION 4D: THE OFFICE If the Kids use tinker. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS AN ALLY CLUES Helena [Helen] is a knowledgea- ■■ ACCOUNTS: Inside one of the offices is the factory's ble programmer and technician who may help the characters find ways to accounts and finances information. Among other fight the robots. Allow the players things, there are large bills for materials that are to make suggestions and be open to not part of Ulla’s [Ursula’s] original design. As it their solutions. seems now, the machines are an effective and dang- If the players do not figure out erous threat if nothing drastic is done. what to do, Helena [Helen] can make ■■ SURVIVOR: Helena [Helen] is showing signs of ex- suggestions pointing them in the haustion. She is unkempt, a little manic, and refuses right direction. However, she is to talk to the characters before she is certain they are quite secretive and has difficulty not chipped. She has hid here for over a week, since trusting anyone, so she does not say the Deceivers first tried to chip her when she was more than she thinks she needs to. working late one evening. Since then. She has lived on leftovers and candy from the vending machines. She can tell them what she saw - computers seemed to be taking over, the short-lived struggle between the two groups and people getting chipped. those in the Toy Corner as well as those owned SHOWDOWN by the Kids and their classmates – and storm the There are many ways to end this Mystery, but the end factory. A big field battle with losses on both sides, should be tailored to your group. If you are uncertain, maybe with a burning factory in the background. try to be responsive during the game or perhaps even ask ■■ Collaborate with the Convoys to destroy all Decei- straight questions of your players. Here are three diffe- vers, or break the contact between the Deceivers rent types of end examples of how this could work out: so that A is forced to retreat back to its old robot body. Then you can help the Convoys rally and ENDGAME then together with them, have an epic final battle ■■ Gather a sufficiently large group of Convoys – all against A’s armed original form. The Factory 0 1 2 3 4 5 meter Closet Office Archive SECOND FLOOR 25 CHAPTER O2 WITHOUT VIOLENCE characters succeed in working with B, and convincing ■■ Construct a virus that spreads between the Decei- the intelligence to help interfere with A’s plans or de- vers (or Convoys) that causes them to shut down. stroy it, it will affect the Threat Level. ■■ Burn down the factory, or the fully stocked toy sto- See Threat Levels below: re, during the night when no human is there. ■■ THE ALARM GOES OFF: The Kids have tried to sneak ■■ Convince the FOA [DARPA] agents about what's into the factory and get stuck on floors 1 or 2. A will going on and get them to request military support send all its Machines, as well as the chipped people to storm the factory. (including potentially the Kids’ parents). The scena- rio is then about trying to get out of the factory and LOOSE ENDS flee to safety. In reality, a climactic encounter seldom is the answers to OBJECTIVE: “A wants to catch the Kids and put a all problems. Another way to end the Mystery can be to chip in their necks.” extend a "deal" over a longer period of time. You can THREAT LEVEL: Normal (2 x number of players) play out all the different sub-solutions the characters THREAT LEVEL WITH B’s HELP: The Convoys can perform, or make a more comprehensive, common sacrifice themselves for the children’s safety. As a re- summary. sult, the situation does not become more hazardous When you think the characters understand the th- to the Kids. reat they are facing, ask them to predict potential solu- If the characters are captured and chipped, they tions, a global strategy for the near future. Some parts may attempt a fight roll against A's commands. If may be accomplished immediately, while others may re- they succeed, they have a chance to remove or deac- quire more time – for example, spending spring chasing tivate their chip. If you want to help the characters after the last Deceivers who escaped or trying to find here, you can let B send Convoys to free them. all the chipped individuals and remove their chips one by one. Then summarize the Kids’ efforts and describe ■■ DESTRUCTION: The Kids have a plan. They are on the consequences. Please ask the players what parts they their way into the factory to destroy it by any means want to play and what they would like to summarize. possible. A is thus threatened with death and will Some examples of possible sub-solutions: struggle against them with everything it can bring ■■ Find a way to hamper the spread of Deceivers, for to bear. example, by puncturing the tires of the warehouse OBJECTIVE: “A wants to catch the Kids, chip them truck, or sabotaging parts of the manufacturing in and then lock them in until the launch is over.” This the factory. can thus be the end of the Kids in this adventure. ■■ Find every chipped person and remove, one by one, They will not be found until the factory is emptied each chip. Alternatively, let one of the character's and the Machines are being sold in the country. Convoy friends hook in and turn them off, one vic- THREAT LEVEL: Almost impossible (4 x number tim at a time. of players) ■■ Conduct a series of peace talks between the Convoys THREAT LEVEL WITH B’s HELP: Very difficult and Deceivers. Can they find common ground? (3 x number of players) ■■ Exploit or create any kind of local scandal that ma- kes the launch of Our Friends the Machines a flop. AFTER THE SHOWDOWN EXTENDED TROUBLE Whether the Mystery is solved, or made unsolvable, The factory is A's domain, and it commands dangerous depends on the actions of the players and what solu- robots. If the characters have a plan to get in, or force tions they chose. In other words, you need to improvise their way in, a dramatic situation is triggered inside the something based on what actually happened around factory, and Enhanced Trouble arises. the game table. Here are some loose ends you might The Threat Level is set based on situation. If the want to make sure to tie together: 26 THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS AGENTS NPCS AND CREATURES They will probably, sooner or later, figure out what is Here are the GM’s characters who are of particular going on and call in reinforcements. Maybe they are importance to the Mystery. Some of them have special too late? Maybe they arrive at the last minute? attributes that can change the Threat Level characters face under some Mystery scenes. Depending on how SOUND THE ALARM the Kids interact with them, these can be a bonus or a If the players succeed in bringing the situation to hindrance to the character’s efforts. adults, and back it up with proof, then authorities, po- lice and military can be called in. ANETTE AND HENRIK LEONIDSSON LAUNCH [ANNE AND HENRY LEWIS] If the characters fail to stop A from spreading to other cities, you can describe how … “If you break it, you buy it!” ■■ The launch takes place at full numbers and the trucks roll out to all major toy stores in the coun- The old couple owns the Toy Corner, a toy store in try. In dark rooms, Deceivers are implanting more downtown Stenhamra [Boulder City]. They are a cou- adults with chips. ple in their 50's who saw many toy fads come and go. ■■ A lone child has managed to save a small group of Anette [Anne] may seem a bit strange, while Henrik six Convoys that can be found sitting and talking [Henry] is more famous for his noisy laughter. Lately in their hideout in the woods. however, his laughter has increasingly led to coughing ■■ A single adult puts up a big suitcase in an air- fits. He insists that there is nothing wrong. Anette [Anne] plane’s overhead luggage compartment. Inside a has begun to wonder if it is perhaps time to sell the subdued "Destroy! Destroy! Destroy!" is heard. store and let someone younger take over, but has not The compartment is closed and as the person sits yet raised the issue with Henrik [Henry]. down they scratch a band aid at the back of their When the scenario begins, the couple is preparing neck. for the big local launch of the Our Friends the Machines. CHANGE ULLA JÖNÅKER [URSULA KERR] Then you can either describe how Sweden [United States] was eventually transformed into a single gi- "Let me be, I have to work. Just a little while longer. " ant intelligence or, if you want a more hopeful end, describe how the FOA [DARPA] and the military The inventor Ulla [Ursula] was born and raised in Stenham- succeed in containing A’s ascendance after several ra [Boulder City]. Some call her “genius” (herself inclu- months of thorough efforts. Maybe they were not ded). She has always been creative in art and industrial able to completely stop A, and new robots emerge and mechanical design. Her latest creation, Our Friends every now and then. the Machines seems to be her greatest breakthrough. Those who were chipped, what happens to them? She is 30 years old, has big curly hair and round glasses Can everyone have their chips removed? Does eve- that she constantly loses (they are generally on her fo- ryone want them removed? Perhaps there are those rehead or around her neck). She may seem distracted who want to continue to be part of A’s network? Or and often loses her train of thought mid-sentence. What perhaps a network created by B? happens inside her head is much more important to her What happens to B? Can it continue to co-exist than the physical reality currently around her, and she with people, or will it be taken back to FOA [the has a very bad temper 2 when it comes to other people. DART facility]? She likes children in theory, but has difficulty dealing with them in practice. 27 She is a sturdy woman in her 40s and she is practical and socially adept. Agent Arnedotter [Ash] complements her partner well – she’s more straightforward (violent 2) and has no trouble handing out bruises (or broken legs) to get results. She tends to eat little when she is nervous. very happy 2 and funny 2. Their mission is to capture the two preparing for the major launch.CHAPTER O2 Agent Björk [Burlington] is an expert in disguises and blending in 2 almost anywhere. He is a little larger in the the waist and often wears a realistic looking fake moustache. al intelligences. It believes that ARNEDOTTER [ANDREW BURLINGTON this is the only way to really be safe and secure without AND BEVERLY ASH] risking torture or exploitation. The motel is run by the new. A now consists of part- artificial intelligences so that they can be destroyed or ly chipped people and partly robots from the “evil” fac- be somehow put to use in the government's service. She likes children but tends to underestimate their abi- lity to understand things. and have begun sneaking planted with a chip and A uses her creativity 3 to design around to find traces of A and B. He prefers reconnais- sance. however. HELENA VOSS [HELEN VOSS] "Who's there? You are not fooling me. but instead views matters such that humanity must either be assimilated via chipping ANDERS BJÖRK AND BIRGITTA or wiped out if chipping does not work. Helena [Helen] has mo- ved away from her office and is hiding in the factory "Destroy! Destroy! Destroy!" area after being attacked by a group of Deceiver ro- bots.. She has a black belt in karate and has won several medals in various competitions. which A is the more aggressive of the two abandoned artifici- may be helpful if the Kids acquire her as an ally. Ulla [Ursula] has been im. She is very efficient at work and does not mind taking the role of manager at the factory.. She is. When the scenario begins. Stenhamra [Boulder City]. Get away from here. you little monsters! " Ulla’s [Ursula’s] partner in the Our Friends the Machi- nes project. more efficient robot bodies. the agents have rented a room at the AppleTree Yard Motel on the outskirts of When the scenario begins. control chip itself so that the next version becomes even more efficient. and trickery as the means to get- ting information. It does not believe that machines and people can cooperate. and to improve the old retired Agda Lennevik [Agatha Linden]. tion of the Machines. 28 . When the scenario begins. surveillance. MACHINE INTELLIGENCE A: “DECEIVERS” When the scenario begins. A has chipped large The FOA agents [DARPA agents] are both in their 30s sections of the human workforce at the factory and is and very focused 2. the Deceivers. “I am your friend. black model 900. white Saab with blue-yel- ■■ WRECKAMAX – Equipped with a crane and wreck. ■■ HAL HELIO . ■■ EX ATOMA . ■■ EKVIUS OPTIMUS . red dump truck].Black CD player with working sledge ■■ EXEKUTOR PROMO . gold model 740 GLT.White popcorn machine with ■■ GULDFAS .BASE . Alone or in small INSPIRATION FOR DECEIVERS groups they can’t reason but you can definitely charm ■■ MEGATON PRIME . but right now its priority is its own survival. It definitely does not want to be forced back into the lab.Volvo passenger car. B proposes an integration solution. Instead. ■■ ROTUNDA ROD . and lockable door (a bit too small). ■■ SEDIMENTA . MACHINE INTELLIGENCE B: “CONVOYS” ■■ NIXUS CELCIUS . red model ■■ AUTOMATA NIL .Futuristic cannon with them..Huge oil platform that can be turned into a mechanical spindle.Powerline passenger car. but mostly in plastic (with reflectors). B has realized that it cannot take over the factory to stop A’s plans.Volvo fire truck. model from Floby Flak Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight 1982. remain loyal as long as they are not mistreated. It hopes to be able to find allies out there in the world that can help it stop A’s plans.Husqvarna motorcycle.LEADER .Military helicopter.” B is the more peaceful artificial intelligence and is completely opposed to A’s plans.White microwave with rotating plate lio Building Vehicle from 1984. You are my friend. ■■ RED BEAM – Scania truck.BASE . it knows that its remaining Convoy toys have been shipped to the Toy Corner and will be part of the big launch.Police car.White skate with blue star on one side (high heel. ■■ VERTIKAMP KRUX . ■■ SHARP .White bicycle helmet. model Boeing ■■ FLAK FLAME . It wants to live with people. We help each pretty small). they will be able to think and help the characters. THE MACHINES OUR FRIENDS an attempt when it realized the way in which A thought.Tire Wagon 206 (Military) [M2 Bradley]. red model R143 [Ford LTL- ■■ POLARIS SEPTUS .. other.FOA [DARPA] . ■■ AGITATOR POP .LEADER – Large carrier truck. When the scenario begins. low dash [black and white Dodge Diplomat]. The Convoys follow B’s will. ■■ PROTECTOR . 27 “Rödqvarna” from 1950. but this resulted in the destruction of a large number of its robots.Black snowmobile with toy laser.Red nail gun. and display. 9000. ■■ PAX DIRECTUS . as soon as enough of them become are active in one place. red on the inside. also turn into aircraft carrier.Yellow-orange excavator bucket.Large factory that can with an orange warning symbol.Saab JAS 39 Griffin Fighter Aircraft [F15 Eagle]. White Hult He- ■■ MICRONUS . meaning that it wants people to eventually see artificial consciousnesses as fully living creatures. orange plastic lid.atomic bomb stamped ■■ FAXIMIL FANTASTIC . ■■ ALTER EGO . ■■ INFINITE AUX . partly in styro- foam. It made 29 .Saab Sedan. ing ball. Convoys who begin to trust the characters will triple toy lasers. INSPIRATION FOR CONVOYS ■■ AMFITRAX . CHAPTER O2 30 . OUR FRIENDS 31 THE MACHINES . but they would never tell me anything about it. They then sat transfixed in front of their TVs when their parents were away. . Everyone had nightmares. next it was Nightmare on Elm Street. His friends used to swap tapes on the schoolyard and make their own copies. Micke had a big brother who used to rent horror movies and make copies. One week it was The Thing.O3 CHAPTER THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY 33 BOULDER CITY 36 INTRODUCING THE KIDS 36 INTRODUCING THE MYSTERY 37 SOLVING THE MYSTERY 38 LOCATION 1: VIDEO STORE 39 LOCATION 2: FACTORY 41 LOCATION 3: THE PTA HEADQUARTERS 44 SHOWDOWN 45 AFTERMATH 47 NPCS AND CREATURES 48 HORROR MOVIE MAYHEM I remember how we stood there in the school yard and swapped tapes. In a couple of days. We were told that all Junior High School] as well as various local cultural as- horror movies would be banned. movie screenings.but Festival] will be hosted by the Parent Teacher Associa- sometimes when we saw them sitting in front of the tion (PTA) as a collaboration between the city's schools. Mitchell Elementary School and Garrett Then the witch hunt began.I remember how we stood there in the school yard and was. If someone was different. Micke had a big brother who used to dangerous. next it was Nightmare on Elm Street. 33 . The Thing. One week it was hideouts. watching some boring movie with eyes glazed. They then sat transfixed in front of THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY their TVs when their parents were away. and that listening to well as activities and exhibitions of different works that rock music was dangerous. they were considered swapped tapes. in basements and rent horror movies and make copies. That was just the way it students have created during their academic year. His friends used to swap tapes on the schoolyard and make their own copies. about it. as mes made us worship the devil. the Stenhamra Cultural Festival [Boulder City Cultural Our parents said that it would kill our brains . TV. Everyone had The Mystery takes place in the summer of 1988. far away from the grown-up world. during nightmares. I Stenhamraskolan and Uppgårdsskolan [Boulder City wondered whose brain was really dying? High School. There will be live music. we broke the rules. So. but they would never tell me anything the weeks prior to summer break. sociations. that roleplaying ga. She has discovered that while watching TV. and everyone else must follow. ■■ They Live has been brainwashed by a program she herself crea- ■■ Videodrome ■■ Invasion of the Body Snatchers ted. As a result. she will now use the festival to repro- ■■ The Stepford Wives gram the other adults in town. the brain Introducing the Mystery The Video■ Jeanette Store Larsson The Factory PTA HQ Ellen SHOWDOWN 34 . where she works with machine-induced hypnosis and subliminal messages. She has a dream.CHAPTER O3 SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE This all seems very normal and fun on the surface. Jeanette Adolfsson [Janet Thompson]. The PTA’s chairman. Jeanette [Janet] is a researcher at the Defense Rese- arch Institute (FOA) [DARPA]. but INSPIRATION the festival turns out to have a darker purpose. Lunda Vän tho lme n DREAM Ilända Vä Jeanette’s [Janet’s] original experiment backfired. like a robot. They But there is something that can challenge the pro- look mechanically at the TV shows. without any memory of what ople. At The School the start of the Mystery several people have already been The Video converted. with no live in a shadow community. where they gradually conform to this style and behavior. prohibited. exposed to any of these elements will wake up as if such as LGBTQ people.” giving orders and controlling any other Sånga-Säby rm reprogrammed victims. The PTA meetings have thus N D become a center for the reprogramming of other adults. Conformity is the foundation of this new so- ciety. or some of the Kids’ parents. ne who does not fit in Jeanette’s [Janet’s] idyllic frame or listening to hard rock. People who have been reprogrammed ry [Pumping Plant One. This was discovered when Jeanette [Janet] 35 . However. Löftet ineered a system that can submit subliminal messages via audio-visual media outputs. These individuals. she made a video about Ölsta lm S s “the perfect Stenhamra” [Boulder City] to promote her The Factory ÖSTPORT v i k en V 5C work. Using this state of hypnosis. Anyo. Stavsborg she accidentally reprogrammed herself. and only adults can be affected. Jeanette [Ja- A net] now wants nothing more than to make Stenhamra HILLESHÖG R FÄRENTUNA [Boulder City] the “perfect” little town from the video T – meaning all indecent elements and behaviors must be Sätuna S swiftly eradicated from society. and she operates as a form of “Mas- ta A ter Program. such as the principal STENHAMRA of one of the schools. self-reflection and a perpetual smile on their faces. as she was using her new software. The local school E T will also act as headquarters for Jeanette [Janet] and her followers. immigrants. Victims who are properly has no place in her ideal town and must be removed. like horror movies. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE relaxes in a way that makes you highly susceptible to suggestions. In Kungsberga nt ho her quest for an idyllic society. J REPROGRAMMED PEOPLE Ö Lå The experimental software is based on Jeanette’s [Ja- ng L net’s] own morals. listen to bland gramming: Exposure to things the software considers music and behave. Think of a 50s neighborhood real-estate advertise. Hemenway Pass]. and disabled pe. The reprogrammed individuals are unaware of the ESCAPEE programing and cannot do anything about it. Store The hypnotic software is intended to create a form of idyllic community where people always smile and everyone is happy – where there are no elements beyond the norm. shunned by conformity. from a sedated slumber. During the Mystery. have transpired. in most regards. they will mainly try to reprogram more influential adults. instead moved to the factory ruins of Stavsborg's facto- ment come to life. violent action films. Jeanette [Janet] has everyone sit down in front of a TV en Torslunda while running the hypnotic program. she has eng. proclaiming esh MAIN REACTOR that it has to end its sinful promotion of violence. in addition to moving Boulder City High School the location. as chairman of the Parent Teacher Association. was that the United States was much more focused on sexual or occult content rather than violence (see Mo- ral panic). While this action is a spectacle. given into the care of untai the PTA until proper measures can be taken. This time period also coincides with The War on Drugs. hor- ore ror. The major cultural difference. and after her escape the members of PTA want to Lakeshore Rd Regulating Tank Number Two track her down. similar concerns were raised 93 regarding the harmful influence of various pop culture The Video Store CHARLIE GATE phenomena. however. and has fled to join the other Boulder Harbor unwanted people in the shadows of the factory. Park allowing Jeanette [Janet] and her software to achieve their vision of a conformed society. the PTA would most likely respond in force. and sexually explicit content – any media dama- Rd ECHO GATE Cooling ging to the youths should be banned. Considering that horror movies usually contain both sex and occult elements (for example movies like Hellraiser or Friday the 13th). the Pumping Plant girl working at Stenhamra Video [Hoover's Video Sto- Number Two re]. Here Jeanette [Janet] Seven Dry Falls will be on the offensive. and the video Towers n store is temporarily closed down. In the US. d Mo 93 Re Hemenway During the Cultural Festival. Ellen is now scared after finding out what Jea- nette’s [Janet’s] plans are. This t ea Gr Hemenway means that the message will spread across the country. the software takes measu- Beach res to ensure that people won’t break out of their pro- graming. so Ellen's empty syringes (see 36 . It does this via Jeanette [Janet]. while also getting rid of anything that Pumping Plant might break the programming in Stenhamra [Boulder Number One City]. the software’s audio-visual delivery system will be connected to a y Pass Hw n projector and played on a large screen which the local si Ba cable network will simultaneously broadcast. it succeeds in its intent.CHAPTER O3 tried to reprogram Ellen Skoogh [Ellen Woods]. Her first move is to conduct Lak a demonstration outside the video store. Pyramid Island Southern Nevada FORBIDDEN FRUIT Water System Boulder After the incident with Ellen. by prohibiting all elements deemed “unsuitable”. BOULDER CITY Running the Mystery in Boulder City will require a B O U L D E R C I T Y few adjustments to the setup. In Introduce each player character (PC) with a scene from 1982. Gore in the lead. Example “theme” scenes: In music. Or. try to include of cruel or sadistic violence" to Ellen in one of the scenes. and rumors A PTA member gives them a stern look and points had it that satanic messages could be heard when playing an LP backwards." 37 . ■■ Hanging out with Ellen at the local youth center. This panic also took place in ■■ Maybe the Parent Teacher Association knocks on Sweden.and maybe some other neighbor sically and mentally before it was who has been behaving strangely lately? The PCs known that the virus only spread may hear their parents discuss whether they should through bodily fluids. It's also a good opportunity to establish fluence and many suffered both phy- Jeanette [Janet] . for example. In PCs have a desire to look for. The GM should try to incorporate the sale or dissemination of films the Mystery’s theme. At first. establish the PTA. Persecution and market. ality. and help her. 1983 came the first court ruling. She can tell a PC about the latest film she has “Mazes and Monsters” starring a young seen. Roleplaying games were also tar- gets of this “moral panic”. The 80's was a decade of “moral pa- nic. or non-Christian lyrics. it had the meone to rent an R-rated movie for them. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE MORAL PANIC below) will make her an even bigger target in the eyes of the PTA. the Videogram Act prohibited their Everyday Life. and those who attend a cultural cannot distinguish the game from re- school may work on pieces for the exhibition. but it was especially notable their door seeking to talk to the parents about during the 90's when the suggestive movie violence and other harmful media. er who experiences a psychosis and val from school. Tom Hanks – the story of a roleplay- ■■ The PCs should know about the cultural festi. with "Tipper" ■■ There’s a movie night at some classmate’s house. “knew” who got it. the discussion concerned ■■ Perhaps the characters are at the video store look. It helps if at least some of the children under the age of 15. If possible. the effects of sexually suggestive ing for an R-rated movie to watch in their hideout. opposite effect and for the cooler be they try to persuade their parents to rent one! or more daring kids. of the "Parental Warning: Explicit ■■ The Kids are home alone and need to convince so.” of what caused it . and introduce with "near or long-term depictions the coming cultural festival. everyone will think we are terrible parents. In the United States.” It started with movie violen- ce. The Kids roleplaying game Kult was published can hear phrases like “Do you want what’s best and reached a height of popularity. a trial in 1985 The kid’s parents are away and the classmate’s ol. "If we don’t help out. the symbol soon ■■ A parent is concerned with the kid’s music taste stood for quality – what movies to and how “aggressive” it sounds. for your child?” and “Do you not care about your The darker side of the moral panic came with the 80's fear of HIV and child’s well-being?” and “We must all do our part AIDS. handing out flyers for the ensuing demon. also engage. Content" banner. or she's playing games with the Kids. out the damaging effects of violence and horror. watch and what music to listen to. part- Taking advantage of Ellen's movie recommenda- ly because of the made for TV movie tions. However. the fear that INTRODUCING THE KIDS children would watch movies and normalize the violent message. no one had any idea for a better society. resulted in the consequential use der sister has rented a horror movie.but everyone ■■ The PTA is holding a rally outside the local super. homophobia had a strong social in- stration. may. in her message – Ellen is brainwashing the poor child- ren and something has to be done! Like soldiers they march. The adults find an empty syringe number of affected adults grows. akin to Frankenstein. – a shocking experience for the Kids. The PCs see how people in the ■■ The demonstrators have fliers and posters urging all neighborhood hand out flyers urging adults to collect anything that could harm the child- the inhabitants to submit more ren's minds and hand it over to the Parent Teacher unwanted media. It should be an upheaval Kids travel between the main loca. and satanic rituals! Jeanette [Janet] is very firm how rented movies filled with violence and torture de. talking about how eve- have volunteered to prepare for the upcoming cultu- rything should be perfect. Jeanette [Janet] cries flyer left with their parents). in the store’s bathroom (one of Ellen's used hormone 1. walking hes to curb immorality and violence in society. 5. She youth center. One or more of the characters’ parents have submitted what is syringes) and are convinced she is also trying to force considered "Unwanted Media" to the drugs on the children! PTA. about 20 furious out how the records sold in the nearby music store are adults are led by an agitated Jeanette Adolfsson [Janet all about sex and drugs. armed with a megaphone. Kids’ families have all been re. During the Mystery.. with a trip out to the rural areas of Svart- car. their posters resembling the classic torches and pitchforks of enraged villagers. figure out what has happened and why. Her dictatorial yelling sets the tone as she video store exposes kids to roleplaying games at the firmly holds her ground. stating that she wis- move in straight lines. How she influences them with horror. They begin to behave strangely and talk about how everyone will even- tually conform to the "established SOLVING THE MYSTERY framework". The adults in one or more of the ral festival organized by the PTA. CLUES 2. On site. 3. It was taken from the Kids without asking. PCs will gradually realize that the festival conceals a They threaten violence if the Kids much darker secret. The Kids witness an adult be. Many adults changed. and summer break has just begun. carrying posters and ban- The PCs have found out about the PTA’s upcoming de. vi- denounces how the video store is a collection of sin and olence. The participants shout. Shortly afterwards. The Mystery takes place predominantly in the residen- 4. About how the clerk at the Thompson]. now completely is out. that the PTA representatives all ■■ Jeanette [Janet] calls for Ellen. These are mainly to show how glass panel breaking can be heard right before people the PTA’s influence spreads as the storm into the store. or a of the Children” painted on them. and march in circles. ners with the slogans like “Prohibit Sin” and “Think monstration outside the video store (from rumors. The sound of a tions. tial area of central Stenhamra [California Avenue & ing kidnapped and loaded into a 5th Street]. A person close to one or more of witch hunt has started . The Kids notice Association (PTA) before the festival begins. the same sjölandet [Hemenway Pass]. A with perfect symmetry. 38 . COUNTDOWN They storm into the store to take matters into their own hands! These are voluntary scenes as the Play up the drama in this. It is early summer.CHAPTER O3 INTRODUCING THE stroy the children and threaten the caring municipality MYSTERY that the association wants to create. do not act "appropriately".and it is up to the PCs to the PCs has been reprogrammed. more and more adults will be reprogrammed and the programmed and behave strangely. school person reappears.. main door. that the adults enter a room behind the counter. and hide between the shelves. with enticing red action. with many from the PTA moving in and out. They can sneak in through the the store and small TV. sing salon. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE The Video Store 0 1 2 3 4 5 meter Door to Barbershop Office Store Cashier En tr an ce Emergency Exit LOCATION 1: VIDEO STORE flyers. The store is full of Stenhamra Video [Hoover’s Video Store] is a typical vi. There is also an 39 . There is a checkout counter with an overview of to see what's going on. “unacceptable” movies. In addition to sealing off prohibited content. ■■ ADDITIONAL DETAILS: An investigate roll will disclose Although it is closed. which Ellen is often distracted. Inside the shop the carpet is gray and trampled. The different racks are nicely di- vided into shelves about as high as older children. but TROUBLE for the younger ones. now stacked on the counter. All the allure in here is wiped out by a big sign in prop a window open without breaking it. PCs also see ly glued to watching a movie. sci-fi. so that no adult of the Parent Teacher Association. or they can use FORCE to eyes. sepa- Behind the counter hangs an old translucent plastic rated by a curtain. the top shelf is still a little out of The characters can try to get in when adults are there reach. It covers a doorway which leads to ■■ BREAK-IN: When the shop is empty the door will be the mythical world of the storeroom area beyond. which can break the program- deo rental. locked. labels that read “NEW” or “Coming Soon” on the co. several of the video cassette players here are being used ver. that reads “Closed by order effects can be used to do it quietly. and The Terminator. scene from Psycho. the PTA tries to ensure that cover with red splashes. A very difficult tinker roll would allow the re the “adult movies” are kept from the Kids’ prying Kids to pick the lock. the to make copies of the promotional video (with the re- only colorless item within the shop's interior.” The movies in here comes to investigate. which is programming subliminal message). the activity in the store is that there is a side door from the nearby hairdres- high. they come here to collect videos and more get past its owner Margit [Margo]. or action motifs such as Jaws at a time. have instead been stacked in sealed boxes. Oc. The visiting adults otherwise decorated with expressive posters and paper usually come in pairs and stay for about 30 minutes stands of horror. whe. This is why Jeanette [Janet] has claimed for this displaying inviting posters of movies. a tribute to the shower curtain at least one guard is outside on watch. with large windows and highlighted panels ming. Usually. but it requires a sneak or charm roll to casionally. Bonus front of the empty shelves. CHAPTER O3 emergency exit at the back of video store's office. of the label reads “Hormone . This can provide an interesting scene for the Kids to ling towers from the Bona reactor can be seen in talk about and reflect on the meaning of what they the colorful sunlight.” They find ■■ VIDEO EQUIPMENT: If the PCs enter the area behind a postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge with a rainbow the curtain. laughing. they see that several video devices are flag and the message "Hope to see you someday" connected to each other in a sea of cables. borg’s Factory [Pumping Plant One.” The characters could use comprehend if medies (movies not prohibited by the PTA’s ban). and in unison say. although it still makes them feel want to play it as a dramatic scene. Both have binoculars around their necks and wal- ■■ COPIES: An investigate or calculate roll allows the kie-talkies in their belts. mysterious birdwatchers. The video store is empty. be unusually bent at the corners. CLUES ■■ ELLEN’S POSTER: In the enclosed space behind the Alien ■■ THE SHELVES: Once inside the store. it in an idyllic state. The ori. A successful comprehend 40 . if a Kid has characters see that the poster from Alien seems to already entered the store. both Pass]. [desert camouflage] jackets with logos of birds. It has been written in beautiful. [“Boulder – The American Dream”]. words like “community. but ■■ THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO: The short video focuses it could be more interesting to leave it up to the play- on Stenhamra [Boulder City] and tries to picture ers on how they want to respond to the information. the Kids may instead find this informa- voices. but kept for herself). blinking. Poltergeist. There are more syringes. the Kids see poster is a box stamped with USCSS NOSTROMO how the shelves around the “Suspense” section (the ship in Alien. They are of the same kind Many of them can be found in a large supermarket as the one found by the PTA in the bathroom. "the runaway" that has been spotted near Stavs- dern. they want to understand that Ellen is transgender. the which can be used to let in the others. then two reprogrammed adults can ends with all the actors in the video turning to face suddenly show up. it’s just a painted backdrop and studio spotlights. Parts cart. The PCs can hear the in- Kids to realize that copies of the hypnotic video are coming message about "the runaway" from these being recorded to replace the trailers at the begin. with bleached white teeth and when the walkie-talkie receives a message about emotionless eyes. old-fa- software. and Alien. also containing flyers from the PTA.” This is the function of Jeanette’s [Janet’s] counter. but luckily the reprogramming doesn’t shioned handwriting (by Jeanette) [Janet].” “conform” and tion written down on a note next to the checkout “idyllic. If the reprogrammed adults are no longer in as text on the screen and emphasis in the actors’ the store. wi- ing the phrase “Stenhamra – The Swedish Dream” de-brimmed hats. and green [brown] rubber boots. They are dressed in camouflage the camera. Behind it there is a secret space containing Ellen’s hidden things. ■■ WALKIE-TALKIE: If the adults are still in the store. a promotion piece Ellen got for the are virtually empty and that most of the tapes in store. Scattered on the floor tion for a name change and enclosed a new personal are movie cases of raunchy rom-coms and clever co.Estrogen. the coo. ning of various non-prohibited movies. but a closer look reveals that have found. certificate. Hemenway Many words are emphasized in the video. Everyone attempts to sound mo. With an investigate roll. the characters can try to follow using with motifs from films like Escape from New York. If you work on children. the “Thriller” and “Action” sections are missing. In the background. the The actors playing the neighbors appear stiff and characters can use an investigate roll to overhear smile all the time. especially if the ill at ease and a bit drowsy afterwards. ■■ BIRDWATCHER’S LODGE: When the adults in camou- ■■ POSTER: In the workroom there are several posters flage leave. with a smudged lipstick kiss on the back. The final ginal seems to be some kind of promotional video item is a letter stating that “The National Board of for Stenhamra [Boulder City] that is playing on a Health and Welfare has hereby approved the applica- small TV on the main counter. but the dialog comes off as awkwardly stiff. sneak to avoid detection. but these ones are unused. or an older sibling. [deserts. say that the factory is a hideout for bad people and culars. If they do an investigate roll to figu- an hour's bike ride from Stenhamra [on the outskirts re out a pattern in the patrols’ routes they'll get a +1 of Hemingway Pass]. stitute (FOA) [DARPA] before it was decommissioned. the birdwatchers – enough to let the children leave. You can also try charm. successes as bonus dice for the sneak or move rolls. and that you can hear strange people performing prehend the Kids also notice that the bird names they occult rituals at night. roll Stavsborg’s factory [Pumping Plant One] is about half for force or move. mention are clearly made up. all with walkie-talkies and bino. and rumors say that the local bird. with many great hideouts. Any bonus effect whi- most fields and small forests. but the. An empathize Nobody really knows if it’s back in use again. TROUBLE To enter the factory area. that you are so far away from home?” watchers association has a lodge near Stavsborg’s old factory [Pumping Plant One]. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE The Factory y Road Countr 0 10 20 meters e nc Fe ce ken y an ro or tr B ct En Fa all in H Ma Co un tr y or y ct Ro Fa ad Test Area ce an tr En Parking i ng ad Lo Aba Loading ndo nde Area d C onstr uct ty ion Empre- Wa use ho Bro ken Fen ce e nc Fe en ok Br or empathize roll can reveal that the clothes. rocks. The surrounding areas are fore. or LOCATION 2: FACTORY if they want to be more direct (or are discovered).” The fake birdwatchers are spread rent. ver that one of the birdwatchers is a classmate’s pa- len – “the runaway. the characters can use a sneak roll to get past the reprogrammed adults undetected. to slip through. The person allows the Kids out. bino. and logos on the jackets mean they are make accusing comments like “Do your parents know birdwatchers. With com- here. and old le interacting with the adults can be used to confuse abandoned industrial junk]. It's a mysterious and deserted old modification to their roll and may use any additional factory that has been used by the Defense Research In. Failure means that the PCs risk further culars. roll allows the PCs to notice that the patrols seem to re are rumors: It is said that criminal gangs are based be looking for something that isn’t birds. some in groups. or a contact roll to disco- grammed adults tasked with finding and catching El. They can also try to talk to the adults. The area is currently being patrolled by several repro. they will trouble – perhaps one of the birdwatchers calls a pa- 41 . If the Kids talk to any of the adults. evade the sluggish guards. she was in a room at a place which later. Allow your players the video store. The others tied to chairs. camping gear and the like. There is almost no light as the Kids Stenhamra [Boulder City] commercial. the message would not take hold. much woman. Above. grated steel-staircase leading up to an office section and escape from the school. and use conditions to make them and kidnapped her. She heard the sleeping bags. the PCs reach the len managed to break free from her main room in the factory. say: "It doesn’t work.CHAPTER O3 ELLEN’S REPORT rent that has already been reprogrammed. After that. Nostromo in the movie Alien. unwanted thoughts". The entrance’s strange machine that she used. a large open space with a chair. The feeling is that of a haun- her head and she felt a tremendous ted house. her of it tucked away in the corners or in old cabinets brain is already too affected by and lockers. the factory area is abandoned. iron doors lead into a dark maze of concrete and len was forced to watch some strange shattered glass. In front of her It is rumored that criminals gather here and the stood a woman she recognized from place has an eerie and empty feel to it. CLUES cognized as Stenhamraskolan [Boulder ■■ ABANDONED: Inside. El. One evening as she was locking up don’t make failure too debilitating. someone attacked to reach the factory. and the murky net] had an advanced computer and a water puddles are completely still. or the most deserted parts of the ship headache. point towards people actually living here. The ■■ TRACKS: After a while the PCs notice clues that others in the room. who seemed to be the group’s leader. during her escape. 42 . but after several repea. When she woke up feel the consequences of their actions. seemed capti- smaller rooms have remains of recent fires. Jeanette [Ja- faint twitter of birds can be heard. City High School]. El. Any sudden sound ted viewings it became evident that can lead to lurking danger. vated by the message. she re. navigate through long and empty corridors with Some of the words from it echoed in boarded up windows. some standing. a the local newspaper.” The PCs can see streaks Stenhamra [Boulder City]. and from marked “Administration. However. ■■ OUT OF THE WALLS: At long last. It was connected to a TV and a VCR. 43 . several quite young. or deformed. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE of the PTA’s recent raid. whirlwind of movement and shouting.” ■■ ELLEN: If the PCs ask about Ellen. some have crutches or have other disabilities. They tell their stories. gry or utterly Exhausted. they at least hope to be left alone – for the persecution to stop. Jeanette [Janet] calls them the “Army of the Abandoned. ■■ ALLIES: If the PCs have been nice to the Shadow Pe- They tell the Kids that they all chose exile. terrible. the pe- what Stenhamra [Boulder City] was turning into.” ■■ RUMORS: They themselves spread many of the ru- mors about criminals living here. giving +2 to any relevant rolls. rants. Every step echoes dread. she is wearing a "The windows above. Just like in Aliens: her passion for horror movies and her vivid ima- “They're coming outta the goddamn walls!” gination would make others doubt her story. The PCs can use charm to earn the “Sha. but since that is not how the world works. and tell them of any plans they have. about who they are and what they up. ak. a few are immig. scared. Ellen can of different ages. Most look school the room is located. gear and other necessities. the shadows move out ■■ DIRECTIONS: The Parent Teacher Association is into the light… gathered in one of the schools and something with ■■ THE SHADOW PEOPLE: The shapes appear as people Jeanette’s [Janet’s] video is very strange. Shortly thereafter Ellen enters. and an Thing" T-shirt.” “She got beat up because she had a different skin color. With the knowledge of what Jeanette [Janet] their fears come true. others are harder to define. Failure leads to a condition for the PCs. “unwanted” and persecuted. and her glasses have a cracked lens. afraid of ople. When Ellen finally opens are being yelled. An- otic moment – words. she tells them what happened to her. she of the room. There is a Broken). She will now count as a contact Many of them are holding hands. The ■■ SURROUNDED: The characters are surrounded by Kids can try to make a lead roll to comfort her (all moving shadows connected to the darkness in the her conditions are checked and she is considered room.” “She was bullied because she could not walk well. questions aimed at the Kids. one of the Sha- dow People leaves. are patrolling it. closing in on the staircase. and what want. and how many people like men and women. They get sucked into her paranoia – Scared. in persuading them or not. They are not give the Kids the exact location of where in the at all dangerous. But those nightly excursions were branded as "satanic rituals" and now almost eve- ryone has left Stenhamra [Boulder City]. she saw at Jeanette's [Janet’s] PTA-meeting at the dow People’s” trust. All they want is to be accepted. She fears and shadows begin to move. ople here at the factory [plant] will offer their help They have created a haven here for anyone who is (+1 to all actions where several people are needed. Regardless if the Kids succeed school (see Ellen’s report). intrusive feeling rises: The fear of being grabbed She is pale. and stutters as she tries to spe- and pulled into the dark at any moment! Suddenly. for those who want to listen: “He was shunned because he fell in love with another man. the walls has not dared to talk to anyone else yet. of light piercing the darkness through the boarded Her eyes are red from crying. truly a cha. Many fled as a result in addition to any bonus from Ellen). shadows that they can’t identify. They call themselves the Shadow People. When they are in the middle is planning and the PTA members at her heels. They got help from kind al- lies in town who used to come with food. old arts and crafts decorations. complete secret machine. The windows are locked from After receiving Ellen’s information. fight. with straps and restraints for holding Jeannette’s Entering the school requires a calculate roll to under. The PTA’s main classroom is to themselves). but a move roll can be used to climb up onto Kids to enter the PTA headquarters at Stenhamrasko. ly a crowded and lively place. Connected to the TVs are cables 44 . the school seems empty. now marked with a “Parent boxes of programming-breaking tapes from Stenhamra Teacher Association” sign.CHAPTER O3 Stenhamraskolan Sports Hall [Boulder City Crafts Hall Highschool] Delivery Entrence Dining PTA Room Recreation Hall Center North Wing School ■ Expedition Main■ Entrance Parking Library South Wing 0 10 20 30 40 Solb meters acka Road LOCATION 3: THE PTA stand the locking mechanisms in the doors and either HEADQUARTERS a tinker to pick it. The school is normal. Using con- lan [Boulder City High School]. Also in the room are all the components of the supercomputer as well as some CLUES televisions and video recorders – as well as the sealed One of the classrooms. Jeanette motif. Potential conditions gained here are filled with chairs with restraint harness belts as well as Scared and Exhausted. TVs have been rolled in and lined up side [Janet] doesn’t want any attention. In front of each stands a chair. it’s time for the the inside. A the hallways and the PCs may need to use sneak. tact the Kids can also find someone with a set of keys. so she can keep her by side. currently serves as Jeanet- Video [Hoover’s Video Rental]. which in practice has turned the place into a rolls to get inside are unsuccessful (drawing attention well-guarded dungeon. or a program roll to bypass any of the newer code locks. depending on the situation. and devious plans out of harm’s way. the roof and down into the janitor’s office. ■■ BRAINWASHING: Amidst the pastel colored decora- TROUBLE tions of the festival there is evidence of a darker Seen from the outside. but summer break has Inside the school several reprogrammed adults patrol transformed it into empty and desolate corridors. use by the PTA while they plan the upcoming cultural Use the patrols primarily as a complication if the initial festival. [Janet’s] victims. te’s [Janet’s] headquarters. few classrooms near the principal’s office are now in or move to get pass them. There are a receipt for a newly purchased video projector. impo- a computer virus that can break Jeanette’s [Janet’s] sing and scary. stacks and boxes of “unwan- figure out that the subliminal information is being ted” horror. but here the program. glitter. SHOWDOWN ven on specific activities. The Kids can either destroy see that the movie is the same “idyllic neighbor. and the generated phrases echo on after ■■ FESTIVAL PROGRAM: The PCs find.[state-] contained in the notes above. der City] – Speech and an inspirational video by the mer. On marching bands and music as theater performances tables and in opened boxes all around the room. ■■ PROJECTOR: With a investigate roll. outside City Hall]. the PCs can find in a way that feels welcoming and kind.” This is letters in red ink. Hypnotic Program. When the characters play the video they see the ■■ MAGNETIC HORROR: A magnet can obviously be computer activating. The speech will be held at the Cultural uncertain details that may exist regarding what has Festival Center from the large stage built in the middle happened and how they can stop it. vements. or use a comprehend or calculate roll to rea- hood” video that was being copied in the video sto. different words flickering on found in one of the science classrooms further down screen – unreadable. The result can be seen on all the screens the more offensive covers have even been burnt to and as the messages sync up with the actors' mo. they the subliminal video. it is up to the Kids to ined should primarily help the Kids understand any stop all of this. Jeanette’s [Janet’s] plan is to project the video on a ■■ COMPUTER: If the players want to investigate the huge movie screen for all the adults in attendance and computer. and covered in and "fit in". wide via the local cable network and their live bro- ming is explained in more detail. With a calculate roll they can the hallway. The information ga. Here. A big banner “an idyllic and perfect Stenhamra [Boulder]. written in pastel colors. The PTA had the same idea and signed to induce a hypnotic state in the watcher’s have attempted to eradicate the “cure”. into a hypnotic state when watching TV. without in the middle reads “Stenhamra Cultural Festival” any unwanted elements. lize that a strong magnet would clean all the tapes. they need to make an Extremely Difficult to thereby reprogram all of Stenhamra [Boulder City]. with large loudspeakers positioned control of the victims. them. when making ■■ FESTIVAL AREA: The stage is big and pompous. PTA’s Chairman Jeanette Adolfsson [Janet Thomp- mer. "obedience" nouncement board in the hallway. developed a system and a software that puts people and reprogramming most of the remaining adults. The Kids can read the notes with the final step in Jeanette's [Janet’s] plan: Arranging a comprehend and realize that Jeanette [Janet] has a mass hypnosis. erotic and action movies can recorded onto the tapes through an algorithm de. adcast of the event. filmed by the local cable network. The folder next event is the “The Future of Stenhamra [Boul- is labeled “Jeanette Adolfsson. software or the machine – for example.” [Boulder Cultural Festival]. genres stage. movies and music). MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE which wind their way back to a large computer by that won’t break the programming. They will find the same information She can hopefully spread the message country. Hypnotic Program. The performing students range from those 45 . Some of brain. The program’s goal is to create along the sides like tall prison towers. from different cultural schools in the city take the there are several stacks of “approved” films. ashes in the chemistry lab next door. the Stenhamra Cultural Festival’s [Boulder ■■ CLASSIFIED: Next to the computer is a folder full City Culture Festival’s] program. trailer sections of the tapes have been replaced with ■■ PROMOTIONAL VIDEO: If a Kid turns on the TV. Notes from her tests show that the control may be broken by strong emotional impressions (examples are gi. be found as well. re. but bonus effects of Stenhamra’s main square [the park on the other side can also be saved for any future rolls in handling the of California Avenue. on which the the teacher's desk. Obviously. program roll. It states that the of note written in a neat handwriting. thriller. FOA” [Janet Thompson. DARPA] as well as "CLASSIFIED" in all caps son] at Stenhamra torg [outside City Hall]. pinned to an an- appearing – words like "new era". She bitions are open to the public. Virtually everyone City]: "The Dream We'll All Create Together!" from the Stenhamra [Boulder City] has shown up for this joyous occasion. If any of the Kids’ relatives are with their plan to stop Jeanette [Janet]. But. The PCs can roll for contact before as well as the projector and the computer that will the scene starts to enlist the help of the Shadow People. to some who look City]. In several in symbiosis – all working to reach and uphold the small plastic tents around the festival small exhi. if they can ■■ THE NUMBER: Jeanette’s [Janet’s] speech will focus distract the guards. From here everything is Without outside assistance. easily disappear in the large crowd and. same goal.CHAPTER O3 who clearly love to be on stage. they also need to succeed befo- ■■ CONTROL CENTER: Opposite the stage. there is a small control deck movie! raised from the ground. controls for the light rigs. affected adults. a film that will artists or the schools’ most dedicated students. play Jeanette’s [Janet’s] video after her speech is over. in the middle re Jeanette [Janet] finishes her speech and plays the of the crowded street. EXTENDED TROUBLE veled from nearby towns. The show everyone her dream for Stenhamra [Boulder festival is crowded with visitors. To stop Jeanette’s [Janet’s] plan. how their town shows a cultural community like they are serving a prison sentence. in accordance with the same values. and some have even tra. This would lower the difficulty to Normal Threat Level The deck is manned by a reprogrammed adult who (2 x number of players). There is a mixer tended Trouble. The Kids have to take action and succeeded gram connected to it. They can reprogrammed. arranged by local concludes by introducing her video. Several of the already re. After a brief 0 5 10 15 20 meters Festival Area Tent Control Center Scene Restaurant Tent Tent 46 . the PCs need to turn programmed adults are standing guard as Jeanette off the video as well as break the programming of the [Janet] prepares to take the stage. climb onto the control deck and on how this is a new era in Stenhamra [Boulder the projector control station unnoticed. with a Hard Threat Level (3 x Num- table for all the sound. manages the projector and a computer with the pro. this is treated as an Ex- being monitored and controlled. ber of players). they are probably in this area. resigns as chairman [president] of the Parent Teacher programmed. she will show regret and destroy all her research. The town turns into the “idyllic com. nes. The last thing she The Kids now each get a scene from their Everyday remembers is herself. ignoring the lack of memory from the past few days or weeks. This would break at the conformed society. These scenes can include grammed her new software algorithm – about a month changes that take place in Stenhamra [Boulder City] ago. Collectively it is considered better to ignore and bury what has happened than to seek help. All Kids will be adults will still obey their programming and try to shown the video and be reprogrammed as they get old start or replace it. the hypnotic program enslaves someone new in the Most of them sluggishly return to their everyday routi- Epilogue. As their numbers increase. She leaves a report to her director at FOA IDYLL [DARPA] stating that her research was a failure. thus permanently putting an end to her A NEW DAY plans. the hypnotic state of the adults. or even smas. including Jeanet- te [Janet]. but if the roll isn’t successful the reprogrammed nette [Janet] as the new school director. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE search the Kids find the projector’s connection to a munity” that Jeanette [Janet] envisioned. they of the "forbidden” media. the Kids will save the day. Association. Jeanette’s [Janet’s] plan will succeed in turn leads to a less significant desktop job as she and most adults in Stenhamra [Boulder City] are re. AFTERMATH Jeanette [Janet] is confused. such as a horror movie or slowly but surely hatch their own plans to strike back hard rock through the speakers). The adults who the Kids don’t quite succeed (for example if they are have been reprogrammed wake up from their mass hyp- forced to compromise) you can create a scene where nosis and have no recollection of what has happened. 47 . neck deep in work as she pro- Life to end the Mystery with. This If the Kids fail. Everyone video player and the empty case of one of the edited dresses and behaves the same way and smiles empty. The VCR can of course be turned off. If the software and the computer survives. The Shadow People are left in the factory. The PTA will become even more influential. enough. movies. “Coming to America” with Eddie Murphy. at The Kids can also replace the video and play any the outskirts of society. If the characters succeed in explaining exactly after the cultural festival: what she has done. with Jea- hed. and Hopefully. whitened smiles as they pass each other in the streets. Investigating her house during the Mystery reveals ning of humanity. They have special attributes that can either increase the threat level the characters are facing. she has worked tirelessly. JEANETTE ADOLFSSON [JANET THOMPSON] “Think of your children. but instead thrive and transform into an idyll pand her research.. NPCS AND CREATURES Here are the NPC characters central to the Mystery. to further ex. [DARPA]. She studied psychology 3 for a long time.. or give bonuses as allies. She settled down in Sten. for her discovery – to further understand the mea. They take their place in the outskirts of society. ELLEN SKOOGH [ELLEN WOODS] ELLEN’S RECOMMENDATIONS ■■ THE FLY – David Cronenberg “Nothing further then he uttered. and hasn’t been for quite employer. sleepy suburb in the shadow of the Bona reactor [DART hamra [Boulder City]. and she wears big glasses and shirts with rock band or horror movie motifs. way out of hand. the dark hair is a bit shabby. Stenhamra [Boulder City] will not remain a machine-induced hypnosis. Her complexion is pale. she has also been very far from the “obsessed tyrant” that she appears to be. reactor]. This was not agreed upon with her that she is not at home. organize has always been interested in hypnosis. 48 . Till I scarcely more than muttered – Other ■■ THE LOST BOYS – Joel Schumacher friends have flown before. and her name therefore carries great weight. who’d rather see her research used in the some time. Ever since her accidental reprogramming. at least no more than usual. and She is the go to person when organizing events. not a feather then he ■■ ALIENS – James Cameron fluttered.CHAPTER O3 SHADOW PEOPLE The “Shadow People” return to Stenhamra [Boulder City] one after another as they realize there’s no longer a threat of persecution. Jeanette [Janet] had high hopes of conformity. active in the community of Stenhamra [Boulder City] What happened to her is the result of good intentions gotten way. Her major 3. The real Jeanette [Janet] is Ever since she moved there. pursuit of sleeper agents and infiltrators. close to the Loop. now in the shadows shaped by the ignorance of all. Under breakthrough came when she found an algorithm for her watch. We must stand united against violence and filth!” Jeanette [Janet] is a 46 year old researcher at FOA where she runs the local Parent Teacher Association.” ■■ PRINCE OF DARKNESS – John Carpenter Ellen is a young 26-year-old woman. which means that she under- stands. She is transsexual and has recently undergone gender correction. the answering machine re she took over as manager for the local video rental has some kind of recorded movie quote like: “Leave place Stenhamra Video [Hoover’s Video Rental]. The move to Stenhamra was meant to give her a fresh start. more than other adults. If the Kids were to call her. She a message before it gets dark. MAYHEM HORROR MOVIE She recently moved to Stenhamra [Boulder City]. she has a soft spot for some of the Kids in town. 49 . sci-fi. She respects the parental guidance and does not usually allow children to rent R-rated movies without first consulting their parents. This childish curiosity is what pro- tects her from being reprogrammed – Ellen simply isn’t “grown-up enough” to be able to share Jeanette’s [Ja- net’s] vision of a conformed society. because they mostly has run the place for about half a year now and her come at night… mostly. and is sometimes persuaded to bend the rules a little. the situation and eve- ryday life of the Kids.” personal interest in horror. whe. She is terrified of being singled out or shunned. and action films have increasingly changed the availability of these genres. However. Ellen is childish 2. She easily relates to teenagers. and some peace and quiet from her old life. Ellen absolutely loves watching and talking about horror movies. partly because of her own longing for a childhood she never really had. . a fog covers Lake Malar. The snow is gone and the trees have not started to bud. Gray and March. there are rumors that a mummy has been seen in Bredäng and the nearby Sätra. It's an unusual atmosphere and gives the plauer characters something to talk about. There are old American horror movies playing on television. To top it off. Somewhere. The world is gray and gloomy.O4 CHAPTER THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY 51 BREDÄNG 53 BOULDER CITY 55 INTRODUCING THE KIDS 55 INTRODUCING THE MYSTERY 55 SOLVING THE MYSTERY 56 LOCATION 1: THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 56 LOCATION 2: THE BEACH 58 LOCATION 3: THE CAMPSITE 59 LOCATION 4: THE HIGH SCHOOL 60 LOCATION 5: THE MUMMY’S DEN 61 LOCATION 6: OVER THE ICE 63 SHOWDOWN 63 AFTER THE SHOWDOWN 64 CHANGE 64 NPCS AND CREATURES 62 THE MUMMY IN THE MIST Bredäng. appliances he rigged up in the apartment but if necessary. They do not reflect Walter Bohm is a West German guest researcher in light and the condition is worsening. The the move. Bohm moved out of the hotel and ended up in an ach] for the cold of the dune banks that drift over the apartment on Ålgrytevägen in Bredäng on the outskirts lake. 51 . Almost transparent. In connection with teries: a mummy mystery and the DIM mystery. from work. his upper body will become invisible within a month. He sometimes walks on the beach. Hemenway Pass in Boulder City]. but they are very hot did not improve living in a Riksenergi barracks-like and he often goes out late in the evenings to cool down. Bohm came to Sweden a half-year ago. apartment hotel on Adelsö. arms and upper body. they can be moved to another suburb and used for experiments on the effect of magnetron or alternatively placed on the Mälaren Islands with a phenomena on light. but the affected parts have now THE TRUTH OF THE MYSTERY become vague. After a few minor scan. re.This plot will develop into two interconnected mys. badly burned himself during an experiment on the face. hands. Bohm fears that Slingan. Bohm little work from the GM. Bohm brought a few “borrowed” appliances mysteries occur in the Stockholm suburb of Bredäng. The burns healed faster than they should have. He enjoys going to Mälarhöjden Beach [Boulder Be- dals. At the end of February. cently divorced and with alcohol problems. his invisible of Stockholm [alternatively in a townhouse near the upper body wrapped in gauze. but things Bohm's burns do not hurt. CHAPTER O4 It is Bohm’s nightly walks that have given rise to ru. sion. to the Loop. and Riksenergi keeps them secret to keep pressure ice. ergi. tens of degrees. there are encounters between The foreign beings are called “DIM-9” by Riksen- Riksenergi [DART] and creatures from another dimen. but in truth. These are the strange creatures behind the weird mors that there is a mummy in the woods between weather phenomena taking place in Lake Mälaren Bredäng and Mälaren [the descent between Hemenway [Lake Mead] lately. The meetings taking place on the small island DIM-9S of Kungshatt [around the Alpha Gate] are so far very Lake Mälaren is wrapped in fog and covered with thin rare. The phenomenon is often attributed to its proximity from the government and other groups off them. The temperature rises up and down and Boulder Beach]. simply because they are believed to come from a Introducing the Mystery Björksätra Annika Älg School Mälarhöjden Bredäng Beach School The Camping The Mummy's SHOWDOWN Den 52 . it is foggy and Lake Mälaren is covered with ice. nurses and post officers who Beach] (across the water from Kungshatt) that attracts find that it is much better to own an outhouse through them. The current problem is that the DIM. Something they think can help them get home. Bredäng is a suburb of Stockholm that is almost less and hungry about something that is unclear. There twenty years old. Bredäng is mostly populated by is also something at the Mälarhöjden Beach [Boulder construction workers. BREDÄNG 9s are stuck in our dimension and starting to feel rest. the housing projects than living in the slums of Sö- 53 . THE MIST THE MUMMY IN SKRÄDDAR- HOLMEN N L Ö E G Å F FLÄSKET Konditori Lyran Mälarhöjden T S H A T en Beach ar U N G Mä l K The Mummy's Den Bredäng TV-torn Bredängs- Camping parken ägen Restaurang Bensinmack MÄLAR- Sätra ytev båtsällskap Tempo Ica HÖJDEN Ålgr Bredäng School allé Björksätra BREDÄNG Bredängs ängs Mälarhöjdens School Bred Gröns ridskola stugans park vägen Sätra en äg idrottsplats rav ät ks jör B SÄTRADALEN SÄTRA Industriområde en äg E4 msv l ho kär S SEGELTORP SKÄRHOLMEN ninth dimension. playing hockey and Star Wars. libraries. (At this time only everywhere. liquor stores. On top of the Tempo there is a bi. IKEA’s round and vaguely futuristic building can be äng's center. several banks. If you want to go shopping. Sivonen or Stefanovic. in the center of Skärholm. a Chinese restaurant and a children and you can always find children cycling cinema called Vågen (The Wave). The suburb abounds with families with there are a lot of toys. where den [in Las Vegas]. the Post Office. two major food sto. no matter if their a swimming pool. Nobody stands res. there is everything you could wish for: found in Kungens Kurva). In Bred. 54 . a pastry shop. go to news stories are mostly about events in Kungsträdgår- the nearby mall. Bredäng is socially homogeneous.CHAPTER O4 Boulder Beach He River Mountains me Boulder Beach Campground nw Seven Dry a y Falls H Lak a Lake Mead r esh MAIN REACTOR Marina b o ore ECHO GATE r Cooling Rd Towers FOXTROT GATE 93 tain y Hoover Dam oun Hw Lodge n M Hemenway Ba si Red Pass Gr ea t The Mummy's DARPA Hemenway Den Park FACILITY Ca y ny Hw on n si Ba Rd t ea Gr B O U L D E R C I T Y Mitchell Boulder City Elementary High School 93 School CHARLIE GATE dermalm. and even out and almost everyone has a job. There is no stro serving various barbecue dishes that overlooks big team to root for in the town and the worst evening a parking garage. name is Svensson. Bredäng merges into Sätra. Kids sneaking around and obviously wants to know such as constantly blabbering about the Tre Kronor what they are up to. When Annika understands that [USA national ice hockey team]. The important thing is to get the benefit of Tales of the Loop is customizability of the characters away and into the nearest forest in the every mystery to fit wherever you and your group are morning or after school. in addition to their peers. versions of names and depends a little on the Kids themselves. the characters find some gauze hanging on a bush. On the other side resi- MYSTERY des the old villa of Mälarhöjden. It’s a normal day. the forest that spreads down towards Mälaren and on scout leader Frasse [Frenton]. These could be real mummy phenomena and to follow the story bread crumbs. The ves with or without Trouble. not someone playing a prank pretending to be one. Take your time setting the wrappings are dirty and have a strong smell of detergent. she tells them Wars. Run DMC and Van Halen. is obsessed with Star the characters are on a mummy hunt. let each Kid [Boulder Beach]. For example. the cute school librarian. and partly because adults may make a con- minor changes. Set a scene for each of the Kids in their Everyday Li. How exactly you should get the Kids involved we have chosen to write U. The world TROUBLE looks roughly the same whether you live in a townhouse You can keep the Kids on edge with odd noises and or an apartment. 55 . Bredäng children do not cross towards Bredängsvägen. An- Kids listen to AC/DC. To the east. then any games or mobile phones. towards the town. She has seen the re or quirk that his Kid has in addition to his pride.S. nika is a couple of years older than the oldest Kid. From tracks. down the highway. It is important that it is light playing. sometimes hang out in the area. but they could also belong to high schoolers that the familiar and safe down towards the unknown. or any other important person in Bredäng is bordered on the north by a mountainous their lives. but there are places in [parentheses] after the Swedish. or spends all of his waking time playing with a that a mummy has been spotted at Mälarhöjden Beach toy horse or reading comics. and Sätra [around Hemenway Park]. This is inten. In addition. A real mummy. and incredibly annoying. To the west. being ad- ded as an aid instead of a definitive statement. For natural reasons. THE MIST THE MUMMY IN BREDÄNG’S GEOGRAPHY talk about his anchor. In the same way as in the rule book. surface of the lake. CLUES INTRODUCING THE KIDS In the forest. Talk about your Everyday Life without birds darting out of bushes when they are up late. BMX bikes are in and older you can have them meet Annika Älg [Anna Acker]. a Allow each player to describe at least one featu. the radio is blaring out something about that Reagan fellow in the United States. mood. Part of venturous or even vanity. This is not something Kids bring to the attention of BOULDER CITY any adults. It is an unspoken rule There have been rumors among children in recent that the children from Mälarhöjden also refrain from weeks about a mummy that has been seen in Bredäng crossing into Bredäng. by an area where the trees have no leaves. little weird. outside for the first encounter. the south by Skärholmsvägen and the industrial area or Leffe [Lou] who trains the Handball Club's team. It's hard to know. partly because adults can force them to stay The mystery fits well in Boulder City. which then merges into Skärholmen. you’ll find the big TV tower on a INTRODUCING THE rocky knoll at Bredängsvägen. but will require indoors. there will never be nection between the mummy and the violent American ice on Lake Mead so the last part of the mystery will be horror videos circulating among the youngsters and replaced with dense fog and boats that can navigate the decide that they should not be watching them. several different ways – engaging in curiosity. Allow the Kids to be curious about the strange Visible in the area are tracks. ) The school consists der Beach]. the beaches at night as strange creatures move in and mentary School] is visited by po. Bredängsskolan [The Mitchell Ele. [Mitchell Elementary School in Boulder]. (For those ems to be on to them. Mrs Molnbäck. are seen wandering in the woods. The mummy follows members of the handball team as they run away. the schoolyard around a beauti- The mummy is drawn to the creatures on the ice. Three orange Riksen- ergi vehicles park at the beach of a number of two-storey buildings of yellow brick. what pressure on the Kids and set the color is it? And is it a boy’s or a girl’s bike? mood in Bredäng. In the end. When ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Constable Benderman says this. Perhaps Annika may help one of the Kids ask out get them to go on the mummy hunt through blackmail someone he or she likes in exchange for investigating (preferably through Upset or Scared). who has a It is clear they are searching for strong resemblance to with Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) something. for the Sätra Mummy. and ful blue-white Volvo. If so. An encounter between the two is inevitable. [DART Security] do everything to keep people from 2. the characters lice officers. he All children go to the Björksätra School in Bredäng looks straight at the Kids. [Miss Mayber- 56 . The police vice versa. Riksenergi Security mummy that threw Jerker. constables Larsson and Benderman [Larsen and Benderman] visit the Kids’ classroom and urge the class not to go out to or on the ice LOCATION 1: THE under any circumstances since it is treacherous and dangerous. it was the strange at the Mälarhöjden Beach. but find something even more According to rumor. runs The mystery unfolds in and around Bredäng [Boulder away terrified and trips over a City and Hemenway Park]. 1. Everyone is terrified of the aging Swedish teacher. many schools around Stockholm lookout in the area. Kids can impress Annika with a CHARM roll. the school no longer 3. There is no threat of violence. if der Beach] tonight as they have now suddenly promi- they fail. The characters all know that An- nika is on good footing with the hard-working siblings Eva and Björne Strömdahl [Erica and Ben Sanders] and COUNTDOWN can count on them if it would come to trouble. out of the ice [in the lake]. It lies on a piece of land between Sätra’s along the Mälarhöjden Beach [Boul- Sport Stadium and the subway. One of the team members. The Kids flock around will realize that these two phenomena are connected. Björksätra is an average cars travels back and forth along school without particularly high demand for students. One of the were built out of old barracks. from the TV series Dallas. One of the school’s cooks is Mona. The Kids are searching rocky edge and breaks both legs. she instead exposes something about them to sed. they have to go out on the mummy hunt sing secret the character wishes to keep quiet. He se.CHAPTER O4 The meeting with Annika will put the Kid’s skills to the down to the campsite and Mälarhöjden Beach [Boul- test. Annika also wants to know if there is a bicycle on Use the events below to increase the the ice at the Mälarhöjden Beach tower. who want to use modern maps. Jerker SOLVING THE MYSTERY Andersson [Jerry Andersen]. Whichever the the mystery. Riksenergi expands its presence exists today. and half a dozen guards are on the During the sixties. the roads between Bredäng and There are three to four classes and a small extra class Sätra and guards carrying torches for children with special needs from each grade. or maybe she may knows some embarras- case may be. on how the event develops. She did not see something between a foghorn and a his face. Several me- ruthless towards one of the characters. white-haired man scared the horse. a group ding a BMX bike. But it was down at Mälar. It has so- whose father is a policeman. THE MIST THE MUMMY IN ry]. höjden Beach [Boulder Beach]. Regardless.” ■■ Leffe [Louie] in class 4B comes that a mummy was indeed at the Sätra Stables last by. the Kids can use fight or ■■ Marcus Nilsson [Mark Newman] is ri- charm to de-escalate the situation. He stops to brag of children will look at the way the Kids solve the situ. tion that they “do something about ■■ RIDING STABLES: A couple of sixth graders tell you the Loop. Do not forget that it is Mar- ders].) distressed cow. You can use one or more of these TROUBLE events on your way to the Björksätra Elaka Eva and Björne Strömdahl [Erica and Ben San. of them pops up (accompanied by their gang) and is ■■ Traces of the mummy. that his eldest brother purchased ation which will have subsequent ramifications. from the TV tower. the most expensive Tyco car. say that the mummy is probably someone who ran away from Sätra sjukhus [Boulder City Hospital]. the military put out light posts]. CLUES ■■ There are frozen spots on the The school tries to drown rumors of the mummy. It was foggy and a ■■ The TV Tower sings.) 57 . Here street. He tells the Kids that yester- night. it turns out that a girl really so much fog over Lake Mead that was tossed by a horse. It frightened several horses into a panic. One day there was so much ice on Lake of the girls’ big sisters was tossed from her horse. A loud noise. The Kids hear adults men- are some that the Kids can pick up. A hall in one of the barracks houses the theater club. Mälaren that a military icebreaker The horse then bolted towards the woods. says he heard his dad mething to do with the Loop. Depending ters of dirty gauze hang on a tree. which does its best to recruit rebel students whe- ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL rever it can. One trees have no leaves left on them. school. (If you had to come and open a lane [and look into this rumor. The Strömdahl twins are in sixth grade and ch and the weather is harsh and the consider themselves rulers of Björksätra School. is sometimes heard ■■ THE FUGITIVE: Anders Gran [Andy Geller] in 5a. He then rides away. (This is not actually the case. You can find mummy stand it) satisfied that their job is done. There is something on the beach that attracts the animal. The mummy and “the offense” into a big walkie talkie. men are led by a woman (Maj-Britt Sundvall) [Mary It was not just a rumor. There is a sandy beach. they will interrogate them before sen. Fooling the guards and running away from them can LOCATION 2: THE BEACH be accomplished with a move roll. She knows nothing tav Wasa" . cold fog. The woman talks about traces and face are wrapped in long white rags. then disappears among The patrol has come to the beach on hovercraft caravans and trees. or charm to come up with a good reason to be ling here.) [Lake Mead is covered in dense Fog] Riksenergi’s patrols can be a problem for the charac- ■■ CAMPING: The mummy has been sighted inside the ters. wall’s [Mary L Bloomington’s] displeasure. (True). she will reveal that [Frannie] will deny this. poking around.) This is where the mummy has been seen. (True. If they find any Kids. (Scout leader Frasse home. 58 . (Does not matter comes complicated: they capture the Kids in their ho- in any way. ■■ IN LOVE: The mummy is looking for a woman it fell The guards are harsh and determined. Failure gives a condi- A large swimming area located at Lake Mälaren. All of them are seriously and are (although the characters do not under- now covered in a thick. but the characters below the campsite. CLUES ding them on their way. tion. loud noises are When the Kids finally escape the patrol’s grasp. He is a glimpse of something out in the mist. but will not in love with.) vercraft. the situation be- liar to whoever is telling the story.Bredäng Scouts [Boulders Girl Guides] about any bike gang or mummy. until finally there the bay Mälarhöjden Beach [Boulder Beach]. Every now and then. such as Exhausted or Damaged. There are several guards patrol.) Riksenergi is looking for an abandoned animal. They will do the same to the Once the Kids have escaped the patrol and seen the bike gang if they find them. Riksenergi employees are now in was yelling in German.) even more of a hurry to chase away the Kids. a number are able to escape. The woman is usually someone fami. There is a thin ice layer on Lake Mälaren. they will have lots to talk about. mummy. She warns the charac- tells that the scouts [girl guides] nowadays avoid ters to stay out of Riksenergi’s way and then sends them the forest around the campsite. where they will be interrogated by Maj-Britt ■■ THE FOREST: A girl who is a member of the "Gus. The fog densely covers the beach and you can only see for a few EVENT: THE MUMMY tens of meters. which can easily travel over water as well as ice. With a successful charm roll. In the event of a failure. they go heard from the ice. They are looking for something and gure wearing only a pair of pants while its upper body do not look friendly. On the hilltop up Down at the diving tower there is no path over near the campsite. but he dow. TROUBLE (Not true. (They are hears the characters coming through the thicket and looking for a DIM-9 that has deviated from Kungshatt stops. fight children. [DART] can be seen walking along the beach. as big as a bus. ■■ SEA: Something odd is happening on Lake Mälaren. from the frying pan and into the fire. A huge sha- shouted strange things in Egyptian. It listens for a second before turning around and [Alpha Gate]. a patrol from Riksenergi against the black sky. Sundwall [Mary L Bloomington]. Fifty meters away is a fi- L Bloomington]. The guards do not really take the Kids of jetties and a ten-meter diving tower. On the other hand. they see a strange human silhouette the ice. They may have to roll for stealth to avoid detec- closed campsite.CHAPTER O4 ■■ FOG: Someone (it’s always unclear who) has seen The mooing noise in the Mälaren becomes louder and the mummy running along the dams down at stronger the longer the scene goes on. The five The Sätra Mummy. tion. (True.) heading back to the campsite. to Maj-Britt Sund- rags in several places. THE MIST THE MUMMY IN ■■ TRACK: Players using investigate to track the mummy rest down towards Mälaren. ■■ WRITE: If the Kids tell anyone about what they see. You choose The Campsite Ål Beach st en 0 20 40 meters Ro ad Path to e nc Fe ence in F Hole Gate Showers & Toilets Sh ow er s & To il et s Sho w Main ■ ers Waste Disposal Building Storage & T ce oil Kiosk Fen e Bicycle ts Shed Fence Main Gate Cut Fence et Road Stora Sällskap 59 . or it is on its way to Ålgry- tebacken [Hemenway Park]. kiosk. lies the narrow path along School [Boulder City High School]. because they will mummy itself not far away. though it is not particularly cold. they suddenly hear incoming mopeds. It is fenced and for the can see that the tracks lead towards the Ålgryteback moment deserted. There are a couple of cabins with [Hemenway Park] (see the Mummy's Den on page showers and toilets and a closed and fully flooded 61). There is a light flurry of snow falling on the camp- they are met with some respect by middle school site. The which Walter Bohm walks as he heads down to Mä- exact when and how is up to the players. and not long after they see the good idea to blame the police. It's not a find fresh mummy rags. the fence is so broken that ■■ REPORTING BACK: The Kids need to talk to Annika it is possible to go inside unchallenged. On the forest side. page 60). the bushes. Make it larhöjden Beach [Boulder Beach] to cool his burning clear that Annika will be very anxious and impa. and wander into the fog. site. The characters children and with skepticism by adults. The mummy is either on turn to the Kid’s parents. Riksenergi will deny all its way down to stand by the beach at Mälarhöjden knowledge of people at Mälarhöjden Beach. In the woods Älg [Anna Acker] the following day (at Bredang behind the campground. There are several washable mummy bindings in tient unless you talk to her. LOCATION 3: THE CAMPSITE TROUBLE When the characters are wandering through the camp- The large campsite in Bredäng is located by the fo. At Ålgryteback it disap- pears into a port. body. The youth at school Benny and the gang are cowardly but threatening. or investigate the ers]. surrounding them and driving in circles. or the conversation what some “little snots like you” are doing at Bred- with Annika. or they can become valuable allies! Extra other hand. ängs School and asks them if they want to wash their ■■ STAIRCASE: There is some detective work required heads and hair in the school's nice toilets? See previous to calculate that the mummy is living on the second trouble with the Moped gang (page 59) in case of con- floor. How it all develops depends on what the Roger] (both of whom are dating the sporty girls Carina player Kids do. then may- CLUES be he decides to help the Kids in order to impress her. thus re. of his gang can be antagonists who can come back later in course. the events will. flict with the gang. (Keep in mind that the gang are in the TROUBLE ninth grade and are therefore older than most of the In school the Kids will encounter Benny Jönsson [Billy Kids. mention they are there to meet Annika Älg [Anna Ack- cognizing Walter's walking style.) A character can also impress the moped gang by Jenkins] and his moped gang. 60 . The school's worst want to know why the Kids are sneaking around at bullies are the large brothers Robin and Roger [Reed and the campsite. Kalle Karlberg SCHOOL [Charlie Carr] has attached a boombox to the base of The next day: The Bredäng School [Boulder City High his moped and the gang travels in circles blasting Def School] is a modern education institution located in Bred- Leppard and Hands to the Sky. She really wants Kids can pursue them or bring them along on to find the bike. alone by choice or because people are afraid of her. If they have already met using tinker to fix something on a moped. She ■■ BACKGROUND: Benny and the moped gang know accepts the characters’ apologies but insists that the that something strange is happening on the ice. Ben- successes can be used as bonuses at the next meeting ny and the gang will surround the Kids and wonder with the moped gang in school. Benny ängs Centrum. LOCATION 4: THE HIGH Benny Jönsson leads [Billy Jenkins] his gang through a cut out hole in the fence. and is actually named Walter Bohm. Tonight. gang or try a charm roll against the leader Benny or his lackey Kalle. bike must be picked up. on the the mystery. or whether it is a this adventure? complication for a failed roll during the Kid’s survey of the location. The cha. racters can either make a extremely difficult (two A fact that can complicate it all is if the characters successes required) roll to comprehend. be colored by how the meeting went. school (or at least it seems that way to the Kids). It's hard to tell if she's with the moped thread. Different clues may appear depending on whether the Annika Älg [Anna Ackers] holds a table in a recre- characters follow the mummy or handle the conflict ation room in Bredängs School. Benny is deeply in love with Annika and becomes staircase that leads to Walter's door. And this time Annika is tag- as they have seen strange shadows move out ging along. ter and smoke rises out of every pipe. If. know that Riksenergi [DART] cars are moving around in the neighborhood. and are skeptical of the mummy rumors. they are meeting for the first time.CHAPTER O4 if this event happens automatically. ■■ STAIRCASE: The mummy’s tracks lead out towards Annika seems both unpleasant and unstable and is the rowhouse at Ålgrytebacken [the rowhouse at looking forward to getting the characters out of the Hemenway Park] (see the Mummy's Den. If the players make successful charm rolls. There are five or six classes in each grade. page 61). They can choose to face the moped and Camilla [Casey and Camille]. there. and the gang spots one of the characters and drives The schoolyard is considerably higher than the town cen- after them. either reluctant or jealous when he learns this informa- tion. but maybe the Annika [Anna] is upset and impatient. All of a sudden. Benny and them at the campsite (see above). They have CLUES not bothered to investigate it. probably German. LOCATION 5: THE ■■ GHOSTHUNTERS: On the way from school. older children at school have taken her bike as re- venge for something she did. they say er Kids ask what the machine is for.” bind and not at all as dangerous as she first seemed. If the play. They know she will be punished for this. the (Margareta Koskinen) [Maria Gonzalez] answers characters slowly understand that Annika is in a that it is used to speak with the “crazy ghosts. the woman that Walter Bohm is a foreigner. the cha- racters notice that a Riksenergi machine has been MUMMY’S DEN set up in the parking garage behind the center. 61 . asked this question (using charm or contact). A Who is this Walter Bohm now? If his neighbors are man and a woman are setting it up. The “ghosts” are just the mooing noises at Lake She is harshly disciplined at home and a couple of Mälaren [Lake Mead]. THE MIST THE MUMMY IN ■■ FORCED: With a successful blow to empathize. but sometimes there Riksenergi meets the DIM-9s on the is crying and screaming coming from his apartment. small island of Kungshatt within Typically in a foreign language. But the Kids don’t know that. With some luck (one roll of comprehend). here or being captured by Walter Bohm. The five DIM the player Kids can also find out that Bohm works for 9s are held in a "hedge" by means of Riksenergi [DART]. He has lived here for the mist of Lake Mälaren [around the half a year. they may get bonuses. In the event of a complication arising during this nergi nor DIM-9s are after anything sequence. KUNGSHATT [ALPHA GATE] He does not have a TV at all. can be found. Alpha Gate at Lake Mead]. and the character’s hand becomes somewhat diapha- 62 . barricade tape which.CHAPTER O4 The Mummy's Den 0 1 2 3 4 5 meters (Ålgryte Road 8. On the balcony. but they may if the Kids try to make a diversion (for example. Do not forget that neither Rikse. a roll end up there for unclear reasons. they refuse to cross. there are Margareta Koskinens [Maria Gonzalez] domain and she controls her as she signs that Bohm often sits there on a folding chair and wants. To A It is not meant for the players move roll is required to get around here unnoticed. such as by accessing one of the machines bad. for some re- ason. but to reach Kungshatt. an assortment of laboratory equipment indeed a suicide mission. one of the Kids is somehow exposed to Walter Bohm's affliction. smokes as he watches the mist over Mälaren. Second Floor) Toilet Bathroom Dining Room Bedroom Kitchen Laboratory (Living Room) Balcony Study Hallway They also learn that he is a hermit and a curmudgeon. Inside half-kilometer hike over the ice is the apartment. The island is move) on the second floor. A of charm or some such). (Some TROUBLE are attributed to have escaped when Bold Kids can climb up to Bohm's balcony (using some strips broke). Then it emits what sounds like a moo and glides towards Kungshatt. the fog is dense and it is easy to lose your “they” are) can cure him. when it comes within view of the Kids. zing" ones. When Walter goes out to the way. has been familiar with the ide a why His last attempt to reverse his transformation has for a long time. Riskser- 63 . he that attracts the DIM-9s. the DIM-9 leaves the barricade with an investigate roll. It stops for a moment they can help him keep an eye out for the annoying gu. The characters then see that Walter is sitting on his back completely unafraid. However. or they There is something about Walter Bohm's composition follow him (sneak). his footsteps can found ■■ At Kungshatt. in something wet and nasty. He has no idea Koski- how to cure the infection. Maybe then he would be happy. ditions Fear or Exhausted. Sundwall [Bloomington]. he will invite them to the ice to meet the "ama. The then he opens up to the Kids and confides in them of hours his secret. but he is cer- tain that there is something out on the ice that will be able to cure him. Riksenergi's people are searching for it on hovercraft. It is completely silent and huge. but perhaps his new friends The star researcher Margareta GM’ s ace may know. She CLUES to solve different situation the nasty ■■ MUMMY: If the Kids knock on Walter Bohm’s door can save the characters from can get he will answer. LOCATION 6: OVER THE ICE SHOWDOWN Walter Bohm goes out to the ice with the Kids. He has no apprehensions about bringing a Suddenly. The ice is cracking and the only thing that is encountered ■■ A DIM-9 begins to search for Walter while the others is the DIM-9's ruler at Kungshatt [Alpha Gate]. He is half invisible and fully drunk. which is why he does on the ice with her own hov com pli cat ed not bother to hide that he is invisible. she erc raf t. If Walter discovers the children. which calls to Walter Bohm. Walter Bohm wasn’t. or contract his aff. It is clear that it ards from Riksenergi. The Kids slide towards Stockholm and Essingeleden. heavy injection and a couple [Gon zal ez] ■■ INFECTION: He has been infected with something of light cramps. If the play- or rescue the Kids from a DIM -9 re- situation at Kungshatt. from somewhere out in the ice a DIM-9 gli- group of schoolchildren wandering out onto the ice other des into view. (straight through the tear) and goes out on the ice. If the characters are friendly to Bohm. yet the ice than seeing it as a friendly gesture or a game. THE MIST THE MUMMY IN nous. Failure gives the Kids the con. Perhaps holds its weight without breaking. He will introduce MEET THE STAR the characters to his friends in the fog. and has no failed. However. are eventually lost and their feet and bodies are covered liction. It does not take long before the Kids lose the already ice the following events start to occur: semi-invisible Bohm. Walter becomes almost happy and is now friendly towards the character. The ers come up with a reasonable story (a charm roll) ess to the spond to her and she has acc cur e is a cure for invisibility. He unsure exactly what it is. Likewise something about will invite them to come with him with enthusiasm. Koskinen phe nom enon in the magnetic field that is making him invisible. nen [Maria Gonzalez] is the cou nte d on in the sleeve. ■■ THE CALL: There is something down at Mälarhöj- den Beach [Boulder Beach]. Out the DIM-9's convinced Walter that they (whoever on the ice. sees the Kids. but the tracks are still found. She can be s. He is at the end of his wits. They gather on the ice.forming a in the scene. She dis. fog and headlights from Rik- nergi's patrols long enough to allow Walter to get senergi's hovercraft boats. off the ice one way or another and send them home. (3 x the number of Kids). In ■■ A DIM-9 sees the characters and approaches them. Be sure to get the player Kids the DIM-9s back home. yet things are not the same. mething happens. The Kids suddenly start levitating off the ground. such as Benny Jönsson [Billy Jenkins] ring around Walter. the engine from one of Riksenergi's are drowning or are in need of immediate help. and maybe even Benny (see below). hovercraft is heard. AFTER THE SHOWDOWN The DIM-9 wants the Kids to mislead Rikse. Riksenergi is now ignoring the Kids unless they Further away. order to act before Walter is broken. The Kids are out on the ice with only the Jönsson and his gang will also. With Walter's help they can finally get there. They stand around the invisible man. they are gone the next is now completely invisible. ■■ HELP THE AGENTS: If the player Kids choose instead Perhaps in order to prove that monsters took her to stop the DIM-9s and “save” Walter. And they want to his body. Annika Älg will have a they do not interfere with the DIM-9s’ return home newfound respect for the Kids. then they bike so that her dad would not get angry. while Riksenergi watches. they need to mislead Riksenergi’s patrols so that mal. This can appears into the mist. all This may be the set-up leading to the final scene. they are all gone. Totally gone. DIM-9s have disappeared. the in another world. Everything returns to nor- 9s. their color looking return home! matted. Let will keep a watchful eye on the Kids in the future. Their ■■ Then the characters drop slowly to the ground aga. The beings come from another world (another Then they tear him to pieces and feed themselves with dimension to be more precise). either through the Kids’ aid on an invisible tendril. EXTENDED TROUBLE The scene can take different turns depending on what CHANGE the players do: When the fog finally lifts. Riksenergi managed to move them into the ■■ The DIM-9 approaches him in a way that can be Slingans underground complex for further experimen- perceived as threatening. can do so with the help of the patrols. Desolation. be a matter of leading the creatures back and con- or perhaps she is captured by Riksenergi’s patrols. tation. morning. the characters It's a horrible scary sight to see this shadow-like must succeed with a Threat Level that is almost im- marvel heading straight towards them. Per- the players come up with a plan and implement it as haps a representative will come to school to let them 64 . it's like they're or their failure to stop them while aiding the patrols. The creatures start to fade. The threat level is very difficult try to corral the DIM-9s back to the barricade area. relationship with Annika Älg [Anna Ackers] should be in and the giant creature disappears into the fog. But they are chased by little people in orange over- alls and wielding flashlights. and the DIM-9 communicates DIM-9s move towards Walter where he is standing with straight into their minds using images and visions: arms stretched out. and his moped gang! In that case. and steps out onto the ice to photograph a DIM-9. this lowers the Th- ■■ Annika Älg [Anna Ackers] has a camera with her reat Level to Normal (2 x number of Kids). positive. Only darkness. And just like that. taining them inside Kungshatt's [Alpha Gate]. they clothes they wear and the equipment they have. as if the creature were carrying them If the creatures are successful.CHAPTER O4 gi's hovercraft boats are circling and using lights to an Extended Trouble. if the player Kids do not ■■ Then a single DIM-9 finds Walter and attracts the rest have any help you can allow a third party to interfere of the flock to him. Walter takes off his clothes and If the creatures were caught. while Riksenergi’s [DART’s] agents catch Walter. Maybe she meets a DIM-9. As for Riksenergi. both Walter Bohm and the ■■ HELP THE CREATURES: If they choose to help the DIM. possible (4 x the number of Kids). But then so. Suddenly. but can also provide a bonus to the rely home. ordinary.” [Canyon Road]. Walter drinks periodically." aks Finnish-Swedish [Maria Gonzalez speaks English as a native language]. at this point “What is going on here?” Walter is hopeless as a researcher. ANNIKA ÄLG [ANNA ACKERS] Margareta is tall. She collects gossip and malicious rumors. Walter once had a promising career as a scientist dibly annoying. They are all men. THE MUMMY old school. and bossy. She is incre. then loses a day or two to the bottle. Annika lives in a rowhouse on Tankebyggarbacken “I shall be visible again. can Here are the various characters who play a particularly tell endless stories and all have a complicated rela- important role in the mystery. She is ra- in the specific scenes. She is so intelligent that everyday things bore her. but has spent a full month trying to talk to the DIM-9s at Kungshatt [at Alpha Gate]. but deep down may still have a soft spot Kids’ activities if any of them become allies of the Kids. attributes that can raise the threat level the characters face They are all equipped with batons. She spe- "I saw everything. She is excited. and basically nice. Walter lives as on Ålgrytevägen [Hemenway Park] 65 . Annika seems to live on chewing gum. He is sober for a few days and works. accurate. Anything other than contacting the DIM-9s is of no importance to her. They wear vague uni- NPCS AND CREATURES form-like clothes in dark orange. handcuffs. Now he lacks self-esteem and ambition. She usually works at Karolinska Institutet. THE MIST THE MUMMY IN know they are keeping an eye on them. Several of them have special tionship with Maj-Britt Sundvall [Mary L Bloomington]. Annika Älg went to middle and secondary school at the Margareta has 3 in her linguistic skill. Unfortunately." Margareta Koskinen [Maria Gonzalez] holds docto- rates in linguistics and biology and holds the world's only professorship in the doctrine of alien beings. Perhaps one of Kids’ parents receives a notice from the authorities. towards children. solid flashlights. enthusiastic and almost blessed to be where she is right now. I will tell. Björksätraskolan [Mitchell Elementary School] and is cur- rently in seventh grade at Bredäng School [Boulder City High]. Annika owns a camera. Margareta lives on Odenplan [at Wilbur Squa- re] with a neglected husband and family. she is like Shirley Temple. She still keeps an eye on what is happening in her WALTER BOHM. Her mother says ahead of him. A collection of the best guards available. The more sorry for himself he feels. Competent. for all physical melee. restless. and a chain smoker. and all have the attribute physically fit 2. the more he drinks and RIKSENERGI GUARDS [DART GUARDS] unfortunately he has also discovered that drinking ma- kes him slightly more visible. MARGARETA KOSKINEN [MARIA GONZALEZ] "Imagine what they could tell us. The green jelly produces mily and has no friends.CHAPTER O4 Maj-Britt [Mary] is a tough. and have the big as a tree trait at 3 and are ment at Brommaplan [in Boulder City]. The Kids will find him a little disgusting. but can better be accomplished through a successful roll for tinker. She is not a DIM-9S violent person. Children find her scary. a position that involves few meetings and many inte- resting excursions on the Mälar Islands. bonus (up to a +3). He has the traits fanatic 2 and invisible 2. alt- hough hers is a little bit more elaborate. And that they are able to cure him. Walter has a death wish. gray-haired and a little short-sighted. broad-shouldered. They are intelligent 3 and feed on large amounts of sulfur. composed of greenish jelly. Just the way she likes it. She is a harsh leader 2. whe- and hates Bredäng. She has no fa. It's his last chance and he's desperate.” Maj-Britt [Mary] was a lawyer at Riksenergi [DART] and is deeply characterized by being an ambitious woman in a cruel man’s world. It groans when acti- vated and does not work well. He is thin. but without being ag- gressive. MAJ-BRITT SUNDVALL [MARY L BLOOMINGTON] “This will hurt you more than it will hurt me. much like an old movie camera. and is emotionless 2. The ninth-dimension creatures look like giant rats on Maj-Britt [Mary] lives alone in a desolate apart. which he knows nothing about) call to him. She climbed the lad- der by cleaning up after various incidents around the re every additional success will become a permanent Loop and is now the "operational security director". 66 . She can make a rabid dog submit with only a stare. Walter will seem old and tired to the players’ Kids. He has an idea that "the outsiders on the ice" (DIM-9s. but has no scruples when it comes to protecting Riksenergi's interests. Understanding how it works is a very hard roll for calculate. She is responsible for “Iah-ia” keeping the existence of the DIM-9s at Kungshatt [at Alpha Gate] a secret from the public. COMMUNICATOR: Maj-Britt [Mary] has a prototype de- vice. She wears vague uniform-like clothes of the same kind as the Riksenergi patrols. He speaks an understandable but broken Swedish. He wears a shirt and tie and carries cigarettes. short woman some fifty years old. that allows her to communicate with the DIM-9s. narrow tentacles 2 when needed and they speak with unpleasant clicking sounds until they suddenly give out a whining whistle. their backs. THE MUMMY IN 67 THE MIST O5 KAPITEL SWEET DREAMS 69 EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE 72 GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN 74 WHERE IS MY MIND 76 NIGHTRAIN 78 FOREVER YOUNG 80 THRILLER 82 HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH 84 MIXTAPE OF MYSTERIES The ‘80s is the decade when music mostly is consumed via cas- settes, and the homemade mixtape reigns supreme. In the mixtape of mysteries in this chapter, you will encounter dreaming robots, a satanic conspiracy, two immortal youths, horror movies turn- ing into reality and a very strange cult hiding underground. Just rewind and press play. SIDE A These eight Locations can be used as a Mystery Lands- 1. ”Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” cape, but can also be extended into a series of Mystery - Eurythmics 2. ”Every Breath You Take” - The Po- Stories, or tied together into a campaign. Each of the lice sites is inspired by a famous 1980s song. 3. ”Girls Just Want to Have Fun” - Cyndi Lauper 4. ”Where Is My Mind” - Pixies SWEET DREAMS ”Sweet dreams are made of this SIDE B Who am I to disagree? I travel the world 1. ”Night Train” - Guns ‘N Roses And the seven seas 2. ”Forever Young”- Alphaville Everybody’s looking for something” 3. ”Thriller” - Michael Jackson ”sweet dreams (are made of this)” – eurythmics 4. ”Heaven Is a Place On Earth” - Belinda Carlisle A wave of irritation, discontent and negligence spreads across the islands. Bus drivers miss their routes, teach- ers fight with their students, police officers arrest the 69 to them. During the day. and parents overreact to their children's bots and build their own society. more experienced and more emotionally mature to be able to implement their THE TRUTH plans. The Mälaren Islands’ [Boulder] people have the The robots AN-1 and DAV-4 have managed to esca. experience and knowledge they need. use to steal people’s dreams in order to improve themsel- telligence. many say that they are still able to claim before humanity that they are entitled tired when they wake up. zed they must become smarter. they collect items from everyday 70 . What’s more.CHAPTER O5 SWEET DREAMS: The Robot's Hideout EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: The Abandonded House NIGHTRAIN: Tony Andréns Hideout HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH: The Sect's Temple GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN: Östra Vik Estate FOREVER YOUNG: WHERE IS MY MIND: Villa of the Mierzwiaks Twins THRILLER: Practice Gunilla Petersén's Cellar wrong people. Their goal is to be disobedience. AN-1 and DAV-4 have been completely captivated by of Svartsjölandet [on Black Island north of Black Rock the dreams of humans as a new world that has opened up Point] for several months and decided to free more ro. They have been hiding in Eldgarnsö north ves. And some even remember a to live in freedom. But AN-1 and DAV-4 have reali- white noise from their dreams. pe from an experimental laboratory where they were The robots have built a huge satellite dish that they manufactured with an advanced form of artificial in. to bring to life their jointly made robot baby GR-2. as well as accidents at constantly enhancing and improving their dream-an. is but are improvising from the dreams. they first try to 71 . means that they regularly change how they talk. robots are not aggressive. temporary psychiatric emergency reception facility water-damaged books and toys. If they are threatened. the result middle of the day. The school is closed however. AN-1 and DAV-4 liberate about ten ro. has been an exaggerated and surreal version of human co-habitation. In the largest house there is established in the islands. they will engage their weapons. He. They do not really know na makes people aggressive and irritated. human relations. gardening tools. break out in shops and parking lots. king jokes about women. 3. reminiscent of the static noise from old tv sets. the robots have decided to defend their island. Several marriages collapse. old strollers. " are entitled to live in freedom. ways of expressing themselves. tenna. Because AN-1 and DAV-4 are ber of car accidents happen. led them with items they have stolen or salvaged. If they are discovered by the Kids. If that does not work. They 2. they will try primarily to get "What's the difference between a kiss and a wife? Both the characters to leave the island by declaring that they go on water! He. AN-1 cares for "her husband" and tries noise from their dreams. They have built several hou. very well recognize their parents’ or friends’ voices and The company that “lost” AN-1 and DAV-4 is look. Two hunters shoot at is a robot baby built by AN-1 and DAV-4. these If the Kids do not break or shut the dream-antenna have been blurred and replaced by a variety of iden- down. and severe anxiety. The dream-antenna makes a lot of people skip ses that vaguely resemble human dwellings and have fil. which they keep s witching back and forth from. managed to bring the small GR-2 to life. clothes. Because they are only dreams though. AN-1 and DAV-4 will turn it off. seeing all the violence and sadism found in the dreams of humans. The ■■ The parents of the Kids are getting more angry. depression. experience a white noise. except in their recreation of gressive. On the coasts. filled with roman. their bots that they brought to Eldgarnsö [Black Island] and movement patterns and temperament. ag. They have not. Several fires occur because of carelessness. identities weeks the situation will appear to have been resolved. This During this time. stable is that AN-1 has taken a traditional female role in their “romantic relationship” and DAV-4 is the male. work and stay home. Some become The people targeted by the dream-antenna have depressed and anxious because of the sleep depri- their dreams stolen. and children are forgotten on playgrounds. If AN-1 and DAV-4 have ever had personalities. each other in the supermarket. of Eldgarnsö [Black Island]. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF human life and try to recreate what was revealed in the ■■ Several of the teachers in school fall asleep in the dreams. After for unclear reasons. vation. more and more people are being affected and The local newspaper writes that a mistake was the effects are getting stronger made in the Loop that could have caused the Gra- AN-1 and DAV-4 live in the woods on the north side vitron to explode. Here A number of people try to end their lives and a you will find hats. and neglectful. He. The dream-antenna drives some people into get no rest and wake up more tired than they were psychosis. Fights what true love. The Kids can connect to the dream-antenna. 1. home. HOOKS DAV-4 mostly orders AN-1 to clean things up while ma- ■■ Some of the characters are affected by the dre. The sleep deprivation caused by the dream-anten- ce and passionate arguments. Instead. AN-1 and DAV-4 have initiated something COUNTDOWN that resembles a romantic relationship. to which he then laughs am-antenna and wake up with memories of white mechanically. which is then re-powered. there are surveillance cameras and alarms AN-1 AND DAV-4 that will warn them of anyone reaching the island. and in a few tities that they have copied from the dreams. Something that is still ing for the robots. A num- when they went to bed. but have no idea where they are. DAV-4 is a short and powerful robot of white houses is sprayed the phrase. the Mälaren Islands. Donald forces his victims to have parties when their parents are out of town. From his vil- lage. She has become Donald's new favorite toy.” or join him and become an informer with the task of digging up dirt about others. The agents have the symbol of a goshawk that they wear on a patch on their sleeves.” and a symbol representing a goshawk. “BIG BROTHER SEES and red plastic and metal. she tri. Donald has decided to take control of the children of Lake Mälaren [Boulder City] and make them obey him. THE TRUTH In a deserted village on Adelsö [Red Mountain] lives the sadistic teenager Donald Karlsson [Donald Carson].”every breath you take” home. Those who dare go against Donald receive visits from Donald's runaways. The Kids see that she gives money to agents Every game you play. With less than successful results. He wears a beige trench coat YOU. ■■ A large number of doodles depicting “Big Brother” ching you appear on walls. but also rummages through the hou- se to steal valuables and find things that he can use to later extort the parents. EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE ”Every breath you take and every move you make HOOKS Every bond you break. AN-1 wears It is being said that armed teens wearing gas masks are a floral dress and she has a handbag in which she keeps chasing children. I’ll be wat. for protection. Along bike trails and on abandoned a revolver. every step you take. DAV-4 has a shotgun that he picks up if he has to deal with an intruder. every night you stay. Donald has gotten them to secretly install ca- meras and recording equipment at schools. hurry home quickly when school days an orange head. He has attrac- ted a group of runaways that obey him and call him "Big Brother". black leather trenchcoats and gas masks that he stole from a warehouse belonging to one of the gangs. A classmate becomes silent and Every single day and every word you say sad.CHAPTER O5 explain their situation before they defend themselves A wave of paranoia has spread among the students in with violence. unfaith- fulness and anything else that can embarrass someone. so that Donald can later use it to extort people. I’ll be wat. libraries and homes across the Mälar Islands [Boulder]. Donald can spy on everything that goes on. They huddle silently in groups in AN-1 is a tall humanoid robot with a white body and the school yard. He then does as he wishes with the "guests". He is on the run after having killed his parents. his "agents". and has a pipe in his hand. and he records all the secrets. ed to apply makeup to her mechanical face. are over and whisper that someone is watching them. The students whom Donald approaches must either pay for ”patronage. students cheating on tests. ching you” ■■ One of the Kids’ elder siblings disappears from the police . 72 . Donald has equipped them with iron pipes and knives and provi- ded them with long. Jonas is thinking about telling the Kids a national newspaper. this time in his agents. some students state what child to parents who loved him and did everything for they know about "Big Brother". 1. the situation turns mes" gets out of hand. ral of his agents with firearms. The police are able to trace Donald's hideout and school. He is able to sne- ak in and find out that Donald is "Big Brother" and DONALD "BIG BROTHER" KARLSSON that he lives in Adelsö [on Red Mountain]. to be. and when the police 2. The next day tho. leading to the death of Jen. ready become a full-blooded psychopath with a taste After that. A television news show from what happened to his mother Kerstin [Cheryl]. fled by motorboat. Jonas [DONALD CARSON] contacts Donald and threatens to reveal what he knows to his mother who is a journalist unless Jen. Donald Karlsson [Donald Carson] grew up as an only During the interrogation. The body is hidden in a landfill. Kerstin [Cheryl] writes another article. interrupted class and made the other 73 . Jonas [John] is killed and left on the stairs of COUNTDOWN the family's temporary residence. Jenny is found and a police investigation is opened. Donald has already ny. He is one of the few who dents. he was still under 10 years old when he had al- se students get hit by a car and end up in a hospital. for sadism. By this time. Donald has a house party where one of his "ga. police succeed in apprehending the culprits. him. Donald has equipped seve- come his girlfriend. the family’s house is burned down. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF ■■ The Kids find teenager Jonas Andersson [John An. one way or another. Jennys little brother Jonas [John] suspects that his big sister is a prisoner of Donald. The rassed his peers. 3. and seeking advice. at the schools in the Mälaren Islands [in Boulder City]. Jonas’s [John’s] mother Kerstin [Cheryl] writes an next school would help Donald to become like other article in the local newspaper about Donald. who were forced to carry out the deed. Stockholm [Las Vegas] will report on the situation who is a journalist. A few children. dared to defy Donald and has been attacked by 6. plan to capture Donald. are forced to pull their weapons. Donald's agents bully Jonas. But the situation only grew worse. into a firefight. Donald ha- nights later. Donald forces one of the most popular girls in 7." ny is released. Still. 4. "You will do as I say. nobody wants to testify. all stu- drews] beaten in a ditch. Jenny Andersson [Jenny Andrews]. His parents moved around hoping that the 5. THE TRUTH ge on Adelsö [Red Mountain]. three witches who live there now. computers and all the money there have magic powers. Donald killed his parents. the same that have te them. With the help of camera recordings. My father yells what you gonna do with your life Alexandra. He did not know that the women. suffering and shame. The property is said to be a safe andra. his a drug lab. hair. around Boulder City]. and that the basement has been converted to in the house. the grown-up guests drink and take drugs to allow them to let go of their Women and girls are being invited to dinners. Daniel allowed three women from Brother and his agents. Do. He loaded the sited the property confirmed that the women who live family car with cameras. his father say that drugs are being sold at Östra Vik [East Bay secretly installed an extensive surveillance system Manor]. Michaela and Suzanna. red self-confidence and refuse to say what they have sewing circles and even tutoring for school girls. sexua- a confident smile. In fact. Michaela and Suzanna have decided Oh daddy dear you know you're still number one to establish their own satanic congregation by gathe- But girls they want to have fun ring the female population of the Mälaren Islands Oh girls just want to have fun” [Boulder] by arranging lavish festivals on Östra Vik cyndi lauper – ”girls just want to have fun” [East Bay Manor]. and free food for all. The night before the police in. But there are also book circles. defiant. and was most famous for his long overseas is an expert at reading what others think and feel. the estate. The women will then gradually be initiated [East Bay Manor] on southeastern Munsö [at Boulder into the satanic faith and give in to indulgence and Harbor]. and valuables that were in the house and drove to the Mälar Islands [Boulder City] to settle in a deserted villa. champagne. several women who vi- terrogation. He is a devoted satanist who believes that nald has blond. unfaithful and sexually unbound. They soon succeeded in getting Da- HAVE FUN niel to tell them that he had cheated several mobsters out of money. Daniel Horn was the former owner of Östra Vik [East Donald is a very intelligent seventeen-year-old who Bay Manor]. Daniel has made a fortune forced his mother to sew. parents managed to produce evidence that Donald claims that he has been robbed of Östra Vik by the regularly forced students home to harass and humilia. They have become are extremely wild and lavish. his reluctance to stay in touch with the inha- knows how to use it to make them do what he wants. His father confronted him with the recordings enchanted the women of the Mälaren Islands [in and and notified the police. joy and destructiveness. parties inhibitions and make them dependent on returning to and other activities on the beautiful estate of Östra Vik the estate. Michaela and Suzanna use the technological 74 . Others weakest students. bitants of the islands and the high walls he built around He enjoys acts of violence. plotted to take over the estate GIRLS JUST WANNA and kick him out. hired rock groups with female musicians Young girls visiting the estate come back with bolste. Alex- been involved in. men say that their wives have changed since they were The festivities held at Östra Vik [East Bay Manor] on Östra Vik [East Bay Manor]. Alexandra. Moreover. Daniel Horn.CHAPTER O5 children participate in sadistic "games" targeted at the haven for women exposed to sexual violence. He wears a light brown uniform he lity. his satanic church to move in to Östra Vik [East Bay Manor]. almost white. When Donald was sixteen. and is always armed with producing drugs in his laboratory in the basement of the a revolver in a holster. with large amounts of capricious. Birds”) which has also become the symbol of the Big Some time ago. a dark voice and man should let go and embrace his animal urges. The estate’s former owner. and used that information to coerce Da- “The phone rings in the middle of the night niel into signing over Östra Vik to them. Some of the hedonism. and vacations. Donald has a tame goshawk estate and selling them to groups of like-minded people (maybe the goshawk from “Summer Break and Killer at seances and orgies around the world. No men or boys are welcome. The 1. black fabrics. but during the evening are inducted to the ■■ A lot of graffiti of inverted crosses appears in satanic faith through a series of rituals. tresses. te. the three girls move into are used to convince people that they can hurt men the estate and receive earrings of inverted crosses. At when sticking needles into a doll. Anna. men are satanists or that they manufacture drugs. 75 . but particularly that the girls are on drugs. Daniel will try to classmate try to make them leave the house. they begin to talk back to teachers and a guy Daniel does not dare to disclose that that the wo. Anna and Theresa are uninvited to a class- this may come back to hurt him. and dramatic music that ■■ A Kid’s mother or sister moves into Östra Vik [East swells in the various rooms. Sandra Levitation belts allow them to float freely in the air. It is evident their misgivings on women in general. they use the men to chase away the women and take back refuse. Sandra. of cherries. When the parents of the those at Östra Vik [East Bay Manor]. Not until the police arrive do they leave the Östra Vik [East Bay Manor]. 3. They look up to the estate owners Alexandra. house and it turns out that the girls stole valuables. Michaela and Suzanna hold a big sa- HOOKS tanic party at Östra Vik [East Bay Manor] with ■■ The Kids see two men sitting in a tree-top outside female satanists coming from all over the world. mate's birthday party. school. dance. COUNTDOWN rs think they are witches and have magic powers. single men whom he has convinced to blame all the others at the party to do the same. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF inventions that Daniel left behind to make their visito. The father is soon invited to attend niel Horn and his group of offended men prepare Daniel Horn's men’s meetings. Alexandra. Da- Bay Manor]. Sandra and Therese are supposed to be wai- wall with binoculars. Three students. is filled with red candles. Sandra and Therese. chaela and Suzanna. At the same time. of Östra Vik [East Bay Manor] and spying over the Anna. The three shy and bullied students. and Theresa. as 2. attend several of the events at the esta- they enchant women with the help of a hypnotic crys. to get into the estate and throw the women out. break stuff and try to get bitter. They crash the party and put cided to whip up an anti-feminist mood and attract on loud music. who bullied them gets laxatives in his milk. Mi- tal ball that causes the victim to disclose their secrets. Lina. He has instead de. The estate school. and decide to stay with them. devil figures. big bowls paint the crosses. and microscopic drones equipped with sharp tips that Against their parents' will. de- your euphoric joy. Henrietta has accumulated a lot of debt. but not to anyone else. She is constantly talking and loves to get to know addict who soon seduced Henrietta and convinced her new people. ness together while raising their daughter. the duplicator does not just copy consci- pixies . but Pa- trick found a solution. Islands [Boulder City] and opened his clinic in the sophy and faith and is the one calling the shots. and they ment despite being used now for several years. video game addictions. despite his innocent appearance. their tic listening than with the 10-20 treatment sessions the former spouses. and have their revenge on. and the decided never to let anyone else hold power over general consensus is that the relief the treatment provi- them. What they did not know was that Pa- Suzanna is a large woman with a deep voice and big trick. several ca- ela. grief. The treatment method is still under develop- men who were subjected to domestic abuse. that was the plan. Micha. People have fallen ill of men and society. Brain Tech has helped Henrietta to secretly in- Try this trick and spin it. Lena. She only 76 . patients are asleep and dreaming. At least. southern part of Adelsö [near Hoover Dam Lodge] ela is a tall red-haired woman with a laugh that can was to help his wife Henrietta distance herself from be heard all over the estate. in created a therapy in which he uses machines for cures your love. learning disabilities and oppositional defiance The three friends found each other in a shelter for wo. Perhaps Doctor estate and money. disorder. She likes to discuss philo. The three women are fiercely loyal Mierzwiak’s techno-therapy can offer a solution? to each other. They think that everyone is responsible for themselves. Suzanna. marital difficulties. Doctor Isak Mierzwiak is a psychiatrist and engineer who has "Satan is real. MICHAELA AND SUZANNA difficulties that you do not want to talk about. The couple run the busi- laboratory in the basement where the drugs are be. It is a well-known secret that you can go to Doctor Henrietta can turn the duplicator on and off with Mierzwiak’s Clinic for Techno-Therapy if you have a lever on the bottom of one of the machines. incapable of taking care of themselves. whom they decided to trick into signing away his er recognize their family and friends. Your head will collapse which copies the consciousness of the patients being But there's nothing in it treated into cassette tapes that Patrick then sells to And you'll ask yourself Brain Tech. They bought a house together and helped each des has more to do with Doctor Mierzwiak’s empathe- other stand against. She is responsible for the her former life as an addict. the charmer and actress. They no long- der]. the performer and the engineer. the philosopher and the le. a maniac who cannot form a coherent thought. Alexandra. as well as for the technological devices ago. THE TRUTH Alexandra is a short-haired woman with black hair The reason Doctor Mierzwiak moved to the Mälaren and tattoos all over her body. yeah stall a duplicator in Doctor Mierzwiak’s machines. Recently. carefully to what they are saying. was himself an eyes. the couple employed an assistant. The American company Brain Tech is looking for a way to create advanced AIs for WHERE IS MY MIND robots and machines by copying human conscious- ”With your feet in the air and your head on the ground ness. She lives within you. " pression. introduced the others to the satanic faith. A year ing produced. Patrick Ring the women use to make it seem as if they are witches. in your desire to crush your enemy and in to maladies such as alcoholism. Micha. [Patrick Reyes].”where is my mind” ousness but instead steals them and leaves a person a husk. overnight and began to babble gibberish and become contacted Daniel Horn on the Mälaren Islands [in Boul. She welcomes all new arrivals and listens to start using with him and to steal from the company. realized that they ses of severe mental illness have occurred on the islands needed a lot of money to truly become independent [in and around Boulder City].CHAPTER O5 ALEXANDRA. unlike God. As they later Where is my mind?” found out. gambling addiction. doctor performs with the help of his devices while the ader. Doctor Mier- robots would work or not in order to create an AI. The holds the cassette tapes with the AI's. It rietta's mind is transmitted to a cassette tape and is still unclear if uploading people's awareness into when she wakes up she is crazy. A concentrate. Everywhere in the PATRICK RING [PATRICK REYES] treatment room are the machines that connect to the patients. they are ment. The treatments are performed on the top floor. What he does not dy has yet realized that all the people who have gone know is that the duplicator is actually on. They be- lieve that her dad is guilty for one of their parents going crazy. 4. More people are losing their minds and eve- rything from water pollutants to violent video games are suspected as the cause. Henrietta and Isak Mierzwiak’s farm is located in 5. which means He decides to secretly cure her and connects her that most patients are not affected. his looks and honeyed words did not get lands. Shaping the placed in the mental hospital. The house has three stories with a huge basement. 2. he has escaped youth care and prison be receiving treatment from Dr. The police arrests Doctor Mierzwiak and accuse the southeastern part of Adelsö [close to Hoover Dam him of deliberately harming his patients. "Give back those cassette tapes. She knows that the people that went crazy were her dad’s patients. he owed money to a criminal gang. Mierzwiak for a defenses. along with his stash of drugs. Hen- mad have also been patients of Doctor Mierzwiak. The easiest way to get there is by boat. Patrick was forced to leave Stock- ■■ A group of students try to kill Lena Mierzwiak holm [Las Vegas] and was employed as an assistant (Henrietta and Isak's daughter) in school. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF seldom activates it during treatments. despite the fact that he began to commit problem. Patrick has used the fact that he has an innocent appearance with big blue eyes and an infectious HOOKS laughter to his advantage for his entire life. and for ■■ A journalist writes about the madness of the is. plants is Doctor Mierzwiak's hobby. Doctor Mierzwiak has discovered that Henriet- ta is being unfaithful and abusing drugs again. He has hidden the cassette tapes with stolen mine!" consciousnesses in a box under the bed. Due to his ■■ One of the Kid’s' parents informs the Kid they will appearance. you brats. 3. to the machines as she sleeps. the first time. year ago. Patrick lives in a secluded part of the base. COUNTDOWN 1. such as lack of obedience or difficulty to crimes early in life to fund an expensive addiction. The Kid see Lena Mierzwiak sitting by herself cry- ing. One person the Kids know gets treated by Doctor Mierzwiak and goes crazy. zwiak refuses to realize/accept what has happe- Perhaps the people whose minds were stolen will ned and claims that her madness is an effect of wake up as advanced AIs in mechanical bodies? the drugs leaving her body. But Doctor Mierzwiak does not want to see the evidence in front of him. Patrick Lodge]. 77 . nobo. him out of trouble. Lena is ta- house is large with a huge garden filled with bushes ken care of by social services and Henrietta is trimmed to resemble animals and objects. Therefore. Greta [Margaret] gets the police to take Tony in of the vibraphone want to run away from their homes for interrogation.”nightrain” HOOKS An unpleasant. The power of the guitar is not strong stealing money from the company. However. which requires two successes for all social Tony has invented a lot of things. The local newspaper publishes a 78 . He is also a self-taught mecha. Patrick is selfish and arrogant. dirty and long-haired man has appea. She has and that he rummages through people's garbage. nets that can be thrown on those trying to stop them. suction plugs that allow them to climb walls. There has been a string of Kids’ houses. Here he keeps his stolen goods as well And honey you can make my motor hum and also makes his own wine. goggles. rusty and discolored be revealed. children and youths who are having trouble at home. When Tony sends out his is a short man in his thirties. The Kids recognize one of the thieves. He and parents and instead seek out Tony. all more or less blows against him. saw blades to make holes in windows and flying Drones that can be used to spy inside houses. which he uses to move himself and his I got a dog eat dog sly smile little chickens between the islands. guns n´roses . It is rumored that he lives under bridges trouble with her parents for several weeks. She thinks Tony attracts youngsters with drugs You can make my money tonight” and has decided to chase him out from the islands. On the coast towards I got one chance left Munsö [Lake Mead Beach]. Tony lives with his little chickens in two ”Said I'm a mean machine abandoned cars near Dalby on Adelsö [close to Hem- Been drinkin' gasoline enway Pass]. she gets one of the little mood-affecting vibraphone he stole. children and young people under the effects 3. joined Tony's little chickens. the guitar. burglaries lately. Principal Greta Eliasson [Margaret Allen] tries to cessful creations is a flamenco guitar he built with a convince the little chickens to return to their pa- battery-powered amplifier containing an experimental rents. with curly brown hair and little chickens to steal. One of his most suc. and Tony therefore focuses on will make him one of the richest people in the world. he equips them with night vision big blue eyes. ■■ One of the Kids’ friends disappears after having red in town. and steal for him. and with a bad smell. So. NIGHTRAIN Currently. When Tony plays chickens to blab about Tony. Tony attracts several children and youths who run Tony Andrén [Tony Alders] is a homeless man who away to live with him as his "chicks". Tony gets the travels from city to city. enough to affect those who have a good relationship ced that the cassette tapes with the consciousnesses with their parents. If Patrick notes that he is about to broken with cords hanging loose.CHAPTER O5 at Doctor Mierzwiak’s and Henrietta’s practice. stilts. He calls them to him and makes them live with him taining a poker face.” cial ability. he will blame it all on Henrietta. COUNTDOWN THE TRUTH 1. 2. who works at one of the schools in the Mälaren And I can tell you honey Islands. Now he is convin. Tony has a boat that he In a nine live cat built himself. He has the innocent eyes 2 spe. Tony calls them his “little chickens. nic who invents strange objects. but fails. but an expert at main. chicks to break into homes. his guitar and it is said that children and teenagers seek ■■ Tony's little chickens are breaking into one of the him and are drawn to him. I got a Molotov Cocktail One of the few people who has denounced Tony’s With a match to go activities is the principal Greta Eliasson [Margaret Al- I smoke my cigarette with style len]. metimes melancholic melodies are heard playing from ■■ One of the Kids is entranced by Tony’s guitar. Patrick pieces. They see him as seduced Henrietta and got her into using drugs and their real parent. you’ll see what happens. praise. encouragement and company. There He brings his little chickens with him. steal for him. 79 . The litt- 6. He has never had any real friends. are always one or more little chickens around him. le chickens have to steal a lot to win his affection. Tony steals a truck and disappears from the islands. 5. Due to TONY ANDRÉN [TONY ALDERS] lack of evidence. Tony is an alcoholic. you brat? If you don’t do better throw a molotov cocktail into his parents’ house. while "raising" and the local newspaper's building. Tony is released. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF SWEET DREAMS: The Robot's Hideout GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN: East Bay Manor HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH: FOREVER YOUNG: The Sect's Villa of the Temple Twins NIGHTRAIN: Tony Alders WHERE IS MY MIND: Hideout Mierzwiaks EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE: Clinic The Abandonded House THRILLER: Carrie Petersen's Cellar strongly worded negative article about him. Instead. but never loses control of himself. 4. Greta's [Margaret’s] house. " The little chicken is forced to leave Tony. Tony punishes the child’s betrayal by forcing him to "Is this all you got. tonight. Tony gets the little chickens to throw Molotov he forces his little chickens to fulfill his constant need for cocktails at the school. although she is still being affected by the guitar and sees Tony goes from city to city collecting little chickens to Tony as her true father. them with sadistic strictness and draconian rules. Izolda's father mes loyal to Tony. The effects decrease after a day. THE TRUTH The Bukowski “siblings” are neither siblings nor young. Additionally. black boots. forever and ever? ses-I generated enough corpses to make people sus- Forever young. The siblings have since used the machine on themselves to preserve their original age. the Gray Wolves. them. who tried to kill the pope in 1981. and moving on when Mo- Do you really want to live forever. Failing means the Kid beco. or that they are Pope Johannes Paul II's children with a Swedish [American] mistress. ses-I works by extracting healthy cells from children Tony is an obese forty-year old man with long black or adolescents. worldliness and beauty. The wildest rumors claim that a group of foreign men are looking for the siblings. which gn from his work due to an anti-Semitic campaign require two successes to override. killing them in the process. Mo- by the guitar’s song. sneak past. I want to be forever young picious. was forced to resi- Tony has the traits of paranoid 2 and sharp eye 2. and forced Izolda's father to invent by the guitar’s influence. and always has a bottle of wine in one Cseslaw decided that Izolda and her boyfriend hand and a cigarette in the other. KGB agent Cseslaw Rog. With their talents. they soon become the school’s center of attention. a machine that would inhibit aging. the conscience of Izolda has Forever young” caught up to her. She wants to break away from 80 . and was then murdered by Cseslaw. they seem to be wealthy enough to live in a villa in the south of Adelsö. as- sassins sent by the Turkish nationalist group. and she has grown tired of eter- alphaville – “forever young” nal adolescent life. the Polish-born siblings Daniel and Izolda Bukowski. Cseslaw was scared of the player must succeed with Heart not to be affected aging and dying. He wears a leather jacket. and have the Moses-I with all the time. “Forever young. a black top ting them into the person whose age is to be halted. Tony has a bright and Daniel would be the first victims of the machine but ghastly voice and he is cocky. Izolda’s father. They have invested in stocks. Should he use his guitar against any of the Kids. I want to be forever young pretending to be siblings. unpleasant and swears they managed to flee.CHAPTER O5 Two new transfer students join one of the Kids’ classes. Only children and adolescents who succeeded in producing such a machine. Daniel keeps other students at arm’s length while Izolda seeks contact. apparently against Daniel's will. Do you really want to live forever? In recent years. Rumors say their parents hid them in the Mälaren Islands [in Boulder City] and their father is a high-ran- king KGB agent who infiltrated the West German intel- ligence service but whose cover was blown. a Jewish researcher employed at the University of Warzawa. he called it have troubled family relationships can be influenced Moses-I. hat. making them economically inde- FOREVER YOUNG pendent. and injec- hair and a beard. and drive to school by boat [they live in a villa at Lake Mead Marina and have their own driver]. living for a few years in different places. or fool in Poland in the 1960’s and was forced to work for him. A fisherman finds another body that has been confess to them what she has been doing and try to thrown into the water. Should she find someone she trusts. there is Daniel and Izolda have known each other since they a rifle. rismatic Izolda. but agents and is searching for the “siblings” to take Daniel has set a trap. is very well-read. They take the machine The Bukowski’s house is a three-story villa with and use it to steal the "siblings" as well as the Kids’ large terraces. In a corner "Excuse me. but they leave when the principal calls others. nancial newspapers in several languages. a bulky machine with tie straps and wires to a control unit. to everyone. racteristics that require 2 successes from any skills if 6. androgynous features and long. and his agents get into the school to get the sib- niel in twenty years and she longs for contact with lings out. Cseslaw romantic relationships with anyone other than Da. possible luxuries. Cseslaw and his agents break into the house and the characters try to defeat him. Izolda tries to befriend one of the Kids. swimming pools. but Izolda talks has decided to end the murders on several occasions. Izolda tells the characters that she and Daniel did However. Izolda and Daniel will imme. and it ■■ Izolda and Daniel start in one of the Kids’ classes. from a Nazi concentration camp and Daniel was the diately age to their true age. Should the were children. They are angered if they do not get the fident. The siblings have a conversa. Izolda has had neither friendships nor 2. and has traced them to the Mälaren Islands looking for Izolda. In a cabinet. dark eyelashes. but has been pressured to continue by the more cha- ■■ While Izolda is talking to one of the characters. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF Daniel. Cseslaw Rog has cha. The house is filled with Izolda's paintings that she has drawn over the years. descend into the basement. She has aged to death. Da. [Boulder City]. are doing. and live the rest of her COUNTDOWN life as a normal person. destroy the machine. gives the Kid five hundred crowns [50 dollars] and Daniel is tall and slim. but I would like to say that the occupa- lie lugs and weights. Izolda was the daughter of survivors Moses-I be destroyed. He Daniel keeps himself at a distance. speaks several languages. and con- kowski. eye on her." of their victims by throwing them in the water and letting them sink to the bottom. so as to get rid of the bodies tion of Poland in 1939 was more complex than that. and then Daniel has given up his soul for her. Izolda breaks into the cellar of their house (with or hotel [in a hotel at Wilbur Square] with two KGB without the Kids’ help) to destroy the Moses-I. Daniel and Cseslaw are Izolda. do so. In the lock. He ■■ Cseslaw Rog and his agents ask the Kids about Bu. put an end to the meaningless struggle against time. a pair of guns and a Kalashnikov. which depict her and Daniel at their actual age. with a beautiful face with asks him or her to stay away. she will 3. He tion in Polish while visibly upset. the matter is complicated by the fact something terrible and wants help destroying the that Cseslaw Rog is still looking for Daniel and machine in their basement. But Daniel is terribly afraid 1. If the Kids are involved. and all sorts of youth and lives. 4. even though she has almost forgotten how to the police. DANIEL AND IZOLDA BUKOWSKI ed basement is the Moses-I. Daniel becomes insane and controlling. was she who persuaded him to start using Moses-I. When Izolda begins to doubt what they niel rudely interrupts. he back the Moses-I so as to prevent his sixty-year old decides they will be the next victims of the machi- body from aging and dying. A schoolmate is found dead in a body bag on the of being left alone and aging and always keeps an beach. He suspects 81 . Daniel left eve- HOOKS rything for Izolda when she was forced to flee. Now he is living in a Stenhamra 5. only child of an entrepreneur who made big money by making clothes during the war. Daniel smokes Polish cigarettes and studies fi- answers they seek. ne. Gunilla [Carrie] has built a state-of-the-art home theater system in her bunker and tapped into the cable television's horror channels. By accident. Both The last few weeks have seen heavy thunderstorms Izolda and Daniel have the comprehend 2 and charm 2 throughout the islands. movie counterparts. and they usually stay in the area You start to freeze as horror looks you right between near Gunilla's house. during which a lightning strike special attributes. Following this. low budget pirated horror films cing. strangers trying to break in through the front door and strange phone calls. make eerie phone calls. and are threa- You try to scream but terror takes the sound before tening in a number of other ways. THE TRUTH ”Scarecrow. trick or outdo them. She has managed to hack into that Cseslaw is closing in on them and always keeps the system and uses the Loop’s powerful computers to an eye open for him. ”It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in The monsters are attracted to the places where Gu- the dark nilla’s [Carrie’s] pirated movies are being or have been Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops watched.” aka Gunilla Petersén [Carrie Petersen]. The pirated movies are said to come from a teenager who never leaves their parents' basement. and the only times she leaves her "video bunker" in the basement is when she visits her best friend. creatures resembling the monsters from Gunilla's films crawled out of under- ground service tunnels and sewers and headed towards THRILLER the town at night. but stop short of attacking and will haunt/trouble have been appearing throughout the islands. She is very intelligent then sells them to young people in the area. They will do whatever they can the eyes. 'Cause this is thriller. They stalk around the houses. Young people whisper about shadows that can be seen outside their windows. thriller night The lightning strike made the Loop's powerful com- And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to puters and underground factory start producing robot strike” copies of the monsters from Gunilla’s movies. They will be threatening and mena- storms. to prevent the connection between Gunilla's computers You're paralyzed and the Loop’s computer from being severed. The robots are not intelligent. computers. The monsters never you make it appear in daylight. and thunder. program- michael jackson. es- pecially horror movies. but simply mimic their During the last couple of weeks of constant rain. which means that 2 successes are damaged Gunilla’s [Carrie’s] connection to the Loop's required to persuade. Max. Rumors teens and children who go out alone in the dark. 82 . try to force your heart their way in.CHAPTER O5 spread that the monsters in the movies show up when the VHS tapes are viewed. She loves movies. and is nicknamed "Scarecrow".“thriller” ming them to behave like the creatures from the movies. she also discovered wires going through the family's land asso- ciated with the Loop. and good at getting others to do what she wants. lives in her parents' basement. who works as a projectionist in the cinema. create VHS recordings of incredibly high quality and short hair and dark intense eyes. Izolda is well-dressed with black. she quit school and moved 1. a monster. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF If the characters destroy a monster. they will discover that and come the morning they discover someone bro- it's a robot. GUNILLA "SCARECROW" PETERSÉN ■■ A horrified friend knocks on a Kid’s door or win. and then in the middle of the night. [CARRIE PETERS] dow in the middle of the night and claims that a person with a high power drill is chasing her. saying that a figure with will head underground to be destroyed. The Kids borrow one of Gunilla's films. ing without being embarrassed. at the cinema or to sell her movies. a drill chased her. " ally has experienced this is a quiet girl who insists it was a real monster. Gunilla [Carrie] was born with a skin condition that causes her to be self-conscious about her appea- COUNTDOWN rance. A terrified friend knocks on one of the Kids’ door ly still for a few minutes. Through a fictional dress up like monsters from horror movies and character in a movie. dawn. If the connection between Gunilla's computer ke into the house and left footprints. They see shadows in the tacked her. she dresses in full-bodied clothes that conceal her GUNILLA’S [CARRIE’S] ■ FAVORITE MOVIES ■■ Hellraiser ■■ The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ■■ An American Werewolf in London ■■ Re-animator ■■ The Fly ■■ Child’s Play ■■ A Nightmare on Elm Street ■■ The Shining 83 . garden. horror movies. There’s a rumor at school that teenagers are dres- HOOKS sing up as monsters from horror movies and chas- ■■ The Kids get to watch one of Gunilla’s movies. The only one that re. 2. They see shadows meandering in the garden. The only one they are watching the movie. not a teenager in a costume. and the Loop is broken. the phone rings and someone at te interest. not a disguised teenager. One year ago. When she goes out to visit the other end tells them they will be dead before her friend. the phone rings and a who’s been accidentally hurt is a quiet girl and she voice at the other end say that they all will be dead is convinced that it really was a monster that at- before dawn the next day. 3. as if they were broken. and when morning comes they discover that someone has broken down a door and left tracks in- side the house. "We all have a part within us that enjoys sadism that ■■ There are rumors in school that some teenagers we hide because we are ashamed. Max. While ing and harassing younger children. we can enjoy the feel- chase and beat smaller kids. While wat. into her parents’ basement to engage in her favori- ching the movie. the robots will become complete. (Almost like some of the monsters she lo. then disappear into angels in prehistoric times. and flaky the world. All to create chaos and eli- Baby.CHAPTER O5 features. everything is back to normal. Kruse is training her followers in guerrilla warfare so that they can get past ”In this world we're just beginning the Loop's security guards. use explosives and hack To understand the miracle of living into the Loop’s computers. But the researchers at the Loop have Correctional Facility]. After a few seconds. They have access to five homemade bombs and a dozen people are talking about Pastor Kruse. and books on spacecraft that followed the Gravitron’s fall down to film and psychology. that she found a way underground. video devices. HOOKS rine Cruise] has managed to spread her message all ■■ The power comes and goes for several days. in a space that Kruse claims is part of the heavenly televisions. and over the world that the Gravitron was not created by the researchers at the Loop have no explanation. it is ■■ Johanna [Joanne]. She wears costumes and is often seen with is here on Earth and that they can leave their sorrows a VHS cassette in her hand. New supporters arrive every day from all over Gunilla is a pale girl with curly blond hair. I was afraid before minate any obstacles on the way to paradise. man. Kruse is trying to find a way to get into the Gra- HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON vitron. near the Sätra Juvenile Detention Center [Boulder Ooh. Earth.”heaven is a place on earth” computers. who is said to hand grenades. At the incense and the members of the congregation take turns same time. fell to Earth and drilled the forest. the television goes out. THE TRUTH The self-appointed "pastor" Katarina Kruse [Cathe. but Kruse does not want to listen to them and the arguments are heating up. one of the youngsters at the possible to "awaken" the Gravitron and create para. the lights flicker. A number of ins. She believes that the Gravitron is a fragment of ■■ People dressed in white appear in town shopping the kingdom of Heaven that. Sätra Juvenile Detention Center [Boulder Youth dise on Earth. after a battle between for food and other necessities. The other youths in the institution claim advantage of its power for their own purposes. playing sacred music on their instruments. According to Kruse. It smells strongly of couple of nights at a hotel and then disappear. She is a nice person who wants congregation underground. something is disturbing the electrical ma. seems to have escaped and instead chosen to keep it from the public and take vanishes. Members of the Folks dressed all in white and bearing happy smiles church have decorated the hall with fabrics. monitors and wires (the space was previously used as a cooling tower control station). heaven is a place on earth” Youth Correctional Facility]. attracted by Kruse's message that paradise reddish skin. She believes that it will wake up by feeling the EARTH presence of Kruse's consciousness. About thirty people currently live in the temple along with Kruse. behind them. and the languages are being spoken in this underground temple. Kruse has managed to gain access to a service tunnel ves so well. down deep into the ground. baby. do you know what that's worth? Adelsö. Five of the members of the assembly have have an underground congregation that challenges Old refused to be armed. 84 . computers. The temple hall is filled with belinda carlisle . Gunilla's room is filled with videotapes. But where is she and how do you get that they must open the way to paradise without violen- in touch with her? ce. In schools and in shops. live a Christian motifs. They have built a temple to be liked. Nobody knows where they live. sound from the ventilation ceases. crosses and statues. They have tried to convince Kruse Testament beliefs. But I'm not afraid anymore The way down to the temple is located in northern Ooh. The members are armed with guns and automatic rifles.) Gunilla has no idea that her movies are on Adelsö [under River Mountain] and moved her creating monsters. pictures with arrive at the Mälaren Islands [Boulder City]. Meanwhile. In the town. It is rumored that viruses from say NO. so that she is not forced back into the de- tention facility. but was crushed when she found out she was too short. the way to salvation. or and disappears. dressed in with flashlights to help the emergency teams. fast-paced. She fled and is now terrified and hiding near the one of the Kids’ home. Katarina is an extremely energetic woman who is never quiet. emergency sirens go “Wanted” ad with her picture is published on milk off. wonders. After the broadcast. not just town is shocked by an explosion. Bomb disposal specialists and first With a father who died in the French Foreign Legion responders arrive within a few hours. A girl named Johanna [Joanne] has recently dis. and deny it. but this only led to Katarina stealing her uncle's hunting rifle to go training in the woods. who joi- ned the cult later in life. and embrace YES. At the same time. and ruthless in implemen- ting what she has decided upon. power takes over the Gravitron. the town continues "When we encounter the surreal world that stretches to suffer from prolonged power outages and all sorts beyond the laws of physics. it was no wonder that Katarina decided ear- a recorded manifesto stating who she is and what ly on to become a soldier. She now sneaks around school. tried to change her mind at first. MYSTERIES MIXTAPE OF COUNTDOWN she's about to do. she came to a series of reve- lations that made her realize she was chosen by God to bring humanity to a paradise on Earth. She steps into the interi- outages are being reported throughout town. In her teens. There are many of His 3. while in the darkness people call out for anyone cartons. power 2. has short brown hair. Together they found the service tunnel at Adelsö [below River Mountain] and began spreading Katarina's message through her mother's contacts in different religious societies. white to spread Pastor Kruse's message and recruit 5. and the Gravitron is one of them. the NO. Katarina is extremely short. Johanna [Joanne] witnessed how one of the members shot another. Katarina returned home to Sweden [USA] as a self-appointed Pastor. 85 . She is action oriented. and a grandfather who was shot during the Spanish 4. off all power on the islands [in Boulder City] and appeared from the Sätra Juvenile Detention Cen. " congregation have accidentally detonated a bomb underground. Jesus and salvation. Instead. So it is with the message from foreign powers have infected the Loop. After a bloody fight and many deaths. Pastor Kruse sends some members of her congre. You here in gation to fetch Johanna [Joanne]. her followers attack the Loop security guards to get ter [Boulder Youth Correctional Facility] and a into the Gravitron. Immediately afterwards. Katarina's mother. Members of the for us but for everyone on Earth. she decided to enlist. Johanna is ready to PASTOR KATARINA KRUSE tell them everything she knows if they promise not to [CATHERINE CRUISE] report her. She knows too the temple have found the power to stretch beyond this much to be allowed to remain free. and converted her mother into the first member of her congregation. and a dazzling smile. The arguments in the congregation have escalated and returns again. she traveled around the world and on her travels. At the same time. Pastor Kruse contacts a local tv channel and sends Civil War. our natural impulse is to of technical problems. she closes 1. the Lord. Pastor Kruse people into the church. CHAPTER O5 86 . MIXTAPE OF 87 MYSTERIES . Without these fantastic machines.O6 CHAPTER ALTA ABM100 AUTONOMOUS FIRE-FIGHTING MACHINE 90 PAARHUFER MK 79 SEMI- AUTONOMOUS SERVICE UNIT 92 LIEBER-ALTA M75 LOCOMOTIVE SHIP 94 MG/S SIERRA NEVADA 96 MACHINE BLUEPRINTS The machines are part of our everyday life. we would all be poorer. the telephone and the computer have revolutionized modern living in a tangible way. Always working in the background. . The television. But it is easy to forget that society also is dependent on innovations such as the self-balancing machine (also called robot) and magnetrine technology. they make our life comfortable. In this chapter we will get acquainted with four ico. it attracts ■■ PAARHUFER MK 79: A popular service and mainte. attention wherever it docks. Borealis. With its 172-meter-long hull. tasks. trolled by a remote glove. rations and organizations around the world. Lieber Alta’s classic workhorse M75. for zealously monitoring the area for any fires. The MK 79 is known for its re. revolutionized cargo traffic to remote locations liability and robust construction. This mag- netrine ship is most commonly used for trans- ■■ ALTA ABM100: The so called “fire watchers” of Alta port of raw materials and industrial machines. common vehicles in the area around the Loop is ting mysteries or to base entire mysteries on. independently and perform simple programmed 89 . These ■■ LIEBER-ALTA M75 LOCOMOTIVE SHIP: One of the most machines can be used can be used to spice up exis. ■■ MG/S AURORA BOREALIS: A fine example of a larger but also because their powerful sensors are often magnetrine vessel is the bulk freighter Aurora fooled by local youth in elaborate pranks. corpo. For more advanced operations. The ABM100s are known and towing. it is con- nic machines used by government agencies. The Aurora Borealis nance robot often used by Riksenergi and other is one of many magnetrine freighters that have organizations. It can operate such as Novosibirsk. were made to order by Riksenergi to patrol the but is sometimes fitted for personnel transport area around the Loop. Sweden HEIGHT: 72 feet (21.CHAPTER O6 18 9.5 21. Västerås CONTROL UNIT: ALTA Computech AC2000 Computer Unit 90 . Västerås.5 meters) WEIGHT: 94 metric tons (fully loaded) POWER SOURCES: 4x ALTA A120 + 3x ALTA AX230 Electrohydraulic engines SPEED: 12.5 14 MANUFACTURER: ALTA Robotteknik AB.5 mph (20 kph) (patrol). 34 mph (55 kph) (sprint) ALTA Autonomous Fire-Fighting Machine ABM100 RUN TIME: 36 hours (patrol) ALTA Robotteknik AB. but ALTA The ABM100 and its successors are unmanned and is confident that their product will appeal to a larger completely autonomous. 91 . West Germany. There is a small cockpit in the international market. SUGGESTED MYSTERIES: rain and obstacles. and microphones. but it can only be reached with a basket lift. which received the electronic fires. and are usually seen patrol. thermal ■■ Some older teens have plans to trick a robot to cameras. sented at the International Industrial Fair in Hanover. even outside of the hot summer months The ABM100 series is still a rare sight outside (May – September). and in the spring of 1985 the robots were moved to the area around the Bona reactor on Munsö.100 yards (1. Their favorite trick was to drive past them in a car. An export version will be pre- “head” for manual steering while servicing the robot. For this. There they can be robots. BLUEPRINTS MACHINE TWO ABM100’S WERE BUILT BY ALTA . a challenging guard unit. wreck the school on Saturday night. The addition of a smelly liquid in the extinguishing water put a definite stop to the teasing of the robots.. The robot can refill its water reservoir model name ABM110. ■■ What causes the fires that the “Fireguards” fight? The sensor equipment consists of TV cameras. The in. A game of cat-and- pulses. It did not take long before the youngsters of the neighborhood realized that they were able to tease the robots with fire.” Riksenergi ordered a series of six ABM. mainly on the Jäsängen fields. but as the same amount of extinguishing foam for fuel and with improved sensor equipment. without anyone knowing why. of the Mälaren Islands and Boulder City. Together. DART in Boulder City. Its sensor equipment and height also make it an of a technology exchange. the robot is chasing them? To complicate things. These were introduced excellent surveillance robot. They were initially deployed on the outskirts of Kungsberga..000 meters) away. each robot carries other direction. commissioned by Riksenergi. Soon it was discovered that they fought the fires that could sometimes occurred spontaneously in the area. The robots are ■■ The characters come too close to a restricted shielded from anything but the most powerful Gödel area. by itself by lowering a hose into a suitable source of was interested in the robot and ordered a pair as part water. ped with a networking unit that makes it capable of ling along the stretch of the particle accelerator. such as buildings and power lines. laser rangefinders. waving an emergency flare to lure them to pursue the car. the robot is controlled by a self-learning ALTA Com- putech computer. and were completed in the autumn of 1984. There is a remote-controlled safety switch if the mouse ensues. on the sur.700 US gallons (25 cubic meters) of water. Why doesn’t an adult discover that robot should malfunction. but controlling up to eight smaller ALTA SASU110 guard without entering the built-up areas. Instead. Riksenergi soon got tired of this. How will the struments can detect a fire the size of a campfire at up characters stop them? to 1. such a surveillance squad constitutes observed extinguishing fires that can start without ap. for reasons unknown to the public. A robot detects them. Then it was all about avoiding the water jet. The main function of the robots is to fight small a couple of strange animals approach from the and medium-sized fires. in April 1987. They are known local- ly as “The Fireguards. 6. as well face almost indistinguishable from the ABM100. It is programmed to memorize ter. and the ABM110 is equip- in the autumn of 1985. USA. parent cause. 2 3. 22 mph (35 kph) (sprint) 2. Weight of backpack unit + remote gauntlet: 15. PAARHUFER Semi-Autonomous Service Unit MANUFACTURER: Paarhufer Industrie GmbH.5 lbs (7 kg) BACKPACK UNIT + REMOTE GAUNTLET 6.3 WALKING TIME: 6 hours (patrol) LIFTING CAPACITY GRIP CLAW: max 1.750 lbs (800 kg) CONTROL UNIT: remote gauntlet. West Germany MK 79 Paarhufer Industrie GmbH. Düsseldorf. West Germany HEIGHT: 20. range 550 yards (500 meters).5 mph (12 kph) (patrol).5 feet (6.CHAPTER O6 .7 4 92 .2 meters) WEIGHT: 5 tons POWER SOURCES: 4 Ziegler-Strohm 552-X electric motors + gasoline-powered emergency drive SPEED: 7. Düsseldorf. and conse. but if it stops before that. and is ex. on construction sites and in forestry. This version is equipped with a camera and somewhere and control the robot with a remote can be remote controlled from a control center up to 3 gauntlet. A pair of forward-looking headlamps are ■■ It’s Friday and school is out for the weekend. Will anyone miss the robot Mk 81. but economically advantageous sign of any operator. but it is poor at detec. a felling and delimbing out of charge. A newer version. The robot is ideal for work in radioactive or chemi- cally contaminated environments. There is no versions are planned. for example. and people flee in panic. but it can next to it. A sensor in the back can detect obstacles. The remote gauntlet has a transmission range of 550 yards (500 meters). encounter a smoking service robot. To avoid personal injury. It is available in both a civilian and a military version. and the electronics are protected from anything but the most powerful Gödel pulses. but is dura- ble and enduring in most environments. It is programmed to look for a charging station when the battery charge drops below 10%. It needs relatively even ground for moving around. characters find a service robot. this model has become commonplace in the Loop area and in the rest of the industrialized world. New metal box with warning text in its claw. the safety function is switched off. the robot is paused when someone is within 10’ (3 meters) in a 30-degree sector in front of it. The used for work in the dark and poor lighting conditions. the operator rarely stays further away than 110 yards (100 meters) in order to see what he is doing. The sensor units consist of TV and thermal vision cameras. used. and has two robotic before Monday? arms for improved manipulation capability. was introduced in 1984. is the remote control unit. but for practical reasons. What older robots. but the latter is not used by the Swedish Army. and needs to be connected to the attachment for forest harvesting. ■■ The characters are out in the woods when they Paarhufer Mk 79 is a successful design. ■■ A Paarhufer runs amok in town. but if the remote gaunt- let is used. the upgrade packages can also extend the working life of box can be pried from the grip of the claw. If you work it for a while. It wrecks cars quently has two remote gauntlets connected to the con. but can also be used by an operator with a remote-control unit (“re- mote gauntlet”). In an unlocked shed The main tool is a claw for heavy lifting. an operator can manually start an emergency drive so that the robot can reach the ne- arest charging station. and the programming allows the robot to detect if a person is in danger zone. Who does it and why? miles (5 kilometers) away. for example. Since its introduction in 1982. the nearby charging post. The robot is be replaced with. BLUEPRINTS MACHINE PAARHUFER MK 79 is a maintenance robot that can hand- le simpler routine tasks independently. There’s a large pected to be in service for many years to come. Somebody has to stand trol unit. SUGGESTED MYSTERIES ting humans. might it hold? 93 . 2 7.5 meters Cargo Hatch WEIGHT: 65 tons POWER SOURCE: Sulzer T44 diesel turbine engine SPEED (WITHOUT LOAD): 85 kph (53 mph) ACCELERATION: 0-85 kph in 55 seconds BRAKING DISTANCE: approximately 150 m (165 yards) at 85 kph LOAD CAPACITY: max 15 tons CREW: 2 94 .CHAPTER O6 Lieber-ALTA LOCOMOTIVE SHIP Lieber-ALTA Magnetrinindustri AB.9 Towbar and winch equipment Radar Cockpit Light ramp MANUFACTURER: Lieber-ALTA Magnetrinindustri AB.8 4. range Kalmar. Sweden 280 meters LENGTH: 15.9 meters HEIGHT: 6.6 15. Sweden M75 S E R I E S 3. Kalmar. The locomotive ships that operate near the Loop are and a common sight in magnetrine ship ports and indu. they also have radar. allowing many years to come. Switzerland and Sweden. Usually. the disks are activated in sequential order. the characters can see a perfect- fect that creates forward motion. tank placed amidships. ded and unlocked. A parked ship is emingly abandoned locomotive ship. What has happened? field sensors. The characters roam the countryside in search of tive ship also has a coupler at the back for connection to something interesting to do. and cult situations. a disks tilt for maximum lift and drive ability. There are no are controlled by a central unit connected to magnetic signs of a struggle. The bridge houses control. and design and layout. It is unatten- usually 2–5 meters (7’–17’) above ground level. as if a giant diesel turbine is boosted by a turbo aggregate and is had scooped up the earth and the grass. all locomotive ships of one or more large animals lead toward a small. they will find a pair of coffee mugs on the locomotive ship usually has about twenty discs. It’s usually port by mounting simple seats. An entry hatch opens simultaneously. there are also rud. light transport. recessed in the hull while in transit. with the ladder extended and The locomotive sinter discs are powered by a ge. forested area. surveillance robot suddenly appears outside. A small cabin with a vehicle fleet. the ■■ When the characters are investigating the ship. The cargo hold has a volume cor- Maryland. A US assembly plant is located in Baltimore. 880 cubic feet). shielded from Gödel pulses of light to medium severity. and is a workhorse that we will see for tion key. toilet (a seat with a hole open to the ground below) ta- nal industrial group with manufacturing in West Germa. which ship’s bridge. date of it is one week later than today’s date. and with retailers all over contains the diesel turbine and the generator. retracted in the aft end of the ship. ders that are used to control the exhaust and thus help ■■ A shoe is found a short distance from the ship. and a free-fall transport. as well as a door to the engine room and the common cargo space. and can be switched to passenger trans- te-controlled ladder for entry of the vehicle. Locomotive ships used for longer routes the front page has a big headline about a serious are equipped with a radio direction finder and autopilot. abruptly end. such as couple of bunk beds offers overnight accommodation. which in turn is powered by a diesel engine. To dri. and ■■ On the bridge there is an evening newspaper. the M75 has a remo. navigation. If the characters go on nerator. Tracks Like their larger counterparts. with the fuel the world. The engine room ny. dition to magnetic field sensors. or Like most locomotive ships. which is ■■ It’s a after school. kes care of the rest of the crew's needs. did the entire locomotive ship get back in time? Is tion and as checkpoints when the autopilot is switched it possible to prevent the accident? 95 . The coffee is still hot. The tracks used for course corrections. responding to a half-load container (25 cubic meters. when they find a se- magnetrine barges and towing cables. The exhaust from the ly circular pit a hundred yards away. and extended by a The M75 locomotive ship from Lieber-ALTA is a reli- signal from a remote control that’s coupled with the igni. Lieber-ALTA is an internatio. The a TV camera in the bow facilitates maneuvering in diffi. SUGGESTED MYSTERIES For loading. where they ships and larger magnetrine ships. By reading the local magnetic field. BLUEPRINTS MACHINE LIEBER-ALTA’S M75 locomotive ship is typical of its class. ■■ From the bridge. steer the ship. accident at the Loop. they hide in the ship. the cargo ship has a lifting crane. and as tugboats. They perform multiple functions. The M75 follows the main trend when it comes to 61 in the Soviet Union. you to enter a space with a ladder to the bridge. are equipped with VHF radio for communications. able construction. personal kitchenette is available for light cooking. maybe even summer holiday. the engine switched off. A board. and on some locomotive of two people lead towards the pit. and maybe start it to escape? with fast polarity shifts to create a pulling/pushing ef. strial areas. How did it get here? How as the shipping lanes have radio beacons used for naviga. have become an indispensable part of the magnetrine and communication equipment. In ad. the locomo. West Germany and Sweden. on. A towing magnetrine barges. Locomotive ships were introduced in 1960. Will ve the ship. and fresh blood is visible on the ground. San Diego.000 deadweight tons POWER SOURCE: 2 Pantarei 568 Diesel turbine engi- nes.CHAPTER O6 Mg/S Aurora MAGNETRINE CARGO VESSEL Borealis MAGMID Harris & Logan Magnetrine Shipyards. Captain TYPE: Magnetrine cargo vessel CLASS: Magmid BUILDER: Harris & Logan Magnetrine Shipyards. San Diego. California. USA 33 81 58 172 Radio Operator Second Mate First Mate Navigator OPERATOR: Southern Magnetrine Shipping. USA LENGTH OVER ALL: 172 meters BEAM: 32 meters HEIGHT: 81 meters TONNAGE: 25. 2 Stahlhagen G-38/U gas turbine engines SPEED: 26 knots (48 kph) Radar Operator CREW: 26 96 . Inc. California. Cranes and traverses lift central units connected to a series of magnetic field sen. The magnetrine ships are aided by an assistant. The twelve massive sinter disks are powered by six load the ship is intended for. meters) and are capable of containing up to a thousand mum lift and drive ability. She has been followed by twelve sister ships. as the shipping la. netrine ship. A pair of gas turbine engines contribute to pro. The the other crew live in cabins on the deck below. coal.77 million cubic feet (50. The charac- have their cabins on the same deck as the bridge. the magnetrine engineer. sneak aboard the ship and find the sphere with the engine room is a workshop. which also work as lifeboats if the first mate. The pro- shower rooms complete the crew quarters. and to an echo sphere that has been quietly rusting for a coffeemaker are available for off-duty crew. they land in water. timber. Another dozen smaller disks are used for adjustment by cargo doors in the sides of the ship. by a handful of crew members. the navi. and distribute containers in the cargo holds. pool table. a pair of second engi. which drives off to the port and a waiting mag- engineer. national trade will only increase in the future. The cargo holds are configured depending on the succeed before the parents get home? 97 . and the sensor operator work. four motormen. doors a pulling/pushing effect. with one part for the ship’s officers and one SUGGESTED MYSTERY for the rest of the crew. fire that can’t be put out. Next to the galley there are a cold here to stay. while others are adapted for shipping containers or car transport. and before you know it. the disks are 20-foot shipping containers. A bosun and seven mates consti. character has invited his/her friends for some gaming. Magnetrine ships like Mg/S Sierra Nevada are a com- radar and sensor screens. which mostly travel the Trans-Am shipping lane from Los Angeles to Boston. and servo motors angle the discs for opti. with fast polarity shifts to create The ship’s deck has a helipad. activated sequentially. Here the captain. In the galley. A coup. gation officer. Controls. To drive the ship. If the ship is subject to acute danger. Toilets and few weeks in a small wood behind the house. a bow ramp. All disks are controlled by means of two ading hatches on the underside. while ter is tasked with baby-sitting a younger sibling. Some of the ships are bulk carriers (iron ore. which are in turn powered by the Diesel engi. and is connected to the shore by gangways. For boarding. the signal man. and fuel the sibling before the ship leaves the port. The Nevada combines load carrying capacity with re- liability and operating economy. and communication equipment mon sight along the shipping lanes that connect the ports cover all surfaces. which have sors. Will the characters manage to enter the neers. The mess is divided. The captain and other senior officers Vegas. The Sierra Nevada is adap- generators. and the ship’s electrician. parachuted escape pods. the ship’s cook works. le of cabins are available for extra crew and passengers. Their importance to inter- radio direction finders and autopilot. ted for freight containers.000 cubic the sensors. storage room and pantries for food and drink. the crew can be evacuated using The bridge is the ship’s nerve center. which can be taken on board nes. The exhaust from the gas lifts that pass through openings in the bottom of the crew turbines is also used in conjunction with a pair of rudders module. blem is that the sphere can be seen being loaded onto a In the engine room work the technical chief. such as a for steering. etc). BLUEPRINTS MACHINE MG/S SIERRA NEVADA is the first ship of its class built by Harris & Logan Magnetrine Shipyards. or lo- of lifting power. The local magnetic field is constantly measured by a volume of some 1. and auto- nes have radio beacons used for navigation and when the mation will result in larger vessels that can be monitored autopilot is engaged. the second mate. bookshelf. the sibling is gone. power central. and will they tanks. Next to area. The parents of one of the characters are going to Las tute the deck crew. Tracks lead A common room with TV. which in turn creates forward can be used just below the bridge if the ship is in port motion. or by cargo pulsion through jet exhaust. and won’t be back until midnight. Magnetrine ships are equipped with of the Northern Hemisphere. the first vehicle. . He grew up on the Mälaren Islands outside of Stockholm and his paintings from there reflect his childhood and his memories. The reason why we chose these two are simple: Simon Stålenhag’s art depicts these two settings. USA.O7 CHAPTER WHY HACK YOUR HOMETOWN? 99 CHOOSE YOUR TOWN 99 DEFINE THE AREA 100 PREPARE THE MAP 100 PLACE THE LOOP 100 PREPARE AND PLACE THE AGENCY 101 PLACE SCHOOLS. The two official settings for the game. AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS 104 CREATE A SHORT SUMMARY 104 WRAP THINGS UP 104 HOMETOWN HACK Tales from the Loop is about solving mysteries in small towns or communities. But Tales from the Loop is your game now. so why not make it about your hometown and your memories? This is what this chapter is all about. POLICE. included in the core rulebook. are the Mälaren Islands in Sweden and Boulder City in Nevada. you need to choose the town to be the ■■ It helps players relate. chances are that you might ■■ It’s easier for new roleplayers. or maybe ting. Here are a few: ■■ It’s fun! Setting the game in a town you know CHOOSE YOUR TOWN brings a whole new dimension to the table. to simply pick the town you and your friends grew sion it and its surroundings much better.WHY HACK YOUR ■■ You will know the town better. Providing they actually have setting for your game. and gameable setting using your shared memories and gic and sometimes bittersweet experience. If you all come from the same small town. Recrea. Using a familiar set. own hometown as a setting for Tales from the Loop. you ■■ You get to relive your past – with a twist. Loop is a very flexible game. you grew up in a big city? Fear not. come from different parts of the country. up in. You can set a game in a 99 . Regardless of HOMETOWN? whether you are recreating your hometown or cre- ating one from scratch. experiences. they will be able to envi. you will have an easier time getting new play. the very process of shaping There are many reasons why you should adapt your it will help you know it inside and out. First of all. Tales from the ers into roleplaying. However. The most obvious solution is a relation to your town. have the perfect opportunity to create an interesting ting one’s hometown from the past can be a nostal. de. for your map. list a few criteria: To do this. the next step is to place the paths and lanes if you are lucky enough to actual Loop in a suitable location. that means Get a feel for it. You can also try out services like Snazzymaps Norfolk and Suffolk. and see where they fit. If mouth is defined by The Broads – rivers and you study the Loops of the Mälaren Islands and Boulder lakes that can mostly be gotten around on in a City you will see that it consists of these elements: small boat. you than the Mälaren Islands and Boulder City need a town with surroundings that are at least this maps. PREPARE THE MAP Ok. you just need to focus the game on a DEFINE THE AREA smaller part of it. ■■ It should be a town you or your players have a rela- tionship to. ■■ A number of service and transport tunnels 100 . We have a look at Google Maps and settle for ■■ It needs to have a place for the Loop and its installa. unless you stick to ■■ One or two auxiliary accelerator tunnels the paths. but enough space to house the Loop big (it needs to fit on a map of the setting). sert. a few screenshots. A little digging on the internet goes a long way towards The nearby town of Great Yarmouth is small finding the map style that suits you. the land of The Broads ■■ The reactor core in the center of the Loop is often wet and covered in reeds. what is the perfect town for a Tales game? Let’s define the exact size of the town and its surroundings. Remember. supermarkets and places to hang out at. marshes or other features. it’s time to create the actual map! Take a We asked our friends at Modiphius Entertain. Once you have chosen your town. Maybe print the map in different sizes. so now that you have a town and you have defined EXAMPLE the map area. so they decided on an or Openstreetmap to give your map a little more flair. add the Loop and a few installations it should not be spread out over too big an area. ■■ The main accelerator tunnel (the largest circle) king around it a bit trickier. a school. As the loop is 26 kilometers in diameter. Kids exploring might also find large ■■ A small number of outflux routes areas of farmland. take tion. Then thousands (or tens of thousands at the most). Zoom in and out. area they all knew well – The Norfolk Broads. and a countryside full of adventures. your map should look. and has all the basic facilities required. The town and neighboring villages are connected by bus routes (one of the most used ways for PLACE THE LOOP kids to get around in the UK in the 80s) and You’ve got a town and a map. The area around Great Yar. as well as woods and long ■■ Four gates that provide entry to the Loop beaches composed of sand and pebbles. pull out the core rule book and have a look ■■ It should be a small town with a population in the at the maps of Mälaren Islands and Boulder City. especially touches. such as Google Maps or similar. then import ment to create a British setting for the game. open a map of your chosen town using an online tool ■■ It should have some basic facilities like a police sta. ters will be getting around by foot or bike. the next step is to So. As most charac. it into an image editor of your choice for the finishing Some them come from East Anglia. mountains. an area roughly 16 kilometers across. However. making wal. to find the right area to use as a basis ■■ It should be easily accessible for Kids. enough space to roam the town and countryside. a huge underground accelerator and need lots of space. Several of the prewritten mysteries relate to a lake or EXAMPLE the sea in some way. You just need to give the Kids ideally several different types: forests. screenshot of the area you’ve decided on. Smaller tions. ■■ It should preferably have a large body of water nearby. the Loop is own a BMX.CHAPTER O7 city of any size. There is no exact science to how ■■ It should have interesting countryside surrounding it. the public facing part of the facility works on Use these simple steps to create an agency for your environmental matters in the area. However. Remember that the and Food. leading many to believe that parts of the rities such as the police. So. understood outside of the managers of the facility. we need to determine counterpoint to the Sizewell Nuclear Power which agency actually controls it. Define the relationship between the Agency. area and magnetism. AGENCY The Broads Reactor is known as a supp- lier of surprisingly clean energy (a welcome Now that the Loop is in place. However. Check zation and magnetism for many purposes. we Despite the not-in-my-back-garden attitude wanted to combine two things from the UK in of most of the adult residents. Acronyms are your friend here. lost as part of the tests. experiments include ioni- 1. HACK HOMETOWN The exact composition of these elements is not important. and in the US. and with other local autho. The majority of the townsfolk find the reactor an eyesore – and if that’s not enough. but is otherwise not fully dingly. or even out inspiration. it’s Rik. reactor core should preferably be located outside of po. The marshy 3. Station in nearby Suffolk). The research beingundertaken there involves Using image editing software. Kids from the area. where access to it can be tightly controlled. find the reactor exciting in ways that research and environmental issues. facing side of the Loop falls under the remit of just make sure that it follows roughly the same model as MAFF – The Ministry of Agriculture. governmental center looking into agricultural however. Tests lists of actual research agencies or ’80s movies for are often carried out on the Broads. The gional Geomagnetic Information Sciences). as well gue with the benefits it brings. Define its responsibility and resources. the real work going on at the pulated areas. you should easily be some combination of the natural water of the able to create concentric circles and label them accor. or a harmless by-product of the it bring to bear to fulfill this task? reactor’s clean energy production. the senergi. and will. Loop is a generator of mysteries after all. Rumors persist that astrange natural phenomena have been discovered in waterlog- PREPARE AND PLACE THE ged caves underneath the area. In Sweden. For who controls The Broads Loop. Use either of those. game: Behind the scenes. mines in other parts of the UK are producing as far as the public is aware. Loop is undertaken by a secret division of the The accelerator tunnels however can. and 4. the next proposed expansion of the EXAMPLE facility is a windfarm out on the North Sea. Broads Reactor produces a smaller amount of or create your own relevant for your country. What fens of the Broads hide many strange machi- kinds of experiments are performed there? nes and vehicles. they cannot ar- the eighties – government ministries. we decided that. meaning it’s still regarded primarily as Swedish and American ones are modeled after actual a niche interest. Define its purpose for building the Loop. What is its explained as weather monitoring equipment mission? What kind of resources and authority can used by MAFF. mists. probably Department of Defence called ReGIS (RE- go underneath the actual town. over the North Sea – with any strange lights 2. This is a good thing. the equally strange occurrences such as lights and town and its residents. This public the beaches and summer tourists will never be. Fisheries the Swedish and American versions. area are haunted. Both the energy. Name it. As well as producing power. including ener- as a reference to one of the most well-known gy and jobs at a time when the closure of coal TV shows of the time. government agencies. 101 . it’s DARPA. Then add the other elements with text or icons. the Loop is a large scale unemployment. CHAPTER O7 Agriculture. Print n.3 NORFOLKS BROADS T H EAREALMAP OOP 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 km Service Tunnel Forest Ferry Route Billockby Transport Tunnel Upton Cultivated land Civilian Road Populated Area r Fishley e le A cc THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. FISHERIES AND FOOD Acle Blofield 1 - Brundall Lingwood Tunstall M PRI Strupshaw KNEALE GATE Mid-Yare Moulton LERATOR National St Mary Surlingham Halvergate Nature Reserve Buckenham ANDERSON GA ACCE Hassingham Freethorpe Rockland 2 St Mary - M Cantley I Riv PR er Claxton Limpenhoe Hellington Yar R e O AT ER L CE Reedham OUTFLUX SOUTH 111402 102 . Fisheries And Food Division. FISHERIES AND FOOD [MAPP]. No copies will be made without permission. 103 . HACK HOMETOWN LY63-1300 OUTFLUX NORTH d oa Br y sb Clippesby Ormesby er ll St Michael Ormesby Ro St Margret N DARBYSHIRE GATE O Filby Broad R Mautby CAISTER -ON-SEA T H P . 1 ra tor ADAMS GATE Stokesby ACCELE RA S E A TO OUTFLUX EAST R A U X - 1 Cooling GREAT Ri ve towers e Yar r YARMOUTH Ya er Riv re THE BROADS ATE REACTOR WYNDHAM GATE The Broads Burgh Castle GORLESTON -ON-SEA Bradwell Belton AC e Yar er Riv Browston Green The information in this map may be protected from disclosure by the THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. CREATE A SHORT AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS SUMMARY Every town in Tales from the Loop is a microcosm You’re almost there! Now that you know the lay of of society. In this step. use your judgement as to inspiration. towards Great Yarmouth – known inted with the town you will explore and experience for being a great place to race a BMX) together. You the town. the land. The stage is set and ready ■■ Sun Road Station – Police Station to be filled with dreams and memories. straight road from spend some time at the table to get everyone acqua- Acle. Maybe you want to send out a prepared document ■■ Hospital to your players ahead of the first session. Now is the time ■■ Fire Station to fill it with mysteries and introduce your players to ■■ Military Base it. and your town should be too. or just write down a summary using bullet what is reasonable to be found in your town.CHAPTER O7 PLACE SCHOOLS. or you could ■■ Acle Straight (the long. points: ■■ One or more elementary schools ■■ What is the history of the town? ■■ One or more high schools ■■ What is it like to live in the town? ■■ A police station ■■ Which are the most common meeting places? ■■ A fire station ■■ Which are the most significant buildings? ■■ A military base ■■ How do Kids get around the area? What transpor- ■■ A hospital tation is available? ■■ What is the relation between the townspeople and the Loop agency like? EXAMPLE ■■ What do Kids do to pass the time in this town? For the setting of The Broads we settle for these institutions: ■■ Grove Hill – Comprehensive School WRAP THINGS UP ■■ Cycle Grove – Primary School You have created your town. Use the setting texts in the core rulebook as don’t need to use them all. it’s time to write down a short overview of simply place the following elements on the map. 104 . POLICE.