The Bas-Lag Gazetteer

The World of New Crobuzon – D&D 3.5 Campaign Setting

A fan project inspired by the work of China Miéville

Compiled and adapted by Bryce Jones

Page Intentiaonally Left Blank
Credits
Compiled by Bryce Jones (bjj838383@gmail.com) – liberal copy/pasting was done from the Dragon Magazine #352 article on the
world of Bas-Lag.

All Bas-Lag novels, and all the names and terms found within them are the property of China Miéville and his publishers, Macmillan
and/or Del Rey.

All D&D terms and rules are owned by Wizards of the Coast. All Pathfinder terms and rules are owned by Paizo.

Images
http://clintcearley.deviantart.com/art/Prismatic-Spray-Dungeons-and-Dragons-479688193
http://theikarvs.deviantart.com/art/The-sand-wizard-380508459
http://solidtom.deviantart.com/art/Mogogol-wizard-142589659
https://robertfinkelstein.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/lightning-tree.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3sJZX9_BdRM/UbkRgSJupII/AAAAAAAAZV8/HspAyyf-
lC4/s1600/tumblr_m4axkzGhAP1r9mzbpo1_r1_500.png
http://orig15.deviantart.net/46d9/f/2010/242/c/6/sea_serpent_by_rusty001-d2xmbwh.jpg
http://www.creaturespot.com/main/2013/7/29/catoblepas-and-friends.html
http://s464.photobucket.com/user/afterpandora/media/direseaturtle.jpg.html
http://img09.deviantart.net/4914/i/2005/101/4/6/hyena_dragon_for_cara_by_mirroreyesserval.jpg
https://cdn3.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/051/307/large/ozani-ferreira-pangolin-render-01.jpg?1439172519
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Flesh-golem-girallon-211270597
http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2012/12/support-your-local-cyborg-horse.html

Somaturge Class
CthulhuM is responsible for the creation of the wonderfully detailed somaturge class and is unaffiliated with me.
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?49859-base-The-Somaturge-Because-it-s-about-time-DnD-had-a-real-pet-class

1
Contents
Introduction.................................3
A Bas-Lag Campaign ...............3
Characters.....................................4
Races..........................................4
Human ..............................4
Anophelii...........................5
Borinatch...........................6
Cactacae............................7
Ge-ain (The Tardy) ........8
Mountain Cactacae........9
Corokanth..........................9
Cray..................................10
Garuda.............................11
Gessin..............................12
Handlingers......................13
Hotchi...............................15
Khepri...............................16
Llorgiss..............................17
Manfish.............................18
Scabmettlers.....................19
Stiltspear...........................20
Trow..................................22
Vodyanoi...........................23
Vu-murt............................24
Templates.................................25
Thanati.............................25
Torque-Touched...............26
Classes.......................................27
Elementarii ......................28
Metallo-thaumaturgist.....32
Somaturgist .....................42
Prestige Classes........................47
Biothaumaturgist..............47
Chromathaumaturgist.......53
Communicatrix..................54
Geoempath........................55
Mossist...............................56
Physicothaumaturgist........57
Subvocalturgist..................59
Feats...........................................60
Skills..........................................61
Gear.............................................61
Remade.......................................64
Thaumaturgy................................65
Languages......................................73
History...........................................74
New Crobuzon..............................75
History...............................75
Government & Politics......77
Military & Police ...............79
Calandar & Dates ..............79
Rivers & Waterways .........79
Rails & Industry.................80
Districts & Boroughs.........81
Environs & Localities.........90
Geography of Bas-Lag...............94
Torque Zones....................94
Rohagi........................................96
Cold Claw Sea....................96
The Gengris....................96
Jangsach.........................97
Kar Torrer Kingdom........98
Yanni Seckilli...................99
Cymek Desert...................100
Dreer Samher...............101
Shankell........................101
Galaggi Veldt....................103
Maru’ahm.....................103
Tesh..............................104
Hinter...............................106
The Brothers.................106
Gharcheltist..................107
Lubbock............................108
Suroch..........................108
Middling Sweeps.............108
Neovadan.....................109
Bestiary........................................132
Vadaunk.......................109
Ragamoll..........................111
Cobsea..........................111
Myrshock......................111
Shatterjack.......................112
High Cromlech..............112
Wormseye Scrub..............113
Troglodopolis...............114
Yoraketche...................114
The Rohagi Coast....................115
The Swollen Ocean.................117
Shoteka.....................................118
Bered Kai Nev.........................119
Elsewhere on Bas-Lag............119
Deities..........................................120
Major Gods of Bas-Lag...........120
Crawfoot..........................120
Darioch............................120
Mother Limpid.................120
One True God ..................120
Palgolak ...........................121
Salter................................121
Solenton...........................121
St. Jabber.........................122
Other Gods of Bas-Lag.........122
Croom..............................122
Dahnesch.........................122
Khyriad.............................122
Krinan-Flaherti.................122
Sobki................................122
Troikinity..........................123
Khepri Pantheon.....................123
Awesome Broodma.........123
Artspitter.........................123
Nurse...............................123
The Tough Sisters............123
Air Harvester...................123
Elyctric Devil....................124
Insect Aspect...................124
Wingsister........................124
Timeway Pantheon................124
Sanshad...........................124
Others.............................124
Manifold Horizon...................125
Tesh Moments................125
Corokanth Pantheon...............127
Trow Pantheon.......................128
Atheism....................................128
Domains....................................129
Anophelii Female.............133
Avanc...............................134
Bonefish...........................134
Catoblepas.......................135
Chelona............................135
Construct, Crowd.............136
Construct, War.................136
Echinoid Rex....................137
Elementals.......................137
Ghul.................................142
Glucliche..........................142
Grindylow........................143
Homegrub........................144
Inchman...........................145
Pangolin Rex....................146
Ptera-Bird........................146
Remade, Horse................147
Remade, Nashorn............147
Rooster, Giant..................148
Seawyrm..........................148
Slake Moth.......................149
Throng-Bear.....................150
Vinhog..............................151
Wake-Tree.......................151
Weaver............................152
Wyrman...........................153
Zombie.............................153
2
Introduction
The Bas-Lag trilogy of novels by China Miéville, beginning
with the brilliant Perdido Street Station, did not initially
remind me of the kind of fantasy world that one would play
Dungeons & Dragons in. The world within that novel, while
inspired, did not contain many of the typical themes or
elements that one normally associates with D&D.
Then, in near the end of the story, the party of three
rough-and-tumble adventures swooped in to save the day,
and it became clear – Bas-Lag was exactly the kind of world
I’d like to play D&D in.
A Bas-Lag Campaign
This is not your grandpappy’s D&D world. There are no
halflings, elves, dragons, knights, fair princesses, or gleaming
castles here. Instead, you will find women with bugs for
heads, insane talking spiders, crooked police, and smog filled
cities full to brimming with all manner of disquieting sights
and sounds.
Bas-Lag is a world of gray areas. There are not really any
gleaming kingdoms of righteousness and purity, nor are there
many evil empires of death and tyranny. Rather, in Bas-Lag,
just about everyone is out for themselves. Nobility doesn’t
pay the bills, and it’s pretty hard to build an evil domain of
ultimate power when your sinister realm can easily be wiped
off the map by blimps dropping weapons of mass destruction.
As such, Bas-Lag lurks somewhere in the middle of the
spectrum, and is always looking out for Number One.
Bas-Lag is also a world rapidly embracing
industrialization. Many cities in the world have come to
depend upon steam engines, locomotives, gear-driven
mechanoids, cameras, printing presses, firearms, and
aerostats.
“Magic” does not exist here, because “magic” implies
something mystical, spiritual, fantastical, something unknown
and unknowable, beyond the reach of the common man. No,
in Bas-Lag, “thaumaturgy” is a respected science, and being a
master thaumaturgist is no more remarkable than being a
master engineer or doctor – impressive, but my no means the
stuff of legend.
This isn’t to say, though, that Bas-Lag is lacking in
wonders. Quite the opposite – there are so many strange and
peculiar sights in Bas-Lag that they practically fade into the
background due to sheer quantity. Let’s look at an example.
Imagine a traditional D&D game: your party stumbles a across
a small village where the inhabitants have all be turned to
stone! Tally-ho, we must uncover the origins of this
perplexing mystery post-haste, for that is what adventurers
do!
Now let’s examine the same scenario in Bas-Lag. Is this
really such a big deal? Yesterday we passed through a forest
of frozen lightning and this morning we were attacked by a
band of mutated machine-men. This is really pretty run-of-
the-mill by comparison and we don’t really have time for this,
let’s just loot their houses real quick and get the f*** out of
here before we’re attacked by giant brain-sucking moths or
some s***.
So, I hope you enjoy adventuring in the dark, foreboding,
and incredibly unique world of Bas-Lag!
3
 hair (for men) from sparse to thick. Members of this race are

Characters often ostentatious or unorthodox in their grooming and

dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos,
body piercings, and the like. Humans have short life spans,
reaching adulthood at about age 15 and rarely living even a

Character Races
The world of Bas-Lag is populated by great many strange
single century.
Relations
Interstate relations vary from nation to nation, but most
human-dominated lands are relatively insular and are at least
and peculiar races. From plants that walk and talk, to men a little wary of other lands. Direct warfare is uncommon in
who use their blood as a weapon, this list includes the most the modern era, ever since the invention of weapons of mass
notable and populous races of the Rohagi continent. destruction, such as colourbombs and torque bombs.
(Note: “LA” denotes “Level Adjustment,” a measurement Human Lands
of how much more powerful a race is inherently, compared to Many, although not all, of the major states of Bas-Lag are
humans. “DL” denotes “Difficulty Level,” a measure of how human dominated. The highest concentrations of humans are
challenging it would be to play a character of this race in a in the central latitudes of Rohagi.
typical setting due to story reasons – usually due to aberrant Human lands generally include relatively large numbers
cultural or physical qualities.) of nonhumans (compared, for instance, to the number of
non-vodyanoi who live in vodyanoi lands).
Races At A Glance Religion
Race Adjustments Favored Class LA DL Unlike members of some other races, humans do not
Human – Any 0 0 have a chief racial deity. Jabber, the patron saint of New
Anophelii (m) -2 Cha, Str; +4 Int Wizard 0 9
Borinatch -2 Cha; +2 Str Ranger 2 5
Crobuzon, is a very commonly worshiped deity in some
Cactacae -4 Dex; +2 Con; +4 Fighter 2 0 human lands, but his reverence is far from universal. Some
Str humans are the most ardent and zealous adherents of a given
Ge-ain -6 Dex; -2 Wis, Int; Barbarian 4 7 religion, while others are the most impious people around.
+6 Con; +8 Str
Language
Mountain -4 Dex; +2 Con, Str Fighter 0 0
Corokanth -2 Cha; +2 Str Fighter 1 2 The most common language in human lands tends to be
Cray -2 Dex; +2 Cha Bard 0 3 Ragamoll. There are several dialects, but they are all fairly
Garuda -2 Cha; +2 Dex Ranger 1 1 similar. Humans also tend to be proficient in whichever
Gessin -4 Dex; -2 Int; +4 Barbarian 2 2 regional dialect they are nearest to, such as Galaggi or Fellid.
Str; +2 Con
Handlinger -4 Str; +4 Int Wizard 3-5 8 Thaumaturgy
Hotchi -2 Int; +2 Wis Druid 0 0 Humans are capable of becoming excellent
Khepri -2 Cha, Con; +2 Rogue 0 1 thaumaturgists. Most human communities claim some users
Dex, Wis of the arcane.
Llorgiss -2 Str; +2 Int Cleric 1 3
Adventurers
Manfish – Druid 0 6
Scabmettler -2 Cha; +2 Str Monk 2 4 Human adventurers are the most audacious, daring, and
Stiltspear -2 Int; +2 Dex Somaturge 1 6 ambitious members of an audacious, daring, and ambitious
Trow -2 Dex, Int; +4 Con Barbarian 0 6 race. A human can earn glory in the eyes of her fellows by
Vodyanoi -2 Wis; +2 Cha Sorcerer 0 0
amassing power, wealth, and fame.
Vu-murt -2 Str; +2 Dex Rogue 0 1

HUMAN RACIAL TRAITS:

Humans  Medium: As Medium creatures, humans have no

The most widespread race on Bas-Lag, humans can be
found from coast to coast and in every climate.
Personality
Humans are the most adaptable, flexible, and ambitious
people among the common races. They are diverse in their
tastes, morals, customs, and habits. Many humans are
motivated primarily by self-interest.
Physical Description
Humans typically stand from 5 feet to a little over 6 feet
tall and weigh from 125 to 250 pounds, with men noticeably
taller and heavier than women. Thanks to their penchant for
migration and conquest, and to their short life spans, humans
are more physically diverse than other common races. Their
skin shades range from nearly black to very pale, their hair
from black to blond (curly, kinky, or straight), and their facial
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Human base land speed is 30 feet.
 1 extra feat at 1st level, because humans are quick
to master specialized tasks and are varied in their
talents.
 4 extra skill points at 1st level and 1 extra skill point
at each additional level, since humans are versatile
and capable.
 Automatic Language: Ragamoll. Bonus Languages:
Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).
 Favored Class: Any.
4
 Relations
Anophelii All anophelii, even the harmless males, would be killed
on sight if they ever left their isolated island. Even while being
The anophelii are a feared race of mosquito-folk who
contained, if knowledge of their existence leaked to the
once ruled a massive empire known as the Malarial
general public, it is likely that their remaining population
Queendom, a realm which spanned much of the known
would be overrun and hunted to extinction, out of fear of the
world. Today, society still shudders from the horrific memory
return of another bloodthirsty anophelii empire.
of this empire. Most believe the anophelii to be extinct, but a
At the moment, only two outside groups know of their
small population survives in secret on a remote island.
existence; the scholars of neighboring Gnurr Kett, who use
Personality
the males as intellectual slaves, and the cactacae merchants
There are tremendous differences between the anophelii
of Dreer Samher, who enforce the island’s secrecy and
genders.
isolation.
Females are insatiably hungry for warm blood and are
Anophelii Lands
only rational for the brief period of time when their hunger is
Two thousand years ago, the Malarial Queendom
sated. They will mindlessly attack any warm-blooded creature
covered a significant portion of the known world. Today,
that they come into contact with, charging their target with
however, only a small population of anophelii remain, on a
their enormous proboscis, and draining it dry in a matter of
small unnamed island to the south of Gnurr Kett.
moments, leaving only a desiccated husk. Their bestial and
Religion
monstrous nature leaves them unsuitable for having contact
Any deities worshiped by the Anophelii during their
with other races, (except for the cactacae, who, having no
heyday have been lost to time, and the current intellectually-
true blood, are in no danger from the females.)
regulated society of the males has little knowledge of divine
The males, on the other hand, are excellent linguists,
beings. Any males who were made aware of such things,
engineers, theorists, and thaumaturgists, capable of
however, would likely be drawn to Palgolak, god of
deciphering ancient thaumaturgical texts and reconstructing
knowledge, or similar deities.
long-forgotten rituals. They have excellent memories, strong
Language
mechano-thaumaturgical skills, and sharply
Anophelii males speak their own high-
inquisitive minds. The males avoid combat
pitched language, which sounds like a mixture of
whenever possible, preferring to flee rather than
squeaks and puffs of air. Their mouths are
fight. They lack the strength, bloodlust, and
incapable of speaking any of the normal tongues
ferocity of the females. They eat only vegetable
of Rohagi. They can, however, learn the written
matter, never blood, rendering them harmless to
forms of these languages with phenomenal ease.
other races.
As a method of controlling their intellectual
Unfortunately, this rarely makes a difference
output, their masters from the island of Gnurr
in the minds of the other races. Even though the
Kett have ensured that the only written language
males are harmless, (and have no intrinsic loyalty
known to the males is the obscure High Kettai.
or love for the females,) most individuals who
Females have no language to speak of.
would recognize a male anophelii would still kill it
Thaumaturgy
on sight, terrified of the dreadful memory of the
Thanks in part to their superior intellects, the
ancient anophelii empire.
males are very capable of grasping the
In truth, the anophelii men and women can
complexities of many thaumaturgical
barely communicate with each other, and with
applications. However, they almost universally use this
the exception of procreation, have almost no contact with
knowledge for research and benign applications; aggressive
each other. The species is divided in two by their separate
use of thaumaturgy does not come naturally to them.
needs; females eke out a feral existence in the wild, whereas
Adventurers
males form villages and peaceful societies.
At present, the few who know of the existence of the
Physical Description
anophelii island would never allow any of the mosquito-folk
Female anophelii typically stand 5 feet tall despite their
to leave. However, it is conceivable – however unlikely – that
stooped and hunched posture. They have equally broad
a particularly gifted male might be brought away from the
insectile wings protruding from their backs. Their faces are
island in order to utilize his intellectual expertise.
almost human-looking when in their relaxed state, but
females are capable of unhinging their jaw and extending a
sharp three-foot proboscis from their mouths, which is  See female anophelii: page 133
capable of skewering and draining a victim dry.
Males are only about 4 feet in height, and weigh 90 MALE ANOPHELII RACIAL TRAITS:
pounds on average. Their faces are distinctively less than  -2 Strength, -2 Charisma, +4 Intelligence.
human-looking, having large round mouths resembling  Medium: As medium creatures, male anophelii have
sphincters and small, yet bug-like eyes. no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Male anophelii base land speed is 25 feet.
5
  Darkvision: Male anophelii can see in the dark up to
60 feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but is
otherwise like normal sight, and anophelii can
function just fine with no light at all.
 Male anophelii receive a +2 racial bonus on all
Spellcraft, Decipher Script, Knowledge (Arcana),
Knowledge (Dungeoneering), and Knowledge
(Nature) skill checks.
 Fast Linguist: Although they cannot verbally
communicate, male anophelii can read and write
fluently, and are quick learners. Speak Language is
always a class skill for male anophelii.
 Iron Grip: With their oddly-jointed limbs, male
anophelii grapple exceptionally well, using leverage
to overcome their lack of strength. They gain a +6
racial bonus on all grapple checks.
 Automatic Languages: Anophelii and High Kettai
(written). Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret
languages, such as Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Wizard.
 Level Adjustment: +0.
 Difficulty Level: 9 (of 9). The anophelii are feared and
hated above all others, likely to be killed on sight.
Borinatch
The borinatch – more commonly known as “striders” –
are a proud centaurian race of nomads who only sporadically
exist in the material world.
Personality
The tribal borinatch are a friendly race, unless they are
provoked. Their typical reaction to seeing a group of travelers
would be to smile and wave as they go about their business.
Borinatch live in small family groups which are led by a
Queen, the oldest and largest female among them. Females
are called “sow,” and males “bulls.” When traveling, the
children are typically at the front of the pack, so that
they have first pick while foraging.
Physical Description
Striders superficially resemble large
centaurs, although the lower portions of
their body are more reminiscent of
giraffes than they are of horses. Their
hooved legs alone are the height of a
full grown human, and they tend to
move in a kind of tottering gallop.
Their torsos are vaguely humanoid, with
two arms and a head, but unlike the upper
body of a cray, the borinatch would never
be mistaken for human. Their chest and
backs are covered in the same short fur
as the rest of their body. The head of the
borinatch is especially bizarre, and has been described as a
“bestial-baboon-woodcarving-insect face.” They can appear
fearsome when they choose, but are more than capable of
conveying happiness and gratitude with their facial
expressions as well.
The most distinctive aspect of a strider’s physiology is
how they only seem to be physically present for a portion of
the time. If one were to observe a borinatch, one would
notice parts of its body – most often the limbs – disappearing
and reappearing at random. In reality, striders appear to
belong simultaneously to more than one physical dimension,
(likely the ethereal plane,) and are constantly undergoing a
partial phase between one and the other.
Relations
Strider clans tend to be entirely self-sufficient, and steer
clear of large cities and settlements. By default, they are
friendly towards fellow plains nomads and traveling parties,
although they are more than capable of protecting
themselves. They are not a talkative race, especially with
outsiders, but will communicate if necessary.
Borinatch Lands
Borinatch live in small, nomadic family clans; they have
no villages or cities. The range occupied by the clans lies
roughly in the region between New Crobuzon and the
Cacotopic Stain, which is mostly a mild steppe or forest.
A very few borinatch live a more urban
existence.
Religion
During important ceremonies, borinatch
pray to the spirits of their ancestors.
Language
The borinatch have their own language, but
most clans have some understanding of
Ragamoll as well.
Thaumaturgy
Typical clans get by just fine without much
thaumaturgy, but some individuals practice a
druidic variety which focuses on nature and
practical application.
Adventurers
Few borinatch choose the adventuring
life, as most are content in their nomadic
clans, and their bodies make it difficult to
adjust to life among humanoids, but the
occasional strider who does adventure can
become a powerhouse on the battlefield.
BORINATCH RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Strength, -2 Charisma
 Large: -1 penalty to Armor Class, -1 penalty
on attack roles, -4 penalty on Hide checks, +4
bonus to grapple checks, lifting and carrying
limits double those of Medium creatures.
 Borinatch base land speed is 40 feet.
 Quadruped: As quadrupeds, borinatch have
a +4 bonus on checks to resist bull rush and
trip attempts. They have an increased
carrying capacity.
 Low-Light Vision: A strider can see twice as
far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight,
and similar conditions of poor illumination. They
retain the ability to distinguish color and
detail under these conditions.
6
  Dimensionally Disrespectful (Su): Striders are
constantly under the influence of a blink effect (as in
the spell,) with the following exceptions: the effect
never negatively interferes with a borinatch’s own
attacks or spells. A borinatch can suppress this ability
if he so chooses, although this becomes straining
when prolonged.
 Trample (Ex): As a standard action, a borinatch can
trample creatures of Medium size or smaller. The
strider merely has to move over the opponents. The
trample deals 2d6 (plus 1-1/2 times the borinatch’s
Strength bonus) points of bludgeoning damage. A
trampled opponent can make an attack of
opportunity with a -4 penalty against the trampling
strider or attempt a reflex save for half damage (DC
10 + ½ of the strider’s class level + the strider’s
Str modifier.)
 Automatic Languages: Borinatch. Bonus
Languages: Ragamoll.
 Favored Class: Ranger
 Level Adjustment: +2
 Difficulty Level: 5 (of 9). Due to
their size and relative scarcity, a
borinatch would stick out like a
sore thumb in most adventuring
parties.
Cactacae
This race of large, bulky cactus-folk is a
common sight in the Rohagi continent, hailing
originally from the Cymek Desert.
Personality
Much like humans, cactacae exhibit a wide range
of personality traits which differ greatly from
individual to individual, as well as from region to
region. In general, though, cactacae tend to be
slightly more straightforward and gruff than humans.
Physical Description
Most cactacae are noticeably larger than humans,
standing 7 to 8 feet tall, and possessing a considerable bulk,
weighing as much as 500 to 700 pounds. In addition, their
“skin” is exceptionally thick and fibrous, making them
notoriously difficult to wound. These traits make the cactacae
natural-born fighters.
By far the most common skin colors for cactacae are
shades of green, although yellows, browns, and even grays
are not unheard of. In springtime, many cactacae sprout
small red or yellow flowers along the ridges of their skin.
More distinctive are the sharp spines which protrude from
every surface of a cactacae’s body, ranging in size from tiny
thorns to finger-long needles. Even their faces and the palms
of their hands are studded with these spines, although most
cactacae pluck these regions, similar to how humans might
shave. Some cactacae who are in continual, close contact
with humans will even pluck their whole bodies, in order to
avoid accidentally harming others.
Cactacae heads sit flat on their shoulders, without necks.
This, as well as their barrel-like chests and thick trunk-like
limbs, means that cactacae have very poor flexibility, and
often appear to humans to be plodding or lumbering. Their
fingers are thick and fairly clumsy, although their grip is
powerful enough to crush bones. Cactacae sleep standing up,
with their legs locked.
An oily sap flows through their veins rather than blood,
and their bones are strangely shaped, unlike any vertebrate’s
skeleton. Furthermore, their bones closely resemble wooden
branches in both structure and composition, complete with
growth rings.
Cactacae are naturally comfortable without any clothing,
but those who reside near humans often take to wearing
colored sashes, loincloths, and rich jewelry – anything
that won’t be easily ruined or impeded by their
spiny skin. Those who wish to wear close-fitting
garments or armor must pluck the spines
from the region in question.
Cactacae reproduce by planting
fertilized bulbs in the soil, which hatch
into cactacae children who dig their way
up out of the ground.
Relations
Cactacae inhabit many
regions, but in general, they are
no more or less friendly than
human communities.
Cactacae Lands
The cactacae are a wide-
ranging people. Communities of
cactacae are spread throughout the central
and southern portions of Rahagi, from the
grasslands of the north, all the way through
the Cymek Desert in the south. Most of
the major cities in these regions, including
New Crobuzon, Cobsea, and Myrshock contain
significant minorities of cactacae in their
populations.
The largest concentration of cactacae lies in the Cymek
Desert, the ancient homeland of the cactacae people. In
particular, the prosperous nations of Dreer Samher and
Shankell have populations which are predominately cactacae.
Religion
Most cactacae revere Sanshad, the sun god, although
some populations are not very devout. Others follow the
Timeway faith.
Language
Cactacae have no single language. Much like humans,
they speak whichever language is prevalent in the region. The
most common language in the region of the Cymek Desert is
Sunglari, and the most common in the north is Ragamoll.
Thaumaturgy
The cactacae are no strangers to thaumaturgy, although
their native crafts are mostly geared toward aiding survival in
the desert. Most cactacae prefer a profession more hands-on
and direct than thaumaturgy.
7
 Adventurers
The tough and brawny nature of the cactacae make them
excellent adventurers, able to excel on the battlefield and
easily intimidate others.
CACTACAE RACIAL TRAITS:
 +4 Strength, +2 Constitution, -4 Dexterity.
 Medium: As Medium creatures, cactacae have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Cactacae base land speed is 30 feet. Cactacae can
move at this speed even while wearing medium or
heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy
load (unlike other creatures, whose speed is reduced
in such situations.)
 Natural Armor: Cactacae gain a +1 natural armor
bonus to their armor class.
 Plant Type: Cactacae are members of the Plant type
and gain nearly all of the abilities and vulnerabilities
of that type, including immunity to poison, sleep
effects, polymorph, paralysis, and stunning. They
have low-light vision and are not subject to critical
hits. Unlike other members of their type, they do
require sleep and are not immune to mind-effects.
 Powerful Build: The physical stature of a cactacae
lets them function in many ways as if they were one
size category larger. Whenever a cactacae is subject
to a size modifier or special size modifier for an
opposed check (such as during grapple checks, bull
rush attempts, and trip attempts,) the cactacae is
treaded as one size larger, if doing so is
advantageous. A cactacae can use weapons designed
for a creature one size larger without penalty.
However, their space and reach remain those of a
creature of their actual size. The benefits of this
racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities,
and spells that change the subject’s size category.
 Spines: Thousands of tough spines cover the
cactacae body. These protrusions allow them to deal
1d6 points of lethal damage (instead of 1d4
nonlethal) when they choose to deal damage as part
of a successful grapple.
 Heat Endurance: +4 racial bonus on Fortitude saves
made to resist the effects of hot weather.
 Weapon Familiarity: Cactacae may treat rivebows,
chakri, and greatcleavers as martial weapons, rather
than exotic weapons.
 +2 racial bonus on Craft checks that are related to
wood and Profession checks related to plants.
 Automatic Languages: Ragamoll and Sunglari. Bonus
Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such
as Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Fighter.
 Level Adjustment: +2
 Difficulty Level: 0 (of 9). Cactacae are a common
sight.
Cactacae, Ge-ain (The Tardy)
Using thaumaturgy, the cactacae tribes who dwell in the
northern Galaggi Veldt keep some of their bulbs in a coma for
months after the others have long since crawled up from the
soil. These late bloomers are “the Tardy.” When they do grow
to wakefulness, these cactacae are warped by the
thaumaturgy that retarded their birth. They are enormous,
ranging from 10 to 14 feet in height, with bent wooden
bones, fused fingers, and encrusted, thickened skin. Their
misshapen tongues and lips make them slur and mangle their
speech.
The average Tardy’s senses are very sharp, but they live
in constant pain from this over-stimulus, as well as their other
deformities. The cactacae never give the Tardy names, but
they both fear and worship these twisted forms of their own
kind.
The reason for the existence of the Tardy is so that they
can serve as lookouts and defenders of the cactacae villages.
Their size and strength make them unparalleled in physical
combat, and only the most determined aggressors would
take on a village guarded by the Tardy.
TARDY RACIAL TRAITS:
 +8 Strength, +6 Constitution, -2 Wisdom, -2
Intelligence, -6 Dexterity.
 Large: -1 penalty to Armor Class, -1 penalty on attack
roles, -4 penalty on Hide checks, +4 bonus to grapple
checks, lifting and carrying limits double those of
Medium creatures.
 Tardy base land speed is 30 feet. Tardy can move at
this speed even while wearing medium or heavy
armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load
(unlike other creatures, whose speed is reduced in
such situations.)
 Natural Armor: Tardy gain a +5 natural armor bonus
to their armor class.
 Deformed Skin: Tardy possess exceptionally thick
skin, granting them damage reduction of
10/bludgeoning or slashing.
 Enhanced Senses: The Tardy gain a +3 racial bonus
on Spot and Listen checks.
 Plant Type: Cactacae are members of the Plant type
and gain all of the abilities and vulnerabilities of that
type, including immunity to poison, sleep effects,
polymorph, paralysis, and stunning. They have low-
light vision and are not subject to critical hits. Unlike
other members of their type, they require sleep and
are not immune to mind-affecting effects.
 Large Spines: Thousands of tough spines cover the
cactacae body. These protrusions allow them to deal
1d10 points of lethal damage (instead of 1d4
nonlethal) when they choose to deal damage as part
of a successful grapple.
 Weapon Limitations: Due to their deformities, lack of
dexterity, and very large digits, Tardy are
reduced to using simple, oversized weapons,
8
 favoring clubs. Bows, rivebows, and firearms are
beyond their ability to operate. Greatcleavers are
treated as martial weapons, rather than exotic.
 Slurred Speech: Very few Tardy would have the
wherewithal to become a spellcaster, but even those
who might have the aptitude are hindered by their
deformed mouths and lips. The Tardy suffer a 15%
arcane spell failure chance on any spell with a verbal
component.
 Automatic Language: Ragamoll. Bonus Languages:
Galaggi, Salt.
 Favored Class: Barbarian.
 Level Adjustment: +4
 Difficulty Level: 7 (of 9). Their tremendous size and
dimwittedness make the Tardy not only terribly
conspicuous, but of limited use.
Cactacae, Mountain
A slightly smaller sub-race of cactacae live in the
steppes and the Bezhak Peaks that lie northeast of
New Crobuzon. These cactacae only stand 6 to 6-
1/2 feet tall, and weigh in at 350-400
pounds. Their smaller stature is an
adaptation for living in the mountains,
as opposed to the deserts. Skin
colorations of grays and browns
are more common among this
breed. Communities of mountain
cactacae are noticeably more
insular and territorial than the
cactacae of the Cymek, although
they are not excessively
aggressive.
MOUNTAIN CACTACAE RACIAL
TRAITS:
 +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, -4
Dexterity.
 Medium: As Medium creatures,
cactacae have no special bonuses or penalties due to
their size.
 Cactacae base land speed is 30 feet. Mountain
cactacae can move at this speed even while wearing
medium armor or carrying a medium load (unlike
other creatures, whose speed is reduced in such
situations,) but suffer normal penalties with heavy
armor or a heavy load.
 Natural Armor: Cactacae gain a +1 natural armor
bonus to their armor class.
 Plant Type: Cactacae are members of the Plant type
and gain all of the abilities and vulnerabilities of that
type, including immunity to poison, sleep effects,
polymorph, paralysis, and stunning. They have low-
light vision and are not subject to critical hits. Unlike
other members of their type, they require sleep and
are not immune to mind-affecting effects.
 Spines: Thousands of tough spines cover the
cactacae body. These protrusions allow them to deal
1d4 points of lethal damage (instead of 1d4
nonlethal) when they choose to deal damage as part
of a successful grapple.
 Altitude Endurance: +4 racial bonus on Fortitude
saves made to resist the effects of high altitude.
 Weapon Familiarity: Cactacae may treat rivebows,
chakri, and greatcleavers as martial weapons, rather
than exotic weapons.
 +2 racial bonus on Craft checks that are related to
wood.
 Automatic Language: Ragamoll. Bonus Languages:
Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Fighter.
 Level Adjustment: +0
 Difficulty Level: 0 (of 9). Cactacae are a common
sight.
Corokanth
The corokanth are an oceanic
crustacean race. They have vast
kingdoms deep in the Swollen
Ocean, as well as smaller
settlements near and inside
Rohagi. They rarely live out of the
water, but can occasionally be
found in coastal towns and cities.
Personality
The corokanth, as a race,
tend to be distrustful and
isolationist, preferring the
company of their own kind. They
have a calm and stoic outlook, with
little concern or curiosity for what
occurs beyond their borders.
The social structure of the
corokanth varies from kingdom to
kingdom, but a common thread is a respect for strength.
Typically, the biggest and the strongest individuals – be they
male or female – lead, regardless of other qualifications.
Corokanth also value strength in other races, and usually
respond better to outsiders who act bold, rather than
deferent or diplomatic.
Physical Description
Corokanth appear to be hunched, bipedal crab-men, with
two legs and four arms. The largest set of arms end in
enormous lobster-like claws. These claws are used for
attacking, and lack the dexterity for fine manipulation. The
second, smaller set of arms end in small, dexterous grasping
digits that are used for more delicate operations.
In order to see in the deep, dark waters that most
corokanth prefer, they possess between four and six eyes,
each of which is acutely sensitive to movement.
Typical coloration for corokanth is brownish-red, but
blue, black, green, and even yellow corokanth are not
unknown. Their size can be deceptive, as they tend to 9
carry themselves in a hunched, scuttling posture, but at full
height the typical corokanth reaches 6 feet and weighs about
300 pounds.
Corokanth can breathe air or water, including both
freshwater and saltwater.
Relations
Corokanth maintain tenuous relationships with other
undersea cultures, but mostly keep to themselves. The vast
kingdoms deep in the Swollen Ocean are among the most
powerful of underwater nations, and very little could
threaten them. Corokanth tend to be distrustful of outsiders.
Corokanth Lands
Corokanth make their homes on the sea floors of the
western Swollen Ocean, growing deep coral fields and
sculpting stones into gentle arcs to create living spaces that
are beautiful and natural looking.
Many of these sites lie near great thermal vents,
providing not only heat but also rich minerals and nutrients
for the fish and other creatures that corokanth eat.
Corokanth settlements can be found anywhere from arctic to
tropical waters, but most are in temperate locations.
There is also a population of freshwater corokanth within
the Cold Claw Sea.
Religion
Just like humans and many races, the widespread
corokanth have diverse and varying pantheons. Some of their
most popular deities are the Bearer, an oceanic mother
goddess, and Qxxtryx, vengeful god of heat and hydrothermal
vents.
Language
The corokanth have their own language which consists of
many clacking and warbling sounds. It is notoriously difficult
for humans to learn, but not impossible. Each kingdom uses a
slightly different dialect, but most are very similar. Corokanth
are capable of using the traditional tongues of the surface,
although they can never escape a thick and distinctive accent
reminiscent of their own speech.
Thaumaturgy
The corokanth are not known for their thaumaturgical
prowess, but the native corokanth thaumaturgical abilities
focus on manipulation of sea life and oceanic environments.
Adventurers
Few corokanth choose an entirely land-based existence,
although such a thing is not unheard of. Under the sea, young
corokanth occasionally strike out into unfamiliar waters to
prove their own strength.
COROKANTH RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Strength, -2 Charisma.
 Medium: As Medium creatures, corokanth have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Corokanth base land speed is 30 feet. Their
swimming base speed is 40 feet. Corokanth have a
+8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some
special action or avoid a hazard. They can always
take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or
endangered. Corokanth can use the run action while
swimming, provided they swim in a straight line.
 Amphibious: Corokanth are as comfortable in the
water as they are on land, and can breathe in both
environments.
 Darkvision: Corokanth can see in the dark up to 60
feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but is
otherwise like normal sight, and corokanth can
function just fine with no light at all.
 +2 natural armor bonus.
 Natural Weapons: The corokanth possess large
pincer claws which can deal 1d6+4 slashing damage
each. One may attack with a one-handed weapon
and then still make a claw attack as a secondary
attack at a -5 penalty.
 Improved Grab: To use this ability, the corokanth
must hit with a pincer attack.
 Camouflage: While on the bottom of a stream, pond,
or sea, corokanth gain a +4 racial bonus to Hide
checks.
 Multiple Eyes: Corokanth have a +2 racial bonus to
Spot checks. This increases to +4 if the corokanth is
underwater.
 Deep Water Adaptation: Corokanth are immune to
any penalties that would normally be imposed while
deep underwater. In addition, corokanth possess 5
cold resistance.
 Furious Revenge: Once per encounter, a corokanth
who has taken at least one point of damage can
enter a brief state of rage-like fury beginning on his
next turn. The corokanth gains +4 Strength and -2 to
Armor Class for the duration of one round. This
ability stacks with similar effects, such as a
barbarian’s rage.
 Automatic Languages: Corokanth, Ragamoll. Bonus
Languages: Any (except secret languages, such as
Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Fighter.
 Level Adjustment: +1.
 Difficulty Level: 2 (of 9). While they would be an
unusual sight on land, corokanth are both physically
and socially suitable for an adventuring party.
Cray
Cray are intelligent human-lobster centauriforms that
occupy coastlines and ocean reefs, often interacting with
humans and other land-based races.
Personality
Part of the reason that the cray interact so well with
humanoids is their similar disposition. Cray personalities
range across the same spectrum as human or vodyanoi.
Having said that, due partially to the nature of the cray
language, they tend to be more literal and straightforward in
their personal interactions.
Physical Description
Cray resemble human-lobster centaurians, with a
humanoid torso attached to a large lobster body and tail,
complete with six to eight crustacean legs. The legs
10
are capable of supporting the cray’s weight on land, and the
large, powerful tail is used to swim through the water. The
cray’s humanoid upper bodies vary individually, but are
generally pale and muscular. All that distinguishes the upper
body from a human torso are the gills present on the neck,
and the total lack of any hair.
Cray don’t normally wear clothes, but often carry woven
seaweed backpacks, belts, or bandoliers. They prefer not to
wear armor, though when they do, they prefer light, flexible
varieties.
A cray has the ability to breathe air for prolonged periods
of time, but is still dependent on returning to the water on
occasion. The cray are native to the saltwater ocean, but can
tolerate freshwater as well.
Relations
The cray are usually on friendly
terms with the other aquatic races of
the Swollen Ocean, although their
ties to these races are not
exceptionally strong. More so than
the other aquatic races, cray tend to
interact with humans and other air-
breathers, and some even live in
coastal towns, or upstream. In
particular, the cray maintain a close
trade relationship with New
Crobuzon.
Cray Lands
The cray mainly occupy relatively
shallow, temperate waters. They are
common up and down the eastern
coast of Rohagi, as well as the
shallow waters between the
innumerable islands near the coast.
Perhaps their most well-known
territory is Salkrikaltor, whose capital
city can house both cray (below the
waves,) and air-breathers (in
towering spires above.)
Religion
There are a number of sea deities that have a place in
cray society, but the god most often praised is Crawfoot, and
many cray know Crawfoot’s Chronicles by heart.
Language
The cray have their own language, but due to their
interactions with other races, many are familiar with the
more common human tongues. The cray language is less
colorful than Ragamoll, and as such, is interpreted as being
quite literal and to-the-point.
Thaumaturgy
Cray do not boast many talented thaumaturgists,
preferring hands-on activities.
Adventurers
The cray are about as likely to adventure as humans are,
although understandably, they tend to favor aqueous
environments.
CRAY RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity.
 Large: -1 penalty to Armor Class, -1 penalty on attack
roles, -4 penalty on Hide checks, +4 bonus to grapple
checks, lifting and carrying limits double those of
Medium creatures.
 Cray base land speed is 20 feet. Their swimming base
speed is 30 feet. Cray have a +8 racial bonus on any
Swim check to perform some special action or avoid
a hazard. They can always take 10 on a Swim check,
even if distracted or endangered. Cray can use the
run action while swimming, provided they swim in a
straight line.
 Amphibious: While cray prefer the
water to land, they can breathe
equally well in both environments.
 Tail Slap: Once per round, a cray
can slap his enemies with his tail as a
natural attack, dealing 1d8+2
bludgeoning damage.
 Water Dependency: A cray must
immerse his entire body in water at
least once a week for the duration of
one hour or suffer ill effects. After a
week has passed, a cray must make a
Constitution check every day
thereafter (DC 14 + 1 per additional
day) or take one point of Constitution
damage. Once a cray immerses
himself in water, he regains 1d4
points of Constitution per hour that
he remains in the water. Either
saltwater or freshwater may fulfill this
requirement.
 Sturdy Gait: Cray have a +4 racial
bonus against bull rush and trip
attempts.
 Heightened Senses: Able to detect minute vibrations
from their many legs, cray have Tremorsense while
on land. Immersed in the water, this increases to
Blindsense. The range of these abilities is 30 feet.
 Automatic Languages: Cray. Bonus Languages:
Ragamoll, Salt.
 Favored Class: Bard
 Level Adjustment: +0.
 Difficulty Level: 3 (of 9). Their unwieldy size could
make a cray cumbersome in a world dominated by
humans.
Garuda
A race of desert birdfolk, the garuda are proud and noble
hunters, spending most of their time engaging in a hunt or
performing other vital tasks for the survival of their tribe.
Personality
The garuda are nomadic hunters who possess a
great love of freedom.
11
 Their roaming tribal society is completely egalitarian and
rarely has any need of city-made goods or customs; they do
not use money or pray to deities or spirits. Some tribes serve
very specific functions within the greater population; for
example, the librarian clan of the Cymek carries many
thousands of volumes with it whenever it migrates. All garuda
prefer the open sky, and find permanent buildings and
underground structures completely repellant.
Individual garuda tend to be more stern and no-
nonsense than the average human.
Garuda follow their own strange legal code, which is
often very confusing to outsiders. To them, denial of choice is
the moral compass that determines criminal action, and all
crimes are the same crime, called “choice-theft.” Any garuda
who murders, rapes, or enslaves another is guilty of the
blackest crime and it typically exiled from the tribe after his
or her wings are cut off. Few survive the desert long in this
condition.
Physical Description
Garuda typically stand just over 6 feet tall and
weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. Although their
skin color is most commonly a wash of tan, their
feathers can vary wildly from gray and white to
brown and tan. Their wings are very large, and
the typical wingspan is twice the height of the
individual. Their wings are separate
appendages from their arms.
Natural born hunters, garuda possess
powerful claws, hollow bones, and excellent
eyesight.
Relations
The clans of the Cymek go about
their own business, usually causing no
grief to their neighbors.
Garuda Lands
Most garuda clans live a nomadic
existence in the Cymek desert, while
others dwell in the north of Shoteka and
the west of Mordiga. Small groups of
garuda can be found in most of the
central and eastern cities of Rohagi,
although they are definitely a minority.
Religion
The garuda pray to no gods, although they do have a
nebulous devil-figure in their mythology, named Dahnesch.
Language
Garuda have their own language of piping, raucous
sounds, which cannot be spoken by human voices. They are
also capable of speaking standard human languages, despite
their lack of lips.
Thaumaturgy
The thaumaturgical practices of the Cymek garuda are
limited to minor ritualistic healings and divinations. Rumors
exist that claim the far-off tribes of Shoteka have gained a
higher understanding of thaumaturgy, perhaps due in part to
their proximity to the Witchocracy.
Adventurers
Most garuda would not leave their family units or clans
to pursue adventuring, but this trait is less stringent among
the few garuda who have emigrated out of the wild. Urban
garuda often have harsh lives, and will do whatever necessary
for coin or escape. The few banished and wingless individuals
have no choice but to scrounge out a living as best they can.
GARUDA RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma.
 Medium: As Medium creatures, garuda have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 +2 natural armor bonus.
 Garuda base land speed is 30 feet. They also have a
fly speed of 40 feet, with average maneuverability.
 Natural Weapons: 2 claw attacks (1d4).
 Vertical Strike: Garuda double the normal range
increment when firing straight down from at least
30 feet overhead. If the attack roll is successful,
they also gain a +2 bonus on damage rolls.
 Chaos Resistance: Garuda are either the
products of chaos thaumaturgy, or have simply
lived near it and with it long enough to build up
a tolerance. Garuda gain a +2 racial bonus on
saves against spells, abilities, or other effects
with the Chaos descriptor.
 Hunters Eyes: Garuda gain a +8
racial bonus on Spot checks while flying,
in daylight.
 Automatic Languages: Garuda
(either Cymek or Shotek). Bonus
Languages: Ragamoll, Sunglari, Galaggi.
 Favored Class: Ranger.
 Level Adjustment: +1.
 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 9). Generally
speaking, any garuda who has left his
community would be readily accepted as
an adventuring companion.
Gessin
The gessin are hulking, armored brutes, native to the
Wormseye Scrub.
Personality
Gessin live in small defensive tribes which eke out a living
from the harsh scrubland. Gessin are moderately territorial,
and they organize into small bands, each group protecting
their slice of territory. They squabble frequently with other
nearby groups, (although this fighting has a bizarre religious
foundation.) For the most part, they leave the rural human
communities of Yoraketche in peace, fearing their shamans.
Most gessin are gruff and tend towards violence.
Comfortable in the arid summers of the scrubland,
battle-hardened gessin rely on their natural shell armor to
protect them in all situations. Most gessin prefer to wield
enormous cudgels or warhammers, weighted to crack even
the hardest enemy shells.
12
 Although they have no manufacturing of their own, many
tribes have developed a near-obsession with modern goods
and gadgets. A sign of wealth and social status has become
how many odd bits of machinery or technology one has
randomly dumped around one’s domicile.
Physical Description
Gessin are humanoids that sport broad, flat shells, like
desert crabs, encompassing their upper bodies in natural
protection. They decorate their shells with brightly colored
painted sigils, as well as deeply etched tallies of their personal
triumphs on the field of conflict. Their trunk-like legs and
heavy weight make them very difficult to manhandle.
Relations
In the Wormseye Scrub of the
Yoraketche Kingdom, most gessin
bands keep to themselves,
valuing their freedom, although
they are technically considered subjects of
the kingdom. This usually has no effect on
their lives whatsoever, but in times of
conflict they are called upon by the
Yoraketche army, where they make very
effective front-line troops.
Gessin Lands
The gessin primarily reside in the human-ruled
Yoraketche Kingdom, although they remain in mostly
autonomous tribes in the Wormseye Scrub region.
Religion
The in-fighting and squabbling nature of the gessin
can be explained by their bizarre religious beliefs. One might
assume that a society which embraces physical conflict would
worship gods who revere fighting just for the sake of fighting,
or perhaps gods of anger and hate, but this is not the case
with the gessin. Rather, if you asked a gessin why his clan
regularly tried to slaughter its neighbors, his response would
be, “because we love them.” In the religion of the gessin, an
individual cannot and will not proceed to the heavenly
afterlife unless they die in battle at the hands of a gessin. In
their view, their fighting ensures that all gessin will proceed
to the loving embrace of their gods.
Gessin agree to participate in the large-scale wars of the
Yoraketche Kingdom for much the same reason. They
gleefully accept the opportunity to bring the souls of other
races to their own blissful heaven, believing that they are
saving them from a sub-par ultimate fate. On such
battlefields, gravely wounded gessin will commit suicide or
kill each other in order to ensure their own passage.
Language
The gessin have their own language, although many are
at least partially proficient with the Wormseye dialect of
Ragamoll.
Thaumaturgy
The gessin are typically not of the proper mentality to
learn or develop thaumaturgical practices.
Adventurers
Many gessin prefer to remain in their homeland, but
those who venture out can make a healthy living as guards,
bounty hunters, or thugs. The toughest can gain great
renown for their combat abilities.
GESSIN RACIAL TRAITS:
 +4 Strength, -4 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence, +2
Constitution.
 Medium: As Medium creatures, gessin have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Gessin base speed is 20 feet. Gessin can move this
speed even while carrying a medium or heavy load.
 Sure Footed: Gessin are remarkably strong on their
feet, and gain a +4 racial bonus to resist bull rush
and trip attempts.
 Endurance: Gessin receive Endurance as a
bonus feat.
 Armored Shell: The thick chitinous shell of
the gessin grants a +8 natural armor bonus.
Due to this thick and cumbersome shell,
gessin are unable to wear traditional armor.
 Powerful Build: The physical
stature of a gessin lets them function in
many ways as if they were one size
category larger. Whenever a gessin is
subject to a size modifier or special size
modifier for an opposed check (such as
during grapple checks, bull rush
attempts, and trip attempts,) the
gessin is treaded as one size larger, if
doing so is advantageous, A gessin can
use weapons designed for a creature one
size larger without penalty. However, their space
and reach remain those of a creature of their actual
size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the
effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change
the subject’s size category.
 Automatic Languages: Gessin, Ragamoll. Bonus
Languages: Any (except secret languages, such as
Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Barbarian.
 Level Adjustment: +2.
 Difficulty Level: 2 (of 9). The religion practiced by
most gessin might interfere with adventuring
business, but these brutes are fearsome fighters.
Handlinger
Handlingers are a secretive, half-mythical race of mind-
controlling parasites. They live by infection, overwhelming
their hosts’ minds, controlling their bodies, and granting
them eldritch powers. The process is irreversible, and is so
feared that handlingers live hidden lives, controlling their
hosts in secret, without anyone the wiser. When found out,
they often flee into the shadows, always on the lookout for a
new host to control. All other species hate and fear
handlingers, except for those New Crobuzon politicians who
shelter them in exchange for favors.
13
 Personality
Handlingers come in two forms: dextrier (or right-
handed) and sinistral (or left-handed.) Each type has its own
purpose: the sinistrals are the nobles and rulers, clever in
strategy. The dextriers provide muscle – stronger in combat
and able to provide their host bodies with powerful abilities.
When the two types meet, dextriers always defer to sinistrals
because of the sinistral’s ability to lock dextriers out of host
bodies.
Handlingers have absolutely no concern for their hosts’
wellbeing. Normally, a handlinger will find one particular host
and stay with it for as long as possible, even for decades,
hiding its true nature from everyone else it comes into
contact with – handlingers, as a rule, are not wanton body-
hoppers. The risk of discovery is too great for such
behavior. However, when circumstances dictate,
handlingers can and will use bodies in destructive
ways, perhaps pushing their host to death from
extreme physical exertion.
The host of a handlinger need not be
humanoid, or even sentient. Some
handlingers are content to possess dogs or
other common animals in lieu of
humanoids.
Physical Description
Handlingers bear a striking
resemblance to a human hand and
forearm. They have strong digits and a
powerful whip-like tail. They insert their tails
into their hosts and override their nervous
systems. They weigh no more than 5 pounds.
Relations
Handlingers always hide their true nature
from others, because almost anyone would kill a
handlinger on sight – the threat of possession,
obviously, instills a great fear in others.
Handlinger Lands
Handlingers have no central authority.
They live as individuals or, uncommonly, in
very small communities. In fact, they are so
uncommon that many people do not believe
handlingers really exist, instead relating them to bogeymen.
Religion
There is no organized religion among the handlingers.
They are far too self-obsessed and selfish to offer praise or
fealty to any god.
Language
Handlingers speak the languages of their hosts, as well as
a secret tactile language that requires them to touch another
of their species, but which allows them to share information
completely, and without error. Failing this, handlingers can
also communicate telepathically with one another.
Thaumaturgy
Many handlingers do not pursue thaumaturgical studies,
either believing their own innate powers are more than
sufficient, or being too fearful of drawing unwanted
attention. Those who do study thaumaturgy, though, can
become powerful practitioners due to their intelligence and
long life-spans.
Adventurers
On the one hand, handlingers will do whatever is
necessary to survive, which may well involve certain
components of adventuring. But on the other, they above all
else seek to hide themselves, which usually involves leading a
tame life.
HANDLINGER RACIAL TRAITS:
 Type: Aberration (symbiont)
 -4 Strength, +4 Intelligence.
 Tiny: As Tiny creatures, handlingers gain a +2 size
bonus to Armor Class, a +2 size bonus on attack rolls,
and a +8 size bonus on Hide checks, but their lifting
and carrying limits are one-half those of Medium
creatures. Handlingers have a reach of zero feet,
meaning they must enter an opponent’s square to
attack in melee combat, and draw an attack of
opportunity when doing so.
 Handlinger base speed is 10 feet.
 Damage Reduction: 5/silver (handlinger
only, not host).
 Blindsight (Ex): A handlinger is
blind, but its entire body is a
heightened sensory organ that can
ascertain prey by scent and vibration. This
allows it to discern objects and creatures
within 60 feet. A handlinger attached to a host
shares sensory input with the host, and also
confers blindsight upon the host.
 Limited Telepathy (Su): Handlingers can
communicate telepathically with their host
bodies and other handlingers within 60 feet.
Sinistral handlingers can also use this telepathy
to override the link between dextrier handlingers
and their hosts, effectively locking the dextrier out
of its host body.
 Skills: Handlingers use their Dexterity bonus
rather than their Strength bonus for Climb and
Jump checks (handlinger only, not host).
 Paralyzing Touch (Ex): A successful tail whip attack
injects a powerful sedative that paralyzes its victim
for long enough for the handlinger to assume control
of the host. Unless the victim makes a successful DC
16 Fortitude save, it is paralyzed for 1d6 rounds.
 Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a handlinger
must hit an opponent up to Large size with a tail
whip attack. It can the attempt to start a grapple as a
free action without provoking attacks of
opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it
establishes a hold and can attempt to ride flesh. The
handlinger receives a +12 racial bonus to grappling.
 Ride Flesh (Su): A handlinger can dig into a living
creature’s body, slipping its wormlike tail into flesh,
while the hand-shaped portion of its body remains
outside its host, often hidden in a purse,
pouch, or under a scarf or a fold of flesh, such 14
 as a groin or underarm. This process requires a single
round. The perspective host can make a Will save
(DC 15 + the handlinger’s Int modifier,) to avoid
becoming a host. If successful, the handlinger may
not try to infest the same host for 24 hours.
Incorporeal creatures and creatures immune to
critical hits are immune to this ability; creatures who
are immune to mind-altering effects are immune.
The victim’s actions are completely controlled
by the handlinger. While attached, the handlinger
uses the host’s physical ability scores instead of its
own. It can use any of the host’s skills, feats, spells,
and other abilities. The handlinger also has access to
all of the host’s memories and knowledge. The host
does not gain the handlinger’s damage reduction. A
handlinger can remain attached indefinitely, and can
even leave the body and return to it. Leaving and
returning requires the handlinger to spend no more
than 1 hour apart from its host, after which time the
host regains control of itself. Over time, (2d4 weeks,)
the handlinger slowly ruins the host’s natural
nervous system, and the host becomes unable to
move or act if abandoned by the handlinger.
A handlinger can abandon a host body as a full-
round action that deals 1d8 points of damage to the
host. A handlinger can be forced to abandon the
body by a dispel evil spell (caster must succeed in a
DC 18 caster level check,) or a heal or limited wish
spell (which automatically succeeds and does no
damage to the host.) The death of the host body
does not harm the handlinger, unless the effect
utterly destroys the body, (such as a disintegration
effect, or being overrun by lava,) although it is
automatically expelled from the host and stunned
for 1d4 rounds.
 Spitsear (Su): A dextrier handlinger can force its host
to breathe acidic fire in a 30-foot cone for 3d6 points
of fire damage and 3d6 points of acid damage once
every 1d4 rounds. A DC (10 + the handlinger’s host’s
Dex modifier) Reflex save results in half damage.
 Enhance Host (Su): A dextrier handlinger greatly
enhances the power of its host body, granting it a +6
enhancement bonus to Strength and the ability to fly
at a speed of 60 feet with good maneuverability.
 Symbiont Traits: While attached to a host, the
symbiont is in complete control; the host does not
get a separate turn. It is not flat-footed unless its
host is. If the handlinger is clearly visible, opponents
can attack the symbiont instead of the host; this
works the same way as attacking an object. The
handlinger gains the host’s Dex modifier for AC
instead of its own, as well as any deflection bonus to
AC. Its own size modifier and any natural armor
bonus apply. Attacking the symbiont provokes an
attack of opportunity from the host.
A handlinger never takes damage from attacks
directed at the host, unless such an attack would
also damage any magic items the host was carrying
as well. A symbiont uses the host’s saving throws if
better than its own. A spell that the host body is able
to cast on itself also affects the handlinger. A host
can also cast a spell with the target of “you” on the
handlinger instead. The symbiont may do likewise.
They both can share spells even if the spell would
normally not effect creatures of a certain type. Spells
targeted on the host by another spellcaster to not
affect the symbiont.
 Automatic Languages: Handlinger, Ragamoll, host
telepathy. Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret
languages such as Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Wizard
 Level Adjustment:
o Sinistral: +3. Blindsense, the ability to control
other’s bodies, and a good chance of surviving
what would be “death” for a typical character
make sinistrals very powerful.
o Dextrier: +5. The above abilities, plus a breath
attack and the ability to fly make dextriers a
force to be reckoned with.
 Difficulty Level: 8 (of 9). Handlingers are rare, and
despised by pretty much everyone. The best hope a
handlinger party member has is to hide his nature
from everyone, including his companions.
Hotchi
This race of hedgehog-folk tend to dwell in small forest
communities, living off of the land.
Personality
Most hotchi are relatively friendly and easy-going; yet,
like any people who have what it takes to survive in the harsh
wilderness, they can be cold and pragmatic when the
situation calls for it. Their rural communities make do without
any modern technological amenities, although they are
usually more than willing to trade for any practical
implements that could increase their chances of survival, such
as firearms.
Physical Description
The hotchi resemble bipedal hedgehogs, complete with a
coat of sharp spines. These spines are typically short, with a
length of one to two inches, but some individuals possess
spines which are considerably longer. The spines usually
cover the back and flanks of hotchi, leaving their front, face,
and limbs covered only in a short furry coat. Some individuals
who live with humans take to filing their spines blunt.
Hotchi, much like humans, can have a wide range of body
types, from short and thick to tall and thin, although they are
typically shorter than the average human.
Relations
Hotchi communities tend to keep to themselves,
although they also typically welcome visitors who happen by.
The hotchi, as a whole, have no enemies.
Hotchi Lands
The hotchi have no organized kingdoms or cities, and
only a handful of scattered communities, mostly in the
Rudewood south of New Crobuzon and the 15
surrounding grasslands. They live comfortably in nearly any
climate, and their dwellings and villages blend in with the
natural world around them. A minority have moved to urban
environments, living in New Crobuzon and Myrshock, while
still others have taken to coastal towns.
Hotchi villages get most of their food from gathering fruit
and hunting small game, although those who dwell in the
grasslands do plant some crops.
Religion
A highly practical people, hotchi don’t
waste much time on lengthy religious
practices. Most follow the sensible, easy-
going goddess Krinan-Flaherti.
Language
The hotchi language is described as
harsh sounding, featuring barks and deep
sounds from the back of the throat. Hotchi
who learn Ragamoll often retain a strong
and distinctive accent.
Thaumaturgy
Many hotchi demonstrate a low-level
natural ability to commune with nature via
thaumaturgical means, and those who seek
to deepen this bond expand their abilities
along similar avenues.
Adventurers
The hotchi’s intrinsic skill to survive in
the wild would make them excellent
adventurers, although few choose to leave their close-knit
communities.
HOTCHI RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Wisdom, -2 Intelligence.
 Medium: As Medium creatures, hotchi have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Hotchi base land speed is 30 feet.
 Low-Light Vision: A hotchi can see twice as far as a
human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar
conditions of poor illumination. They retain the
ability to distinguish color and detail under these
conditions.
 Damage reduction 2/bludgeoning.
 +2 racial bonus on Survival and Listen checks; hotchi
have an innate link to the natural world.
 Spines: Thousands of tough spines cover the hotchi
body. These protrusions allow them to deal 1d4
points of lethal damage (instead of 1d4 nonlethal)
when they choose to deal damage as part of a
successful grapple.
 Because of their thick coat of spines, hotchi have a
difficult time wearing armor. The maximum
Dexterity bonus of the armor is reduced by 1, and
the armor check penalty is worsened by 2.
 Spell-Like Abilities: 1/day – pass without trace, speak
with animals.
 Automatic Languages: Hotchi, Ragamoll. Bonus
Languages: Any (except secret languages, such as
Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Druid.
 Level Adjustment: +0.
 Difficulty Level: 0 (of 9). While only common near
New Crobuzon, hotchi are unobtrusive anywhere.
Khepri
The khepri are a race of women with
enormous beetles for heads, who must
communicate with other races via sign
language. The males of the species are small
and animal-like.
Khepri are not native to the Rohagi
continent. The first small band of khepri
arrived about seven hundred years ago, not
long after the first recorded human
expedition was sent to the Bered Kai Nev
continent, far across the eastern sea. It
wasn’t until one hundred years ago, though,
that a massive wave of khepri arrived on the
shores of Rohagi, an exodus consisting of
hundreds of ships known as the Tragic
Crossing.
An unknown catastrophe, referred to as
the Ravening, nearly wiped out the khepri
civilization on Bered Kai Nev, and the last
desperate survivors set sail across the ocean
to Rohagi. No khepri alive today knows the nature of this
disaster, as the original survivors refused to speak of it. In
fact, they went as far as to purposefully forget ten thousand
years of khepri history. The most popular theory is that
human explorers unwittingly introduced a disease to the
khepri, although in truth nobody knows the cause of the
Ravening for certain.
Personality
As a society, khepri place less value on immediate family
and more on clan and extended families. These large units
are called hives and their subdivisions are called moieties.
Khepri society is also deeply sexist and matriarchal, because
its males are far too stupid to contribute to civilization in any
way. Most khepri sisters treat male khepri with contempt,
kicking them out of the way and regarding them as animals.
However, typical khepri have no opinion on the males of
other species.
Individually, khepri are capable of integrating with other
societies, but even then they prefer to live and interact with
their own kind. It is uncommon for an individual khepri to live
with no other khepri in her life.
Female khepri brush their antennae in greeting to one
another, much as humans shake hands. The leaders of khepri
communities are called broodmothers.
Physical Description
The males and females of the khepri race differ
dramatically. The males are small, insectile animals,
essentially mindless 2-foot-long scuttling things unable to do
more than feed and reproduce.
The females, on the other hand, are humanoid in
appearance. In fact, from the neck down, they are 16
nearly identical in appearance to a human female. Their
heads, however, are different entirely.
The female head consists of a 2-foot-long headscarab
which resembles an enormous beetle, complete with wiggling
legs, vestigial wings beneath powerful casings, mandibles,
antennae, and compound eyes. Their mouthparts cannot
communicate in Ragamoll or any other tongue, and khepri
are forced to communicate with other races via sign language
or written notes. Among themselves, the khepri converse by
scent and complex chemical gusts which other races can
smell and taste, but cannot understand.
Uniquely, female khepri are capable of
extruding a pliable, waxy substance from the back of
their headscarabs, (called “khepri-spit,”) which is used as
a construction material. All khepri buildings and
structures are comprised of this substance, giving khepri
dwellings a distinctive hive-like appearance. Khepri are
even capable of altering the color and consistency of
khepri-spit, depending on their diet, and use it to
create striking pieces of sculpture artwork.
Relations
The khepri have no centralized government or
organization. Individual khepri communities often find
life difficult, delegated practically to second-class citizens,
as their alien characteristics put off many other races.
Khepri Lands
As recent arrivals in Rohagi, khepri have not yet
spread much further west than New Crobuzon, but they
already make up a sizable minority in all of the
settlements of the region. New Crobuzon itself is
home to several khepri ghetto communities.
Religion
Unsurprisingly, the khepri pantheon is
completely female. As the surviving
immigrants of the Tragic Crossing tried their
best to distance themselves from their past,
many of the original khepri goddesses have
been forgotten and lost to time. A few have remained in their
racial memory, however, including Awesome Broodma and
the Tough Sisters. Temples and shrines to these deities are
becoming common in khepri urban hives.
Unfortunately, the forgetting of their old deities has
caused a growing spiritual void, which is being filled with a
new generation of radical cult goddesses, including the Air
Harvester and the Insect Aspect.
Language
The khepri language consists of scents and extruded
airborne chemicals. The written form of the language is
sometimes referred to as “High Khepri.” As khepri
mouthparts cannot communicate in Ragamoll or any other
tongue, and khepri are forced to communicate with other
races via sign language or written notes.
Thaumaturgy
It is known that the original khepri civilization on Bered
Kai Nev was ancient and successful, and it is difficult to
imagine such success without any thaumaturgical skill, yet
any racial knowledge or abilities the khepri might have
possessed was lost in the Tragic Crossing. Khepri are more
than capable of studying thaumaturgy in general, if given the
opportunity.
Adventurers
Khepri tend to have a desire to stay with their hives, but
those who venture out into the world tend to be versatile
enough to handle themselves well.
KHEPRI FEMALE RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Constitution, -2
Charisma.
 As Medium creatures, female khepri have no special
bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Khepri base land speed is 30 feet.
 Darkvision: Khepri can see in the dark up to 60 feet.
Darkvision is black and white only, but is otherwise
like normal sight, and khepri can function just fine
with no light at all.
 +2 racial bonus on saving throws against
enchantment (mind-affecting) spells or abilities:
Khepri minds are different enough from most
creatures’ minds that their thoughts are difficult to
control.
 +4 racial bonus on saving throws to resist
gaze attacks: The insectoid eyes of the khepri
headscarab filter many harmful sight-based effects.
 +2 racial bonus on Intimidate, Spot, and
Craft (Sculpting) checks.
 Weapon Familiarity: Khepri may treat
stingboxes as martial weapons, rather than
exotic weapons.
 Automatic Language: High Khepri. Bonus
Languages: Common, Salt (written and sign-
language forms only.)
 Favored Class: Rogue.
 Level Adjustment: +0.
 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 9). The main difficulty for
khepri lies in communication, namely being forced to
communicate via written notes and sign language.
Llorgiss
The trifurcated llorgiss are perhaps the most physically
distinctive race of Rohagi.
Personality
A common misconception is that llorgiss have three
brains and three personalities, but this is not the case. In
actuality, the personality of an average llorgiss is much the
same as the personality of the average human. One exception
is the natural tendency of the llorgiss to more willingly accept
authority, compared to humans.
Physical Description
The llorgiss have a truly unique anatomy. As opposed to
the standard bilateral symmetry that humans possess, the
llorgiss boast a radial trilateral symmetry. Their barrel-shaped
bodies sprout three arms, three legs, and three faces. Llorgiss
have no “back-side;” for them every direction is “forward.”
Despite their multiple faces, llorgiss have a single
brain and a single personality. They have no “default” 17
or “primary” side. They do use all three faces to breathe, and
their voices have been described as being “airy.”
Relations
Yanni Seckilli Island is quite insular, in the sense that it
does not have any trade or territory interests beyond its own
borders, but it is on friendly relations with most of its
neighbors, except for the Gengris.
Llorgiss Lands
The llorgiss hail from Yanni Seckilli Island, inside the Cold
Claw Sea. Most llorgiss never leave their realm, although they
are not xenophobes, and they typically welcome guests. The
few llorgiss who live outside of Yanni Seckilli tend to form
small communities in large cities.
Religion
Befitting their physical nature, the llorgiss of Yanni
Seckilli revere the Troikinity, a triumvirate god who
encompasses many attributes.
Language
The llorgiss of Yanni Seckilli speak a tongue that requires
three mouths. Llorgiss hailing from elsewhere, though, have
no trouble using one face at a time to speak typical
languages.
Thaumaturgy
On average, llorgiss have less proclivity to become
thaumaturgists than humans, although the greatest of their
kind can accomplish astounding feats of spell-weaving thanks
to their additional mouths and hands.
Adventurers
Llorgiss not native to their ancestral homeland have
about the same propensity to adventure that humans do.
LLORGISS RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Intelligence, -2 Strength.
 Medium: As Medium creatures,
llorgiss have no special bonuses or
penalties due to their size.
 Llorgiss base speed is 20 feet.
 All-Around Vision: Due to the trilateral
symmetry of the llorgiss, they are immune
to flanking, and gain a +4 racial
bonus to Search and Spot checks.
 Third Arm: A llorgiss is capable
of wielding three singled-
handed weapons, (although
standard penalties apply for
wielding weapons in the off-hands.) Due to
the configuration of their arms,
however, only two can be brought
to bear on an opponent at a time.
The llorgiss can, however, bring their third arm to
attack a flanking opponent. Similarly, a shield on one
of the arms can only provide cover from one
direction at a time. A llorgiss can only use two arms
to wield a two-handed weapon, not three. A llorgiss
can also use his third arm in combat to perform
other tasks, such as activating items or performing
somatic spell components.
 The unique leg configuration of the llorgiss give
them a +2 racial bonus on Jump, Climb, and Balance
checks.
 Swift Brain: Controlling extra limbs and sense organs
requires great coordination and reflexes. Once per
round, a llorgiss can perform an additional
immediate action or swift action.
 Automatic Languages: Llorgiss, Ragamoll. Bonus
Languages: Any (except secret languages, such as
Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Cleric
 Level Adjustment: +1.
 Difficulty Level: 3 (of 9).
Manfish
Menfish are a peaceful race of salamander-folk who are
almost entirely bound to the salty oceans.
Personality
Menfish are intelligent and contemplative, and often
take longer than other races to weigh situations and assess
the possible outcomes before acting. This is because menfish
are deeply concerned with balance, seeking to maintain
ecological stability in their territorial waters.
Menfish hold community in the highest regard, never
leaving a friend behind and often going to great lengths to
retrieve a fallen companion. Menfish are social creatures who
live a very human-like, albeit simple, lifestyle. Menfish work
with stone, coral, and bone to produce the crude implements
they use.
Physical Description
Menfish resemble humanoid salamanders.
They have webbed hands and feet, bulging
eyes, and broad mouths covered with
thickets of fleshy tendrils. Their skin is
slippery, and color varies wildly depending on
the climate and terrain, from drab greens and grays
to vibrant oranges and reds. Their long tails are
instrumental in propelling them quickly
through the water.
The gills and thin skin of menfish
must be immersed in saltwater almost
constantly, or else they will quickly dry
out. Freshwater does not suffice for
this purpose.
Menfish reproduce much like the average fish
or amphibian, with females laying a large
clutch of eggs, and males fertilizing them.
These clutches are laid in a defensible area, and
oftentimes the entire local community takes up the task of
guarding them fiercely. Menfish take about 10 years to reach
maturity.
Relations
Menfish communities are unobtrusive, and typically no
oceanic power holds a grudge with them.
Manfish Lands
Unlike most of the other peoples of the deep,
menfish do not form grand societies, but instead only 18
make up small to medium-sized communities in whichever
shallow waters are not claimed by other races.
Religion
Communities of menfish typically worship either general
nature spirits, Crawfoot, or other deities typically associated
with the craw or corokanth.
Language
Menfish have their own bubbling tongue, which can only
be articulated properly while underwater.
Thaumaturgy
Menfish settlements occasionally have a moderately
gifted shaman, but that is the typical extent of their abilities.
Adventurers
Even though menfish cannot operate effectively while
out of the water, some oceangoing vessels retain one or
more menfish for various tasks, such as underwater
maintenance. Occasionally, a sort of underwater room will be
grafted on to the outside of a large ship as quarters for a
manfish.
Menfish care for the natural order and balance of the
ocean, and some may become involved
in adventures to protect that balance.
MANFISH RACIAL TRAITS:
 Medium: As Medium creatures,
menfish have no special bonuses or
penalties due to their size.
 Manfish base land speed is 20
feet. Their swimming base
speed is 30 feet. Menfish have a
+8 racial bonus on any Swim
check to perform some special
action or avoid a hazard. They
can always take 10 on a Swim check,
even if distracted or endangered.
Menfish can use the run action while
swimming, provided they swim in a
straight line.
 Gills: Menfish can only survive
out of saltwater for a short
period of time, 10 minutes per
point of Constitution. After
that, refer to the suffocation
rules.
 Surface Sensitivity: Menfish operating out of the
water suffer a -2 circumstance penalty on attack
rolls, saves, and checks.
 Low-Light Vision while submerged in saltwater: A
manfish can see twice as far as a human in starlight,
moonlight, and similar conditions of poor
illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish
color and detail under these conditions.
 Water Awareness: Menfish have an almost sixth-
sense while in the water, granting them a +1 racial
bonus on all saves while submersed.
 Slippery: Menfish secrete an oily film that makes
them difficult to grapple or snare. They gain a +2
racial bonus on Escape Artist checks, and checks to
counter grapple attempts.
 Water Thaumaturgy: Menfish spellcasters add +1 to
the DC of any spells with the Water descriptor.
 Automatic Languages: Manfish. Bonus Languages:
Any (except secret languages, such as Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Druid
 Level Adjustment: +0.
 Difficulty Level: 6 (of 9). Their dependence on water
makes land-based adventuring especially difficult for
menfish.
Scabmettler
The scabmettlers are a stoic race of warriors who use
their thaumaturgical blood to create armor and other tools.
Personality
As a race, the scabmettlers are not unlike most other
humanoids, prone to living together in
small families grouped with others of
their kind. Most have a strong belief in
honor and the rule of law, but their
warrior natures leave many to be stern
and rather cold-hearted.
Scabmettlers enjoy both ritual
gladiatorial combat, and the rough-and-tumble
mob fighting of piracy. They fight best in groups
of their own kind, and they cooperate among
themselves to take down dangerous foes. They
practice a form of fighting stance called mortu
crutt, or “stamp fighting,” which uses feints,
sweeps, and strokes to knock down and
incapacitate a foe. The use of mortu crutt can be
ostentatious and elaborate during a gladiatorial
contest, or quick and brutal during a boarding
action. Perhaps the most celebrated day of
the scabmettler calendar is Blood Day,
when ritual combat contests are held.
Physical Description
Scabmettler skin is a blanched gray,
and their bodies are slightly more squat
and strong than those of humans. Ritual
scarification marks their faces, arms,
chests, and legs; only the portion of their backs they cannot
reach themselves is unmarked.
When a scabmettler’s blood is exposed to air, it rapidly
solidifies into an incredibly tough scab-like substance.
Scabmettlers have learned how to utilize this ability to create
impressive armor protection by ritually cutting their skin, and
shaping the flow of blood on their skin as it solidifies.
When wearing their clot armor, scabmettlers are covered
in protrusions of swiftly clotted blood up to several inches
long, of black and blue and blood-brown. The form of this
blood is crystalline and spiky. Each pattern of armor is unique
to the warrior who creates it; some prefer heavy armor while
others prefer the speed allowed by light armor. The art of
finding the perfect pattern of cuts is a deeply spiritual
act which each warrior perfects meticulously. 19
 This ability is not without its drawbacks, however.
Occasionally, a scabmettler’s blood will spontaneously solidify
inside their bodies in a massive “all-clot” attack, which kills
the scabmettler immediately. To reduce the likelihood of this
occurrence, scabmettlers drink a concoction made from an
herb called Blodfrey. Blodfrey tonic is also crucial for shaping
the armor of a scabmettler – without it, their blood solidifies
too quickly to be molded.
Relations
The scabmettlers have no known nation.
Scabmettler Lands
The homeland of the scabmettlers is currently unknown,
with the most likely candidate being a far-off portion of
Shoteka. The highest concentration of scabmettlers in
the known world is on the floating city Armada, whose
citizens were all originally press-ganged from captured
ships. A small number of scabmettlers have also
found their way to the coasts of the Rohagi
mainland and the Witchocracy.
Religion
The scabmettlers of Armada take the
reverence of Croom, mythical founder of the city,
more intensely than most humans do.
Language
Any original language of the scabmettlers has
been forgotten at this point, and most speak Salt.
Thaumaturgy
The only common thaumaturgy among the
scabmettlers relates to healing injuries or to their
scab-arts.
Adventurers
The warrior-like nature of the scabmettlers
lends naturally towards adventuring of almost
any type, although there are not many
scabmettlers to be found outside of Armada.
SCABMETTLER RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Strength, -2 Charisma.
 Medium: As Medium creatures, scabmettlers have
no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Scabmettler base land speed is 20 feet. Although
they are nimble, their stocky stature does not allow
scabmettlers swift overland speed.
 Seal Wounds: Scabmettlers are very difficult to kill
with piercing or slashing attacks, as their wounds
seal instantly. Piercing weapons do half damage.
Slashing attacks always deal the minimum damage
possible.
 Quickset Disarm: Whenever a scabmettler is cut by a
slashing or piercing weapon, his blood coagulates
around the weapon almost instantly, giving the
scabmettler an attack of opportunity that can be
used to disarm the foe. This is a normal disarm
attempt; if it succeeds, the weapon is torn from its
owner’s grasp and remains embedded in the
scabmettler’s armor. If the attempt fails, the target
may not attempt to disarm the scabmettler in
return. Weapons stuck this way can later be torn
free with a successful grapple check (or a DC 15
Strength check if the scabmettler is dead or willing.)
 Clot Armor: By carving their own flesh with skinning
knives, after washing themselves with the blodfrey
infusion that slows the clotting, scabmettlers can
create clot armor. This requires a successful
concentration roll (DC 10 + the AC bonus to be
granted, maximum +8) and grants the scabmettler a
natural armor bonus. Clot armor granting a +4 bonus
or less acts as light armor, imposing a maximum
Dexterity of +5. Armor granting a +6 or less acts as
medium armor, imposing a maximum Dexterity of
+2. Armor granting a +8 or less acts as heavy armor,
imposing a maximum Dexterity of +0. This armor is
always considered spiked (see page 124 of the
Player’s Handbook) and scabmettlers are proficient
in its use. The process of creating clot armor takes 2
rounds and deals 1 point of damage per point of
natural armor created. The clot armor lasts for
3d6 hours. Clot armor reduces a scabmettler’s
speed as armor of its type and imposes an
arcane spell failure chance equal to 5% per point
of armor bonus. Scabmettlers cannot use this
ability while wearing armor or other heavy
clothing.
 Automatic Languages: Salt. Bonus
Languages: Ragamoll.
 Favored Class: Monk.
 Level Adjustment: +2.
 Difficulty Level: 4 (of 9). Scabmettlers are
not common, and the level adjustment is off-
putting.
Stiltspear
The stiltspear are a strange, private race of quadrupeds
who are very in-tune with the natural world.
Personality
The stiltspear live very much in harmony with nature. In
the wilderness, it can be very difficult to tell where natural
scenery ends and a stiltspear village begins. They live in small
family groups, usually in forests or swamplands. They make
no use of industrial or manufactured technology, and use few
tools or implements of any kind, relying instead on their
physical abilities and unique thaumaturgy.
Being ambush hunters, stiltspears possess a great
patience, and this trait dominates their personality.
Stiltspears speak very little, and small-talk is alien to them.
Stiltspears are very peaceful, and will only resort to
fighting when all other measures have been exhausted.
Under normal circumstances, they have completely neutral
feelings about interacting with outsiders, neither encouraging
nor discouraging such actions. However, any who disrupt the
natural balance of their environments might face the ire of
the stiltspears.
Physical Description
The most distinctive aspect of the quadrupedal
stiltspears are their long, spear-like appendages. At 20
the end of each limb is a grasping appendage containing
between five and eight digits. Each digit is very long and
narrow, and arranged radially around the palm, so that when
open, it resembles a star, or flower. When these digits are
closed, the nails lock together, and the appendage becomes
much like a spearhead.
In nature, the stiltspear will use its masterful camouflage
to lie in wait, with its spear-hand poised, ready to skewer any
small prey animals that come near. When walking, the
appendages remain closed, and the four spears serve as stilts.
Stiltspear possess a natural grace, making their every
movement seem fluid.
The head of the stiltspear sits atop a somewhat long,
flexible neck. A stiltspear’s face is superficially human-like,
but is very plain and flat, and does not display any emotions.
The body of the stiltspear is covered in a very fine coat of oily
down.
The stiltspear possess a thaumaturgical gland which
enables them to blend in with their natural environment with
exceptional skill.
Relations
The stiltspear live off of the land and do not intrude upon
others. Stiltspear have no enemies, other than any who may
try to take their land.
Some say the stiltspear and the borinatch share a
distant biological relationship.
Stiltspear Lands
The stiltspear prefer wetlands but can also
be found in forested regions and near rivers
and streams. They hail from the coastal
and inland areas between New
Crobuzon and Myrshock.
Religion
The stiltspear worship no definite
god, but rather revere in the hidden
patterns and energies inherent to all of
physical nature.
Language
The stiltspear language is direct, yet
complex. It is deep-structured with courtesy
- to be rude takes effortful and irregular declensions. Due to
their isolationism, they rarely bother to learn languages of
outsiders.
Thaumaturgy
Stiltspears possess a natural thaumaturgic gland which
gives them extraordinary camouflage abilities, allowing them
to appear as all manner of tree or vegetation.
More directly, the brand of thaumaturgy which enables
them to paralyze their prey is a unique kind of somaturgy.
With this innate power than can also create simple golems,
although this is usually considered to be a child’s game.
Adventurers
The stiltspear people are deeply committed to their
family units and their home territory, and do not saunter off
lightly.
STILTSPEAR RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence.
 Large: -1 penalty to Armor Class, -1 penalty on attack
roles, -4 penalty on Hide checks, +4 bonus to grapple
checks, lifting and carrying limits double those of
Medium creatures.
 Stiltspear base land speed is 30 feet.
 Quadruped: As quadrupeds, stiltspears have a +4
bonus on checks to resist bull rush and trip attempts.
They have an increased carrying capacity.
 Natural Attack: Stiltspears can use their forelimbs as
spears, dealing 2d6 piercing damage.
 Masterful Camouflage (Su): Stiltspears can
thaumaturgically camouflage their bodies to appear
as trees and other foliage, gaining a +8 racial bonus
on Move Silently and Hide checks while in forested
or swampy environments. In addition, they may hide
in plain sight, (as in the Ranger ability, using Hide
even while being observed.)
 Trackless Path (Ex): The DC of any Survival check to
follow the trail of a Stiltspear is increased by 10,
(or 15 if in a swampy or semi-aquatic
environment.)
 Innate Nondetection (Su): Stiltspears are
difficult to detect by divination spells such as
clairvoyance/clairaudience, locate creature, detect
spells, and items such as a crystal ball. If a divination
attempt is made on a stiltspear, the caster of the
divination must success on a DC 20 caster
level check.
 Sonic Paralysis (Su): A stiltspear
has the ability to use a special series of
resonant sounds to immobilize its prey. As a
standard action, a stiltspear may target
one creature within a 15 foot radius, who
must make a Will save (DC 10 + half of
the stiltspear’s character level, round
up.) If the save is not successful, the target will
become paralyzed until the effect ends. The target
does not get any further save attempts. The
stiltspear may only make this form of attack if it can
produce the required sounds continuously, without
being interrupted – a stiltspear who is wounded
while producing the sounds, engaged in battle, or
performing other strenuous activity cannot do this.
The effect will also fail if the target cannot hear
sounds, if the stiltspear is incapable of producing
sounds, or if the target is immune to Sonic damage.
 Darkvision: Stiltspears can see in the dark up to 60
feet. Darkvision is black and white only, but is
otherwise like normal sight, and stiltspears can
function just fine with no light at all.
 Automatic Languages: Stiltspear. Bonus Languages:
Ragamoll.
 Favored Class: Somaturge
 Level Adjustment: +1
 Difficulty Level: 6 (of 9). Stiltspear society and
psychology make adventuring stiltspear rare, and
their unique physiology can be ill-suited for
many situations and environments. 21

Trow
The subterranean trow, (also known as troglodytes,) are
a somewhat bestial race, and are mostly looked down upon
by the rest of Rohagi.
Personality
Many humans across Rohagi would describe the trow as
brutal, feral beasts with barely enough intelligence to form
speech. While there are kernels of truth to this viewpoint, the
reality is typically much more benign.
The majority of trow are not vastly different from the
average human. They seek to live their lives and better their
communities, and do not seek senseless bloodshed. Having
said that, the average trow is less intelligent than the average
human, and quicker to anger. Combined with their
fearsome appearance, these traits have been
exaggerated by human rumor and
have borne a (mostly) unfair
stigma against the trow.
Physical Description
The trow are humanoid
creatures with vaguely reptilian features.
Their eyes are large, as befitting
subterranean beings. They possess sharp
teeth and claws, as well as a long,
powerful tail. The skin of the trow
is very pale, ranging from ghostly white to a
sickly gray, and resembles tough leather.
Relations
The largest political body
of trow, the subterranean city of
Troglodopolis, does not maintain
many official diplomatic relations
with other cities. Scattered villages and communities of trow
who live up and down the Dancing Shoe Mountains tend to
keep to themselves and avoid humans.
Most humans who encounter a trow will react with some
level of hatred, fear, or disgust. This reaction can range from
the violent to the relatively mild. For example, a citizen of
New Crobuzon who sees one of the sewer-dwelling trow
might react with disgust, or alert the authorities, but will not
gather a pitchfork-wielding mob.
This mindset, while common, is not universal, however.
Some towns and cities, such as Shankell and Neovadan, have
troglodyte citizens who participate in society unmolested.
Trow Lands
The trow primarily inhabit the Dancing Shoe Mountain
range. Subterranean villages can be found throughout the
range. The largest city of trow, Troglodopolis, is nestled deep
in the mountains, safely underground. Smaller populations
can be found sprinkled throughout Rohagi, including
communities in Shankell and Neovadan. Some trow live
hidden in the New Crobuzon sewers, eking out a sad
existence by scavenging from the world above.
Religion
The expansive trow pantheon currently favors Hugkhul,
god of stealth and speed, who protects the burrows of the
trow from the surface dwellers. Zogald, the bestial god who
represents the savagery of the trow, is favored in some
communities.
Language
The trow’s native tongue is harsh and throaty, described
by humans as animalistic. Trow may learn languages like
Ragamoll, but their pronunciation will always be mangled by
their overlarge jaws and predatory teeth.
Thaumaturgy
The trow of individual villages may have a shaman of
some power, but there are few of any real strength outside of
Troglodopolis, where their talents are required for the
underground metropolis to prosper.
Adventurers
Most trow stay with their communities in the Dancing
Shoe Mountains. However, the occasional outcast
can be found out in the greater world. In
addition, certain towns and cities, such as
Shankell, have a minority of trow residents.
Any of these trow would have what it takes to
be an adventurer, although they would always
bear the stigma attached to their race.
TROW RACIAL TRAITS:
 -2 Dexterity, +4 Constitution, -2
Intelligence
 Medium: As Medium creatures,
trow have no special bonuses or
penalties due to their size.
 Troglodyte base speed is 30 feet.
 Darkvision: Trow can see in the
dark up to 90 feet. Darkvision is black
and white only, but is otherwise like
normal sight, and trow can function just
fine with no light at all.
 Trow possess a +4 natural armor bonus from their
toughened skin.
 Immunity to poison.
 Natural Weapons: 2 claws (1d4) and bite (1d6).
 +1 racial attack bonus against humans.
 +2 racial bonus on Listen checks, and to Hide checks
in rocky or shadowy environments.
 Automatic Languages: Trow. Bonus Languages: Any
(except secret languages such as Druidic).
 Favored Class: Barbarian
 Level Adjustment: +0.
 Difficulty Level: 6 (of 9). Most cultures would not act
kindly to a trow wandering in to town.
Vodyanoi
The amphibian vodyanoi resemble hunched humanoid
frogs. They are excellent crafters of thaumaturgy and small
sorceries. They are quite common in Rohagi, second only to
humans in number.
Personality
Vodyanoi share many traits with humans. They tend to
live in small family units, whose dwellings contain
22
rooms both above and below water. Individually, their
personalities range the same wide spectrum as humans,
(although it is uncommon to encounter a jolly vodyanoi,) and
vodyanoi can excel at any number of professions, especially
those involving swimming or water in some capacity.
Physical Description
The frog-like vodyanoi seem smaller than they truly are
because of their hunched and squatting posture, and they
rarely seem to stand much more than 4 feet high. Their true
size is apparent from their weight, however, as most tip the
scales at more than 170 pounds, and the fattest among them
weigh 300 pounds or more. Their hands and
feet are lightly webbed, but their fingers are
nimble.
Vodyanoi are completely amphibian,
capable of staying underwater without
needing to breathe air, and able to stay on
dry land for days or weeks, as long as they
can wet down their skins with at least 1
gallon of fresh water per day. Failing to do
so will lead to a swift decline in overall health.
Saltwater and stagnant water are both unhealthy for
vodyanoi, and are unsuitable for this purpose.
Vodyanoi can survive in nearly any temperature, as
long as water is present. Tribes can flourish in tropical
lagoons as easily as in frozen lakes.
Relations
Vodyanoi are so common that in most regions they are
not given a second glance. Even the anti-xenian racists of
New Crobuzon tend to tolerate the vodyanoi more than they
do the other races.
Vodyanoi Lands
Vodyanoi are nearly as numerous as humans
in mid-Rohagi. Most Rohagi cities have a sizable
vodyanoi population, and small tribes flourish along most
waterways and lakes.
The largest concentration of vodyanoi is in and around
the Cold Claw Loch, which is home to the aquapolis city-state
of Gharcheltist. Further north is the loose vodyanoi kingdom
of Jangsach.
Religion
Many vodyanoi worship Palgolak, a god of knowledge
and learning, although there are plenty of vodyanoi who
revere other deities. They are so widespread that their
religious beliefs vary almost as much as humans’ do.
Language
Most vodyanoi who reside around humans speak
Ragamoll, although they do possess their own language,
which has fractured into numerous distinctive regional
dialects, including Lubbock Vodyanoi (spoken in eastern
Rohagi, including New Crobuzon,) Southern Vodyanoi, and
Fellid Vodyanoi (spoken in western and northern Rohagi.)
Thaumaturgy
All vodyanoi have some skill at watercraft, as they refer
to elemental water thaumaturgy. This thaumaturgy is not as
formal as human thaumaturgy, but rather is a sort of folkloric
thaumaturgy focused on shamanic channeling and shaping of
water energies. This natural affinity leads many vodyanoi
down the paths of more advanced thaumaturgical learning.
Adventurers
The diversity of vodyanoi makes them the equal to
humans in adventuring capability.
VODYANOI RACIAL TRAITS:
 +2 Charisma, -2 Wisdom
 Medium: Medium creatures, vodyanoi have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
 Vodyanoi base land speed is 20 feet. Their swimming
base speed is 40 feet. Vodyanoi have a +8 racial
bonus on any Swim check to perform some special
action or avoid a hazard. They can always take 10 on
a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered.
Vodyanoi can use the run action while swimming,
provided they swim in a straight line.
 Water Dependence: A vodyanoi
must use at least 1 gallon of fresh water
per day to keep his skin moist. For every
24 hours that this does not occur, the
vodyanoi will suffer a temporary -2
Constitution damage until such a time
as the vodyanoi can adequately wet his
skin. Additionally, after the first 24
hours without water, the vodyanoi will
become fatigued; an additional 24
hours will result in exhaustion.
 Vodyanoi gain a +2 racial saving
throw bonus against illusion spells or
effects.
 Low-Light Vision: Vodyanoi can see
twice as far as a human in starlight,
moonlight, and similar conditions of poor
illumination. They retain the ability to distinguish
color and detail under these conditions.
 Watercraft: Vodyanoi have the incredible ability to
shape water to suit their needs. This ability allows a
vodyanoi to affect water as per either the spell
control water or stone shape (but affecting water
instead of stone,) cast as a sorcerer of a level equal
to his class level. A vodyanoi can use this ability a
number of times per day equal to his Charisma
modifier. The duration of these spells changes to
Concentration +3 rounds.
 All vodyanoi gain a +1 bonus to the DC of all spells in
either divination, illusion, conjuration (summoning),
or enchantment (charm). The school must be chosen
when the character is created.
 +2 racial bonus on Concentration, Jump, and
Spellcraft checks.
 A vodyanoi who merely passes within 5 feet of a
water source or a permanent spell effect is entitled
to a Search check to notice it. This ability does not
tell the vodyanoi any details, such as the school,
strength, or nature of the spell.
 Spell-Like Abilities: 1/day – speak with
animals (aquatic animals only, duration 1 23
 minute.) A vodyanoi with a Charisma score of at
least 12 also has the following spell-like abilities:
1/day – jump, longstrider, mending. Caster level 1st;
save DC 10 + vodyanoi’s Cha modifier + spell level.
 Automatic Languages: Ragamoll and Vodyanoi
(choose one dialect.) Bonus Languages: Any (except
for secret languages such as Druidic.)
 Favored Class: Sorcerer.
 Level Adjustment: +0
 Difficulty Level: 0 (of 9). Vodyanoi are the second
most populous race of Rohagi.
Vu-murt
The vu-murt are a primitive, child-sized race native to the
Galaggi Veldt who resemble bipedal beetles.
Personality
The vu-murt are a peaceful people. As testament to this
nature, there have been no recorded battles between
organized vu-murt soldiers and any other race. The vu-murt
do face many threats, however, and will defend themselves
from them. Habitat loss from encroaching human settlements
and an increasing number of travelers passing through the
Veldt are putting ever-increasing pressures on vu-murt
communities.
Vu-murt live in simple wooden tree
houses, which are constructed of foraged
material, as opposed to cut lumber. They
live in small communities, although these
communities are often in close proximity to
each other, and can quickly band together
when the need arises.
Physical Description
Apart from stature and size, there is very
little to physically distinguish a vu-murt from a
common garden beetle. With iridescent
eyes, swiveling antennae, and a chitinous
exoskeleton, the vu-murt are perfectly
adapted to an arboreal forest
environment. They walk on their two rear
appendages, using the upper four as arms.
Beneath an outer casing, they possess vestigial wings which
can allow them to glide down from treetops. At full height, a
vu-murt adult would only reach the waist of a typical human.
Relations
The vu-murt have no quarrel with any group, and in
return, the world mostly leaves the vu-murt in peace. The
human settlements in and around the Veldt do their best not
to disturb the vu-murt, with whom they have little actual
contact with, but nevertheless, the inevitable expansion of
human populations has slowly been pushing the vu-murt
tribes into a smaller and smaller region in central Galaggi.
As natural scavengers and foragers, the vu-murt have
little of value to trade with humans.
Vu-murt Lands
The scattered tribes of vu-murt which inhabit the bulk of
the Galaggi Veldt are the only known communities of the
species.
Religion
The Galaggi vu-murt seem to have assigned a different
mythology and personality to each species of tree
encountered in the Vumwood Forest.
Language
Vu-murt have their own language suitable for their
unique mouthparts, much of which is of a high frequency
inaudible to humans. They are capable of speaking a high-
pitched, buzzing form of Ragamoll, but it requires them to
use sounds and motions not present in their own language,
and thus it is rare to find an individual who has taken the time
and effort necessary to learn it.
Thaumaturgy
Beyond some shamans and practitioners of moss-magic,
the vu-murt do not boast many thaumaturges among
themselves.
Adventurers
Vu-murt are much more likely to tend to their own
villages than they are to gallivant around the world.
VU-MURT RACIAL TRAITS:
 Monstrous Humanoid.
 +2 Dexterity, -2 Strength
 Small size. +1 bonus to Armor Class, +1 bonus on
attack rolls, +4 bonus on Hide checks, –4
penalty on grapple checks, lifting and carrying
limits 3/4 those of Medium characters.
 Vu-murt base land speed is 20 feet.
 +2 racial bonus on Climb and Survival
checks.
 +2 natural armor.
 Extra Limbs: Vu-murt have four arms: two
primary arms, and a weaker secondary set. Their
weaker limbs are poorly suited for carrying
weapons or shields, but they do an excellent job
of providing support for the upper limbs.
The vu-murt’s extra limbs allow it to
use weapons one size category larger than
normal without penalty. The secondary
arms must be free to gain this benefit.
A vu-murt with at least one empty
hand can cast spells with a somatic component.
 Vestigial Wings: Vu-murt have a pair of stubby wings
under their chitin shell which, while too weak to
provide them with flight, allows them to gently glide
to a soft landing while falling. If a vu-murt falls from
a height, as long as it is capable of taking actions,
and it is not wearing any armor or garments that
would restrict the opening of its wing casings, it can
float downwards and take no falling damage.
 Automatic Languages: Vu-murt. Bonus Languages:
Ragamoll, Galaggi.
 Favored Class: Rogue
 Level Adjustment: +0
 Difficulty Level: 1 (of 9)
24
 No Aging (Ex): A thanati does not age.

Templates Resurrection (Ex): Not affected by raise dead and reincarnate

spells or abilities. Resurrection and true resurrection can

Thanati
affect thanati. These spells turn thanati creatures back into
the living creatures they were before becoming thanati.
The thanati are the regal undead of High Cromlech.
Tongueless (Ex): Once a being has been a thanati for 25
These aristocrats make up the high society of the undead city.
years, the tissues of the face have become so desiccated that
Becoming a thanati is an extensive, expensive, and secret
one can no longer speak normal languages, and must resort
process only known to a select few within High Cromlech.
to quiesy (aka, deadish.)
A very specific and special kind of undead, thanati do not
Turn Immunity (Ex): A great benefit to the thanati process is
possess all of the classic undead traits, but rather the unique
that thanati are not subject to a cleric’s turning ability.
set of traits listed below.
Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +2.
"Thanati" is a template that can be added to any nonundead, Level Adjustment: Same as the base creature +2.
nonconstruct, nonplant corporeal creature (referred to
hereafter as the base creature). The creature's type changes
to thanati. It retains all type modifiers and subtypes, if
applicable.

Darkvision (Ex): A thanati gains darkvision with a range of 60

feet. If the base creature already had darkvision, use the
greater range.

Detection (Ex): Thanati register as undead creatures for the

purposes of spells and effects that detect undead (such as
detect undead). A thanati counts as half its HD for the
purposes of aura strength.

Fortification (Ex): When a critical hit or sneak attack is scored

on the thanati, there is a 50% chance that the critical hit or
sneak attack is negated, and damage is instead rolled
normally. If a half-undead wears magic armor with any form
of the fortification quality, use the better percentage value.

Frailty (Ex): A thanati’s body eventually will dry out and

mummify, making movement difficult. The dexterity score of
a thanati is reduced by -4 and its strength score is reduced by
-2. The thanati’s speed is reduced by 10 ft., and if the base
creature possessed the biological means to fly (such as
wings,) this ability will be lost.

Immunity (Ex): A thanati is immune to energy drain attacks,

poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning, disease, and death
effects.

Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability

drain, or energy drain. Immune to damage to its physical
ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution), as well
as to fatigue and exhaustion effects.

Lifeless (Ex): Thanati do not breathe, eat, drink, or sleep.

Necrotic Life (Ex): Negative energy (such as an inflict spell)

can heal thanati creatures. Positive energy has the opposite
effect.
25
 d48 Skin becomes cocoon, emerge as mindless animal
Torque Touched d49 Your poo now catches fire immediately upon air
conact
The effects of Torque can be devastating, causing permanent,
d50 Your legs are invisible now
unpredicatbale, and often horrific mutations to any exposed
d51 Paraplegic
individual.
d52 Quadriplegic
See page 94 for more information.
d53 Genitals now cause wounds upon contact
d54 6 times a day, randomly vomit
d100 Mutation/Effect
d55 Leave a trail of slime wherever you go
d1 Fangs – bite does +1d4 damage
d56 Flesh begins to rot; incurable; die in a week
d2 Clothes, gear, and/or armor fuses permanently &
d57 Delicious – monsters attack you first
disgustingly to body
d58 Incomprehensible accent – can’t be understood
d3 Grow multiple large tumors
d59 Hibernating – require 3x normal sleep
d4 Legs face backwards, relearn to walk
d60 Multiple Personalities
d5 Gain Siamese identical twin
d61 Super-excessively flaking skin
d6 Become entirely different race, random choice
d62 Hunchback
d7 Increased Physical Attribute – roll 1d6, add 1d2
d63 Arms vanish
points to (1-2) STR, (3-4) DEX, or (5-6) CON
d64 Mute
d8 Decreased Physical Attribute – roll 1d6, subtract
d65 Arms become uncontrollable ravenous snakes
1d2 points from (1-2) STR, (3-4) DEX, or (5-6) CON
d66 One of your arms gains a homicidal mind of its own
d9 Tongue vanishes
d67 Extremely restless leg syndrome
d10 Gain a beard that grows 5 feet per day
d68 Grow or lose breasts, whichever is unusual
d11 Gills – cannot breathe air, only water
d69 A thick shell, gain DR 5/-, lose -4 Dex
d12 One side of your body is larger than the other
d70 Brittle bones – lose 50 HP permanently, to min 1
d13 Every hair becomes a mini tentacle.
d71 Thick extra tail that always gets in the way
d14 Fur coat – random length and color
d72 Cyclops – lose -2 to Spot
d15 Hairlessness
d73 Lobster claws for hands – lose all fine manipulation
d16 Claws – add 1d6 to unarmed damage
skills – gain 1d8 natural attacks
d17 Nose, ears, and mouth openings disappear
d74 Talon feet – cannot wear shoes, +4 Balance
d18 Ugly – due to extreme ugliness, -4 from Cha
d75 Neck elongates +3 feet
d19 Legs become a snake’s tail
d76 Elongated facial structure
d20 Aged – advance to “venerable” age category
d77 Lose all male or female characteristics
d21 Multiple Limbs – grow 2 stunted, useless arms
d78 Absolutaly must walk on all fours
d22 Sprout small animals from your body
d79 Continuous sensory overload, -2 Int, Wis, Cha
d23 Antlers – cannot wear helmets
d80 Begin aging rapidly in reverse until prebirth/death
d24 Lay 1d6 eggs a day at random intervals
d81 Gender swap
d25 Sprout beak and useless feathers
d82 Terrible constant body odor
d26 Altered Height – lose or gain 1d12+6 inches
d83 Fingers fuse into flippers
d27 Negative energy now heals you, positive harms
d84 Become inanimate statue
d28 Double anus.
d85 Shrinks to be 1 foot tall
d29 Suction Hands–gain climb speed, can’t wear gloves
d86 Grows to twice normal height
d30 Sprout uselss gears, springs, wheels, etc.
d87 Melts into a puddle of wax, dies
d31 Obesity – gain 200 lb, lose -10ft of speed, -2 Dex
d88 Must eat 3x as much as normal
d32 Random body part or organ disappears bloodlessly
d89 Is under permanent slowed effect
d33 Scales – gain +2 natural AC bonus
d90 All food tastes terrible and requires Concentration
d34 Body becomes covered in various orifices.
check DC 20 + character level to eat a meal
d35 Extra arm & leg joint, must wear exotic armor
d91 Slowly loses cohesion and drifts to nothingness
d36 Body becomes freakishly wide and flat.
d92 Can only see when your mouth is wide open
d37 Constant excruciating debilitating pain
d93 Loses all thaumaturgic ability. If you already have
d38 Crippling physical deformity - leg
none, reroll
d39 Crippling physical deformity - arm
d94 Skin solidifies and must be shed weekly like a crab
d40 Narcolepsy
d95 Become random nonsentient creature
d41 Glow, equivalent to a torch, continuously
d96 Gain a vodyanoi’s amphibious nature
d42 Spines – grow huge spines; cannot wear armor
d97 Gain a cactacae’s spines
d43 Covered in sores and boils, continuously
d98 Gain a confusing large mass of body parts
d44 Blindness – eyes vanish entirely
d99 Become a giant mindless amoeba
d45 Deafness – ears replaced with living slugs
d100 Roll twice
d46 Transparent Skin – fire/heat vulnerability & -1d6 Cha
d47 Become color blind 26

Classes
This chapter contains new classes for the world of Bas-
Lag, as well as suggestions and guidelines which ensure that
the traditional classes function smoothly in this world.
Barbarian
Although most places of interest in Bas-Lag center on
densely populated cities, there are also plenty of dirt-poor
homesteads and wilderness-folk whose warriors are perfectly
suited to the role of barbarian.
Bard
Bas-Lag is not a place for fanciful bards to prance gaily
from town to town. However, every town as at least one
bawdy inn, and entertainers are in high demand in nearly all
of them.
Cleric
The religions of Bas-Lag are numerous, although unlike
many D&D settings, the gods here are not set-in-stone
figures, but rather are often viewed through a much more
real-world lens. As such, it does not fit well for divine beings
to send their followers discernable, quantifiable magical
energy. It would be best to consider the source of their
powers to lie in line with that of traditional thaumaturgy. (See
Religion, page 120.)
Druid
The practitioners of the city have boiled “magic” down
into a dry science – thaumaturgy. However, many small
communities rely on traditional shamans, where the druid
class would shine.
Fighter
As in any world, fighters have many opportunities in Bas-
Lag.
Monk
Monks also blend in well, whether they be solitary
figures guarding a remote religious shrine, or simply a rough-
and-tumble hand-to-hand combatant.
Paladin
The lawful-good paladin has little place in Bas-Lag, a
world composed almost entirely of shades of gray. Many of
the variant paladins of other alignments featured in Dragon
#310 & #312 would be much more at home here. Lacking
those, your DM may consider simply allowing your paladin to
be of a different alignment.
Ranger
Again, many small rural communities would produce
rangers in Bas-Lag.
Rogue
The rogue shines in Bas-Lag, where cities like New
Crobuzon open the door wide for seedy activities of all sorts.
Sorcerer & Wizard
Words like “sorcerer” and “wizard” are not the terms of
choice in much of Bas-Lag. “Thaumaturgist” is much more
applicable to the setting. Nevertheless, these core classes still
work well here. Sorcerers would not gain their powers from a
supernatural bloodline, but would rather be just another
flavor of thaumaturgist. (See Thaumaturgy, page 65.)
Artificer
Big cities often have numerous individuals who make
thaumaturgic items and sell thaumaturgic services for a living.
Psionic Classes
If you absolutely must play a gods-be-damned psion, it
would be best for your particular brand of powers to come
from some unknown, far-off land. But seriously, don’t.
Other Classes
The multitude of classes presented in D&D supplemental
materials – from the ninja and knight to the swashbuckler
and shadowcaster – are almost all well-suited for Bas-Lag.
The only exceptions would be those who deal extensively
with extraplanar beings or dragons, as dragons do not exist in
Bas-Lag and the other planes are mainly unknown.
Pathfinder Classes
The alchemist (known here as chymico-thaumaturge or
chymist,) and gunslinger in particular are very well suited to
Bas-Lag! Please encourage their use in your campaign! The
other classes can also fit in with little to no work.
27

Elementarii
Summoning forth and binding elemental creatures to their
will, elementarii boost and augment their charges.
Role: An elementarii’s main ability is to summon a variety
of enhanced elementals onto the battlefield. He can
support his party further with a limited use of
offensive spells.
Abilities: A high Charisma score is
necessary for the elementarii to cast his
spells, and a high Constitution score will
not only help keep him alive, but will
aid him in his ability to summon and
control elementals.
Alignment: Any nongood.
Hit Die: d4
Class Skills
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int),
Decipher Script (Int), Intimidate (Cha),
Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge
(the Planes) (Int), Profession (Wis),
Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Use Magic
Device (Cha).
Skill Ranks per Level: 2 + Int
modifier.
Class Features
The following are the class features of the elementarii.
Weapons and Armor: Elementarii are proficient with the
whip, gnoscourge, dagger, heavy crossbow, light crossbow,
and quarterstaff, but not with any type of armor or shield.
Armor of any type interferes with an elementarii’s
movements, which can cause his summons and spells
containing somatic components to fail.
Spells: An elementarii casts arcane spells (the same type
of spells available to sorcerers and wizards), which are drawn
from the elementarii spell list given below. He can cast any
spell he knows without preparing it ahead of time the way a
cleric or wizard has to do. When an elementarii gains access
to a new level of spells, he automatically knows all the spells
for that level listed on the elementarii’s spell list. Essentially,
his spell list is the same as his spells-known list.
To cast a spell, an elementarii must have a Charisma
score of 10 + the spell’s level (Cha 10 for 0-level spells, Cha 11
for 1st level spells, and so forth). The Difficulty Class for a
saving throw against an elementarii’s spell is 10 + the spell’s
level + the elementarii’s Charisma modifier. Like other
spellcasters, an elementarii can cast only a certain number of
spells of each spell level per day. His base daily spell
allotment is given on Table 1–1: The Elementarii. In addition,
he receives bonus spells for a high Charisma score (see Table
1–1, page 8 of the Player’s Handbook).
Unlike a cleric or a wizard, an elementarii need not
prepare his spells in advance. He can cast any spell he knows
at any time, assuming he has not yet used up his spells per
day for that spell level.
Summon Elemental (Sp): An elementarii begins play with
the ability to call forth one type of Medium-sized elemental
via the use of a gnoscourge.
A gnoscourge is a specially crafted whip with the
thaumaturgical capability to open a rift between Bas-Lag and
the elemental planes. An elementarii begins with a
basic gnoscourge, and cannot summon an
elemental without it. (For the combat stats
of a gnoscourge, see page 61.) In order to
summon an elemental, the elementarii
must hold the gnoscourge and succeed
in a Concentration check, with the DC
depending on the particular elemental
he is summoning. If he fails the
summoning Concentration check, the
summons fails, and he must attempt it
again. If he succeeds, the summoned
elemental will immediately begin acting
under the orders of the elementarii,
taking its turn in the same round. The
act of summoning takes a full round,
(although this is reduced to a standard
action at level 6,) and provokes attacks of
opportunity.
Once summoned in this forceful manner,
however, elementals are not perfectly obedient
servants; to varying extents, they resent their summoning,
and must be strictly controlled. After every three rounds of
activity, the elementarii must make another Concentration
check via the use of his gnoscourge, with a DC equal to the
initial summoning value +1. Success means that the
elemental remains and continues to act at the summoner’s
behest. Failure results in one of two outcomes. There is a 90%
chance that the elemental will simply return to its home
plane; however, there is a 10% chance that the elemental will
begin running amok, no longer distinguishing friend from foe.
(Roll a d10, with a result of 1 indicating rampage.) If this
occurs, the elementarii may try to regain control by using his
gnoscourge to attempt another Concentration check as a
standard action, with a DC equal to the initial summoning DC
+ 5. Success reels the elemental back under control. If control
is not reestablished, the creature will return to its home
plane after 4 rounds of rampage.
An elementarii begins play with the ability to summon
Medium sized elementals, although he can also summon
Small or Tiny elementals if he so chooses. He learns to
summon Large elementals at level 7, and Huge at level 14.
Initially, the elementarii can only summon one variety of
elemental, (fire, earth, water, etc.) He must choose this
variety, and his choice is unalterable. At levels 5, 12, & 18, he
can choose additional types of elementals that he is able to
summon. Each choice is permanent once made. A list of all
available elemental types can be found below.
An elementarii may only summon one elemental in this
manner at a time, until level 20, when he may summon two.
If he summons an elemental by other means, such as
28
 Table 1–1 - Elementarii
Base Spells Per Day
Lvl
Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special 0 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Summon Elemental, 3 1 — — — — — — — —
Elemental Modification
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 — 3 2 — — — — — — — —
rd
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 Gnoscourge Training 3 2 1 — — — — — — —
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 — 3 3 2 — — — — — — —
5th +2 +1 +1 +4 Summon Elemental (new 3 3 2 1 — — — — — —
type)
6th +3 +2 +2 +5 Summon Elemental 3 3 3 2 — — — — — —
(standard action)
7th +3 +2 +2 +5 Summon Elemental 3 3 3 2 1 — — — — —
(Large)
th
8 +4 +2 +2 +6 — 3 3 3 3 2 — — — — —
9th +4 +3 +3 +6 Energy Substitution 3 3 3 3 2 1 — — — —
10th +5 +3 +3 +7 Dispel Resistance 3 3 3 3 3 2 — — — —
11th +5 +3 +3 +7 — 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 — — —
12th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Summon Elemental (new 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 — — —
type)
th
13 +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 — 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 — —
14th +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 Summon Elemental 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 — —
(Huge)
15th +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 — 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 —
16th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 Blasting Summons 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 —
17th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 — 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1
th
18 +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Summon Elemental (new 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
type)
19th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 — 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
20th +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 Summon Elemental (two 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
at once)
the summon monster spell, they gain no special bonuses and The following is a list of potential modifications. An
behave as they would for any other caster. elementarii can only perform modifications of his level or
Opening a rift to the elemental planes is taxing. An lower.
elementarii may only call forth a certain number of Damage: At 1st level, an elementarii can bolster the
elementals per day, equal to his Constitution modifier elemental’s damage by increasing the number of damage die
(minimum 1). on its slam attacks by one (i.e. from 2d8 to 3d8.) At 8th level,
Elementals summoned in this way are subject to the he can spend two points to add two die.
same rules regarding dispelling and antimagic fields as are the Armor: At 1st level, an elementarii can increase the
subjects of a summon monster spell. elemental’s defense by increasing its natural armor bonus by
An elementarii does not have one particular individual +2. At 11th level, he can spend two points to increase this to
elemental which he calls again and again; there is no personal +4.
connection between summoner and the summoned. Health: At 1st level, an elementarii may boost the health
Elemental Modifications (Su): At the start of each day, of the elemental by adding two Hit Die to its current HP. This
an elementarii gains a number of modification points equal to affects no other stats. At 8th level, he can spend two points to
his Charisma modifier, times two. He can spend the points at double this increase.
the time of a successful summoning in order to augment his Reduce Weakness: At 2nd level, an elementarii can
elemental, making it far more powerful than a standard decrease any of the elemental’s innate vulnerabilities. For
specimen. These points are refreshed at the start of each day, example, a fire elemental normally takes 50% extra damage
but can also be replenished during combat: for each creature from cold attacks. With this bonus, that vulnerability is cut in
killed by the summoned elemental, one point is returned to half, to 25%. This costs one point.
the elementarii’s pool. Ranged Attack: At 4th level, and elementarii can bestow
If the elementarii summons an elemental by other upon an elemental an additional ranged attack in addition to
means, such as the summon monster spell, they gain no its normally listed attacks. This ranged attack can be used
special bonuses and behave as they would for any other every 1d4 rounds. It functions as a fireball spell-like
caster. ability, but with a Medium range and only a 10-foot
29
radius, and instead of fire damage, it will do whatever check in order to continue holding his breath. The save must
damage type is associated with the elemental in question. For be repeated each round, with the DC increasing by +1 for
the purpose of calculating saves, treat the spell level as 3rd each previous success. When the enemy fails one of these
and use the elementarii’s Charisma modifier. At 13th level, the Constitution checks, he begins to suffocate. In the first round,
elementarii can spend two points to increase the radius to he falls unconscious (0 hit points). In the following round, he
20-feet and treat the spell level as 6th. drops to -1 hit points and is dying. In the third round, he
Physical Boost: At 4th level, and elementarii can improve suffocates.
the physical abilities of the summoned elemental, increasing The elemental can move and attack normally while
both its Strength and Dexterity by +2. At 15th level, he can enveloping a creature.
spend two points to raise this to +4. Quick Healing: At 13th level, an elementarii can grant the
Extra Attacks: At 8th level, the elementarii can further elemental fast healing 5. At 19th level, he can spend two
improve the battle prowess of his summons by granting it an points to bestow fast healing 10.
additional attack in a full-round attack. This is made with the Spell Resistance: At 15th level, an elementarii can bolster
same attack bonus as what would normally be the last attack. the elemental with a spell resistance of 15. At 19th level, he
At 15th level, he can spend 2 points to grant yet another can spend two points to bestow SR 20.
attack. Gnoscourge Training (Ex): The elementarii’s experience
Engulf Attack: At 11th level, an elementarii can spend two allows him to wield his gnoscourge with greater effect. When
points to grant the elemental a devastating engulf attack. As used for melee combat, the elementarii gains a bonus equal
a standard action, an elemental of size Small or larger may to his Constitution modifier on damage rolls.
attempt to envelop an opponent at least one size category
smaller than itself. It cannot make a slam attack on the round
it engulfs prey. The elemental merely has to move over the
opponents, affecting as many as it can cover. Opponents can
make opportunity attacks against the elemental, but if they
do, they are not entitled to a saving throw. Those who do not
attempt opportunity attacks must succeed at a Reflex save
(DC 10 + 1/2 elemental’s Hit Dice + elemental's Constitution
modifier) or be engulfed; on a success they are pushed back
or aside (opponents' choice) as the elemental moves forward.
Engulfed creatures are considered grappled and trapped
within the elemental’s body and automatically take crushing
damage each round, based on the elemental’s size, as set out
below. The elemental adds its Strength modifier to the
damage dealt.
Size Damage
Small 1d6
Medium 1d8
Large 2d6
Huge 2d8
Gargantuan 3d6
An engulfed creature can attempt to cut its way out of
the elemental’s body with either claws or a slashing or
piercing weapon. Dealing at least one-quarter of the
elemental's normal hit points (AC equal to its flat-footed AC)
in this way creates an opening large enough to permit escape.
Once a single swallowed creature exits, the elemental’s body
reshapes to close the hole; thus, another swallowed
opponent must cut its own way out. The engulfed creature Energy Substitution (Su): The elementarii’s skill with
can instead attempt an Escape Artist check (DC 15 + 1/2 elemental spells give him unique insight into their inner
elemental’s Hit Dice + elemental’s Constitution modifier) or workings. He may choose one type of energy: acid, cold,
Strength check (DC 20 + elemental’s Strength modifier). The electricity, fire, or sonic. This choice is permanent. When
elemental’s body can hold two creatures one size category employing a spell with the acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic
smaller than itself, or four of two or more size categories designator, he can modify the spell to use the chosen type of
smaller. energy instead. The altered spell uses a spell slot of the spell’s
While inside the elemental, suffocation is a possibility. normal level. The altered spell works normally in all respects
One engulfed, an enemy can hold his breath for 1 round per except the type of damage dealt.
point of Constitution (as opposed to the normal 2.) After this
period of time, the character must make a DC 10 Constitution
30
 This functions as the standard Energy Substitution feat.
The elementarii is free to take the feat normally as well,
Elementals
The possible elementals which may be summoned are
applying it to a different energy type.
the following. For full details on each of these elementals,
Dispel Resistance (Su): The elementarii retains a tight
please see their individual entries beginning on page 137.
hold over his summoned minions. Dispel checks made against
the summoned elemental treat the elementarii’s caster level
as if it were 5 levels higher than normal.  Ferrum (Metal)
Blasting Summons (Su): At the epicenter of a successful  Fulmen (Elyctric)
summons, a devastating explosion of energy accompanies an  Luceat (Sun)
elemental as it enters this world. This does not harm the
 Luftgeists (Air)
elemental being. This blast behaves in all respects like a
fireball spell as if it were cast by the elementarii, with the  Prena (Wood)
following exceptions:  Proasm (Flesh)*
 It has no verbal, material, or somatic components.  Salinae (Salt Water)
 The damage done by the spell is not necessarily of the  Shudners (Earth)
fire type, it will be of the type matching the elemental in
question, (potentially just physical damage.)  Tenebris (Darkness)
 For the purposes of calculating the saving throw, treat  Undine (Freshwater)
the spell’s level as being the highest level of spell that  Yag (Fire)
the elementarii can currently cast.
This ability san be suppressed if the elementarii so desires. *Much like creating a golem, flesh elementals require
appropriate raw materials, and cannot simply be called
SPELL LIST forth from nothingness.
0- acid splash, detect magic, electric jolt, light, ray of frost,
sonic snap
1- airbubble, blast of air, burning hands, corrosive grasp, hail
of stone, jet of steam, kelgore’s fire bolt, lesser orb of acid,
lesser orb of cold, lesser orb of electricity, lesser orb of fire,
lesser orb of sound, shocking grasp, stone missiles, water
burst
2- electric loop, electric vengeance, fireburst, flaming sphere,
frost breath, geyser, ice slick, melf’s acid arrow, ray of ice,
scorch, scorching ray, snowball swarm
3- acid breath, fireball, gust of wind, ice storm, icelance,
lightning bolt, resonating bolt, scintillating sphere,
shockwave, sound lance, the sky is falling, wind wall
4- blast of flame, incendiary surge, mindfrost, orb of acid, orb
of cold, orb of electricity, orb of fire, orb of sound, rogue
wave, shout, wall of fire
5- arc of lightning, ball lightning, cacophonic burst, cone of
cold, cyclonic blast, flame strike, greater electric vengeance,
greater fireburst, sonic rumble, stone storm, vitriolic sphere
6- acid fog, acid storm, chain lightning, control water, control
winds, mudslide, otiluke’s freezing sphere, stone shape,
storm of fire and ice
7- delayed blast fireball, earthquake, electrical storm, fire
storm, glorious master of the elements, scalding touch,
stored lightning bolt, waterspout
8- depthsurge, field of icy razors, greater shout, incendiary
cloud, lava spikes, lightning ring, polar ray
9- burst of glacial wrath, elemental swarm, invulnerability to
elements, meteor swarm, tidal wave, transmute rock to
lava, whirlwind

31

Metallo-Thaumaturge
With New Crobuzon, (and Bas-Lag at large,) becoming
ever more industrialized, practitioners are constantly
discovering new and innovative ways to apply thaumaturgy to
commerce, production, and manufacture. One of the fastest
growing branches of study is that of metallo-thaumaturgy –
the arcane manipulation of metal.
With extended study and a
disciplined mind, the metallo-
thaumaturge has the ability to
mold and manipulate raw metal
to suit his needs.
One facet of manufacture
which the metallo-thaumaturge
excels at is the creation of
robotic constructs. Despite the
fact that constructs are non-
magical entities which operate
on a system of gears, boilers,
and logic-engines, the
unparalleled skill and precision
that the metallo-thaumaturge
brings to the table makes them
ideally suited for the task of
creating and maintaining these artificial servants.
Role: The metallo-thaumaturge constantly tinkers with
and upgrades his construct companion, who is responsible for
most of the heavy-lifting in battle situations. In addition, he
can use his mastery of metal thaumaturgy to alter the armor
and weapons of friend and foe alike.
Abilities: A high Intelligence score is important for
determining saves against the metallo-thaumaturge’s spells.
Alignment: Any
Hit Die: d8
Class Skills
Appraise (Int), Craft (Int), Disable Device (Int), Knowledge
(Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering)
(Int), Open Lock (Dex), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft
(Int), Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Features
The following are the class features of the metallo-
thaumaturge.
Weapons and Armor: The metallo-thaumaturge is
proficient with all simple weapons, and is also proficient with
light armor and medium armor. A metallo-thaumaturge can
cast his spells while wearing light armor without incurring the
normal arcane spell failure chance. In addition, his unique
ability to manipulate metal allows the metallo-thaumatuge to
cast spells normally while wearing medium armor, as long as
the armor is primarily composed of a metallic substance. Like
any other arcane spellcaster, a metallo-thaumaturge wearing
heavy armor, or using a shield, incurs a chance of arcane spell
failure if the spell in question has a somatic component.
Spells: A metallo-thaumaturge casts arcane spells drawn
from the metallo-thaumaturge spell list (see page 34). He can
cast any spell he knows without preparing it ahead of time,
assuming he has not yet used up his allotment of spells per
day for the spell’s level.
To learn or cast a spell, a metallo-thaumaturge must have
an Intelligence score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The
Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a metallo-
thaumaturge’s spell is 10 + the spell level + the metallo-
thaumaturge’s Intelligence modifier. A metallo-thaumaturge
can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level
each day. His base daily spell allotment is given on table 1–
2. In addition, he receives bonus spells per day
if he has a high Intelligence score (see
Player’s Handbook).
A metallo-thaumaturge’s selection
of spells is extremely limited, but he
knows all of the spells on the
metallo-thaumaturge list of spells
as soon as he is high enough
level to cast them.
Craft Construct: A metallo-
thaumaturge begins play
knowing the feat Craft Construct
regardless of the feat’s typical prerequisites.
Construct Companion: A metallo-thaumaturge begins play
with a steam-driven, clockwork construct. This construct
serves to protect the thaumaturge and to provide battlefield
support. The form and stats of this companion are given in
the below section. Like the companions of other classes, the
construct companion is effectively controlled by the player at
all times. See page 132 for details on how constructs work
and operate in Bas-Lag.
As the metallo-thaumaturge levels up, he can upgrade his
companion with the various options listed below. In order to
perform an upgrade, the thaumaturge must be in possession
of the required parts, which can be purchased in most major
cities. The price for each upgrade constitutes the price for the
parts and is included in each listing.
In addition, the metallo-thaumaturge must possess a set
of construct crafting tools (price 200 GP) to perform any
maintenance or upgrades on his companion.
Technical Knack: A metallo-thaumaturge begins play
having a +2 competence bonus on all Appraise, Craft, Disable
Device, Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering), Open
Lock, and Profession checks involving some sort of
mechanical or technological item or topic. This bonus
increases to a +4 bonus at 9th level, and +6 at 15th level.
Craft Reserve: A metallo-thaumaturge receives a pool of
points he can spend in lieu of experience points (XP) when
crafting a construct or construct-upgrade. Each time the
metallo-thaumaturge gains a new level, he receives a new
craft reserve; leftover points from the previous reserve carry
over. If the points are not spent, they remain in the pool. This
reserve can also be used in combination with actual XP from
the crafter, taking a portion of the XP cost from each.
32
 Table 1–2 - Metallo-thaumaturge
Base Spells Per Day
Attack Fort Ref Will Augment Craft
Lvl Bonus Save Save Save Pool Reserve Special 0 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 0 1,200 Craft Construct, 3 1 — — — — —
Construct
Companion,
Technical Knack +2
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 1 1,600 Augment (Fortify) 4 2 — — — — —
3rd +2 +1 +1 +3 1 2,000 Reconstruction 4 3 — — — — —
4th +3 +1 +1 +4 2 2,800 Augment (Hone) 4 3 1 — — — —
5th +3 +1 +1 +4 2 3,200 Shield Ally 5 4 2 — — — —
6th +4 +2 +2 +5 3 3,600 Augment 5 4 3 — — — —
7th +5 +2 +2 +5 3 4,000 Constructbane 5 4 3 1 — — —
8th +6/+1 +2 +2 +6 4 4,400 Augment (Toughen) 5 4 4 2 — — —
9th +6/+1 +3 +3 +6 4 5,200 Technical Knack +4 5 5 4 3 — — —
10th +7/+2 +3 +3 +7 5 5,600 Augment (Fortify +2) 5 5 4 3 1 — —
11th +8/+3 +3 +3 +7 5 6,000 Reconstruction 5 5 4 4 2 — —
12th +9/+4 +4 +4 +8 6 6,400 Augment (Overclock 5 5 5 4 3 — —
+2)
13th +9/+4 +4 +4 +8 6 6,800 Greater Shield Ally 5 5 5 4 3 1 —
14th +10/+5 +4 +4 +9 7 7,600 Augment (Spell 5 5 5 4 4 2 —
Failure)
15th +11/+6/+1 +5 +5 +9 7 8,000 Technical Knack +6 5 5 5 5 4 3 —
16th +12/+7/+2 +5 +5 +10 8 8,400 Augment (Hone +2) 5 5 5 5 4 3 1
17th +12/+7/+2 +5 +5 +10 8 8,800 Greater 5 5 5 5 4 4 2
Constructbane
18th +13/+8/+3 +6 +6 +11 9 9,200 Augment 5 5 5 5 5 4 3
19th +14/+9/+4 +6 +6 +11 9 10,000 Reconstruction 5 5 5 5 5 5 4
20th +15/+10/+5 +6 +6 +12 10 10,400 Augment (Overclock 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
+4)
Augment Pool: Beginning at 2nd level, a metallo- If an intelligent metallic object is the subject of an
thaumaturge’s skill at manipulating metal has grown to such Augment, it may make a Will save in order to avoid the effect.
an extent that he can do so at a moment’s notice. By The DC of the save is 10 + the metallo-thaumaturge’s Int
spending the points of his Augment Pool, he can, as a modifier + the highest spell level the thaumaturge is currently
standard action, perform any of the Augments listed below. capable of casting, (i.e. +3 at 7th level.) If the object being
At 2nd level, the thaumaturge has one point in the Augment Augmented has Spell Resistance, or if the object is in the
pool; this number increases by one every two levels possession of a being who does, the metallo-thaumaturge
thereafter. The points of the pool replenish every 24 hours. If must overcome the Spell Resistance the same way he would
the metallo-thaumaturge attempts to Augment an object if he were casting a spell, by making a caster level check.
which is non-metallic in nature, the attempt is wasted, and
the point from the Augment Pool is used up. Fortify: At 2nd level, the metallo-thaumaturge gains the
Unless otherwise noted, Augments last for the duration of ability to fortify any suit of armor which is comprised
combat +2 additional rounds. For instance, an Augment primarily of metal. As a standard action, the caster may raise
applied during combat will fade once two rounds of inactivity the AC of any single suit of armor within a 15-ft radius by a
have passed after hostilities; alternatively, an Augment value of +1, at the cost of one point from the Augment Pool.
applied two rounds before combat would dissipate At 10th level, the thaumaturge may spend two points in order
immediately after combat’s cessation. Augments do not to grant an AC bonus of +2.
stack; for example, if a suit of armor has received the fortify Conversely, the metallo-thaumaturge may choose to
augment once, it cannot benefit from being fortified again bestow a -1 AC penalty to an enemy’s suit of metallic armor
during the same battle. Many Augments must be cast onto a by spending one point from the Augment Pool, or a -2 AC
recipient that is within a certain range, typically 15-ft – if the penalty at 10th level by spending two points from the
recipient in question moves out of this range after the Augment Pool.
Augment has been put into place, it will remain for the Hone: At 4th level, the metallo-thaumaturge gains the
normal duration: it does not need to stay inside this radius. ability to hone any piercing or slashing weapon whose edge is
Augments are considered to be spell-like abilities, and comprised primarily of metal. As a standard action,
follow the standard rules for such abilities. the caster may grant a single weapon within a radius
33
of 15-ft an attack bonus of +1. This bonus does not affect the
weapon’s damage; this bonus stacks with similar bonuses
already in place upon the weapon, such as magical
enhancement. The use of hone uses up one point from the
Augment Pool. At 16th level, the thaumaturge may spend two
points in order to grant an attack bonus of +2.
Conversely, the metallo-thaumaturge may choose to
bestow a -1 attack roll penalty to an enemy’s piercing or
slashing metallic weapon by spending one point from the
Augment Pool, or a -2 attack roll penalty at 16th level by
spending two points from the Augment Pool.
Toughen: At 8th level, the metallo-thaumaturge gains the
ability to physically toughen objects that are metallic in
nature. As a standard action, the thaumaturge may spend
one point from the Augment Pool to increase the hardness of
any single metallic object within a 15-ft radius by 5 points.
This ability can also be applied to constructs.
Conversely, the metallo-thaumaturge may choose to
weaken a metallic object instead, causing the hardness value
of the object to decrease by 5 points.
Overclock: At 12th level, the metallo-thaumaturge gains
the ability to improve the physical performance of clockwork
constructs, including his own companion. As a standard
action, the thaumaturge may spend one point from the
Augment Pool to add a +2 enhancement bonus to either the
Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution of a construct within a 15-
ft radius. Unlike most Augments, the duration of this
modification is a number of rounds equal to half of the
thaumaturge’s caster level, (round down.) Due to the
extreme strain this places upon the physical components of
the construct, upon the end of the overclock, the construct is
considered staggered for a number of rounds equal to the
initial effect.
Upon 20th level, the thaumaturge may spend two points
from the Augment Pool to increase the enhancement bonus
to +4.
Flexibility: At 14th level,
the metallo-thaumaturge
gains the ability to
improve the suppleness
and flexibility of metallic
armor. As a standard
action, the thaumaturge
may spend one point from
the Augment Pool to enhance
a single suit of metallic armor
within a 15-ft radius. The
armor’s maximum dexterity
bonus is raised by one point,
and the arcane spell failure chance of the armor is decreased
by 10% (to a minimum of 0%).
Conversely, the metallo-thaumaturge may choose to
stiffen the metallic armor of an enemy, causing the reverse
effect.
Reconstruction: Beginning at 3rd level, the metallo-
thaumaturge has become so intimately familiar with his
construct companion that his ability to efficiently repair the
construct has increased dramatically. In the event that the
metallo-thaumaturge’s construct companion is reduced to 0
hit points, and thus destroyed, the thaumaturge may rebuild
the construct for only 25% of the typical cost, and in half the
time typically required. (See Repairing Constructs, pg 132.)
This ability only applies to the metallo-thaumaturge’s
personal companion, and not any other constructs. Further,
this is only possible if there are sufficient original materials
left from the broken construct to reuse; if the thaumaturge
does not have access to his construct’s remains, or if the
construct were destroyed using a disintegration or similar
effect, then the thaumaturge must follow the standard rules
for construct repair.
At 11th level, the cost is reduced to 20%, and at 19th level
to 15%.
Shield Ally: At 5th level, whenever the metallo-
thaumaturge is within his construct’s reach, the metallo-
thaumaturge receives a +2 shield bonus to his Armor Class
and a +2 circumstance bonus on his saving throws. This bonus
does not apply if the construct is grappled, helpless,
paralyzed, stunned, or unconscious.
Constructbane: Because of his superior knowledge of
constructs, a metallo-thaumaturge gains a +2 competence
bonus to any attacks he makes against a construct, starting at
7th level.
Greater Shield Ally: At 13th level, whenever any ally is
within the construct’s reach, the ally receives a +2 shield
bonus to its Armor Class and a +2 circumstance bonus on his
saving throws. If this ally is the metallo-thaumaturge, these
bonuses increase to +4. This bonus does not apply if the
construct is grappled, helpless, paralyzed, stunned, or
unconscious.
Greater Constructbane: At 17th level, the metallo-
thaumaturge can now combat a construct with weapons,
unarmed attacks, or spells as if were not immune to critical
hits.
SPELL LIST
0- cleaning, dry, detect magic, mage hand, mending,
open/close, read magic, repair minor damage, resistance,
resize
1- armor lock, bristle, create trap, deflect, instant locksmith,
mage burr, magic weapon, peacebond, repair light
damage, shield, weapon shift
2- brumal stiffening, chill metal, detect metal, enlarge
weapon, fool’s gold, fortify metal, make whole, repair
moderate damage, shocking grasp
3- armor piercing missile, bands of steel, diamondsteel, heat
metal, keen edge, malfunction, repair serious damage,
steeldance
4- magnetic pulse, metal melt, rapid repair, ray of
deanimation, rebirth of iron, repair critical damage,
sarmar’s coin beacon
5- disanimate, lesser ironguard, rusting grasp, shape metal,
touch of adamantine
6- control construct, iron body, ironguard, magnetism, repel
metal, wall of iron
34
 Table 1–3 - Construct Companion
Base
Lvl
Attack
Bonus HD Bad Save Good Save Skills Armor Bonus Str/Dex Bonus Max. Attacks
1st +1 1 +0 +2 4 +0 +0 3
2nd +2 2 +0 +3 8 +2 +1 3
3rd +3 3 +1 +3 12 +2 +1 3
4th +3 3 +1 +3 12 +2 +1 4
5th +4 4 +1 +4 16 +4 +2 4
th
6 +5 5 +1 +4 20 +4 +2 4
7th +6 6 +2 +5 24 +6 +3 4
8th +6 6 +2 +5 24 +6 +3 4
9th +7 7 +2 +5 28 +6 +3 5
10th +8 8 +2 +6 32 +8 +4 5
11th +9 9 +3 +6 36 +8 +4 5
th
12 +9 9 +3 +6 36 +10 +5 5
13th +10 10 +3 +7 40 +10 +5 5
14th +11 11 +3 +7 44 +10 +5 6
15th +12 12 +4 +8 48 +12 +6 6
16th +12 12 +4 +8 48 +12 +6 6
th
17 +13 13 +4 +8 52 +14 +7 6
18th +14 14 +4 +9 56 +14 +7 6
19th +15 15 +5 +9 60 +14 +7 7
20th +15 15 +5 +9 62 +16 +8 7
Construct Companion armor bonus and a natural armor bonus, as decided by the
summoner. This number is modified by the construct’s base
The details of the construct’s physical appearance are up
form and some options available through its upgrades. A
to the metallo-thaumaturge. This control is not fine enough
construct cannot wear armor of any kind.
to make the construct appear like a specific creature or
Str/Dex Bonus: Add this modifier to the construct’s
construct.
Strength and Dexterity scores, as determined by its base
The constructs of Bas-Lag differ from the constructs of
form. Some options available through the construct’s
other D&D worlds. They are gear-operated machines, using
upgrades might modify these scores.
logic-engines to dictate their actions and boilers to provide
Max. Attacks: This indicates the maximum number of
steam for power. See page 132 for all relevant details.
natural attacks that the construct is allowed to possess at the
Class Level: This is the character’s metallo-thaumaturge
given level. If the construct is at its maximum, it cannot take
level.
upgrades that grant additional natural attacks. This does not
BAB: This is the construct’s base attack bonus. A
include attacks made with weapons.
construct’s base attack bonus is equal to its Hit Dice.
Constructs do not gain additional attacks using their natural
weapons for a high base attack bonus. Base Forms
HD: This is the total number of 12-sided (d12) Hit Dice Each construct has one of four base forms that
the construct possesses. determine its starting size, speed, AC, attacks, and ability
Good/Bad Saves: These are the construct’s base saving scores. All natural attacks are made using the construct’s full
throw bonuses. A construct possesses one good saving throw base attack bonus unless otherwise noted (such as in the case
and one bad saving throw, determined by the construct’s of secondary attacks). Construct attacks add the construct’s
base form. Constructs have no Will saves, as they are Strength modifier to the damage roll, unless it is its only
mindless. attack, in which case it adds 1-1/2 times its Strength modifier.
Skills: This lists the construct’s total skill ranks. A These base forms also note any free upgrades that the base
construct can assign skill ranks to any skill on the following form already possesses. The bonuses from these free
list. Constructs do not have an Intelligence score and gain no upgrades are already factored into the starting statistics.
bonus points. A construct cannot have more ranks in a skill Alternatively, any one of these base forms can be used to
than it has Hit Dice. Construct skill ranks are set once chosen. make a Small construct. If the construct is Small, it gains a +2
The following skills are available for constructs: Balance bonus to its Dexterity score. It also takes a –4 penalty to its
(Dex), Climb (Str), Escape Artist (Dex), Hide (Dex), Listen Strength and a –2 penalty to its Constitution. It also gains a +1
(Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Spot (Wis). In addition, certain size bonus to its AC and attack rolls, and a +4 bonus on its
other skills become available with upgrades. Hide skill checks. Reduce the damage of all of its attacks by
Armor Bonus: The number noted here is the construct’s one step (1d6 becomes 1d4, 1d4 becomes 1d3). If this
base total armor bonus. This bonus may be split between an choice is made, the construct can be made Medium 35
via upgrades (which causes it to lose these modifiers for
being Small).
Quadruped
Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 40 ft.; AC +3 armor;
Saves Fort (good), Ref (bad); Attack bite (1d6); Ability Scores
Str 16, Dex 12, Con 10, Int –, Wis 10, Cha 10; Free Upgrades
bite, limbs (legs) (2).
Biped
Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 30 ft.; AC +2 armor;
Saves Fort (bad), Ref (good); Attack 2 claws (1d4); Ability
Scores Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int –, Wis 10, Cha 10; Free
Upgrades claws, limbs (arms), limbs (legs).
Serpentine
Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.; AC
+2 armor; Saves Fort (bad), Ref (good); Attack bite (1d6), tail
slap (1d6); Ability Scores Str 12, Dex 16, Con 10, Int –, Wis 10,
Cha 10; Free Upgrades bite, climb, reach (bite), tail, tail slap.
Aquatic
Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 10 ft., swim 40 ft.; AC
+4 armor; Saves Fort (good), Ref (bad); Attack bite (1d6);
Ability Scores Str 16, Dex 12, Con 10, Int –, Wis 10, Cha 10;
Free Upgrades bite, improved natural armor, rustless, swim
(2).
Upgrades
Each base construct has the ability to receive upgrades
which give the construct new abilities, powers, and other
features. These upgrades can be changed whenever the
thaumaturge gains a new level, but they are otherwise set.
Some upgrades require that the construct have a specific
base form or that the thaumaturge be of a specific level
before they can be chosen. A number of upgrades grant the
construct additional natural attacks. Natural attacks listed as
primary are made using the construct’s full base attack bonus
and add the construct’s Strength modifier on damage rolls.
Natural attacks listed as secondary are made using the
construct’s base attack bonus – 5, and add 1/2 the construct’s
Strength modifier on damage rolls (if positive). If the
construct only has a single natural attack, the attack is made
using its full base attack bonus and it adds 1-1/2 times its
Strength modifier on damage rolls made with that attack,
regardless of the attack’s type.
Upgrades are grouped by their cost. Unless otherwise
noted, each upgrade can only be selected once.
Level-1 Upgrades
PRICE 1,000 GP
Basic Thaumaturgy XP COST 400 XP
Basic Thaumaturgy (Sp): A construct is integrated with a
wand-like item which it is capable of utilizing. Select one spell
from the following list: acid splash, dancing lights, daze, flare,
ghost sound, light, mage hand, ray of frost, stabilize, or touch
of fatigue. This spell can be cast twice per day as a spell-like
ability. At 4th level, this spell can be cast four times per day
by spending an additional 3,000 gp and 800 XP. The caster
level for this ability is equal to the construct’s Hit Dice. The
save DC for this spell is 10 + the construct’s Dexterity
modifier. This upgrade can be selected more than once. Each
time a construct selects this upgrade, it applies to a new spell.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Bite XP COST 400 XP
Bite (Ex): A construct’s maw is full of razor-sharp teeth, giving
it a bite attack. This attack is a primary attack. The bite deals
1d6 points of damage (1d8 if Large, 2d6 if Huge). If the
construct already has a bite attack, this upgrade allows it to
deal 1-1/2 times its Strength modifier on damage rolls made
with its bite.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Claws XP COST 400 XP
Claws (Ex): A construct has a pair of vicious claws at the end
of its limbs, giving it two claw attacks. These attacks are
primary attacks. The claws deal 1d4 points of damage (1d6 if
Large, 1d8 if Huge). The construct must have the limbs
upgrade to take this upgrade. This upgrade can only be
applied to the limbs (legs) upgrade once. This upgrade can be
selected more than once, but the construct must possess an
equal number of the limbs upgrade.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Climb XP COST 400 XP
Climb (Ex): A construct becomes a skilled climber, gaining a
climb speed equal to its base speed. This upgrade can be
selected more than once. Each additional time it is selected,
increase the construct’s climb speed by 20 feet.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Hooves XP COST 400 XP
Hooves (Ex): A construct has a pair of sharp hooves at the end
of its limbs, giving it two hoof attacks. These attacks are
secondary attacks. The hooves deal 1d4 points of damage
(1d6 if Large, 1d8 if Huge). The construct must have the limbs
upgrade to take this upgrade. This upgrade can only be
applied to the limbs (legs) upgrade once. Alternatively, the
construct can replace the claws upgrade from its base form
with these hoof attacks (this still costs gp & XP). This upgrade
can be selected more than once, but the construct must
possess an equal number of limbs upgrades.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Improved Damage XP COST 400 XP
Improved Damage (Ex): One of the construct’s natural attacks
is particularly deadly. Select one natural attack form and
increase the damage die type by one step. This upgrade can
be selected more than once. Its effects do not stack. Each
time a construct selects this upgrade, it applies to a different
natural attack.
36
 PRICE 1,000* GP
Improved Armor XP COST 400* XP
Improved Armor (Ex): A construct’s armor plating is increased,
giving it a +2 bonus to its AC. A metallo-thaumaturge can
select this evolution once for levels 1—4, again for levels 5–9,
a third time at levels 10–14, a fourth time at levels 15–19,
and a fifth time at level 20. Price doubles with each step.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Thaumaturgic Attacks XP COST 400 XP
Thaumaturgic Attacks (Su): A construct is infused with
thaumaturgy, allowing it to treat all of its natural attacks as if
they were thaumaturgic (magic) for the purpose of
overcoming damage reduction. If the thaumaturge is 10th
level or higher, all of the construct’s weapons are treated as
the alignment of the thaumaturge for the purpose of
overcoming damage reduction.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Mount XP COST 400 XP
Mount (Ex): A construct is properly programmed and formed
to serve as a combat-trained mount. The construct must be at
least one size category larger than its rider. This upgrade is
not available to constructs of the biped base form.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Pincers XP COST 400 XP
Pincers (Ex): A construct gains large pincers at the end of one
pair of its limbs, giving it two pincer attacks. These attacks are
secondary attacks. The pincers deal 1d6 points of damage
(1d8 if Large, 2d6 if Huge). Constructs with the grab upgrade
linked to pincers gain a +2 bonus on checks made to grapple.
The construct must have the limbs (arms) upgrade to take
this upgrade. Alternatively, the construct can replace the
claws from its base form with pincers (this still costs gp & XP).
This upgrade can be selected more than once, but the
construct must possess an equal number of the limbs
upgrade.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Pounce XP COST 400 XP
Pounce (Ex): A construct gains quick reflexes, allowing it to
make a full attack after a charge. This upgrade is only
available to constructs of the quadruped base form.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Pull XP COST 400 XP
Pull (Ex): A construct gains the ability to pull creatures closer
with a successful attack. Select one type of natural attack.
Whenever the construct makes a successful attack of the
selected type, it can attempt a free grapple check. If
successful, the target of the attack is pulled 5 feet closer to
the construct. This ability only works on creatures of a size
equal to or smaller than the construct. Creatures pulled in
this way do not provoke attacks of opportunity. The construct
must have a reach of 10 feet or more to select this upgrade.
This upgrade can be selected more than once. Its effects do
not stack. Each time a construct selects this upgrade, it
applies to a different natural attack.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Push XP COST 400 XP
Push (Ex): A construct gains the ability to push creatures away
with a successful attack. Select one type of natural attack.
Whenever the construct makes a successful attack of the
selected type, it can attempt a free grapple check. If
successful, the target of the attack is pushed 5 feet directly
away from the construct. This ability only works on creatures
of a size equal to or smaller than the construct. Creatures
pushed in this way do not provoke attacks of opportunity.
This upgrade can be selected more than once. Its effects do
not stack. Each time a construct selects this upgrade, it
applies to a different natural attack.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Reach XP COST 400 XP
Reach (Ex): One of a construct’s attacks is capable of striking
at foes at a distance. Pick one attack. The construct’s reach
with that attack increases by 5 feet.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Resistance XP COST 400 XP
Resistance (Ex): A construct’s form takes on a resiliency to
one particular energy type. Pick one energy type (acid, cold,
electricity, fire, or sonic). The construct gains resistance of 5
against that energy type. This resistance increases by 5 for
every 5 levels the thaumaturge possesses, to a maximum of
15 at 10th level. This upgrade can be selected more than
once. Its effects do not stack. Each time a construct selects
this upgrade, it applies to a different energy type.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Scent XP COST 400 XP
Scent (Ex): A construct’s olfactory sensor becomes quite
acute. The construct gains the scent special quality, allowing
it to detect opponents within 30 feet by sense of smell. If the
opponent is upwind, the range increases to 60 feet; if
downwind, it drops to 15 feet. Strong scents can be detected
at twice the normal range. Scent does not allow the construct
to precisely locate the creature, only to detect its presence. It
can detect the direction with a move action. The construct
can pinpoint the creature’s location if it is within 5 feet. The
construct can use scent to track creatures (see page 314 of
the Monster Manual for details).
PRICE 1,000 GP
Slam XP COST 400 XP
Slam (Ex): A construct can deliver a devastating slam attack.
This attack is a primary attack. The slam deals 1d8 points of
damage (2d6 if Large, 2d8 if Huge). The construct must have
the limbs (arms) upgrade to take this upgrade. Alternatively,
the construct can replace the claws from its base form with
this slam attack (this still costs gp & XP). This upgrade can be
selected more than once, but the construct must
possess an equal number of the limbs upgrade. 37
 PRICE 1,000 GP
Sting XP COST 400 XP
Sting (Ex): A construct possesses a long, barbed stinger at the
end of its tail, granting it a sting attack. This attack is a
primary attack. The sting deals 1d4 points of damage (1d6 if
Large, 1d8 if Huge). The construct must possess the tail
upgrade to take this upgrade. This upgrade can be selected
more than once, but the construct must possess an equal
number of the tail upgrade.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Swim XP COST 400 XP
Swim (Ex): A construct gains webbed hands, feet, or powerful
flippers, giving it a swim speed equal to its base speed. This
upgrade does not give the construct the ability to operate
successfully underwater. This upgrade can be selected more
than once. Each additional time it is selected, increase the
construct’s swim speed by 20 feet. (The construct must
possess the rustless upgrade to take this upgrade.)
PRICE 1,000 GP
Tail XP COST 400 XP
Tail (Ex): A construct gains a long, powerful tail. This grants it
a +2 racial bonus on Balance checks. This upgrade can be
selected more than once.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Tail Slap XP COST 400 XP
Tail Slap (Ex): A construct can use its tail to bash nearby foes,
granting it a tail slap attack. This attack is a secondary attack.
The tail slap deals 1d6 points of damage (1d8 if Large, 2d6 if
Huge). The construct must possess the tail upgrade to take
this upgrade. This upgrade can be selected more than once,
but the construct must possess an equal number of the tail
upgrade.
PRICE 1,000 GP
Tentacle XP COST 400 XP
Tentacle (Ex): A construct possesses a long, sinuous tentacle,
granting it a tentacle attack. This attack is a secondary attack.
The tentacle attack deals 1d4 points of damage (1d6 if Large,
1d8 if Huge). This upgrade can be selected more than once.
Level-2 Upgrades
PRICE 3,000 GP
Ability Increase XP COST 800 XP
Ability Increase (Ex): A construct gains larger gears and
servos, or gains faster reflexes. Increase either Strength or
Dexterity by +2. This upgrade can be selected more than
once. It can only be applied once to an individual ability
score, plus 1 additional time for every 6 levels the
thaumaturge possesses.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Constrict XP COST 800 XP
Constrict (Ex): A construct gains powerful servos that allow it
to crush those it grapples. Whenever the construct
successfully grapples a foe using the grab upgrade, it deals
additional damage equal to the amount of damage dealt by
the attack used by the grab upgrade. This upgrade is only
available to constructs of the serpentine base form.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Energy Attacks XP COST 800 XP
Energy Attacks (Su): A construct’s attacks become charged
with energy. Pick one energy type: acid, cold, electricity,
sonic, or fire. All of the construct’s natural attacks deal 1d6
points of energy damage of the chosen type on a successful
hit. The thaumaturge must be at least 5th level before
selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Gore XP COST 800 XP
Gore (Ex): A construct grows a number of horns on its head,
giving it a gore attack. This attack is a primary attack. The
gore deals 1d6 points of damage (1d8 if Large, 2d6 if Huge).
PRICE 3,000 GP
Grab XP COST 800 XP
Grab (Ex): A construct becomes adept at grappling foes,
gaining the grab ability. Pick bite, claw, slam, tail slap, or
tentacle attacks. Whenever the construct makes a successful
attack of the selected type, it can attempt a free combat
maneuver check. If successful, the construct grapples the
target. This ability only works on creatures of a size one
category smaller than the construct or smaller. Constructs
with this upgrade receive a +4 bonus on checks made to
grapple.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Immunity XP COST 800 XP
Immunity (Su): A construct’s body becomes extremely
resilient to one energy type, gaining immunity to that type.
Pick one energy type: acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic. The
construct gains immunity to that energy type. This upgrade
can be selected more than once. Its effects do not stack. Each
time it applies to a different energy type. The thaumaturge
must be at least 7th level before selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Limbs XP COST 800 XP
Limbs (Ex): A construct adds an additional pair of limbs. These
limbs can take one of two forms. They can be made into legs,
complete with feet. Each pair of legs increases the construct’s
base speed by 10 feet. Alternatively, they can be made into
arms, complete with hands. The construct does not gain any
additional natural attacks for an additional pair of arms, but it
can take other upgrades that add additional attacks (such as
claws or a slam). Arms that have hands can be used to wield
weapons, if the construct is proficient. This upgrade can be
selected more than once.
38
 PRICE 3,000 GP
Minor Thaumaturgy XP COST 800 XP
Minor Thaumaturgy (Sp): A construct is integrated with a
wand-like item which it is capable of utilizing. Select one spell
from the following list: burning hands, cure light wounds,
detect chaos/evil/good/law, knock, magic missile, obscuring
mist, or silent image. This spell can be cast twice per day as a
spell-like ability. At 7th level, this spell can be cast four times
per day by spending an additional 3,000 gp and 800 XP. The
caster level for this ability is equal to the construct’s Hit Dice
– 2. The save DC for this spell is 10 + 1/2 the construct’s HD +
the construct’s Dexterity modifier. The construct must
possess the basic thaumaturgy evolution to take this upgrade.
The metallo-thaumaturge must be at least 4th level
before selecting this upgrade. This upgrade can be selected
more than once. Each time a construct selects this upgrade, it
applies to a new spell from the above list.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Poison XP COST 800 XP
Poison (Ex): A construct secretes toxic venom, gaining a
poison attack. Pick one bite or sting attack. Whenever the
selected attack hits, the target is poisoned. Construct
poison—type poison (injury); save Fort negates; frequency
1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1d4 Str damage; cure 1 save. The
save DC is equal to 10 + 1/2 the construct’s HD + the
construct’s Strength modifier. For an additional cost of 3,000
gp and 800 XP, this poison deals Constitution damage
instead. This poison can be used no more than once per
round. The thaumaturge must be at least 7th level before
selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Rake XP COST 800 XP
Rake (Ex): A construct grows dangerous claws on its feet,
allowing it to make 2 rake attacks on foes it is grappling.
These attacks are primary attacks. The construct receives
these additional attacks each time it succeeds on a grapple
check against the target. These rake attacks deal 1d4 points
of damage (1d6 if Large, 1d8 if Huge). This upgrade is only
available to constructs of the quadruped base form. The
thaumaturge must be at least 4th level before selecting this
upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Rend XP COST 800 XP
Rend (Ex): A construct learns to rip and tear the flesh of those
it attacks with its claws, gaining the rend ability. Whenever
the construct makes two successful claw attacks against the
same target in 1 round, its claws latch onto the flesh and deal
extra damage. This damage is equal to the damage dealt by
one claw attack plus 1-1/2 times the construct’s Strength
modifier. The construct must possess the claws upgrade to
select this upgrade. The thaumaturge must be at least 6th
level before selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Rustless XP COST 800 XP
Rustless (Ex): A construct’s steam engine becomes immune to
the effects of water dousing and its physical components are
upgraded to operate underwater. A construct may not be
exposed to excessive or continuous water and still function
without this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Trample XP COST 800 XP
Trample (Ex): A construct gains the ability to crush its foes
underfoot, gaining the trample ability. As a full-round action,
the construct can overrun any creature that is at least one
size smaller than itself. This works by merely moving over
opponents in its path. The creatures take 1d6 points of
damage (1d8 if Large, 2d6 if Huge), plus 1-1/2 times the
construct’s Strength modifier. Targets of the trample can
make attacks of opportunity at a –4 penalty. If a target
forgoes the attack of opportunity, it can make a Reflex save
for half damage. The DC of this save is 10 + 1/2 the
construct’s HD + the construct’s Strength modifier. A
trampling construct can only deal trampling damage to a
creature once per round. This upgrade is only available to
constructs of the biped or quadruped base forms.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Tremorsense XP COST 800 XP
Tremorsense (Ex): A construct becomes attuned to vibrations
in the ground, gaining tremorsense out to a range of 30 feet.
This works like the blindsense upgrade, but only if both the
construct and the creature to be pinpointed are in contact
with the ground. The thaumaturge must be at least 7th level
before selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Trip XP COST 800 XP
Trip (Ex): A construct becomes adept at knocking foes to the
ground with its bite, granting it a trip attack. Whenever the
construct makes a successful bite attack of the selected type,
it can attempt a trip attempt. If successful, the target is
knocked prone. If the check fails, the construct is not tripped
in return. This ability only works on creatures of a size equal
to or smaller than the construct. The construct must possess
the bite upgrade to select this upgrade.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Weapon Training XP COST 800 XP
Weapon Training (Ex): A construct learns to use a melee
weapon, gaining Simple Weapon Proficiency as a bonus feat.
If an additional 6,000 gp & 1,600 XP are spent, it gains
proficiency with all martial melee weapons as well. Must have
an arm to utilize.
PRICE 3,000 GP
Head XP COST 800 XP
Head (Ex): A construct installs an additional head. The
construct does not gain any additional natural attacks
for the additional head, but the additional head does 39
allow the construct to take other upgrades that add an
additional attack to a head (such as a bite, gore, or breath
weapon). This upgrade can be selected more than once.
Level-3 Upgrades
PRICE 5,000 GP
Blindsense XP COST 1,200 XP
Blindsense (Ex): A construct’s senses become incredibly acute,
giving it blindsense out to a range of 30 feet. This ability
allows the construct to pinpoint the location of creatures that
it cannot see without having to make a Listen check, but such
creatures still have total concealment from the construct.
Visibility still affects the construct’s movement and it is still
denied its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class against attacks
from creatures it cannot see. The thaumaturge must be at
least 9th level before selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 5,000 GP
Burrow XP COST 1,200 XP
Burrow (Ex): A construct grows thick and gnarled claws,
allowing it to move through the earth. The construct gains a
burrow speed equal to 1/2 its base speed. It can use this
speed to move through dirt, clay, sand, and earth. It does not
leave a hole behind, nor is its passage marked on the surface.
The thaumaturge must be at least 9th level before selecting
this upgrade.
PRICE 5,000 GP
Damage Reduction XP COST 1,200 XP
Damage Reduction (Su): A construct’s body becomes resistant
to harm, granting it damage reduction. Choose one type:
slashing, piercing, or bludgeoning. The construct gains DR 5
that can be bypassed by weapons that possess the chosen
damage type. The thaumaturge must be at least 9th level
before selecting this upgrade. At 12th level, this protection
can be increased to DR 10 by spending an additional 3,000 gp
and 800 XP.
PRICE 5,000 GP
Frightful Presence XP COST 1,200 XP
Frightful Presence (Ex): A construct becomes unsettling to its
foes, gaining the frightful presence ability. The construct can
activate this ability as part of an offensive action, such as a
charge or attack. Opponents within 30 feet of the construct
must make a Will save or become shaken for 3d6 rounds. The
DC of this save is equal to 10 + 1/2 the construct’s HD + the
construct’s Strength modifier. If the construct has at least 4
more Hit Dice than an opponent, that opponent becomes
frightened instead. Foes with more HD than the construct are
immune to this effect. The thaumaturge must be at least 11th
level before selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 5,000 GP
Major Thaumaturgy XP COST 1,200 XP
Major Thaumaturgy (Sp): A construct is integrated with a
wand-like item which it is capable of utilizing. Select one spell
from the following list: acid arrow, cure moderate wounds,
darkness, daze monster, invisibility (self only), lesser
restoration, levitate, minor image, scorching ray, see
invisibility, or spider climb. This spell can be cast twice per day
as a spell-like ability. At 10th level, this spell can be cast four
times per day by spending an additional 3,000 gp and 800 XP.
The caster level for this ability is equal to the construct’s Hit
Dice – 2. The save DC for this spell is 10 + 1/2 the construct’s
HD + the construct’s Dexterity modifier. The construct must
possess the minor magic upgrade to take this upgrade. The
metallo-thaumaturge must be at least 7th level before
selecting this upgrade. This upgrade can be selected more
than once. Each time a construct selects this upgrade, it
applies to a new spell from the above list.
PRICE 5,000 GP
See in Darkness XP COST 1,200 XP
See in Darkness (Su): A construct can see perfectly in darkness
of any kind, including that created by deeper darkness. The
metallo-thaumaturge must be at least 9th level before
selecting this upgrade.
Level-4 Upgrades
PRICE 7,000 GP
Blindsight XP COST 1,600 XP
Blindsight (Ex): A construct’s senses sharpen even further,
granting it blindsight out to a range of 30 feet. The construct
can maneuver and attack as normal, ignoring darkness,
invisibility, and most forms of concealment as long as it has
line of effect to the target. The construct must possess the
blindsense upgrade to take this upgrade. The thaumaturge
must be at least 11th level before selecting this upgrade.
PRICE 7,000 GP
Breath Weapon XP COST 1,600 XP
Breath Weapon (Ex): A construct gains the ability to exhale a
cone or line of thauma-chymical spray, gaining a breath
weapon. Select either acid, cold, electricity, or fire. The
construct can breathe a 30-foot cone (or 60-foot line) that
deals 1d6 points of damage of the selected type per HD it
possesses. Those caught in the breath weapon can attempt a
Reflex save for half damage. The DC is equal to 10 + 1/2 the
construct’s HD + the construct’s Dexterity modifier. The
construct can use this ability once per day. The construct can
use this ability 1 additional time per day by spending an
additional 1,000 gp & 400 XP (maximum 3/day). The
thaumaturge must be at least 9th level before selecting this
upgrade.
PRICE 7,000 GP
Firearm Capability XP COST 1,600 XP
Firearm Capability (Ex): A construct gains the skills and
manual dexterity needed to operate firearms. Standard rules
and penalties apply just as they would to any normal person.
The construct must possess the limbs (arms) upgrade to take
this upgrade, and the limbs must end in human-like hands,
not claws or other appendages that lack the necessary
dexterity. You can use this upgrade to install such
40
hands if you wish, removing any appendages like claws and time a construct selects this upgrade, it applies to a new spell
the attacks that come with them. from the above list.

PRICE 7,000 GP PRICE 7,000 GP

Size Increase XP COST 1,600 XP
Size Increase (Ex): A construct grows in size, becoming Large.
The construct gains a +8 bonus to Strength, a +4 bonus to
Constitution, and a +2 bonus to its natural armor. It takes a –
2 penalty to its Dexterity. This size change also gives the
creature a –1 size penalty to its AC and on attack rolls, a -1
penalty to attack, and a –4 penalty on Hide skill checks. If the
construct has the biped base form, it also gains 10- foot
reach. Any reach upgrades the construct possesses are added
to this total. The construct must be Medium to take this
upgrade. The thaumaturge must be at least 8th level before
selecting this upgrade.
If the initial construct was Small, taking this upgrade
makes it Medium.
If an additional 11,000 gp & 2,400 XP are spent, the
construct instead becomes Huge. The construct gains a +16
bonus to Strength, a +8 bonus to Constitution, and a +5
bonus to its natural armor. It takes a –4 penalty to its
Dexterity. This size change also give the creature a –2 size
penalty to its AC and attack rolls, -2 penalty to ayyack, 10-
foot reach, and a –8 penalty on Hide skill checks. If the
construct has the biped base form, its reach increases to 15
feet. Any reach upgrades the construct possesses are added
to this total. These bonuses and penalties replace, and do not
stack with, those gained from becoming Large. The
thaumaturge must be at least 13th level before selecting this
option. The ability increase upgrade costs twice as much as
normal when adding to the Strength or Dexterity scores of a
Large or Huge construct.
PRICE 7,000 GP
Spell Resistance XP COST 1,600 XP
Spell Resistance (Ex): A construct is protected against
thaumaturgy, gaining spell resistance. The construct’s spell
resistance is equal to 11 + the thaumaturge’s level. This spell
resistance does not apply to spells cast by the metallo-
thaumaturge. The thaumaturge must be at least 9th level
before selecting this upgrade.
Ammo Upgrade XP COST 1,600 XP
Ammo Upgrade (Ex): A construct with the “firearm capability”
upgrade and subsequent “weapon integration” upgrade may
double the ammunition capacity of the firearm by expanding
the internal magazine for such.
PRICE 7,000 GP
Weapon Integration XP COST 1,600 XP
Weapon Integration (Ex): A weapon that the construct is
capable of utilizing from either the “weapon training” or
“firearm capability” upgrades is integrated into the arm or
casing of the construct, as opposed to the construct having to
hold the item. This prevents disarming.
Level-5 Upgrades
PRICE 15,000 GP
Intelligence XP COST 3,000 XP
Intelligence (Ex): Constructs operate by using simple logic
programs and do not possess intelligence or initiative.
However, by installing an experimental (and highly
illegal) consciousness program – a variant of the program
which swept through New Crobuzon a few decades ago and
caused the Construct Wars – a metallo-thaumaturge may
grant intelligence to his companion.
This gives the construct the communication abilities and
the intelligence of a typical human. The construct gains an
Intelligence score of 12.
At this point, the construct is no longer obligated to
remain as the companion of the metallo-thaumaturge, as it
no possesses free will. And who knows the reprecussions of
unleashing this kind of being into the world...

PRICE 7,000 GP
Ultimate Thaumaturgy XP COST 1,600 XP
Ultimate Thaumaturgy (Sp): A construct is integrated with a
wand-like item which it is capable of utilizing. Select one spell
from the following list: arcane sight, create food and water,
cure serious wounds, daylight, fireball, fly, gaseous form,
lightning bolt, major image, or stinking cloud. This spell can
be cast once per day as a spell-like ability. The caster level for
this ability is equal to the construct’s Hit Dice – 2. The save DC
for this spell is 10 + 1/2 the construct’s HD + the construct’s
Dexterity modifier. The construct must possess the major
thaumaturgy upgrade to take this upgrade. The metallo-
thaumaturge must be at least 11th level before selecting this
upgrade. This upgrade can be selected more than once. Each
41

Somaturge Credit: CthulhuM (see credits page)
The somaturge is a student of the potential within all
matter, its dormant capability to become more than an
empty shell – to breathe, and come to life. By imbuing
nonliving matter with positive energy, a somaturge can
animate and command the
physical world around him. The
somaturge can accomplish many
different feats using this basic
principle, but perhaps the best
known, and the centerpiece of
his power, is the ability to create
and maintain golems from spare
matter, and wield them to great
effect in combat.
Role: Combat & support.
Abilities: A high Wisdom
score is important for
determining saves against the
somaturge’s imbuings. Other
than that, high Constitution and Dexterity scores are helpful
for keeping the somaturge alive while his creations do their
work.
Alignment: Any
Hit Die: d6
Bas-Lag golems are not immune to magic.
Class Skills
Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Jump (Str),
Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge
(Nature) (Int), Lifecraft* (Wis), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis),
Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str)
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Features
Weapons and Armor: Somaturges are proficient with all
simple weapons and with light armor, but not with shields. A
somaturge’s imbuings are not affected by arcane spell failure
chance, but the somaturge must use small, sympathetic
movements to direct the actions of his golems. If he is
wearing more than light armor, he suffers arcane spell failure
chance each time he tries to command his golem. If he fails,
the golem does nothing.
Imbuings (Sp): A somaturge does not prepare or cast
spells of any sort. Instead, he has a repertoire of possible
applications for his life-bestowing powers that he can use at
will. Imbuings are treated as spell-like abilities, and therefore
take a standard action to use (unless stated otherwise in the
imbuing’s description) and are subject to the normal chances
for distraction and interruption shared by all spell-like
abilities. However, because all of a somaturge’s imbuings
affect nonliving matter rather than directly affecting a
targeted creature, they are not subject to spell resistance. A
somaturge’s caster level for his imbuings is equal to his
somaturge level.
The DC for an imbuing (if it allows a save) is equal to 10 +
equivalent spell level + the somaturge’s Wisdom modifier.
The equivalent spell level of each imbuing is listed in the
imbuing’s description.
The four levels of imbuings, in order of their relative
power, are least, lesser, greater, and living. Somaturges start
off knowing one imbuing (of
least level) and learn more as
they progress. At 6th level and
above, a somaturge may begin
taking lesser imbuings when he
learns a new one. At 11th level,
he may choose greater
imbuings, and at 16th level and
up he may begin to choose living
imbuings. A complete list of
imbuings and detailed
description of each can be found
below.
At any level at which a
somaturge learns a new
imbuing, he may also replace a previously learned imbuing
with one of equal or lesser grade.
A somaturge may end any imbuing with a listed duration
prematurely as a standard action.
A number of imbuings, called Vital Essence Imbuings or
Exotic Construction Imbuings, function by modifying a
somaturge’s golem (see below). These do not require a
separate action to use, and instead are applied when the
somaturge creates his golem. A somaturge may apply up to
one vital essence imbuing and one exotic construction
imbuing to any golem he creates.
Golem (Su): The most obvious and perhaps most
important use of a somaturge’s abilities is the creation of a
golem. A somaturge’s golem is not like the prefabricated
entities built by spellcasters, but is rather a collection of
available nonliving material gathered ad hoc into an
anthropoid servant. Creating a golem requires the availability
of a sufficient amount of material the somaturge can work
with. Initially, a somaturge can only create golems from loose
soil, mud or a similarly soft nonliving material, but as he
increases in power and experience he learns to build golems
of harder materials (see Golem creation, below).
Creating a golem is a full-round action that acts as a spell
for the purposes of attacks of opportunity and required
Concentration checks. The effective spell level of a golem is
whichever of the following is highest – the level of golem
created, the level of any living essence or exotic construction
imbuings applied to it, or the level of the non-exotic
construction method used (see Golem creation, below). The
golem can be created from desired materials anywhere
within a range of 25 feet plus 5 feet/2 class levels and
appears on the somaturge’s next turn, acting immediately on
his initiative. Once a golem is created, it requires little effort
to maintain, and it remains intact until the somaturge
42
 Table 1–4 - Somaturge
Base Max
Lvl
Attack Fort Ref Will Imbuings Golem
Bonus Save Save Save Special Known Level
1st +0 +2 +0 +2 Imbuings (least), Golem, Golem Creation (mud) 1 1st
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 Detect Matter 2 1st
rd
3 +1 +3 +1 +3 – 2 2nd
th
4 +2 +4 +1 +4 Golem Creation (corpse), Golem Enhancement +1 3 2nd
th
5 +2 +4 +1 +4 Damage Reduction 1/adamantine 3 3rd
th
6 +3 +5 +2 +5 Construct Mastery, Imbuings (lesser) 4 3rd
th
7 +3 +5 +2 +5 Damage Reduction 2/adamantine 4 4th
8th +4 +6 +2 +6 Golem Creation (wood, ice), Golem Enhancement +2 5 4th
th
9 +4 +6 +3 +6 Constitution Bonus 5 5th
th
10 +5 +7 +3 +7 Vital Surge 6 5th
th
11 +5 +7 +3 +7 Imbuings (greater), Damage Reduction 3/adamantine 7 6th
th
12 +6/+1 +8 +4 +8 Golem Creation (stone, soft metal), Golem Enhancement +3 7 6th
13th +6/+1 +8 +4 +8 – 8 7th
th
14 +7/+2 +9 +4 +9 Greater Golem 8 7th
th
15 +7/+2 +9 +5 +9 Damage Reduction 4/adamantine 9 8th
th
16 +8/+3 +10 +5 +10 Imbuings (living), Golem Creation (iron, hard metal) 10 8th
th
17 +8/+3 +10 +5 +10 Golem Enhancement +4 10 9th
th
18 +9/+4 +11 +6 +11 Constitution Bonus 11 9th
19th +9/+4 +11 +6 +11 Damage Reduction 5/adamantine 11 9th
th
20 +10/+5 +12 +6 +12 Golem Creation (adamantine), Golem Enhancement +5 12 9th
dismisses it (as an immediate action), falls unconscious, or made of. If the golem was not utterly destroyed (such as by a
moves more than 100 feet + 10 feet per somaturge level from disintegrate effect,) and the materials do not dissipate
the golem. A somaturge may only have one golem (not immediately (as most Exotic Construction materials would,)
including actual golems made with the Craft Construct feat or the materials may be used to create a new golem with no loss
purchased) at a time; he must dismiss his current golem (or of mass.
otherwise allow it to be destroyed) before he can create a A golem may not be created within an antimagic field or
new one. similar effect, but the somaturge may hold together a
A golem can follow simple commands (e.g. follow, turn previously constructed golem that enters an antimagic field
this crank, move that direction, attack that enemy, grab that by making a caster level check (DC 15 + effective golem level)
enemy, etc.) without any further input from the somaturge. at the beginning of every hour the golem spends within a
Changing a golem’s instructions (e.g. to change targets, given field.
directions, or modes of combat,) requires that the somaturge Unlike most constructs, somaturgic golems are powered
direct the golem with slight motions of his hands or body. not by magic or mechanisms, but by positive energy. As a
Directing a golem in this manner requires a swift action, and result, they can be healed by positive energy effects or
is subject to arcane spell failure chance from medium or harmed by negative energy effects just as a living creature
heavier armor or from shields. A physically helpless would be. However, they lack a true living anatomy, and as
somaturge (firmly tied up, paralyzed, etc.) may not direct his such retain all other construct immunities.
golem. A grappled somaturge must succeed on a grapple Golem Creation: At 1st level, a somaturge may construct
check (with a +10 bonus, since the movements required are his golems from mud, earth, soft dead plant matter, or any
small) in order to direct his golem. If the somaturge attempts similarly solid material. Golems made from these materials
to direct the golem and fails for any reason, it flails uselessly have no damage reduction.
and effectively does nothing until properly instructed. If your At 4th level, a somaturge may create a golem from the
golem has total concealment or total cover from you, any mass of a corpse or bone (note that only truly dead corpses
attempt you make to command it has a 50% chance of may be used this way, any sort of animated corpse is immune
failure. You must also be able to see any enemies you wish to to the effect). A corpse golem has damage reduction
designate as the golem’s target, though you may instruct it to 3/adamantine. Golems made using this construction method
attack a square you believe contains on unseen foe. For the are always at considered at least 2nd level for the purposes of
purposes of pursuing designated targets, the golem is abilities that rely on golem level.
considered to have human senses. At 8th level, a somaturge may create a golem from dead
The basic stats for any golem are given below (page 46). wood, ice, or a similarly hard material. Golems made from
A somaturge may create a golem of any level up the these materials have damage reduction 5/adamantine. Note
maximum he is able to as listed in the class table. When a that a golem made from ice loses 5 hit points from its
golem dies, it collapses in a pile of whatever substance it is maximum hp per hour per temperature band above 43
cold, unless additional ice is available to replace that which
melts. Golems made using this construction method are
always at considered at least 4th level for the purposes of
abilities that rely on golem level.
At 12th level, a somaturge may create a golem from
stone, coral, silver (or other soft metal) or other similarly hard
substance. Golems made from these materials have damage
reduction 8/adamantine. The attacks of golems made of
silver (or incorporating at least 500 gp of it for medium, 2000
gp for large, 4500 gp for huge and 8000 gp for gargantuan
constructs) overcome damage reduction as silver weapons.
Golems made using this construction method are always at
considered at least 6th level for the purposes of abilities that
rely on golem level.
At 16th level, a somaturge may create a golem from iron,
cold iron, or other similarly hard substance. Golems made
from these materials have damage reduction 10/adamantine,
and deal damage as if they were one size category larger than
they are. The natural attacks of a golem containing 100 gp of
cold iron for medium, 400 gp for large, 900 gp for huge or
1600 gp for gargantuan overcome damage reduction as cold
iron weapons. Golems made using this construction method
are always at considered at least 8th level for the purposes of
abilities that rely on golem level.
At 20th level a somaturge may incorporate adamantine
into his golem, constructing a skin around the golem such
that, whatever type of material makes up the rest of it, the
golem has damage reduction 15/adamantine and its natural
attacks overcome damage reduction and hardness as
adamantine weapons and deal damage as if the golem were
one size category larger than it is. This requires 2,000 gp of
adamantine for a medium golem, 8,000 gp for a large golem,
18,000 gp for a huge golem, and 32,000 gp for a gargantuan
golem. Golems made using this construction method are
always at considered at least 9th level for the purposes of
abilities that rely on golem level.
Detect Matter (Sp): At 2nd level, a somaturge gains the
ability to, at will, detect the presence of any sort of inanimate
matter he can construct a golem from (so this ability grows
more versatile as he gains access to new golem materials).
This ability functions like detect magic, except that it locates
matter rather than magic, and is not blocked by anything
short of an antimagic field or other magical means of blocking
divination. A somaturge who detects something with this
ability can tell how much of it there is, roughly where it is and
what sort of material it is. He cannot tell anything about its
precise shape or any small movements it might be making.
Golem Enhancement (Sp): At 4th level, a somaturge's
golem is sufficiently charged with positive energy that its
attacks and defenses take on an innate magical quality. The
somaturge's golems gain a +1 enhancement bonus to attack,
damage and natural armor, and their natural attacks now
count as magic. The value of this enhancement bonus
increases by 1 at 4th, 8th, 12th, 17th, and 20th level.
Damage Reduction (Su): As he gains skill in the
manipulation of lifeless material around him, a somaturge
slowly learns to apply some of his techniques in reverse to his
own body, turning living flesh into something more akin to
Advanced Rules
Extensive examples of golems exist in D&D and Pathfinder
Monster Manuals and supplementals. Instead of the basic golem
options listed here, almost any of these published golems would
make great summons for a studious somaturge.
Rules:
 Golems from these published sources still obey the Bas-
Lag restrictions and rules pertaining to golems, i.e., they
are not immune to magic (thaumaturgy), etc.
 Otherwise, they retain their extraordinary, spell-like, and
supernatural abilities as listed in the material, as well as
any special reactions to specific spells.
 The specific material which makes up the golem must still
be present in sufficient quantities in order to create the
golem.
 The challenge rating (CR) of the published golem limits at
what level the somaturge may create it. A somaturge can
create a golem of CR equal to his own level -1. For
example, a golem of CR 1 can be created by a level 2
somaturge, and so on.
 The following golems would be most appropriate; golems
of an extraplanar nature or made of specialty materials
would not be appropriate for Bas-Lag.
 DM discretion and oversight is advised.
MMI: Clay, Flesh, Iron, Stone
MM II: Brass, Chain, Stained Glass
MM III: Alchemical, Hangman, Mud, Web.
MM IV: Fang
MM V: Force, Magmacore
Cityscape: Siege
Frostburn: Ice
Sandstorm: Sand
Stormwrack: Coral
Dragon #341: Fungus, Junk, Paper, Tin, Wax, Wood
PF Bestiary: Clay, Flesh, Ice, Iron, Stone, Wood
PF Bestiary 2: Adamantine, Alchemical, Carrion, Clockwork,
Glass, Mithral
PF Bestiary 3: Bone, Brass, Cannon, Fossil,
PF Bestiary 4: Blood, Coral, Junk, Wax
the inflexible and inert matter he works with. He gains
damage reduction 1/adamantine at 3rd level. This damage
reduction improves by 1 point at 7th, 11th, 15th and 19th levels.
Unlike normal x/adamantine damage reduction, this is
considered a supernatural quality.
Construct Mastery (Ex): From working with his created
golems, a somaturge gains an insight into building and
animating "real" golems that few others can compete with. At
6th level, a somaturge gains the Craft Construct feat as a
bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites for it.
Additionally, while the somaturge must purchase all the
material components normally needed to construct a golem,
as well as expending the normal XP and time required, he
need not cast any of the spells a given construct is listed as
requiring. Instead, he performs the final animation using only
his accumulated skills as a somaturge.
Constitution Increase (Ex): After a time, a somaturge’s
constant efforts to channel positive energy and imbue the
nonliving with life begin to saturate his own body with
positive energy, increasing his health and vitality. At
44
9th level and 18th level, a somaturge gains a +2 bonus to
Constitution.
Vital Surge (Su): At 10th level, a somaturge learns to
release the nascent positive energy that builds up in his body,
providing a sudden surge of healing power. Once per day, as
a full round action, a somaturge may activate this ability,
gaining fast healing 5 for a number of rounds equal to his
class level.
Greater Golem (Su): At 14th level, a somaturge learns to
expand his mastery over matter, bringing in and controlling
incredible amounts of materials to create his golems. A
somaturge of this level may choose to create a golem one
size category larger than it would normally be. In addition to
altering space, reach, and other normal size modifiers, this
changes the creatures’ stats and weapon damage as specified
in the tables on page 291 of the Monster Manual and, as
constructs, gives them additional bonus hit points as specified
in the table on page 307 of the Monster Manual.
Somaturge Imbuings
Vital Essence Imbuings
Vital Essence Imbuings represent specialized talents for
certain areas of golem creation that somaturges may pick up,
increasing the golem’s power or versatility in various specific
ways.
Least
Extended Golem: Create a golem that can operate at a greatly
increased distance from you.
Clawed Golem: Replace your golem’s blunt fists with lethal
claws.
Lesser
Golem Trap: Prepare a golem in advance to be unleashed
when certain conditions are met.
Grappling Golem: Create a golem with grasping limbs and a
painful grip.
Greater
Alacritous Golem: Golem gains an additional natural attack.
Explosive Golem: Create a golem that can violently explode
on command.
Living
Melded Golem: Create a golem that surrounds you and can
be controlled with a thought.
Exotic Construction Imbuings
It does not take long for the average somaturge to figure out
that there is more to golem creation than just rock and dirt.
Almost anything can be forced into form and action with the
careful application of a somaturge’s art, and Exotic
Construction Imbuings represent this ability. Each Imbuing
allows a somaturge to create a golem from an unusual
substance, granting it equally unusual abilities.
Least
Hardened Golem: Create a golem from harder materials than
you can normally manage.
Wave Golem: Create a swimming golem from water.
Lesser
Flame Golem: Turn an open flame or fire spell into a golem
made of fire.
Lightning Golem: Call down lighting from stormy skies, or a
handy spellcaster, and give it life.
Greater
Wind Golem: Create a flying, invisible golem out of thin air.
Sound Golem: Create a golem made of sound that damages
anything it touches.
Living
Light Golem: Create a golem from sunlight that can blind and
stun enemies.
Shadow Golem: Create a golem from shadow that can
frighten and weaken enemies.
Time Golem: Create a short-lived region of living time,
slowing or speeding the area within it.
Other Imbuings
Least
Buffeting Winds: Enemies may be stopped, knocked prone or
blown back by a strong gust of wind.
Clinging Earth: Hinder your enemy's movements or attacks
with a coating of earth.
Earthen Armor: Create armor of living earth to protect
yourself.
Golem’s Eyes: Project your senses into your golem, wherever
it is.
Messenger Wind: A gust of wind carries a short message of
your choosing.
Opaque Air: A thick fog congeals where you command.
Self-Nourishment: Sustain yourself without food, drink or air.
Self-Destructive Urge: Cause object to destroy itself.
Treacherous Earth: Weaken and soften the earth, impeding
movement over it and possibly causing other ill effects.
Lesser
Hardened Air: Create a bank of fog so thick it hampers the
movement of those within it.
Hounding Winds: Solidified air performs combat maneuvers
on enemies at range.
Incite Weapon: Cause a weapon to struggle against whoever
is using it.
Manipulate Earth: Perform small alterations on objects of
stone or earth.
Repair Golem: Cure your golem of 4d8 + 1/level damage.
Spines of Earth: Shape earth or stone into sharp spikes that
slow and damage enemies.
Wind Wall: A wall of strong winds and thickened air blocks
projectiles and impedes creatures.
Greater
Animate Weapon: Cause a weapon to attack of its own
volition.
Enliven Spell: Dispel or counter magical effects, but with
unpredictable results.
Lofting Winds: Gain fly speed with perfect maneuverability.
Part the Earth: Gain burrow speed and 30 foot tremorsense.
Raging Earth: Cause earth to explode upward in a line,
damaging opponents.
Living
Command Earth: Reshape large amounts of stone with a high
degree of accuracy.
45
Devouring Winds: Create a powerful vortex of air, which can One with the Earth: Shifting earth slows your enemies and
suck up creatures and objects and send them flying. blocks their attacks.
One with the Winds: Powerful winds protect you and provide Repel Earth: Push metal or stone objects inexorably away
an additional pseudo-golem that can attack enemies near from you.
you.
Table 1–5 - Basic Golem Stats
1st Level Golem 2nd Level Golem 3rd Level Golem
Size/Type Small Golem Medium Golem Medium Golem
Hit Die 1d10+10 (15 hp) 2d10+20 (31 hp) 3d10+20 (36 hp)
Initiative +2 +2 +2
Speed 30 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft.
AC 18 (+2 Dex, +5 natural, +1 size), 18 (+2 Dex, +6 natural), touch 12, 20 (+2 Dex, +8 natural), touch 12,
touch 13, flat-footed 16 flat-footed 16 flat-footed 18
Attack/ +0/-2 +1/+4 +2/+7
Grapple
Attacks Slam +2 melee (1d4+3) Slam +4 melee (1d6+4) Slam +7 melee (1d6+7)
Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft. 5 ft./5 ft. 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft.,
Qualities low-light vision low-light vision low-light vision
Saves Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +0 Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +0 Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +1
Abilities Str 15, Dex 15, Con 0, Int 0, Wis Str 17, Dex 15, Con 0, Int 0, Wis Str 21, Dex 15, Con 0, Int 0, Wis
11, Cha 10 11, Cha 10 11, Cha 10

4th Level Golem 5th Level Golem 6th Level Golem

Size/Type Medium Golem Large Golem Large Golem
Hit Die 5d10+20 (47 hp) 7d10+30 (68 hp) 10d10+30 (85 hp)
Initiative +2 +1 +1
Speed 40 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft.
AC 22 (+2 Dex, +10 natural), touch 12, 23 (+1 Dex, +13 natural, -1 size), 25 (+1 Dex, +15 natural, -1 size),
flat-footed 20 touch 10, flat-footed 22 touch 10, flat-footed 24
Attack/ +3/+10 +5/+18 +7/+22
Grapple
Attacks Slam +10 melee (1d6+10) 2 slams +13 melee (1d8+9) 2 slams +17 melee (1d8+11)
Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft. 10 ft./10 ft. 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., DR Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., DR
Qualities low-light vision 5/magic, low-light vision 10/magic, low-light vision
Saves Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +1 Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2 Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +3
Abilities Str 25, Dex 15, Con 0, Int 0, Wis Str 29, Dex 13, Con 0, Int 0, Wis Str 33, Dex 13, Con 0, Int 0, Wis
11, Cha 10 11, Cha 10 11, Cha 10

7th Level Golem 8th Level Golem 9th Level Golem

Size/Type Large Golem Large Golem Huge Golem
Hit Die 13d10+30 (101 hp) 16d10+30 (118 hp) 19d10+40 (144 hp)
Initiative +1 +1 +0
Speed 40 ft. 40 ft. 50 ft.
AC 27 (+1 Dex, +17 natural, -1 size), 29 (+1 Dex, +19 natural, -1 size), 33 (+25 natural, -2 size), touch 8,
touch 10, flat-footed 26 touch 10, flat-footed 28 flat-footed 33
Attack/ +9/+25 +12/+30 +14/+38
Grapple
Attacks 2 slams +20 melee (1d8+12) 2 slams +25 melee (1d8+14) 2 slams +28 melee (2d6+16)
Space/Reach 10 ft./10 ft. 10 ft./10 ft. 15 ft./15 ft.
Special Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., DR Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., DR Golem traits, darkvision 60 ft., DR
Qualities 10/magic, low-light vision 15/magic, low-light vision 15/magic, low-light vision
Saves Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +4 Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +5 Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +6
Abilities Str 35, Dex 13, Con 0, Int 0, Wis Str 39, Dex 13, Con 0, Int 0, Wis Str 43, Dex 11, Con 0, Int 0, Wis
11, Cha 10 11, Cha 10 11, Cha 10
 Class Features
Prestige Classes The following are the class features of the
biothaumaturge.
47

Biothaumaturge
Weapons and Armor: The biothaumaturge gains no extra
proficiencies in weapons or armor.
Spellcasting: At 1st, 3rd, and 5th levels, you gain new
spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells
The biothaumaturge (sometimes called a chirugeon,) is a
known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a
specialist capable of manipulating living flesh to an extent
spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the
well beyond the capabilities of other practitioners. Most
prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other
notably, the biothaumaturge is well versed in the art of
benefit a character of that class would have gained. If you
splicing and manipulating bodily appendages and forms – a
had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a
key component of Remaking.
biothaumaturge, you must decide to which class to add each
The most famous work of biothaumaturges are the
level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster
Remade of New Crobuzon. Some Remade incorporate
level, and spells known.
machinery into their forms, but others resort only to living
Flesh Grafting Capability (Sp): Only the abilities of a
tissues. Many of these pitiable Remade have been deformed
biothaumaturge are sufficient for the task of grafting and
horribly for the sole purpose of torment. However,
melding flesh. Through the use of specialized
there exists and underground market for
clayflesh hexes, this ability allows body parts of
beneficial and combat-oriented Remakings as
various creatures to be spliced and
well. (See pg 64 for a complete understanding
reshaped. This process is complex, time-
of what it is to be Remade.)
consuming, and equipment-extensive.
Role: The biothaumaturge continues to
In order to perform any graft, a
function much like his base class on the
biothaumaturge first needs to purchase the
battlefield. Out of combat, the
equipment necessary to furnish a surgical
biothaumaturge has the ability to
suite. This includes all of the machines,
potentially enhance his allies or mutilate
thaumaturgic implements, and alchemical
his victims.
concoctions necessary to sedate patients, keep them
Abilities: A high Wisdom score is
alive through very long surgeries, keep disembodied
necessary to perform the Profession
parts alive, and splice them together again. This
(biothaumaturgy) checks needed for grafting.
equipment costs 5,000 gp and can be purchased in New
Hit Die: d4
Crobuzon, and in several more of Rohagi’s more
technologically advanced cities.
Entry Requirements Grafting requires materials. These materials
Skills: Heal 8 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks. cost 75% of the listed “price” in the options seen below. The
Special: Ability to cast 3rd level arcane spells. graft also, obviously, requires the body parts which are to be
Alignment: Any nongood grafted onto the subject - in order to graft claws onto a
subject, one must first be in possession of the claws. Finding
Class Skills these can be more of a challenge than the grafting procedure
itself. A very few specialty dealers carry these sorts of parts,
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Heal (Wis), Knowledge
and the New Crobuzon Punishment Factories have their own
(Nature) (Int), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Spellcraft (Int),
private stock, but many times a biothaumaturge or the willing
Use Magic Device (Cha).
subject must track down the required body parts themselves.
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Grafting is never a fast procedure, often taking many
days to complete a single grafting. The time needed for each
graft is given in each listing.

Table 2–1 - Biothaumaturge

Base
Lvl
Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +2 +0 +0 Flesh Grafting Capability, Minor Grafting +1 level of existing spellcasting class
nd
2 +1 +3 +0 +0 Size Altercation, Bodily Spells +1 —
3rd +1 +3 +1 +1 Moderate Grafting +1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th +2 +4 +1 +1 Rapid Grafting, Bodily Spells +2 —
5th +2 +4 +1 +1 Major Grafting, Healing Spells +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 A great deal of skill is also necessary for these
procedures. Each day, a Profession (biothaumaturgy) roll is
necessary for progress to be made. This roll must be made
once each day the procedure is being performed – if the roll
fails, the graft will proceed, but the day’s work will amount to
nothing, and thus the time needed to complete the graft will
be extended by a day.
Minor Grafting (Sp): The biothaumaturge is capable of
performing the simplest grafts, typically replacing or adding
small organs or bodily areas.
Size Altercation (Sp): Using his specialty equipment, the
biothaumaturge is now able to artificially grow body parts so
that they match the size of the subject. For example, insect
parts can be severed, enlarged to human-sized, and then put
onto a human. It takes a week to grow a small body part to
the proper size. Prior to having this ability, the
biothaumaturge is incapable of performing any of the listed
grafts which require enlarged body parts.
Bodily Spells (Su): With an intimate knowledge of the
intricacies of bodily functions, the biothaumaturge has an
increased ability to use his thaumaturgy to manipulate the
bodies of others. At 2nd level, any of his spells which involve
any of the following attributes receive a +1 bonus to their DC.
This bonus increases to +2 at 4th level.
 Nausea or fatigue
 Sleep
 Ability drain or damage to Str, Dex, or Con
 Poison or venom
 Paralysis
Moderate Grafting (Sp): The biothaumaturge is capable
of performing the more complex grafts, typically replacing
hands, feet, or limbs.
Rapid Grafting (Sp): The biothaumaturge’s experience
allows him to cut the listed grafting time of an operation in
half.
Major Grafting (Sp): The biothaumaturge is capable of
performing the most complicated grafts, able to replace large
portions of the body and manipulate the most delicate of
features.
Healing Spells (Su): If he doesn’t have them already, the
following Cure Wounds spells are added to the
biothaumaturge’s list of potentially knowable spells: minor,
light, moderate, major, & critical.
Grafts
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to the
grafting of body parts. In theory, nearly any body part from
any creature can be grafted onto a person, with many
possible permutations for each addition.
Grafts fall into two main categories, beneficial or
harmful. Since no player character would want a harmful
graft, those can be left to your imagination. Some of the most
obvious beneficial grafts are listed below. The Price indicates
what a prospective customer would pay for the graft, which
includes materials. If a biothaumaturge wishes to gift a graft
to an ally, materials cost 75% that of the listed price. The
Graft DC indicates the Profession (biothaumaturgy) roll
necessary for the graft. This roll must be made once each day
the procedure is being performed – if the roll fails, the graft
will proceed, but the day’s work will amount to nothing, and
thus the time needed to complete the graft will be extended
by a day.
These listed options are by no means all of the possible
grafts that a biothaumaturge is capable of. Your DM is
encouraged to work with you to imagine many more
beneficial grafts for your game.
Note: Having said that, the subject of wings deserves a
special mention. The grafting of functional wings to a person
is infeasible in the extreme. Firstly, even if enlarged wings
could be obtained, a standard biped would still weigh too
much to fly. Secondly, attaching working wing muscles and
joints to a creature not born with them is inordinately
difficult. And thirdly, even if those problems were overcome,
flying involves motions and movements that are infinitely
more nuanced than simple up-and-down flapping; without
the innate instincts of a flying creature, a normal biped would
have almost no hope of mastering all of the precise motions
required for true flight. So, when creating your own grafts,
leave flight off of the menu.
Minor Grafts
PRICE 10,000 GP
Antennae GRAFT DC 15
A pair of long antennae sprout from the subject’s head.
These complex sensory organs grant tremorsense out to 20
feet. Medium-sized and larger insects exist, but the antennae
of a standard insect can be enlarged for this purpose. Donor
Creature: Medium insect. Time: 2 days
PRICE 1,500 GP
Bioluminescence GRAFT DC 13
The subject’s neck and forearms are implanted with
patches of natural bioluminescence which are capable of
providing light equivalent to a torch for 8 hours per day. The
subject can suppress this ability. Donor Creature: Any
naturally bioluminescent creature of Small size or larger.
Time: 2 days
PRICE 2,000 GP
Blubber GRAFT DC 13
The insertion of a visually noticeable layer of thick
blubber under the skin makes it difficult for weapons to reach
vital organs, giving the subject a damage reduction of
2/piercing, as well as a +4 circumstance bonus to Fortitude
checks made to resist the effects of cold weather, although
this also results in a -4 penalty to checks to resist the effects
of hot weather. Donor Creature: Whale or manatee. Time: 1
day
PRICE 2,000 GP
Enlarged Kidneys GRAFT DC 15
By increasing the bulk of the subject’s filtering organs,
the subject gains a +4 circumstance bonus against the
effects of poison. Donor Creature: N/A. Time: 3 days
48
 Gruesome Grafts
The Punishment Factories of New Crobuzon exist for the sole
purpose of deforming individuals in humiliating and excruciating
ways. Here are just some of the horrendous things a
biothaumaturge is capable of:
 Rerouting a victim’s intestinal tract, placing the anus at
the back of the throat.
 Placing a victim’s torso on the body of a horse, like a
centaur – but backwards, facing the horse’s rear.
 Grafting a victim’s dead baby’s arms onto her forehead.
 Melding living creatures into a victim’s flesh, such as
replacing hands with living spiders, or grafting a
perpetually angry fox sticking out of a man’s chest, or
replacing a victim’s beard with a chicken.
 Giving a victim a multitude of eyes, overwhelming the
brain’s capability to process, resulting in constant over-
stimulus.
 Grafting a mass of useless limbs onto a victim, such as
giving him a wreath of giant cockroach legs around his
neck, or a score of human arms sprouting from his back,
or useless dead-weight tentacles hanging from his chest.
 Melding a victim’s wrists permanently together.
 Moving the entire face onto the victim’s chest, instead of
the head.
PRICE 10,000 GP
Eyes, Darkvision GRAFT DC 19
Eyes from a nocturnal beast replace the creature’s
normal eyes. They grant the subject the darkvision ability
with a range of 60-ft. Donor Creature: Any Medium creature
with darkvision. Time: 2 days
PRICE 2,000 GP
Eyes, Fish GRAFT DC 17
Fish eyes replace the creature’s normal eyes. They grant
the subject a +4 circumstance bonus to Spot and Search
checks while underwater. Donor Creature: Medium fish.
Time: 2 days
PRICE 7,000 GP
Eyes, Hawk GRAFT DC 17
Hawk eyes replace the creature’s normal eyes. They
grant the subject a +4 circumstance bonus to Spot and Search
checks, as well as a +2 circumstance bonus to ranged attack
rolls. Donor Creature: Medium bird of prey. Time: 2 days
PRICE 5,000 GP
Eye, Rear GRAFT DC 19
The subject receives a complex graft, installing an eye in
the back of his head. A normal human brain is not equipped
to receive complex visual stimuli from two separate sources,
so the vision in this eye is not perfect, however, it does grant
the subject a +2 circumstance bonus to Spot checks, and
renders the subject immune from flanking by giving him all-
around vision. No headgear can be worn for the eye to be
able to see. Donor Creature: Any Medium creature with a
standard eyeball. Time: 4 days
Fangs, Poisoned
PRICE 3,000 GP
GRAFT DC 15
These long, sharp fangs allow the subject to deliver
poison (1d6 Con/1d6 Con, Fort DC 17 negates) with a bite. If
the grafted subject did not possess a bite attack, it can only
bite a grappled or helpless creature. Donor Creature: Any
Medium or Large venomous reptile. Time: 2 days
PRICE 1,000 GP
Horns GRAFT DC 13
The horns from a bull are grafted into the subject’s skull,
giving it a gore attack. The gore deals 1d6 points of damage.
This renders the subject unable to wear unmodified
headgear. Donor Creature: Bull. Time: 1 day
PRICE 3,000 GP
Jaws, Predatory GRAFT DC 15
The upper and lower jaws of the subject are replaced
with the maw of a predatory animal, giving the subject a
natural bite attack which deals 1d6 damage. This
arrangement is not natural, and subjects can have difficulty
speaking, resulting in a 10% spell failure chance for any spells
with a somatic component. Donor Creature: Any Medium or
Large predator with a suitable jaw, such as a wolf, big cat, or
bear. Time: 3 days
PRICE 7,000 GP
Scent GRAFT DC 17
The subject’s nose and nasal cavity are excavated and
replaced with the donor’s, leaving the subject with a visibly
different nose. The subject gains the Scent ability. Donor
Creature: Any creature with the Scent ability. Time: 3 days
PRICE 1,000 GP
Tail, Monkey GRAFT DC 13
The addition of a thick simian tail gives the subject a +2
circumstance bonus on Balance, Climb, and Tumble checks as
long as the tail is not restricted. Donor Creature: Medium
simian. Time: 2 days
PRICE 2,000 GP
Whiskers GRAFT DC 15
The subject is grafted with the sensitive whiskers of a cat.
These are not normal hairs, but instead are attached to
especially sensitive nerves, allowing the individual to
subconsciously perceive the air currents of his nearby
surroundings. The subject receives a +2 circumstance bonus
to Reflex saves. Donor Creature: Any Medium or Large
predatory cat. Time: 2 days
Moderate Grafts
PRICE 6,000 GP
Arm, Mantis GRAFT DC 17
One of the subject’s arms is replaced by the giant
arm of a praying mantis. This grants the arm a natural
49
claw attack which deals 1d8 piercing damage per claw. The
subject also gains Improved Grab as an extraordinary ability.
This arm obviously lacks a human hand. Donor Creature:
Mantis. Time: 2 days
PRICE 5,000 GP
Arms, Meaty GRAFT DC 19
The biceps and triceps of another creature are grafted to
supplement the subject’s. This gives the arms of the subject a
grotesque bulging appearance. The subject gains a
permanent +2 Strength bonus. Donor Creature: Any Medium
or Large vertebrate with arms. Time: 4 days
PRICE 7,000 GP
Eyes, Insect GRAFT DC 19
This complex graft completely retools the subject’s skull,
giving him the eyes of an insect. These unblinking,
multifaceted eyes give the subject a wider field of view,
resulting in a +2 circumstance bonus to Spot. In addition, they
provide a +4 circumstance bonus against any gaze attacks.
Donor Creature: Any Medium insect or enlarged insect. Time:
5 days
PRICE 5,000 GP
Foot, Clawed GRAFT DC 17
Both of the subject’s feet are replaced by the splayed
talons of a large bird. This grants the feet a natural claw
attack which deals 1d6 damage per claw. The subject also
gains a +2 circumstance bonus against bull rush and trip
attempts, and a +2 circumstance bonus on Balance checks.
The subject can no longer wear footwear. Donor Creature:
Any Large bird. Time: 3 days
PRICE 5,000 GP
Hand, Clawed GRAFT DC 17
One of the subject’s hands has wicked claws grafted onto
the ends of his fingers. This grants the hand a natural claw
attack which deals 1d6 damage. The subject takes a -4
penalty on any check involving fine manipulation. The subject
can no longer wear unmodified hand-wear. Donor Creature:
Any animal with a claw attack. Time: 3 days
PRICE 7,000 GP
Hands, Gecko GRAFT DC 17
Both of the hands are replaced by the sticky grasping
hands of an amphibian. These grant the subject a climb speed
of 15 feet. Donor Creature: Any Medium gecko, newt, or
frog. Time: 3 days
PRICE 5,000 GP
Hands, Webbed GRAFT DC 17
The subject gains a webbing between the digits of his
hands, granting him a +4 circumstance bonus on Swim
checks. He becomes unable to wear traditional gloves. Donor
Creature: Any Small or larger creature with skin. Time: 1 days
PRICE 12,000 GP
Gills GRAFT DC 23
The subject is grafted with gills on each side of his neck, a
complex procedure which requires integration with the
subject’s natural respiratory system. The subject becomes
amphibious. Donor Creature: Any Medium or Large creature
with gills. Time: 5 days
PRICE 10,000 GP
Inksac GRAFT DC 21
Normally placed inside the subject’s abdomen, with
openings above the hips, an inksac can be utilized once per
day. While in the water, released ink can obscure all sight,
including darkvision; creatures within have total concealment
(50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate
the target). The range of the cloud is twice the subject’s
natural reach, and its duration is one minute. Donor
Creature: Any Medium or Large squid. Time: 2 days
PRICE 5,000 GP
Legs, Meaty GRAFT DC 19
The quadriceps of another creature are grafted to
supplement the subject’s. This gives the legs of the subject a
grotesque bulging appearance. The subject’s land speed is
increased by 10 feet, they gain a +2 circumstance bonus to
Jump checks, and their carrying capacity is increased as if the
creature had a +2 Strength bonus. Donor Creature: Any
Medium or Large vertebrate with legs. Time: 4 days
PRICE 6,000 GP
Tail, Crocodile GRAFT DC 21
A crocodile tail grants the subject a swim speed of 20
feet and bestows the typical abilities of having a swim speed,
or increases the subject’s swim speed by 20 feet if it already
has such a speed and does not already possess a tail.
Creatures not born with such an appendage suffer a -5 foot
penalty to their land speed, as the musculature required for
such an appendage interferes with normal movement. Donor
Creature: Medium or Large Crocodile. Time: 4 days
PRICE 10,000 GP
Tail, Scorpion GRAFT DC 23
A large segmented scorpion’s tail is grafted to the lower
back of the subject, granting him the scorpion’s sting and
poison attack. The sting deals 1d6 damage and the poison is
the same as the donating creature’s. Medium-sized and
larger scorpions exist, but the tail of a standard scorpion can
be enlarged for this purpose. Donor Creature: Scorpion.
Time: 4 days
PRICE 8,000 GP
Tendon Extension GRAFT DC 23
A comprehensive operation to extend or replace the
subject’s major skeletal tendons results in a permanent +2
Dexterity bonus. Donor Creature: Any with tendons. Time: 5
days
50
 PRICE 5,000 GP
Tentacle GRAFT DC 21
A tentacle typically replaces an arm or a forelimb, in
which case the creature gains a +4 circumstance bonus on
grapple checks. This now-handless limb loses the fine-
manipulation skills of a human hand. Donor Creature:
Octopus or squid. Time: 4 days
Major Grafts
PRICE 10,000 GP
Arm, Serpent GRAFT DC 25
The subject’s arm is replaced by a long-flexible snake,
head included. The grafted creature can make a bite attack
with his arm, dealing 1d4 points of damage plus poison 1d6
Con/1d6 Con, Fort DC 17 negates). The subject takes a -5
penalty on any check involving fine manipulation. The subject
can no longer wear unmodified hand-wear. Donor Creature:
Medium venomous snake. Time: 5 days
PRICE 25,000 GP
Arms, Extra GRAFT DC 32
The dream of every combatant is to possess another set
of arms. This is no easy task: spinal connections, socket joints,
and the required musculature involve very complex
manipulations.
A creature can only possess one extra set of limbs, and
even that is pushing it. Two-armed bipeds have no instincts or
experience regarding the use of these limbs, therefore extra
willpower is required for their effective use. In a situation
involving fine motor control (such as a skill check,) or a
stressful or demanding situation (such as combat,) the
subject must make a Will save (DC 19) for each action, or
suffer a –6 penalty on all attack rolls, saves, skill checks, and
ability checks until the action passes. Use of a shield using
one of these arms in combat requires the same check, and
failure results in the negation of the shield’s AC value. Use of
a spell with somatic components using one of these arms
requires the same check, failure results in the failure of the
spell. Donor Creature: Same race as subject. Time: 10 days
PRICE 10,000 GP
Mucus Sheathe GRAFT DC 25
A mucus sheathe actually involves extensive skin grafts,
resulting in the subject being constantly coated in a thin layer
of mucus. This layer adds 10 feet to the creature’s swim
speed and gives it a +10 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist
checks. It also reduces the subject’s ability to gain traction,
and thus imposes a -6 penalty on grapple checks and a -1
penalty to melee weapon attacks, as the subject must work
harder not to lose his grip on what he holds. Donor Creature:
A dozen slugs, snails, or mudfish. Time: 6 days
PRICE 12,000 GP
Pain Reduction GRAFT DC 27
It would be folly to remove one’s sense of pain, but it can
be useful to lessen the sensation. By carefully manipulating
the subject’s nerves, he becomes slightly resistant to
debilitating pain, resulting in a +2 circumstance bonus to
Fortitude checks. Donor Creature: N/A. Time: 7 days
PRICE 20,000 GP
Scent, Superior GRAFT DC 30
The subject’s nose and nasal cavity are excavated and
replaced with the donor’s, leaving the subject with a visibly
different nose. Furthermore, the olfactory portion of the
brain is artificially enlarged, to the point of giving the skull a
distended appearance, and the nostrils are similarly enlarged
and exaggerated. The subject gains the Scent ability, but with
a normal range of half a mile, as opposed to 30 feet. Any
stench attack or similar scent-dependent action affects the
subject fourfold. Donor Creature: Any creature with the
Scent ability. Time: 7 days
PRICE 15,000 GP
Skeletal Reinforcement GRAFT DC 27
A thorough procedure adds mass and density to the
subject’s skeleton, resulting in a permanent +2 Constitution
bonus, as well as adding 10lb to his weight. Donor Creature:
Bones from any Large creature, or two Medium creatures.
Time: 8 days
PRICE 14,000 GP
Skin, Amphibious GRAFT DC 25
This extensive and invasive graft replaces the subject’s
skin with an amphibious membrane, allowing the subject to
breathe both air and water, gaining the amphibious subtype.
Donor Creature: One Medium amphibian or 30 normal frogs.
Time: 6 days
PRICE 11,000 GP
Skin, Bone-Plated GRAFT DC 23
A gruesome procedure inserts flat bone fragments or
plates beneath a subject’s skin. The plates grant the subject a
+5 natural armor bonus. If the subject had natural armor
already due to a hard shell or some other kind of physical
covering, this replaces that bonus. This lumpy insertion
interferes with the subject’s ability to wear normal armor and
is apparent unless clothing is very baggy or padded. The
subject also suffers a -1 penalty to Dexterity. Donor Creature:
Bones from any Large creature, or two Medium creatures.
Time: 4 days
PRICE 18,000 GP
Skin, Darkwood GRAFT DC 27
The subject’s flesh is infused with a thin layer of hardy
darkwood. Whenever the subject is successfully hit with a
critical hit or sneak attack, it has a 25% chance of negating
the extra damage. Due to the inflexible nature of darkwood,
the subject suffers a permanent -2 penalty to Dexterity.
Donor Creature: One full-grown darkwood tree. Time: 6 days
51
 PRICE 15,000 GP
Skin, Small-Plated GRAFT DC 25
A complex procedure to entirely replace a subject’s skin,
this graft inserts small armored plates onto the surface of the
body. The plates grant the subject a +2 natural armor bonus.
If the subject had natural armor already due to a hard shell or
some other kind of physical covering, this replaces that
bonus. This does not interfere with the subject’s ability to
wear clothing or armor. Donor Creature: Four pangolins.
Time: 7 days

PRICE 10,000 GP
Skin, Spiked GRAFT DC 23
The skin of the subject is implanted with small, spiky
protuberances. These enable the subject to deal 1d4 lethal
damage in a grapple, as opposed to nonlethal. These
interfere with clothing, and the maximum Dexterity of any
worn armor receives a -2 penalty. Donor Creature: Any
Medium spiky plant or vine, Medium porcupine, a hotchi, or a
cactacae. Time: 5 days

PRICE 10,000 GP
Skin, Spore-Filled GRAFT DC 27
The skin of the subject is imbued with that of a green-
blue fungus, giving the subject the appearance of some
terrible disease. Once per day, the subject can release a cloud
of poisonous spores which affect all living creatures within a
10-foot radius. They must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + ½
your HD + your Con modifier) or become fatigued. Donor
Creature: Bag of poisonous mushrooms. Time: 6days

PRICE 13,000 GP
Tail, Replacement GRAFT DC 25
This tail replaces the subject’s legs or rear limbs. The
subject’s land speed is reduced by 10 feet, but it can climb or
swim at half of its original land speed. The subject can
constrict creatures of an equal size or smaller; with a
successful grapple check, it deals 1d6 points of bludgeoning
damage plus 1-1/2 times the subject’s strength modifier.
Obviously, it can no longer use footwear. Donor Creature:
Large or Huge snake. Time: 8 days

52
 If the chromathaumaturge already possessed low

Chromathaumaturge light vision as a racial or otherwise permanent ability,

the range of this ability is increased by 50%.
53

Light (Sp): At 1st level, the chromathaumaturge is able to

The chromathaumaturge is a specialist who delves
deeply into the study of light and its thaumaturgical
applications.
Hit Die: d4
Entry Requirements
Skills: Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks, Spellcraft 8 ranks.
Spells: Ability to cast daylight.
Alignment: Any nonevil.
Class Skills
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int),
Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Spellcraft (Int).
Skill Ranks per Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features
The following are the class features of the
chromathaumaturge.
Weapons and Armor: The chromathaumaturge gains no
extra proficiencies in weapons or armor.
Spellcasting: At all levels except 1st, you gain new spells
per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if
applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting
class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class
level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character
of that class would have gained. If you had more than one
spellcasting class before becoming a chromathaumaturge,
you must decide to which class to add each level for the
purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells
known.
Light Resistance (Ex): At 1st level, a chromathaumaturge
gains an immunity to blindness effects and cannot be dazzled.
She receives a +4 circumstance bonus on all saves made to
resist gaze attacks.
Low Light Vision (Su): At 1st level, a chromathaumaturge
gains low light vision if she did not already possess it. This
allows her to see twice as far as a normal in starlight,
moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of shadowy
illumination. She retains the ability to distinguish color and
detail under these conditions, and can read a scroll as long as
even the tiniest candle flame is next to her as a source of
light.
spontaneously cast the spell light, replacing any other
prepared spell. In addition, she is always free to apply the
Heighten Spell feat to this ability, following the normal rules
and limitations of this feat.
Light Spells (Su): At 2nd level, a chromathaumaturge has
her potential spell list expanded. Any and all spells of the
[light] descriptor, as well as any prismatic spells are
automatically added to the chromathaumaturge’s spell list,
regardless of which classes are typically able to cast them.
In the case of classes which must choose the spells they
learn, like the sorcerer, these spells are only added to the
spells that they can potentially learn.
Unimpeachable Light (Su): At 3rd level, a
chromathaumaturge’s light spells are particularly difficult to
defeat with spells or effects meant to dispel them. She can
add her chromathaumaturge class level to the DC needed to
dispel or suppress any [light] spell or effect she creates.
Radiant Light (Su): At 4th level, whenever a
chromathaumaturge casts any spell with the [light]
descriptor, the radius of illumination is doubled.
Radiant Form (Su): At 5th level, the chromathaumaturge
can take on a radiant form. Once per day as a full-round
action, she can cover her body in a mesmerizing spectacle of
shifting rainbow light that attracts the eye and bewilders
onlookers. Any creature within 30-feet capable of seeing the
chromathaumaturge must make a Will save (DC 10 + her
overall caster level) or else be fascinated. This fascination
effect lasts for one minute. Creatures may try to avert their
gaze the same way they would against a standard gaze
attack.

Table 2–2 - Chromathaumaturge

Base Attack Fort Ref Will
Lvl Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Light Resistance, Low-Light Vision, Light —
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Light Spells +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Unimpeachable Light +1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 Radiant Light +1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th +2 +1 +1 +4 Radiant Form +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 or used weapons may be used for this purpose. The

Communicatrix link may also be established with blood, hair, or other

biological components of the individual.
Establishing a connection using such an item requires
54

Practitioners of communication-based magic, these

one minute of interrupted concentration. Upon connection,
thaumaturgists are often employed by governments and
communication may happen one of two ways. Either the
organizations to spy on the unwary. New Crobuzon, in
particular, has teams of dedicated communicatrices communicatrix talks directly to the subject, or, alternatively,
continuously monitoring the populace for signs of dissidence the communicatrix may function as a verbal mouthpiece for
and unrest. Luckily for criminals and rebels, communicatrices the subject, allowing the subject to talk directly to a third
are monitors only, not diviners or psychics. party which is physically present with the communicatrix.
Technically speaking, male followers of this discipline are Either method requires the full attention of the
called “communicators,” while females are known as communicatrix, who becomes unaware of her physical
“communicatrices.” surroundings, and is thus potentially susceptible to physical
Hit Die: d4 danger.
When the subject is communicating, both he and the
Entry Requirements communicatrix must speak aloud. The connection only
Skills: Concentration 10 ranks, Listen 10 ranks, Decipher functions on sentient beings and is language-dependent. The
Script 10 ranks. connection also only works on willing recipients; if the
Spells: Must have at least 7 levels in a spellcasting class. communicatrix attempts to contact someone who does not
Special: Must be able to speak, read, and write at least wish to talk, the connection fails. The duration of
three languages not on the character’s racial list of bonus communication is 1 minute per caster level, and the
languages. communicatrix may establish one connection per day per 5
Alignment: Any.
caster levels (for a maximum of four connections at level 20.)
The connection grants communication only. It does not
Class Skills impart any other information, such as the location of the
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Gather subject, the status if the subject, or the distance to the
Information (Cha), Search (Int), Listen (Wis), Sense Motive subject.
(Wis), Speak Language (none), Spellcraft (Int). Remote Listening (Sp): Three times a day, the
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier. communicatrix can utilize an ability similar to the spell
clairaudience (but not clairvoyance,) with the following
Class Features exceptions. There is no focus required; the range is increased
The following are the class features of the to two miles; the duration is “Concentration.”
communicatrix.
Weapons and Armor: The communicatrix gains no extra
proficiencies in weapons or armor.
Spellcasting: At second level the communicatrix gains
spells from her base class.
Tongues (Sp): Twice per day, the communicatrix may
cast tongues as if it were cast by a 9th level sorcerer.
Remote Connection (Su): The communicatrix gains the
ability to communicate with an individual at any distance, or
act as a conduit of communication.
In order to communicate with an individual, the
communicatrix requires an item belonging to the individual
with which to establish a connection. This item must be a
close or long-term possession, something that has had the See pg 61 for communicatrix equipment.
chance to absorb the psychic aura of the person in question.
Things like well-worn clothing, keys, jewelry, journals, wallets,
Table 2–3 - Communicatrix
Base
Lvl Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Tongues —
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Remote Connection +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Remote Listening —
 body of water and sensing the ground directly

Geoempath
A geoempath is one who has gained the ability to read
the earth as easily as the pages of a book. Many backwoods
thaumaturgists have some degree of skill with geoempathy,
but the skills of a geoempath are also valuable in the urban
setting, where they are utilized for construction planning and
resource-discovering purposes.
Hit Die: d6
Entry Requirements
Skills: Knowledge (nature) 6 ranks, Spellcraft 6 ranks.
Spells: Able to cast 2nd level spells.
Special: Must have spent at least six months living close
to the land, away from major urban areas.
Alignment: Any.
Class Skills
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Knowledge (dungeoneering)
(Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Survival (Wis).
Skill Ranks per Level: 2 + Int modifier.
55
underneath. This sense does not function if the
geoempath is in the air or if something like concrete or steel
lies between him and the earth.
At 3rd level, the range of this ability increases to a mile.
Earth Spells (Su): At 1st level, a geoempath gains the
ability to cast any spells with the [earth] descriptor at +1
caster level.
Furthermore, the spells stone metamorphosis, stone
shape, greater stone shape, fortify stone, transmute mud to
rock, and transmute rock to mud are added to his potential
spell list (but, for classes like sorcerers, not their known spell
list,) if they were not there already. These are available to be
cast at the same spell level a wizard would cast them as.
Lesser Tremorsense (Ex): Beginning at 2nd level, a
geoempath gains the tremorsense ability with a range of 10
feet.
Earth Sight (Su): A geoempath of 3rd level can see
through stone, dirt, or almost any other type of earth (except
metal) to a range of 30 feet as easily as if the substance were
not there. The geoempath can still see the presence of the
earth as a faint outline, so that he does not run into it, and
can otherwise function normally. This does not give the
geoempath the ability to see into darkness or unlit areas.

Class Features
The following are the class features of the geoempath.
Weapons and Armor: The geoempath gains no extra
proficiencies in weapons or armor.
Spellcasting: At all levels except 3rd, you gain new spells
per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if
applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting
class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class
level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character
of that class would have gained. If you had more than one
spellcasting class before becoming a geoempath, you must
decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of
determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.
Earth Sense (Su): A geoempath is always in tune with the
surrounding earth. At 1st level, he can sense the presence of
major natural features in the earth for a distance of a half
mile. This includes things like detecting the presence and
general size of streams, hills, and other general surface
features, as well as underground deposits of water, minerals,
metals, coal, rockmilk, etc. This sense can detect tunnels or
burrows, but only in a general sense, and cannot detect any
living beings. More banal information, like determining a
certain type of mundane rock, or the general composition of
the soil, are also included in this sense.
This ability only functions when the geoempath is in
direct contact with the rock or soil, or when he is on a natural
Table 2–4 - Geoempath
Base
Lvl
Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +2 +0 +2 Earth Sense, Earth Spells +1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 Lesser Tremorsense +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd +1 +3 +1 +3 Earth Sight —
 of the normal –20) when moving at up to twice

Mossist normal speed while tracking.

Plant Affinity (Su): At 2nd level, the mossist becomes
magically attuned to plants. If you prepare your spells in
56

Deep in the interior of the Galaggi Veldt, far from any city advance and do not have the spontaneous casting ability (like
or port, the practice of thaumaturgy is much less structured a cleric or druid does,) you can now spontaneously trade
than it is in many areas of Rohagi. Instead of textbooks and prepared spells for spells of an equal or lower value from the
universities, knowledge is passed from master to apprentice, Plant domain. If you do have the spontaneous casting ability,
and only the most useful and practical abilities are practiced. you exchange the one that you have for the ability to cast
One such discipline is the moss-magic, a basic yet powerful spontaneously from the Plant domain. Once you make this
brand of thaumaturgy focused on the manipulation of plants. decision, it cannot be reversed. If you do not already have
Hit Die: d8 bonus domain spells, you now gain bonus domain spells from
the Plant domain as if you were a cleric with access to that
Entry Requirements domain. If you already have domain spells, you may swap one
Skills: Knowledge (nature) 8 ranks, Survival 6 ranks. of your domains for the Plant domain, if you do not already
Spells: Able to cast 3rd level divine spells. have it.
Special: Must have spent time in the Galaggi Veldt to Moss Revenge (Sp): Once per day, a mossist can unleash
learn moss-magic. the fury of the forest with a devastating moss attack as a full
Alignment: Any neutral. round action. This ability causes grasses, moss, weeds,
bushes, and even trees to sprout from the ground and then
wrap and twist around creatures in or entering the area (30
Class Skills ft. radius, cast within 100 ft.) for the duration of one minute.
Concentration (Con), Climb (Dex), Craft (Int), Handle Animal Creatures that make their save against this ability (Reflex
(Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Ride (Dex), DC 12 + mossist’s primary spellcasting stat modifier) are
Survival (Wis). unaffected other than having to move at half speed within
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier. the area of affect. If a creature fails its saving throw, it has
three options: stay perfectly still, attempt to break free from
Class Features the thorns, or continue to act normally.
The following are the class features of the mossist. A creature that fails its save but stands perfectly still is
Weapons and Armor: The mossist gains no extra entangled (–2 attack, –4 Dexterity), and takes 2d6
proficiencies in weapons or armor. bludgeoning damage from the constricting plants each round
Spellcasting: At all levels except 1st, you gain new spells that it is trapped. Anyone entangled in this way loses the
per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if entangled condition if they leave the area of the spell.
applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting Each round in which a creature remains in the area, it
class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class may spend a full round action extricating themselves from
level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character the plants. Doing so allows for a new saving throw. If
of that class would have gained. If you had more than one successful, the creature is unaffected except that it may only
spellcasting class before becoming a mossist, you must decide move at half speed in the area of the spell. Successfully
to which class to add each level for the purpose of breaking free in this way is the only thing a character can do
determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known. that does not cause damage to the character.
Plant Spell Familiarity (Su): Beginning at 1st level, a A failed attempt to break free deals the normal 2d6
mossist has gained a deeper understanding of plant magic damage. Those that attempt actions (such as attack, cast a
and how it operates. A mossist may now modify any spell he spell with a somatic component, or move) take 4d6 points of
knows which has the [plant] descriptor with any metamagic bludgeoning damage from the constricting plants. A creature
feat he has learned without increasing the spell’s level or that tries to cast a spell must also make a Concentration
casting time. This ability can be used a number of times per check (DC 15 + spell level + damage taken) or lose the spell.
day equal to the character’s level in the mossist class The plants provide cover. A creature 5 feet away has
(maximum 3.) cover. Creatures separated by 20 or more feet of this growth
Swift Tracker (Ex): Beginning at 1st level, the mossist can have total cover.
move at normal speed while following tracks, without taking
the normal –5 penalty. He takes only a –10 penalty (instead
Table 2–5 - Mossist
Base
Lvl Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +2 +0 +2 Plant Spell Familiarity, Swift Tracker —
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 Plant Affinity +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd +1 +3 +1 +3 Moss Revenge +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 Prosthetic Grafting Capability (Sp): Successfully

Physicothaumaturge melding man and machine is far from a crude science;

in fact, it requires extensive study of both the mechanical and
medical fields of thaumaturgy. The method of creating such
57

Whereas the biothaumaturge specializes in the
manipulation and addition of limbs and tissues, the
physicothaumaturge is the master of swapping organic
tissues with mechanical replacements. Creators of the
industrial Remade, physicothaumaturges often work hand in
hand with their biothaumaturge compatriots, but are
nonetheless a distinct discipline.
Role: The physicothaumaturge continues to function
much like his base class on the battlefield. Out of combat, the
physicothaumaturge has the ability to potentially enhance his
allies or mutilate his victims.
Abilities: A high Wisdom score is necessary to perform
the Profession (physicothaumaturgy) checks needed for
grafting.
Hit Die: d4
Entry Requirements
Skills: Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks, Knowledge
(architecture & engineering) 8 ranks.
Special: Ability to cast 3rd level arcane
spells.
Alignment: Any nongood.
Class Skills
Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Heal
(Wis), Knowledge (arcana) (Int),
Knowledge (architecture & engineering)
(Int), Profession (Wis), Spellcraft (Int),
Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Features
The following are the class features of the
physicothaumaturge.
Weapons and Armor: The physicothaumaturge gains no
extra proficiencies in weapons or armor.
Spellcasting: At 1st and 3rd levels, you gain new spells per
day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if
applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting
class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class
level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character
of that class would have gained. If you had more than one
spellcasting class before becoming a biothaumaturge, you
must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose
of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.
meldings is complex, time-consuming, and equipment-
extensive.
In order to perform any graft, a physicothaumaturge first
needs to purchase the equipment necessary to furnish a
combination surgical-mechanical suite. This includes all of the
machines, thaumaturgic implements, and alchemical
concoctions necessary to sedate patients, keep them alive
through very long surgeries, and manufacture unique
mechanical parts. This equipment costs 5,000 gp and can be
purchased in New Crobuzon, and in several more of Rohagi’s
more technologically advanced cities.
Grafting requires materials. These materials cost
75% of the listed “price” in the options seen below. This
usually involves raw materials only, leaving the
physicothaumaturge to fabricate the unique parts
needed for any given operation.
Grafting is never a fast procedure,
often taking many days to complete a
single grafting. The time needed for each
graft is given in each listing.
A great deal of skill is also necessary
for these procedures. Each day, a
Profession (physicothaumaturgy) roll is
necessary for progress to be made.
This roll must be made once each day
the procedure is being performed – if
the roll fails, the graft will proceed, but
the day’s work will amount to nothing,
and thus the time needed to complete
the graft will be extended by a day.
Lesser Grafting (Ex): The
physicothaumaturge is capable of
performing the simplest grafts, typically limited to
enhancements that do not require a boiler.
Permanent Graft (Sp): Using unique hexes, the
physicothaumaturge can make it so that any grafting he
performs becomes permanent. Without these hexes, a
Remade prisoner could, in theory, replace their detrimental
remaking with something else; with a permanency hex,
however, the graft may never be entirely replaced or
removed without causing the death of the subject, forcing
them to live with their malformation.
Technical Expertise (Ex): The physicothaumaturge adds
his class level to any Craft, Disable Device, Knowledge
(architecture & engineering), and Open Lock checks regarding
technology, contraptions, or mechanical prosthetics.

Table 2–6 - Physicothaumaturge

Base
Lvl Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +2 +0 +0 Prosthetic Grafting Capability, Lesser Grafting +1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd +1 +3 +0 +0 Permanent Graft, Technical Expertise —
3rd +1 +3 +1 +1 Greater Grafting +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 Greater Grafting (Ex): The physicothaumaturge is PRICE 5,000
capable of performing extensive grafts with masterful skill. Spring-Loaded GRAFT DC 17
Mechanical enhancements are added to the subject’s

Lesser Grafts
existing legs, granting the subject a +4 circumstance bonus on
any Balance or Jump checks. Time: 3 days
PRICE Varies
Armored Integument GRAFT DC Varies
Sheets of armored plating are inserted under the skin, Greater Grafts
giving the subject a natural armor bonus. This additional PRICE 5,000
material is bulky and immediately noticeable on the subject. Internal Compartment GRAFT DC 20
If the subject already has a natural armor bonus, this value The organs of a subject are rearranged to create an
stacks with the previous. This plating adds 10 pounds to the internal sealed cavity capable of concealing and smuggling
subject’s weight. Subjects which receive Mk. IV or Mk. V small items in the torso. The cavity is capable of holding items
armor are so bulky that they suffer a -2 Dexterity penalty. up to the size of a dagger. A Search of DC 22 or a Spot of 18
Plating Enhance. Time DC Price (without clothing) is required to notice the compartment.
Mk. I +1 2 days 22 4,000 Time: 2 days
Mk. II +2 4 days 24 16,000
PRICE 15,000
Mk. III +3 6 days 26 36,000 Meta-Clockwork GRAFT DC 24
Mk. IV +4 8 days 28 64,000
Mk. V +5 10 days 30 100,000 The subject receives a specialized meta-clockwork
component that performs a single thaumaturgic function
three times per day. Choose three 0-level spells which the
enhancement can replicate. Each function can be used
PRICE Varies
Hand, Clawed GRAFT DC Varies
multiple times per day, but each use counts against the daily
limit. Time: 4 days
One of the subject’s hands is replaced with mechanical
claws. This grants the hand a natural claw attack. The subject
PRICE Varies
takes a -4 penalty on any check involving fine manipulation. Musculature Augments GRAFT DC Varies
The subject can no longer wear unmodified hand-wear. If the
Not-so-subtle clockwork mechanisms are inserted into
subject is not of Medium size, adjust the damage up or down
the arms and legs of the subject, augmenting the subject’s
by the appropriate step. Time: 2 days
strength. These devices must be wound once per day in order
Damage (Med) Time DC Price to function, a task which the subject himself is capable of. The
1d4 2 days 20 4,000 augments add 10 pounds to the weight of the subject.
1d6 3 days 21 6,000
Augment Enhance. Time DC Price
1d8 4 days 22 10,000
Mk. I +2 Str 2 days 22 8,000
Mk. II +4 Str 4 days 28 32,000
Mk. III +6 Str 8 days 34 72,000
PRICE 10,000*
Implanted Weaponry GRAFT DC 24
A single light melee weapon or one-handed firearm can
be implanted into the arm of the subject. Melee weapons
extend or retract as a swift action via a spring-based
clockwork mechanism. The weapon in question must be
physically capable of being inside the subject’s forearm.
Ranged weapons fire through a port on the palm or back of
the wrist. Either type of weapon has statistics identical to its
normal form. Firearms reload through a breach in the arm,
increasing the reloading time of the weapon to a full-round
action, or doubling the reload time if it already takes a full-
round. Detecting an implanted weapon takes a Search or Spot
check of DC 25. Implanted weaponry can be damaged or
destroyed but cannot be disarmed.
The price and weight of the weapon to be implanted are
added to the mechanism’s cost and weight (1 pound.) Time: 2
days

58
 spells in question; for example, a Cleric only capable of

Subvocalurgist casting 6th-level spells may not add 9th-level spells to

his daily list.
The selection of these spells is fixed and cannot be
59

With but a whisper, a master of subvocalurgy can

altered on a daily basis. Each time you level up, however, you
dominate minds and bend others to his will. This path is a
may decide to swap these spells out.
difficult one to master, however; most subvocalugists never
advance very far, but those few who master the discipline Improved Mind-Effects (Su): At 2nd level and 4th level, the
become a force to be reckoned with. strength of your mind-affecting spells is bolstered. Any time
Hit Die: d6 you cast a [Mind-Affecting] spell, you may add a +2 to the
save that would be necessary to overcome or resist your spell
at 2nd level; this increases to +4 at 4th level.
Entry Requirements In order to utilize this bonus, you must be capable of
Skills: Bluff, 13 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 13 ranks,
Spellcraft 13 ranks. whispering command words along with your spell. This means
Spells: Able to cast dominate person, use dominate that you cannot be under any spell, magical effect, or
person as a spell-like ability, or equivalent. mundane effect that prevents you from speaking or being
Spells: Must have the ability to cast 5th-level spells. heard. You must speak even if the spell in question does not
Alignment: Any nongood. normally require a verbal component. This bolstered effect
also only functions on targets who can hear and understand
Class Skills you, (making this a [Language-Dependent] effect.) While
Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Diplomacy (Cha), Intimidate utilizing this ability, your spells may not be subject to the
(Cha), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), and Silent Spell feat, or similar effect.
Spellcraft (Int). Improved Message (Sp): At 3rd level, you gain the ability
Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier. to use the spell message at will. This ability has the following
modifications: the range of the spell is now “Long;” you don’t
Class Features need to point at your targets; you do not require a focus; and
The following are the class features of the subvocalurgist. the duration is now “Concentration.” This spell cannot benefit
Weapons and Armor: The subvocalurgist gains no extra from the Silent Spell feat or similar effect.
proficiencies in weapons or armor. Mental Resistance (Su): At 5th level, you gain a +4 bonus
Spellcasting: At all class levels except third, you gain new to saves against mind-affecting abilities.
spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells
known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a
spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the
prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other
benefit a character of that class would have gained. If you
had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a
subvocalurgist, you must decide to which class to add each
level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster
level, and spells known.
Expanded Spell List: At 1st level, you may add two spells
of the [Mind-Affecting] variety to your potential class spell list
that are not typically there. For example, a Cleric may add
two spells from the Wizard spell list. For classes like
Sorcerers, this only allows you the potential to learn these
spells – it does not add to your known spells. You must
already have access to the appropriate spell level for the
Table 2–7 - Subvocalurgist
Base
Lvl
Attack Fort Ref Will
Bonus Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Expanded Spell List +1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Improved Mind-Effects +2 +1 level of existing spellcasting class
rd
3 +1 +1 +1 +3 Improved Message —
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 Improved Mind-Effects +4 +1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th +2 +2 +2 +4 Mental Resistance +1 level of existing spellcasting class

Feats
Basic Feats
Undine Familiar
You gain the ability to bind a tiny freshwater elemental as
your familiar.
Prerequisite: Familiar class ability, vodyanoi race.
Benefit: You take on as your familiar an undine, a tiny
freshwater elemental. As its special ability, the familiar can
wet your skin, eliminating your need to fully immerse yourself
in freshwater. (See page 139 for statistics.)
Special: You must take this feat as soon as you gain the class
ability to obtain a familiar.
Placid Elemental
Your summoned elementals are easier to control.
Prerequisite: Elementarii class.
Benefit: Instead of 3 rounds, your summoned elementals
wait 4 rounds between rampage checks.
Golem Proxy Feats
Somaturges may choose from a new category of feats
known as Golem Proxy feats. A Golem Proxy feat allows a
somaturge to enhance his golem in any one of a wide variety
of ways by providing the benefit of a combat-related feat to a
somaturge’s golem rather than himself. The proxy versions of
feats with prerequisites must still have those prerequisites
met, with some changes. Prerequisite feats required are
replaced with their corresponding proxy feat (so Cleave
(Proxy) requires Power Attack (Proxy) rather than Power
Attack). Physical form or stat prerequisites must be met by
the somaturge’s golem. The somaturge may take proxy feats
for which his golems (or some of them, at least) do not meet
the physical prerequisites, but any golem he creates that
does not meet the prerequisites for a given proxy feat does
not gain the benefits of that feat. Any mental stat or skill rank
prerequisites for proxy feats must be met by the somaturge.
Proxy feats exist for all fighter bonus feats, and possibly
others at DM discretion.
Special: All somaturges are considered to have the
Improved Unarmed Strike (Proxy) feat for the purposes of
qualifying for other proxy feats.
Boost Golem
You know how to create golems with more advanced
anatomies and abilities than the norm.
Prerequisite: Ability to create 5th level golems, Augment
Golem
Benefit: Golems you create may have one additional vital
essence imbuing applied to them.
Extra Imbuing
You learn an additional imbuing.
Prerequisite: Ability to use lesser imbuings.
Benefit: You learn an additional imbuing from the list
available to you, choosing an imbuing of power grade up to
one level lower than the highest grade available to you.
Special: You may take this feat multiple times. Each time you
learn a new imbuing of power grade up to one level below
the highest grade available to you at the time you take the
feat.
Positive Energy Absorption
Your imbuings heal you.
Prerequisite: Ability to use lesser imbuings.
Benefit: You learn to reach out and claim for yourself a bit of
the positive energy that flows through you whenever you
channel it. Whenever you use an imbuing or create a golem,
you heal 2 points of damage. Alternatively, you may spend a
standard action at will to heal yourself 4 points of damage.
Rapid Construction
You can create your golem more quickly than normal.
Prerequisite: Ability to create 5th level golems
Benefit: Creating your golem is a standard action rather than
a full-round action. Readying an action to create a golem via
energy absorption is a standard action instead of a full round
action.

Somaturgic Feats
Augment Golem
Your golems are tougher and stronger than the norm.
Prerequisite: Ability to create 3rd level golems, at least two
golem proxy feats.
Benefit: Golems you create have +4 Strength, and additional
hit points equal to twice their hit dice.

60
Skills Gear
Lifecraft (Wis; Trained Only) Communicatrix Booster
This skill is a special one available only to somaturges or Useless to anyone but a communicatrix, this
those who study their craft intensively. The feat is always thaumaturgic device can be used to boost a communicatrix’s
cross-class for any non-somaturge class, regardless of any abilities. The device is a large box, just small enough to be
feats, class features, or racial abilities that might cause it to carried in the arms of one person, with wired attachments
be otherwise. No feat may cause a character to be considered that can affix to the head of the communicatrix. Such devices
trained in this skill without him putting any ranks into it. usually require hand-cranking by a second individual in order
Lifecraft represents a character’s ability to sense the to operate.
intricate flows of positive energy within all living, once-living, While affixed to the communicatrix, her remote
and pseudo-living things, and to identify and work with them. connection ability has its duration doubled and can make
The usage and DCs for the various uses of this skill are contact in half the time. Additionally, this device can be used
described below. to communicate with individuals who would normally be
shielded from such effects.
Usage DC Price: 1,500 GP
Identify an imbuing being 15 + effective spell level
used (you must see the
imbuing’s effects or caster).
Firearms
Simple firearms are a common sight throughout Rohagi.
Identify the level and abilities 15 + golem level or level
See Pathfinder – Ultimate Combat for great items and
of a somaturge’s golem or any imbuings used in
pertinent rules.
the golem’s creation
(whichever is higher)
Identify an ongoing imbuing 25 + effective spell level Mirrored Helmet
or detect the presence (within For those who need to
30 feet) of an ongoing but tackle catoblepas – or worse,
unseen imbuing slake moths – the mirrored
Identify the abilities and any 10 + construct’s hit die helmet is the simplest way to
weaknesses of a construct keep your sanity and/or life.
Perform any task the Heal skill 5 + task’s normal heal DC Price: 50 GP
can be used for

Profession, Biothaumaturgy (Wis; Trained Only) Special Weapons

This skill is necessary for biothaumaturgists to perform
their craft. It represents a character’s ability to meld and
reshape flesh.
Profession, Physicothaumaturgy (Wis; Trained
Only)
This skill is necessary for physicothaumaturgists to
perform their craft. It represents a character’s ability to fuse
man and machine into one.
Gnoscourge
The gnoscourge is a specialized thaumaturgic whip
required by elementarii in order to summon and bind
elemental creatures. It can only be effectively used by
someone with extensive elementarii training.
A basic gnoscourge functions much like a standard whip
in melee combat, except that it deals lethal damage, as
opposed to nonlethal, and armor offers no additional
protection from a gnoscourge.
Additionally, due to the inherent thaumaturgical nature
of the gnoscourge, it can always be enhanced, enchanted,
and bespelled for half of the normal cost.

Cactacae Weapons
The cactacae race uses many exotic weapons of its own
design, too large and powerful to be used by many others.
The best known are the rivebow, the chakri, and the
greatcleaver.
 The rivebow is the best known of the cactacae
weapons. It is an enormous crossbow that fires 61
 TABLE 3–1 - WEAPONS
Exotic Weapons Cost Dmg (S) Dmg (M) Critical Rang Inc. Weight Type.
One-Handed Melee Weapons
Gnoscourge 400 GP 1d4 1d6 x2 – 3 lb. Slashing
Two-Handed Melee Weapons
Greatcleaver 40 GP 2d6 2d8 x3 – 15 lb. Slashing
Stingbox 300 GP 1+1d6 1d3+1d8 x2 – 4 lb. Slashing
electrical electrical
Ranged Weapons
Chakri 10 GP 1d4 1d6 x2 20 ft. 1 lb. Slashing
Rivebow 200 GP 1d10 2d6 19-20/x3 40 ft. 14 lb. Slashing

large spinning buzz blades. Because the cactacae lavish by khepri merchants to those they trust, and cost 10 gp per
such attention and resources on the weapon, masterwork box charge.
rivebows are actually relatively easy to find.
 The chakri are disc-
bladed throwing
weapons that can
Artifacts
Artifacts are unique or extraordinarily rare items. Their
also serve as
legendary status makes them worthy plot devices or end-
ammunition for a campaign rewards.
rivebow.
 A greatcleaver is a
slashing, two- The Possible Sword
handed melee The possible sword is an incredibly powerful artifact
weapon with a 10- allowing its wielder to make every possible strike
foot reach. Lore: Dating from the days of the Ghosthead Empire, this
3,000 year old sword has faded in and out of legend. Most
famously wielded by Uther Doul, a renowned pirate from
Khepri Weapons Armada, the sword is an artifact from a time when anything
was possible – literally. The Ghosthead “mined possibilities,”
The metalwork device known as the stingbox is only
found among the khepri, who use it to electrocute or stun in order to benefit from a situation’s best possible outcomes.
their targets. Description: The possible sword is a very sharp ceramic
The stingbox resembles a squared-off box with a handle longsword of ancient make. Attached to the pommel of the
at one end and two whiplike flails at the other; the flails have sword are a series of wires that attach to a special battery,
a reach of twenty feet. These ends are extendable and are typically worn at the waist.
whipped out to catch the Activation: While anyone can wield the possible sword
enemy, and then a and gain its basic bonuses, its true powers are much more
powerful electrical charge is difficult to activate. The sword requires possible-energy to
sent through the line. While work, and the bearer must be physically altered by expert
the base damage is biothaumaturgical surgery to use the weapon at its full
minimal, each strike also potential (this surgery requires a DC 23 Profession
deals electrical damage. [biothaumaturgy] check and a DC 20 Heal check). In addition,
Creatures struck by a due to the imprecise nature of the weapon, only those who
stingbox must make an are not proficient in its use can unlock its power. Characters
immediate DC 13 Fortitude who are proficient in longsword use must take Exotic
save or be stunned for 1d3 Weapon Proficiency (possible sword) to learn how to
rounds. improperly wield the sword (the wielder must take the -4
Using a stingbox without penalty requires an Exotic nonproficiency penalty.) This is because the sword mines all
Weapon Proficiency; in addition to the usual non-proficiency possible strikes that it could potentially make with each swing
penalties, any untrained user of a stingbox who rolls a 1 on an of the blade; an expert will more often than not hit his
attack roll shocks himself for normal damage and must save intended target, and thus out of all his possible strikes, most
or be stunned. are in the same spot. The point of the possible blade is to
Stingboxes are charged items and must be recharges inflict many strikes at once – a wild, novice swing could
after twelve successful attacks. Stingbox charges are sold only potentially land in a much greater number of possible
locations.
62
 A wielder who statue, the user's body will start to mutate into a more
meets these aquatic form.
requirements must Aura/Caster Level: Overwhelming illusion; CL 23rd
turn on the word, a Weight: 1 lb.
free action, to gain its
benefits.
Effects: The Helm of Toro
possible sword is a +2 The mechanical helm of the late vigilante of New
sword of wounding in Crobuzon, Toro, this unique device is as iconic as it is useful.
the hands of most Lore: Created by parties unknown, this bull-shaped
wielders. When the helmet was worn by the infamous vigilante of New Crobuzon
sword is powered on named Toro. Few ever saw the legendary Toro, and fewer still
(and used by a wielder
had any inkling that the social-hero’s helmet had any sort of
who meets all the
special power.
prerequisites,) the
sword’s true potential Description: The Helm of Toro is a large, heavy, metal
becomes apparent. For helmet in the shape of a bull’s head, complete with
each attack made, the longhorns.
wielder makes a single Activation: The powers of the helm are activated by
attack roll and resolves thought alone.
it normally. In addition, the sword also makes 19 additional Effects: The helm allows the wearer to cast the spell
attacks, with each one resolved as if the die rolled had teleportation as a spell-like ability 3 times per day. As any sort
naturally rolled on each number on the die (1 through 20, of teleportation ability is extremely rare in the world of Bas-
leaving out the actual roll made by the wielder.) Each of these Lag, the helm can present unique opportunities to those who
phantom attacks that hit deal half damage, while all the possess it.
attacks that miss deal 1 point of damage. Unless the wielder
Aura/Caster Level: Overwhelming conjuration; CL 20th
rolls a natural 20, none of these attacks results in a critical hit
Weight: 10 lb
and none of the attacks, except the one made by the wielder,
activates the sword’s wounding property. Attacking with the
sword in this way is a full-round action and consumes one
battery charge (which typically has 20-120 charges when
found.) If the wielder rolls a natural 1 on his attack roll, all of
the attacks miss and one charge is consumed. When the
possible sword is turned off, the wielder takes 1d4 points of
Constitution damage and is fatigued for 1d4 hours +1 hour
per round used.
Aura/Caster Level: Overwhelming transmutation; CL 30th
Weight: 6 lb.

Grindylow Magnus Fin

This small, handheld statue grants the user special
powers – at a price.
Lore: Created by grindylow shamans using their unique
thaumaturgy, this semi-sentient totem is as repulsive as it is
addicting.
Description: The item appears as an obsidian statue of a
fish-like being with an open mouth, sized to fit in the palm.
Activation: To use the device, one must insert one’s
tongue into the statue’s mouth, and allow the object to bite
and draw blood.
Effects: The statue places its user under ethereal jaunt,
gives increased strength (+2), and increased speed (+10 ft.).
One use of the statue lasts for 5 minutes. The artifact has 100
total charges at creation. Usage of the statue will result in a
gradual addiction to it properties. With continued use of the
63
Remade
The remade are not a true race, but rather a creation of
the punishment factories of New Crobuzon. The flesh of
criminals and political offenders is reshaped to suit one of
two purposes: eternal humiliation, or hard manual labor.
In the city of New Crobuzon, almost all crimes are
felonies, and almost all crimes carry the same punishment:
remaking. Some individuals are sentenced to a remaking that
supposedly holds some poetic justice, such as a thief
receiving grotesquely mutilated hands. Other remakings are
for the benefit of the state alone, such as melding an inmate
with construction equipment for the purpose of hard manual
labor. The victims of this process must often relearn basic
activities like walking, speaking, and other simple physical
acts in their new bodies.
Uncommonly, some remade come not from the
punishment factories but from independent chirugeons who
cater to gladiators, pit-fighters, bodyguards, and others who
seek to enhance their natural gifts.
Remade are almost always human, although some xenian
remade are known to exist. These are rare and attract a
certain amount of curiosity just by their appearance; some of
these xenian remade support themselves by staging carnival
sideshows and exhibition fights.
Any remade character in New Crobuzon is at the bottom
of the social order, a pariah who is both legally and politically
oppressed. No upright citizen of the middle class loves a
criminal, and the default assumption of most New
Crobuzoners is that a remade is a political dissident, a violent
criminal, and possibly a traitor to the city. Even among the
city’s less fortunate, the Remade are often viewed with
suspicion.
Outside of the city, small bands of fReemade have
escaped from captivity and servitude in New Crobuzon and
live as bandits, free from this stigma. Even there, the taboo
against the remade means that few of the fReemade add to
their remakings.
Adding to one’s remaking requires the help of dissident
fReemade or biothaumaturges, so adding to one’s remakings
is very difficult and rare (and requires a Knowledge (local) and
Gather Information checks just to make the right
connections.)
It is not an easy life, being Remade.

See pages 47 and 57 to learn more about remaking

options and those that perform them.

64

Thaumaturgy
Thaumaturgy is the “magic” of Bas-Lag.
The term “magic” is not used in this campaign setting
because it implies something fundamentally supernatural and
mysterious. For most spellcasters in Bas-Lag, this is not the
case at all. Thaumaturgy is considered a science, just like
physics or biology, and is treated as such.
In a traditional campaign setting, a wizard may walk into
a tavern and be treated as a god by the simple townsfolk. In
Bas-Lag, though, a thaumaturge who walks into a bar trying
to impress people would probably have no more luck than a
stage magician, engineer, or dock worker.
Most Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder spells will fit in
just fine in Bas-Lag. Some, of course, are not to be found in
the actual source material, such as spells dealing with other
planes of existence, as well as teleportation, summon
monster, and resurrection spells, but don’t sweat it too much.
The following are just some examples of the various
branches of thaumaturgy studied and practiced throughout
Bas-Lag:
Abyssothaumaturgy – the science of communicating
with and traveling to other planes of existence. This field is in
its infancy. An “abyssonaut” explores these planes.
Biothaumaturgy – the science of applying thaumaturgy
to living flesh, typically the physical alteration of flesh.
Crisis-thaumaturgy – a ridiculed idea that no one takes
seriously, having to do with fundamental energy of reality
Chemico-thaumaturgy – the science of producing
thaumaturgic substances, chemicals, and potions.
Chromathaumaturgy – the science of manipulating light
using thaumaturgy.
Communicaturgy – the science of communicating via
thaumaturgy.
Elementurgy – summoning and studying elemental
beings.
Elyctro-thaumaturgy – the science of using elyctricity
with thaumaturgy.
Geothaumaturgy – the science of manipulating the earth
using thaumaturgy.
Karciology – summoning and studying non-elemental
extraplanar beings. This field is in its infancy. A “karcist” is a
demon summoner or one who communicates with them.
Metallo-thaumaturgy – the science of bending
machinery to thaumaturgical purpose.
Metereomancy – the science of manipulating weather
using thaumaturgy. To be used on a large scale, this currently
requires very large machinery.
Physicothaumaturgy – the science of melding flesh with
machinery via thaumaturgy.
Somaturgy – imbuing nonliving materials with living
energy.
Subvocalurgy – using quiet vocalizations to control the
actions of others.
Somaturgy Imbuings
The specific art of somaturgy deals with imbuing
nonliving materials with living energy. The following are the
“imbuing” spell-like abilities available to the Somaturge class.
Alacritous Golem
Greater, 5th, Vital Essence
A golem created with this vital essence imbuing gains an
additional natural attack of the same type as its existing
primary natural attacks at its full base attack bonus. In
addition, any movement speeds it has increase by 10 feet.
Animate Weapon
Greater, 5th
You bring a manufactured weapon within close range to
life and command it to attack a chosen target. The weapon
flies into the air and moves unerringly toward the target. You
must have both the target and the weapon in sight when you
activate this imbuing, though afterward it continues so long
as either you or the weapon have line of sight. You may
animate a weapon up to one size smaller than the size of the
largest golem you can create. If the chosen weapon is held by
an opponent, that opponent is allowed a reflex save to retain
his hold on the weapon – if he succeeds, the imbuing fails.
This imbuing lasts for 1 round/level. When it ends,
animated weapons simply fall to the ground.
An animated weapon behaves as follows:
 Animated weapons are treated as constructs, similar to
normal animated objects, with "hit die" (irrespective of
hp) equal to you caster level.
 Animated weapons have a fly speed of 60 feet (perfect)
 Animated weapons have hardness and hp as a normal
weapon of its type and size (see table on page 166 of
PHB).
 Animated weapons have size bonuses/penalties to AC
according to their size (2 sizes below intended wielder's
size for light, 1 for one-handed, 0 for two-handed)
 Animated weapons receive a natural armor bonus to AC
equal to your wisdom modifier, and a deflection bonus
equal to their enhancement bonus (if any).
 Animated weapons attack with a base attack equal to
your caster level (allowing iterative attacks on a full
attack) and strength equal to your wisdom. They deal
damage and crit normally as a weapon of their size and
type, and gain the full benefit of any magical
enhancements on them that were active when they
became animated.
 Animated weapons’ saving throws are equal to 2 + half
your caster level.
You may only have one animated weapon active at any
given time. Animated a new weapon while one is already
animated causes the imbuing on the first weapon to end
immediately.
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Buffeting Winds
Least, 2nd
You fill the air in front of you with positive energy, and
imbue it with a desire to surge forward, causing a strong blast
of wind to emanate from your hands. This imbuing functions
identically to the gust of wind spell, except that it functions in
a 60 foot cone rather than a 60 foot line.
Clawed Golem
Least, 2nd; Vital Essence
You shape your golem’s club-like arms into deadly claws.
Your golem’s slam attacks are replaced with claw attacks and
your golem gains the Improved Natural Attack (claw) feat.
Additionally, if the golem hits with two or more of its claw
attacks, it rends its opponent, dealing an amount of
additional damage equal to its base claw damage plus 1-1/2
times its Strength modifier.
Clinging Earth
Least, 2nd
You command dust and earth around you to cling to your
enemy, impeding his movements. Your target takes a penalty
to dexterity equal to 1d6+1 per two caster levels and his
movement speed is halved. A successful reflex save halves
the Dexterity penalty and negates the slowing effect.
Alternatively, you may target this ability on a weapon,
causing dirt and mud to cover it. An affected weapon deals
half its normal damage. An attended or magical weapon gets
a reflex save to negate the affect, and someone wielding an
affected weapon can attempt another reflex save to clean it
off as a full round action that provokes attacks of
opportunity. Even natural weapons may be affected by this
imbuing, though they are considered attended by their
owners and receive saves as normal.
This imbuing lasts 1 round/level.
Command Earth
Living, 7th
You infuse massive amounts of stone with positive
energy, and order it to reform into almost any shape you
desire with a great deal of precision. This imbuing functions
identically to the wall of stone spell, except that it can only be
used in an earthy or stony area, and has two different modes
of usage. The first summons forth a given amount of stone (as
described in the wall of stone spell) and the second removes
an equal amount of stone, allowing you to instantly remove
castle or dungeon walls, collapse bridges, or trip opponents
(all in area succeed on a reflex save or fall prone). You may
choose only one mode of usage each time you activate this
imbuing.
Devouring Winds
Living, 9th
You create a rising spiral of enlivened air, which grows in
strength and quickly develops into a full-blown tornado. This
spell functions as the greater whirlwind spell (Spell
Compendium pg. 239), except that you may only have one
active at any given time.
Earthen Armor
Least, 1st
You imbue a patch of earth with life and an
overwhelming desire to protect you from harm, causing it to
sweep over you and cover your body in an ever-shifting coat
of living armor that reacts to incoming blows, reshaping and
hardening itself to meet them. This imbuing lasts 24 hours
and grants you an armor bonus equal to 4 + one third your
caster level, rounded down. This imbuing may only be used in
an area containing loose earth or clay (though afterwards it
continues to function regardless of surroundings).
Enliven Spell
Greater, 6th
You fill the weave of magic itself with positive energy,
granting it a short lived life and will of its own. Spells effected
in this way buck and writhe, distorting and reforming into
unpredictable forms, with unpredictable effects.
This imbuing functions as greater dispel magic, except
that only the targeted dispel and counterspell options may be
used. Additionally, any spell that is successfully countered or
dispelled by this imbuing is replaced by a Rod of Wonder
effect. The "wielder" is the somaturge and the target or point
origin of non-targeted effects is the dispelled creature (for
targeted dispel) or countered spellcaster (for counterspell).
Unlike in an actual Rod of Wonder effect, a result of 98-100
on the d100 now causes the spell in question to immediately
manifest near the target as a Living Spell (MM3 pp. 91), which
attacks everyone around it indiscriminately. Also, any save
DCs against the resulting effects are equal to the save DC of
the dispelled spell, even if the spell did not allow a save.
Explosive Golem
Greater, 6th, Vital Essence
A golem created with this vital essence imbuing can
explode violently either when commanded to (as a standard
action) or when it dies. The golem only explodes upon death
if you set it to do so. Setting an explosive golem to explode or
not explode is a free action and may be done as often as the
casting somaturge desires, but only on his turn.
When a golem explodes, it deals d6 damage per hit die to
all creatures within a distance from it determined by its size:
small – 5 feet, large – 10 feet, huge – 15 feet, gargantuan – 20
feet. A successful reflex save versus this imbuing halves the
damage.
If the golem has a special ability from an exotic
construction imbuing that deals non-physical damage (either
energy or untyped) then an explosive version of that golem
deals that type of damage when it explodes. If the golem has
abilities that deal different types of damage, then the
explosion damage is split evenly among those different types.
If the golem has no such abilities, the explosive damage is
fire.
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Extended Golem
Least, 2nd; Vital Essence
You imbue a bit more of yourself in your golem than is
normal, allowing you to maintain and control it at much
greater distances. The distance at which you can command
and hold together the golem is multiplied by ten. Note that
you must still be able to see your golem in order to issue new
commands to it (though the Golem’s eyes ability functions
perfectly well for this purpose).
Flame Golem
Lesser, 4th, Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Fire, 2nd level or higher
You bring fire to life, and form it into a golem to do your
bidding. A flame golem may be constructed from an existing
flame up to two sizes smaller than the golem is to be.
Flame golems act as normal except as follows:
 Flame golems have damage reduction X/magic, where X
is the highest damage reduction the casting somaturge
could attain by building his golem from the materials
listed under the Golem Creation ability.
 A flame golem has the fire subtype, granting it immunity
to fire damage and vulnerability to cold.
 Targets struck by the attack of a flame golem or striking
the golem with a natural weapon take fire damage
determined by the golem’s size: small – 1d4, medium –
1d6, large – 1d8, Huge – 2d6, Gargantuan – 3d6. This fire
damage is also dealt once per round on the fire golem’s
turn to any creatures grappling it.
 Anyone who takes fire damage from a flame golem must
succeed on a reflex save verses this imbuing or catch fire.
The fire deals 1d6 damage per round and lasts for 1d4
rounds. Creatures may take a move action to put out the
fire.
 Flame golems are immune to harmful fire-based effects
such as spells with the fire descriptor.
Golem Trap
Lesser, 3rd; Vital Essence
You fill an object or area with positive energy, as if
creating a golem from it, but you leave the golem dormant,
ready to be triggered to final waking when a trigger condition
you set is fulfilled.
A golem trap requires a one round action to prepare, as
any golem, and while active counts as your golem. Unlike
normal golems, however, golem traps do not fade if the
casting somaturge falls unconscious or moves out of range
(though they may still be dismissed as a standard action).
You may set the conditions of the golem trap, with
simple triggers such as a creature entering a given area (up to
a 10 foot radius sphere) or a door being opened. You may
additionally key the trap to physical characteristics such as
height or weight, or specific creature types, subtypes or
species. Invisible creatures trigger a golem trap normally,
though ethereal or incorporeal creatures do not. A golem
trap may be detected with a DC 30 + golem or imbuing level
(whichever is higher) search check and removed with a
disable device check of the same DC (with the chance of
triggering it on a failure, as with any trap). The casting
somaturge knows immediately when the trap is triggered or
removed.
Once the trap is triggered, the readied golem (with any
exotic construction feats or other abilities applied to it as
normal) appears immediately, and, barring extraordinary
circumstances, receives a surprise round. The golem may be
given one simple command when the trap is created, most
often to attack the triggering creature (creatures other than
the triggering creature cannot be specified in this command)
that it begins following as soon as it is triggered. If the casting
somaturge wishes to issue further commands, he must be
within line of sight and normal golem range and issue them
normally (or use the Golem’s Eyes imbuing to command the
golem from a distance). Once triggered, a golem trap only
lasts for one round per caster level before collapsing into the
materials it is made from.
If a golem trap is triggered but the material that was to
be used to construct the golem is not available, the trap
dissipates harmlessly.
Golem’s Eyes
Least, 2nd
You project your mind into your golem, allowing you to
perceive the world through its senses while your body
remains in place. All of the somaturge’s senses – any forms of
sight, hearing, scent and touch, including blindsight,
blindsense, tremorsense and any other extraordinary sense –
are active (but not enhanced) when this ability is in use, but
are centered on the golem’s position rather than his own.
While this ability is active, the somaturge can take no actions
other than to direct his golem (as normal, a swift action) or
end the imbuing. The imbuing continues until the somaturge
dismisses it as a standard action or falls unconscious. Your
golem is always considered to be in line of sight so long as
this imbuing remains active.
Grappling Golem
Lesser, 4th; Vital Essence
You create your golem with unusually flexible limbs that
can reshape themselves and flow around opponents in an
instant. The golem gains the benefits of the improved grab
ability on its melee attacks and the extraordinary ability to
constrict, dealing the same damage as the golem's slams.
Hardened Air
Lesser, 4th
You gather moisture in the air into a thick fog, and then
further empower it to resist the progress of anything
attempting to move through it. This imbuing functions
identically to the solid fog spell, except that you may only
have one instance of it per 4 caster levels active at any given
time. Further usage of this imbuing immediately dispels the
oldest instance to make way for the new one.
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Hardened Golem
Least, 2nd, Exotic Construction
You focus intensely on the deepest internal structure of
your golem, allowing you to form it from harder, more
stubborn materials than you are normally able to. A golem
created using this exotic construction imbuing may be of a
material up to 1 level harder than your golem creation class
feature currently allows (so bone at 1st level, wood at 4th,
stone at 8th, iron at 12th, and adamantine at 16th).
An adamantine golem made using this imbuing has its DR
increased by 5.
Hounding Winds
Lesser, 4th
This imbuing enlivens the air around an opponent,
allowing you to direct it against them in a variety of ways.
Each time you use this imbuing, you may perform one
combat maneuver (grapple (pins and damage), bull rush, trip
or disarm) against an opponent anywhere within line of sight
and Long range (400 ft + 40 ft. per caster level). Resolve these
attempts as normal, except that you do not provoke attacks
of opportunity (and disarmed weapons are always knocked to
the floor). You may use your imbuing caster level in place of
your base attack bonus, and your wisdom modifier in place of
your strength or dexterity modifier, and opponents may not
make retributive attempts against you if you fail yours. Bull
rushes, trips and disarm attempts all last one round before
the imbuing must be used again.
Grapples may last up to a number of rounds equal to
your caster level before the imbuing must be used again,
though concentration must be maintained or the imbuing
ends immediately. While using this ability to grapple, you still
threaten nearby squares, do not lose your dexterity bonus to
AC and can move freely (though a standard action must be
used to maintain concentration). The "unarmed strike"
damage dealt in grapples performed with this imbuing is 1d6
+ Wis.
Incite Weapon
Lesser, 3rd
You fill a weapon with hatred for its wielder, causing it to
subtly shift against him, disrupting his attacks and even
possibly injuring him. While this imbuing is active, any attack
rolls made with the imbued weapon must be rolled twice,
and the lower of those two rolls taken. On a roll of 1, the
weapon strikes and deals damage to the wielder instead of
his target. If one roll is a 1, and the other 5 or less, the
weapon scores a critical on the wielder. This imbuing lasts for
1 round per caster level.
When you activate this imbuing, the wielder of an
attended weapon may make a will save to negate the effect.
Unattended weapons (even magical weapons) do not get
saves, though this imbuing will have no effect on them unless
someone picks the weapon up shortly after the imbuing is
used on it.
Light Golem
Living, 8th; Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Light, 3rd level or higher
You weave together a net of positive energy to catch and
trap the light of the sun. A pinpoint of light grows to a small
orb, then a large one, thickening and brightening and finally
reshaping itself into a blinding humanoid figure – a golem
made of pure sunlight. You may use this imbuing only in an
area lit by direct sunlight.
Light golems act as normal golems except as follows:
 Light golems have damage reduction X/magic, where X is
the highest damage reduction the casting somaturge
could attain by building his golem from the materials
listed under the Golem Creation ability.
 Light golems provide light if brought into dark areas. A 60
foot radius around the light golem is considered brightly
lit, and a 60 foot radius beyond that is filled with
shadowy illumination. This illumination counts as
sunlight for the purpose of any effects that are triggered
by it.
 Light golems have a gaze attack with a range of 15 feet.
Anyone who is struck by the gaze attack must succeed on
a fortitude save against this imbuing or be blinded for
1d4 hours.
 Targets struck by the attack of a light golem, striking the
golem with a natural weapon or an unarmed strike have
their entire body flooded with burning light, causing
them to take damage determined by the golem’s size
(small – 1d6, medium – 1d8, large – 2d6, huge – 3d6,
gargantuan – 4d6) and be stunned for 1 round. A
successful fortitude save halves the damage and negates
the stunning. This effect also afflicts creatures grappling
the light golem once per round on the golem’s turn.
Undead, constructs and objects are immune to the
stunning but not the damage, and light-vulnerable
creatures such as vampires take double damage and
automatically fail the save.
 As a full round action, a light golem may emit a burst of
searing light in a 30 foot radius around it. This burst deals
1d8 damage per 2 hit die of the golem to all creatures
and objects caught within it (reflex save half). Creatures
damaged by the blast must make an additional fort save
or be stunned for 1d4 rounds. Undead, constructs and
objects are immune to the stunning but not the damage,
and light-vulnerable creatures such as vampires take
double damage and automatically fail the saves.
 Light golems are immune to harmful light-based effects
(such as spells with the light descriptor.
Lightning Golem
Lesser, 4th, Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Electricity, 2nd level or higher
You bring free electrical energy to life, forming it into a
golem both quick and deadly, but more tenuous than most.
You may collect static energy from the skies above you so
long as they are cloudy - outright lightning storms are
not necessary. 68
 Lightning golems act as normal except as follows:
 Lightning golems have damage reduction X/magic, where
X is the highest damage reduction the casting somaturge
could attain by building his golem from the materials
listed under the Golem Creation ability
 Lightning golems have +4 dexterity per size category
above small compared to unmodified golems.
 Lightning golems move 20 feet faster than an unmodified
golem.
 Flickers of electrical energy constantly strike outward
from a lightning golem. Each round, anyone who comes
within 10 feet of a lightning golem takes 1d4/2 golem hit
die electrical damage (reflex save versus this imbuing for
half).
 Lightning golems are inherently unstable, and each round
at the beginning of its turn there is a 10% +10%/round
since its creation chance a lightning golem will collapse in
a burst of harmless static.
 Lightning golems are immune to harmful electricity-
based effects, such as spells with the electricity
descriptor.
Lofting Winds
Greater, 5th
You charge the air around your body, hardening it and
empowering it to lift you from the ground. You gain a fly
speed equal to 30 feet plus 5 feet per caster level, with
perfect maneuverability. This ability lasts for 24 hours.
Manipulate Earth
Lesser, 3rd
You bring small amounts of stone to life, and urge it to
reshape itself as you desire. This imbuing functions identically
to the stone shape spell.
Melded Golem
Living, 8th; Vital Essence
A golem created with this ability is perfectly melded to
you, body, mind and soul. The golem forms around your body
and equipment, forming an amalgamated creature with you.
Both of you are invisible if the golem is invisible, and
incorporeal if the golem is incorporeal. Any special attacks
possessed by the golem do not affect you, even though you
are within its area and touching it. All of your senses function
normally from the perspective of the golem. The golem now
moves for the somaturge, using the best movement speeds
possessed by either of you. You may give the golem orders as
often as you like as a free action, and are allowed a full round
action regardless of what the golem does. So long as the
golem remains alive, you are not considered to be within line
of effect for abilities used by anyone other than yourself, or
others within the golem (e.g. a familiar hiding in your
backpack).
After a melded golem is destroyed, you may not create
another melded golem for 2d4 rounds.
Messenger Wind
Least, 2nd
This imbuing functions exactly as the whispering wind
spell. You may have a number of messenger winds active at
one time equal to your wisdom modifier.
One with the Winds
Living, 9th
You saturate the air around your body with positive
energy to such an extent that it becomes almost an extension
of your body, flowing with incredible power around you and
granting you several benefits and abilities:
 You gain a deflection bonus to AC equal to one third your
caster level
 The air around you acts almost as a second golem. The
air is treated as a golem built at your highest golem level
with the Wind Golem exotic construction imbuing
applied to it (and the greater golem ability, if you want),
with the exceptions that it cannot move on its own, does
not actually occupy space (though space should be kept
track of for the purposes of reach), does not have hit
points, does not benefit from proxy feats, cannot grapple
or be grappled, and may be directed as a free purely
mental action. The golem may take attacks of
opportunity, but only against enemies who enter its
space. It is considered to have the Combat Reflexes feat.
The golem remains active as long as the imbuing is up,
and you are alive and conscious.
 You are able to feel any change in the air around you,
granting you blindsight out to a range of 15 feet. This
blindsight does not apply to creatures beneath the
ground.
 You are immune to the effects of wind, natural or
otherwise.
 Once per round on your turn, you may activate any other
imbuing of Least or Lesser grade that involves the
manipulation of air (not including exotic construction or
vital essence imbuings) as a free action.
This imbuing lasts for 24 hours. You may only know one
imbuing beginning with "One with" and in order to learn this
imbuing you must know the Wind Golem imbuing and one
other imbuing involving the manipulation of air.
One with the Earth
Living, 9th
Positive energy flows into the earth beneath your feet,
linking it to you and allowing you to control its movements
with barely a thought. While this imbuing is active, you gain a
number of benefits and abilities:
 Once per round as an immediate action you may cause a
wall of stone 5 feet wide, 10 feet tall and 6 inches thick
(hardness 8, 90 hp) to rise from the floor or wall
anywhere within 20 feet of you. This wall of stone can be
used to block spells and other supernatural abilities such
as breath weapons after they have been used but before
they strike you, and if used to block an
opponent’s attacks it automatically deflects one 69
 attack, and may provide cover after that. The wall
recedes into the surface it rose from after 1 round.
 The terrain around you bucks and weaves when your
opponents attempt to move over it, while clearing the
way for your allies. Any square within 20 feet of you is
considered difficult terrain for your opponents, requiring
10 feet of movement to enter, preventing enemies from
running or charging, and increasing balance and tumble
DCs by 5. On the other hand, these squares are
considered unimpeded terrain for your allies, even if they
normally would not be (due to natural conditions or a
lower-level magical effect).
 You gain tremorsense out to a range of 60 feet (90 feet if
the Part the Earth imbuing is active).
 You are immune to the negative effects of spells and
abilities that involve the manipulation of the ground
below you.
 Once per round on your turn, you may activate any other
imbuing of Least or Lesser grade that involves the
manipulation of earth or stone (not including exotic
construction or vital essence imbuings) as a free action.
This imbuing lasts for 24 hours, but only functions in
areas containing walls or floors made of earth or stone. You
may only know one imbuing beginning with "One with" and in
order to learn this imbuing you must know at least 2 other
imbuings involving the manipulation of earth or stone.
Opaque Air
Least, 2nd
You gather moisture in the air into a thick fog, greatly
obscuring the vision of anyone in it or looking through it. This
imbuing functions identically to the fog cloud spell, except
that you may only have one instance of it per 4 caster levels
active at any given time. Further usage of this imbuing
immediately dispels the oldest instance to make way for the
new one.
Part the Earth
Greater, 5th
You awaken the earth around you, impelling it to offer
you passage, while relaying awareness of the slightest shift
back to you. You gain an earth glide speed equal to 15 feet
plus 5 feet/2 caster levels, as well as 30 foot tremorsense.
Your earth glide allows you to move freely through earth,
clay, stone or other similar materials in any direction. You
may move through worked stone, but not through brickwork
or masonry. You leave no hole or other sign of your passing.
This imbuing lasts for 24 hours.
Raging Earth
Greater, 5th
You launch a concentrated bolt of positive energy
through the earth beneath your opponents’ feet, moving it to
violent upheaval. This imbuing functions identically to the
earthbolt spell (Complete Arcane pg. 104).
Repair Golem
Lesser, 4th
You channel additional positive energy into your
damaged golem, restoring its functionality and form. This
ability has a range of close (25 feet + 5 feet/2 levels) and
heals your golem of 4d8 + caster level damage each time it is
used.
Repel Earth
Living, 8th
You fill objects made of metal or stone with what can
only be described as terror, causing them to flee from you,
and carry anything they happen to be attached to with them.
This imbuing functions identically to the repel metal or stone
spell.
Self-Destructive Urge
Least, 2nd
You fill an object with an overwhelming desire to tear
itself apart. This imbuing functions identically to the shatter
spell, except that the object sends fragments flying in all
directions if it is destroyed, dealing 1d4 + 1d4/2 caster levels
above 1st (max 5d4 at 9th level) slashing/piercing damage to
any creature holding the object (reflex save half).
Self-Nourishment
Least, 1st
You learn to store up reserves of positive energy the way
most people store energy from eating and drinking, and
subsist entirely off of this reserve of power. For one hour
after using this imbuing, you do not need to eat, drink or
breathe. However, you may only use this imbuing when in a
place that contains positive energy (virtually any place that
does not possess the minor or major negative dominant
planar traits).
Shadow Golem
Living, 8th; Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Darkness or Shadow, 3rd level or higher
You animate the shadows within an area, drawing
together a hundred tiny tendrils of darkness into a wavering
pitch-black humanoid figure that seems to radiate an inky
haze. You must create the golem in an area of shadowy or no
illumination (by human standards) at least as large as the
golem’s space. If you create the golem in this way, all
shadows are ripped away from the chosen space, leaving it
brightly lit regardless of presence or lack of illumination until
the golem is destroyed. Any creatures within the chosen
space when the golem is created must succeed on a will save
or themselves become temporarily stripped of all shadow and
unable to gain the benefits of concealment due to dark or
shadowy illumination as long as the golem persists.
Shadow golems act as normal golems except as follows:
 Shadow golems have damage reduction X/magic, where
X is the highest damage reduction the casting somaturge
70
 could attain by building his golem from the materials
listed under the Golem Creation ability.
 Shadow golems can see clearly out to any distance in
either mundane or magical darkness.
 Shadow golems shed magical darkness everywhere they
go. All spaces within 15 feet of the golem become one
degree darker. Dimly illuminated spaces (as determined
by a given observer’s senses) become non-illuminated
spaces, and all brightly illuminated spaces become dimly
lit.
 The roiling darkness that makes up a shadow golem is
uniquely disturbing to look upon, as half-seen shapes and
images bubble up out of nothing, flicker, and are gone
just as fast as they appeared. Shadow golems thus have a
gaze attack with a range of 15 feet.
 Any creature struck by the gaze must make a will save or
be frightened for 2d4 rounds. This is a mind-affecting
fear affect.
 The attacks of shadow golems snake and ooze around
defenses raised against them. All of a shadow golem’s
natural attacks ignore armor and shield bonuses to AC.
 Every touch of a shadow golem’s body leaves behind a
thin residue of darkness that seeps into its victim’s body,
chilling and weakening them. Creatures struck by the
attack of a shadow golem or striking the golem with a
natural weapon take cold damage determined by the
golem’s size (small – 1d4, medium – 1d6, large – 1d8,
huge – 2d6, gargantuan – 3d6) as well as 2 strength
damage. A successful fortitude save halves the cold and
strength damage. This effect also afflicts creatures
grappling a shadow golem once per round on the golem’s
turn. Undead and constructs are immune to the ability
damage but not the cold damage.
 As a full round action, a shadow golem may project a 60
foot cone of shadow. All creatures in the cone’s area take
5d6 cold damage and 2 strength damage, and are
frightened for 2d4 rounds (as a mind-affecting fear
affect). A successful will save negates the fear and a
successful fortitude save halves the cold and strength
damage.
 Shadow golems are immune to harmful shadow-based
effects such as spells with the shadow descriptor.
Sound Golem
Greater, 6th; Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Sonic, 2nd level or higher
When you create a sound golem, you let out a shout,
which, instead of dying down as it leaves your throat, grows
in volume and begins to shift and oscillate, eventually
coalescing into a golem of pure sonic energy.
Sound golems act as normal golems except as follows:
 Sound golems are invisible and incorporeal (with the
incorporeal subtype) with a move speed equivalent to
their normal move. Most significantly, this means they
lose their natural armor bonus and gain a +1 deflection
bonus to AC. Unlike other incorporeal creatures, sound
golems are always easily audible.
 Sound golems have no damage reduction
 Sound golems have no attacks, but anything entering a
sound golem’s space takes d4 sonic damage per golem
hit die. A given target is only subject to this effect once
per round. A successful fortitude save halves this
damage.
 Living creatures that take sonic damage from a sound
golem must succeed on a fortitude save versus this
imbuing or be deafened for 1d4 hours.
 Listen checks made by creatures within the area of a
sound golem automatically fail (effectively deafening
them as long as they remain within the golem), and
checks made within 10 feet of them are at a -10. This
penalty decreases by 1 for every 10 feet of distance
between the listener and the golem (so someone 60 feet
away would have a -4).
 Sound golems cannot exist within the area of a silence
spell or similar effect, and are immediately destroyed if
they enter one.
 Sound golems are immune to harmful sound-based
effects, such as spells with the sonic descriptor.
Spines of Earth
Lesser, 4th
You shape the earth into sharp protrusions which blend
with the surrounding environment and tear into any
creatures passing over them. This imbuing functions
identically to the spike stones spell, except that you may only
have one instance of this imbuing active at any given time.
Using this imbuing again while another instance of it is active
immediately dispels the older instance.
Time Golem
Living, 9th, Exotic Construction
You give life to time itself, and bend it to your whims.
Unlike other golems, a time golem requires only a full round
action to create. Once created, a time golem does not act,
and persists for 1d4+1 rounds (in the somaturge’s time
frame). A time golem has two modes of usage. The first mode
freezes all those within its area in time, preventing them from
taking any action until the golem dissipates. The second
mode vastly speeds up time within the golem’s space (which
must include the somaturge), allowing anyone within the
space to act for 1d4+1 rounds while the outside world stands
apparently unmoving.
No object or effect may pass through the borders of a
time golem. Anyone within a time-slowing time golem is
completely immune to any outside effect as long as the
golem persists, as is anyone outside of a time-speeding time
golem. Supernatural abilities directed at a time golem simply
dissipate harmlessly, and physical attacks slide off of its
surface. Spell durations and other timed effects do not count
down inside a slowing golem or outside a speeding one.
Creating a time golem is an incredibly disruptive process,
and after it is completed the local timestream is filled with
ripples and contortions. Because of this, creating a time
golem within 200 feet of where a time golem was
created in the past 10 minutes requires a DC 31 caster 71
level check. The DC of the check increases by 5 for each time
golem beyond the first that was created within 200 feet and
10 minutes.
Treacherous Earth
Least, 2nd
You soften and weaken the earth, either under your
enemy’s feet or over their heads. This imbuing functions
identically to the soften earth and stone spell.
Wave Golem
Least, 1st; Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Water, 1st level or higher
This exotic construction imbuing allows you to create a
golem from water, or similarly viscous liquids (note: not lava).
Wind Wall
Lesser, 4th
This imbuing allows you to animate the air in a thick
curtain in front of or around you. It functions as the wind wall
spell, except that moving through it requires 5 additional feet
of movement and a DC 10 strength check. Creatures that fail
the strength check lose the remainder of that move or full
round action (in the case of charges, run actions or attempts
to disengage) and are knocked prone. Flying creatures take a
-5 on the strength check, and stall if they fail the check (see
movement rules). Additionally, any melee attacks made
through the wall suffer a -2 circumstance penalty.

Wave golems act as normal except as follows:

 Wave golems receive a swim speed of 50 ft.
 Wave golems gain the water mastery extraordinary
ability (-4 attack and damage if it or its target are out of
water, +1 to attack and damage if neither is)
 Wave golems have damage reduction X/magic, where X
is the highest damage reduction the casting somaturge
could attain by building his golem from the materials
listed under the Golem Creation ability
 Wave golems gain partial concealment when completely
submerged in water.
 If you somehow manage to make a wave golem out of
acid (Author’s note: ridiculous, yes, but bound to come
up eventually) its natural attacks deal additional acid
damage determined by its size: small – 1d4, medium –
1d6, large – 1d8, Huge – 2d6, Gargantuan – 3d6.
Additionally, it is immune to harmful acid-based effects.
 Wave golems are immune to harmful water-based
effects, such as spells with the water descriptor.

Wind Golem
Greater, 5th; Exotic Construction
Energy Absorption: Air, 3rd level or higher
This exotic construction imbuing allows you to form a
golem out of nothing more than the air around you.

Wind golems act as normal golems except as follows:

 Wind golems’ land movement speed is replaced with a
fly speed of 100 ft. (perfect)
 Wind golems have damage reduction X/magic, where X is
the highest damage reduction the casting somaturge
could attain by building his golem from the materials
listed under the Golem Creation ability
 Wind golems are invisible
 Wind golems have 4 less strength than normal.
 Wind golems receive +4 dexterity per size category above
small compared to unmodified golems.
 Wind golems are immune to harmful air-based effects,
such as spells with the air descriptor.

72
 whose residents use it to publish scholarly and intellectual

Languages
Bas-Lag is a world of many languages. In New Crobuzon
work in Gnurr Kett.
Khadohi: The language of the island nation of Khadoh
uses a pictographic moonscript alphabet.
Low Cymek: A language common throughout the Cymek
region, this tribal tongue is sometimes considered a trade
and the other human settlements of eastern and central
language.
Rohagi, the most common is Ragamoll, but the babble of
Llorgiss: Language of the llorgiss people, practiced
dozens of others is common in many areas.
primarily on Yanni Seckilli Island.
Manfish: The true name of this language is only
Anophelii: It is physically impossible for those without an
pronounceable underwater. Used by the menfish race.
anophelii’s mouthparts to speak this language.
Perrickish: The language of the Mandrake Islands and
Borinatch: Very few individuals besides the borinatch
neighboring Perrick Nigh.
themselves speak this tongue.
Quiesy (Deadish): The language of High Cromlech, more
Corokanth: This racial language of the corokanth has
often called Deadish, sounds nothing like most tongues. Most
many dialects, and can only be pronounced properly while
of its sounds are made in the back of the throat or are
underwater. When spoken above water, it is still
barked, as many Quiesy speakers have little fine motor
understandable, but loses much of its subtle nuance.
control over their lips and tongues, or have lost those parts
Cray: The common language of the cray people. There
entirely. Its silences are as important as some of its sounds,
are many versions of this language.
and there are modes of the language that are suitable for
Fellid: The language of Fellid shares a distant root with
thanati nobles with mouths sewn shut, or with rotted voice
Ragamoll, although a speaker of one would have a very
boxes. Some modes of the language are spoken with eyes and
difficult time understanding the other. It is most commonly
hands rather than with the mouth.
spoken by human settlements near the Fellid Forest,
Ragamoll: The most common tongue of humans is
including the Brothers and Maru’ahm.
spoken throughout Rohagi, although it is less popular in the
Galaggi: Galaggi shares much with the Fellid tongue, but
west, where Fellid and Galaggi tend to dominate. This is the
it nonetheless a distinct language. It is spoken mostly by
official language of New Crobuzon.
human settlements in the Galaggi Veldt.
Salt: The language of sailors on every ocean (and
Garuda, Cymek: The language of the garuda who hail
especially on the pirate city of Armada,) Salt is a patois and
from the Cymek Desert. There are a dozen dialects, but most
polyglot mess that linguists have yet to untangle, made up of
are similar.
words taken from Ragamoll, Sunglari, and others. Despite the
Garuda, Shotek: The language of the garuda who hail
mess, native Ragamoll speakers usually find it fairly easy to
from the continent of Shoteka. It is similar to Cymek Garuda.
pick up. It is rarely written down except in its Armada
Gessin: The language of the gessin people is spoken
incarnation, as many of its speakers are illiterate.
primarily by the gessin themselves. Many humans in the
Sign Language: The method through which khepri are
Wormseye region can at least partially understand this
forced to communicate with other races.
language.
Stiltspear: The complex language of the stiltspear people
Grindylow: No one knows whether the grindylow have a
is nearly unknown to other races.
single language or many, but their speech is both arcane and
Sunglari: The language of the cactacae, used in Dreer
powerful. Some scholars speculate that their liquid language
Samher and Shankell. A soft language with whistling
contains an especially harmonic or arcanophilic grammar, or
elements, it carries well over winds and rain.
that their phonemes are thaumaturgically resonant.
Tesh: Sometimes called “Teshi,” this language is almost
Khepri, High: The religious written language of the khepri
exclusively spoken by those who hail from the city of Tesh.
women used in New Crobuzon. It is the most common
Trow: The language of the trow, spoken by most
written language of the khepri.
individuals, especially in the Dancing Shoe Mountains and
Handlinger: The secret dialect of the handlingers is
Troglodopolis.
known only to them.
Vodyanoi, Fellid: The dialect of the vodyanoi language
Hotchi: The tongue of the hedgehog-folk of the
which is spoken in Gharcheltist and Jangsach and the
Rudewood is harsh sounding to most human ears.
surrounding regions.
Jheshul: The language spoken throughout Jheshull, (also
Vodyanoi, Lubbock: The dialect of the vodyanoi language
known as the Pirate Islands.) The language shares a few
which is spoken in New Crobuzon and eastern Rohagi.
words in common with Ragamoll, but not many.
Vodyanoi, Southern: The dialect of the vodyanoi
Kettai, Base: The everyday language of Gnurr Kett; a
language which is spoken in southern Rohagi.
much simpler form of High Kettai.
Vu-Murt: The high-pitched sound of the vu-murt people
Kettai, High: A scholarly, elevated tongue used on Gnurr
is restricted to their home region of the Galaggi Veldt.
Kett only for ritual and traditional occasions. It uses the
Ragamoll script but is derived from a very different root. The
written form of the language is used on the anophelii island,
73

History of Bas-Lag
The ancient past of Bas-Lag witnessed at least two great
empires, one mythic and extraplanar, one bloody and brief.
The Ghosthead Empire
This long-vanished empire is a great source for ancient
instruments of power, obscure lore, and possibility-based
thaumaturgy – but it is also very poorly understood.
Its rulers arrived from beyond the bounds of Bas-Lag
around 2000 BNC, apparently fleeing the destruction of their
own homeland. Their arrival was violent enough to smash
open the world-reality itself, birthing the Fractured Land. On
Bas-Lag, they established a surreal, violent, and impossibly
strange empire. The Ghosthead themselves were clearly
extraplanar, and few records of the time seem to be able to
describe them or their technologies; Bas-Lag was far too
primitive to understand what the Ghosthead brought, and
the Ghosthead were in no mood to explain. Instead, they
conquered all of Rohagi and most of Shoteka, at least. Stories
about the Ghosthead don’t make much sense, as they seem
to have existed along dimensional axes that human and
xenians alike don’t comprehend. The two most reliable
accounts claim they were “human, with ghostlike heads,
occasionally tentacular,” and “invisible but clearly
cephalopodish, with insectile heads and mechanical
ovipositors.” Neither description seems helpful to current
scholars; neither description seems entirely sane, either, but
this is a recurrent problem with the Ghosthead.
In any case, the Ghosthead fought with the khepri insect
empires of Bered Kai Nev, the huge eastern continent. That
fight seems to have been a draw, largely based on the khepri
ability to throw vast numbers at the problem, but records are
very sparse.
These days, the empire is considered half-mythic. Bizarre
histories claim that the Ghosthead Empire reached the
moons, built metal fish to swim the stars, and practiced the
lost art of possibility-mining along the Scar. Artifacts from this
time are uncovered every decade or so, often in new shapes.
The Ghosthead rulers and their precise form of
government are hard to establish because of the weird mix of
secrets, myths, and archaeology surrounding them. They
ruled firmly for about 600 years or so, then a slow-building
rebellion grew among the Rohagi subject races. During this
first stage, this revolt was called the Contumancy and seems
to have been largely a matter of attacking Ghosthead
institutions, representatives, and devices. The surviving
records speak of “possibility fraud” and “demonstration
devices” and other strange (or at least untranslatable) forms
of rebellion – it may be that not all of it was violent.
Later, around 1350 BNC, it exploded into an outright
rebellion, known as the Sloughing Off – a century-long
process of revolt. Attacks and reprisals were fierce; many
cities and towns simply vanished in “thought cleansing”
operations, while other cities seem to have learned how to
kill or drive away Ghosthead occupiers without ever raising
armies.
At some point during the Sloughing Off, the cactacae
race first appeared. Whether they were born naturally or
created is a debated point. The records describe a Ghosthead
retreat during this period but no one knows how to contact
their distant plane or guard against their return. After the
Sloughing Off, the Ghosthead Empire disappeared as
mysteriously as it came, and the allegiances between groups,
tribes, and races that helped the rebellion succeed collapsed.
The politics of Rohagi splintered into infighting and cultural
degeneration, and the First Umbric Age began.
The Malarial Queendom
Also sometimes known as the Anophelii Empire, the
Queendom was a brutal feudal monarchy ruled by
bloodthirsty anophelii females who needed warm avian or
mammalian blood to feed their incredible intelligence, speed,
and thaumaturgical insight. It expanded rapidly to feed their
hunger, and all its subject races worked and bled until they
died.
The Queendom existed around 750 BNC, more than
2,500 years before the present day. It was short-lived, lasting
not much more than 50 years, but it left a deep impact. Its
heart was in Shoteka, the continent south of Rohagi.
However, the anophelii queens had outposts in southern
Rohagi, and also in the Shards, a huge archipelago a long way
east, and in some islands in between – any place with a warm
climate and fresh water. The whole thing collapsed when
there were no more easy conquests, the blood sacrifices ran
out, and the female anophelii turned from smart, powerful
killers to mindless, powerful killers.
Their lost treasures include powerful tomes of
summoning and conjurations, technothaumaturgical fusions,
and geared engines for harnessing elementals. Any explorer
fool enough to risk unleashing the anophelii females on the
world again might find these lost caches quite lucrative. The
cactacae claim to have plundered all of the hoards of the
Queendom, since they are immune to the wrath of the
mosquito-folk, possessing no blood for them.
Flesh-Eater Wars
In the year 798, (roughly 1000 years ago,) a decades-
long, on-again-off-again series of conflicts began, the purpose
of which was to wipe High Cromlech off of the map. The city
of the undead, viewed my most people as an unholy affront
to nature, was never popular, but a religious movement for
its eradication gained traction in several major cities.
As this movement soon found out, though, it is very
difficult to defeat an enemy who can raise your own fallen
soldiers as zombies and send them back at you. Eventually,
the gruesome “Flesh-Eater Wars” lost momentum, and High
Cromlech went back to being an unobtrusive, isolated city.
74

New Crobuzon
The world of Bas-Lag boasts a multitude of populous
cities, distinctive townships, and overall bizarre environs. But
through the centuries, one city has stood above the rest in
numerous ways: politically, militarily, technologically, and –
above all – economically. This is the city of New Crobuzon.
Over time, its hard-working citizens (and hard-scheming
politicians) have made this powerful city-state a true force to
be reckoned with. Its manufactories are a vast, sprawling,
industrial mess, producing enough goods to extend New
Crobuzon’s reach thousands of miles in every direction. The
city has created great art and advanced sciences, funded rail
travel and gliding aerostats, utterly destroyed one of its rival
cities, and brought others to heel – all while making its
merchants and politicians very, very wealthy indeed.
New Crobuzon now suffers the inevitable diseases of a
proud industrial metropolis: alchemical wastes flow into the
Gross Tar through the Brock Marsh, the crowds strain its
streets and rails, and while its newer buildings tower ten and
even twenty stories high, every mass of concrete, tar, and
brick is rotting at the base. Many of its districts are slums,
rebels and unions threaten the wealth of the overlords, and
its citizens are barely held in check by the brutal militia.
Welcome to New Crobuzon, the greatest city-state of the
world.
Major Metropolis (conventional); AL LE
Government Mayoral/Parliamentary; Tech Level 5
Gold Guinea Limit ₲ 7,000,000; Assets ₲ 2,450,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 3,510,000
Type mixed (74% human, 11% vodyanoi, 9% khepri, 3%
cactacae, 3% other races) – does not include wyrmen or
Remade
Religions many, principally St. Jabber; Languages many,
principally Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Mayor Triesti, Lord Mayor, leader of the Fat Sun party; Alessa
Handsome, leader of the New Quill party; Jorge Sebash,
Lord Captain of the militia; Lucia der Belsevere, Chancellor
of the University of New Crobuzon; Khoinesheril,
harbormaster.
History
The original city of Crobuzon was founded roughly 1,800
years ago as a small village near the coast of Iron Bay at the
outflow of the Gross Tar River, near to the present location of
Tarmuth. It quickly flourished as a trading settlement, and
thus became a favorite target of pirate attacks. A mere 100
years after its founding, one such raid burned Crobuzon to
the ground.
The inhabitants pulled up stakes and moved inland to
where the River Tar meets with the Canker, just a few miles
upriver from its meeting with the sea. Although the people
renamed it New Crobuzon, the dating system from the first
settlement’s founding on Iron Bay was retained, (meaning,
for example, that New Crobuzon was founded around the
year 100.)
The most prominent historical figure from this early era
was a cleric of Darioch named Jabber. Jabber would become
known as the founding father of New Crobuzon, being
credited with creating parliament, writing the city’s legal
code, establishing the trade policies crucial to the city’s
prosperity, and dozens of other feats. His influence became
so vast that at some point he was deified, and the worship of
“St. Jabber” would grow into the most prominent of the city’s
religions.
Pirate Wars
New Crobuzon continued to prosper as it became an
ever-larger trading and manufacturing center. Unfortunately,
whenever wealth congregates in the world, there will be
those who wish to usurp it. Pirates and other maritime
powers continuously harassed New Crobuzon (and each
other,) but this antagonism reached its peak around the year
1,100, and thus began the Pirate Wars.
Fought in two rounds, the first Pirate War lumbered
along for about four hundred years. It was fought among New
Crobuzon, Jheshull, Gnurr Kett, Suroch, and many other
island and maritime powers. Allegiances shifted all the time.
The Pirate Wars were also called the Slow Wars, or the
False Wars, as the fighting was desultory and trade and
interaction continued between the “enemies” at the same
time. Its effects were more industrial and economic than
military – although there were real military face-offs – and
New Crobuzon came out of it quite well. During the Battle of
the Torpid Coast in 1352, New Crobuzon soundly beat
Khadoh, a northern island nation. This boosted New
Crobuzon’s economy and made it the top dog during the
Pirate Wars, ushering in the Full Years, which was a bit of a
golden age for technology and the economy that lasted a
couple of centuries.
For the first four centuries, these conflicts weren’t so
much a real war, but more of an intense rivalry. When most
people refer to the Pirate Wars, they mean the Second Pirate
Wars, the sudden flaring up of the conflict again around 1510,
when it turned into a real and bloody military conflict. In
1544, New Crobuzon deployed a secret weapon on their
worst enemy, the northern coastal city of Suroch – the
Torque bomb, which harnessed the same chaotic madness as
the Cacotopic Stain (see pg 94). This created a new, smaller
torque zone, with all of the horrible chaos that entails,
including reality itself coming undone. The result was so
heinous that New Crobuzon tried to keep its victory a secret,
dropping a series of colourbombs on the remains of Suroch in
1545 in an attempt to destroy the madness. Official public
records made no mention of torque bombs, and insisted that
it was the colourbombs that ended the war, (although
only a quarter of those bombs actually worked.)
75
 With this thorough victory, the number of countries and
city-states seeking negotiated resolutions in favor of military
solutions rose dramatically, and New Crobuzon has been
home to a multitude of embassies ever since.
Unrest Spreads
A century later, New Crobuzon finally mounted a
scientific expedition to examine the new Cacotopic Stain of
Suroch, which included a heliotypist named Sacramundi.
Seeing the horror of the stain firsthand, upon his return he
defied the government’s orders for secrecy by publically
distributing “Sacramundi’s report,” which informed the
masses about the dreadful reality unleashed by New
Crobuzon. This sparked the Sacramundi Riots in 1689, which
came very close to bringing the entire government down.
Almost concurrently with the riots, the Khepri exodus
began arriving on the shores of the city, escaping the terrible
Ravening of their homeland. Many found work and refuge in
the city, and their population began to rapidly swell.
The city’s government held on by a thread for a decade,
and had only just begun to make headway in restoring its
former power when a terrible drought occurred which
threatened the entire city’s food supply. In 1701, a social
bandit calling himself Bridling became the mouthpiece for the
discontent of the populace. Almost single-handedly, Bridling
churned the city’s agitation to a broil, a time which would
become known as the Week of Dust.
Driven to desperation, Parliament approved a violent
retaliation on the city’s malcontents. All protests were met
with lethal force and extreme prejudice. Remarkably, this
show of strength did not come back to bite the government,
and actually succeeded in scaring the city’s populace into line.
From that point on, only a tiny percentage of the city dared to
openly oppose official policies, like “hero of the people” Jack
Half-a-Prayer, and illegal underground newspapers like the
Runagate Rampart.
Recent Years
About thirty years ago, in the year 1779, New Crobuzon
faced a mysterious and terrifying season. Now called the
Midsummer Nightmare, (or the Dream Curse, or Nocturne
Syndrome,) it was a period of time when the entire city was
plagued by nightmares. Every man, woman, and child
experienced dreadful dreams on a nightly basis, dreams so
disturbing that sleep became something to dread.
Concurrently, each night would reveal several victims who
remained in a coma-like stupor, never to rise again. Then, just
as suddenly as it had appeared, the problem vanished. The
public never knew the source of the Midsummer Nightmare,
but the government knew the true cause: a group of
otherworldly slake moths had escaped confinement, and had
been feasting on the thoughts of the city.
For many centuries, the militia of New Crobuzon prided
themselves on remaining largely unseen – a kind of invisible
threat, made all the more insidious by remaining out of sight.
But the situation was forced to change in 1793 during the
brief but furious Construct Wars. Somehow, some of the
city’s clockwork-driven construct servants spontaneously
gained sentience. A viral consciousness began to spread
among the servitors, who began to think, feel, and value self-
preservation. The fear of a machine revolt was so strong that
the militia made their presence publically felt for the first
time in decades, and gave every citizen in the city the same
mandate: find and eradicate all constructs. The mechanical
servants were eradicated before much true damage was
caused. Today, the possession and creation of constructs
remains tightly controlled, and thus thaumaturgic
golems are far more prevalent.
76

The Tesh War
It was somewhere around this time, close to the turn of
the century, that the war with Tesh began. No one is exactly
certain when war was declared, or for what reason, but the
war with Tesh would prove costly, both monetarily and in
terms of lives lost.
A recession was already building as the turn of the
century approached, when one day Teshi merchant ships
suddenly stopped arriving at New Crobuzon’s harbor.
Simultaneously, all of New Crobuzon’s merchant ships sailing
in the vicinity of Tesh and the Firewater Straits were
brutalized and destroyed. New Crobuzon was at a loss until
Tesh’s secretive, hidden ambassador to the city informed
them that the two states were at war. What’s more, the
Witchocracy emerged as a strong supporter of Tesh against
New Crobuzon.
Obviously, Tesh initiated the blatant hostilities of the
conflict, but it is entirely possible that New Crobuzon was
conducting underhanded practices which led to Tesh’s
aggression. In any case, it’s highly doubtful that the true
cause of the war will ever be made public.
As tales spread of sunken ships and ruined profits, New
Crobuzon launched a very public series of counterattacks, in
order to prove the city’s strength to its worried citizens. Navy
recruitment was intensified, both by legitimate means and by
press-ganged “booze-recruiting.”
For a time, the war had little effect on the average
citizen, but the economic strain of disrupted trade and a
floundering military complex soon began to take its toll.
Factories and harbors were shut down due to lack of
business, and the recession intensified.
When wounded veterans began to return to the city,
many were tossed out on the street by the government, their
bodies ruined in strange and horrifying ways by Tesh’s foreign
and unnatural thaumaturgy. Any who began to sow
dissention by ranting about the horrors of war were rounded
up by the now-highly-visible militia and were never seen
again. Similarly, any citizens who dared to voice opposition to
the war were also punished severely, especially news outlets
who dared to run unfavorable headlines. The city’s
government put out a constant stream of propaganda,
declaring that the war was progressing smoothly, and that
victory was assured, despite blatant contradictory evidence.
The news clamp-down only slowed the spread of
information, rather than halting it. Many citizens were
exposed to a flood of half-truths about the war that were
probably more damaging than factual accounts would have
been. Conflicts like the Battle of Bad Earth and the Fight in
the Sun became horror stories.
Finally, in 1806, after years of mysterious and far-off
conflict, the war reached New Crobuzon itself, and Tesh
nearly achieved victory. The hidden ambassador in New
Crobuzon performed a complex and lengthy ritual which
nearly called forth the Phasma Urbomach (also called the
murderspirit, or citykiller,) a powerful entity which would
destroy the entire city. This effort, however, was countered
at the last minute, and Tesh’s plans were ruined.
Around this time, civil unrest reached an all-time high,
with massive open rebellion on the streets. Entire districts of
the city sealed themselves off from the government, forming
“the Collective” of free citizens. They put up a good fight, but
in the end, the newly appointed Mayor Triesti used the militia
to ground down all resistance and crush the movement,
killing thousands.
According to the New Crobuzon government, the war
was officially declared over after this, with the Teshi
emerging on the losing side. The full reality of the situation,
however, is still murky. Trade and mercantilism have picked
up, and the recession has itself nearly receded, but many
intelligent citizens have lingering doubts and fears about the
nature of the conflict and further fallout from the war. The
Tarmuth shipyards are busily rebuilding New Crobuzon’s
fleet, and ships from the Witchocracy still have not visited the
city’s ports.
Government & Politics
Historically, New Crobuzon has always been in a state of
flux between political parties, creating an uneasy truce
between exploited workers and the crass overlords who beat
rebellions back into the gutter. The instruments of state
control are well-developed and tilt the balance of power in
the interest of merchants, industrial and shipping industries,
and landowners.
The mayor is effectively the head of state in New
Crobuzon, although Parliament controls the purse strings,
and the home secretary controls much of the civil service.
The Lord Mayor
To vote in the New Crobuzon mayoral election, one must
be either a property-owning citizen, or the lucky winner of an
electoral lottery, (i.e., the “suffrage lottery.”) The lottery’s
purpose is to add the voice of “ordinary people” to the
“expertise” of the wealthy. In practice, though, many of those
who win such a lottery sell their voting tickets to vote-
shapers, who use them as proxies for their own interests.
What’s surprising about the oligarchy is not its
stranglehold on most real power, but rather, how often it
does offer some concessions to the poor to avoid strikes or
other disruptions around election time. It’s a testament to
the city’s political classes that everyone does have some
voice, no matter how weak – or as others say, a testament to
the people who stood up and demanded to be heard.
The mayor influences foreign and domestic policy
through his control of the militia, and he has the powers of
arrest, torture, and Remaking. To ensure the city prospers, he
operates primarily through wheedling, deal-making,
threatening to use the militia, and enforcement of
Parliament’s edicts. He shares responsibility with Parliament
for foreign policy, overseas trade, and conducting wars.
While Parliament is responsible for taxation and
proposing legislation, it is primarily a check on mayoral
power. In good times, the two operate in a sort of symbiotic
harmony. In bad times, nothing is too outrageous: fiscal
77
threats, petty vengeances, blackmail, and outright Remakings
are sometimes part of the political game in New Crobuzon.
A cabinet of six to seventeen lords and ministers –
appointed by the mayor – reports to him and none other.
Although the precise configuration varies, most cabinets
include a Lord Privy Seal, Minister of Commerce and Industry,
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Minister of Justice (including the
Junior Minister for Remaking,) Lord Captain of the Militia,
Minister of State, and a Minister Without Portfolio.
At the moment, the Urban Unity government is
somewhat unusual and most political observers consider it
something of a “special period.” What constitutes
“normality” is now unclear.
Parliament
Parliament is a body of roughly 500 of the richest and
most venial public servants in New Crobuzon, and consists
entirely of propertied men and women, plus a few vodyanoi
and cactacae. The very few xenians who are represented are
usually elevated by special mechanisms to ensure “reputable
representation,” although they could technically be elected
simply on the usual system.
Legend claims that the Parliament was founded on
Jabber’s orders to rule after his disappearance. Parliament
diligently looks after its own interests during each yearly
session. The interests of the working man or woman of New
Crobuzon are, for the most part, only worth considering near
election time.
The parliament complex is housed on the secluded Strack
Island.
Political Parties
Parliament is divided into at least a dozen political
parties at any given time, although the ruling party is usually
either the Fat Sun or (rarely) Finally We Can See. Recently,
new parties have formed based on their view of the Tesh
War, including the Victorians (hard-line hawks,) the
Concessionists, and the Suitors (pursuing peace at any cost.)
These factions can cross over to some extent with the
traditional parties. After the truce was signed, all of these
new parties lost a good deal of support and the traditional
parties reasserted themselves, although under new banners
and spouting new slogans.
Notable Politicians & Officials
Alessa Handsome: Leader of the New Quill party (LE female
human fighter 10)
Jorge Sebash: Lord Captain of the Militia (LN male human
fighter 15)
Mayor Triesti: Leader of the Fat Sun party (LE male human
aristocrat 14)
Byron Standington: Minister of Commerce & Industry (LN
male human expert 12)
Julia Flum-Wulmp: Minister of Justice (LN female human
expert 13)
Sharm: Leader of the Diverse Tendency party (CN male
cactacae fighter 13)
Notable Mayors
Mayor Turgisadi: Mayor roughly 100 years after the Suroch
Torque bombing, Turgisadi kept his grip on power after the
Torque photographs were published through a series of street
massacres he ordered to control the riots. He greatly expanded
the size and power of the militia afterword, and was elected six
consecutive terms.
Mayor Bentham Rudgutter: A member of the Fat Sun party,
Rudgutter was extremely well-connected and wealthy. He was
able to summon a Weaver and lick the boots of the ambassador
of the Czar of Hell, but he lost some of his power when and
experiment using extraplanar drugs went awry. He died in 1796
and was succeeded by Emily Stem-Fulcher.
Mayor Emily Stem-Fulcher: This white-maned pipe-smoker
had few good qualities but much political cunning. Once in
power she moved quickly and soon gained notoriety for
ordering the Paradox Massacre in response to a labor strike, for
her backroom deals with the New Quill party, for programs
against xenian inhabitation of the city, and for Remaking many
of her political opponents. Partially in response to her harsh
crackdowns on civil liberties, Stem-Fulcher was shot dead in
1805.
Mayor Triesti: After Stem-Fulcher’s death, a “special election”
by Parliament confirmed Triesti’s appointment, due to the
enormous civil unrest at the time. Triesti is the most dictatorial
mayor of recent memory, which causes some unease even
among the wealthy. He rose to prominence by crushing the
rebels of the Collective, sending perhaps tens of thousands to
mass graves.
His abrogation of “special executive powers” to expand
internal controls and searches has led to a few run-ins with
Parliament, but he was recently elected to a second term. He is
the leader of the Fat Sun party, but talks constantly about his
devotion to all parties and the citizens in the Urban Unity
government.
Diverse Tendency: A small party of xenians and a few
humans, Diverse Tendency attempts to exploit legitimate
xenian fears at the ballot box for its own ends (namely a
share of the spoils of government.) While it preaches
tolerance, it does little to encourage it. The party sometimes
holds the balance of power, but is too small to rule.
Thoroughly corrupt, it is nonetheless popular in the xenian
ghettos. Xenian radicals view party members as sell-outs.
Fat Sun: The party of mercantile policy and monied
interests, the thoroughly corrupt Fat Sun party reached its
height during the government of Mayor Rudgutter. It has
continued in one form or another since then and is always
supremely well-funded, slick, and predictable.
Finally We Can See: A corrupt, weaselly party best
known for joining the government coalition – regardless of
the coalition’s makeup. Finally We Can See traditionally
makes liberal noises and claims to represent “the honest
everyday citizen” but it has rarely been a majority party.
New Quill: A fascist party built on the remains of the
Three Quills party, the New Quill appeals to the nativism and
jingoist reaction against all xenians. It’s known for proposing
pogroms to kill or exile the khepri, cactacae, vodyanoi, and all
other non-humans from the city. Although not
corrupt, the New Quill party is morally bankrupt. 78
Military & Police
For many years, the New Crobuzon militia operated as a
secret police force, unwilling to show their faces or mark
themselves with badges and uniforms. The citizenry was quite
aware of their existence, and always knew that the waiter
serving your dinner or the man behind the newsstand could,
in fact, be a secret member of the militia.
Under Mayor Stem-Fulcher, that policy ended during the
Construct War, and the militia now parade the streets openly,
intimidating those who might protest the city’s increasing
oppression. They act as an army as well as secret police.
Militia Towers
Sticking up from the city like spikes, the 250-foot-tall
militia towers contain the iron fist of the city-state’s
government; in a sense, they are vertical barracks. Most
towers are linked by the seven sky-rails to the Spike, the
westernmost tower at Perdido Street Station and the militia
headquarters. All towers have aerostats and dirigibles ready
to deploy at a moment’s notice to put down a rioting crowd
or a strike that the bosses can no longer tolerate.
The primary towers stand in ten locations throughout the
city, excluding the central Spike and Strack Island. Each is
manned by at least 50 and as many as 500 militia members,
all equipped with studded leather armor, tower shields, clubs,
and goggled helmets. The top of each tower is an observation
platform where telescopes and optics are mounted to spy on
the citizenry. The towers are also equipped with the latest in
mounted firearms and artillery pieces.
There are also a handful of smaller towers (sometimes
called “militia struts,”) which are not connected to the sky-rail
network. The towers in Kelltree and Syriac are such
constructs.
Crime & Punishment
Troublemakers are brought to the Spike for judgment in
secret courts which are presided over by the faceless
Magisters, judges who hide their faces and operate using
false names. Sentencing is harsh and quick, and is usually
followed by a whipping, fines, or transportation to the
punishment factories for Remaking. These days, just about
any infraction is excuse is enough to land a citizen in court.
Calendar & Dates
New Crobuzon’s dating system is Anno Urbis, dating from
the founding of the original city of Crobuzon. It is currently
the year 1812. Before the founding, dates are measured
backwards in BNC, Before New Crobuzon. Only dates before
the founding are noted as such.
The months of the calendar are as follows: Chet,
Melluary, Alember, Tajla, Sprampt, Jane, Septuary, Octuary,
Tathis, Kalsay, Lunn, and Sinn.
The days of the week are Chainday, Dustday, Steelday,
Bridgeday, Trackday, Smokeday, and Skullday.
Rivers & Waterways
The rivers of New Crobuzon are not just a part of the
city’s character – they are absolutely integral to the history
and identity of the city.
River Canker
The Canker is cleaner and colder than the Tar, originating
in the Bezhek Peaks only a short distance from the city itself.
As it enters the northern boundary of New Crobuzon the
water of the Canker is quite clean, and the affluent
neighborhoods here reflect the river’s pristine condition.
Here, one is much more likely to encounter luxurious
pleasure-craft as opposed to dingy cargo haulers.
River Tar
The Tar, which enters the city from the northwest, is
itself fed by several large tributaries before it enters the city.
Some originate in the Bezheks, just as the River Canker, but
the primary source of the Tar is actually Sully Swamp, a large
wetland some miles west. As a result, the waters of the Tar
are already brackish as they enter New Crobuzon, and
become steadily worse as industrial waste and the runoff of
countless ships enter into the mix. Yet another tributary of
the Tar flows from the Mendican Foothills to the south.
River Gross Tar
When the Tar and the Canker meet in the heart of New
Crobuzon, they merge into the mighty Gross Tar. This river
carries with it all of the muck of the Tar, only slightly diluted
by the Canker’s contribution. On its short fifteen mile journey
eastward towards the sea, a significant portion is diverted
south into the Grain Spiral to be used to irrigate the vast
fields which feed the city. At the river’s mouth lies the town
of Tarmuth, which sits on the western shore of Iron Bay.
Bridges
Naturally, there are many bridges in New Crobuzon to
allow easy passage over the mighty rivers. Some are simple
and utilitarian, some are built as ancient defenses, and still
others are ornate and made to impress. From west to east:
River Tar: Odner’s Bridge, Hadrach Bridge, Drud
Crossing, Stentorus Bridge, Mandrake Bridge, Barrow Bridge,
Nabob Bridge, Pigment Bridge, Cockscomb Bridge, Sheer
Bridge.
River Canker: Khadoh Bridge, Coin’s End Crossing,
Barguest Bridge, Danechi’s Bridge.
River Gross Tar: Rust Bridge, Barley Bridge, Grand Calibre
Bridge (broken).
Sewers
The sprawling sewer system of the city is the home of the
lowliest of the low. Those who dwell near the entrances form
the Undergangs, but some have lived so far underground for
so long, they’re barely human anymore. All manner of
castoffs, like trow and vampirs also inhabit the sewers. 79

Rails & Industry
Just as must as the waterways, the railways of New
Crobuzon are an integral component of the soul of the city.
Logistics aside, New Crobuzon just wouldn’t be the same
without the constant rattle of steam engines roaring by,
belching out clouds of soot as they transport thousands of
citizens to and fro on a daily basis.
Perdido Street Station
The edifice towering above the city’s heart, Perdido
Street Station is the defining monument of New Crobuzon.
The center of the city’s railways and its skyrails, the station is
a hub connecting the militia towers, the major city districts,
and the seats of power. Its five enormous openings swallow
the five main rail lines, and the vast station includes various
militia towers and turrets, workshops, torture chambers,
shops, taverns, and even a small museum.
Perdido Street itself is a long, narrow passageway that
juts perpendicularly from BilSantum Street and winds
sinuously east towards Gidd. No one knows why it had once
been important enough to give the station its name.
No maps of the station ever cover all of its detail. Its
primary architect is said to have gone mad from the strain of
keeping the building stable and functional. Others claim he
was incarcerated by the militia to preserve state secrets, such
as secret tunnels and defenses known only to a few. Still
others say that the station itself was his attempt to build his
own god to worship.
The lower levels are mostly open to the public. Their
primary function is, of course, a concourse for the railway
lines, but the crowds that pass into and out of these areas on
a daily basis also attract all manner of shops and
entertainment locations.
Between the eleventh and fourteenth floors of the
Mandragorae Wing lies the highly secure Diplomatic Zone.
After the destruction of Suroch, a wave of mutual
understanding swept over Rohagi, and governments agreed
that diplomacy was now greatly preferred to war. Most,
(although not all,) of the foreign embassies in New Crobuzon
are housed here. Each embassy is a multi-level suite of self-
contained rooms; some see extensive use, such as those of
Myrshock and Vadaunk, while others exist as mere
formalities, such as the Tesh embassy. The Cray embassy of
Salkrikaltor is aqueous, fed fresh brine from Iron Bay fifteen
miles away.
The most prominent tower of the station is known as the
Spike, and it is the central headquarters of the militia. All of
the city’s skyrails converge on the Spike and lead to the
various military towers in New Crobuzon.
Rails
The railways are single-track affairs which typically
service a single train which bounces back and forth along its
route for the duration of the workday. Each train typically has
a steam locomotive drawing between two and five passenger
cars. Sometimes a freight car is added to the mix, but more
often freight and goods are moved throughout the city by
other means.
The city’s five main lines are the Dexter, Head, Sink, Sud,
and Verso lines, which together service the city’s more than
two dozen stations. These railway lines do not typically lie at
ground level, but rather are elevated above the level of most
buildings. As such, railway obstructions are almost never a
problem.
The train stations of New Crobuzon are, generally
speaking, elegant and well-maintained in the city’s 80
center, and grow progressively shabby as they near the city’s
edge. In fact, the Dog Fenn Station’s doors are rusted open
and ticket takers rarely show up for work. The station has
been abandoned to poverty, although trains still stop there.
Skyrails
Radiating out from the Spike are the narrow skyrails
which tower above the rest of the city. Little more than thin
guiderails, these aloof corridors allow swift and private
transport between the city’s militia towers.
Other Transportation
Handcarts and animal-drawn cabs are common in many
districts, taking people to and from place to place. These can
also be pulled by ptera-birds and squat golems. Despite the
vast rivers which run through the city, most of the craft which
travel the waterways are devoted to freight, not intercity
passenger transport.
Grande Tramway
Near the turn of the century, Weather Wrightby founded
the Transcontinental Railroad Trust, a company with an
extraordinary aim: to build a vast railway between the cities
of New Crobuzon, Myrshock, and Cobsea. This highly
ambitious dream was meant to open a new era of prosperity,
but was ironically dealt a deathblow by the drying up of funds
due to the recent recession. In 1806, with almost all of the
foundational track already laid out, TRT finally went belly-up,
and the project nearly died.
In the last couple of years, however, as New Crobuzon
clawed its way out of both the Tesh War and the associated
economic downturn, a coalition of companies seized the
opportunity to finally complete Wrightby’s vision. Redubbed
the Grande Tramway, this intercity thoroughfare has just
begun operation as of 1812. Time will tell if it will prove to be
the goldmine its investors hope it to be.
The Grande Tramway meets New Crobuzon at the
previously-derelict Rudewod Station, which has been entirely
refurbished into a concourse capable of storing and
transferring the large quantities of goods brought in from
Cobsea and Myrshock.
Districts, Boroughs, &
Sights
New Crobuzon suffers from a remarkable lack of city
planning. Open sewers flow through slums, houses are built
rather at random, and roads, street lighting, and transport
vary widely in both quality and quantity from place to place.
Wealthy districts show off their fortune in many ways.
Money, power, knowledge, and influence can be found on
proud display in the richer parts of town, which tend to
cluster near the center and northeast of the city. These parts
of town are well lit by elyctric streetlights and are frequently
patrolled by militia and private guards.
While every rich district flaunts its wealth in its own
special way, poorer districts tend to show the same signs of
poverty everywhere – although they are still quite
distinguishable for natives. The slums are everywhere in the
city, from the rotting bricks of Badside to the wreckage of
Dog Fenn. Many of these districts have no redeeming
qualities to recommend them.
Abrogate Green
Middle Class
Abrogate Green lies roughly on the border between the
well-off neighborhoods to the northeast, and the poorer
districts further south. It is largely residential, and boasts one
of the largest cactacae neighborhoods outside of the
Glasshouse. As an outer district of the city, it borders on a
rough scrubland.
Aspic
Poor
Although the main thoroughfares of Aspic are kept
mostly tidy and lined with pleasing banyan trees, the majority
of the district is shabby and destitute. The homeless
population here is high, which wasn’t helped any when the
poor residents of Flag Hill were expelled from their own
district and forced to immigrate to Aspic.
Aspic Hole
The distinguishing feature of Aspic is the Aspic Hole, also
called the Aspic Bazaar, a vast open-air market that sells
everything from trinkets, drugs, pets, clothes, and fortune-
tellings. The rows upon rows of merchandise converge upon
Aspic Hole like the spokes of a vast wheel. Scams and
pickpockets run rampant in Aspic Hole: let the buyer beware.
Just about anything – literally anything – can be found for
sale if one looks hard enough in Aspic Hole.
Badside
Slum
Badside is little more than a crime-riddled slum. A
multitude of gangs claim territory in Badside, but few hold
any sway beyond the bounds of the district. As a riverside
district, there was once an attempt to install massive
commercial docks here, but all that now remains are a series
of stagnant canals.
Barrackham
Middle Class
Despite the overall tendency for south New Crobuzon to
be penniless and dirty, Barrackham stands as a beacon of
well-living, although the beacon has been slowly fading for
many decades. Barrackham was once home to very wealthy
families, but most have since left the district, leaving the
middle-class behind. The old grand estates are in a state of
disrepair, their current residents unable to maintain their
long-ago splendor. Towards the north of the district lie some
poor neighborhoods and a handful of underused factories. 81

Bonetown
Poor
Named after the Ribs that arch over it so prominently,
Bonetown is a shabby place where nothing good lives. Often
called “the Thieves’ District,” it is a syncretic mesh of
industrialism and cross-bred architecture, urban scrubland,
shantytowns, and abandoned docklands which line the river
shore, littered with thick-stemmed weeds. The crime lord Mr.
Motley keeps his base of operations in Bonetown. Danechi’s
Bridge joins Bonetown to Brock Marsh across the Canker.
The Ribs
Ivory shards of a leviathan, these arching ribs of a fallen
giant almost meet about two hundred feet above the ground.
The land around them is unlucky; tools break, projects run
away into the dust and dirt, and nothing prospers. For this
reason, the center of the vast chest cavity remains devoid of
buildings; plans to fill in the hole somehow always come to
nothing. Fifty feet down, archaeologists had found vertebrae
the size of houses, but after a series of accidents, exploration
stopped. No other skeletal parts have ever turned up, and no
one is certain what the original creature looked like, although
it has been dubiously named Gigantes Crobuzon.
Despite all that, the Ribs make a useful landmark to
visitors; just look up, and if you see the Ribs, you can orient
yourself. The Ribs themselves are a bit of a draw for gawkers,
so most residents here are hawkers, buskers, sales-people,
and street acrobats.
Brock Marsh
Scientific Quarter
Brock Marsh is a triangular slice of the Old City low
ground, wedged between the city’s two rivers as they meet;
its location near Strack Island makes it important enough to
rate a militia tower which anchors a short skyrail over to
Strack Island.
Brock Marsh is known as the Scientific Quarter. Some of
its denizens are scientists and thinkers, including physicists,
chimerists, biophilosophers and teratologists, chymists,
necrochymists, mathematicians, karcists and metallurgists,
and vodyanoi shaman. If it’s an obscure branch of an even
Bonetown
more obscure form of knowledge, Brock Marsh is the place to
find its practitioners. Its businesses include private libraries,
book binders, herbalists, renting libraries, makers of
glassware and copper tubing, scale and balance makers, and
other artisans who cater to the scientific trade. Small hordes
of badgers scamper through the streets, familiars by tradition
to the learned, and waddle through special flaps in the store-
fronts and doors of these shops.
The favored locales of the scientific class are pubs. The
Dying Child on Umber Promenade is particularly popular and
is run by Silchristcheck, a vodyanoi who rarely leaves his bath.
Another favorite is the Moon’s Daughters, an inn near
Danechi’s Bridge, which links Brock Marsh with Bonetown.
Canker Wedge
Wealthy
One of the most prosperous districts, Canker Wedge is
home the affluent and the posh. The residents here live the
easy life, many inhabiting mansions and pursuing decadent
leisure activities. Being where the Canker first enters the city,
the waters here have not yet been polluted by runoff, and
pleasure craft which row the water for fun and sport are
common. The district is also home to the Canker Wedge Zoo,
which houses strange beasts from far and wide. One of the
city’s long-disused aeromorphic weather-controlling engines
is also in the Wedge.
One of the city’s best known “secret” enterprises is also
in Canker Wedge. Cadnebar’s Soaps and Tallow was once a
respectable shop, but now is officially listed as a warehouse.
Unofficially, it is home to spectacular (and illegal) ring fights
and gladiatorial matches. Despite the illegality of these
activities, the establishment is consistently ignored by
authorities, because many of the fights’ top sponsors are
parliamentarians, wealthy industrialists, and eminent
bankers. Cadnebar’s attracts large crowds on a nightly basis.
Chimer
Industrial Slum
Chimer is comprised primarily of smog-spewing factories
and the dilapidated homes of their poor employees. Most of
82
the factories spew out common mechanical and household
items, and many employees are trapped in unfavorable long-
term contracts.
Chnum
Wealthy
A district of merchants and factory-owners who
command redstone manors full of servants and sleep on
featherbeds, Chnum is a dull but very pleasant place. Its wide
avenues and large houses are always watched both by the
militia and by private guards, who protect their employers
from everything from kidnapping to beggars.
Creekside
Khepri Ghetto
The khepri slum, Creekside does not make the overt
displays of khepri history as its more affluent cousin Kinken
does. Some residents of Creekside feel that Kinken has no
real claim on true khepri culture, and simply flaunts a
recycled version of what little was preserved when the khepri
made their exodus to New Crobuzon. The residents of
Creekside have, to at least some extent, let go of the past and
embraced more of the New Crobuzon way of life. Many of
Creekside’s inhabitants work in local industrial facilities.
The Crow
Wealthy
This fashionable commercial and shopping district is
spread out around Perdido Street Station in a mix of broad
streets and tangled alleys. Three main shopping streets –
LeTissof Street, Concubek Pass, and Boulevard Dos Ghérou –
radiate out from the station and BilSantum Plaza, at the heart
of the district. During the day and early evening, they are
always packed with carts, street vendors, buskers, and
pedestrians. Many of them simply take in the sights along the
thoroughfares, for all the world seems to bring its wares to
the elegant shops to sell: fine tailoring, tropical produce,
inlaid snuffboxes, children’s golems, gas-light lamps, and
feathery lace.
Old noble families that once lived here have long since
fled for quieter districts, their homes converted to two- and
three-story shops. In the side streets and alleys stand the
offices of lawyers and doctors, the dining halls of exclusive
gentleman’s clubs, actuaries, geothaumaturges, apothecaries,
and well-heeled gambling halls. The people here are wealthy
and know it, and the only pockets of poverty are those
inhabited by the parasites of the rich: pickpockets, expensive
escorts, fortunetellers, and palmists.
83
Dog Fenn
Poor
A place of markets with stolen goods, tired whores, and
(its only real distinction) the last operating station on the rail
line – which is dilapidated. Dog Fenn is a hotbed of rebellions
and illegal pamphleteering. Many believe the Runagate
Rampart, an uncensored newspaper and continuous thorn in
the side of the state, might be printed here. Pamphleteers
press papers into the hands of every passerby in many
sections of Dog Fenn, and it is a frequent location of civic
unrest of the shouting and rock-throwing variety. Rich
landlords visit at their peril; poor folk are rarely molested.
By the time the rivers have flowed through New
Crobuzon, their confluence – the Gross Tar – is thick with
garbage, sewage, and refuse of all kinds. As a result, a few
Dog Fenn river-fishers use nets, weirs, and even dredges to
eke a living from this flotsam.
Notable Mercantile Individuals
Splits Rib: Guildmaster of the Swole Solar Merchant guild (CN
male cactacae expert 10)
Khoinesheril: Harbormaster and Customs Collector (LN male
vodyanoi aristocrat 2/rogue 7)
Feshejheltis: President of the Vodyanoi Stevedores’ Guild. (N
female vodyanoi rogue 4/sorcerer 3)
Bartol Sedner: Head of Sedner’s Bank of Commerce (LG male
human expert 5)
Mashek Ghrashietnichs: Head of Paradox Concerns (LN male
vodyanoi expert 7)
Dhrachshachet: Financier, founder of the Drach Bank (LE
male vodyanoi expert 2/somaturge 5)
Dryside
Wealthy
Caught between the marginally more wealthy districts of
Canker Wedge and Flag Hill, Dryside gets little opportunity to
shine. Mostly a residential district of large manors, Dryside
also features a healthy smattering of the upper-middle-class,
and some impressive shopping centers to cater to them.
Echomire
Industrial
This savage industrial zone features extensive docks and
the many industries that come along with them. Canals,
warehouses, massive storage tanks, and dark alleys exemplify
this district. Residents are poor, and are mostly involved with
the docks in some capacity. The docks of Echomire merge
with neighboring Kelltree to create a truly massive complex.
The few New Crobuzon Perrickish immigrants live mostly
in Echomire.
Flag Hill
Wealthy
A fine hill district with excellent views and enormous
houses that back onto shared, gated gardens, Flag Hill has
long been home to bankers and captains of industry. Until
recently, its lower slopes included a number of “undesirable”
sections, but that has changed under Mayor Triesti.
In recent decades, its luxury housing has expanded as
builders have bought out or driven away the small pockets of
the poor and “unpleasantness” that once filled in sections of
Flag Hill, and many older row homes were torn down to make
way for edifices clad in stone, rather than brick, on the hill’s
lower slopes. Although it still lacks a bit of polish, it is a posh
place of rising status for new money. Some snobs have taken
to distinguishing “Old Flag Hill” near the top from “New Flag
Hill” around the flanks.
Flyside
Poor
Flyside shares much in common with its neighbor,
Riverskin. Full of cramped and cheap housing, Flyside is still
several steps above the city’s slums in terms of living
conditions, (although one or two blocks are nearly as bad.) It
has also managed to keep out most gangs and violent
activities, making it one of the best possible choices for poor
workers who want to raise a family in a safe environment.
The population here has a higher than average percentage of
xenians.
Gallmarch
Middle Class
A fairly unremarkable middle class suburb, Gallmarch has
few distinguishing characteristics, aside from a thin strip of
luxury apartments on the outer edge of the city, which bill
themselves as having an impressive view of the Rudewood
forest. Gallmarch also holds an annual fair, complete with
rides and carnival attractions of all kinds, including rare
exhibits and foreign delicacies.
Gidd
Middle Class
This old, noble district is split between East Gidd and
West Gidd, divided by the Canker River. It’s characterized by
wide streets, and a distinctive style of elegant, baroque
architecture.
One of West Gidd’s primary attractions is the Gidd
Library, more commonly known as Palgolak’s Library. Priests
and disciples of the god of knowledge operate the library,
which does not lend out books, but is open day and night.
The library is one of the best in Bas-Lag, rivaling the
University’s own library, and featuring the world’s best
collection of religious manuscripts.
Whereas most foreign embassies lie within Perdido
Street Station, a small few reside in the heart of East Gidd.
Some upscale factories, mainly for high quality textiles, also
reside in the district.
84

Glasshouse
Cactacae District
Built in the middle of the Riverskin district, this enormous
hothouse is home to a large fraction of the city’s cactacae.
Technically an independent country, the Glasshouse has its
own rules, laws, and culture. No entry is allowed for anyone
without permission, including militia, (although this
restriction means little in practice.)
As its name suggests, it is an entirely enclosed glasshouse
covering several city blocks which were originally designed
for human habitation. The glasshouse was built around the
already existing streets, so they run right up to the wall,
although they do not enter. The glass itself is usually opaque
with steam and dirt. The air inside is much warmer and drier
than outside, like the southern deserts that many cactacae
favor. Dune eagles and other desert birds live entirely within
the glass dome. In essence, they’ve recreated a slice of the
Cymek Dessert within New Crobuzon.
The Glasshouse has powerful fans for temperature
regulation, a light source that heats and brightens the
interior, and many buildings constructed in the traditional
cactacae style. The most imposing is a large red-stone step
pyramid that serves a religious function known only to the
cactacae, although some sort of sun worship seems likely.
The pyramid terraces are overflowing with desert plants, and
it is topped with a lensed heliochymical device that generates
powerful rays of sunlight, called a sunspear. Many of the
original buildings, designed for humans, have been expanded
and altered for cactacae habitation. Sand gardens are
common, and many rooftops are connected by swaying rope
bridges.
The Glasshouse entrances are always tightly guarded by
strong, steady cactacae armed with rivebows and sharp eyes.
It is strictly off-limits to non-cactacae. Those cactacae who
live outside and resent the Glasshouse often refer to it by an
older, obsolete name, “the Nursery.”
Glasshouse
Griss Fell
Industrial/Poor
The eastern, riverside portion of Griss Fell is dominated
by the industrial production machine, and the western half is
occupied by the laborers who work the plants. Homes are
small and shabby, often covered with soot blown from the
factories. A large soup kitchen feeds many homeless, which is
typically funded by charities from Kinken.
Griss Twist
Industrial
For every industry, here must be dumping grounds. Griss
Twist enjoyed a short-lived boom of small machinofacture
decades ago – all noise, smells, and profit. But it also became
the site of massive riverside dumping – at first clandestine,
then open – creating a new landscape of rubble, garbage, and
industrial offal, cartloads and bargeloads in steady
successions. Today the Griss Twist landscape is one of fenced-
in mounds of broken machines, rotting paper, mining slag,
organic offal, and chymical detritus. Hills, valleys, and piles
sorted by type, and lagoons of chymical liquid waste all have
their place. Most of the factories are long gone, but the
dumps are eternal, and the winds from Iron Bay sometimes
send a choking stench over the Tar into Petty Coil across the
river.
A few factories still work at half or quarter-time, sorting,
smelting, and sifting through the landscape of trash. The
region is most famous now for the Militia’s siege of the place,
which is said to have destroyed a rogue golem or construct in
the Construct Wars. The details are vague, and few dare to
poke about in the dumps to look for answers.
Gross Coil
Industrial
This district of soot and fumes is home to booming
industry such as the Bleckly Refinery and many other
firms. Factory workers crowd it every day, and in fact 85
it and Skulkford are sitting on layers of older buildings. For
hundreds of years these districts sunk into the mire, with new
buildings appearing atop old layers. The sewers here float
through old houses, streets, and warehouses. New
manufactories and workshops spring up constantly, and
workers arrive on the Sink Line each day to fill them. The
riverbank features shabby amphibious housing blocks for
vodyanoi workers.
Howl Barrow
Poor
This small slum is mostly known for its homosexual,
transvestite, and theatre community. These unlikely soldiers
formed the Pretty Brigade during the Collective conflict, and
fought bravely and effectively, although they were eventually
put down with the rest of the Collective. Since that time,
filthy but cheap Howl Barrow has continued to attract artists,
writers, and radicals pushed out of Salacus Fields by ongoing
gentrification. Many live destitute in their garrets or in tiny
studios at the back of a hopeful gallery.
Kelltree
Mercantile
Between Rust Bridge and Barley Bridge and served by its
own rail spur from the Dexter Line, Kelltree is dominated by
its large square docks. The channels are carved deep into the
clay here to make new passageways for ships of all varieties.
The district is an important workplace for many of the city’s
vodyanoi stevedores, who live nearby along the water in
Lichford and Gross Coil, and along the Tar in general. Both
vodyanoi and human laborers load and unload the cargos
that arrive daily.
The true terrain of Kelltree is not its land at all, but the
undulating forest of hundreds of ships that anchor here in
slips, basins, reservoirs, and canals built into the docklands.
Cranes and stevedores never stop moving, the masts of tall
ships smudge the skyline, and its warehouses are full to
bursting. Barges and tugs often take the goods further upriver
to Smog Bend and Gross Coil, or rails carry them throughout
the city.
Notable Religious Leaders
Thumbs Listing: Leader of the Glasshouse elders, high priest
of Sanshad-in-Crobuzon (LN male cactacae cleric 9)
Ged: Priest of Palgolak, Chief of Palgolak’s Library (LG male
vodyanoi cleric 7)
Johnson Jangford: Grand Leader of the Church of St. Jabber
(LG male human favored soul 14)
Queen Mother Janquin: Keeper of the Faith of Awesome
Broodma (NG female khepri cleric 13)
Ebenezer Flumbolt: Imposing Poobah of the Followers of
Limpid (NE male human expert 12)
Ketch Heath
Poor
Much of Ketch Heath is the result of a less-than-
successful, state-run project to provide cheap and plentiful
housing for the city’s growing population. Vast swaths of
twenty-story high-rises were constructed in Ketch Heath, by
far the largest collection of tall buildings in the city.
Unfortunately, these monoliths have become overcrowded
and under-maintenanced, and the entire district has become
shabby right along with them. Some areas are not too bad,
featuring avenues decorated with conifer trees, while others
are downright slums.
Notable Intellectuals
Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin: Scientist in exile, crisis engine
inventor (NG male human expert 18)
Lucia der Belsevere: Chancellor of the University of New
Crobuzon (LN female human sorcerer 7/loremaster 6)
Jonnal Nitsqueeger: Dean of the Science Faculty (CN male
human wizard 16)
Rolanda Shmegeg: Proprietor of Rolanda’s Thaumaturgic
Supplies (LG female llorgiss metallo-thaumaturge 13)
Thadius Stoke: Head of the New Crobuzon Inventors &
Researchers Guild (CG male human chymico-thaumaturge
12/rogue 2)
Kinken
Khepri District
The khepri have lived in Kinken for 700 years, since the
first contact with the Bered Kai Nev continent, but they were
very few in number until the Tragic Crossing. These days, all
of the district’s houses ooze the white mucus of home-grubs.
Although called grubs, they are actually beetles larger than
rhinos and they reshape architecture with phlegm-cement to
suit khepri standards, their little legs pushing them forward as
they eat their way through interiors. Home-grubs obey
khepri handlers who tug and guide them to make the right
renovations, using scent glands and special bridles.
The khepri, rather than the mayor, run Kinken semi-
autonomously, although no one admits to this state of affairs
openly. The khepri institutions are normally just mutual aid
societies, each of them answerable to a moiety chief and a
hive queen. In actuality, these societies are just facades for
the moieties or family clans themselves, some of which date
back to the earliest days of the khepri diaspora. The hive
queens control the streets, arrest and punish wrongdoers,
protect shopkeepers from xenian assault, and even levy
tributes paid directly to them in addition to city taxes. The
militia only visits when it must; lawbreakers harbored in the
ghetto are sometimes turned over to the militia after a back-
channel request or kept under house arrest within Kinken
itself.
Note that Kinken is a step up from the poorer khepri
homes in Creekside.
86

Lichford
Varied
One of the most varied districts of New Crobuzon,
Lichford features industrial zones, low-income housing, and
classy neighborhoods. Along the Tar River is an industrial
fringe, and shabby vodyanoi housing. Further inland, a band
of typical residential neighborhoods dominate, and further
still, a narrow stripe of expensive townhouses borders on
Vaudois Hill.
Ludmead
Wealthy
Although not quite as posh as some of the northern
districts, Ludmead is undoubtedly a classy neighborhood.
Elegant architecture and the old money that goes with it,
though, are only half the story of Ludmead. The other half is
the University of New Crobuzon. This landmark of the city is a
sprawling complex of lecture halls and laboratories which
occupies several blocks.
Ludmead is also home of the Ludmead Station, a well-
kept, neatly-tiled station on the Dexter line. A ring of noisy
and cheap student taverns surrounds the university, and a
good system of streetlights illuminates Ludmead. Walking
there at night is quite safe.
University of New Crobuzon
Sporting old brickwork and large halls surrounding a tree-
lined green quadrangle in the heart of the old campus, the
university sits between Ludmead, Mafaton, and Saltbur. The
Science Faculty, (which includes the study of thaumaturgy,)
the Arts Faculty, the Language Faculty, the Engineering
Faculty, and the Commerce Faculty all have their own
buildings, each with a porter who makes sure that vagrants
and others stay out of the classrooms and laboratories. The
University Library is also famous in its own right.
Kinken
The students are overwhelmingly male and human, but
some xenians and women also attend. The university is
considered very prestigious, and although it mirrors many of
the city’s prejudices and shortcomings, an education from
this institution is still something to be coveted.
Mafaton
Wealthy
Mafaton is a rich district with little to recommend it to
the non-wealthy. Mafaton is the location of the Arrowhead
mansion, home to the Penton family which controls the
Arrowhead mines. A popular rumor is that the mansion is a
veritable fortress, and contains a secret underground rail line
to a secure boathouse on the Canker. No proof of this exists,
but the story is widely believed.
Mog Hill
Wealthy
Wealthy but otherwise uninteresting, a few houses of
the larger manors have dedicated mooring posts for aerostats
or dirigibles. Security patrols here are quite frequent – all the
better to keep out the riffraff from neighboring Badside.
Murkside
Poor
A fairly backwater district, Murkside is a typical riverside
community, with a smattering of docks and factories near the
shore and poorer housing neighborhoods further inland. A
few lower-rung gangs run in Murkside.
Nigh Sump
Wealthy
Quite old and prosperous, Nigh Sump features wide
streets and well-kept old buildings, some of which
feature the old Os Tumulus style, with embedded 87
fossils in the walls. The famous glasheim, a facade of intricate
stained glass, is considered one of city's prettiest places, and
its beauty is well protected from vandals or accidents by
dedicated guards. It is located near the Piazza della Settimana
di Polvere (Place of the Week of Dust,) a trimmed garden of
fox-rose and tall stones.
Notable Crime Lords
Mr. Motley: The gangster lord of Bonetown, Mr. Motley is
almost never seen in person. This is because his body has
somehow been horrendously transformed by Torque into a
jumbled collection of body parts. He seems oddly proud of this.
(CE male chaos-touched Remade human rogue 14)
Francine 2: The gangster queen of Kinken, daughter of the
legendary (and assassinated) Ma Francine. (CN female khepri
fighter 6/rogue 5)
Savage Peter: Based out of the Spatters slum, this gang-lord is
not so much respected as he is outright feared. He’s fond of
impaling his foes and letting them rot in the sun; his name
conjures fear well beyond the district’s borders. The garuda
circling over the district are said to be his eyes; indeed, it is true
that little escapes his attention. (NE human male fighter 5/rogue
3/blackguard 2)
Pelorus Fields
Middle Class
This respectable district is, while not as extreme as
Sheck, still fairly antagonistic towards xenians, and even more
toward Remade. Humans are fairly well-off here, and Pelorus
Fields boasts many offices, gardens, fountains, churches,
markets, and tea dens.
Petty Coil
Middle Class
Petty Coil is part of Old Town. Previously an elite district
with wide streets and great mansions, it was abandoned by
its rich inhabitants who were disturbed by the smog and
noise from industries of Griss Twist across the river. Many of
the mansions were rebuilt and became homes for craftsmen.
Some houses in Petty Coil are almost a thousand years old;
Cockscomb Bridge is said to be one of city's oldest buildings.
Pincod
Poor
Despite its proximity to its wealthy neighbors, Pincod has
seen better days. Many of the buildings here have not
received regular maintenance for decades, and will likely
collapse into full blown slums in the not-too-distant future.
Many junkies and gang members take refuge not on the
streets, but in hastily-made rooftop shanties.
Raven’s Gate
Slum
This brutalized warren of rotting buildings is encased in
an ever-present layer of slime and oppressive moisture. The
houses seem to dribble a pale ooze that seeps into every
crevice and clogs the alleyways. Disease outbreaks here are
common.
Rim
Middle Class
Part of Old Town, this sweeping district near Perdido
Street Station has wide streets and stuccoed houses,
exhibiting its prosperity to the world. There is old money
here, but even so, Rim is still far from being the most elegant
or decadent district in New Crobuzon. Beneath the clean
surface, parts of Rim are crumbling and losing their austerity.
Riverskin
Poor
Riverskin has distinct northern and southern regions. The
southern half of Riverskin is much like its neighbor, Flyside. It
is cheap and not too violent, crowded, and mostly good-
natured. It is a racially mixed area, with a large human
majority beside small colonies of vodyanoi by the quiet canal,
and even a little two-street khepri hive, (a rare traditional
community outside of Kinken and Creekside.) Southern
Riverskin is also home to some of the city’s small number of
more exotic races.
But northern Riverskin is a very different story. It is
quieter, more sullen, verging on qualifying as a slum in some
locations. It is the preserve of a large community of the
cactacae underclass – those who might enter the Glasshouse
to shop and worship, but are forced to live in the city proper.
Salacus Fields
Wealthy
A place of fashion and the fashionable, poets and
pamphleteers, as well as the latest breed of junkies, the
residents of Salacus Fields delight in the scandalous and the
outré. The district is crowded with tea-houses and bars,
clothes here are bright and artistic, and it is a fine place for
romance.
The plentiful artists vary from the wealthiest, with their
patrons and lucrative city contracts, to the conventionally
successful. Many of the artists are xenians working with
golem-thaumaturgy (common among the vodyanoi) or
sculptural gland-artists (best known among the khepri.) The
district’s reputation for dissidence and radical artistry is
mostly just that at this point, however, as it draws in rich
students and younger sons; the truly radical artists and
pamphleteers have decamped to Howl Barrow. Salacus Fields
retains some weekender-chic and is slowly gentrifying, much
to the horror of its older residents.
Serpolet
Middle Class
Serpolet is a middle class suburb with few distinctive
features. It borders the outer bounds of New Crobuzon, the
horrid slum of Spatters, and the vast Rudewood forest,
meaning that the communities of Serpolet tend to be rather
insular.
88
Saltbur
Middle Class
The majority of Saltbur consists of respectable
communities, especially near the University, although the
neighborhoods grow rougher near the border of Pincod,
where several ten- and fifteen-story towerblocks sit. Saltbur
is home to the Magpie Cathedral.
Sangwine
Middle Class
Although Sangwine is nearly a mile from the River Tar,
some canals reach this far inland for easy access to the
notable upper-scale factories in the district. Bustling market-
places and decent housing can easily be found in Sangwine.
Sheck
Poor
So well-known for anti-xenian unrest that it has its own
militia tower, Sheck is technically a step above the slums. It is
separated from Kinken by a couple of small parks, and for
many it is the first step out of poverty and into the petty
bourgeois. Despite this, Sheck is an area that often supplies
funds to the rebellions elsewhere, and many union
organizers, journalists, and others who disturb the rich and
powerful live here, close to their contacts. As such, right-wing
reactionaries from Gross Coil, the Crow, and the Glasshouse,
as well as Brock Marsh’s bully-boys and organizers for the
New Quill, all seem to have friends in Sheck. Xenians rarely
visit Sheck any longer than they absolutely must.
Skulkford
Industrial
Skulkford shares much in common with its neighbor,
Gross Coil. This old part of the city is built on layer upon layer
of buildings which have sunk into the muck. Currently, the
district is best known for its cramped sweatshops – a dubious
claim to fame, to be sure.
Smog Bend
Industrial
Ages ago, these neighborhoods bore the name “Didacai
Village,” but this term is antiquated, stemming from a time
when the district was but a small collection of buildings
outside the gates of the city proper. To this day, the two great
pillars which comprised the gates of the Old City still stand,
although their ruined surfaces are hardly inspiring, being
largely vandalized by graffiti.
In modern times, most of Smog Bend has been given to
industry. Warehouses and factories dominate much of the
riverside landscape, which have given the district its modern
name.
Currency
10 brass sheckles to the mark; 10 copper marks to the stiver;
10 silver stivers to the gold guinea.
Sobek Croix
Poor
Sobek Croix is an odd mixture of collapsing slums and
pastoral treescapes. Public maintenance is infrequent, and
the street lighting is faint, where it exists at all. Many groves
of trees and gardens dot the landscape. The district
occasionally houses traveling carnivals and outdoor shows,
like Mr. Bombadrezil’s Unique and Wonderful Fair.
Sobek Park
The district borders the largest park in the city, Sobek
Park, and untamed area of greenery as large as some city
districts. Most of the outer edges are cultivated, and some
even feature playgrounds and shabby picnic areas, but the
interior regions are notoriously unsafe, especially at night.
Spatters
Slum
At the edge of Rudewood, this slum of desperate shacks
is the garuda ghetto, the worst of the worst. Unlike the other
slums, it isn’t a collapsed section of city buildings, but a pure
shanty town, built shack by shack from refuse and cast-offs. It
is the home of Savage Peter, a gang lord who is not so much
respected as he is feared. The garuda circling over the alleys
and byways of Spatters are said to be part of his gang.
Spatters is such an eyesore that the city uses the
buildings of Vaudois Hill to deliberately block its view of the
decrepit landscape.
Spit Hearth
Middle Class
Part of Old Town, Spit Hearth is built of many old stone
houses and has a lively industry in the form of restaurants,
specialty workshops, and clothing boutiques. Many churches
also dot the district, which has historically been a haven for
those with dissenting religious philosophies. However, there
are also two less savory aspects to this district.
One of these are the punishment factories. These
subterranean warrens are where the city’s Remade are
created. Although mostly hidden, the terrible screams of the
tormented can occasionally be heard on the streets. Most
residents choose to stoically ignore this hidden economy.
The second is perhaps the city’s worst-kept secret: the
red-light zone. This brothel quarter does not cater to the
poor, but rather is a center of organized and relatively upper-
scale prostitution. The outer edges of the zone cater to
traditional human and xenian tastes, but in the dark corridors
of the interior, the most bizarre and devious fetishes are
catered to. There are even illicitly created Remade, who exist
for the sole purpose of catering to those with the most
outlandish of sexual desires.
St. Jabber’s Mound
Slum
The slumping hillside shanties of St. Jabber’s Mound
constantly threaten to slide into the next district
whenever a storm washes out the slopes. This state of 89
affairs is especially sad, since this is where (according to
legend,) Jabber made his proclamations which would shape
the future of New Crobuzon.
Stoneshell
Slum
Stoneshell is a dump – literally. Only the lowliest of the
paupers stoop to calling Stoneshell home. Consisting mainly
of huge rubbish heaps, the homeless and destitute often
comb through the trash piles, desperately searching out any
valuable scrap.
Strack Island
Governmental
Parliament is a dark edifice, a set of smoky black walls
that jut from Strack Island like a shark’s tooth or a stingray’s
jag, some monstrous organic weapon rending the sky. The
Parliament building at the confluence of the Canker and the
Tar is actually a sprawling complex of government offices,
laboratories, holding cells for high-level political prisoners,
and archives of all city records. The living quarters of the Lord
Mayor and his ministers are also here, for use in times of
unrest or civic disturbance.
The primary section of Parliament is the legislative
building itself, home to the constant deliberations, bribery,
and brinksmanship that make up New Crobuzoner political
life. Numbers of politicians vary from session to session, as
new rules of order are adopted by each Parliament to govern
the size of the succeeding one, but generally between 300
and 500 members of Parliament work and live on Strack
Island during the height of the sessions.
The mayor’s office in Parliament is the Lemquist Room, a
veritable mini-fortress, with soundproof walls and exquisite
decorating. If he so chose, the mayor could govern from this
room alone, using a multitude of speaking tubes to
communicate with sections of the city.
The island is not open to the public. The waters
surrounding the island are patrolled by vodyanoi militia. The
skies above are watched by aerostats and well-trained
garuda. The grounds themselves don’t appear heavily armed
to the untrained eye, but are protected by well-placed sniper
towers and a series of underground tunnels for moving
troops quickly around the island out of sight.
Just southeast of the island proper is an uninhabited and
undeveloped smaller islet known as Little Strack.
Sunter
Industrial
The arcades of Sunter are devoted almost entirely to
shipping and the production of various goods. Neither shabby
nor shiny, Sunter is a run of the mill riverside quarter.
Syriac
Poor
Set into a large depression in the underlying clay, Syriac
boasts one of the largest cactacae neighborhoods outside of
the Glasshouse. This is likely because the buildings here tend
to be set further apart than normal, providing adequate
elbow room.
Syriac Well
Slum
The series of slums that make up Syriac Well spread
outward from Tincture Prom, the main thoroughfare linking
Syriac, Pelorus Fields, and Syriac Well. One location of note
within Syriac Well is the city’s largest charity medical facility,
the Veruline Hospital, maintained and operated by the
Veruline Monks. It is not a top-of-the-line facility, but for
many of the city’s sick and injured, it’s the best they could
hope for.
Tar Wedge
Middle Class
As one walks westward across Tar Wedge, one would
slowly leave behind the affluence of Canker Wedge and
emerge into the squalor of Raven’s Gate. In general, this
averages out into a middle-of-the-road district. There are
several prominent towers in Tar Wedge, both of temples and
residential complexes.
Although the weather manipulating cloudtowers no
longer serve their primary function, the city’s primary tower
is located in Tar Wedge, and from there the city’s
meteoromancers still monitor and predict the weather.
Vaudois Hill
Poor
Built on a long, narrow hill on the outskirts of Lichford,
Vaudois Hill performs one important function: blocking the
city’s sight of the ugly Spatters squalor. The classier sections
of Lichford like to pretend that Vaudois Hill marks the city
limits, so that they needn’t worry at all about the festering
sore which is Spatters. The apartments of Vaudois are mostly
lower-class.
Environs & Localities
New Crobuzon is no mere town – it is a powerful city-
state. Its direct influence spreads over hundreds of miles,
encompassing all of the resources needed for the metropolis
to thrive. The following places are either directly
90
controlled by the city, or deeply embedded within its
influence.
Arrowhead Mines
Owned by the Penton family, the Arrowhead mines are
miles outside the city proper, but their ore comes to the city’s
smelters every day by rail. A private line, carefully defended,
runs from the mines to the city’s edges, and the whole
complex is part of a large commercial cartel – rather shadowy
and shifty – with connections and holdings in heavy industry,
thickets of front-men and hollowed-out chartered firms.
At its heart, Arrowhead is a very large and powerful firm,
run by the elder Jesiah Penton for forty years until it passed
on to his son, also named Jesiah Penton. The mines produce
primarily iron and coal, but a small amount of other materials
as well.
The Pentons were deeply involved in the creation of the
torque bombs that destroyed Suroch during the Pirate Wars.
It is rumored that secret research facilities exist deep within
the hollowed out tunnels of Arrowhead Mines.
Dead Claw
The rocky crags that make up this tip of the peninsula are
unsuitable for growing crops. This area’s only claim to fame is
for its dangerous outcroppings that have wrecked
many a vessel. 91

Drilling Platforms
Hidden in a remote stretch of ocean somewhere within
the Hebdomad, New Crobuzon has stationed several top-
secret technological marvels – aquatic drilling platforms.
These stationary platforms are a marvel of modern
ingenuity unlike anything else. Guided by the intuition of a
geoempath, they drill deep into the ocean floor, where they
extract oil, mercus, and even rockmilk. These resources are a
boon to the economy and the research capabilities of New
Crobuzon.
The platforms operate within the cray territory of
Salkrikaltor, thanks to a treaty between the Commonwealth
and New Crobuzon. Several years ago, an experimental
mobile platform, the Sorghum, was burgled out from under
the cray’s noses, a huge embarrassment for both parties.
Rockmilk
Rockmilk, or more formally lactus saxi, is a highly viscous
liquid as heavy as magma, but bone cold to the touch. It is dense
with thaumaturgons, charged particles which can alter or
enhance thaumaturgical effects. It is typically only found at
great depths underground, and is worth several times its
considerable weight in gold or diamonds.
Effect: Using one ounce of rockmilk as an optional material
component when a spell is cast will allow the caster to apply any
two metamagic effects to the spell without raising the level of
the spell, or any other penalty. The caster does not need to
know the metamagic feats in question. The component is
destroyed upon use.
Price: 1,500 gp per ounce
Ghost Wood
On the northern shore of the lake deep within Rudewood
is an area where nothing new seems to grow. The landscape
is dotted with ancient dry tree husks and little else. Local
legends persist that the cause of this stagnation is tied to dark
magic and strange, terrible beasts. A team of researchers
from the University of New Crobuzon, however, theorize that
the lake periodically belches poisonous fumes originating
from algal blooms, which kill anything in the immediate area.
Whatever the cause… the place sure is spooky.
Grain Spiral
The millions of residents of New Crobuzon consume vast
quantities of food. This necessitates a huge expenditure of
time, logistics, and resources. At the foundation of this effort:
vast swaths farmland.
That’s where the Grain Spiral comes in. Sprawling over
the majority of the peninsula, this breadbasket of the city is
full to bursting with farmland, cattle pastures, milk dairies,
and all manner of food production facilities. It is here that
practically all of the food which graces the plates of the city’s
masses originates.
Thousands of farmers and support staff live scattered
along the countryside of the Grain Spiral. These people have
just as great a need for community and supplies as the people
of the city, so dozens of small towns also dot the landscape.
Much of the Spiral is supplied with water thanks to one
of the most advanced irrigation systems in the known world.
A great portion of the mighty Gross Tar River is diverted from
its natural course, forced a lengthy distance inland, where it
feeds the irrigation canals. The fact that the Gross Tar is
heavily saturated with swamp algae, sewage, and refuse
actually works to the Spiral’s advantage, acting as a fertilizer
for the crops.
Iron Bay
As the receiving area for the immense merchant fleets
visiting New Crobuzon, Iron Bay is closely guarded, and
entirely under the control of the city. Patrols of naval
ironclads are a common sight in these waters. Several New
Crobuzon state shipyards are scattered along the rim of the
bay, as are docking stations which are used to ship out the
food produced by the Grain Spiral.
Lubbock Scrub
North of Iron Bay, skirting the coastline to the east of the
Bezhek Peaks lies the harsh Lubbock Scrub. This semiarid
scrubland is dotted with a handful of small fishing villages, as
well as a few more substantial ruins – cities left largely
devastated in the ancient Pirate Wars.
Mendican Foothills
These leftovers of the Dancing Shoe Mountains are by
and large utilized for farmland and the rearing of livestock. In
a sense, the Mendican Foothills are the little brother of the
Grain Spiral; just like the Spiral, the food and goods produced
in the Hills go almost entirely toward feeding New Crobuzon.
Unlike the Spiral, though, which has a deeply ingrained and
closely monitored relationship with the city, the farmers of
the Hills are much more like free agents. (They also tend to
be poorly educated and bigoted.)
Bandits are a fairly frequent sight for travelers in these
parts, especially just at the feet of the mountains, an area
known as the Cold Dust.
Pig-Town
This ramshackle collection of buildings is less of a town
(pigs and goats outnumber people at least 5 to 1,) and more
of a rural communal trading post. Although, to its credit, it is
actually a fairly decent trading post. Pig-Town acts as a hub of
communication and transportation, offering the scattered
farmers of the Mendican Foothills a way to sell their goods
and get them to New Crobuzon. There are even a few
passenger aerostats available for rent.
Rudewood
Although one of the smaller forests of Rohagi, the
Rudewood has nevertheless earned its reputation for
92
being a bastion of nature in an increasingly urban world.
The Rudewood is notorious for being difficult to tame.
The verdant trees of the forest tend to grow back with a
vengeance when felled, making it a challenge to claim
farmland or real estate from the woodlands. As such, there
are relatively few humans who call the Rudewood home, and
only a few outsider villages exist within its confines – and
those tend to be on the outskirts of the forest.
The forest is far from deserted, though. As the ancestral
home of the hotchi, a great many hedgehog-folk dwell within
the Rudewood, primarily living in small, close-knit
communities. As a rule, hotchi are very tolerant of outsiders,
but are usually more than happy to remain at home. A fair
few stiltspear have also colonized the forest’s southern
regions.
The northern reaches of the Rudewood abut New
Crobuzon itself. This stretch of the forest went untouched for
years, but the new Grande Tramway cuts through the edges
of the forest as it leaves the city. One might imagine that the
unclaimed woods near the city would be rife with vagrants,
but wild predators and a scarcity of edible plants temper this
notion.
Skugford
Perched on the edge of Sully Swamp, this small
backwater community lives off the land – or, muck, as it
were.
Small Town (conventional); AL CN
Government Mayoral; Tech Level 2
Gold Guinea Limit ₲ 1,000; Assets ₲ 250,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 937 (scattered)
Type human dominant (92% human, 4% vodyanoi, 2%
cactacae, 1% stiltspear, 1% other races).
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Runnshin Lark, Mayor; Jessup Abersnatch, Sheriff
A fairly ramshackle collection of buildings, (only some of
which are on dry land,) the village of Skugford is home to
those rugged individuals who make a living off of Sully
Swamp.
Skugford proper has a small town square with amenities
common to minor rural communities and a few scattered
homes, although most town “residents” have stilt-bound
homes a great distance away from the town’s center.
The animal skins, rare plants, and exotic meats produced
by the residents of Skugford are sent down the Tar River,
(which is nearby,) departing from Skugford’s very own
docking facility.
Sully Swamp
With the dubious claim to fame of being Rohagi’s largest
swamp, Sully is an area generally avoided by most folk.
However, the tough leathery skins of its natural fauna and the
medicinal value of some rare bog plants are an attractive
enough prospect for some humans to make a living in the
wetlands. Many of these individuals congregate in Skugford,
the largest settlement in the region. Deeper in the swamp,
though, a hearty breed of vodyanoi have their own
underwater communities.
Tarmuth
If one followed the Gross Tar River from New Crobuzon
to where it meets the Iron Bay fifteen miles later, one would
run right into Tarmuth, the city’s principle satellite town.
Large Town (conventional); AL LE
Government Extension of New Crobuzon; Tech Level 3
Gold Guinea Limit ₲ 19,000; Assets ₲ 3,650,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 3,215 permanent, (6,230 with day-workforce)
Type mixed (74% human, 9% cray, 7% cactacae, 7% khepri,
2% menfish, 1% other races).
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Jornelius Ramsdun, Alderman of Tarmuth; Jeoffry Stine,
Dockmaster; Ronaldo Tynz, Sheriff
In many ways, Tarmuth is not a separate city, but a direct
extension of New Crobuzon. Under the watchful eye of the
Alderman, (a post appointed directly by the Lord Mayor of
New Crobuzon,) the people of Tarmuth dutifully play their
role in the great economic machine of the city.
The town itself is long and narrow, following the shore a
mile or so north and south of the estuary, split in two by the
river. A few thousand individuals reside in the town, but
many more make the daily journey from New Crobuzon by
boat and cart to work – not to mention the multitude of
visitors and sailors who visit this bustling port.
Tarmuth’s main role is that of ship building. As a coastal
mercantile city-state, New Crobuzon obviously requires a vast
fleet of both trading vessels and warships, and almost
universally, these are born in Tarmuth. The coastline is dotted
with scores of shipyards, ceaselessly churning out both
wooden trade ships and ironclad naval vessels. Each yard is
serviced by tangled networks of private railways which
deliver raw materials.
The town’s secondary function is to serve as a receiving
dock for goods being shipped to New Crobuzon. In the distant
past, New Crobuzon did not have enough docks or
infrastructure to handle all of the required shipping traffic
itself. In modern times this has been rectified, and most
reputable ships sail past Tarmuth in order to dock at the city
directly. As a consequence, Tarmuth’s trade docks rarely
reach past half capacity. However, tramp traders and
independent captains who do not wish to pay the high fees
required to do business with the city directly instead opt to
unload their goods in Tarmuth, where they will eventually
make their way to New Crobuzon.
93
Bas-Lag
Bas-Lag is a world whose enormity is only now being
glimpsed by the races detailed within this volume.
Planetary Matters
The seasons and rotation of Bas-Lag conform to the
normal standards of most worlds. Of distinction are Bas-Lag’s
moons: they consist of one large primary body, which in turn
is orbited by two smaller “daughters.” This arrangement
crops up in myths and religious texts all across Rohagi.
Continents
The continent on which New Crobuzon resides is called
Rohagi, and it is the best explored landmass of Bas-Lag.
Shoteka to the south and Bered Kai Nev to the east have
been only lightly explored, and plentiful islands dot the
oceans. Rumors persist of other far-off and hidden lands.
Oceans
The best-charted ocean lies on the eastern shores of
Rohagi, and is called the Swollen Ocean. It is home to several
aquatic races and civilizations. To the north of the continent
lies the icy Rime Ocean. Other oceans of the world include
the Boxash, the Vassilly, the Tarribor, the Teuchor, the Clock,
the Hidden, and the Muted, in addition to the Gentleman’s
Sea, the Black Sandbar Sea, and the Spiral Sea.
Torque & Cacotopoi
Torque is the name given to a naturally occurring miasma
of unknown origin which brings about random chaos in all
that it touches. It has a nature that is fundamentally
unknowable and unpredictable.
Bas-Lag and New Crobuzon in particular had some scant
knowledge of Torque prior to 500 years ago, but all of Rohagi
became very well acquainted with the phenomenon at that
time, when a massive eruption of Torque sprung into
existence which covered thousands of square miles of
western Ragamoll. It was quickly dubbed the Cacotopic Stain
(from “cacotopos,” literally, “bad place.”) Some scholars still
take exception to this name, as Torque is not inherently
“bad,” but mindless and motiveless in the most random way.
(The plural form is “cacotopoi.”)
The effects of Torque are less frequent on the outskirts
of the Stain – the same goes for any Torque Zone – and grow
progressively worse further in. Passing through the edges can
have disastrous consequences, as the nature of reality is
fundamentally warped. Random, bloodless holes may appear
in the body; extra, alien appendages may sprout; body parts
or machinery may gain minds of their own – almost anything
one can imagine is a possible consequence of Torque
exposure (also known as Torque sickness.)
Natural beasts that have been warped by Torque, as well
as alien beings spawned entirely from Torque itself often
emerge into the countryside, and settlements of the region
have adapted in order to handle these confounding threats.
Torque: Game Rules
Entering Cacotopoi: Even being near a Torque Zone brings the
risk of becoming chaos-touched, aka contracting Torque
sickness. Every creature within the bounds of the “outskirts” of
a cacotopoi has a chance of becoming afflicted.
Every 24 hours, any living creature within these bounds is
subject to the DM rolling a d10 for each being. A roll of 10
results in the creature becoming chaos-touched (see page 26).
Thaumaturgy: The laws that govern the use of thaumaturgy
break down in these areas. Any time a spell is cast or other
similar thaumaturgic effect (i.e. magic item) is utilized within
these boundaries, a caster must make a successful caster level
check (1d20 + spellcaster level) against a DC of 15 + the level of
the attempted spell or effect. A failed check means the spell is
subject to the following table of random Torque effects:
Torque Thaumaturgic Effects
d% Effect
1-10 The spell simply fails.
11-25 The spell rebounds on the caster with normal effect. If
the spell cannot affect the caster, it simply fails.
26-35 The spell fails, dealing 2d6 damage to the caster.
36-45 The spell affects a random target or area. The DM
should randomly choose a different target from among
those in range of the spell or center the spell at a
random place within range of the spell. To generate
direction randomly, roll 1d8 and count around the
compass, starting with north. To generate range
randomly, roll 3d6. Multiply the result by 5 feet for
close range spells, 20 feet for medium range spells, or
80 feet for long range spells.
46-55 The spell functions normally, but any material
components are not consumed. The spell is not
expended from the caster’s mind (a spell slot or
prepared spell can be used again). An item does not
lose charges, and the effect does not count against an
item’s or spell-like ability’s use limit.
56-65 The spell does not function. Instead, everyone (friend
or foe) within 30 feet of the caster receives 2d6 chaotic
damage.
66-70 The spell does not function. Instead, a reverse gravity
effect covers a 30-foot radius around the caster for 1
round.
71-80 The spell does not function, but shimmering colors swirl
around the caster for 1d4 rounds. Consider this a
glitterdust effect with a save DC of 10 + the level of the
spell that generated this result.
81-85 The spell functions strongly. Saving throws against the
spell suffer a –2 penalty. The spell has the maximum
possible effect, as if it were cast with the Maximize
Spell feat. If the spell is already maximized with the
feat, there is no further effect.
86-91 The spell works, but the geometry of the ground itself
reacts, randomly buckling. Every creature in a 20 ft.
radius will trip and fall prone, Reflex saving throw DC 15
+ the level of the spell than generated the result.
92-96 The spell fails, and the caster is affected as though by a
targeted dispel magic, using the caster’s own caster
level for the dispel check.
97-99 The spell works, & randomly select a chaos-touched
effect (see page ) to affect the caster for 1 hour.
100 Roll two above effects.
94
 The inner regions of any Torque Zone are impassible, as
the chaotic effects of Torque grow worse and more frequent
further in. Hopeful observers peering inwards often see
objects and events that defy comprehension – some have
even gone mad from the sights.
Based on experience and observations, it seems that
these zones have a set lifetime. They emerge suddenly, slowly
decay, and eventually evaporate. However, it would seem
their lifespans are exceptionally long, at least 1,000 years,
and perhaps even longer.
There are three known Torque Zones in Rohagi. One
small, old zone lies far to the northwest; the Cacotopic Stain
itself lies in the heart of the continent, posing an impassible
barrier; and the man-made zone over the ruins of Suroch (see
page 108) sits in the northeast.
Torque Storms
Occasionally, a Torque storm will sweep across the land,
bringing a small taste of Cacotopic chaos to far-flung lands.
These storms may originate within a known zone, or may be
random manifestations. Around New Crobuzon, these
phenomena were most common after the Cacotopic Stain
first appeared, about 500 years ago, and have steadily grown
more infrequent, today being quite rare. From this data, it
would seem that the phenomena are some sort of side effect
from a new zone that naturally forms.
The effects of Torque storms are mild compared to a true
Cacotopic Zone, but are still quite disturbing. Monstrous
births, spontaneous mutations, and buildings with suddenly
altered geometry are the most common effects.
Rohagi
Rohagi is the home continent to the city-state of New
Crobuzon. It also contains vast inner seas, long stretches of
mountains, and the impassable Cacotopic Stain which makes
overland travel from the east to the west difficult or
impossible. For this reason, New Crobuzon and many other
powers have a great dependency on the coastal waters for
transport and defense.
Most of the influential powers in Rohagi consist of
powerful city-states which hold sway over vast tracks of
sparsely populated territory. In the modern era, traditional
warfare is rare, and most nations maintain diplomatic ties to
one another – although most of them would still likely rejoice
from the destruction of their neighbors.
Cold Claw Sea
The frigid Cold Claw Sea is an inland body of water so
vast that it could even be described as an ocean unto itself.
The immensity of the sea is home to a great many
civilizations, both above and below the surface. As a
freshwater sea, the Cold Claw is a hospitable environment for
vodyanoi; the vodyanoi territory of Jangsach expands over
the iciest regions of the northern Cold Claw.
To the south sprawls the human kingdom of Kar Torrer,
while in the east festers the Gengris, lair of the murderous
grindylow. In the center of the Cold Claw lies the isolated
Yanni Seckilli Island, the strange home of the llorgiss.
Beneath the waves, corokanth and a few cray have
longstanding communities, although none of these societies
comes close to rivaling the vast undersea empires of the
Swollen Ocean.
The Gengris
The homeland of the terrifying grindylow (see pg) is an
amphibious badland, about which the civilized world knows
next to nothing. It stretches across the southeastern reaches
of the Cold Claw Sea, from the muddy lake bottom all the way
up to Flint Ridge.
The Gengris is something between an island, a half-sunk
city, and a myth. Imagine a festering bog as far as the eye can
see – in places, the water is shallow enough to wade through,
while in others, vast murky depths lie in wait. A few islands of
dry land are scattered here and there, upon which are built
imposing structures of dark stone.
It has no near neighbors, which is just as well, given the
grindylows’ paranoia and their horrible treatment of those
who fall into their hands. Rumors tell of “limb-farms” and
forced labor “bile workshops” where the grindylow grind up
any creature unfortunate enough to cross their path.
Government
No outsider has the faintest clue as to how the grindylow
govern themselves. Their way of doing things is so alien that
no easy parallels can be drawn between their culture and the
rest of the world. It does appear, however, that the grindylow
function as a completely harmonious entity – those rare
individuals who have dealt with them and lived to tell the tale
say that the concept of secrecy is almost foreign to the
grindylow, as it almost never occurs to them that a fellow
grindylow could misuse information or inflict harm upon a
brother.
Economy
The vast majority of Rohagi
(those who have even heard of the
Gengris, that is,) believe the region
to be 100% insular, but this is not
entirely the case. Like every
advanced culture, the
grindylow need materials that
they themselves cannot
produce, and for this they
rely upon outsider traders,
who they pay in pure gold.
Only the bravest or most
foolish merchants attempt to
deal with the grindylow,
however. Not only are their trade requests bizarre and
tedious, but their social rules and etiquette are utterly
incomprehensible. There’s always an outside chance that, no
matter how one conducts himself, he’ll be brutally
slaughtered upon completion of the transaction. 96

Map of the Western Cold Claw Sea
Military
The exact strength of grindylow might is unknown, but
it’s certainly powerful enough that no one in recent memory
has dared to test it. For the most part, the grindylow are
isolationists and do not wage outward war, but hunting
parties have been known to savagely pursue fugitives literally
across the globe.
Religion
Gengris religion is as opaque to outsiders as the rest of
their culture – scholars believe they worship a variety of
godlings and ancestor-spirits, with which their magi
commune. They are known to build malachite chapels,
forbidden to all outsiders, where dark and mysterious rites
are performed.
Gazetteer
 The skin library resides in a daunting town on the slopes
of Flint Ridge.
 The salp vats grow tons of green murky goop as a
favored food source.
 Sweltering bile workshops can be found in numerous
locations, site where human slaves are bred for alien
rites or worked to the bone.
Adventure Seeds
 Desperate and destitute, your party is forced to make a
trade deal with the grindylow. Things go south, and your
party is left on the run in the middle of this alien
hellscape.
 A rich party has hired your group to infiltrate the Gengris
and retrieve a powerful and mysterious grindylow
artifact.
Jangsach
Jangsach is a large but decentralized vodyanoi country
made up of independent fiefdoms, each ruled by a vodyanoi
baron or chieftain.
Large City (nation capital); AL CN
Government Tribal Chiefdom; Tech Level 2
Ingot Limit 200,000 ingots; Assets 325,000,000 ingots
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 123,500
Type vodyanoi-dominant (97% vodyanoi, 2% corokanth, 1%
human).
Religions Palgolak; Languages Fellid Vodyanoi
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Flodyinach, Chief of Chiefs; John Salnict, Trade Minister
The frigid vodyanoi nation of Jangsach is largely
submarine. Most of its territory lies beneath the waves of the
Cold Claw Sea, and although Jangsach does control the
associated shoreline, this control does not reach very far
inland. The only dry territory of any size within the nation is
the de facto capital city, which also carries the name
Jangsach.
The city of Jangsach consists mainly of low wooden
buildings, constructed from the vast reaches of evergreen
timber found in the region. Many of the vodyanoi here are
not permanent residents, but rather are those who are
performing tribal duties that can only be done on dry land,
such as securing trade deals or embarking on hunting parties.
The few human citizens of Jangsach mostly live in the capital,
and work as long-distance traders.
Government
The vodyanoi of Jangsach, unlike their cousins in
Gharcheltist, do not possess a true central government.
Rather, the nation consists of a moderately coherent union of
numerous tribal fiefdoms. Tribes gather along family lines,
and are usually led by the most powerful warrior (or in some
cases, shaman,) among them. Upon a leader’s death, tribes
choose a new leader, seek to merge with another tribe, or
break apart into smaller tribes.
Traditionally, the most powerful and wealthy tribe
is considered the greatest among equals, and the 97
 leader of this tribe is, in effect,
the leader of the nation –
although in most cases, this is
mainly symbolic. Only in times of
crisis will the various groups
willingly form a united
assembly which will follow the
orders of the Chief of Chiefs.
Economy
Jangsach is highly self-
sufficient, with a pragmatic
barter economy. They do
possess a recognized
currency, simply called
“ingots,” which are used in
their infrequent trades with
other nations and entities.
Due in part to their remote
location, Jangsach is not
exactly beating trading partners off with sticks. Their largest
regular trade partner is the Kar Torrer Kingdom.
Military
Each vodyanoi tribe is capable of defending itself. If it
were not, then it would not exist. Jangsach has little call to
defend itself from outside entities, but if the occasion arises,
the front of a united Jangsach can overrun all but the largest
of enemy hosts. The vodyanoi, as masterful swimmers, have
few ships.
Religion
The vodyanoi of Jangsach worship a small pantheon
which is unique to the region. Palgolak is a member of this
group.
Gazetteer
 The Conclave, though seldom used, is an imposing
meeting hall where clan chiefs gather.
 Numerous underwater villages lie scattered along the
seafloor of the Cold Claw Sea.
 The totem circle on the outskirts of the city contains one
outrageously tall totem pole for each deity of the local
faith.
Adventure Seeds
 One Jangsach tribe suffering from mysterious grindylow
raids hires your party for defense.
 An unnatural blizzard is ravaging the region – there is talk
of a torque storm on the way.
 The Chief of Chiefs has been assassinated; uncover the
sinister plot permeating Jangsach.
 The lone survivor of a hunting party has returned from
the depths of the Sash Rek tundra with a terrible omen.
Kar Torrer Kingdom
Ancient and isolated, the kingdom of Kar Torrer minds its
own business and would thank you to do the same. Ruled by
the Marred King, the subjects of Kar Torrer spend most of
their time scraping a living off of the unhospitable land.
Kar Tunza
The capital city of the Kar Torrer Kingdom, the city of Kar
Tunza is the largest in the kingdom and is home to the
Marred King.
Metropolis (nation capital); AL LN
Government Monarchy; Tech Level 3
Rupees Limit 4,210,000 rp; Assets 1,250,000,000 rp
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 1,217,000
Type human-dominant (91% human, 5% vodyanoi, 2%
corokanth, 1% gessin, 1% other races).
Religions Darioch, Solenton; Languages Fellid Vodyanoi,
Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Sar Kentzlheim, Marred King; Vorr Renshak, Supreme
General; Pirrar Frong, Torque Master
Kar Torrer is an old country, and unlike most of the
political powerhouses of Rohagi, it is not a single city-state,
but a traditional kingdom consisting of many cities. With
effective natural boundaries along most of its borders, Kar
Torrer is both isolated and quite defensible.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the kingdom is
the appearance of its citizens. As Kar Torrer is ruled by the
Marred King, (an individual twisted by Torque mutations,)
many of the citizens ritually disfigure themselves as a sign of
patriotism and solidarity. For most, this does not go beyond
the removal of an ear or a few strategically placed scars, but
some individuals willingly accumulate a plethora of
mutilations over their lifetimes.
Government
Leadership of the kingdom rests on the shoulders of the
Marred King, a mutated individual who has been twisted by
the power of Torque and lived through the experience.
The royal families of Kar Torrer produce as many heirs as
possible, as few will survive the dangerous ritual necessary to
ascend to the throne. When the current king’s health begins
to fade, heirs make their lonesome pilgrimage across the Cold
Claw Sound to the Northern Stain, an ancient Torque zone,
where they willingly subject themselves to its chaotic effects.
Many die from their transformations, and most of the rest
emerge too alien or bestial to return to civilization. But for
the lucky heir who is able (both in body and mind) to return
to the kingdom, his reward will be leadership of Kar Torrer.
This peculiar rite of ascension was instituted to ensure
that only those willing to risk everything – their lives, their
health, and their beauty – would be King.
Beneath the king is a council consisting of nine
governors.
Economy
Kar Torrer tries to be as self-sufficient as possible, but the
kingdom does not boast much in the way of fertile farmland,
and does import foodstuffs, mainly from Jangsach and
independent merchants.
98
 Military
The mounted cavalry and armored legions of Kar Torrer
have not been tested in a full-scale war for many generations,
but the occasional grindylow raiding group is enough to keep
the armed forces on their toes. The nation’s navy is similar.
Religion
Traditional human deities, such as Darioch and Solenton,
are favored in Kar Torrer.
Gazetteer
 Palace Cicatrix is home to the Marred King, a castle of
exquisite construction but purposefully hodgepodge
design. It stands as a luminary in a city mainly comprised
of grey, square buildings.
 The Hall of Humility is an open-air public monument
featuring enormous statues of each Marred King in the
kingdom’s history.
Adventure Seeds
 Royal heirs are being killed off; unsure who to trust, the
Marred King hires a group of outsiders to get to the
bottom of this mystery.
 Long thought uninhabited, devilish beasts have begun
attacking from the Gibbing Water. What could be behind
this turn of events?

Yanni Seckilli Island Map of the Eastern Cold Claw Sea

Home to the peaceful llorgiss, Yanni Seckilli Island is the
only sizable landmass within the Cold Claw.
Yanni Seckilli (City)
The only large settlement on the island witch features
accommodations designed for non-llorgiss, the capital city
includes above-ground buildings and foreign embassies in
addition to traditional cavernous warrens.
Large City (nation capital, partially underground); AL LN
Government Monarchy; Tech Level 3
Yondl Limit ¥ 450,000; Assets ¥ 437,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 56,270
Type llorgiss-dominant (99% llorgiss, 1% other races).
Religions Troikinity; Languages Llorgiss
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Ffranndl, Queen; Ddassk, Prime Regulator; Rrayllu,
Principal of Defense.
The llorgiss of Yanni Seckilli have formed what is likely
the most peaceful and benevolent society in Rohagi. They’ve
managed to attain this because very few invaders would find
their home suitable; the llorgiss live primarily underground in
warm, welcoming burrows and caverns, as the surface of
Yanni Seckilli is mostly hard, windswept rock.
Government
Llorgiss have an instinctive hierarchal structure similar
(although not identical to,) that of some insects. They are led
by a queen, whose word is law.
Economy
As the original homeland of the llorgiss, Yanni Seckilli
provides for most of the needs of the inhabitants, as long as
the size of the population remains under control.
Military
Besides preventing the occasional grindylow incursion,
Yanni Seckilli’s defenses have rarely faced much opposition.
The island’s isolated location and unconventional biome
make it a poor target for invaders.
Religion
The llorgiss of Yanni Seckilli worship Troikinity, the tri-
facetted god.
Gazetteer
 Yanni Seckilli (the city,) is a unique place, featuring
square stone structures alongside organic-looking towers
and warrens of tunnels.
 The tunnel system of Yanni Seckilli is extremely
extensive, literally honeycombing the entire island.
Innumerable secret passageways and grand caverns lie
beneath the surface.
Adventure Seeds
 A divine servant of Troikinity has manifested, and is
subtley taking control of Yanni Seckilli. But is this
messenger legitamate, or a devious ruse?
Other Sights of the Cold Claw
Abandoned Canal Project
Just a few years ago, New Crobuzon tried to
expand its already vast trade Empire to the Cold Claw. 99
Since the land route between the two
makes for an incredibly difficult journey,
this canal would have opened the Cold
Claw to maritime entry. Unfortunately
for the city, the ambitious project has
stalled indefinitely.
Aki’s Spire
Most of the Cold Claw’s corokanth
population resides in and around Aki’s
Spire. The imposing formation, visible
for miles around, is honeycombed with
corokanth communities both above and
below the waterline.
Burning Sands
Hot springs, geysers, and quicksand
pits are common along this
northwestern shore of the Gibbing
Water.
Gibbing Water
Unlike the Cold Claw, nothing good
lives in the Gibbing Water. Some
theories say that the ancient remnants
of a fading cacotopos lies in the lake’s
depths, cursing and mutating anything
which calls these waters home.
Jorn’s Cove
This ramshackle fishing community
of a few thousand residents is the only
sizable human settlement anywhere near the Vacant Wastes.
Kal Bok
The ancient fortress city of the Kar Torrer Kingdom, this
bastion hasn’t faced an all-out attack in centuries.
Cymek Desert
Scorching sun, baked-clay hills, and merciless sandstorms
Kan Roksa – this is the Cymek Desert, one of the harshest and least
As the host of Kar Torrer’s principle shipyards, Kan Roksa forgiving regions of Rohagi.
is a wealthy city. Most of the peninsula is covered in cream-colored sand
The Rips as far as the eye can see. Although much of the terrain is
navigable, pitfalls and sandtraps wait to snare the unwary.
The arrangement of this series of canyons has led to wild Outside of the lush riverbanks, the only scraps of plantlife to
speculation that they are unnatural in origin. A small but be found are dust-colored marram, spikey cacti, and the
persistent group of trow inhabit the depths of the canyons occasional hard, brown tree.
and insist that their god rent the shafts asunder with his The Cymek is the native home of the cactacae people,
claws. and these cactusfolk make up the majority of the peninsula’s
Sash Rek Tundra population. The bulk of these cactacae live in small desert
Stretching far to the northernmost reaches of the world, tribes and villages scattered throughout the region; there are
the perilous Sash Rek tundra is only sparsely populated, very few cities in the Cymek. The obvious exceptions are
mostly by small bands of humans and trow. Shankell and Dreer Samher, two powerful city-states which
influence the entire region through their mercantile might.
The Timberscreech The garuda people also call the Cymek home, although
This dangerous stretch of evergreen forest derives its whether or not they originate from the desert is unknown. As
name from the ghastly sounds which can occassionally be nomads, the birdfolk have no permanent settlements, and
heard from deep within it. There is no concensus as to the their tribes migrate periodically in order to find sustenance.
source of these sounds.

100

Dreer Samher
This tough cactacae city lies in the very southern tip of
the Cymek Desert, and it has given birth to a strong and
pragmatic sailing culture.
Metropolis (city-state); AL CE
Government Dictatorship; Tech Level 4
Sandnote Limit 4,000,000 sn; Assets 1,625,000,000 sn
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 1,216,000
Type cactacae-dominant (81% cactacae, 11% human, 3%
garuda, 2% cray, 2% corokanth, 1% other races).
Religions Sanshad; Languages Sunglari, Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Spiky Pete, Leader of Dreer Samher; Passes Under Sun,
Minister of Foreign Affairs; Long Toe, Head of the
Department of Recruitment & Mercenary Affairs
The sprawling city of Dreer Samher may appear chaotic
to the untrained eye, but the structures and residents within
the city itself are not why the world knows Dreer Samher.
Rather, it is the Samheri fleet which is responsible for the
fame, respect – and fear – that the city enjoys.
The Samheri fleet is part mercantile, part police force,
and more than a little piratical. The bulk of the fleet is made
up of wooden vessels which are equal parts freighter and
fighter. These ships sail far and wide, ferrying and distributing
cargo, and earning piles of gold in the process.
On their journeys, Samheri vessels have a policy of
stopping any other ship they come across. If the ship belongs
to a foreign power which has made a trade pact with Dreer
Samher – such as New Crobuzon, or Tesh – the vessel is free
to go, since its government has “prepaid” its safe passage.
Other vessels have the choice of giving the Samheri a hefty
bribe, or else have their entire cargo and vessel seized by
force.
But the reputation of the Samheri sailors is not entirely
bleak. Dreer Samher’s cactacae sailors are among the most
gifted of storytellers. Known as fablers, these cactusfolk can
make their voices hypnagogic, lulling their audiences into an
almost dreamlike state.
Government
The ruler of Dreer Samher is whoever has the strength to
seize power. The wealthiest captain with the largest and most
powerful fleet usually leads the Samheri, and takes a cut of
the other captain’s profits.
The state has trade pacts with many of the world’s
maritime powers, so that their vessels may pass unmolested
through Samheri waters. The elite vessels of Dreer Samher’s
navy are also sometimes rented to foreign powers as muscle.
Economy
Dreer Samher’s economy is both mercantile and piratical
without too much division between the two. Its ships are
crewed partially by trained chimpanzees, obeying the
whistled and shouted commands of their masters, because
the cactacae sailors are too heavy to climb the rigging.
Military
The sheer power of a boarding party using rivebows and
carrying enormous boarding axes able to sever a ship’s mast
makes the Samheri feared pirates; most vessels surrender
without a fight once their ships are caught.
Historically, Dreer Samher is in a perpetual low-level war
with Perrick Nigh and the Mandrake Islands.
Religion
Dreer Samher is not particularly pious. As in the rest of
the Cymek, worship of Sanshad and the Timeway pantheon
are common practices, especially Hytlal, god of ocean
voyages. Many sailors simply offer praise to the sea itself –
more of a strong superstition than an actual religion.
Gazetteer
 While every major city has a bustling black market, few
are as open and accessible as Chiarosc Plaza.
 The sprawling docks of Dreer Samher are legendary for
their taverns and chimpanzee-fighting arenas.
Adventure Seeds
 Your fledgling crew of raucous adventurers has decided
that the surest path to riches is enlisting in the Samheri
navy.
 A maritime misunderstanding has embroiled you in a plot
between the Samheri and the forces of Perrick Nigh.
 Official agents of New Crobuzon, your mercenary team
has come to retrieve a valuable item pirated by the
Samheri.
Shankell
A sprawling cactacae-run trade city on the north shore of
the Cymek Desert, Shankell is the home of both brutal
gladiatorial bouts, and the worship of Sanshad, the sun god.
Metropolis (city-state); AL CN
Government Oligarchy; Tech Level 4
Squarepence Limit 5,000,000 sp; Assets 1,975,000,000 sp
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 2,103,000
Type cactacae-dominant (83% cactacae, 10% human, 4%
garuda, 2% corokanth, 1% other races).
Religions Sanshad, Timeway; Languages Low Cymek, Sunglari,
Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Lakmar of Shankell, Prime Minister; Blessed Blossom,
High Priestess of Sanshad; Roaring Smitty, Proprietor of
Jingnar’s Gladiator Dome
Shankell – also known as Borridor, the Salt-Hole, the Sun-
Jewel, and numerous other titles – is a city with as many
facets as it has names.
Principally, Shankell is a trading port. Although New
Crobuzon is the king of the merchant game, Shankell is a
strong contender for second place. Outside of the hustle and
bustle of the docks, markets, and bazars, though, Shankell
possesses both a lighter and a darker nature.
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 On the one hand, Shankell is the holy city of Sanshad, the
primary god of the Cymek region and the cactacae people in
particular. On the other, the brutal gladiatorial arenas of
Shankell are known throughout all of Rohagi.
The residents of Shankell – known as
Shankellites – are predominately
cactacae. As the Cymek is the ancestral
home of the cactusfolk, this is only
natural. Humans have spread to
Shankell as well, just as they have
nearly every corner of the known
world.
While Shankell’s reach is felt throughout
the region (and beyond,) it technically only claims
a relatively small slice of territory – about a
hundred miles in every direction, and the few paltry
islands of the Meagre Sea.
Government
The governmental structure of Shankell is
relatively straightforward. Every three years the residents of
the city’s fifteen districts vote to elect a representative to the
city’s council. This council then votes to appoint a separate
individual – usually one of the city’s most prominent
businessmen – to the position of Prime Minister.
Economy
Shankell is a wealthy nation, thanks to the mountains of
goods which pass into and out of its many ports on a daily
basis. Like any large city, much of Shankell’s freight is
legitimate, and a fair amount is less so, destined for the city’s
thriving black market.
The Shankellite merchants travel far and wide. The
majority of ships, though, run ferries and supplies across the
Meagre Sea to Myrshock, and ultimately to New Crobuzon.
Shankell also sees a substantial influx of funds related to
the gladiatorial business. The city is celebrated far and wide
for its thriving gladiatorial scene; anything from classic
matches to exotic showdowns in hookwire cages and
fleshpits take place on a daily basis. Large amounts of money
are won and lost on just about every fight.
Thanks to the city’s laws, many convicted criminals are
forced to participate in these brutal fights.
Military
While only moderate in size, Sanshad’s naval fleet has a
reputation for ruthlessly enforcing order in the Meagre Sea.
Unlike the fleets of neighboring Dreer Samher, most
Shankellite vessels are crewed by non-cactacae.
The police force of Shankell has a similarly brutal
reputation, although their primary concern is keeping the
wheels of commerce moving; justice is a secondary matter.
Religion
The worship of the sun god Sanshad is the official religion
of the city. Moreover, Shankell is considered the holy city of
the faith, and it is the central location for all of Sanshad
worship. The Solarium is a giant, picturesque glasshouse
church devoted to Sanshad, and it is a major tourist draw.
The Timeway faith, which also features Sanshad and is
popular throughout the Cymek, has a large following in the
city. On top of this, the city is
very tolerant about other
religions.
Gazetteer
 The Solarium is the
temple which houses the leaders
of the faith of Sanshad. It is a popular
pilgrimage destination. Graceful arched
doorways are surrounded by flowing stained-
glass patterns and glittering windows.
 The punishment pits at the center of the trade
district are purposefully conspicuous. Pickpockets,
cheats, and thieves receive brutal punishments here in
full view of the public.
 The Corkscrew Citadel is the city’s tallest structure, home
to the Shankellite government facilities.
 Jingnar’s is the most lucrative and brutal of the
established gladiatorial arenas. Its fleshpits and hookwire
cages draw many onlookers.
Adventure Seeds
 Your adventure group meets for the first time as lowly
gladiators, who must rise up through the unforgiving
underbelly of Shankell to become legendary champions.
 Unknown ships have been slipping past the city’s
defenses and plaguing merchant fleets. Your group has
been hired to uncover the mysterious fleet’s origins.
 A priceless artifact of Sanshad has been burgled by
parties unknown. Uncover the foes behind the
conspiracy.
Other Sights of the Cymek Desert
Forbidden Lees
Very strange things have been known to occur in this
swampy river delta. Settlements that attempt to tame the
area invariably fail, and strange beasts seem to appear from
nowhere during the night. Common wisdom holds that the
source of this misfortune is the set of incredibly ancient,
scattered ruins which dot the landscape - ruins which are
attributed to the mythic Ghosthead Empire. These relics are
not towering, tempting edifices, but rather are squat, barely
recognizable structures, half buried in the muck. Few who try
to explore these ruins ever return.
The Fraln
This broad, slow river is the widest and deepest in
Rohagi. In some locations, the bottom of the river has never
even been reached. In some of the deepest explored regions
of the Fraln lie enormous submerged statues, possibly of
Ghosthead origin.
Originating in the Cobberfall Mountains, the mighty Fraln
splits several times on its journey towards the sea, (which is
highly unusual for a river – perhaps this can be attributed to
Ghosthead manipulation.) To the east, it eventually becomes
the Swashallam and the Te, and to the south it spreads into
the Forbidden Lees. The banks of each of these rivers
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is lush and fertile compared to the bleak sands of the greater
Cymek.
Ehlarn
Unusual for a coastal settlement, the small city of Ehlarn
is not a trading post or a shipping port. Rather, it is a religious
holy land. Devoted to the Timeway faith, Ehlarn is centered
on the Path of Temples – a large, circular boulevard of
churches, each one devoted to a different Timeway deity.
Many practitioners of the faith make the pilgrimage to Ehlarn
each year.
Draka
The small city of Draka, at the mouth of the Swashallam
River, might seem to be in an ideal location for a shipping
port, but unfortunately for this perpetually-struggling city,
other factors are at play. Harsh ocean currents and jagged
reefs make the sea in this area difficult to navigate, and most
ships give Draka a wide berth.
Cymek Library
One of the greatest libraries in existence won’t be found
on any map. Like all garuda clans, the librarian clan is
nomadic. Each time they travel, they carry with them
thousands of volumes, packed neatly into trunks. An
enormous tent village is erected where they land.
Galaggi Veldt
The Galaggi Veldt boasts some of the most picturesque
scenery in all of Rohagi. Here, gently sweeping hills and vast
rolling grasslands are interrupted only by verdant deciduous
forests.
In general terms, the veldt is the region contained within
the Fellid Forest, the Fraln River, and the mid-continental
mountain ranges. The northern veldt, which contains few
large settlements and consists mostly of prairie-like
grasslands, is separated from the southern veldt by the
Vumwood. The southern veldt receives more rainfall, and is
sprinkled with small woodlands and vineyards. Some
residents of the southern veldt take exception to applying the
name “Galaggi” to the northern reaches of the territory.
The region is predominately occupied by humans,
including the two large powers of the region, Maru’ahm and
Tesh. Communities of cactacae extend westward from the
Cymek into Galaggi, although these tend to be small rural
settlements. Within the Vumwood live the diminutive vu-
murt, who rarely venture beyond the borders of their forest,
and tribes of borinatch and stiltspear are not an uncommon
sight in the southern veldt.
Maru’ahm
Welcome to Maru’ahm, home of the Casino Parliament,
where laws and bills are but stakes in the roulette game of
life. Enjoy your stay.
Metropolis (city-state); AL CN
Government Parliamentary; Tech Level 4
Dollar Limit $4,500,000; Assets $2,355,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 2,348,000
Type human-dominant (92% human, 6% vodyanoi, 1%
scabmettler, 1% other races).
Religions Salter, Darioch, Solenton; Languages Ragamoll,
Galaggi
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Rosbertta Chalvon III, Queen; Tralson Jambini, House
Speaker; Sir Leonard Ralsburry, Proprietor of Lady Luck’s Bitch
The city of Maru’ahm lies on a small island approximately
100 miles off the western coats of Rohagi. It is connected to
the mainland by the Grandbridge, one of the world’s most
impressive engineering marvels.
Maru’ahm controls vast swaths of the Galaggi Veldt,
more so than their neighbor Tesh. Maru’ahm’s influence
reaches several hundred miles inland. For the most part, this
territory is only loosely governed, and consists mainly of
farmland.
The city proper is built mainly of steel and concrete.
Many tall and lavish towers rise above the Maru’ahm
cityscape, a testament to both the city’s exceptional
architects and posh citizenry. Indeed, much of the city
appears to be a huge summer playground for the wealthiest
people of western Rohagi.
Government
The governmental system of Maru’ahm is by far its most
defining attribute.
When painted in broad strokes, not much would
make Maru’ahm’s government stand out; it is ruled
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by a hereditary monarch, who, in actuality, holds little direct
power. The primary functions of government are decided by
the parliament. This all seems fairly straightforward… but the
devil is in the details.
Once a year, the parliament begins its session, and the
laws of the land are brought into review. However, when
members of Maru’ahm’s parliament wish to make a change
to the legal code, there is no debate, no appointment
of committees, nor even any voting. No, in the
Casino Parliament, everything hangs on
the threads of fate.
Laws, regulations, and
legislation are decided purely
by games of chance. Senators
wager bills and proposals over
games like quincehand, black
sevens, roulette, and grandbridge.
Winners get their laws enacted; losers
get nothing.
Appointment to the parliament is done
on a year-by-year basis, and powerful political
factions often hire the best gamblers around to
be their chosen senators. It is considered quite the
honor to be hired to represent the Queen herself.
High-rollers can also buy their way into parliament
independently (although the price tag for this is staggering,)
passing their own wild laws.
Cheating in these games in strictly prohibited, but it is
still a wildly common practice. Accusations of cheating are
usually followed by a challenge to a duel – typically of the
“ten paces then turn” variety.
Economy
Maru’ahm has relatively few large trading partners, as
the long and perilous voyage to eastern Rohagi prevents the
city from doing much business with New Crobuzon or
Myrshock. Nevertheless, its economy is robust, thanks mainly
to the vast territories that the city commands. A small but
significant portion of the nation’s overall income comes from
foreign high-rollers who travel vast distances to partake in
the city’s legendary casinos.
Military
While the city maintains enough of both ground troops
and naval vessels to patrol and secure its territory, it is far
from the greatest military power in Rohagi. Maru’ahm’s first
line of defense is keeping its neighbors in a good mood with
chorus girls and raucous good time.
Religion
Many of the old human gods popular in New Crobuzon,
like Darioch and Solenton, have their own followings in
Maru’ahm. Some call Maru’ahm the unofficial holy city of
Salter.
Gazetteer
 Grand casinos and luxury resorts are found all
throughout the city. The most famous of these
establishments is Lady Luck’s Bitch.
 Of the many high-rise apartment buildings, Olondo’s
Tower has achieved legendary status as being the crem
de la crem.
 The royal palace, outrageously lavish, draws hundreds of
tourists per day.
 Grandbridge is an engineering marvel connecting the city
to the mainland. It features multiple lanes and levels,
including a railway.
Adventure Seeds
 According to legend, in the distant past Maru’ahm
funded many exploratory expeditions into
the western seas, only to suddenly
halt in their aspirations. What lies out
beyond that horizon? Your crew might
be crazy enough to break into the
government’s high security records
vault in order to find out.
 Your party has been hired to
provide extra security for a special
event at a luxurious resort.
 The queen has hired your talented
band to represent her during this year’s
session of parliament. Try not to get
embroiled in too many shady political
dealings.
Tesh
Tesh, the City of the Crawling Liquid, is just about as alien
a place as you’re likely to find on Rohagi. And remember, this
is a continent with a floating frog metropolis and a city of
zombie aristocrats, so, that’s really saying something.
Metropolis (city-state); AL LE
Government Kingdom; Tech Level 5
Ducat Limit Đ 6,200,000; Assets Đ 2,245,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 3,209,000
Type human-dominant (89% human, 5% scabmettler, 3%
vodyanoi, 3% other races).
Religions Manifold Horizon*; Languages Tesh
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Eric Valdae, Crying Prince; Partrov Ginghall, Minister of
Armed Forces; Zalraka Pitrov, Tear Master
Tesh is odd. Its government is backwards, its people are
peculiar, its customs are bizarre, and its thaumaturgy is alien.
Even though cities like New Crobuzon, Sanshad, and
Maru’ahm are all very different places with unique laws and
customs, if one were to travel to any of those locations, one
would still instinctively know the basic lay of the land. Take
the same individual, though, and place him in Tesh, and he
likely wouldn’t know whether he was coming or going. Things
are just that different.
This confusing quality is made doubly impenetrable by
Tesh’s self-imposed isolation. While the city regularly trades
with other nations and isn’t strictly closed to outsiders, it
certainly does not do anything to encourage casual visitors or
cultural exchange. Reaching the city by land is
104
extremely difficult, due to harsh terrain, vicious beasts, and a
series of legendary moats.
The city itself is among the most visually impressive in
Rohagi. Visitors report gleaming crystal towers, glass statues,
and exquisitely clean streets.
Government
The exact details of Tesh’s governmental structure are
unknown. It is known that Tesh has a king, but by tradition or
law, he is a recluse. The individual who seems to actually lead
the nation in daily concerns is known as the Crying Prince.
Foreign embassies are not in Tesh proper, but in a different
location outside of the city, and Tesh’s own scarce
ambassadors to foreign lands live as homeless vagrants.
Economy
As a relatively small nation, Tesh depends heavily on its
trading partners. These are primarily the Brothers, the
Witchocracy, and Maru’ahm, although it sends its fleet of
merchants to all of the coastal cities of Rohagi. Tesh imports
mainly mundane goods, such as foodstuffs, and exports
primarily high-dollar items like unique artwork and
thaumaturgical devices.
Military
Tesh’s military was strong enough to give New Crobuzon
a serious challenge in the recent conflict between the two
city-states. Both its naval fleet and its armies of foot soldiers,
although smaller in number than New Crobuzon’s, are armed
with strange and unique Tesh technologies and tactics that
make up for their small numbers. The city’s thaumaturgists,
as well, bring a number of devastating and unique techniques
to the battlefield.
It’s widely believed that the Tesh war machine has been
dealt a severe blow by the conflict with New Crobuzon, but as
with everything involving Tesh, the accuracy of these claims is
difficult or impossible to verify.
Religion
The citizenry of Tesh appear to be particularly impious.
This is not to say that they are atheists – rather, the Tesh
“religion” (if such a term can actually be applied to it,) is
simply a thing unsuited to common folk, and it is overseen
exclusively by dedicated monks in remote monasteries. This
odd “Manifold Horizon” (see pg 125,) is quite unlike any other
known belief system.
Gazetteer
 One reason for Tesh’s security and isolation are the
Catoblepas Plains which encircle the city. This region is
filled with herds of catoblepas, (see pg 135,) which can
kill with a single look.
 An imposing series of moats encircle the city which are as
beautiful as they are effective. Likewise, the city is
riddled with artful creeks and waterfalls, some of which
flow up – giving the city its colorful sobriquet.
 Along the boulevard leading to the royal palace lies a
double row of enormous glass statues – of cats.
Adventure Seeds
 It is no secret that the weapons, devices, and
thaumaturgical techniques of Tesh are as effective as
they are exotic. A powerful party has hired your group to
infiltrate Tesh and receive such a powerful item.
 Is Tesh restarting its war effort? New Crobuzon hires
your mercenaries for a secret black-ops mission.
Other Sights of the Galaggi Veldt
The Chelona
In and around the Vumwood reside the legendary
chelona, enormous tortoises more than a hundred yards in
length. These creatures would be an inspiring sight on their
own, but even more impressively, many of these beasts have
actually been transformed into mobile villages. By building
houses and towers on the backs of these behemoths, entire
communities are able to share a symbiotic existence with
these peaceful titans.
Cobberfall Mountains
This short range is the second highest in Rohagi, behind
only the Shatterjacks. Its tremendous melt waters feed many
rivers, including the Fraln’s.
Darl’s Pass
This break between the Incient Peaks and the Cobberfall
Mts. is the only overland route that leads from eastern to
western Rohagi. Unfortunately, the close presence of the
Cacotopic Stain makes this a perilous route, and best avoided.
Fellid Forest
Denser and slightly larger than the Ragamoll, the Fellid
Forest is the largest forest on the Rohagi continent. The
forest is primarily deciduous but melds into evergreen in its
northern reaches. The Fellid is so dense that it makes an
effective land barrier between the Brothers and Galaggi.
Some regions of the Fellid are tame, inhabited by small
communities of many races, primarily human and vodyanoi.
The northwestern regions are claimed by the Brothers. The
deepest reaches of the forest, however, are entered only by
the foolhardy. Tales of torque-beasts and ancient ruins are
popular and draw the attention of adventuring bands the
world over.
Rontsville
A small city with very little wealth, Rontsville prides itself
on its independence, which it maintains mainly by virtue of
being in the middle of nowhere. Although the city-state of
Maru’ahm is considered to be a benevolent master by the
multitude of subjects that dwell within its vast territories, the
residents of Rontsville take an almost religious pleasure in
rejecting the city’s lordship, standing just outside of
Maru’ahm’s territories.
Tashek Rek Hai
The dangerous ruins of Tashek Rek Hai are perhaps the
most fabled ruins in the known world. Hard facts about these
ancient remnants are few and far between, but a few things
are known for certain. It is known that Tashek Rek Hai was, in
the distant past, occupied heavily by trow, and many trow
relics and treasures have been removed from the ruins.
Today, common wisdom holds that the ruins have been
throughout picked clean.
105
 Less certain are the origins of the ruins. No one has been
able to determine their exact age, and a popular theory holds
that they were not built by the trow at all, but rather, are
originally of Ghosthead origin. Every so often, adventurers
still claim to have struck it rich in the deserted catacombs.
Vineyard Country
The temperate climate of southern Galaggi is ideal for
growing many crops, and vineyards are especially plentiful in
the region. Specialty wines made from the vinhog can only be
cultivated here.
Vumwood
This forest is the home of the vu-murt (see pg 24),
primitive tree-dwelling beetlefolk. It is also frequented by the
giant chelona.
Wallsborough
A moderately large city, Wallsborough gets its name from
the city’s past life as a fortress town. Today it is the primary
satellite city of Maru’ahm, and is something of a trade hub for
Galaggi’s many farms and communities.
settlements sprang up along its slopes that today are bustling
neighborhoods on the mountain-spanning city of Snakehorn.

Hinter
The region loosely known as Hinter consists primarily of
The coal from Snakehorn is shared with Great Heap, the
peak approximately 80 miles to the southeast, which in turn
shares its greater deposits of metals. Rather than being
perched on the mountain’s slopes, like its brother, the city of
semiarid fields and grasslands. It lies between the Fellid
Pilsington is clustered around the Great Heap’s expansive
Forest in the south and the Shatterjack Mountains to the
base.
north. The portion near the Fellid is green and lush, but the
Together, these cities are the Brothers. They stand
terrain quickly dries as one proceeds north.
together in all things as an inseparable entity. This kinship is
In this region, the Brothers control a sizable chunk of the
so deep that residents of one of the cities do not think of
western Hinter, whereas the vodyanoi nation of Gharcheltist
themselves as “Snakeborns” or “Pilsingters,” but always as
dominates the Cold Claw Loch.
“Brothers.”
Government

The Brothers
Two mountain-bound cities whose histories are
inexorably intertwined, the Brothers are for all practical
purposes a singular entity.
Metropolis (double-city-state); AL N
Government Plutocracy; Tech Level 4
Ruble Limit ₴ 4,500,000; Assets ₴ 1,950,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 2,621,000 (total)
Type human-dominant (90% human, 6% vodyanoi, 4% other).
Religions Sobki; Languages Fellid, Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Lord Jim Hongsin, Lord of Snakehorn; Sir Linn Dransma,
Head of Pilsington
Near Rohagi’s western coast sit two lone mountains. Not
part of any chain, these impressive solitary peaks each boast
a wealth of natural resources just below the surface,
including gold, copper, coal, and occasionally, even rockmilk.
To the northwest, Snakehorn Mountain sits atop a large
coal deposit. As the mountain was gradually mined,
The Brothers are ruled as a single unit by a ruling council.
Members are not elected; rather, any resident who has the
power or wealth to appoint himself, (and defend his
appointment,) sits on the council.
Economy
The economy of Great Heap is deeply linked to the
economy of Snakehorn, and vice versa. The Brothers main
exports are metals, mostly copper and iron.
While the Brothers have no greater or fewer traders than
most nations, somewhere along the line the merchants from
the Brothers gained a widespread reputation for their shrewd
deals, which is why the Brothers are sometimes called the
“Dealers.”
In order to exchange their respective natural resources,
there are many routes of expedited travel between the cities.
In times past, enormous crocodilian species native to the
region were used as beasts of labor to haul vast loads,
(leading to another of the city’s monikers, the Crocodile City.)
This mode is still used today, but is heavily supplemented
with railways, dirigibles, and even a fast-travel skyrail.
Military
In order to maintain order within the city’s reach, (which
extends hundreds of miles,) the Brothers maintain a
respectable ground force; although the region’s 106
natural barriers (the Fellid Forest to the south, and the open Rohagi. Most governmental offices are
expansive grasslands to the north) mean that this force is located in the city proper.
smaller than it would be otherwise. The Brothers do not Economy
boast much of a navy. Gharcheltist is on good terms
Religion with just about every other nation of
As in most cities, a large number of religions are followed Rohagi and has the trade
in the Brothers. One of the most popular is the following of agreements to prove it.
Sobki. Military
Gazetteer Although it has been some
 Stretching from high up the slopes of each mountain, the time since the defenses of
80-mile skyrail is supported by hundreds of massive Gharcheltist have been called
pillars, and is the most expedient (and expensive) way to upon, it is said that the
travel between the cities. waters of the Cold Claw Loch
 After centuries of mining, much of the mountains’ are very well defended.
interiors are massive hollow caverns and honeycombed Supposedly, the waters
passages. themselves can be called upon
Adventure Seeds thaumaturgically to repel invading
 The favorite tall-tale to be heard in the local taverns forces.
involves finding hidden treasure in the vast networks of Religion
mining tunnels within the mountains. Who knows what’s Practitioners of many
really down there? faiths live in Gharcheltist,
although the reverence of Palgolak is perhaps
the most common.
Gharcheltist 
Gazetteer
Gharcheltist University is a leading institute in any and all
Rising high above the waters of the loch, the gleaming
hydrological fields, including hyrdothaumaturgy.
silver towers of Gharcheltist – the vodyanoi aquapolis – are a
 The primary governmental building, known colloquially
sight to behold.
as the Bright Belfry, is the highest and most ornate tower
in the city.
Metropolis (aquapolis); AL LN
Adventure Seeds
Government Democracy; Tech Level 5
 Disgruntled corokanth dissidents have committed
Noble Limit ₦ 5,340,000; Assets ₦ 2,100,500,000
terrorist attacks in the city, clamoring for greater
DEMOGRAPHICS representation. Uncover the plot’s orchestrators.
Population 1,249,000  A thanati vodyanoi from High Cromlech has decided to
Type vodyanoi-dominant (89% vodyanoi, 5% menfish, 3% return to his original home in Gharcheltist, which has
corokanth, 3% cray). caused quite a stir. You’ve been hired to find out his
Religions Palgolak; Languages Fellid Vodyanoi ulterior motives.
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Glarflechl, Prime Chancellor; Bremarlsh, Minister of
Foreign Affairs; Shelllwhep, Premier of Gharcheltist Other Sights of the Hinter
University
Cold Claw Loch
As the most influential and wealthy of the two large This southern extension of the Cold Claw Sea, home to
vodyanoi nations, Gharcheltist enjoys a high degree of the vodyanoi nation of Gharcheltist, is not as frigid as the
prosperity. areas around Jangsach. It is a freshwater body primarily
The crown jewel of Gharcheltist is the shining city itself. inhabited by vodyanoi, but with a smattering of other aquatic
Rising from the lake’s surface, gleaming silvery towers stretch races as well.
up to twenty stories into the air, and extend downwards to
the lake bottom, to which they are attached.
In addition to the city proper, small vodyanoi
Cold Claw Sound
This long, relatively narrow waterway connects the
communities, (both submarine and floating varieties,)
northern Cold Claw Sea to the southern Cold Claw Loch.
dominate most of the Cold Claw Loch.
Government
Gharcheltist is a more organized vodyanoi nation Julara River
compared to Jangsach. United under a central administration, Boasting the fastest currents in Rohagi, long portions of
the governmental structure of Gharcheltist is both efficient the Julara are treacherous whitewater areas what plow
and modern. Impartial experts have said that the current through deep, beautiful canyons.
Gharcheltist government is among the least corrupt in 107
 Ruin Crater
This large crater is home to a variety of excessively large
rodents. Expeditions to the crater’s interior typically return
empty handed, although some evidence suggests that those
who come back from such journeys exhibit greater than
average misfortune.
Lubbock
The Lubbock region, though small, was once prosperous,
due primarily to the wealth that flowed through the city of
Suroch. Today, however, this area between the Bezhek Peaks
and the sea is haunted and desolate.
Suroch
The city of Suroch was once a thriving trade city on par
with New Crobuzon. Now, it lies in ruins, thanks to the
ferocity of the Pirate Wars. It was hit by a New Crobuzon
torque bomb in 1544, creating a new cacotopic area – a place
where chaos rules and the laws of reality go out the window.
The last somewhat-official expedition to the ruins of Suroch
was made in 1688, during which it was discovered that the
effects of the bomb (even after a century) could still affect,
mutate, and even kill – which happened to several of the
crew.
Cockroach trees, fifty-horned carapace-covered goats,
living gear-machines descended from train engines, and
herds of things that might once have been human but have
clearly devolved into apelike bestiality, all haunt the region.
Most people steer well clear of Suroch these days, as
those who get too near can contract torque sickness (see pg
26), becoming deformed themselves. Visitors risk psychic
assault, thaumaturgical mutation, cancer, and madness.
Suroch is now a name used to frighten children and warn
of the dangers of meddling with Torque.
Torque Bomb
Torque, the monstrously foul substance responsible for the
Cacotopic Stain, is the stuff of nightmares. Most experts are
under the impression that torque is a natural phenomenon only,
and has never been created by man. This, however, is untrue. In
1544, New Crobuzon secretly developed and deployed torque
bombs on its hated enemy, Suroch. The results were so
horrendous that even power-mad New Crobuzon banned their
creation and covered up the whole incident. As a ruse, they later
dropped colourbombs on Suroch in an attempt to cover up their
war crimes.
Colourbomb
Colourbombs are fiendishly destructive creations of New
Crobuzon, designed to level very large areas. While horrendous,
they pale in comparison to torque bombs. Each bomb is created
using top secret processes and a significant expenditure of
resources. Tesh is rumored to possess an equivalent weapon.
Adventure Seeds
 Not all of the experimental colourbombs dropped on
Suroch went off. Deep in the insanely dangerous torque
zone, these weapons of mass destruction lie in wait for
anyone foolhardy enough to try and claim them.
Other Sights of Lubbock
Bezhek Peaks
Although it is neither the highest nor longest mountain
range of Rohagi, the Bezhek Peaks are still impressive.
Running along the eastern coast to the north of New
Crobuzon, the Bezheks are the source of the River Canker and
numerous other streams and rivers.
Although few humans live on these peaks, they are far
from uninhabited. A hearty breed of cactacae populate the
chain, their smaller stature better suited for the thinner
atmosphere and steeper terrain. There are also persistent
tall-tales of mysterious “stone men” of the mountains.
Drench Hold
This dour town huddles in the shadow of the Suroch
Stain. Its storm-lashed buildings are built of waterlogged
driftwood and flotsam from wrecked ships. An infamous
tavern called the Flattened Frog stands at Drench Hold’s edge
and is known for its remarkably high murder rate.
Lubbock Scrub
Far south of Suroch, this dry scrubland is only sparsely
populated. A few human villages dot the area, but these are
outnumbered by vodyanoi villages which surround the many
streams that flow from the Bazhek Peaks.
Suroch Stain
This is the general term for the cacotopic area that now
surrounds the ruined city.
Torpid Coast
The waters surrounding Suroch are contaminated with
the same torque that doomed the city. Ocean currents sweep
these waters north, spreading the cacotopic effect through
the region known as the Torpid Coast.
Middling Sweeps
The region at the center of Rohagi is known as the
Middling Sweeps. This dry, not-quite-barren region is
inhabited by the tough, the exiled, and the desperate. It
encompasses the feared Cacotopic Stain, as well as the cities
of Vadaunk and Neovadan, and all of the land within the
mountainous boundaries of the Incient, the Splitter, and the
Dancing Shoe Mountains, terminating near the edge of the
Ragamoll Forest.
108

Neovadan
Caught in the nook of two mountain ranges, the poor city
of Neovadan receives little rainfall and barely produces
enough food to feed itself. It’s only saving grace is its
defensibility – which, as it happens, is the quality most
important to its citizens.
Metropolis (conventional); AL LN
Government Democracy; Tech Level 2
Chip Limit ₡ 1,140,000; Assets ₡ 427,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 741,000
Type human-dominant (86% human, 5% trow, 4% vodyanoi,
3% cactacae, 1% gessin, 1% other races).
Religions Darioch; Languages Ragamoll, Fellid Vodyanoi
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Lynda Turnbell, Council Leader; Ronstad Wornstrom,
Captain of Defense; Trid Ramfer, Farmer’s Guild Leader
Neovadan was founded centuries ago by outcasts from
Vadaunk, mainly those who dared to dream of a life not
driven by violence and warfare. It exists as a kind of safe
haven, although the neighboring mercenary kingdom and the
desolate climate conspire to ensure that prosperity never
blesses Neovadan.
As a poor city in an isolated region, Neovadan would be
forgotten by the world at large if it weren’t for two factors.
First, the city’s walls, although crude, have been built up over
time to the point of being nearly impenetrable. This fortress-
like nature is impressive enough to fuel many a legend and
tavern tale. Secondly, although it is not a luxurious place to
live, Neovadan has a reputation of welcoming any and all
outcasts and exiles. It is one of the few major settlements in
Rohagi where humans and trow live and work side by side.
Government
Neovadan is ruled by an elected council. The city’s
government maintains loose ties to far-off nations but mainly
focuses on the city’s direct needs.
Economy
As the poorest major city in Rohagi, Neovadan has little
to offer in trade. Luxuries are rare in the city.
Military
All citizens serve time in the city’s defense force, which is
constantly tested by raiders from Vadaunk. This constant
experience makes the Neovadan defenders surprisingly
effective.
Religion
Although the residents of Neovadan often have to fight
in order to defend themselves, they revere Darioch, hoping
that one day his power will lead them to a place where they
no longer have to depend on violence.
Gazetteer
 The city’s layers of walls and defense towers are an
impressive sight and make attacking Neovadan a
daunting task.
Adventure Seeds
 Your party has the unenviable task of tracking and
retrieving a disgraced exile currently hiding out in
Neovadan.
 Well protected from Vadaunk’s barbarian hordes,
Neovadan is susceptible to small lightning raids, which
you’ve been hired to guard against.
Vadaunk
The “mercenary kingdom” of Vadaunk is historically one
of the most martial nations of Rohagi. Here, might makes
right, as brigands and bandits plague caravan routes and
warlords hold office.
Metropolis (conventional); AL CE
Government Military Junta; Tech Level 3
Grunall Limit ₪ 1,910,000; Assets ₪ 1,839,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 1,008,000
Type human-dominant (85% human, 11% vodyanoi, 2%
cactacae, 2% other races).
Religions Solenton; Languages Ragamoll, Fellid, Fellid
Vodyanoi
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Grabthar the Thick, Warlord; Jhonn Stabbington, Leader
of the Swordblades; Lord Raddson von Lundin, High Priest of
the Disciples of Gloom
Vadaunk is the city of warriors. Yet these warriors are not
like the well-trained shock troops of Tesh, or the modern
soldiers of New Crobuzon. No, Vadaunk is home to barbarian
hordes, mercenary armies, and savage thugs.
The people of Vadaunk are a rugged and surly
lot, fiercely territorial and independent. There are 109
many different groups – gangs, cabals, even religious sects,
which only stand united by their perceived enemies and the
ways of the warrior. They present a unified front when
Cacotopic Stain
Warped by the vastly uncontrollable thaumaturgic force
dealing with foreign powers, but in truth, theirs is a very
called Torque, the Cacotopic Stain is the largest of several
loose alliance.
known cacotopoi. It first appeared about 560 years ago.
Government
The presence of this roiling tear in reality effectively
The leader of Vadaunk – the Warlord – is the man whose
divides the Rohagi continent into two halves, blocking most
military might is the greatest. He rules the kingdom through
overland routes from east to west. Those who are desperate
brute force, but he does not command unfaltering obedience;
enough may skirt its edges and still survive, although this
the leaders of the many Vadaunk factions would love to see
often leads to bizarre and random thaumaturgical effects
his head on a platter, so that they might take his place.
(such as people turning into giant cytoplasms, or growing
Economy
tentacles for eyes.)
Traditionally, the economy of Vadaunk has largely been
The edges of the stain are frequented by terrible and
fueled by the plunder of its brigands and the bounties earned
otherworldly beasts who have been warped by the chaos of
by its mercenaries. In recent decades, however, this has been
torque, like the insatiable inchmen (see pg 145.) The deeper
greatly supplemented by more legitimate means. The
regions of the stain, however, are utterly incomprehensible.
discovery of a rich vein of precious metals has allowed
(See pg 94 for information about cacotopoi and their
Vadaunk to begin exporting genuine trade goods, which New
effects; see pg 26 for the Torque-Touched template.)
Crobuzon has taken a great interest in. In fact, the diplomatic
ties between the two nations have never been stronger.
Military
Many different fighting hosts make up the mercenary
Other Sights of the Middling Sweeps
kingdom. As often as not, these groups squabble among
themselves as much as they do outsiders. Most of these
Blitzbaums
One of the region’s most spectacular sights is the forest
armies are available for hire to anyone with enough funds. of luminous lightning trees, the blitzbaums. These forking
Vadaunk itself is something of a fortress, constantly miles-high “trees” seem to be lightning that has become
being built and rebuilt. The city is laid out in a rough diamond
perpetually frozen in place.
pattern, with layered partitioning walls built to slow the
progress of invaders. Dozens of watchtowers mount the
walls.
Religion
Barbarians and mercenaries tend to not be the most
pious of individuals, and so the citizens of Vadaunk rarely pay
heed to any god. A few groups do revere some of the more
warlike deities, but overall they make up only a small
percentage of the populace.
Residents of Vadaunk are, however, surprisingly
superstitious, although this behavior is more cultural than
religious. Citizens often practice a number of superstitious
rituals both large and small, including important and intricate
seasonal ceremonies that are supposed to provide good luck
on the battlefield.
Gazetteer
 Defense towers and raiding outposts dot the nearby
countryside.
 The mine of precious metals and its refineries are among
the best defended compounds in the region.
Splitter Peaks
This short mountain range extends from the Gibbing
Adventure Seeds Water to Cold Claw Loch, creating an effective barrier
 New recruits in one of Vadaunk’s mercenary armies, your between the Middling Sweeps and the Kar Torrer Kingdom.
party forms a pact, and vows to rise through the ranks
together to achieve glory.
 Your party impersonates a famous mercenary band in a
bid to get close to the Warlord, and steal his power for
Wailing Ridge
your own. Named for the terrible sounds occasionally heard in the
 Fearing a disastrous war, Neovadan has hired you to region, these steep hills are avoided by those who can, and
infiltrate and sow discord amongst Vadaunk’s forces. are traversed rather quickly by those who cannot.

110

Ragamoll
The region dominated by the ancient Ragamoll Forest
features the large cities of Cobsea and Myrshock, extending
from the east coast all the way to the Cobberfall Mountains.
Cobsea
The dusty inland city of Cobsea is one of New Crobuzon’s
primary trading partners, and the two cities have just been
connected via a vast railway.
Metropolis (city-state); AL CN
Government Plutocracy/Anocracy; Tech Level 4
Togra Limit ₮ 3,500,000; Assets ₮ 1,100,000,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 1,425,000
Type mixed (83% human, 10% cactacae, 4% vodyanoi, 3%
other races).
Religions Darioch, Solenton; Languages Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Zedshyl Remsfort, Supreme Chairman; Flargsan II,
Proprietor of Flargsan’s Zoo of Wonders; Wendelle Jones,
Chief Guard
On the boundary between the fertile Ragamoll Forest
and the drier regions near the coast, Cobsea endures harsh
summers and winters alike. Although the city is more than
one hundred miles from the Cacotopic Stain proper, strange
chaotic phenomena dot the region, and as such, the residents
of Cobsea are used to defending themselves from Torque-
touched beasts.
Cobsea is remarkable for two main reasons. First, it’s
mercantile success; most of Rohagi’s truly prosperous cities
are wealthy in large part due to their coastal location, which
grants them access to the world’s best means of trade. The
fact that Cobsea has managed to flourish so far inland is truly
noteworthy.
Secondly, Cobsea is renowned – many would say
infamous – for its disgracefully unstable government, which
undergoes vast political changes on a regular basis.
Government
Cobsea is run by an unstable city council which is
dominated by mercantile interests. The city government is so
notoriously variable that it is considered business as usual
when one authority stages a coup and sweeps aside another.
With few governments lasting more than several months,
their regular collapse is accepted as the way of things in
Cobsea.
Economy
Cobsea’s mercantile sector is quite prosperous, although
the city lacks the heavy industry of New Crobuzon. The city’s
weavings and its wines are both prized, and business seems
to get done without the help of either parliament or
merchant subsidies.
Con games are common, as is smuggling. Not everyone
who wears a weapon has a right to do so. Forgery is a
booming business, but difficult to prosecute.
Military
The city is thoroughly walled and guarded, in order to
protect form both raiders and wild beasts warped by Torque,
which regular wander the region. The walls are thick stone,
with wooden fortifications atop and behind them.
Religion
The mix of religions found in Cobsea closely mimic those
of New Crobuzon, with the exception of St. Jabber followers.
Gazetteer
 The newly completed Grande Tramway has spurred the
development of many industries on the eastern side of
town.
 Flargsan’s Zoo of Wonders is an establishment which,
uniquely, attempts to hold and display creatures twisted
by Torque. They are only marginally successful.
 Cobsea’s open-air market features colorful tents and
stalls, featuring goods from many far-off lands.
Adventure Seeds
 A greater than average number of twisted Torque-beasts
have attacked the region lately. Is something sinister
afoot?
 You’ve been hired to accompany and protect a
combination freight/passenger train departing on the
new and exciting Grande Tramway.
Myrshock
Myrshock is a small, ugly city, which in many ways is like
New Crobuzon in miniature: racially mixed with a lot of
vodyanoi who live in a canal ghetto, a few freebooting garuda
from the Cymek, and a smattering of cactacae.
Metropolis (city-state); AL CN
Government Parliamentary; Tech Level 4
Ahn Limit ₳ 3,890,000; Assets ₳ 1,840,900,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 1,071,000
Type mixed (82% human, 8% cactacae, 6% vodyanoi, 2%
khepri, 2% other races).
Religions Salter; Languages Ragamoll, Sunglari
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Jimhelm IV, City Mayor; Wanchertlkin, Harbormaster;
Stephen Kornlson, High Cantor of Salter; Ludwig Himmens,
Trainmaster of the Grande Tramway
Life in Myrshock is centered on trade and commerce,
which in turn is centered on the docks. A bustling port city,
Myrshock has made a name for itself for being open to all
ships and for being a place to find any service imaginable.
Myrshock was not built to follow a coherent path or
pattern, and it certainly shows. Streets rarely meet at right
angles, and picturesque palaces lie next-door to factories and
hovels. Its temples feature somewhat elegant
minarets, but these are obscured by the city’s 111
many dirigible mooring posts. Overall, the architecture of the
city appears hodgepodge, with no cohesion or purpose. This
general ugliness has become one of the city’s most defining
characteristics.
Government
Myrshock is governed by a city parliament, led by a
mayor. Parliamentarians are elected on a regular basis, and
the elections are even mostly fair.
Economy
Myrshock has an industrial, port-based economy, but it is
built around a saltwater harbor rather than an estuarine one.
This has advantages and drawbacks. While the vodyanoi
cannot serve as stevedores here, ships pulled by bridled
seawyrms can enter directly into the harbor rather than being
unloaded offshore.
A fair amount of traffic passes directly between
Myrshock and Shankell, offering travelers a speedy
alternative to traversing the long coastline.
The newly opened Grande Tramway, connecting
Myrshock to New Crobuzon and Cobsea, has caused a recent
boom in the market.
Military
Myrshock’s home defense force contains enough troops
and vessels to protect the port and police the streets, but
little else.
Religion
Salter, Darioch, Solenton, and many other deities have
temples within Myrshock.
Gazetteer
 Dozens of floating factories inhabit the harbor area,
churning out smog and goods in equal quantities.
 The ramshackle Myrshock port is ugly but impressive in
both scale and efficiency.
 Many dirigibles offer anything from local tours to long-
haul passenger transport.
Adventure Seeds
 Rumor has is a greedy merchant summoned a
Weaver which has now gone on a killing spree.
You’ve been hired to put a stop to this…
somehow.
Other Sights of Ragamoll
Dusttown
Rather than dying when the mine ran dry, this
old town has become something of a rural trading
settlement with an open-secret of renting out old
mining tunnels to outlaws and other groups who wish
to remain hidden.
Ragamoll Forest
The second largest forest in Rohagi, the
Ragamoll Forest is a region rich in history,
industry, and culture. The forest is not
especially dense, and many large clearings dot
its interior; as such, a great many small and
medium-sized communities can be found within its borders.
Smokestone Fields
Southeast of Cobsea lies a dangerous and otherworldly
area, the smokestone fields. At first, this place may seem like
nothing more than a collection of odd stone formations, but
make no mistake. These stone columns form from geysers of
dust which unpredictably erupt from the ground, turning
quickly to stone and trapping forever anything unlucky
enough to be caught in the blast.
Shatterjack
North of the dry Hinter grasslands lie the Shatterjack
Mountains, some of the most imposing peaks on Rohagi.
Between a nasty Torque zone and the fearsome city of the
undead, few travel this land without a very good reason.
High Cromlech
On the western side of the foreboding Shatterjack
Mountains lies High Cromlech, the city-state of the abdead,
(i.e. undead,) where the living are second-class citizens – or
worse.
Metropolis (city-state); AL LE
Government Aristocracy; Tech Level 4
Arcane Bawbee Limit 5,617,000 ab; Assets 2,690,000,000 ab
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 439,000
Type abdead-dominant (82% thanati, 14% human (living), 2%
vampir, 2% other abdead) - (does not include zombies).
Religions Khyriad; Languages Quiesy
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Deadman Reginald, Executive of the Housing Comittee;
Deadwife Mushi, Administrator of the Zombie
Factories
The streets of High Cromlech seem dead.
There is little movement, no throngs of
pedestrians going about their business, and
most distinctive of all, absolutely no noise.
There is a good reason for this pervading quiet.
In High Cromlech, the dead rule. The highest
social class consists of a particular variety of
abdead known as thanati. These lich-like gentry
are, in most senses, literally dead corpses which
have been animated, and retain their consciousness.
As the years wear on, the bodies of thanati practically
mummify, becoming dry and leathery. They move and
go about their day with great care, as not to damage
their frail bodies. Most lose the ability to speak
traditional languages as their tongues and vocal
chords vitrify, and have their mouths sewn
shut. Socially, thanati carry the title
“deadman” or “deadwife.”
112
 The living inhabitants of High Cromlech – called “the
quick” – are lesser citizens who live in Liveside, a ghetto on
the southern edge of the city. Some few are respectable
working class and small businesspeople, carrying the title of
“liveman” or “livewife.” These citizens are allowed to inhabit
the city because there are certain jobs that the slow and
brittle thanati cannot themselves perform, and jobs too
delicate to trust to mindless zombies.
The wealthiest of livemen aspire to buy their way into
the upper echelons of thanati culture, affording the specific
treatments necessary to rise as an abdead.
The rest of the city’s living citizens, though, are slum-
dwelling underclass. They are not oppressed, but they are
less socially powerful than the dead and the living gentry.
Most of the living souls in High Cromlech, though, are not
free citizens – they are farm-bred human cattle, raised in
cages, whose only lot in life is to be killed and risen as a
mindless zombie slave. These “zombie factories” are famous
throughout Rohagi, usually spoken of only in fearful whispers.
Thanati are not the only abdead inhabitants of High
Cromlech. Other, less savory and less common varieties of
abdead also call the city home. Vampirs, for example, are
allowed to live in High Cromlech because they are abdead,
but they are not rulers. Quite the reverse – vampirs are
considered rather pathetic junkies who are kept alive on the
whim and sufferance of the High Cromlech living.
Little other information about High Cromlech is available
to most scholars, although it is known that the abdead gentry
of Armada emigrated from High Cromlech.
Government
Unlike the mortals of the living world, the abdead
aristocracy has little need for enforced order. High society
creates its own structure, and the nobility govern themselves
as such.
The city, isolated both culturally and geographically,
keeps only the slightest of diplomatic channels open to the
outside world.
Economy
In High Cromlech, currency is much more of a standard
symbol than anything else. Only the quick of Liveside use
currency in the traditional sense. What little raw materials
required by the city are produced in the nearby Shatterjack
Mines.
Military
The zombie factories have, in times of conflict, produced
more than enough cannon fodder to ensure High Cromlech’s
safety, such as during the Flesh-Eater Wars.
There have always been rumors that High Cromlech
possesses giant floating vessels, moonships, but such reports
are unconfirmed.
Religion
Those thanati with pious leanings favor Khyriad, the deity
credited with creating the first abdead upon Bas-Lag. Living
humans of High Cromlech tend not to be religious, but often
invoke Khyriad’s name as a figure of speech.
Gazetteer
 A busy funicular railway transfers materials between the
city and the Shatterjack Mines.
Thanati
Becoming a thanati is both an expensive process, and a
nearly sacred one. See the thanati template on page 25 for
details.
Price: 25,500 GP
 The Bonestrasse, High Cromlech’s grandest boulevard,
features great houses looming to either side on ornate
catafalques.
 The zombie factories and human farms occupy many
large, rectangular structures.
 Liveside, the ghetto of the living, is shabby and cramped
in comparison to the posh neighborhoods of the thanati.
Adventure Seeds
 High Cromlech has never before sold zombie armies to
outsiders, but you employer has sent you to attain this
goal.
 An old enemy of yours, long thought dead, may in fact
have fled to High Cromlech in order to become a thanati.
Other Sights of Shatterjack
The Northern Torque
This cacotopic area was most likely as large as the
Cacotopic Stain in the distant past, but like all naturally
occurring torque zones, it has gradually shrunk in size over
many centuries. Today, it is less than half the size of the
famous Stain, and its remote location ensures that it is easily
avoided.
There is evidence that at least two large ancient cities
once existed in the area, but these were annihilated centuries
ago when the Northern Torque first burst into Bas-Lag. Their
ruins are very gradually becoming accessible as the Torque
recedes.
Shatterjack Mines
On the eastern side of the Shatterjack Mountains lies the
entrance to the famous Shatterjack Mines. These mines are
owned and operated by High Cromlech and produce many
metals. Extensive freight railway lines snake their way
through the mountains, both above and below ground,
between the mines and the city.
Shatterjack Mountains
These mountains are the highest in Rohagi. Their great
height alters weather patterns and is responsible for the dry
condition of most of the Hinter. Many strange and foul beasts
are known to live in the mountains.
Wormseye Scrub
Surrounded by the Bezhek Peaks and the Dancing Shoe
Mountains, the Wormseye Scrub is a vast swath of grasslands
and grain fields.
113
Troglodopolis
The underground center of trow civilization,
Troglodopolis is a testament to the spirit of the trow people.
Metropolis (subterranean); AL CN
Government Monarchy; Tech Level 4
Gold Piece Limit 2,293,000 GP; Assets 1,704,500,000 GP
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 1,317,600
Type trow-dominant (93% trow, 3% gessin, 2% human, 2%
other races).
Religions Hugkhul, Zogald; Languages Trow, Ragamoll
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Supreme Claw Rzzlathak, Ruler of Troglodopolis;
Speakmaster Garrt, Head of Foreign Relations; Stakkzar the
First, Warmaster
Given most people’s stigma against the trow, they
might assume Troglodopolis to be a barbaric,
chthonic burrow, with blood running down the
streets. This is not the case. True, the trow
can be a harsh and violent people, and
certain independent tribes are quite
bloodthirsty, but the trow of the city have
a great deal of culture and order. They’d
have to, in order to a city of a million
individuals to not dissolve into chaos.
Government
The ruler of Troglodopolis is
selected through various criteria,
including personal might, family
lineage, and blessings of the most
prominent elders.
Economy
As an underground city, mining is
a large part of the city’s way of life.
Military
Every able-bodied trow is
expected to defend the city in times of
need.
Religion
The trow believe in a number of deities, including
Hugkhul and Zogald.
Gazetteer
 The enormous mining shafts that extend into the bowels
of the mountains are so vast that they’ve been known to
play tricks on the minds of some who look into their
depths for too long.
 The city itself is a wonder of engineering and
eprserverance.
Adventure Seeds
 Long scornful of Troglodopolis, New Crobuzon has sent
your party to guard a mysterious group of diplomats to
the city.
Yoraketche
Yoraketche is a weak, warlike country northwest of New
Crobuzon.
Large City (capitol); AL CN
Government Kingdom; Tech Level 3
Swajay Limit Ԅ 1,522,000; Assets Ԅ 1,000,500,000
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 378,000
Type human-dominant (78% human, 19% gessin, 2%
cactacae, 1% other races)
Religions Darioch, Gessin Pantheon; Languages Ragamoll,
Gessin
AUTHORITY FIGURES
Ranth Konalthorp, King; Shan Yonaldi, Horsemaster
Yorakatche is home to a breed of brave but rather stupid
warrior-riders, skilled in the bow and in raiding for slaves
and livestock, but it has few other points to
recommend it. It very loosely controls a
large region of grassland steppes, the
Wormseye Scrub, and is mostly
concerned with continuing ancient
tribal feuds. It has little political power
but produces mercenaries who are
frequently hired thousands of miles away for their
fierceness, competence, and ignorances.
Government
Yoraketche is ruled by a king, whose word is
law.
Economy
Yoraketche is largely self-sufficient and has an
agrarian based economy.
Military
The majority of Yoraketche’s armed forces
consist of human warriors on horseback,
usually with nothing more than leather armor
and simple iron weapons, supported by gessin
heavy infantry.
Religion
The gessin of the kingdom worship their own odd
pantheon, while the humans stick to traditional human
deities.
Gazetteer
 The vast fields of warhorses, making up the bulk of
Yoraketche’s military, are a sight to see.
Adventure Seeds
 A remote tribe of gessin is riled up, and seems to be
causing more trouble than they should be able to. Go see
what’s what. If you want.
114

Other Sights of Wormseye
Dancing Shoe Mountains
This is the longest uninterrupted mountain range in
Rohagi, extending from the southernmost point of the
Gibbing Water all the way to New Crobuzon. Spine Peak is
one of the tallest mountains in the range, and lies at the
southern tip of the range.
The trow city of Troglodopolis lies within these
mountains.
The Rohagi Coast
The eastern and southern coasts of the Rohagi continent
are home to a large number of islands. Big and small,
powerful and inconsequential, lands of all types dot this
region of the Swollen Ocean.
Gnurr Kett
Gnurr Kett is an island nearly 2,000 miles south of New
Crobuzon, 500 miles east of the Cymek Desert. Its inhabitants
don’t trade much with New Crobuzon, mainly dealing with
the cactacae of Dreer Samher. Gnurr Kett and Dreer Samher
are independent, but have a close working and trading
relationship. Gnurr Kett’s population is primarily human, with
a cactacae coming in a healthy second place.
Gnurr Kett possesses a mercantile culture with a mostly
peaceful tradition of quiet scholarship and competence. Its
economy includes indigenous farming, fishing, sea-trade, and
an important stratum of intellectuals and a cadre of cantors –
a kind of singing scholar. The island is also home to an
important publishing industry of theoretical tracts.
Its capital is Kohnid, a small but important center of
scholarship. For a few scholars, Kohnid is an intellectual
paradise, as High Kettai theory is important and relatively
rare. Gnurr Kett keeps a secret colony of anophelii as sort of
pet scholars, using the (safely bloodless) cactacae of Dreer
Samher their wardens, through a three-way trading loop.
Their knowledge finds its way to Kohnid, but many crucial
primary works published there never leave the islands.
Hebdomad
The Hebdomad is the name used to refer to a collection
of small islands not too far from New Crobuzon. While it
contains innumerable unnamed and uninhabitable islets
which are home only to birds and the wildlife that flies or
swims between them, many of the islands are large enough
to support multiple small fishing and whaling villages, and
even some full-fledged agricultural communities.
Bartoll
This small island has an awe-inspiring, mountainous
landscape, featuring thick forests and windswept gullies. Its
interior is not populated but its coasts hold many small
fishing villages.
Basilisk Channel
This is the primary route taken by vessels leaving New
Crobuzon for Jheshull, Khadoh, and Bered Kai Nev.
Cancir
Cancir holds no permanent residents, but is remarkable
for certain rare medicinal plants that can occasionally be
found hiding in the cracks of the dry earth here.
115

Chet
Chet has only a small population, most of which work a
number of small mines that cross the island. It is a poor land,
ironically famous for just how poor many of its residents are.
The well-known Chet stone-riddle originates here.
Cyrhussine
Cyrhussine boasts an engineering marvel, the 25-mile-
long Cyrhussine Bridge. This footbridge was constructed by
the Order of Cyranaline, an order of monks who devote their
lives to meditation and contemplating the balance of the
cosmos. It connects the city of Sibala with the Order’s
monastery on a neighboring island which, by the traditions of
the monks, bears no name.
Dancing Bird
Mainly composed of brick-red volcanic rock, Dancing Bird
Island features sheer cliffs and hunched peaks. The poor, ugly
fishing port of Qé Banssa would be negligible, if it weren’t for
its single claim to fame - the New Crobuzon embassy
responsible for relations with all of the Hebdomad.
The Finns
Little more than jagged cliffs jutting from the sea, the
Finns are small and uninhabitable. Most of the islands in this
chain have no flat surface, consisting solely of serrated rock.
Rumors persist of hidden caves and pirate coves.
Gnomon Tor
Lush and green, Gnomon Tor is a small island only a few
miles distant from the cray city of Salkrikaltor. It is not
actually a part of the commonwealth, as no cray live on the
land here, but the cray do favor Gnomon Tor as a hunting
ground; just as humans enjoy a good fish for dinner, so do
cray enjoy a nice coney.
Isadóre
Volcanic and foreboding, this island exports obsidian and
pumice.
North Morin
This dark, mountainous island is home to a primitive tribe
that is known to despise outsiders.
Pliny
The flattest of the large Hebdomad islands, Pliny is home
to several tropical fruit plantations and orchards.
South Morin
This island would not be worth mentioning, if it weren’t
for the fact that its name seems to imply that there is some
sort of meaningful connection with North Morin. There is not.
Jheshull (The Pirate Islands)
The Jheshull islands are a loose group of three islands a
few hundred miles from the coast north of New Crobuzon.
Famously known as the “Pirate Islands,” Jheshull was a
primary instigator of the ancient Pirate Wars, and to this day
still plays host to a large number of less-than-legal maritime
ventures.
Individuals from Jheshull are called “Jheshul.” The
spelling difference is intentional.
Khadoh
A largely self-sufficient nation, Khadoh has somewhat
distanced itself in recent times from the world at large. The
spiritual culture of Khadoh is focused on the moon, and their
written language is in the form of lunar pictograms, known as
moonscript.
Mandrake Islands
A collection of six main islands and many small islets, the
Mandrake Islands form a nation which is mostly left alone by
its neighbors, chiefly because invading the Mandrake Islands
wouldn’t be worth the time or the effort. The channels
between the islands are notoriously dangerous and are
perilous to sail without detailed knowledge of the strong
currents and submarine reefs found there.
The Mandrake Islands have traditionally been allies with
Perrick Nigh and enemies with Dreer Samher.
Perrick Nigh
Perrick Nigh is a fairly wealthy island nation roughly 600
miles east of Myrshock. Most of its wealth originated in the
island’s diamond mines, and Perrick Nigh also came out on
top of the old Pirate Wars.
The stereotype for Perrickish is that they are all rich,
noble-blooded, violin-playing, parasol-twirling heiresses. This
image holds some measure of truth, as the average family on
Perrick Nigh is far above the poverty line, but like all
stereotypes, it is an exaggerated image of reality.
In order to defend their wealth, Perrick Nigh’s naval
forces are fairly ruthless. In recent years, a militant culture
has gradually become more and more prevalent, and
Perrickish privateers are known to have very powerful ships.
The island’s lavish capital city is Figh Vadiso. Perrick Nigh
has traditionally been allies with the Mandrake Islands and
enemies with Dreer Samher.
The Shards
This large archipelago is said to lie far to the east.
The Anophelii Island
A secret colony of anophelii, this tiny island southeast of
Gnurr Kett is kept by that nation as a clandestine
protectorate. This is so that the male anophelii can be kept as
a sort of pet scholar, having their superior intellects bled dry
for academic gain. Gnurr Kett hires the (safely
bloodless) cactacae of Dreer Samher as their 116
wardens, through a three-way trading loop. Any unlucky
sailors who stumble past the Samheri wardens are likely to be
quickly devoured by the female anophelii.
This colony must remain a secret due to the fearful
nature of the anophelii. See page 5 and 74 for details.
Swollen Ocean
The Swollen Ocean is the name most often given to the
vast body of water off the eastern and southern coasts of
Rohagi, although there are dozens of different monikers for
various regions of the sea.
Aquatic races are plentiful on Bas-Lag, and there are
many kingdoms under the seas. These typically have little
interaction with the land-based nations of Rohagi, but this is
not always the case.
Armada
The wildest pirate city in existence is a mobile
constellation of ships, rafts, barges, and hulks that serves as a
floating base for a powerful pirate fleet – and its existence
has been one of the world’s best-kept secrets for centuries.
Armada is an ancient city, with its earliest incarnations
dating back hundreds of years. It is believed that Armada has
been all but destroyed at least twice, (once during the Pirate
Wars, and a second time fairly recently,) but it still survives to
this day. Its core is a set of ships built and outfitted for war by
New Crobuzon and other combatants of maritime wars.
As Armada is a secret, a large portion of its residents are
actually conscripts. In order to grow, Armada sends out
raiding ships which capture and bring back vessels and crews
which are absorbed by the main mass of the city. As many of
these captured individuals were slaves, prisoners, or poverty-
stricken deckhands, a life on Armada is a significant step up
for them. Those who do not acclimate, however, are
imprisoned and eventually executed.
Armada is divided into semi-feudal districts known as
ridings, each centered on a major hull or vessel, and each
features its own form of government, ranging from semi-
feudal to democratic to naïve laissez-faire experiments. These
change and shift over time, but here are the most recent
ridings:
 Bask Riding, centered on the Tailor’s Moan, has a fairly
standard council-based government. Most of Armada’s
menfish live here.
 Booktown, centered on the Psire, holds most of the city’s
khepri population, and is ruled by a khepri triumvirate. It
also houses Armada’s vast library.
 Curhouse Riding, centered on the Gentleman’s Caller, is
the most democratic riding. It holds several publishing
houses.
 Dry Fall Riding, centered on the moonship Uroc, is a
“protectorate” ruled by a benevolent vampir called the
Brucolac. Citizens pay a “goretax” of donated blood.
 Garwater Riding, centered on the impractically large
Grand Easterly, was, until recently, the most powerful
riding in Armada. Its future is now uncertain.
 Jhour Riding, centered on the Saskital, is ruled by a
"solar kingdom" with the cactacae Dynish on its throne.
An important airship manufactory is based here.
 Shaddler Riding, centered on the Therianthropus, is the
scabmettler riding, and is ruled by a strict general.
 Three-and-Thine Riding, centered on the Salt Godling, is
led by the trader-king Friedrich. It is regarded as a
somewhat lawless neighborhood where everything is for
sale.
 The Haunted Quarter is not an actual riding, but an
abandoned and feared area of Armada. A mere dozen or
so ships tucked away at the fore-port corner of the city, it
borders Thee-and-Thine and Dry Fall. Strange sounds are
heard at times, birds refuse to land on its masts, and
anyone crossing over to investigate returns either pale
and silent – or not at all.
117
 More than 100,000 beings are crammed into this floating
city, and practically all races of Bas-Lag are represented here,
even undead. There are religious temples to many gods,
though chiefly to Croom and to lunar and sea gods. The
language of Salt is overwhelmingly preferred on Armada.
Cray Commonwealth of Salkrikaltor
The great aquatic metropolis of the cray, Salkrikaltor, is
the leading city and capitol of the Cray Commonwealth of
Salkrikaltor, comprised of almost twenty cray cities. The
Salkrikaltor commonwealth is an entire undersea country in
the Swollen Ocean, and the city itself lies between the islands
of Bartoll and Gnomon Tor. The city has a population of
roughly 200,000, primarily cray, with a minority of other
aquatic races.
The city itself is the largest of the cray cities, with docks
at sea level, towers jutting above the waves, and buildings
below. The buildings are complete with airlocks, pumping
stations, air-breather’s buildings, and aquatic buildings.
The cray are a civilized species whose main interests are
control of schools of fish, beds of kelp, and other oceanic
treasures.
Salkrikaltor is a valued trading partner for New Crobuzon.
All other cray settlements trade underwater-produced
luxuries, foods, and a few bits of arcane technology.
Salkrikaltor also trades with other underwater politics, a
process of which New Crobuzon knows next to nothing.
Kronssk
Unlike the cray nation of Salkrikaltor, the corokanth
nations of the Swollen Ocean typically want nothing at all to
do with the land-based states like New Crobuzon.
Kronssk is a mostly democratic nation of corokanth north
of Salkrikaltor’s territory. They keep mainly to themselves,
even amongst aquatic nations.
Thkanth
A corokanth empire south of Salkrikaltor’s territory,
Thkanth has a history of being much more militaristic than
Kronssk. It is ruled by a hereditary emperor who supposedly
has the blessings of the gods.
Shoteka
The continent of Shoteka (alternatively known as
Shotek,) lies to the southwest of Rohagi. Common knowledge
holds that Shoteka does not boast nearly as many kingdoms
or civilizations as Rohagi does, but in truth, knowledge of
Shoteka is sparse. It is a land ripe for exploration.
Shud Zar Myrion Zar Koni (The
Witchocracy)
The Witchocracy of Shud Zar Myrion Zar Koni is the only
nation of the Shoteka continent that has major dealings with
the nations of Rohagi, but even then, these relations are
strained and meagre.
A small number of trading ships from the Witchocracy (as
it is called in New Crobuzon,) can be found routinely in the
shipping ports of Rohagi’s coastal cities, but apart from this,
diplomatic channels remain largely closed to the far off
nation, and little is known of the country’s politics or culture.
The Witchocracy’s only true partner in Rohagi seems to
be Tesh. In the recent conflict between Tesh and New
Crobuzon, the Witchocracy was an open ally to the Teshi.
The climate of Shud Zar Myrion Zar Koni is mostly desert
and arid lands. The capital of the Witchocracy is the city of
Ratjinn, also known as the Hive of the Jet Sorrow. The
Witchocracy also has unofficial claim over the
Firewater Straits. 118

The Firewater Straits
The small collection of volcanic islands in this relatively
narrow channel between the Rohagi and Shoteka continents
recruited, but only the most desperate of citizens will now
willingly set forth for Nova Esperium. Anyone who does
almost never returns to New Crobuzon.

Elsewhere on Bas-Lag
are officially independent, but in reality, they are effectively
owned by the Witchocracy. One such island is Geshen.

The world of Bas-Lag is vast, featuring uncounted exotic

Bered Kai Nev locales.

Thousands of miles east of Rohagi, across the vast

Swollen Ocean, lies the continent of Bered Kai Nev, the Gironella’s Dead Sea
forgotten ancestral home of the khepri people. Exploration of This legendary body of water, somewhere far to the
this strange land has only just begun. northeast of the Swollen Ocean, is a place where the water
has completely ossified, preserving the waves and entombing

Nova Esperium all life within.

The farthest of New Crobuzon’s varied interests, the

struggling colony of Nova Esperium seeks to find and claim
the riches of the Bered Kai Nev continent.
Empty Ocean / Fractured Land /
Small city (colony); AL LE Broken Country / Hidden Ocean /
Government Mayoral; Tech Level 2
Gold Guinea Limit ₲ 10,000; Assets ₲ 12,000,000 The Scar
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population 7,450 According to legend, this is the exact spot where the
Type human-dominant (92% human [60% of which are ancient rulers of the Ghosthead Empire first burst forth into
Remade inmates], 5% cactacae, 3% other races). our reality.
Religions Darioch, St. Jabber; Languages Ragamoll Few have been close enough to this area to know of it,
AUTHORITY FIGURES and fewer still have returned to tell of it. What is known is
that this is an area that, somewhat like a Torque zone, bends
Kelson McSmithy, Representative Mayor; Punches with
reality and can make the impossible come to light.
Spikes, Head of Security; Rongald Glinwinter, Chief of
The outskirts of this area – the Empty Ocean, or the
Prisoner Processing; Tolla Clearsy, Resource Manager
Hidden Ocean – seem to actively keep ships out. The waters
and winds here flow continuously outwards, pushing all but
With no convenient or profitable lands left to colonize in
the most powerful of vessels away.
Rohagi, New Crobuzon decided to put forth a bold initiative
At the heart of the area is the Scar – a vast, literal scar in
to colonize far-flung Bered Kai Nev. The eastern continent
the earth itself, the landing site of the Ghosthead. Imagine a
had been known of for centuries, but the long and
static canyon, made of unmoving water in the middle of the
treacherous ocean voyage made expeditions rare and costly.
ocean; impossibly deep, defying all laws of nature. This rip in
The hope for the Nova Esperium colony was that exotic foods
reality has never healed, and likely never will.
and goods would begin to flow with regularity, and become a
Somewhere near here is a body of land of unknown size,
tremendous source of income. The initial propaganda was
possibly an entire continent – the Fractured Land, or the
boisterous in the extreme, attracting many potential
Broken Country. This is a torque-infused land where there are
colonists, and for a time, the population of New Crobuzon
no rules, and nightmares such as slake moths, dreadcurs, and
believed that the grand venture was well on its way to being
lightfungus roam free.
a thriving community.
To find these places, head north from the Swollen Ocean.
Over time, however, even the government’s notorious
But exploring these lands would serve no purpose; they
propaganda machine couldn’t hide the disappointing results
would only lead to madness, or more likely, death.
of the colonial effort. Few trade goods sailed into port, and
what scant news came home with the ships was never good.
Currently, New Crobuzon’s colony is failing due to its
small population, foreign diseases, monsters, and aggressive
natives. In a last-ditch effort to salvage the situation, New
Crobuzon has, in effect, converted Nova Esperium into a
massive penal colony in order to bolster the venture’s
workforce. Large quantities of Remade inmates are now
shipped out on a regular basis. Normal colonists are still 119
Deities
Some of the gods of Bas-Lag are worshipped by a single
race, or even by the populace of a single city, whereas others
are known far and wide.
Major Gods of Bas-Lag
In the melting pot of races and cultures common to much
of the Rohagi continent, the gods of many different peoples
have entered into a sort of common theology. The following
is a list of the generally prominent deities one might hear of
in New Crobuzon, Myrshock, or Shankell, who are all
worshipped by any number of races, despite the fact that
their original roots may lie with only a single race or culture.
Crawfoot
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Blackwater, Competition, Good, Luck, Temperance
Favored Weapon: Trident
The origins of the legends regarding Crawfoot can easily
be traced back to the cray, whose mythos places him
foremost among the cray deities of old. As cray culture began
mingling with the land-dwelling races, however, cray theology
became evermore simplified until the rest of the cray deities
were relegated to antiquity, leaving only Crawfoot remaining.
In modern times, many cray pay some homage to Crawfoot.
Conversely, Crawfoot also managed to insinuate himself
into the legends of other religions, and is now well-known to
many races. A relatively recent religious tome, the Crawfoot
Chronicles, depicts Crawfoot in a number of tales involving a
slew of other deities, including Salter and Darioch. Classic
examples include “Crawfoot and the Conch Assassins,” and
“Crawfoot’s Batskin Burglary.” In modern times, Crawfoot
counts many humans, vodyanoi, and others as his followers,
in addition to the cray.
Somewhat uniquely, Crawfoot is not always depicted as a
perfect being in these tales, but rather as a figure who can
(and does) make mistakes. The key sentiment is that
Crawfoot then does whatever he can to make things right,
teaching the lesson that as long as one tried his best, that’s all
that is required. This less-than-strict philosophy makes
Crawfoot a very popular religious icon for many individuals.
Darioch
Greater Deity
Alignment: Lawful Good
Domains: Creation, Destiny, Good, Inquisition, Law, Nobility,
Protection
Favored Weapon: Heavy Spiked Shield
One of the eldest human gods, Darioch has carried many
titles throughout recorded history, including “Glory of the
Righteous,” and “Bringer of Peace.” According to religious
scholars, Darioch was the prime deity of several human
pantheons favored by primitive peoples many centuries ago,
and is one of the few still well-known today. He classically
promotes peace over warfare and is considered a champion
of goodness.
In modern times, Darioch’s clergy is actually on the small
side, with relatively few priests and nuns. Those who live
outside of the cities, scraping a living off of the hard land,
prefer to worship agrarian or naturalistic gods, whereas those
who live in the dark shadows of cities like New Crobuzon
often find the world entirely too bleak to put much stock into
Darioch’s messages of peace and justice. Others, though,
cling to these virtues with a desperate hope, and churches
devoted to Darioch still have a healthy following in many
neighborhoods.
Even more competition comes from the popularity of the
worship of St. Jabber. While Darioch is technically the patron
of St. Jabber, he has been eclipsed in popularity by the former
mortal.
The organized church of Darioch does what it can to
spread peace and goodwill, often sending missionaries and
nuns on lengthy pilgrimages to remote parts of the world.
Mother Limpid
Lesser Deity
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Domains: Evil, Herald, War, Wrath
Favored Weapon: Flail
The racist group known as the Codling Brood revere the
teachings of Mother Limpid, a deity who supposedly teaches
the superiority of the human race above all others. Mother
Limpid’s origins are ancient and rather unclear, as she shows
up in the texts of several ancient human pantheons in one
form or another.
The Codling Brood is most active in New Crobuzon,
where it affiliates itself with the anti-xenian New Quill
political party. (Most members of the party are not religious
in nature; those who claim that their racism is a divine edict
are in the minority.)
One True God
Lesser Deity
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Domains: Law, Metal, Protection, War
Favored Weapon: Spiked Gauntlet
A relatively new religious group known as the Godmech
Cogs worship an entity that they call the One True God. They
believe that the cosmos itself is mechanized, and that it was
designed and created by the One True God. They
revere the use of machines and contraptions, and 120
their general goal is to see all aspects of life and society
mechanized.
The Godmech Cogs are a peaceful egalitarian group,
although their members tend to be quite assertive in their
beliefs, with many younger members gaining a reputation for
starting heated theological debates. Members of the
Godmech congregation mark their forearms and other body
parts with tattoos of interlocking gears.
Palgolak
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Lawful Good
Domains: Good, Humility, Knowledge, Law, Magic
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
Palgolak is a popular deity who
champions the causes of knowledge and
learning. He is an amiable, pleasant deity, a
sage whose existence is entirely devoted to
the collection, categorization, and
dissemination of information. Originally a
vodyanoi god, worshippers of Palgolak
(known as Palgolaki,) are now spread far
and wide, and include many humans.
The Palgolaki are proselytizers, holding
that everything known by a worshipper is
immediately known by Palgolak, which is
why they are religiously charged to read
voraciously. But their mission is only
secondarily for the glory of Palgolak, and
primarily for the glory of knowledge itself,
which is why they are sworn to admit all who
wished to enter into their vast libraries. Rather
than traditional churches, libraries are the
favored place of worship for Palgolak, although
some of these structures blend the aspects of
both. The largest of these libraries is in New
Crobuzon, and it is one of the most extensive libraries in the
known world.
Palgolak is depicted either as a fat, squat human reading
in a bath, or a svelte vodyanoi doing the same, or, mystically,
both at once.
Salter
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Chaos, Greed, Illusion, Knowledge, Trade
Favored Weapon: Dagger
Speculation
Given Bas-Lag’s tenuous connection with the Outer Planes, it’s quite possible that some of this world’s deities are actually representations of
beings known by other names on other worlds. Palgolak shares many traits with Delleb, and the One True God has a great many similarities
with Primus, of the plane Mechanus. It’s entirely possible that his image has just been slightly warped by incomplete information, just recently
obtained by Bas-Lag’s fledgling planar explorers.
Salter is known as the Secret Taker, but he’s also known
(and feared) for telling those secrets to those who aren’t
meant to hear them. He’s said to do this in order to teach the
lesson that keeping secrets is immoral; just as a salted garden
will never grow again, a person who sees his secrets and lies
unravel before his eye is supposedly deprived of the ability to
hoard another secret. The name “Salter” is actually a
bastardization of his ancient name, “Salziér,” based on this
comparison.
It’s generally held that Salter doesn’t care whose secrets
he’s stolen or who he leaks them to. This is
mostly true, but Salter isn’t fond of causing
massive disasters, and is believed to have
actually prevented certain catastrophes by
sharing his hoarded knowledge.
Salter doesn’t have a very large
following. His few clerics are not
proselytizers, but rather are proficient spies.
Solenton
Greater Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Domains: Chaos, Destruction, Good, Pleasure,
Protection, Strength, War
Favored Weapon: Longsword
Solenton is the twin brother of Darioch,
and the philosophies of the two gods are
very similar, with one major difference –
whereas Darioch promotes prosperity
through peace, Solenton promotes the
same via strength of arms. Both are
classically considered to be deities of
humans, and are said to care for and protect
mankind, but where Darioch would find a
bloodless solution to conflict, Solenton
would gleefully charge forth into glorious
battle. He does not wantonly slaughter, nor does he
champion unjust causes, but he is always ready to solve any
problem with his legendary Sword of Righteousness.
The church of Solenton is slightly more popular than that
of Darioch, although both pale in comparison to the
popularity of St. Jabber. The name of Solenton is often
invoked by those who find themselves in danger and in need
of protection.
121
St. Jabber Dahnesch
Lesser Deity Lesser Deity
Alignment: Lawful Good Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Domains: City, Courage, Glory, Good, Healing, Law, Mysticism Domains: Chaos, Destruction, Domination, Evil, Greed
Favored Weapon: Light Crossbow Favored Weapon: Scythe

The story of St. Jabber is complex, confusing, and often Although the garuda do not worship any gods or follow
contradictory. What is unmistakable, though, is that he is by any religious doctrine, their legends and mythology do
far the most worshipped idol in and around New Crobuzon. feature a sort of devil-figure, Dahnesch. Dahnesch typically
Religious scholars agree that St. Jabber began life as just stands for the principles which the garuda abhor. Religious
an ordinary cleric of Darioch who lived around the time of the scholars debate as to whether Dahnesch is a real eidolon, or a
founding of New Crobuzon. He is said to have been purely fictitious character.
instrumental in many key events in the city’s early history;
various stories credit Jabber with creating parliament, writing
the city’s legal code, establishing the trade policies crucial to
the city’s prosperity, and dozens of other feats. Scholars
Khyriad
Intermediate Deity
debate how much truth lies in these tales, but regardless of
Alignment: Lawful Evil
their factual accuracy they soon became the stuff of legend.
Domains: Death, Deathbound, Evil, Law, Pestilence, Vile
It is said that Jabber “disappeared,” leaving the city after
Darkness
a nasty series of Torque storms in search of their source, for
Favored Weapon: Morningstar
the purpose of putting an end to their chaotic effects. While
it is true that the frequency and severity of the Torque storms
The abdead of High Cromlech pay homage to Khyriad,
has lessened since the city’s early history, whether or not
the god who they say bestowed the gift of abdeath to Bas-
Jabber had anything to do with this is unknown. To this day,
Lag. Legends say that at the dawn of creation, he saw how
though, many individuals still refer to Torque as “Jabber’s
terribly wasteful it was for mortals to only live for a brief
Torque.”
time, and thus gave his faithful the means with which they
The stories and legends of Jabber steadily grew until he
could worship him indefinitely. He is credited with the
was officially deified by the church of Darioch. Little did they
creation of vampires, zombies, and all manner of similar
know at the time that Jabber’s influence would grow to
beings.
surpass even that of his patron. Today, St. Jabber is the god of
As long as his worshippers among the abdead pay the
choice (and the curse of choice,) in New Crobuzon and its
occasional homage to him, Khyriad is regarded as a fairly
environs.
hands-off deity.

Other Gods of Bas-Lag

Some deities are less widespread in their worship. The
Krinan-Flaherti
Lesser Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Good
following are some of the more localized, although still
Domains: Chaos, Competition, Good, Trade
prominent, gods of Rohagi.
Favored Weapon: Shortspear

Croom Chief deity of the hotchi of Rudewood, Krinan-Flaherti is

Demigod
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Chaos, Corruption, Greed
Favored Weapon: Sickle
Croom was a mortal pirate of great renown who was
instrumental in the founding of Armada, the floating city. His
existence is largely unknown to the greater world, and many
Armada citizens view him as a historical figure only, but a
substantial minority have deified his memory.
a laid-back goddess whose credo is summarized by most
hotchi as, “do your best, and you’ll be fine.”
Sobki
Lesser Deity
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Domains: Animal, Evil, Scalykind, Water
Favored Weapon: Light Mace
Worshippers of the crocodile god Sobki are typically
restricted to the region of the Hinter around the Brothers.
Sobki espouses a doctrine of forcefulness and boldness. His
followers strive to carve out their own place in a
world that is hostile. 122

Troikinity
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Neutral
Domains: Balance, Evil, Good, Hope
Favored Weapon: Any
The three-faced god of the llorgiss embodies, uniquely,
the aspects of good and evil, and all in between. This
triumvirate deity represents the entire range of the human
condition (or, in this case, the llorgiss condition.)
Khepri Pantheon
After the events of the Ravening and the Tragic
Crossing, the surviving khepri attempted to
eradicate all cultural knowledge from their
collective memory, but religion is a tenacious
subject. While most of the khepri pantheon has
indeed been lost to time, there are some ancient
deities who remain with the khepri to this day,
including Awesome Broodma, the Artspitter, the Nurse,
and the Tough Sisters.
The spiritual void that was left surrounding these
lone goddesses cried out to be filled, however, and a
number of radical and less savory goddesses have
spawned strange cults that are slowly gaining in
popularity.
Awesome Broodma
Greater Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Magic, Protection, Community, Family
Favored Weapon: Shortsword
Awesome Broodma is the central deity of the khepri
pantheon. In short, she is seen as the guide and guardian of
the khepri race as a whole, and as the mother of all khepri
and all other goddesses. She is perceived as the ultimate
mother figure – always kind and loving to her daughters, but
capable of terrible wrath as well. She is credited with
ensuring the survival of the khepri after the Ravening. Statues
and temples devoted to her worship are very common sights
in all khepri communities.
Artspitter
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Domains: Humility, Lust, Charm, Joy
Favored Weapon: Light Hammer
The act of manipulating khepri-spit to create works of art
is one of the most deeply ingrained aspects of khepri society,
and has survived the Tragic Crossing and all of the
subsequent strains placed on khepri society. As such, the
matron goddess of art has also thrived in modern khepri
society. Known as the Artspitter, she is heavily praised in
khepri society, from the greatest of sculptors to the lowliest
construction workers.
Nurse
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Lawful Good
Domains: Healing, Purification, Charity, Generosity
Favored Weapon: Longspear
The goddess known as the Nurse is said to watch
over and heal any injured or sick khepri. Her presence
is particularly felt in hospitals and other locations
devoted to healing the sick, and her most devout
worshippers are healers by trade, although nearly all
faithful khepri recognize her importance and revere
her accordingly. Her only form of worship is the act
of caring for those who physically cannot care for
themselves.
The Tough Sisters
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Protection, Strength, Pride, Endurance
Favored Weapon: Stingbox
The Tough Sisters are a trio of inseparable sister
goddesses whose sacred duty is to guard and
protect the faithful. In almost every aspect, they are
treated as a single entity – they do not even have
individual names. They are traditionally depicted bearing
specific arms: one with a hooknet and spear, one with a
crossbow and flintlock, and one with a khepri stingbox.
Actual khepri guardswomen often model themselves
off of the Sisters, working in groups of three and using the
same traditional weapons. Any khepri who are guards,
fighters, or warriors are likely to revere the Sisters.
Air Harvester
Demigod
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Domains: Death, Night, Repose
Favored Weapon: Bastard Sword
One gaping hole left in the theology of the khepri is the
absence of a goddess dedicated to death and the prospect of
an afterlife. Whispers of one such deity, the Air Harvester,
have begun to circulate in certain khepri neighborhoods. It is
said that when one’s time has come, the Air Harvester slips
in, riding the breeze, and steals the unfortunate soul’s final
breath. Those who directly worship the Air Harvester
123
are obsessed with the process of death and must hide their
fledgling faith.
Elyctric Devil
Demigod
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Domains: Trickery, Storm, Zeal
Favored Weapon: Lance
Just because a natural phenomenon can be explained by
thaumaturgy and the physical sciences doesn’t mean that the
mysticism surrounding it vanishes from thought. Some
individuals believe that the elyctric currents that power many
modern contraptions, such as the khepri stingbox, are
fragments of a divine being. They worship in secret, often
using machinery to induce small elyctric shocks.
Insect Aspect
Demigod
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Domains: Bestial, Chaos, Evil, Madness, Tyranny, Wrath
Favored Weapon: Club
In short, those few khepri who revere the Insect Aspect
believe that their own female natures are fundamentally
flawed and inferior, and that the male khepri are actually the
superior beings.
Practitioners of this cult think that the simple, insectile
nature of the male khepri represents divine perfection. They
believe that their human-like bodies are slow and
cumbersome; that their minds are clouded and clogged with
burdensome rational thought; that they have lost the simple
purity of the insect.
The practice of worship to the Insect Aspect involves
being completely subservient to the mindless male khepri,
seeing to their every comfort and acting as literal slaves to
the males.
Wingsister
Demigod
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Domains: Fate, Envy, Sky,
Favored Weapon: Javelin
The cult of the Wingsister believe that in the most
ancient past of the khepri, they had been blessed with the gift
of flight. This gift was supposedly stripped from the khepri as
a punishment for some ancient misdeed, resulting in the
useless beetle-wings that all khepri now possess tucked inside
their head-scarabs. Those who pray to the Wingsister “sing”
hymns into the night sky, praying for flight.
Timeway Gods
The Timeway faith has been popular in the region near
Shankell for some centuries, although it has a decent
following in the lower Cymek as well. As such, it has many
quirks that mark it as the faith of dessert-dwellers. Only in the
last several decades has the religion made headway north of
the Meagre Sea, including a small but growing presence in
New Crobuzon.
The deities associated with the Timeway pantheon come
from a number of different ancient traditions, making the
Timeway a sort of hodgepodge of faiths. The majority of its
gods can be traced back to the cactacae, although some
originate from tribal human and vodyanoi faiths.
The central symbol and icon of the religion is the clock.
On each timepiece, every hour is intertwined with the
symbols of an associated god. Upon the striking of each hour,
the associated deity is worshipped in his or her own temples.
Most followers of the Timeway tradition follow one god in
particular, and merely play lip service to the others.
Sanshad
Greater Deity
Alignment: Neutral
Domains: Fire, Protection, Summer, Sun, Balance
Favored Weapon: Rivebow
The mighty sun god Sanshad is the chief deity in the
Timeway tradition. He is seen neither as a helpful nor an evil
deity, but simply as the provider of sunlight, (which is crucial
for life, but can, after all, be deadly in its own right.) All things
related to the sun, such as warmth, summer, and even fire
fall under his purview.
Unlike the other deities of the pantheon, Sanshad is also
revered as a singular deity in his own right by the Cymek
cactacae, with his own unique faith and traditions. He has
always been the primary deity of the dessert cactacae, many
of whom worship him and him alone. The cactacae of New
Crobuzon practice this faith, which they dub “Sanshad-in-
Crobuzon.”
Alzaln In the arid Cymek region, rain is a precious
resource, and the prayers and thanks for its blessings go to
Alzaln, the mistress of storms.
Freyn Wind is a constant force in the desert. Whether it
will be a minor annoyance or a deadly obstacle is decided by
Freyn. He is also seen as the god of wanderers and travelers.
Hytlal Ocean-based commerce is vital to much of the
Cymek peninsula, and many sailors pray to Hytlal the sea god
for favorable voyages.
Zarth The few crops that grow in the region are said to
be a gift from Zarth, god of earth and agriculture.
124

Luurn As Sanshad rules the sweltering day, Luurn
presides over the bitterly cold nights.
Srelalen Most every religion has a devil figure, in this
case Srelalen, god of misfortune and, in particular, drought.
Prayers to him are meant to appease his ill will.
Te The region’s few rivers are a crucial means of travel
and are relied upon for water supplies. The goddess Te is said
to watch over the streams and annual floods.
Each Moment of the Horizon has a devoted order of
specialized monks, each of which has its own unique internal
structure. These monks have the power to beg boons from
their respective Moments, although there is usually a hefty
cost involved.
The Moments described below are a sampling, and do
not make up the entirety of the Manifold Horizon.
* Indicates a new domain which MUST be selected as one
of the cleric’s options.

Brynth Thaumaturgy is the dominion of Brynth, the All-

Sage.
Cadmer
Tegab Tegab is believed to be the shepherd of all herds,
wildlife, and livestock. Moment of Calculation
Intermediate Deity
Graij The few cities in the Cymek region are vital Alignment: Lawful Neutral
sources of manufactured trade goods, and Graij is believed to Domains: Calculation*, Knowledge, Luck, Mind, Pact
watch over these cities and the merchants who travel to Favored Weapon: Longbow
them.
Emebb Oases are said to be a gift from Emebb, the The Moment which claims the fewest monks is Cadmer.
This is because of the steep price paid by those who choose
goddess who is also credited with gifting the faithful with all
to be enfolded within this particular Moment.
manner of positive happenstance and good fortune.
In order to be accepted by Cadmer, the recipient must
relinquish all human emotion. Joy, sorrow, humor, confusion,
Timeway Gods At A Glance
frustration, and all other sensations become forever lost to
Clock Name Domains Ali. Rank the monks of Cadmer at the moment of enfolding. As a result,
Position human contact becomes extremely difficult, as the monk
1 Sanshad Fire, Protection, Summer, Sun, N Great.
Balance
forever becomes something unsettling and alien.
2 Alzaln Chaos, Good, Water, Thirst, CG Inter. The reward for this sacrifice is a tremendously boosted
Weather, Storm intellect. The ability to calculate, plan, and solve problems is
3 Freyn Air, Chaos, Travel, Windstorm CN Inter. as child’s play to those who embrace the Moment of
4 Hytlal Chaos, Water, Ocean, Seafolk CN Inter.
5 Zarth Earth, Good, Plant, Strength NG Inter.
Calculation.
6 Luurn Balance, Cold, Night, Spite N Great.

Hyronn
7 Srelalen Chaos, Death, Destruction, CE Inter.
Evil, Trickery, Sand
8 Te Good, Travel, Water, Celerity LG Less.
9 Brynth Balance, Rune, Knowledge,
Magic, Spell
N Great.
Moment of Desiccation
10 Tegab Animal, Good, Protection, NG Inter. Intermediate Deity
Summoner, Hunt
11 Graij Evil, Force, Avarice, City, LE Less.
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Community, Law Domains: Desiccation*, Suffering, Sand, Thirst, Wrath
12 Emebb Healing, Protection, Good, NG Less. Favored Weapon: Heavy Mace
Luck
Hyronn stands to the right of Teshara within the
Manifold Horizon, and shares a close connection with both

The Manifold Horizon

The Manifold Horizon is a puzzlingly unique religion
practiced in Tesh – although, “religion” may not even be an
accurate descriptive term for what the Manifold Horizon
encompasses. Although most Teshi citizens are cognizant of
the Manifold Horizon, you will not find any temples or statues
devoted to the “deities,” (known as “Moments,”) for the
public to use or enjoy. Instead, only a select few devoted
monks dedicate their lives to the Moments of the Horizon,
which they do for the benefit of all Teshi. They tend to live
apart from the main populace in remote monasteries.
Teshara and Pharru.
The Moment of Desiccation is imbued with the attribute
of aggression. Monks of Hyronn advocate preemptive
defense and are typically well-trained in martial arts. They
have the ability to rile the emotions of others, and can
evaporate water with ease.
Being enfolded into the Moment of Desiccation requires
undergoing a severe period of dehydration, ingesting no
liquids for the period of a week, and receiving no aid of any
kind. In order to utilize the abilities of Hyronn, the monk pays
the price of punishing heat – this raising of the body
temperature can severely harm the monk in
question. 125
 escape or to experience the world in the way it was meant to
Pharru be.

Moment of Forgotten Snow

Intermediate Deity Tekke Shesim
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Beguilement, Cold, Snow*, Windstorm, Winter Moment of Memory
Favored Weapon: Shortbow Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Pharru stands to the left of Teshara within the Manifold Domains: Dream, Chastity, Emotion, Knowledge, Memory*
Horizon, and shares a close connection with both Teshara and Favored Weapon: Heavy Crossbow
Hyronn.
The Moment of Forgotten Snow concerns itself with the Tekke Shesin presides over the realm of what has
attribute of caution; many parables are told by the monks of transpired. The monks enveloped within the Moment of
Pharru where the beautiful and placid nature of snow hides a Memory have the ability to peer into the past and to see
great many dangers, and therefore should always be treated events which have already come to pass. Elder monks can
with care. Monks of Pharru have the ability to call upon show these visions to others, and the most powerful of their
others for calm, as well as a control of frozen water. number are rumored to even create semi-tangible phantasms
The initiation into the Moment of Forgotten of past events.
Snow involves surviving be embedded in a To first gain the ability to call upon this
snow bank for the period of one week, knowledge, the price is to accept a
with no aid of any kind. In order to decreased ability for the monk to
call upon the powers of Pharru, the create and maintain his own
monk pays the price of extreme memories. Monks of Tekke
cold – this lowering of the body Shesim are very forgetful, and
temperature can severely are poor problem solvers. Each
harm the monk in question. time a monk views into the
past, this foggy-mindedness
becomes especially
Takka Reshi pronounced for a period of
time.
Moment of Doves
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Neutral Tekke Vogu
Domains: Air, Animal, Doves*,
Knowledge, Oracle Moment of Lost
Favored Weapon: Halberd
Things
The Moment of Doves grants its Greater Deity
enfolded monks the ability to control the Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
minds and bodies of mundane avian creatures. Domains: Celerity, Inquisition, Knowledge, Lost*,
This ability can be of great strategic use when utilized Oracle, Time
properly – for example, the monks can use their ability to see Favored Weapon: Greatsword
through the eyes of their birds, and use them as efficient
scouts. Most monks are limited in their range, but the eldest Also known as the Moment of the Hidden, Tekke Vogu is
can command fowl from vast distances. among the most powerful and demanding aspects of the
In order to become enfolded with Takka Reshi, one must Manifold Horizon. Monks who are enfolded within this
partake in a ritual designed to bring one in tune with the Moment have the power to learn of all things hidden, as well
harshness of nature. Initiates must survive alone in the wild, as the ability to hide themselves, but these gifts come at a
naked, for a full week during the deepest part of winter. great cost.
The price required each time they use their avian scouts When one makes the choice to devote himself to Tekke
is bizarre; as they inhabit the minds and bodies of their birds, Vogu and gain his favor, the price is for something to be
their own minds begin to become contaminated by the “hidden” from the monk. Perhaps the monk will forget his
thoughts and instincts of the avians themselves. This own name, and be forbidden from ever knowing another.
manifests itself as an extremely disquieting sensation that Perhaps the monk will lose all knowledge of his or her gender
prays upon the monk after he has broken his mental identity, doomed to go through life incapable of learning or
connection to the bird – the sensation has been likened to comprehending his or her own sex. The price might
feeling as if one is trapped inside an alien body, unable to even be a physical one; the ability to see, feel, smell, 126
or taste could be veiled from the devotee, or even one’s own
limbs.
After this initial cost, at any point when the monk wishes
to call upon Tekke Vogu, another cost must be extracted.
Fortunately, these secondary costs are proportional to that
which is asked for. For example, wishing to learn the identity
of a stranger might require the monk to lose a single, specific
memory of his own, whereas wishing to know a much greater
secret would exact a much greater price. It’s entirely possible,
although quite rare, for a monk who asks too much of Tekke
Vogu to eventually fade from existence entirely.
Devotees of the Moment of the Hidden can also learn of
“hidden passages” through space, creating one-time
shortcuts for themselves in order to travel very quickly.
Teshara
Moment of Placid Tears
Greater Deity
Alignment: Neutral
Domains: Balance, Ocean, Protection, Tears*, Trade, Water
Favored Weapon: Whip
Although the Manifold Horizon has little in the way of
structured hierarchy, there can be little doubt that Teshara is
informally held to be first among equals. Having a historical
connection to Tesh, the City of Crawling Liquid, Teshara is the
only Moment that one might actually see reference to
outside of the remote Monasteries of the Horizon.
Teshara is considered the central balancing figure which
stands between Pharru and Hyronn. The subjects of flowing
water and internal balance fall within the purview of the
Moment of Placid Tears – monks have the ability to maintain
their composure, as well as an ability to create and
manipulate flowing water.
To become enfolded within this Moment, a potential
monk must survive a trail of initiation, surviving afloat at sea
for a week’s time, with no external or thaumaturgical aid of
any kind. Once this is achieved, Teshara uniquely requires no
additional price to utilize the powers of the Moment.
Zaori
Moment of Magic Wine
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Knowledge, Liberation, Magic, Sloth, Wine*
Favored Weapon: Punching Dagger
of visions may cause a headache, while the greatest may
cause incapacitation or even death.
Corokanth Pantheon
The underwater territories of the corokanth are almost
as widespread and diverse as those of humans, meaning that
religious views and doctrines among the corokanth are
equally varied. Here are a few of the most prominent deities
of various corokanth faiths.
The Bearer
Greater Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Creation, Generosity, Good, Liberation
Favored Weapon: Glaive
The mother goddess known as the Bearer can be viewed
as a “primary deity” only in vague terms – in reality, the place
she holds within corokanth society is much more nuanced. In
many ways she is treated more like a nebulous nature spirit
than as a concrete entity. Having said that, her influence in
many corokanth societies is both strong and undeniable.
The Bearer is credited with the formation of the oceans.
It is said that she looked upon the desolate dry waste of Bas-
Lag, and in her compassion, she created a haven for her
chosen – namely, all ocean life. Those devoted to her cause
champion the protection of the natural order and the
attributes of compassion and serenity.
Qxxtryx
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Domains: Chaos, Domination, Evil, Pride
Favored Weapon: Warhammer
Hydrothermal regions along the ocean floor are crucial to
many aquatic societies, as they spew forth many materials
and nutrients needed for both manufacture and food
production. The god credited with the creation and
maintenance of these boiling vents is Qxxtryx. He is well
known to be stern, moody, and fickle. Those who gravitate
towards his congregation are usually of similar mentality.
Krontt of the Current God of ocean currents and
surface storms

To become enfolded within the Moment of Zaori, the Tellzr Goddess of fish, sharks, and rays.
devote monk partakes of the sacred wine, and falls deathly ill
for an entire fortnight. The experience is said to be beyond Yrn God of death and the afterlife.
excruciating. After this price has been paid, any time hence
that the monk drinks wine, he will receive a vision of the
future from Zaori. Its usefulness and relevance are measured
against the price paid, which in this case is illness. The tiniest 127
 strange realms can be inhabited by beings whose powers

Trow Pantheon
The trow pantheon, like most, is expansive. Here are
would dwarf even those of the mightiest thaumaturge. But
taking the leap to calling these beings “gods” who are worthy
of worship and devotion rubs many individuals the wrong
some prominent trow deities. way.

Zogald
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Domains: Chaos, Death, Destruction, Evil, Madness
Favored Weapon: Scimitar

This ancient god of the trow represents their bestial

nature. Most trow do not let him influence their lives
overmuch; they are smart enough to realize that too much
antagonism, as a race, would lead to their destruction.

Hugkhul
Greater Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Celerity, Chaos, Travel, Trickery
Favored Weapon: Spiked Chain

Hugkhul teaches the benefits of stealth and misdirection,

traits most trow take to heart, as they live hidden and safe
underground.

Ikeke God of protection and bravery.

Ptang Goddess of prey animals. Sanshad
Shookal God of death.

Atheism
Given the preceding passages, one would be forgiven for
believing Bas-Lag to be a deeply theological world. In truth,
this is often far from the case.
Modern scholars are especially impious. It is true that
many believe wholeheartedly in the existence of other planes
of existence – they can, after all, be communicated with, and
even visited, at times – and they acknowledge that these

Published Domains
Book of Exalted Deeds: Community, Endurance, Glory, Herald, Joy, Pleasure, Wrath – Book of Vile Darkness: Bestial, Greed
Complete Devine: Celerity, Cold, Community, Competition, Creation, Domination, Dream, Force, Glory, Inquisition, Liberation, Madness, Mind,
Mysticism, Oracle, Pact, Pestilence, Purification, Summer, Weather – Complete Warrior: Courage, Fate, Nobility, Planning, Tyranny
Dragon Magazine #290: Winter – DM #312: Beguilement – DM #323: Avarice, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Sloth, Wrath
DM #340: Emotion, Hope – DM #342: Hunt, Night – DM #355: Charity, Chastity, Generosity, Humility, Patience, Temperance, Zeal
Draconomicon: Greed – Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk: Suffering – Heroes of Horror: Spite – Lords of Madness: Vile Darkness
Races of Destiny: City, Destiny – Races of the Wild: Sky – Sandstorm: Repose, Rune, Sand, Summer, Thirst
Spell Compendium: Balance, Charm, Deathbound, Family, Illusion, Metal, Scalykind, Spell, Time, Trade, Windstorm
Stormwrack: Blackwater, Ocean, Seafolk, Storm 128

Domains
The Moments of the Manifold Horizon, due to their
unique nature, have new domains. Every cleric follower of
one of the Moments must have chosen that Moment’s
unique domain as one of his two available domains.
CALCULATION DOMAIN
Deity: Cadmer
Granted Powers: You gain +4 Intelligence on top of your
existing ability scores, but lose -4 Charisma as a result (to a
minimum of 1 Charisma.) In addition, all Charisma-based skills
suffer a further -4 penalty upon each skill check.
Calculation Domain Spells
1 RoD
Scholar’s Touch : Read books in seconds
2 Fox’s Cunning PHB: Subject gains +4 Int
3 Wall of Thought KK-PG: Invisible wall must be passed
through with an Intelligence check.
4 Ray of Stupidity SpCo: Ray does 1d4+1 Int damage
5 Investiture of the Amnizu FC II: Gain 1d4 Int damage
touch attack; become immune to Int damage
6 Feeblemind PHB: Cause enemy’s Int & Cha to drop to
1 small, eight tiny, or sixteen diminutive or fine birds. You must
7 Fox’s Cunning, Mass PHB: As fox’s cunning; multiple
recipients
8 Otto’s Irresistible Dance PHB: The subject feels an
undeniable urge to dance
9 Unbinding SpCo: Undo all lingering magic effects
DESICCATION DOMAIN
Deity: Hyronn
Granted Powers: Once per day, you can cause enemies
to enter a state of berserker rage that forces them to attack
the nearest combatant, be it friend or foe. This causes the
targets to temporarily enter a state identical to a barbarian’s
rage except where stated below. In addition, targets are
incapable of any but the most rudimentary decision-making
or planning.
Treat this as a mind-affecting supernatural ability, with a
range of Close, a duration of 1 round per level +1, and a
casting time of 1 action. This ability may affect 2 enemies at
1st level, 3 at 5th, 4 at 10th, 5 at 15th, and 6 at 20th. There is no
save, but mindless creatures, or creatures immune to magic
or mind-affecting abilities cannot be effected.
Using this ability inflicts 1d4 heat damage per caster level
upon the caster.
Desiccation Domain Spells
1 Burning Rage PHB II: Bolster one’s attack, damage, and
damage reduction at the expense of HP
2 Desiccate Sand: Deals 1d6 desiccation damage per
3
4
two levels
Rage KK-VD: Target enters a barbarian rage and is
forced to attack the nearest opponent
Desiccating Bubble SpCo: Deal desiccation damage in
a sphere
5 Ferocity of Sanguine Rage DM: Gain a bonus on
weapon damage
6 Desiccation, Mass Sand: As desiccation, multiple
targets
Unearthly Heat Sand: Deal lethal and nonlethal heat
7
damage
8 Blood Sirocco SpCo: Summon a dehydrating
windstorm
9 Deadly Sunstroke CM: Deal massive heat damage to a
target
DOVES DOMAIN
Deity: Takka Reshi
Granted Powers: You can project your mind into the
bodies of birds and utterly control them. In addition, you can
receive sensory information from these creatures, using them
as your eyes and ears. During this time, your actual body
remains under your complete control as well. This ability
works for mundane, non-magical creatures only. You may
occupy a maximum of one large bird, or, two medium, four
be within Close-range to initiate this effect, but the physical
range afterwards has no limit. This effect can be maintained
for one hour per caster level each day, and can be broken up
into multiple sittings. Your link can be broken if you are
rendered unconscious or if either you or the birds are subject
to a dispel effect, antimagic field, or similar.
Utilizing this power causes you to become both
staggered and fatigued afterwards for a duration equal to the
amount of time spent using the power, as your brain
becomes used to only inhabiting a human body again.
Doves Domain Spells
1 Bird’s Eye View KK-VD: Gain a bird’s eye view
2 Earthbind SpCo: Hinder target’s ability to fly
3 Clairvoyance/Clairaudience PHB: Create a magical
sensor
4 Revelation Fr-DoF: As true seeing, in a radius for all to
see
5 Prying Eyes PHB: Create 1d4+lvl magic floating
scouting eyes
6 Eye of Stone RoS: Create invisible magic sensor that
can move through stone
7 Brain Spider SpCo: Eavesdrop on thoughts of up to
eight others
8 Prying Eyes, Greater PHB: As prying eyes, with true
9
seeing
Adamantine Wings CM: Fly quickly with a culminating
attack
129

LOST DOMAIN
Deity: Tekke Vogu
Granted Powers: Monks of Tekke Vogu have the ability
to learn hidden secrets and dimensional passageways,
although the cost is quite steep. Read the “Tekke Vogu” entry
above for complete information.
Note: This ability requires considerable roleplaying ability
and DM creativity. Your DM is encouraged to extract creative
and meaningful prices in exchange for using your ability.
3 Vision of Fear DM333: Know target's greatest or most
4
recent fear
Tongues PHB: Speak and understand any language
5 Watchware FR-UE: Create magic bond with object; you
know when it's touched
6 River Watch DL-LotT: Detect any time-spells, time-
items, general time shenanigans
7 Displace Memory DL-ToH: Remove and transplant
10min/lvl of memory
8 River's Ravages DL-LotT: Age/de-age 2 years/lvl; can't
kill or go back past Adult; no XP/memory loss

Lost Domain Spells 9 Hindsight SpCo: See into the past for a given location

1 Comprehend Languages PHB: Understand (but cannot

2
speak) all languages
Glimpse of Truth BoVD: Get a usually-correct answer
SNOW DOMAIN
Deity: Pharru
to a yes or no question
Granted Powers: You may utilize, at will, the spell spread
3 Vision of Fear DM333: Know target's greatest or most
of contentment (Book of Exalted Deeds).
recent fear
Using this ability comes with a price. The first use of this
4 Know Vulnerabilities SpCo: Determine subject’s
ability in a given day lowers your maximum HP by 1d6 per
vulnerabilities and resistances
caster level. This cannot be blocked, circumvented, or
5 Find the Path PHB: Shows most direct way to location
restored by any means until one day has passed, upon which
6 Shadow Form SpCo: +4 Escape Artist, Move Silently,
time your HP returns to normal. Subsequent uses of this
Hide; concealment; etc.
power in a given day will take 1d8, 1d12, and then 1d20 HP.
7 Discern Location PHB: Learn exact location of creature
Thus, each use of this ability brings you closer to death. It is
or item
possible to die using this ability.
8 Invisibility, Superior SpCo: As greater invisibility but

9
including scent and sound alike
Hide the Path WotC: Defeats find the path Snow Domain Spells
1 Ice Slick Frost: Creates a 20-ft. square of slippery ice
2 Blood Snow Frost: Snow patch, 1d2 Con damage on
MEMORY DOMAIN 3
touch + nauseated
Binding Snow Frost: Half speed in snow
Deity: Tekke Shesim
4 Ice Shape Frost: Sculpts ice into any shape
Granted Powers: You can see and hear into the past of a
5 Hibernal Healing Frost: Absorb snow, etc., heal self
specific object or creature (but not a general location,) that
10/lvl (max 150)
you are currently touching, to a maximum of one week into
6 Heartfreeze Frost: Target is exhausted and dies in
the past per caster level. The caster can view and hear the
1d3+2 rounds, else 5d8 cold damage
target and surrounding environment (approximately 10 ft.
7 Aura of Cold, Greater Frost: As aura of cold, lesser
radius), and the vision continues for a period of time up to
except 2d6 damage/round
one minute per caster level. Only the caster experiences the
8 Freeze KK-PG: Target freezes solid; after duration,
visions, which include both sight and sound but no other
second failure means 5d8 damage
senses. Treat this as a supernatural ability with a one-minute
9 Frostfell Frost: Lower temp. by 3 bands; creatures turn
casting time.
to ice, else 1d6/lvl
This ability can be used once per day. At level 10, you can
share your vision with one other recipient.
As a price for this ability, your Intelligence and Wisdom
scores suffer a permanent -2 penalty upon selection of this TEARS DOMAIN
domain, and you become rather forgetful and absent- Deity: Teshara
minded. Further, whenever you make use of this special Granted Powers: You may become immune to Mind-
ability, your Intelligence will suffer an additional -2 penalty Affecting abilities for one minute per day per caster level. You
for one hour. may activate this ability as an immediate action. The time
must be spent in one go, and not divided.
Memory Domain Spells Additionally, you gain the use of the create water spell,
which you can utilize once per caster level per day.
1 Identify PHB: Determine all properties of a magical

2
item
Confluence DL-LotT: See if a known person/object has Tears Domain Spells
ever been at this location 1 Animate Water SpCo: Create a small water
elemental that must stay close to the source 130
 2 Shape Water KK-Sea: Shape water or make ice that
won't naturally melt for duration
3 Water Breathing PHB: Targets can breathe
underwater
4 Rushing Waters SpCo: Wave bull-rushes and moves
5 Control Currents Storm: You alter the flow of water
6 Wave Stride KK-Sea: Move from one body of water to
another
7 Curse of Spilt Water DM334: Transform subject into
water
8 Spread of Contentment BoED: Calms hostile creatures
within 10ft/lvl
9 Flashflood Sand: Wave of water smashes & damages
everything, and floods

WINE DOMAIN
Deity: Zaori
Granted Powers: Once per week, you may receive a
vision of the future from Zaori by drinking wine. Its usefulness
and relevance are measured against the price paid, which in
this case is illness. The tiniest of visions may cause a
headache, while the greatest may cause incapacitation or
even death. You may not control the content of these visions
– they may be relevant, or not.
Note: This ability requires considerable DM creativity.
Your DM is encouraged to extract creative and meaningful
prices in exchange for using your ability.

Wine Domain Spells

1 Omen of Peril SpCo: You know how dangerous the
future will be
2 Temporal Shield DL-LotT: Summon tower-shield of
time; passing through causes slow; grants +6 AC
3 Divination PHB: Provides useful advice for actions
4 Scrying PHB: Spies on target from a distance
5 Glimpse of the Future KK-PG: Take a +20 (announce
beforehand) on an attack, save, or check
6 Temporal Sphere DL-LotT: Be invulnerable & can't
attack; can only act every other round
7 Scrying, Greater PHB: Spies on target from a distance
8 Visions of the Future PHB II: +2 on saves, +2 dodge to
AC; discharge for bonus + half of character level
Foresight PHB: Receive warnings of impending danger
9
Spell Sources
BoED: Book of Exalted Deeds – BoVD: Book of Vile Deeds
CM: Complete Mage – DM: Dragon Magic
DL-LotT: Dragonlance, Legends of the Twins
DL-ToH: Dragonlance, Towers of High Sorcery
DM###: Dragon Magazine – FC II: Fiendish Codex II
FR-DoF: Forgotten Realms, Dragons of Faerun
Frost: Frostfell – FR-UE: Unapproachable East
KK-PG: Kingdoms of Kalamar Player’s Guide
KK-Sea: Salt & Sea Dogs – KK-VD: Villain Design Handbook
PHB: Player’s Handbook – PHB II: Player’s Handbook II
RoD: Races of Destiny – RoS: Races of Stone
SpCo: Spell Compendium – Storm: Stormwrack
WotC: Wizards of the Coast website 131
 Constructs may be programmed for for basic logic and the

Bestiary ability to accept instructions. They may also be programmed

to use simple forms of communication, typically just “yes” or
“no” responses.

Constructs require a power source. Very small constructs may

Construct Type utilize manual-winding clockwork mechanisms, but constructs

A typical construct has the following features.
 d12 Hit Die.
 Base attack bonus equal to total Hit Dice (fast
progression).
 No good saving throws. No Will save.
 Skill points equal to 2 + Int modifier (minimum 1) per Hit
Die. However, most constructs are mindless and gain no
skill points or feats. Constructs do not have any class
skills, regardless of their Intelligence scores.
of any real size most commonly run on steam power. This
means that a boiler or furnace of some kind must be present
within the body of the construct. The coal power source of a
construct must be refilled several times a day or the construct
will cease to function. These mechanisms typically are not
built to operate underwater, although specialty upgrades can
grant this – otherwise, immersion in water would stifle the
construct’s furnace.

Traits: A construct possesses the following traits (unless

otherwise noted in a creature's entry).

 No Intelligence score. Any DCs or other Statistics that rely

on an Intelligence score treat a construct as having a
score of 10 (no bonus or penalty).
 A Wisdom score of 10, but no Will Save, as the construct
is immune to any effect which would require one.
 Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms,
compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms).
 Immunity to bleed, disease, death effects, necromancy
effects, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, and stunning.
 Cannot heal damage on its own, but often can be
repaired via exposure to a certain kind of effect (see the
creature's description for details) or through the use of
the Craft Construct feat. Constructs can also be healed
through spells such as make whole or repair damage. A
construct with the fast healing special quality still
benefits from that quality.
 Not subject to ability damage, ability drain, fatigue,
exhaustion, energy drain, or nonlethal damage.
 Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save
(unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless).
 Not at risk of death from massive damage. Immediately
destroyed when reduced to 0 hit points or less.
 A construct cannot be raised or resurrected.
 A construct is hard to destroy, and gains bonus hit points
based on size, as shown on the following table.
 Proficient with its natural weapons only, unless generally
humanoid in form, in which case proficient with any
weapon mentioned in its entry.
 Proficient with no armor.
 Constructs do not breathe, eat, or sleep.

Constructs operate by utilizing simple logic programming.

These programs are prepared on large reusable punch-cards
and fed into the construct upon installation. This means that
constructs only react to that which they are programmed for,
and do no possess any initiative or the ability to reason. 132
Anophelii Female CR 7 The female anophelii are perpetually hungry and attack
any warm-blooded creature that enters their territory. They
Medium Monstrous Humanoid - Usually CN
charge any source of food, drain it dry as quickly as possible,
Initiative: +5; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; Listen +5, Spot +4
and leave to digest their meals. The remnants they leave
Languages: Anophelii
behind are often so dried and desiccated that they appear
Armor Class: 19 (+5 Dex, +4 natural), touch 15, flat-footed 14 mummified or even imploded. Female anophelii much prefer
hp: 78 (12 HD)
to charge from ambush, using treelines or other cover to
Fort +6, Ref +13, Will +6 approach their prey.
Speed: 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (average) Female anophelii typically stand 5 feet tall despite their
Melee: bite +13 (2d8+1 plus blood drain/19-20) stooped and hunched posture. They have equally broad
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. insectile wings protruding from their backs. Their faces are
Base Attack +12; Grapple +21 almost human-looking when in their relaxed state, but
Attack Options: Combat Reflexes, Flyby Attack, Improved females are capable of unhinging their jaw and extending a
Overrun, Power Attack, blood drain, improved grab three-foot, sharp proboscis from their mouths, which is
Special Actions: berserk capable of skewering and draining a victim dry.
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 21, Con 14, Int 7, Wis 7, Cha 8 See male anophelii: page 5
Special Qualities: iron grip See Anophelii Empire: page 74
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Flyby Attack, Improved Critical (bite),
Improved Overrun, Power Attack
Skills: Hide +6, Listen +5, Move Silently +6, Spot +11
Advancement: 13-20 HD (medium); 21-20 HD (large)
Blood Drain (Ex): A female anophelii drains blood, dealing
1d4 points of Constitution damage in any round it begins its
turn grappling a victim. For every point of Constitution
drained in this way, the female anophelii gains 5 temporary
hit points. For every 4 points of drain, the female anophelii
reduces her base speed by 5 feet and her flying speed by 10
feet. A female can drain no more than 16 points of
Constitution in this way before becoming full. The
temporary hit points are lost at a rate of 5 per hour.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a female anophelii
must hit an opponent with her bite attack. She can then
attempt to start a grapple as a free action without
provoking attacks of opportunity. If she wins the grapple
check, she establishes a hold and can drain blood.
Berserk (Ex): Female anophelii are often so starved for blood
that they become unthinking and bloodthirsty. Whenever a
female anophelii has less than 20 temporary hit points
gained from her blood drain ability, she can fly into a rage
as a free action. In a rage, she temporarily gains a +4 bonus
to Strength and Constitution and a +2 morale bonus to Will
saves, but she takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class. The
increase in Constitution increases her hit points by 2 points
per Hit Die, but these hit points go away at the end of the
rage when her score drops back to normal. These extra hit
points are not lost first the way temporary hit points are.
While in a rage, an anophelii cannot use any skills or any
abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can she
cast spells or activate magic items what require a command
word, a spell trigger (like a wand), or a spell completion
(like a scroll.) A fit of rage lasts for 5 rounds. An anophelii
may prematurely end her rage as a standard action. If she
does, the anophelii loses the modifiers and becomes
fatigued for the duration of the current encounter.
Iron Grip (Ex): With their oddly-jointed limbs, anophelii
grapple exceptionally well, and gain a +8 racial bonus on all
grapple checks.
133
Avanc CR 22
Colossal Magical Beast (aquatic) – Always N
Initiative: +0; Senses: darkvision 120 ft; Keen Scent; Listen
+28, Spot +24
Armor Class: 40 (+20 natural, -8 size), touch 8, flat-footed 40
hp: 568 (40 HD); DR 10/adamantine
Fort +46, Ref +0, Will +20
Immune cold, electricity, poison
SR 32
Speed: swim 40 ft.
Melee: bite +29 (6d8+18 plus grab), 2 fins +28 (4d8+16 plus
grab), tail slap +23 (4d8+6 plus grab)
Space/Reach: 30 ft./20 ft.
Base Attack +28; Grapple +36
Attack Options: Capsize, fast swallow, swallow whole (6d10
bludgeoning damage)
Abilities: Str 42, Dex 10, Con 34, Int 5, Wis 6, Cha 6
Special Qualities: iron grip
Feats: Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Improved Bull Rush,
Improved Critical (bite)
Skills: Listen +28, Spot +24, Swim +32
Capsize (Ex): A creature with this special quality can attempt
to capsize a boat or a ship by ramming it as a charge attack
and making a combat maneuver check. The DC of this
check is 25, or the result of the captain’s Profession (sailor)
check, whichever is higher. For each size category the ship
is larger than the creature attempting to capsize it, the
creature attempting to capsize the ship takes a cumulative
–10 penalty on its combat maneuver check.
Fast Swallow (Ex): The creature can use its swallow whole
ability as a free action at any time during its turn, not just
at the start of its turn.
The legendary avanc is an otherworldly goliath,
thousands of feet in length, native to the elemental Plane of
Water. Ordinarily, avanc do not grace the oceans of Bas-Lag,
but extremely rare phenomena or dangerously powerful
summoning rituals may bring one into the world for a time.
Despite their terrifying size, avanc are tranquil unless
provoked, and are primarily filter-feeders.
Bonefish CR 6
Huge Animal (aquatic) - Always N
Initiative: +6; Senses: low-light vision 60 ft; Listen +15, Spot
+15
Armor Class: 19 (+2 Dex, +9 natural, -2 size), touch 10, flat-
footed 17
hp: 75 (10 HD)
Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +4
Speed: swim 60 ft.
Melee: bite +16 (3d8+15/19–20 plus grab)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.
Base Attack +7; Grapple +23
Attack Options: Siphoning bite, swallow whole (1d10 acid
damage, AC 10, 6 hp)
Abilities: Str 30, Dex 14, Con 17, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 6
Feats: Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Skill Focus
(Perception), Skill Focus (Swim), Weapon Focus (bite)
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +15, Swim +30
Advancement: 11-15 HD (gargantuan)
Siphoning Bite (Ex): A bonefish can open its giant mouth in a
fraction of a second, creating a vortex that draws a target
in. When underwater, a bonefish gains an additional 5 feet
of reach with its bite attack and a +2 bonus on combat
maneuver checks when grappling.
The bonefish is a terrifying oceangoing predator. Instead
of teeth, the bonefish possesses two pairs of sharp bony
plates which form a beak-like structure. It gets its name from
its heavily armored exterior, which makes the bonefish a
relatively slow but powerful swimmer.
When hunting, the bonefish will rapidly open its jaws,
creating a powerful vacuum which sucks in any nearby prey.
Thankfully, these carnivores are solitary hunters, and are
relatively uncommon.
134
Catoblepas CR 14
Large Magical Beast - Usually N
Initiative: -1; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; low-light vision; Listen
+20, Spot +25
Armor Class: 27 (-1 Dex, +19 natural, -1 size), touch 8, flat-
footed 27
hp: 165 (14 HD)
Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +8
SR 23
Speed: 40 ft., swim 20 ft.
Melee: bite +18 (3d6+9), gore +18 (2d8+7/19–20), 2 hooves
+16 (2d8+2)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.
Base Attack +14; Grapple +20
Attack Options: breath weapon (60-ft. cone, poison,
Fortitude DC 23, usable every 1d4 rounds), petrifying gaze,
trample (4d6+7, DC 22)
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 8, Con 22, Int 3, Wis 15, Cha 10
Feats: Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical (gore),
Improved Iron Will, Iron Will, Multiattack, Skill Focus
(Perception)
Skills: Listen +20, Spot +25, Swim +13
Advancement: 15-19 HD (huge)
Poison Breath (Ex): A catoblepas’s horrid, stinking breath is
60-foot cone of poison gas. The save DC is Constitution-
based.
Breath—contact; save Fort DC 23; frequency 1/round for 6
rounds; effect 1d6 Con damage; cure 3 consecutive saves.
Petrifying Gaze (Su): Turn to stone permanently, 30 feet,
Fortitude DC 19 negates. The save DC is Charisma-based.
The dreaded catoblepas are a menace not lightly tackled.
They are most famous for their fatal gaze – a single look into
the eyes of a catoblepas can instantly turn an unfortunate
onlooker into a statue. In addition, their putrid breath,
armored hide, and deadly tusks make the catoblepas a
creature best left alone.
Herds of catoblepas roam the region around the city of
Tesh. This is a fine defensive arrangement, as far as the
isolationist Teshi are concerned.
Chelona CR 9
Gargantuan Animal - Always N
Initiative: +2; Senses: low-light vision; scent; Listen +18, Spot
+20
Armor Class: 23 (-2 Dex, +19 natural, -4 size), touch 4, flat-
footed 23
hp: 175 (11 HD)
Fort +12, Ref +5, Will +6
Speed: 15 ft.
Melee: bite +16 (6d6+16 plus grab)
Space/Reach: 20 ft./15 ft.
Base Attack +8; Grapple +27
Attack Options: swallow whole (2d8+16 bludgeoning, AC 23,
22 hp)
Abilities: Str 32, Dex 6, Con 21, Int 1, Wis 13, Cha 6
Special Qualities: armored stomach, hold breath, shell
Feats: Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lunge, Skill Focus
(Perception), Toughness, Weapon Focus (bite)
Skills: Listen +18, Spot +20
Armored Stomach (Ex): A giant turtle’s body is difficult to cut
through—its stomach gains a +4 bonus to its AC and has
double the normal hit points when determining the success
of a creature attempting to cut its way free.
Shell (Ex): As a move action, a chelona can pull its extremities
and head into its shell. It cannot move or attack as long as
it remains in this state, but its armor bonus from natural
armor increases by +4 as long as it does.
These placid giants are native to the Galaggi Veldt. Their
tough shells naturally accumulate material, and most
specimens have entire ecosystems growing atop their backs.
Many chelona are home to mobile villages, settlements
which have built their homes on the shell of the beast and, in
turn, care for it.
135
Construct, Crowd Suppression CR 7 Construct, War CR 14

Large Construct - Always N Large Construct - Always N

Initiative: -2; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; low-light vision Initiative: +2; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; low-light vision; Listen
Armor Class: 22 (-2 Dex, +15 natural, -1 size), touch 7, flat- +10, Spot +10
footed 22 Armor Class: 27 (-1 Dex, +19 natural, -1 size), touch 8, flat-
hp: 92 (10 HD) footed 27
Fort +4, Ref -2, Will — hp: 173 (14 HD)
DR 5/adamantine; Immune: construct traits Fort +8, Ref +0, Will —
Speed: 20 ft. DR 5/adamantine; Immune: construct traits
Melee: 2 slams +17 (2d10+4) Speed: 30 ft.
Ranged: Water Cannon Melee: kick +18 (3d8+6)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft. Ranged: 2 belt-fed mounted rifles +16 (2d8)
Base Attack +14; Grapple +10 Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 6, Con 20, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 1 Base Attack +19; Grapple +0
Water Cannon (Ex): A nonlethal weapon requiring a ranged Abilities: Str 28, Dex 14, Con 22, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 1
touch attack, this cannon can be fired at one 10x10ft square Skills: Listen +10, Spot +10
each round and deals (2d6+14) nonlethal bludgeoning Intractable (Ex): The weight and sturdiness of its form grants
damage. this construct a +10 bonus on rolls versus bull rush and trip
Intractable (Ex): The weight and sturdiness of its form grants attempts.
this construct a +8 bonus on rolls versus bull rush and trip Protected Boiler (Ex): This construct’s boiler engine is
attempts. resistant to attempts to douse it.
Protected Boiler (Ex): This construct’s boiler engine is
resistant to attempts to douse it. A terror of the battlefield, this high-tech construct uses
the latest advances in firearm technology to devastate New
Employed by the New Crobuzon militia during times of Crobuzon’s enemies.
extreme civil disobedience, this crowd-control construct is
designed to disperse large gatherings.

136
Echinoid Rex CR 5 Elementals
Medium Vermin (aquatic) - Always N
Initiative: -4; Senses: all-around vision, low-light vision, scent, True elementals are simple creatures, thriving spirits
tremorsense 30 ft; Listen +1, Spot +1 animating bodies of pure elemental matter. Elementals are
Armor Class: 20 (-4 Dex, +14 natural), touch 6, flat-footed 20 fairly uncommon in the material plane, but certain
hp: 57 (6 HD) summoners, such as the elementarii (see pg 28), specialize in
Fort +10, Ref -2, Will +3 calling and binding all manner of elemental beings.
Defensive Abilities stability; Immune mind-affecting effects
Speed: 10 ft. An elemental has the following features:
Melee: 3 spines +9 (1d8+5 plus poison)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.  Immunity to bleed, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, and
Base Attack +4; Grapple +9 stunning.
Attack Options: spines  Not subject to critical hits or flanking. Does not take
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 3, Con 20, Int —, Wis 13, Cha 2 additional damage from precision-based attacks, such as
Special Qualities: amphibious sneak attack.
Skills: Listen +1, Move Silently +7, Spot +1  Proficient with natural weapons only, unless generally
Advancement: 7-10 HD (large); 11-13 HD (huge)
humanoid in form, in which case proficient with all
Poison (Ex): Echinoid rex venom is shockingly painful and simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
feels acidic at the moment of contact—though the worst of
 Proficient with whatever type of armor (light, medium, or
the pain fades after a moment. The save DC is Constitution-
heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter
based.
types. Elementals not indicated as wearing armor are not
Spines—injury; save Fort DC 18; frequency 1/round for 6
proficient with armor. Elementals are proficient with
rounds; effect 1d2 Con and stunned for 1 round; cure 1
shields if they are proficient with any form of armor.
save.
 Elementals do not breathe, eat, or sleep.
Spines (Ex): An echinoid rex’s spines can swivel to face any
approaching creature. Any creature that attacks a great
diadem urchin with an unarmed strike or a natural attack, or
any Large or smaller creature that attacks with a one-handed
weapon or light weapon, is automatically attacked by the
echinoid's spines as an immediate action. If the spines hit,
they can poison the target as well.

Found commonly in the coastal shallows near the

Meagre Sea, the echinoid rex is a giant poisonous sea urchin.
These vermin are not above ambushing victims, trapping
them mercilessly within their tangle of spines.

137
 specialized whip – rather, a dedicated magical device akin to
Elemental, Fegkarion CR 17 a large cannon is used for the initial summoning, and the
cooperation of several elementarii simultaneously is required
Gargantuan Outsider (elemental, extraplanar) - Always N
Initiative: +14; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; Listen +41, Spot +41 to complete the lengthy ritual.
Armor Class: 30 (+10 Dex, +14 natural, -4 size), touch 16, flat-
footed 20
hp: 378 (36 HD); Immune: Fire, Mind-Effects; DR: 15/-
Fort +20, Ref +33, Will +14
Speed: Fly 60 ft. (perfect)
Melee: Slam +34 (6d6+11/19-20 x2)
Ranged: Beam +34 ranged touch
Full Attack: 2 Slams +34 (6d6+11/19-20 x2) or 2 beams +32
ranged touch
Space/Reach: 20 ft./20 ft.
Base Attack +27; Grapple +50
Special Actions: Beams, Blinding
Abilities: Str 32, Dex 30, Con 22, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 17
Special Qualities: elemental traits, immunity to fire,
vulnerability to [darkness] damage
Feats: Alertness, Blind Fight, Dodge, Great Fortitude,
Improved Critical (Slam), Improved Initiative, Improved
Natural Attack (Slam), Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Precise
Shot, Spring Attack, Weapon Finesse [B], Weapon Focus
(Ray), Rapid Shot
Skills: Balance +13, Diplomacy +5, Intimidate +16, Jump +41,
Listen +41, Sense Motive +15, Spot +41, Tumble +24
Beams (Su): Once per round, a fegkarion can project a beam
Elemental, Ferrum
of concentrated moonlight to damage an opponent. The Elementals of metal are known as ferrum.
effective range of the beam is 300 ft. The beam deals 8d8
damage with a save Fort DC of 34 for half damage View the stats of ferrum of various size categories here.
(Constitution based).
Blinding (Ex): Once per minute as a full round action, a
fegkarion can increase the intensity of the light it produces
by spinning very quickly. Any creature within 100 ft. that
views the fegkarion must make a Fortitude save or be
blinded for 24 hours. Treat this as a gaze attack. The DC of
the save is Fort DC of 34 (Constitution based).

“And then there was something of the bear to it, and

something of the rat, and it had horns, and a great weight,
and it shone as if its guts and skin, its bones were phosphorus.
As if it were all cold and bright rock. A firefly, a death mask, a
wooden skull.”

The fegkarion is the most legendary of the elementals.

Their mythical nature is such that most individuals do not
even believe that the fegkarion exist – that is, if they’ve heard
of them at all.
The fegkarion are moonlight elementals, and as such,
they can only manifest under the light of a full moon; the sun
can also be out, all that is required is a full moon. Their might
is tremendous, and once called forth, a fegkarion is nearly
unstoppable.
Calling a moonlight elemental, though, is an incredibly
difficult process. It requires more than just an elementarii’s
138
Elemental, Fulmen
Elementals of elyctricity are known as fulmen.
View the stats of fulmen of various size categories here.
Elemental, Luceat
Elementals of the sun are known as luceat.
Treat luceat identically to elementals of fire (yags,) with
the following exceptions:
 Remove vulnerability to cold, replace with
vulnerability to darkness.
 Double the range of darkvision.
 Remove the burn ability.
 Spell-Like Abilities: 8/day-Daylight.
 For elementals of size “Large” or larger: 2/day-
Sunbeam. 1/day-Sunburst. (Caster level is same
as creature’s challenge rating.)
Elemental, Luftgeists
Elementals of air are known as luftgeists.
View the stats of luftgeists of various size categories
here.
Elemental, Prena
Elementals of wood are known as prena.
Treat prena identically to elementals of earth (shudners,)
with the following exceptions:
 Add vulnerability to fire
 Remove Earth Glide & Earth Mastery
 Add Splintering (Su): As a free action once every
1d4+1 rounds, a prena can launch a barrage of razor-
sharp wooden splinters from its body in a 20-foot-
radius burst. All creatures caught within this area
take 6d6 points of slashing damage (Reflex DC of
twice the creature’s challenge rating halves the
damage). The save DC is Constitution-based.
139
Elemental, Proasm CR 10 Elemental, Salinae
Large Outsider (elemental, extraplanar) - Always N Elementals of salt water are known as salinae.
Initiative: +1; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; low-light vision, Listen
+2, Spot +2 View the stats of salinae of various size categories here.
Armor Class: 26 (+1 Dex, +16 natural, -1 size), touch 10, flat-
footed 25
hp: 89 (10 HD); DR: 5/adamantine
Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +5
Speed: 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Melee: 4 claws +15 (1d10+7 plus rend)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Base Attack +9; Grapple +17
Special Actions: berserk, rend (4 claws, 1d4+10)
Abilities: Str 24, Dex 13, Con 22, Int 120, Wis 15, Cha 5
Special Qualities: elemental traits
Feats: Great Fortitude, Mobility
Skills: Climb +15, Listen +2, Spot +2
Berserk (Ex): When a proasm enters combat, it may
choose to enter a state identical to a barbarian’s rage ability.

An elemental of flesh is known as a proasm (plural,

proasme.) These odd and disconcerting beings are different
from many elementals; while most elementals can be
summoned even in the absence of their given material, (such
as elementals of fire,) a proasm must be called forth from an
appropriate amount of raw material, in much the same way
Elemental, Shudner
that a golem would be. A typical strategy for summoning a Elementals of earth and stone are known as shudners.
flesh elemental is to slaughter a horse or cow, and call forth
the proasm from the fresh carcass. View the stats of shudners of various size categories
here.

140
Elemental, Tenebris Elemental, Yag
Elementals of darkness are known as tenebris. Elementals of fire are known as yags.

View the stats of tenebris of various size categories View the stats of yags of various size categories here.
under the “Shadow Elemental” entry of Dungeons & Dragons
- Tome of Magic, page 164.

Elemental, Undine
Elementals of freshwater are known as undine.

View the stats of undine of various size categories here.

141
Ghul CR 1 Glucliche CR 3
Medium Undead - Always CE Medium Magical Beast - Always N
Initiative: +2; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; Listen +7, Spot +2 Initiative: +2; Senses: low-light vision; scent; Listen +8, Spot
Languages: Ragamoll +6
Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Armor Class: 16 (+2 Dex, +4 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 13
hp: 13 (2 HD); Immunities: undead traits hp: 32 (4 HD)
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +5 Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2
Speed: 30 ft. Speed: 40 ft., fly 30 ft. (average)
Melee: bite +3 (1d6+1 plus disease and paralysis) and 2 claws Melee: bite +13 (2d6+6 plus trip), gore +8 (2d6+2/19–20)
+3 (1d6+1 plus paralysis) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Base Attack +3; Grapple +8
Base Attack +12; Grapple +21 Attack Options: bite, gore, trip
Special Actions: paralysis (1d4+1 rounds, DC 13, elves are Abilities: Str 18, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
immune to this effect) Feats: Feats Skill Focus (Listen, Move Silently)
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 15, Con —, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 14 Skills: Hide +5, Listen +8, Move Silently +7 (+11 in tall grass or
Special Qualities: undead traits heavy undergrowth), Spot +6
Feats: Weapon Finesse Advancement: 5-9 HD (large); 10-15 HD (huge)
Skills: Climb +6, Jump +4, Listen +7, Move Silently +7, Spot +2,
Swim +3
Advancement: 3-9 HD (large) Found near Shankell, the glucliche is a predatory animal
Disease (Su): Ghoul Fever: Bite—injury; save Fort DC 13; resembling a bony hyena with bat wings. Glucliche are
onset 1 day; frequency 1/day; effect 1d3 Con and 1d3 Dex nocturnal, and tend to travel together in small bands. They
damage; cure 2 consecutive saves. The save DC is prefer to scavenge, but will actively hunt when the
Charisma-based. opportunity presents itself.
Small villages in the Shankell region are often plagued by
Ghuls are scavenging beasts which feast on both glucliche packs that prey on their livestock.
decaying corpses and living victims alike.
These foul creatures lurk at the edges of civilization,
often infesting graveyards and sewers. Congregations of ghuls
must be frequently hunted and eradicated from these
locations.

142
 Little is known about grindylow society, as few outsiders
Grindylow CR 6 ever return from their lands. It is generally agreed upon that
powerful grindylow sorcerers (who call themselves magi) rule
Large Aberration (aquatic, amphibious) - Usually NE
their society. These magi are said to construct figurines of
Initiative: +0; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; Listen +11, Spot +11
wondrous power to hold a portion of their Thaumaturgy.
Languages: Grindylow, Ragamoll
When outside their native lands, the grindylow often function
Armor Class: 17 (-1 size, +8 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 17 as part of a raiding party, bent upon achieving some greater
hp: 65 (10 HD)
goal. This party is always led by a magi who makes most of
Immune: cold the decisions.
SR 16 Grindylow range in length from 9 to 12 feet long, most of
Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +9 which is taken up by their powerful tail. When out of water,
Speed: 30 ft., fly 10 ft. (perfect), swim 50 ft. grindylow “swim” through the air by levitating their bulky
Melee: tail slam +11 (1d8+7) and 2 claws +9 (2d4+5) bodies and using their long eel-like tails to wriggle. The typical
Ranged: trident +6 (2d6+5) adult weighs approximately 600 pounds, the bulk of which is
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft. their long tail. In comparison their torsos are tiny, but they
Base Attack +7; Grapple +16 possess powerful claws and a set of long wicked teeth
Attack Options: Combat Expertise resembling steak knives.
Spells Known (CL 5th)
2nd (5/day) – darkness, detect thoughts (DC 14)
1st (7/day) – chill touch (DC 13), hypnotism (DC 13), mage
armor, Thaumaturgy missile
0 (6/day) – detect Thaumaturgy, mage hand, ghost sound,
prestidigitation, ray of frost, read Thaumaturgy
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 15, Cha 14
Special Qualities: amphibious, levitation
Feats: Alertness, Combat Expertise, Improves Natural Attack
(claw), Multiattack
Skills: Concentration +11, Intimidate +9, Knowledge (arcana)
+7, Listen +11, Sense Motive +5, Spot +11, Swim +13
Advancement: by character class
Favored Class: Sorcerer _____________________________
Spellcasting (Sp): A standard grindylow casts spells as a 5th-
level sorcerer.
Amphibious (Ex): Grindylow can survive indefinitely on land.
Levitation (Su): When out of water, grindylow “swim”
through the air by levitating their bulky bodies and using their
long eel-like tails to wriggle horizontally. This ability grants
them a fly speed of 10 ft.

The grindylow are an amphibious race of sorcerers and

thaumaturges who pay obeisance to ancient gods forgotten
by the rest of the world. They rule the Gengris, in the
southeast of the Cold Claw Sea, and rarely allow visitors of
any kind to pass through their territories. Their paranoia
means their borders are well-defended by traps,
thaumaturgic currents, and land-based fortifications. Within
their domain, they treat other species as chattel, using them
for their own demented purposes.
The grindylow are euryhalinic, able to live and breathe in
either fresh water or salt. They speak Ragamoll and their own
liquid language. They rarely initiate combat unless they are
defending their territory. There, they often attack ships and
travelers, trying to capture slaves and experimental subjects.
To get unmarked and uninjured victims, they try to intimidate
their targets into surrender rather than attacking straight out.
In many cases, their fearsome reputation is enough to make
some humans and others surrender without a fight or offer
up a few of their number in order to spare the rest.
143
Homegrub CR 4
Large Vermin - Usually N
Initiative: +0; Senses: darkvision 60 ft; Listen +0, Spot +0
Armor Class: 17 (+8 natural, -1 size), touch 9, flat-footed 17
hp: 46 (7 HD); DR 2/slashing
Fort +7, Ref +2, Will +2
Immune mind-affecting effects
Speed: 20 ft.
Melee: gore +8 (2d8+6)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +5; Grapple +10
Special Actions: trample (1d6+6, DC 17)
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 10, Con 15, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 9
Special Qualities: iron grip
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Flyby Attack, Improved Critical (bite),
Improved Overrun, Power Attack
Skills: Climb +4
Advancement: 8-15 HD (huge)

The homegrub is an insectile livestock bred exclusively by

the khepri. One of the few aspects of their way of live to
survive the Tragic Crossing, homegrubs are used primarily to
build and modify khepri homes and buildings.
Much like the khepri’s ability to create “khepri spit,” (a
hard, gooey substance with which the khepri can create
works of art,) the homegrub also creates a similar substance,
and in much greater quantities. The homegrub uses this
substance to create entire dwellings, giving the khepri
districts of New Crobuzon a very organic, hive-like
appearance.
The homegrub can also dissolve its own building
material, allowing it to modify and renovate structures as
needed.
Homegrubs are too slow to be used for transportation
and their meat is not palatable to most civilized beings, so
their primary function is restricted to construction. They can
survive off of a diet of fungus and refuse.

144
 inchman’s hands are rough and knobby, with long talon-like
Inchman CR 5 nails.
The teeth of an inchman are long and sharp, like steak
Large Monstrous Humanoid - Always CN
knives, and are as black as obsidian. The eyes are small and
Initiative: +3; Senses: Scent; darkvision 30 ft.; Listen +9, Spot
entirely black, and recessed so far into the creature’s skull
+3
that at first glance, it might appear to have no eyes at all.
Languages: None
Indeed, the inchman’s sense of vision is poor; it relies much
Armor Class: 18 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +10 natural), touch 8, flat-
more on its senses of hearing and smell to track down prey.
footed 18 The distinctive hindquarters are what give the inchman
hp: 51 (7 HD); DR 3/bludgeoning its name. The colossal caterpillar body which makes up the
Immune: acid, chaos
majority of the creature is studded with tufts of hair, and
Resistance: 5 fire small breathing holes which constantly open and close. It has
Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +5 a clutch of little pulsing legs at its front, below its pale torso,
Speed: 20 ft.; burrow 10 ft. and one or two stubby pairs of prolegs at the very rear.
Melee: 2 claws +11 (1d8+6), bite +10 (1d8+6) To move, and inchman pulls its stern up in a great arch,
Special Attacks: Rend (2 claws, 1d8+9) vises its rear legs into the earth for traction, takes the weight
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.10 of its forebody, and lifts it off the ground in its entirety,
Base Attack +6; Grapple +11 straightening the tube to propel the humanoid torso forward.
Abilities: Str 22, Dex 9, Con 17, Int 4, Wis 11, Cha 6
Special Qualities: rapid burrow, mighty shriek
Feats: Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative
Skills: Climb +10, Listen +9, Move Silently +6, Spot +3
Advancement: 8-12 HD (large), 13-16 HD (huge)
__________________________ ___

Rapid Burrow (Ex): Once per day for a duration of one

minute, an inchman can exert itself and increase its
burrowing speed to 20 ft.
Mighty Shriek (Ex): Once per day, an inchman can unleash a
bone-rattling shriek. All opponents within a 30 ft. radius
must make a Will save (DC 13) to negate the effect. Failure
means that the target becomes shaken for 1d6 rounds
(taking a –2 morale penalty on attack rolls, checks, and
saving throws.)
Chaos Immunity (Su): Inchmen are immune to the effects of
Torque, as well as any spell, spell-like ability, etc., with the
[chaos] descriptor, or any damage of the [chaos] type.

Inchmen are one of the few constants of the Cacotopic

Stain. Most of the horrors of the outer Stain are unique in
nature, random mutations which result in singular
monstrosities. But the inchmen are a perpetual danger,
seemingly immune to the chaos of the Stain. They infest the
southern stretches of the border region, hunting down
anyone brave or foolish enough to stray too close to the
Torque-stained land.
Inchmen are known by many names: spangrub;
kohramit; homo raptor geometridae. They have no known
language or means of communication, but nonetheless are
almost always found in packs. Packs attack their prey as a
mob, not as a coherent unit. They are fond of surprising their
victims by silently burrowing beneath the ground, and then
popping upwards to ambush them. They are usually
nocturnal, and it is most common for them to attack in the
middle of the night.
The proportions of their torsos are larger than that of a
human’s, and their heads can be as much as twice as large as
a man’s. While in a normal posture, an inchman is typically
about 8 feet tall. The long arms are scrawny in appearance,
but exhibit a truly astonishing degree of strength. An
145
Pangolin Rex CR 8
Large Animal - Always N
Initiative: +5; Senses: low-light vision; Listen +12, Spot +9
Armor Class: 21 (+1 Dex, +11 natural, -1 size), touch 10, flat-
footed 20
hp: 95 (10 HD)
Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +4
Defensive Abilities: defensive ball
Speed: 30 ft.
Melee: 4 claws +13 (2d6+7 plus grab)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +7; Grapple +19
Attack Options: poison tongue
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 13, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Feats: Endurance, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill
Focus (Listen)
Skills: Climb +4, Listen +12, Spot +9, Swim +19
Advancement: 11-18 HD (huge)
Defensive Ball (Ex): By curling into a ball, the pangolin rex
gains an additional +10 natural armor bonus, while being
able to take no movements or actions.
Poison Tongue (Ex): Injury; save Fort DC 17; frequency
1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d2 Dexterity damage; cure 1
save. The save DC is Constitutuion-based and includes a +2
racial bonus.
While the pangolin rex is an insectivore, it is nonetheless
a notoriously aggressive animal, and is responsible for a great
many deaths annually in the Ragamoll regions. As if its sheer
bulk and long claws weren’t formidable enough, it also
possesses a poisoned tongue capable of lightning-fast strikes.
Ptera-Bird CR 4
Large Animal - Always N
Initiative: +3; Senses: low-light vision; Listen +4, Spot +11
Armor Class: 14 (+3 Dex, +2 natural, -1 size), touch 12, flat-
footed 11
hp: 37 (5 HD)
Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +1
Speed: 50 ft.
Melee: bite +7 (1d8+4/19-20), 2 talons +7 (1d4+6)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Base Attack +3; Grapple +8
Attack Options: sudden charge
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 10
Feats: Improved Critical (bite)B, Run, Skill Focus (Spot)
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +11
Advancement: 6-12 HD (huge)
Sudden Charge (Ex): When making a charge attack, an axe
beak makes a single bite attack. If successful, it may also
attempt to trip its opponent as a free action without
provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the
axe beak cannot be tripped in return.
These flightless, predatory birds can live alone or in small
groups. They are formidable creatures, with strong talons and
sharp, powerful beaks. Even in a group, though, they will not
hunt animals much larger than a small deer, unless driven to
desperation.
When raised in captivity, these creatures can be trained
to pull small carts or wagons, and although they can be used
as personal mounts, doing so is notoriously difficult.
146
Remade, Horse CR 3 Remade, Nashorn CR 14
Large Animal (remade) - Always N Huge Animal (remade) - Always N
Initiative: +4; Senses: low-light vision; scent; Listen +9, Spot Initiative: +4; Senses: scent; Listen +11, Spot +2
+8 Armor Class: 25 (+15 natural, -1 size), touch 9, flat-footed 25
Armor Class: 17 (+4 Dex, +4 natural, -1 size), touch 13, flat- hp: 109 (5 HD)
footed 13 Fort +15, Ref +4, Will +3
hp: 36 (5 HD) Speed: 20 ft.
Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +3 Melee: gore +16 (3d8+13)
Speed: 55 ft. Ranged: cannon +8 (2d6+1)
Melee: bite +5 (1d4+5), 2 hooves +2 (1d8+3) Space/Reach: 15 ft./5 ft.
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft. Base Attack +6; Grapple +16
Base Attack +1; Grapple +7 Abilities: Str 28, Dex 10, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 3
Abilities: Str 22, Dex 18, Con 22, Int 2, Wis 17, Cha 11 Special Abilities: Trample (Ex)
Feats: Endurance, Run Feats: Diehard, Endurance, Great Fortitude
Skills: Jump +8, Listen +9, Spot +8 Skills: Listen +11, Spot +2
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a remade horse is up to Small Arms Immunity (Ex): Small arms fire immunity.
300 pounds; a medium load, 301-500 pounds; and a heavy
load, 501-800 pounds. It can drag 4,000 pounds.
Cost: A trained remade horse typically costs about 3000 gp. A heavily modified rhinoceros, this two-story-tall tank
features a drill-bit horn and a rear gunnery turret, as well as
Created in New Crobuzon and used extensively by the bulletproof ironclad armor. These behemoths are developed
military, remade horses have increased strength and stamina and used exclusively by the New Crobuzon militia.
compared to the mundane variety.

147
Rooster, Giant CR 2
Large Animal - Always N
Initiative: +2; Senses: low-light vision; scent; Listen +8, Spot
+9
Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +3 natural, -1 size), touch 12, flat-
footed 12
hp: 26 (4 HD)
Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +4
Speed: 50 ft.
Melee: bite +6 (1d8+4), claw +1 (1d6+2)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +2; Grapple +10
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 21, Con 14, Int 7, Wis 7, Cha 8
Feats: Endurance, Run, Sure-Footed
Skills: Jump +18, Listen +8, Spot +9
Advancement: 5-6 HD (huge)
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a giant rooster is up to 200
pounds; a medium load, 201-400 pounds; and a heavy load,
401-600 pounds. It can drag 3,000 pounds.
Cost: A trained riding rooster typically costs about 400 gp.
Utilized primarily by the hotchi of Rudewood, giant
roosters make excellent mounts for traveling on uneven
terrain. Slightly temperamental, these flightless birds are
prized by the relatively primitive hotchi.
Seawyrm CR 12
Gargantuan Magical Beast (aquatic) - Usually N
Initiative: +6; Senses: darkvision 120 ft; low-light vision;
Listen +8, Spot +10
Armor Class: 25 (+2 Dex, +17 natural, -4 size), touch 8, flat-
footed 23
hp: 187 (15 HD)
Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +7
Defensive Abilities elusive; Immune cold; Resist fire 30
Speed: 20 ft., swim 60 ft.
Melee: bite +23 (4d8+22/19-20 plus grab), tail slap +18
(3d6+6 plus grab)
Space/Reach: 20 ft./20 ft.
Base Attack +15; Grapple +35
Attack Options: capsize, constrict (3d6+18), swallow whole
(4d8+18 bludgeoning damage, AC 18, hp 18)
Abilities: Str 34, Dex 14, Con 25, Int 2, Wis 11, Cha 11
Feats: Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Improved
Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack, Skill
Focus (Stealth), Stealthy
Skills: Hide +13, Listen +8, Move Silently +11, Spot +10, Swim
+20
Advancement: 16-20 HD (gargantuan)
Capsize (Ex): A seawyrm can attempt to capsize a boat or ship
of its size or smaller by ramming it as a charge attack and
making a combat maneuver check. The DC of this check is
25 or the result of the boat captain's Profession (sailor)
check, whichever is higher.
Elusive (Su): As a full-round action while in water, a sea
serpent can use pass without trace. In addition, except
when in combat, a seawyrm is considered to be under the
effects of a nondetection spell. Both of these spell effects
are at caster level 20th and cannot be dispelled.
In the wild, the seawyrm is a vicious and solitary alpha
predator. When raised from birth in captivity, though, they
may be trained to pull sea ferries and cargo ships alike.
148
Slake Moth CR 16
Large Aberration - Always NE
Initiative: +6; Senses: darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +17, Spot +17
Languages: Slake Moth psychic communication
Armor Class: 25 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +12 natural), touch 12, flat-
footed 19
hp: 255 (16 HD)
Immune: psionics
Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +10
Speed: 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (average)
Melee: 2 claws +18 (3d8+7) and tongue +17 (3d8+7/19-
20/mind rot)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Base Attack +14; Grapple +22
Attack Options: Flyby Attack, power Attack, mind rot
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 16, Con 21, Int 13, Wis 13, Cha 14
Special Qualities: hypnotic wings, impossible bulk, induce
nightmares
Feats: Ability Focus (hypnotic wings), Flyby Attack, Improved
Initiative, Iron Will, Power Attack
Skills: Listen +17, Spot +17
Advancement: 17-22 HD (large), 23-39 HD (huge)
__________________________ ___

Mindrot (Su): On a successful critical hit with its tongue
attack, a slake moth’s prehensile tongue slithers into its
victim’s brain and begins sucking out the consciousness.
This deals 1d4 points of Wisdom and Charisma drain per
round.
Hypnotic Wings (Su): Any creature viewing the unfurled
wings of a slake moth is paralyzed for 1d6 rounds unless he
makes a successful DC 22 Will save. Creatures can avoid
viewing the wings as they could a gaze attack (Dungeon
master’s Guide 294), but due to the shimmering colors, the
chance of not having to make a saving throw is only 30%
rather than 50%. Viewing the wings through mirrors avoids
their hypnotic powers. The save DC is Charisma-based.
Impossible Bulk (Su): A slake moth can fold its enormous bulk
through spaces that seem much too small for it. It can pass
through spaces as small as 2 feet by 2 feet, folding its
wings, bones, skull, and sheer bulk through the tiny
opening. This move requires a standard action.
Induce Nightmare (Su): The presence of slake moths within ½
mile of a sleeping creature resonates on the level of
dreams and desires, inducing a fitful sleep full of elaborate
fantasies and lurid imagery. Victims of a single night of such
agitated sleep must make a DC 19 Will save or become
fatigued. This DC increased by 1 each night of continuous
exposure. Failing a second saving throw results in
exhaustion. The save DC is Charisma-based.
Slake moths are not native to Rohagi, or any known land,
and as such they are exceedingly rare to encounter. They
come from the chaos-strewn realm of the Fractured Land.
Slake moths are creatures with strange nutritional needs;
they feed on sentience in the form of dreams, guilt, lists, and
worries. Consummate hunters and stealthy assassins, a small
group of slake moths can turn an entire metropolis into a
nightmare of ruined dreams and comatose victims in a matter
of weeks, as New Crobuzon woefully discovered a few years
ago.
Slake moths prefer to hunt rich territories full of sentient
creatures. Cities are their natural hunting grounds, but to
avoid being burnt out or hunted themselves, they prefer to
disguise their presence, attacking only solitary individuals or
(if multiple slake moths are hunting together,) small groups.
They are strictly nocturnal. A slake moth’s only desire is to
feed and the expense of all other sentient creatures nearby.
After hatching from small, brightly colored eggs, slake
moths live in a larval form, eating a special narcotic extruded
by the elders, and other solidified forms of dream-matter.
Their eggs are extremely rare. When the larvae grow as large
as cats, they spin cocoons and soon assume their adult forms.
This form is unlike any real moth – the size of a horse with a
prehensile tongue, slab-teeth, deep sunken hollows that are
anchors for antennae that serve in the place of eyes, and two
wings patterned with ever-shifting but perfectly reflected
patterns. They have six legs, a varying number of clawed
arms, and many smaller, dark appendages along their sides,
like whips or enormous cilia. An adult typically stands 8 to 9
feet tall and weighs nearly 800 pounds.
Some savants suggest their origins are on a plane of
dream; others believe they are a species vomited forth by the
Cacotopic Stain.
They do not speak aloud, and typically have no interest in
the languages of other races.
149
Throng-Bear (Swarm Form) CR 8
Tiny Magical Beast (swarm) - Always N
Initiative: +5; Senses: blindsense 20 ft.; low-light vision;
Listen +15, Spot +15
Armor Class: 18 (+5 Dex, +3 size), touch 18, flat-footed 13
hp: 68 (10 HD)
Immune: weapon damage
Fort +5, Ref +12, Will +6
Speed: 5 ft., fly 40 ft. (good)
Melee: swarm (4d4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./0 ft.
Base Attack +2; Grapple —
Attack Options: Flyby Attack
Special Actions: distraction (DC 13), transform
Abilities: Str 4, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 4
Special Qualities: swarm traits
Feats: Flyby Attack, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Spot)
Skills: Listen +15, Spot +15
Distraction (Ex): A creature with this ability can nauseate the
creatures that it damages. Any living creature that takes
damage from a creature with the distraction ability is
nauseated for 1 round; a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2
creature's HD + creature's Con modifier) negates the effect.
Transform (Su): At will, as a standard action, a throng-bear
may switch between swarm and bear forms.
The throng-bear is a beautiful, yet deadly creature, able
to shift its physical body between two different forms.
In one form, the throng-bear exists as a coherent flying
swarm of creatures, primarily butterflies and songbirds, but
also a significant number of other kinds of insects and birds,
as well as bats. In this form, the throng-bear is majestic to
view, appearing to shift and sway the same way a school of
fish in the ocean would.
A swarming throng-bear can be dangerous, as it overruns
and pummels its prey with its component parts.
Throng-Bear (Bear Form) CR 8
Large Magical Beast - Always N
Initiative: +5; Senses: low-light vision; Scent; Listen +10, Spot
+12
Armor Class: 19 (+1 Dex, +9 natural, -1 size), touch 11, flat-
footed 18
hp: 95 (10 HD)
Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +6
Speed: 40 ft.
Melee: 2 claws +14 (2d6+7 plus grab), bite +14 (1d8+9)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +8; Grapple +19
Special Actions: transform
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 13, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 10
Special Qualities: iron grip
Feats: Endurance, Improved Initiative, Run, Skill Focus (Spot)
Skills: Listen +10, Spot +12
Transform (Su): At will, as a standard action, a throng-bear
may switch between swarm and bear forms.
In its second form, the swarming mass of small creatures
coalesce into the form of a great bear. This bear does not
resemble a black bear or a grizzly – rather, the bear retains
the shifting, seething appearance of a swarm of small
creatures, yet somehow simultaneously acts like a solid
being.
This form is typically the one a throng-bear will assume
while on the hunt, or when physically threatened.
Throng-bears can be found in the Ragamoll region and
the wilds to the west and south of New Crobuzon.
150
Vinhog CR 1/3 Wake-Tree CR 11
Medium animal - Always N Huge Plant - Usually CE
Initiative: +1; Senses: low-light vision; Listen +5, Spot +3 Initiative: +3; Senses: tremorsense 60 ft; Listen +19
Armor Class: 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Armor Class: 21 (-1 Dex, +14 natural, -2 size), touch 7, flat-
hp: 7 (1 HD) footed 21
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +1 hp: 115 (11 HD)
Speed: 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (average) Fort +13, Ref +4, Will +6
Melee: bite +1 (1d4) DR 10/magic; Immune plant traits; Resist electricity 10, fire
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. 10; SR 22
Abilities: Str 11, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 4 Speed: 5 ft.
Feats: Great Fortitude Melee: 4 branches +16 (2d6+9 plus grab)
Skills: Listen +5, Spot +3 Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.
Advancement: 2-4 HD (large) Base Attack +8; Grapple +19
Attack Options: constrict (2d6+9)
Spell-like Abilities (CL 16th):
A common breed of livestock in the Galaggi Veldt, the 5/day--charm person (DC 18)
vinhog is essentially a large pig that has grapevines naturally 2/day--dominate person (DC 19)
growing out of its body. These animals are usually cultivated Abilities: Str 28, Dex 9, Con 23, Int 3, Wis 13, Cha 18
for their vines, not their flesh, as the flavor of the unique Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning
grapes can be used to create the colorful wines unique to the Reflexes, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (branch)
region. Skills: Hide +6, Listen +19
Advancement: 12-16 HD (huge)

In the northern Galaggi, seeking shelter in the shade of a

tree could potentially turn deadly. Appearing at first glance
like any other tree, a wake-tree is actually a carnivorous
ambush hunter. Thankfully, it is very easy to outrun, and a
careful eye will spot the bones and clothing which sometimes
become stuck in the tree’s hanging branches after digestion.

151

Weaver CR 15
Large Outsider (chaotic) - Always CN
Initiative: +4; Senses: darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +15, Spot +18
Aura: Fear (10 ft., DC 21)
Languages: Ragamoll, telepathy 60 ft.
Armor Class: 28 (-1 size, +4 Dex, +15 natural), touch 13, flat-
footed 24; Dodge, Mobility
hp: 153 (18 HD); DR 10/lawful
Fort +15, Ref +15, Will +14
Speed: 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (perfect)
Melee: 4 claws +24 (2d10+6/18-20/x3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./15 ft.
Base Attack +18; Grapple +28
Attack Options: Combat Reflexes, Power Attack, Spring
Attack, augmented critical, decapitate, impale
Special Actions: chaos chatter
Spell-like Abilities: (CL 18th)
3/day – cloak of chaos, quickened dimensional door, word
of chaos (DC 24)
At will – blink, dimension door, plane shift (DC 22)
Abilities: Str 22, Dex 19, Con 19, Int 23, Wis 17, Cha 24
Special Qualities: chain of consequences, unfettered
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Mobility, Multiattack, Power
Attack, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (dimension door), Spring
Attack
Skills: Balance +19, Climb +16, Concentration +25, Disable
Device +19, Escape Artist +22, Hide +23, Intimidate +25, Jump
+25, Knowledge (arcana) +27, Knowledge (history) +27,
Knowledge (the planes) +27, Listen +15, Move Silently +22,
Sense Motive +24, Sleight of Hand +15, Spellcraft +27, Spot
+18
Advancement: 19-30 HD (large), 31-54 HD (huge)
__________________________ ___
Fear Aura (Su): A creature in the area must succeed on a DC
21 Will save or be affected as though by a fear spell (caster
level 15th). The weaver can suppress or resume this aura as
a free action.
Augmented Critical (Ex): A weaver’s claws are incredibly
sharp. They threaten a critical hit on a natural attack roll of
18-20, dealing triple damage on a critical. The claws are not
subject to keen edge or any similar ability.
Decapitate (Ex): A weaver’s bladed claws can decapitate a
foe. Upon a successful critical hit, the claw severs the
opponents head (if it had one) from tis body. Creatures
with no heads or central nervous systems are not affected
by this.
Impale (Ex): If the weaver strikes successfully with two or
more of its claws, it may automatically make a grapple
check to grip and hold the creature in its claws. If the
grapple succeeds, the weaver can deal 4d10+6 points of
damage the following round with a successful grapple
check.
Chaos Chatter (Su): The speech of a weaver is disorienting
and maddening. As a standard action, the weaver can spout
its madness to all within the range of its telepathy. Those
who hear it must make a DC 26 Will saving throw or
become dazed for 1d4 rounds. The save DC is Charisma-
based.
Chain of Consequences (Su): A weaver can see the future
effects of particular actions more clearly than most,
although this is not exactly prophecy and a weaver rarely
tells anyone of these visions. Weavers can often force a
particular vision to come to pass by pulling on the strings
and levers behind the visible, everyday existence. This work
requires 2d4 hours and is equivalent to a limited wish spell
cast by an 18th-level wizard. Note that very small effects,
such as duplicating a spell of 2nd-level r lower, require only
1 round.
Unfettered (Su): Weavers are only partially on our plan of
existence and can move about without regard for gravity or
other impediments. As such, they can fly with perfect
maneuverability and are never slowed by terrain, webs,
walls, or slick surface.
Weavers are outsiders with an overdeveloped sense of
aesthetics. They see the world as a spider’s web, and each
action, event, or thing as a thread. This alone might not be so
strange, but weavers have opinions about what might make
the web prettier and the power to rearrange the world to fit
their vision. With a mystical understanding of the
consequences, they can weave the world to their liking.
Weavers rarely speak to humanoids unless bribed. The
forms these bribes take vary from weaver to weaver, and
their tastes change over time. One month they might rabidly
collect chess sets, the next month they lust for scissors made
of paper, or the perfectly polished shells of vineyard snails.
Offering the wrong gift or forgetting to bring one is often
fatal. The human study of weavers is called textorology, and
their unique brand of thaumaturgy has been dubbed
materiothaumaturgy.
Weavers speak Ragamoll and many other languages, but
they speak in such a babbling stream of consciousness that it
is difficult to divine their meaning.
Weavers resemble enormous spiders with sharp clawed
legs ending in 18-insh-long talons, eight red eyes (two of
them much larger than the others,) and small black hands
resembling those of human children. They stand about 9 feet
tall and weigh up to 1,200 pounds, but since they are not
bound by gravity, can exert as little weight as they like.
Weavers move precisely and delicately; no move is wasted.
Their mouthparts are enormous and wicked. Weavers enjoy
combat; they seem to see their enemies coming, and often
pop through various dimensions in a fight.
152
Wyrman CR 1/3 Zombie CR 1/2
Small Monstrous Humanoid - Often CN Medium Undead - Often NE
Initiative: +0; Senses: Listen -2, Spot -2 Initiative: +0; Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.
Languages: Ragamoll Armor Class: 12 (+2 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 12; Dodge
Armor Class: 14 (+1 size, +3 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14; hp: 12 (2 HD); DR: 5/slashing; Immune: Undead traits
Dodge Fort +0, Ref +0, Will +3
hp: 5 (1 HD) Speed: 30 ft.
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +0 Melee: slam +4 (1d6+4)
Speed: 10 ft., fly 30 ft. (poor) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Melee: bite +2 (1d3) Base Attack +1; Grapple +4
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Abilities: Str 17, Dex 10, Con —, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 10
Base Attack +1; Grapple -3 Special Qualities: Staggered
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 6, Wis 7, Cha 9 Feats: Toughness
__________________________ ___

Special Qualities: Aerial Tumble Staggered (Ex): Zombies have poor reflexes and can only
Feats: Dodge perform a single move action or standard action each
Skills: Perform (comedy) +1, Tumble +6 round (it has the staggered condition.) A zombie can move
Advancement: by character class up to its speed and attack in the same round as a charge
Favored Class: Rogue action.
__________________________ ___

Aerial Tumble (Ex): Wyrmen may be clumsy in the air, but

their erratic flight allows them to avoid blows and other Zombies can occasionally be found throughout Rohagi,
dangers. Wyrmen are not slowed when using the Tumble but are most often associated with the city of High Cromlech.
skill while flying. (Wyrmen receive a +4 racial bonus to In times of war, the zombie factories of the undead city can
Tumble checks.) produce thousands of zombies at a time, creating fearsome
armies in a hurry. Individually, zombies are shambling easy
Wyrmen are aerial clowns and messengers in the skies of targets, but a horde of zombies is another story altogether.
Bas-Lag. They are a stupid but genial race, happy to serve,
happy to fart, and happy to frown and laugh as the mood
takes them. In new Crobuzon, they are typically messengers,
couriers, and spies for scientists and thaumaturges. Some
believe that can serve as familiars, but if so, no one can prove
it.
Wyrmen are not especially tough combatants and prefer
to harass, tease, and annoy rather than engage in serious
bloodletting. They tend to flee as soon as they are wounded.
They congregate with others of their kind for protection,
entertainment, and general play through the skies. Wyrmen
nest under eaves and on rooftops near the warmth of
chimneys, or in abandoned tenements and warehouses with
easy access to the sky. Wyrmen speak
Ragamoll badly, but they know all the
choice curse words. They
are especially crude and
quite insulting.
Physically, wyrmen
are red-skinned, four-
limbed creatures with
two wings and two feet.
Their feet function as
hands and they rarely
walk anywhere. They
stand about 3 feet tall at
most (although they
frequently slouch,) and
weigh no more than 60
pounds.
153