P� LARIS

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T H E R O L E P L AY I N G G A M E

E Q U I N OX
 EQUINOX
CREDITS

AUTHOR INTERIOR ART

PHILIPPE “CYRULL” TESSIER
TRANSLATION
JESSICA BANKS, KATHERINE CALMEJANE, YOHANN DELALANDE,
FRANCK “BOOGA” FLORENTIN, LAURENCE GILLESPIE, LESLIE
PIEROBON
COPY-EDITING
TIMOTHY BRIAN BROWN
PROOFREADING (ENGLISH EDITION)
TIMOTHY BRIAN BROWN, CRAIG HARGRAVES, CHRIS HAMANN,
LAURA HOFFMANN, JENNIFER SCHOONOVER, PHILIPPE TESSIER
DORIAN COLLET, FRANCK DREVON, SIMON LABROUSSE,
JOËL MOUCLIER, GEOFFROY "DJAHAL" THOORENS, GRÉGOIRE
VEAULÉGER
ART DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN
LAURA HOFFMANN
LAYOUT
LAURENT ROYER, LAURA HOFFMANN
PUBLISHER/BLACK BOOK EDITIONS CEO
DAVID BURCKLE

COVER ART SENIOR ART DIRECTOR BBE

STEPHANIE BÖHM, SIMON LABROUSSE DAMIEN COLTICE

www.polaris-rpg.com

References to Polaris RPG - Core Rulebooks 1&2

are noted as being in CRB1 or CRB2.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESENTATION  2

CHAPTER 1: EQUINOX STATION 4

Short History  4
Equinox Population and Way of Life  5
Description10
The Levels of the Station  13
Factions and Important Figures 28

CHAPTER 2: AROUND EQUINOX 32

The Outer Stations  32
The Surrounding Area 33
Ariadne  36
Legends of Equinox  38

CHAPTER 3: THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT 40

The Cult of the Trident 40

ADVENTURE: INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE  40

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PRESENTATION
Relard, a smuggler from the Star Fellowship, put his empty
glass down on the bar. Even before he could order another one,
the bartender had served a second round of Ravage. He lost his
gaze momentarily in the brown liquid, then slowly took off his
jacket to show the people he was talking to the deep scars the
creature had given him. His torso was covered with deep old lines
as if someone had lashed him with razor blades. He took a deep
breath and went on.
“The contract was simple. An important guy had contacted our
fellowship to sneak a Coral Republic messenger out and ensure his
safety until he reached his meeting on Equinox. We specialize in all
kinds of smuggling, so escorting a guy didn’t sound particularly
difficult. The guy came aboard in Corallia. He was a nervous, bald,
round-faced, little man. He was clutching a drone suitcase that
was attached to his arm. He didn’t stop asking me questions like:
When do we arrive? Are you sure we don’t risk anything? You didn’t
mention my trip to anyone?
I kept reminding him that our fellowship always held true to its
commitments—that it was a matter of honor to us and that if he had
paid us to go to a specific destination on Equinox, we would get him
there safe and sound. I don’t know what there was in this suitcase,
but I swear to you, the little guy was really terrified. He stayed
locked in his cabin the whole trip, only ever leaving it to make sure
everything was okay.”
Relard paused. He drank a sip of Ravage, and after slowly shaking
his head he went on telling his story.
“The trip went well. We came to the Ariadne Transit Sector and we
waited for the formation of an access tunnel in the flux surrounding
the city. I suggested to my client that we land on Ariadne to enjoy
some of the distractions offered in the transit area while waiting
for the formation of the tunnel, but the little man flatly refused. We
waited a few hours for the formation of a passage. These damn flux
variations are really strange. Some days I’ve waited for ten minutes
tops before gaining access to Equinox, and some other times it can
take up to an entire day. Anyway, it’s always very impressive. We
boarded at Hangar 122. When we landed, the little man was looking
completely freaked out. He was darting worried looks left, right, and
center, and he was staring at everyone we came across. I had two
of my fellows with me—badass guys, the kind of warriors you don’t
often come across.
The bazaar was crammed, we had to push people out of our way
to reach the elevators. The messenger was clutching his suitcase
and he was sweating with terror. I told him the best way to attract
the attention of thieves on Equinox was to behave as if you were
carrying something valuable. He definitely got what I meant and
made an effort at loosening up a bit.
He had a meeting on Level -6, one of the dodgiest levels there is, but
that kind of place didn’t scare me. I was used to the scum that hung
around there. We took the overground metro and then an elevator
located in the middle of the bazaar. We halted, following the usual
procedure at Level -4. An artificial voice told us that the lower levels
could be extremely dangerous for us and that the Watchers gave
up all responsibility for anything that might happen if we continue.
After we confirmed we wanted to go on, the elevator went back into
motion and we eventually got to the oppressive and dark streets
of Level -6. The little guy’s meeting was set to take place in a bar
nearby, The Crab—a dodgy bar, but not the worst. My men fixed
a few devices to their weapons. They are forbidden on Equinox but
they can really improve your chances of survival in this kind of
place. After doing that, their light weapons looked more like assault
rifles than anything else.
When we arrived at The Crab, the messenger gave a few Sols to the
bartender and whispered something in his ear. The bar manager
showed him to a door. Behind this door, a staircase gave access to
private rooms where usually the worst scumbags go about their
business. We went down with our client who stopped in front of a
door. He told us to wait for him here while he delivered his message
to some mysterious individual. He seemed almost relieved.
We waited there a few seconds, then we heard a scream and that
voice, that terrible voice that sounded like metal squeaking: ’Did you
think they were letting you do that?’
We rushed into the room. What we saw will be engraved in my
memory forever. There was a man nailed to one of the walls of
the room, entirely skinned. Our client was in the back of the room
and something was on top of him, slashing him. The arm with the
suitcase had been torn off and was lying on the floor a few meters
away. We could hear the drone counting down before the suitcase
self-destructed, and then the creature was slowly turning to face us.
How can I describe it?
It must have once been human. Its eyes were human. Eyes filled
with hatred—sadistic eyes enjoying the suffering of a poor guy. Its
body was sturdy, covered with a light layer of white fur. Its face was
atrociously deformed by mutations, but the only thing that attracted
our attention was its maw filled with teeth that had been filed into
points. When the thing rushed to attack us, we saw its hands. By
all the sirens of the seven seas, its hands were made of metal. Its
fingers looked like long razor blades. With unbelievable speed, the
creature threw itself on one of my men. I heard the rattling of its
horrible blades, then the atrocious gurgle of my companion whose
throat had just been mutilated. There was a shot fired, an awful
scream. I felt the creature’s blades carving into my torso. Then
I remember thrusting my dagger into a soft body before I passed
out. When I woke up, I was the only one still living in the room. My
comrades were lying by my side. Our client had been eviscerated
and the suitcase was just a molten piece if metal. The creature must
have escaped through the air vent; the grill had been torn off. It was
the bar manager who found me. For a large amount of money, he
made arrangements to have me taken care of. He also told me I had
met Chantak, the Lurking Death. For those who live in the slums of
Equinox, Chantak is a legend, a soulless monster that feeds on the
poor and the unwanted. But I know what I heard: that thing had
been paid to kill our client.”
CHAPTER 1

Equinox station
“You have got to see this city at least once in your lifetime, to be crushed by its majesty. This gigantic structure
seems as if it fills the entire ocean, illuminating the water with its thousands of spotlights. It looks like a golden
beehive with hundreds of ships and majestic mammals buzzing around it. When the currents that surround it
unleash their immeasurable power, it appears as a ghost city adorned with lightning bolts, an underwater city veiled
with mysteries and intrigues.”
—Statement from a League diplomat, during his first visit to Equinox

SHORT HISTORY
The first station on the Rockhall Threshold was built
in the year 127. Neteria was a community belonging to
a rich Mediterranean Basin quarry, whose bases in the
Hellenic Trench number among the most prosperous in
the undersea world. One also hears tales of Oleross Pagan,
a rich businessman who was particularly influential at the
heart of the Azure Alliance and who amassed unimaginable
riches by selling products of Azurean industries. Several
years after the construction of Neteria, they discovered
major, extensive deposits of raw materials in Rockhall
Bay. These riches attracted other communities, among the
richest in the era. In the year 136, six communities disputed
the operations at the Rockhall Plateau. They lived together
peacefully until the year 250 but the opposing tensions
could not help but grow. On November 12, 250, after the
Azure Alliance had broken up, Neteria launched a large-
scale attack on its rival communities. The conflict was
particularly violent and was actively pursued over more
than a year.
At the end of the year 251, a team of miners made a
sensational discovery in a very deep Rockhall mineshaft. They
neither knew exactly what they had discovered, nor precisely
where this mysterious site was located, but several days
after the workers climbed out of the mine, the first heat flow
formed in the region and the six communities called off their
attacks. Some people thought that the miners had discovered
a particularly extensive Genetician depot. In 256, the plateau’s
population united to form the community of Trident.
Until the year 300, the inhabitants of Trident traveled
throughout all the world’s seas to preach their message of
peace and convince other communities of the all-powerful
Polaris Effect. During the course of these voyages, the
idea was hatched for a neutral city where an assembly of
undersea nations could gather. In the year 340, the Trident
Alliance appeared on the scene. It joined together not only
members of the Trident community, but also researchers,
EQUINOX 1
archaeologists, historians, and rich industrialists, all
convinced by the itinerant preachers of the existence of
a power beyond human comprehension. In 348, the first
incident linked to the Polaris Effect caused the deaths of 112
people in a Rockhall extraction base. No one knew at the time
that the disaster was provoked by an individual who could
not control the Polaris Effect. In 349, the Alliance decided to
build the Neutral City of Equinox in the Ariadne Trench. The
motivation for this choice was, above all, the existence of a
heat flow that would likely protect the city from any external
aggression, and moreover, the local presence of many
marine mammals that appear to be particularly friendly to
the Trident community.
Thanks to the enormous resources available to the Trident
Alliance, work began in the year 350. Materials arrived
from all the oceanic communities who rallied to the cause.
Rich industrialists invested unbelievable sums to create
what seemed to be a utopia, a massive station spanning six
kilometers across, right in the middle of a heat flow.
Until this day, many historians believe that the Trident
community had access to Genetician technology that allowed
them to build such a monument.
The work would last 15 long years, over the course of which
the heat flows were strangely calm and never disrupted the
construction of the city. Several incidents tied to the Polaris
Effect caused the deaths of 1,200 people during this period.
It was only in 352 that a certain Leori Arimatti advanced the
hypothesis that, among these people, certain individuals
were able to unleash the Polaris Effect without being capable
of controlling it. This led to the beginning of advanced
research on this subject.
In 365, Equinox was completed. The base camp situated at
the bottom of the Ariadne Trench would grow into the transit
hub of Ariadne, as the flow closed in around the neutral city,
as if to protect it from possible invaders. Two years later, the
power of the flow was such that no ship could navigate there
without a guide.
The city was an instant success. Ships came from every
horizon to visit this curiosity. The Coral Republic was the first
to propose the installation of an embassy in the city. It also
offered to establish commercial treaties with the Trident. It
seems obvious that this position can be explained by the fact
SHORT HISTORY
that numerous members of the Trident Alliance are powerful
Coralian businessmen.
In 370, Leori Arimatti listed more than 600 cases throughout
the world of incidents tied to the uncontrolled release of the
Polaris Effect, all within the span of a century. He developed a
series of tests, the Arimatti Method, to try to discover subjects
who are unconsciously disposed to have such potential. These
men and women were brought together on Ariadne.
In 371, Leori was felled by a heart attack just as he finished
a prototype for the first Polaris inhibitor. His son Simon
finished his work, but not before the catastrophe in 372 that
saw an individual endowed with Polaris effect annihilate an
entire level of Equinox. This incident prompted investors to
4
withdraw their business from the city and a major portion
of the population fled the cursed place. It was a dark period.
Soon, Equinox resembled little more than a huge ghost town.
In 373, Simon Arimatti developed the first inhibitor and
created the Cult of the Trident for which he became the first
Demeter. With the help of his friend, Admiral Piotr Devrac,
he began a campaign aimed at reassuring the population and
attracting investors once more. At the same time, Trident
specialists, charged with discovering all who might possess
the Polaris gift, were dispatched to every community in the
undersea world.
In 374, Equinox began to recover, but it would not be until
after the Admirals’ Council of 375, and a demonstration of the
full power of the Polaris effect by a few chosen ones who had
mastered it, that the neutral city would truly take its shape.
The golden age of Equinox would flourish until 440. The
S.M.S.O. was created, Ariadne became a center for genetic
research and a haven for certain fertile people, the Watchers
made their appearance, and the Cult of the Trident established
the sol as an international currency unit. The priests also
revealed that they had mastered the secret of fabricating
hyperfluid and were capable of creating hybrids. Equinox and
the Cult truly became the center of the undersea world.
In 440, things got more complicated. A violent controversy
challenged the leadership of the Cult of the Trident. They did
not agree with the methods used to lead civilization toward a
new golden age. Tristan Lesark, leader of the hard branch of
the Cult, slammed the door and left Equinox with about 100
of the faithful and several ships (for the most part, warships).
Arimatti refused to stop the rebels for fear of triggering a
conflict, a decision he would come to bitterly regret. In 448,
the Black Sun made its appearance and attacked several
installations of the Cult of the Trident. The war between
these two factions would never cease.
In the year 475, a young novice in the Cult made an incredible
demonstration of Polaris Effect mastery for one who had
received no training in the subject. In 512, a man named
Jason Helio succeeded a 160-year-old Arimatti (certainly the
longest-lived man in human history, which proves that the
Polaris Effect has a positive impact on longevity).
It was in 516 that the Black Sun launched a forceful attack
on several key bases in the undersea world. This powerful
terrorist organization used the Polaris Effect for the first
time in the course of these actions. It was also the first time
that we heard mention of the Other, their mysterious master,
and his servant, Alemsh Palkrach.
In 550, the Black Sun used the famous Trident fighter
vessels for the first time, as well as new combat devices.
Also in 550, Equinox became the most powerful city in
history. Attracting a population from the whole world,
it turned out to be the oceans’ largest commercial and
diplomatic center. But 2 million people could not live together
without certain incidents occuring. Thus, the offenses among
rival communities would often settle themselves in the city
passageways and they would have to wait for the Watchers

to put a stop to these fights before the city became a little
calmer. The most serious incidents took place in 560 and 564.
In February 560, an uncommonly virulent disease, the
Scarlet Plague, hit one of Equinox’s quarters. The authorities
decided to hold back the epidemic by isolating the quarter,
using its watertight walls designed for flood prevention,
and burning the entire zone. It is believed 27,000 people
had succumbed to the disease; 55,000 died in the fire in the
contaminated zone.
In December 564, a riot triggered one of the greatest panics
in the history of the city. Two entire levels found themselves
plunged into chaos. People were trampled and suffocated.
Fires started all over the place, and the city’s security was
gravely threatened. The Watchers’ troops shut down the
problem thanks in large part to the first intervention by the
Condor Faction. It was estimated that the outbreak of panic
caused the deaths of 4,000 people. The intervention of the
Watchers alone was responsible for more than 8,000 victims.
From 567 to 568, a terrible war among spies struck Equinox,
which would profoundly affect the security services of
Trident and its director, Sernea.
EQUINOX POPULATION
AND WAY OF LIFE
It is estimated that Equinox is the permanent home of
a civilian population of over three million people. It is
obvious that administering so many individuals in such an
enclosed space can prove problematic. But it is one of the
challenges successfully met by the Cult of the Trident. Some
characteristics of life on Equinox are described below.
Architecture: the architecture of Equinox depends on
the level you’re on. As a general rule, streets or walkways
are pretty narrow and have high ceilings. See each level’s
description for further information.
Bars: bars and cafeterias on Equinox are the most
frequented public places in the city. Large crowds go
there to trade information and tales about the oceans.
It’s pointless to look for a seat—this is only possible in
high-end establishments. However, any bar worthy of the
name has alcoves or rooms located under the premises
to allow traffickers of any kind to quietly discuss their
“business.” A bar with no such installation will very soon
be going out of business. In these establishments, people
drink, gamble, deal, eat, settle their scores, sign contracts,
and sometimes kill each other. These places are actually
true micro-societies. Most of these establishments are
more or less funded by criminal organizations, nations,
the Watchers, and even the Cult of the Trident. Some of
them are even supported by several factions at once. A
bar is usually considered a neutral place, and to attack the
establishment or its staff is considered a crime to the world
of the shadows.
EQUINOX STATION
Behavior: people who go to Equinox usually have only
EQUINOX POPULATION...
one thing in mind: relaxation. So they are pretty friendly
for the most part. They are also talkative, telling each other
news from around the entire world, information being little
broadcast in this universe. It’s common to be approached by
an individual asking for information from a certain region
of the ocean, who in return will tell the events from his own
region. On Equinox it’s certainly the most common way to
approach someone. Therefore, the atmosphere in public
spaces is usually very relaxed. It is even said that a vast
majority of ransom victims had their life spared by their
attacker in exchange for a detailed tale of recent events.
On the other hand, as soon as there’s a risk of danger or
likelihood of any problems, everybody vanishes. Empty bars
or deserted back alleys can be seen at the first hint of trouble.
Many sociologists compare the Equinox crowd to a huge
school of fish. They say it has all the same characteristics.
Don’t expect any help from anyone if you are being mugged
in a back alley, not even the help of the Watchers.
In the neutral city, you better be careful about how you
behave. If you’re a member of the Red League, it is ill-advised
to walk proudly in front of a group of Hegemonians. It
will cost you at best a couple of months in the hospital, or
at worst you’ll end up as fish food. If you own anything of
value or a precious object, it is recommended you not say
anything about it and maintain a detached and calm attitude.
Individuals carrying riches, sweating, and looking terrified
by their surroundings, or those who go around wearing
luxurious clothes and equipment, take the risk of having
their throats cut on a street corner (unless these individuals
are crooks setting a trap for other crooks).
Black Market: trading on the black market is a particularly
common activity on Equinox. Almost all the merchants sell
legal as well as illegal goods. For instance, a torpedo seller can
commonly offer his clients wares other than torpedoes: drugs,
military gear, equipment exclusive to the Watchers, maps, etc.
The Watchers know pretty well what is happening, but they
are lenient as long as this activity does not threaten them.
Births: there are few births on Equinox—most of the
fertile women live on Ariadne. But it can happen and the
Cult has never forced the citizens of their city to emigrate to
Ariadne. It must be said, though, only the most masochistic
would turn down such an opportunity (or maybe the most
distrustful). As such, there are a few rare clinics (led by the
firm Cortex) which offer their services for deliveries. The
mother will spend only one year with her child, in the clinic,
before the infant is sent to Ariadne. This service is free, but
in exchange the parents have to agree to submit to a series of
tests and volunteer for the repopulating campaigns that are
regularly set up by the Cult.
There are some sordid rumors about women clandestinely
delivering in the city slums. But those stories couldn’t
possibly be true! Could they?
Clothes: on Equinox, as everywhere, clothes are primarily
functional. Outfits are usually basic and reflect the professions
5
EQUINOX 1
of their owners. There are certainly differences related
to nationalities, but they are not really obvious. On the
other hand, dominant classes enjoy wearing lavish clothes.
Hegemonians stand out with their martial, highly colored,
and diversely decorated attire. Coraleans prefer ample robes
decorated with coral sparkles. Upper-class materials, such
as marine silk, perfumes obtained from aquatic plants, and
jewels, pearls, and diamonds, are worn by rich people only.
Communications: it’s very easy to communicate all over
the city of Equinox. Free communication booths are available
to the whole population and a service helping to find people
is kindly offered to anyone asking for it. Beware, though
as every communication is likely to be intercepted by the
Watchers’ security services, even the ones between personal
radio communicators. The Watchers’ control center contains
an amazing wave sensor device, code breakers, and signal-
searching devices.
Confinement: without reaching the exiguity of most
underwater stations, space is not the main characteristic of
Equinox. Every public level has been conceived in height and
not in width. So the central level (Level 0) is composed of
several floors with a total height of 80 meters, but most of its
walkways are barely three meters wide. At the central level,
when raising one’s head, you can see a real entanglement of
footbridges, aerial metros, and all sorts of cables and tubes.
The only exceptions are the marketplaces, which are usually
spacious enough, but are constantly filled with impressive
crowds.
EQUINOX POPULATION...
B u r r ow e r
6
There is little space in the buildings and most of the
shop sizes do not exceed nine square meters. Likewise,
living quarters offered to the population usually have a
floor size of four to nine square meters. Only the rich or
the privileged can afford 25, 50, even 100 square-meter
cabins. Paradoxically, the levels where you can breathe
the best, in the public sectors, are the most dangerous.
The inferior levels of the bazaar are known for their space
but also for the dangers that await the visitor. It is worth
noting that the only difference between night and day
on Equinox is a slight reduction in the street crowds. It’s
only on the embassy levels that streets are deserted when
the “evening” comes. Lighting at these levels is slightly
lowered during that time.
These conditions make a lot of visitors sleep on their ships or
even in their diving armor. It’s free and sometimes much more
spacious. See table Residental Prices on next page.
Corruption: on Equinox, everyone is fairly openly corrupt,
but there are two notable exceptions.
The Cult of the Trident members are seldom interested
in money or equipment. They are also loyal to their cause
and will not betray their organization. On the other hand, if
you can provide them with information about conspirators,
spies, archaeological discoveries, or elements related to
the Polaris Effect, it’s not unlikely they will grant you some
special favors.
The average Watcher can easily be bribed as long as it
doesn’t harm the city’s interests, or those of the Cult or of
 EQUINOX STATION

RESIDENTIAL ROOM of gold. Below you’ll find some typical products. Inebriation

...AND WAY OF LIFE

PRICE
PRICES SURFACE is not considered a crime but a necessary evil allowing the
Tubes * Special 20 to 40 Sols/night population to cope. For further information on water, see the
Second-rate hotel 4 m² 40 to 60 Sols/day related paragraph on page 10.
Ordinary hotel 8 m² 80 to 140 Sols/day
Luxurious hotel 16 m² 400 to 800 Sols/day PRODUCT PRICE
Anemone juice** 2 to 5 Sols per 25 cl
Prestigious hotel 40 m² 1,000 to 4,000 Sols/day
Beer, natural 50 to 200 Sols per liter
Elite hotel 100 m² 10,000 to 50,000 Sols/day Beer, synthetic 2 to 6 Sols per 50 cl
Common room (the 1 bed 20 Sols/night Liquor, jellyfish 20 to 60 Sols per 20 cl
most frequented) Liquor, plankton 15 to 30 Sols per 20 cl
Stairs survival of 5 Sols/night
Liquor, seaweed 10 to 40 Sols per 20 cl
the fittest
Milk, otter 8 to 20 Sols per liter
Back alleys survival of Usually free (Watchers’
Milk, whale 10 to 30 Sols per liter
the fittest tax 1 Sol per night)
Ravage 10 Sols per 5 cl (universal price)
Individual quarters 4 m² 2,000 to 4,000 Sols/
month Water, pure 100 to 2,000 Sols per liter
Individual quarters 16 m² 8,000 to 16,000 Sols/ Water, recycled* 1 to 3 Sols per liter
month Wine, natural 1,000 to 10,000 Sols per liter
Individual quarters 30 m² 20,000 to 40,000 Sols/ depending on the quality
month Wine, synthetic 60 to 160 Sols per liter
* Tubes have “basically” been inspired by convoy vessels. * Recycled water from different sources, left unrevealed so as
The principle applied in those ships has been adapted to not to disgust anyone, tastes revolting and has a slightly green
accommodate some people. They are 80 cm to 1.2 m in diameter color.
and 2.5 m long tubes in which people sleep. ** It’s a rich and thirst-quenching beverage that tastes pretty
good. It’s most children’s favorite beverage.
their organization. On the other hand, those who belong
to the elite troops and those who are in charge of watching Drugs: few drugs are consumed on Equinox. Life conditions
the key Equinox stations are totally INCORRUPTIBLE. Try are indeed not as extreme as in some communities or in
to offer money to a member of the Condor Faction and you extraction plants. It’s a minor phenomenon that does
run the risk of being turned into a roast. It is said that half not worry the authorities. But this does not mean that
of hygiene service members are very connected to criminal narcofluids, narcomixtures, and other popular drugs are not
organizations and are particularly corruptible. going around on Equinox.
Cost of Living: on Equinox, prices are definitely average. Education and Children: the education of children is
But of course you can always find prices that can’t be beat controlled by the Cult of the Trident. You can hardly say
and others that are sky-high. The black market, usually there are schools on Equinox. Actually, all the institutes for
expensive, is very active on Equinox. children are located on Ariadne. These organizations are in
Crimes and Criminal Organizations: safety in the neutral charge of educating children until the age of 12. At that age
city is entirely dependent on your location and on your look. they are considered to be adults and can go back to Equinox
Thefts are frequent. There are few murders. Shoot-outs and start their training, after submitting to a fertility test.
between factions are frequent but limited to well-defined Education consists first of all learning basic arithmetic and
sectors. Cons are the most common crimes, but in that domain the spoken language. They are also taught about hygiene, the
the population is completely left to its own resources. No Polaris Effect, and the benefits brought to humanity by the
law forbids scams and the Watchers will never intervene in Watchers and the Cult of the Trident.
such matters. The golden rule is: as long as a crime does not Apprenticeships start at the age of 12. Children must
threaten the Equinox leaders or the safety of the station, you enroll in the city Apprenticeship Department. Shopkeepers,
are on your own. You have to handle things yourselves! community leaders, and heads of human resources from
Dozens of criminal organizations specialized in trafficking firms will come to this service to hire these young people.
of every kind and in smuggling have developed on this It’s very rare a child is not hired at the end of the week. If that
particularly fertile ground. Some have innovated by happens, they are either collected by the Cult of the Trident
specializing in robberies, the setting up of beggar armies, services, or left alone in the Equinox streets.
spying, and assassinations. The most “famous” criminal Children are therefore pretty uncommon in the streets
organizations are mentioned later in the book. of the neutral city. Those who can be spotted are vagrants.
Drinks: beverages are naturally a vital element for the Nobody harms a child on Equinox except the flesh-mongers,
inhabitants of Equinox. Alcoholic beverages are certainly but even these fearsome criminals must act with caution
the most popular drinks and pure water is worth the price because the vast majority of people consider hurting a child

7
EQUINOX 1
to be the most serious crime of all. No law makes people
protect young people that way, but it’s rather some kind of
natural reflex that only gets stronger as the sterility virus
becomes more and more virulent.
Family: there’s no notion of family for the majority of
the Equinox population. Children leave their families right
after they’re born and directly enter active life after their
stay on Ariadne.
Homelessness and Beggars: hundreds of people live in the
worst conditions on Equinox. They are the castaways, those
who have nothing left and hide away in the city’s back alleys
or in the lowest areas of the Bazaar. They live off petty thefts
and charity. Most of the time you can find them gathered in
the dark walkways near the public showers because they know
very well that, although the authorities do not get rid of them at
present, they wouldn’t hesitate to do so if an epidemic started
due to the poor hygiene of the homeless. In recent years, some
beggars’ groups and several castaway youth gangs have been
forming bands controlled by criminal organizations.
Beggars are an important source of information for the
Watchers’ services and for any person knowing how to talk
to them. They observe, spy, and take note of everything
that can help them survive, and, above all, spare them from
the occasional and discreet “purges” set up by the Hygiene
Service. Such purges make the Neptune Division leaders and
the Watchers’ investigators very angry because precious
informants vanish (rivalries between services still exist in
the Polaris RPG universe).
Information: Watchers are usually available for any
questions asked by tourists. This is almost always the case,
except after Level -4. Just about everywhere in the back
alleys of Equinox, it’s possible to use information booths to
find any particular place. These booths no longer work after
Level -5.
Languages: absolutely all languages are spoken on Equinox.
Some individuals are even known to express themselves in
EQUINOX POPULATION...
Arkonian.
Law and Justice: law and justice are in the hands of the
Watchers and the Cult of the Trident. The laws are simple:
everything that does not serve the interests of the city, the
Cult, or the Watchers is illegal. Justice is dispensed by the
Watchers, who don’t usually bother with a trial. Sentences
risked by criminals range from fines to forced labor to
summary execution.
Only light weapons are allowed in the bazaars of Equinox.
They are however forbidden after Level 7 though.
It is worth noting that if from time to time people get the
impression that the Watchers and the Cult of the Trident
do not rule their city, it is only an impression. It must be
understood that the Cult only worries about international
matters and that, if one Equinox faction or another threatens
the safety of the station or the power of the priests, the
Watchers can crush it at any moment.
Leisure: in the Polaris RPG universe, not everybody spends
their time getting high on drugs, drinking, or watching erotic
8
shows to relax. There are some pastimes that are becoming
more popular with the population.
See CRB1 page 76 for more information on Fashion and
Leisure Time Activities in Polaris RPG.
Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters: many small mercenary
and bounty hunter firms have offices on Equinox. Their
activity is perfectly legal. Some companies even work in close
relationship with the Watchers. For instance, Bloodhound
and Legion have often taken part in some Watchers
operations. The main activities of these firms on Equinox are
searching for contracts and enlisting new recruits.
Mutants: mutants are officially treated the same way as
the rest of the population. Off the record, it can be a surprise
to see that most of the castaways and beggars are mutants.
Although there are some inside the Cult and the Watchers,
a mutant starts his life on Equinox with a serious handicap.
Those who suffer from minor deformations will have little
problem fitting in. For the others, the only way to escape the
city slums is to be fertile and thus be evacuated to Ariadne.
Hybrids are admired and Techno-Hybrids feared. In
that respect, Equinox is much like every other city of the
underwater world. As for those who show any ability to
master the Polaris Effect, they are immediately enrolled by
the Cult of the Trident, whatever their deformations.
Nutrition: any kind of food can be found in the neutral city.
From natural meat to plankton gruel, from synthetic beef to
fish fibers reclaimed to make them taste and look like meat,
diversity is the key ingredient of the Equinox diet. A majority
of the population eats hydroculture and underwater farming
products, but also some synthetic products as well. The rich
can, for a lot of money, afford the luxury of eating genuine
meat and even dolphin steak (totally forbidden). Food can be
bought at stalls in the bazaar, in specialized establishments,
or in bars. The city’s hygiene services freely distribute the
most disgusting fish soup in the seven seas to the poor. It is
at least substantial, filled with “hygienic” products. Here are
some examples of dishes that can be found on Equinox, as
well as their prices.
Note: all forms of food are treated with hydrating products
because of the global shortage of drinking water. So you can
usually eat without needing to drink.
Politics and Espionage: if we estimate that roughly 40%
of the Equinox population works directly or indirectly for a
nation or an organization, we get a pretty fair overview of
what espionage is like in Equinox. It is truly a part of the way
of life. Imagine: almost one in two inhabitants is paid to give
information. No wonder nobody can be trusted today!
In fact, the population is often feeding information to
espionage services without realizing it. For most people it is
perfectly natural to do a favor for someone in exchange for
Sols or some gear. These favors are almost always pieces of
information.
Others have made a livelihood out of it that allows them
to earn a little extra money. A mechanic repairing a vehicle
may very well agree to earn a few more Sols by giving this
piece of information to the right person. Most spies are in
 EQUINOX STATION

PRODUCTS PRICES fact only informants but secret services from

...AND WAY OF LIFE

Abyss mushrooms 300 to 500 Sols per dish (about 100 g) all around the world use their services.
Anemone jams 50 to 90 Sols per 250 g It is in Equinox that the most “all-purpose”
agents, working for more than one nation at
Cereal crisp breads, natural 180 to 600 Sols per 100 g once, are found.
Cereal crisp breads, synthetic 0.5 to 2 Sols per 100 g Prostitution: Prostitutes are usually
respected, educated people and they are
Chocolate, natural 5 to 10 Sols per 100 g sometimes on the payroll of the Watchers
Chocolate, synthetic 0.5 to 2 Sols per 100 g or another faction. If a large part of
the population considers this activity
Coffee, natural 200 to 500 Sols per 100 g acceptable, few people openly resort to
Coffee, synthetic 10 to 30 Sols per kg prostitution.
Religion: although every religion is
Crustaceans (crab, shrimp, lobster, 50 to 120 Sols per 200 g tolerated on Equinox, the Cult of the
etc.) Trident is of course the major one. Places
Dolphin fillet (forbidden, the risked 2,800 Sols per 250 gr steak of worship are forbidden in the neutral city
sentence is the death penalty) and worshippers are therefore forced to go
Dolphin liver (forbidden, the risked 4,000 Sols each underground if they want to have “services.”
sentence is the death penalty) Remember that the Cult of the Trident has no
Fish fillet 30 to 400 Sols depending on the fish “sacred” sites, but places of contemplation.
(per 200 g) These Applied Philosophy Institutes are
Fruits, natural 250 to 800 Sols each not considered places of worship by the
authorities. Therefore there are a few in the
Fruits, synthetic 10 to 40 Sols each
city.
Gruel, fish (common food) 6 to 18 Sols per bowl of soup Smugglers: if there is one activity that
is particularly blooming on Equinox, it’s
Gruel, plankton (common food) 2 to 8 Sols per bowl of soup
smuggling. Sooner or later, everybody
Gruel, seaweed (common food) 5 to 10 Sols per bowl of soup needs to have goods smuggled out of the
city or a few forbidden goods smuggled in so
Harpoon urchin steak 40 to 90 Sols per 150 g
they can be sold in the markets. Smugglers
Meat, natural 800 Sols per 100 g are therefore numerous and particularly
popular. Usually their fees are pretty high.
Meat, reclaimed * 40 to 80 Sols per kg
They are based on the market value of said
Meat, synthetic 160 to 280 Sols per 250 g steak goods and smugglers demand roughly 10%
Molai (stone anemone fluid) 20 to 40 Sols of this estimation. Of course, the price also
depends on the route and the product. A
Mollusks (mussel, oyster, sea-slug, 20 to 60 Sols per 100 g particularly sensitive product, because it’s
etc.) hazardous or totally forbidden, will cost a
Octopus 90 to 150 Sols per dish (about 180 g) small fortune to whoever wants to have it
illegally shipped in or out of the city.
Riftias salad 50 to 70 Sols per salad (about 150 g)
You can usually meet this kind of individual
Salt 40 to 50 Sols per 100 g in bars, and the best informants in that
Sea turtle fillet 80 to 140 Sols per 200 g fillet domain are bartenders.
People smugglers are experts in escorting
Seahorse kebabs 300 to 400 Sols per dish (about 180 g) people. Their fees are completely variable,
Shark fins 250 to 600 Sols per dish (about 250 g) depending on the client and his reputation.
State of Emergency: a state of emergency
Sugar, kelp 30 to 80 Sols per kg has only been decreed twice during the
Sugar, natural 360 to 500 Sols per 100 g recent Equinox history: during the epidemic
of 560 and the riots of 564. Such a measure
Sugar, synthetic 1 to 3 Sols per kg grants absolute power to the Watchers.
Vegetables, natural 40 to 120 Sols per 250 g Every access to Equinox is closed (except,
of course, if it’s an evacuation) and moving
Vegetables, synthetic 10 to 40 Sols per 250 g between levels is granted to security services
* Poison made from fish. This product is forbidden due to the risk of poisoning. The only. In such cases, you had better be patient
risked sentence is the seizing of the seller’s inventory.

9
EQUINOX 1
and above all not upset
WATER COST/ 10
security services, as they
FILTRATION PEOPLE
won’t hesitate to shoot you.
Water, recycled 9,000 Sols
Taxes: permanent citizens
Water, pure 600,000 Sols
of Equinox (roughly half the
population) must pay taxes Suit (1 person) 10,000
calculated every year by Filter for suit 1,000
the Cult of the Trident administration. These taxes amount
to roughly 10% of the income declared by individuals. Since,
of course, fraud is frequent, special services are in charge of
monitoring the resources of the citizens. These Cult services
are assisted by the Watchers and have a very bad reputation,
especially when an individual refuses to cooperate. Sentences
risked by a citizen caught red-handed evading taxes go from
fines (totaling the hidden revenue plus 40% of declared
income) to the seizure of all the citizen’s possessions. Of
course, such controls depend on the notoriety and influence
of the person in question. Income is estimated in Sols as well
as in bartered value. So an individual who is paid solely in
gear will still have to pay taxes. It is possible to pay with
equipment but its value will be underestimated.
Every individual renting a hotel room (even a tube) or an
apartment, or even an armor dock for a period of over a month
must leave the city or file a request to become a permanent
citizen. Usually such requests are accepted. An individual
having stayed several times on Equinox, for at least four
months in one year, must also make this request. The goal is to
avoid crafty people who leave the city after 29 days and come
back 2 days later. Of course this is negotiable if the individual
works for a government or an important firm.
The city also taxes each product that enters Equinox.
Shopkeepers must pay between 1 and 5% of the global value
of their goods (estimated by an expert mandated by the
Watchers).
Finally, every shopkeeper must rent his business premises.
Prices depend on the level and the kind of location. Renting
EQUINOX POPULATION...
six square meters at Level -5 won’t be too expensive, but a
location on the central square of Level 0 or a shop on the
embassy levels can cost a fortune.
BUSINESS PREMISES COST PER DAY*
Walkway (in the streets) 10 to 500 Sols/m²
Square (marketplaces) 20 to 1,000 Sols/m²
Interiors (in a “shop”) 15 to 8,000 Sols/m²
* The weekly rate is calculated based on 6 days, the monthly
rate is based on 20 days, and the yearly rate is based on 7
months.
Trade and Bartering: if the Sol is the international
monetary unit used in every trade between powerful societies
and nations, it is not the currency most acknowledged by
the population. Bartering on Equinox is 75% of trade. Every
indicated price for products is an estimate that may very
well be translated into barter items. For instance, you can
pay for a combat fighter with genuine wine bottles (it’s been
known to happen). Absolutely everyone agrees to barter,
10
SIZE WEIGHT RARITY DURATION FIRM
2 4 kg 8 6 months Aqua Life
4 12 kg 14 12 months Aqua Life
NA NA 9 10 days Neo Life
NA NA 6 NA Neo Life
even administrative services and luxurious establishments.
Ambassadors have often been seen paying their gargantuan
dinner bills with rare products.
The Solaris Firm, which mints Sols, has opened offices on
Levels-1, 0, and 1 on Equinox, where it is possible to trade
equipment for Sols. This trading is largely in favor of the
firm, which estimates the value of a product at 30% of its real
value, but it can be helpful when wanting to quickly get a
few Sol tags.
Water: water is rationed because it’s a rare commodity.
On Equinox, permanent citizens (see Taxes) are allowed one
liter of “pure” water per person, per day, when they show
their ID to the Water Distribution Service (a branch of the
Hygiene Service). This pure water is barely better than
recycled water, but at least it is drinking water and it is filled
with anti-bacterial agents. The water in the pipes supplying
public showers, for example, is especially recycled to actively
fight infections: IT IS NOT DRINKING WATER. Any poor soul
who drinks it accepts the risk of rapidly developing serious
stomach ailments.
The water filters listed above are the most common in the
ocean world. Duration indicates when the system must be
changed, since it tends to quickly deteriorate.
The information above is given for ten individuals. You’ll
have to multiply the price, size, and weight accordingly
for each group of ten extra people. A system designed for
ten people allows the production of one liter of water per
person, per day.
DESCRIPTION
Equinox is a city whose proportions are truly colossal.
The city is 4,000 meters high. It’s a huge octahedron, the
central level of which is a square of four kilometers by
four kilometers. The whole structure fluctuates in depth
depending on the variation of the flow. Its base may reach a
depth between -4,200 meters and -6,200 meters, and its top
between -200 meters and -2,200 meters.
This fluctuation can be felt inside the city through
vibrations and the regular buzzing of the huge machinery
that moves the city and ensures its stability. The first time
someone comes to Equinox, they need a certain amount of
time to get used to the constant background noise.
Even if we often talk about streets in Equinox, it must be
remembered that these have nothing to do with the city
streets that were once found on the surface. They consist

mainly of walkways and buildings which are more like big
metal structures than actual buildings.
Almost all floors on the levels -8 to 6 are covered with
grating located above pipes and cables.
THE ELEVATORS
In the city, hundreds of elevators are available to the public.
They are mainly located at the center of the levels. Those
which are not located at the center point of a level only
provide access to the bazaar. Some are available to everyone,
some to certain categories of individuals.
Elevators on Level 0 for instance are distributed as follows:
80 elevators (carrying up to 40 people each) are located at the
heart of Level 0 in huge molecular-glass columns. Each of the
20 columns holds 4 elevators that give access to every floor
from Level -6 to Level 6. At the center of this circle are ten
columns reserved for the elite and access to them is overseen
by the Watchers. These columns are equipped with 4 elevators
that can carry 20 people each. Four of these elevators give
access to the Cult of the Trident’s area, eight to the embassies,
eight others to the level of the S.M.S.O. and the final twenty
are allocated to the forces of security and maintenance.
It is to be noted that every elevator stops at Level -4 before
it goes further below. An electronic voice informs the
passengers that Levels -5 and -6 are dangerous areas. The
decision to go further down must then be confirmed. Some
elevators dedicated to the elite cannot open their doors at a
sensitive level without an appropriate code.
All these devices are equipped with a hatch giving access
to the maintenance pits. The columns are always made of
molecular glass except below Level -4 and above Level 2
where they are made of plastitane. There are no video
cameras in the elevators.
It takes 6 minutes to go from the top of Equinox to its base
and vice-versa.
EVACUATION BARGES
At regular intervals all along the interior walls of each city
level, there are armored hatches that give access to evacuation
barges in case of the evacuation of the city. All these barges
together can only evacuate 20% of the population. These
hatches are locked and since they have never been used, their
maintenance is not really top-notch. Only the maintenance
services and the city control center can open these hatches.
In case of evacuation, the city control service unlocks them.
The ejection is then either automatic or manual. In automatic
mode, the barge detaches itself 15 minutes after the hatch has
been opened. A panel inside the barges, protected by an access
code and an electronic lock, makes a manual evacuation
possible. Only the Watchers know the code and possess the
electronic keys. Each barge can carry roughly 100 people.
HANGARS, CUSTOMS, AND TRANSIT STATIONS
When you arrive in Equinox, the first things you see are its
gigantic hangars. There are several at each level and they are
all different depending on their use.
EQUINOX STATION
Repair and maintenance hangars: although the public
DESCRIPTION
landing hangars are usually used for ship repairs and
maintenance, some firms have their own repair stations.
These hangars have the same characteristics as the public
hangars but they have better equipment.
Diving exo-armors hangars: they can be found at each level.
These hangars for exo-armors can be found in every hangar
intended for other vehicles, but there are also a large number of
them all around the city. A diver must present himself before an
airlock. If he doesn’t go to a reserved level or a service airlock,
he may enter without problem. Otherwise, he must have the
right access code. Once in the airlock, a crane takes care of his
armor and will carry the diver to his landing dock. These docks
are located in huge lanes where cranes are operating. These are
small docking areas, the size of which depends on the armor. A
door gives access to the locker room and transit areas.
Small transport ships hangars: most of the hangars are
intended for these ships, and they can accommodate vessels
the size of an escort. All vehicles must dock at a docking
station. The crew may then disembark and go to the transit
areas. These hangars can receive a few dozen vessels. At the
back of the hangar, it is possible to see through molecular-
glass windows into either the transit areas or the peripheral
areas of Equinox. These huge windows are very popular and
always attract a large crowd of people who come see the ship
arrivals and departures. In each warehouse, a Watcher control
station is in charge of regulating the traffic. Once again,
transport vessels wishing to land anywhere other than Levels
-6 to 6 docks can only do so with an authorization and the
right access code.
Frigates hangar: several hangars allow the docking of frigates
without any problem. These docking stations are identical to the
others but are much larger. There are none on Levels 11 to 17.
Hangars for cruisers below 160,000 tons: only Levels 0,
-1, and 1 can take charge of cruisers. There are only six such
huge hangars. Special authorizations are necessary to access
them. Only merchant vessels and ships in need of repair can
use them.
Any other ship can only dock at the docks owned by the
company Gladius.
Service and Emergency Hangars: these hangars are
reserved for the city maintenance services, Watchers’
vessels, and ships in distress.
Customs can, at any moment, inspect a ship that has just
landed. They usually check the cargo and the weapons
systems of the ship. It is said that this service is performed by
people who are very easily corrupted.
After having landed, visitors must present themselves in
the huge transit rooms of Equinox. After showing their ID,
they are given a residence permit for a fixed sum of 10 Sols
per person. If an individual comes to the city for commercial
reasons, he must declare his merchandise. The ID controls
are extremely lax, but the Watchers make sure everyone
does go through the transit areas. They also check that no
heavy weapons are brought into Equinox.
11
EQUINOX 1
DESCRIPTION

12
 EQUINOX STATION

INTER-LEVELS DOCKING STATIONS * COST IN SOLS

DESCRIPTION
Between each city level there are maintenance floors that Exo-A/Exo-0/Exo-1/Exo-2/ 5/15/25/30/40 per hour
house the machinery necessary for the full functioning Exo-3
of the installations (power plants, purification plants, Exo-4/Exo-5/Exo-6/Exo 50/80/100/110 per hour.
garbage processing plants, city's stabilizers, carbon dioxide Omega
collectors, water tanks, etc.).. These inter-levels are 50 to 100
Vessel up to 20 t 125 per hour.
meters high. Their access is exclusively reserved to security
and maintenance personnel or in case of serious elevator Vessel up to 40 t 200 per hour.
malfunction (this has never happened). The first difficulty is Vessel up to 60 t 250 per hour.
finding the access panels, after which a security code is needed
Vessel up to 80 t 300 per hour.
to unlock them. These are true mazes of walkways, machines,
cables, pipes, wells, etc. that are known to trap poor lost souls Vessel up to 120 t 400 per hour.
and to harbor rather unfriendly creatures. From time to time, Vessel up to 240 t 650 per hour.
maps of some of these inter-levels are found for sale on the Vessel up to 540 t 1,100 per hour.
black market.
Vessel up to 800 t 1,500 per hour.
Vessel up to 2,000 t 2,700 per hour.
WATERTIGHT WALLS Vessel up to 16,000t 10,800 per hour.
Each sector of Equinox can be cut off by huge watertight
bulkheads in case of fires, flooding, or any other major Vessel up to 50,000 t 23,000 per hour.
catastrophe. These bulkheads mark the limits of 500-meter Vessel up to 100,000 t 35,000 per hour.
per side blocks (the peripheral sectors are smaller on each Vessel up to 160,000 t 50,00 per hour.
level). These walls are partially encased in the inter-levels Tug boats * 5 to 15 Sols per ton
and can slide along easily recognizable structures of the (minimum 3,000 Sols).
perimeter of a sector. The first sector of each level is always * If a vessel needs a tug boat to bring it in to dock (because of a
the one closest to the center; the other panels are arranged breakdown or anything else).
A margin of 10% more or less is allowed for the tonnage of the
from the first sector. These walls are made of Plastitanium
vehicles.
and are 20 centimeters thick. Note : for the private companies, the cost is calculated fo a day and
it’s generally equal to the hour rate x10 to x30. the monthly rate is
calculated on 18 days. Private hangars are seldom free.

THE LEVELS OF THE

STATION

Watcher control stations: Unless otherwise indicated, they

are usually discreet and often hidden away behind advertis-
ing billboards.Anti-riot and security forces barracks: Unless
otherwise indicated, each barrack houses four intervention
squadrons that work on six-hour shifts.
Public showers and bathrooms: Unless otherwise
indicated, they are regularly checked by the hygiene services
and almost all of them are under constant surveillance by the
Watchers.
THE GREAT BAZAAR OF EQUINOX
(LEVELS 6 TO -6)
Over 70% of the population of Equinox are huddled
together in the 13 levels that make up the Great Bazaar. It is
the largest existing market in the world. You can find pretty
much anything and everything on sale there.
LEVEL 0
This is the largest level in the city with 64 sectors. It is at the
heart of the commercial activity and of life in Equinox. This
level occupies an area of 4 km by 4 km (making it an area of
16 km²). There are over 120 meters between the floor and the
ceiling. Inside this space, the central bazaar stretches up with
anywhere from 3 to 8 floors (including the ground floor; each
of these upper floors covers about 8 km², while the ground
level covers 12 km²) depending on the sector, except for the
center area where the elevators can be found, as well as the
main market, which only covers one floor. This is where one
can truly get a sense of the immense size of the city, taking in
the sights of a ceiling over 80 meters above and a multitude
of walkways that span across various heights.
The streets vary in width from 2 to 8 meters depending
on the area. The closer you get to the center, the wider the

13
EQUINOX 1
DESCRIPTION

14

streets become. As for all the structures of a certain height,
the walkways do not exceed 2 meters in width and are all
equipped with safety railings to avoid accidental falls. Cables,
pipes, animated advertising billboards, and the tunnels of
the aerial metro are visible everywhere you look. The streets
are constantly packed and lined with a crowd of all sorts of
merchants who set up their stalls wherever they fancy. Every
now and then, a visitor will come across a circular space
where merchants set up their stalls to sell their goods. These
are the market squares, and the largest of them all (a circular
space 400 meters in diameter) can be found at the very heart
of the central level, around the elevator block.
There are no less than 429 shops, 85 bars, 36 canteens,
and 78 hotels on Level 0. There are very few permanent
living quarters on this level and these few are all found
around the edges. The classiest establishments are all
found either around the central market square or facing
the great glass walls with a view of the ocean and the
docking hangars. You can find everything on Level 0, from
the best to the worst. The black market is very active, and
prices can be doubled depending on whom you buy from.
There are very few beggars and down-and-outs—their
presence is not desirable for security reasons. On the
other hand, the Watchers are heavily present even though
they rarely intervene. There are no sectors reserved for a
specific nationality on Level 0.
The automatic aerial metro lines run about 10 meters
above the floor. They are free and each train can carry 200
passengers. The metro runs on a regular basis and there is
never more than two minutes to wait between trains.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Hermes: one of the offices of the company Hermes
(Mediterranean Union) is situated close to the central square
on this level.
Hammerdale: Hammerdale has set up a branch of its
company on Level 0 of the city.
The Neptune: this is one of the most popular bars in the
city. Its patrons are mainly tourists, Watchers, and novices of
the Cult of the Trident. The prices are high but the food and
drinks are good quality.
The Venus: this is one of the most popular establishments
on Level 0. It covers eight floors (including the ground
floor) and offers its customers food, drinks, rooms, and
even company for the night. It is a well-kept establishment,
with prices slightly above the average level. It is run by Karl
Vandboeuf, a man from the Red League who knows how to
keep the kind of company that ensures he can conduct his
business in peace. The Venus also has a few meeting rooms
for those who want to do “business.”
Prius Workshops: this is a prestigious company specialized
in maintaining and repairing diving armors, small transport
vessels, and escort vessels. It also provides rental services for
vehicles or private hangars. Its prices are a little high, but
the work is impeccable. The workshops are at the far north
EQUINOX STATION
of the city, near the frigate hangar A 89. The company is run
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
by a man named Mole Ker 17 328, a former Hegemonian who
would prefer not to have to deal with his fellow countrymen
(he usually puts them on a waiting list).
Sea Eagle Clinic: this Coralian clinic offers a wide range of
“discreet” medical services as well as coral implants. Their
tariffs are very high, and the vast majority of the population
could not even afford to have the simplest of surgeries there.
The clinic is situated on the eastern edge of the city, in one of
the quietest areas. It is run by Eleanora Lestesius, a stunning
Coralean woman who, according to rumor, also offers her
services for things other than surgery.
Bloodhound: this company of bounty hunters is one of
the most famous in the world beneath the waves. It works
in close collaboration with the Watchers. Its headquarters
are situated in Sector 12 of Level 0, and it occupies three
floors. The ground floor is The Bloodhound, a bar frequented
by all the independent bounty hunters in the area, run by
a man named Hector Hound. The second floor contains
the company’s offices and the third floor the private living
quarters of Lana Criss, the young director of the company
who is also a bounty hunter herself.
Scavenger Hangars and Workshops: at the northern
end of Level 0, the Scavengers own four hangars and six
workshops. They are particularly popular with people who
want to sell off wrecked ships or obtain cheap secondhand
parts. The market near these hangars is mainly occupied by
the Scavengers who sell pretty much everything you could
imagine there. It is also one of the most interesting places
if you’re looking for information of all kinds about what’s
going on or will soon be happening in the underwater world.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by eight stations spread out all over
the Level 0 area.
Watcher control stations: there are 24 of these stations
on this level.
Apprenticeship Department: this department is based
near the center of Level 0. It is an enormous, six-floor office
building. Many of the office workers of the Cult of the Trident
can be found there.
Anti-riot and security forces barracks: there are only
four barracks of this type.
Philosophical Institutions of the Cult: there are only two
institutions of the Cult.
Public showers and bathrooms: Eighteen bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
The Free Merchants’ Union, the Submarine Miners’ Union,
the Aquafarmers and Breeders’ Union, the Independent
Communities’ Union, and the Transporters’ Union are non-
official groups who have a great amount of influence in their
respective areas on all levels of the city. Their offices can be
found on this level. They are well-known and particularly
15
EQUINOX 1
active pressure groups, and they are suspected of financing
some less reputable activities.
The Free Merchants’ Union: run by the six most prosperous
merchants in Equinox (Prospero Verti, Locknar Liam, Seigfrid
Valers, Otro Liberski, Ogmer Tren, Syrula Davenroot), this
union is especially influential among the priests of the Trident.
The union, for example, negotiates the taxes to be paid by all
merchants. It also defines the space and position allocated to
each independent merchant. Therefore, it is best to be on the
Merchants’ Union’s good side (and slip them a few Sol tabs) if
you hope to sell your wares on Level 0. The members of the
Merchants’ Union like to meet at the Charlatan bar on Level 0.
For a contribution of at least 5,000 Sols a year, a merchant can
obtain certain advantages:
• He enjoys the protection of the union’s muscular
flunkies.
• He is insured against a loss of goods. The goods will be
refunded at roughly 30% of their raw value.
• He gains access to privileged seller spaces. This
means that the merchant will only rarely need to go
to the slums to sell his wares.
• He benefits from certain agreements with the Watchers
that allow him to sell sensitive and sometimes even
completely illegal goods.
• The merchants get a reduction of 30% on the rent for
their trading area.
The more money contributed, the more advantages are
offered.
The Submarine Miners’ Union: run by Francis Drake, a
solidly built gentleman of 56, the Miners’ Union has been
battling for many years to make it easier to register a
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
concession. The miners like to gather at the Nugget bar on
Level 0. For a contribution of 500 Sols per year, the miners
can obtain some interesting advantages:
• The support of the union for the registration of a
concession.
• Priority appointments for registering a concession.
• The support of other miners in case of security
problems.
The Aquafarmers and Breeders’ Union: The A.B.U. is an
important pressure group that fights to defend its members’
rights against the Merchants’ Union and the industrial
aquafarming and breeding companies. The war that put it in
opposition to the Merchants’ Union is not a recent one. Indeed,
many merchants buy food products elsewhere at incredibly
low prices and prevent the local farmers from selling their
goods themselves. The average farmer, therefore, has no
choice but to accept a poor return selling his products to the
merchants or go and risk worse selling it in the slums. For the
moment, the members of the A.B.U. only pay a contribution
of 50 Sols per year, but the only advantage they get for it is
the help of some muscle in case of a confrontation with
merchants. However, this union is growing in size day after
day and it could well be that, in a few years from now, it will
provide its subscribers with especially precious assistance. The
16
union is run by Natalia Desd from the Rockhall community.
The Tornado bar (Level 0) is one of the favorite meeting places
for the members of this union.
The Independent Communities’ Union: this small
group, run by Omar Bellus, tries to give a voice to the small
communities who don’t have their own embassies. It is said
that Omar is particularly active and that his union could well
become far more important in the years to come. At present,
it counts over 990 micro-communities. The contribution
is 100 Sols per year and the only advantage offered is a
members’ rate at the Crown bar, owned by Bellus.
The Transporters’ Union: the Transporters’ Union is as
powerful as the Merchants’ Union. Lopmar the Voyager is
the leader of the union, and a friend of Prospero Verti from
the Merchants’ Union. The Transporters’ Union’s favorite
gathering place is the Radiance on Level 0. For an annual
contribution of 50 Sols per vessel of 100 metric tons, the
union offers several advantages:
• The muscular protection of the union’s flunkies.
• Insurance in case the vessel or cargo transported is
lost (roughly 30% of the raw value).
• Access to privileged hangars for their ships.
• A more flexible level of customs inspection of the
ship and its cargo.
• A 10 to 30% discount on docking fees (rental of
hangars).
LEVEL 1
Level 1 is similar to Level 0: 80 meters high and built over
4 floors. Its floor area is slightly smaller than that of Level 0
(roughly 14 km²) but it has the same number of sectors
(64). This level counts no fewer than 229 stores, 80 bars,
46 canteens, and 78 hotels. Residential blocks are more
abundant here, and they are generally spread around the
outer edges of the level. It is from this level upward that we
find sectors that are more or less reserved for the citizens of
certain nations or organizations. For example, the sectors in
the east are considered to be Hegemonian quarters. Those
in the west are the quarters of the League. The northern
sectors are the home of smaller nations and those in the
south belong to the Coraleans. The differences are not yet
all that obvious and you are not at risk of being attacked
based on your opinions. There are several aerial metros on
this level.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Kryss: this dive bar run by a pro-Hegemonian owner
tends to attract a bad crowd. Although its patrons are quite
diverse, the young soldiers of the nation of the Patriarchs
like to gather there. The bar is in the east of the level. It is run
by Olaf Our 27 659, a fat, bearded fellow with a good-natured
face, who never misses an occasion to sing the praises of the
powerful Hegemony. His prices are low, but what he serves
isn’t worth any more than what he charges. Contrary to what
one might think, it is whispered that this establishment is

not the favorite meeting place of the Hegemonian spies, but
more that of certain smugglers.
The Torpedo: one of the most popular bars among sailors
around the world, the Torpedo is an establishment with a
warm atmosphere that can easily turn stormy depending on
the moods of its customers. It is a bar for hardened sailors
who don’t take kindly to the arrival of young greenhorns. The
patrons tell each other tales of campaigns at sea, of legends
in the deep, and of secrets that can be desirable to many.
The only problem is that these fellows are tremendously
suspicious and they really have to take a liking to someone
or it takes a great many diplomatic tricks to get them to talk.
And if they catch you spying on their conversations...
The bar is run by a former sailor, Promise (yes, that is his
first name), who is also the boss of the Sailors’ Guild. The
prices here are honest and the food and drink of reasonable
quality. The bar is situated in the east of the city, almost
directly opposite the docks reserved for commercial vessels.
Cortex: the headquarters of the Cortex company is found
opposite the central square of this level. Its entrances are
guarded by a squadron of Watchers. The offices span eight
floors (ground floor included) and appear fairly modern.
Gladius: the headquarters of the company Gladius are
situated opposite that of Cortex, on the other side of the
square. It spans two blocks of buildings and four floors. The
place is extremely well protected by the Watchers.
Tri-Pole (Polar Alliance), Neotech (Hegemony), and
New Dynamic (Independent): these three companies all
have offices near the central square of Level 1.
The Sphinx: this fancy establishment situated in the south
is renowned for its high-society patrons and its steep prices.
It is said that the waitresses are absolute gems but their
prices are equally as extortionate. The place is run by a rich
Coralean businessman who does not live in Equinox. His
representative, a mutant with minor deformities, is named
Loupar. He is suspected of running a network of spies.
The Bulldog: this bar is in fact the office of Legion in
Equinox. Its owner, Vicos the Moray Eel, is a former fighter
pilot who was severely wounded during an operation of the
mercenary group. He is half-disfigured and his right arm
is a mechanical prosthetic arm. It is at the Bulldog that the
members of Legion come to negotiate certain contracts, meet
with other groups of mercenaries, and hire new recruits.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by six stations spread out all over Level 1.
Watcher control stations: there are 12 of these stations
on this level.
Anti-riot and security forces barracks: there are only
two barracks of this type.
Philosophical Institutions of the Cult: there are only two
institutions of the Cult.
Public showers and bathrooms: twelve bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
EQUINOX STATION
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
The Human Coalition: ruled by Manitia Derling, a rich
businesswoman from the city, the Human Coalition is openly
fighting for every oppressed population’s rights, especially
the mutants, and for a complete reform of birth policies in
the world’s nations. She admits that she profoundly admires
the Coral’s Republic birth policy, and it is thought that her
organization is funded to a great extent by Coralian interests.
The Sailors’ Guild: this guild is only influential on this level.
It is a group of sailors who are used to travelling to Equinox. It
came together around Promise and was, to begin with, just a
group of people who got on well and enjoyed sharing stories
about the seas. Today, the guild’s aim is to make the life of
salty seadogs a little more pleasant in Equinox and in all
the stations that are members of the organization. On Level
1 of the fluctuating city, Promise’s friends can enjoy free
accommodation, very generous prices on the maintenance
of their vessels, and, most of all, some muscular support in
case of a confrontation with another faction. All the sailors
from isolated communities that belong to the Guild like to
gather regularly in Promise’s bar. Several mechanics and
electronics engineers specialized in the maritime sector and
who work on the docks on this level also belong to the group.
Some people claim that the Sailors’ Guild is not content with
legal operations and also practices smuggling.
LEVEL 2
Made up of 64 sectors and spread out over roughly 12 km²,
Level 2 is 60 meters high and includes 3 floors. Although
commercial activity here is as intense as on the other levels,
it has certain distinct characteristics. This level is mainly
covered in residential blocks and hotels. This is also where you
can find most of the rental companies for vehicles and diving
armors, as well as the offices of many corporations. This level
counts 119 stores, 76 bars, 28 canteens, and 78 hotels.
The residential blocks are all situated in the eastern and
northern sectors. The companies and stores are all grouped
around the central marketplace. In the south and the west
you will find the hotels, some more residential blocks, the
canteens, and a few restaurants.
Tensions between the different communities are frequent
on this level and some sectors are real ghettos into which it is
dangerous to wander. This is especially true of the residential
blocks, as some of them are reserved for citizens of a specific
nation.
The docks are mainly reserved for merchant vessels and
cargo transfer ships. There are several aerial metros on this
level.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Vigilant (independent), Nova (Hegemony), Union
Industries (Mediterranean Union), Siranea (Coral Republic),
Deep Star (Red League), Panam (Hegemony), and Poseidon
(Cult of the Trident) are a few of the companies that have
their offices on this level.
17
EQUINOX 1
The Toothed Whale: if you are not a docker, be on your
way—this is no place for you. Unless you need some muscle
for a job that isn’t too risky. This is the only condition,
along with a few Sols, under which you can set foot in the
Toothed Whale. The prices there are probably the lowest
in the city and the food and drink are of good quality. The
establishment is run by Cross Bulldog, a completely hairless,
2.9 m tall mutant with a powerful build. He is as friendly as
a plated shark and solves any problems that should arise
with a bludgeon that he always has close to hand. This bar is
suspected of being one of the main meeting places for most
of the criminal organizations in the city.
Residential block H 56: this block is home to a large
population of totally fanatical Hegemonians. If you are not a
servant of the Patriarchs, you will have trouble walking the
streets here. Loscar Flo 17 356 is a kind of half-crazy preacher
who rules the block as a community leader. The many
investigations about him have never managed to prove that
he is a Hegemonian spy.
Rent-Station: this small company situated in the east of
the city is specialized in renting out vehicles of all kinds. Its
tariffs are quite average. The man who runs it is none other
than Crius Bellemort, who is thought to be one of Vurick the
One-Eyed’s lieutenants (see Level -6).
Dock 223B: this dock for vessels of over 20,000 metric tons
has been closed for years. It is called the “phantom dock.” The
stories say that a few years ago, a frigate docked there with
nobody on board. Strange happenings have regularly been
noticed there since. After a delegate from the Coral Republic
died there, it was decided to shut it down. It is said that
several enquiries are still open to find out what is happening
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
there exactly. Several priests of the Trident capable of using
the Polaris Effect are part of the investigative committee.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by six stations spread out all over Level 2.
Watcher control stations: there are 18 of these stations
on this level.
Anti-riot and security forces barracks: there are only
two barracks of this type.
Public showers and bathrooms: ten bathing establishments
are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
Equinox Dockers’ Union: this powerful group is a real
thorn in the side of the administrative services of Equinox
and especially that of the Watchers. Not only does it control
all the cargo transfer operations on Level 2, but what’s more,
its members are also very popular as henchmen for criminal
organizations. The union is known for its black market
activities, its smuggling, and most importantly all the “taxes”
it applies to the merchant ships. The leader of the Dockers’
Union is a man named Caliano, a powerful businessman who
lives a quiet life on Level 7. He is also one of the most active
traffickers in Equinox.
18
LEVEL 3
Level 3 (60 meters high) is much calmer than Level 2. It
is made up of 64 sectors and covers an area of 10 km2. In
the north, you can find residential areas reserved for the
Watchers, the Cult novices, and other respectable folks.
Needless to say that the security forces are especially active
on this level. The rest of the level is occupied by the offices of
large companies, by bars, canteens, private night clubs, and
stores. It is one of the safest and most pleasant places to have
a store, but the spaces available are limited. To be allowed
to sell your goods here, bribing the representatives of the
administrative services is mandatory. There are several
aerial metros on this level.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Gladius (Cult of the Trident), Free Star (Red League), New
Horizon (Hegemony), Polyphemus (Polar Alliance), and
Global Oceanus (Hegemony) have offices on this level.
The Urchins Club: this respectable establishment is
reserved for its members only. It offers drinks, games,
and female company. Some malicious gossips claim that
it belongs to the famous pirate, Kali. It is true that many
pirates have been seen there, which seems rather strange
for a classy joint. The club is run by a certain Kate Paloma, a
young woman of 32 years whose past seems too good to be
true. Although the prices are not the highest in town, they
are still rather extortionate.
The Excelsior: this bar is the favorite gathering place
of the Watchers. There is no point causing trouble there;
it wouldn’t end well. The owner of the bar is called Fellan
the Cat who, although he looks innocent enough, hides a
troubled past. Some don’t hesitate to claim that he is at the
head of a network of assassins and that he negotiates his
contracts in his bar under the very noses of the security
services.
Straight Kill: this small repairs workshop is run by a man
whom some consider to be a true genius when it comes to
torpedoes. He has a reputation for making the best weapons of
destruction in the whole of Equinox. This seems to be backed
up by the interest that several weapons companies have in
him, including Gladius, which would very much like to get
their hands on some plans for a revolutionary torpedo. The
name of this sought-after individual is Kromen, and he can
offer you the best secondhand torpedoes in the whole of the
seven seas. He can repair those that are damaged and improve
on most models. The only downside is that his services are
expensive and his waiting list never-ending. A word of advice:
Kromen worships technology of all kinds—this may be good to
know if you want to make friends with him.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by four stations spread out all over
Level 3.
Watcher control stations: there are eight of these stations
on this level.

Anti-riot and security forces barracks: there are only
two barracks of this type.
Public showers and bathrooms: ten bathing establishments
are spread out over the whole of the level.
LEVEL 4
This level is divided into 36 sectors and covers an area
of 9 km2. The ceiling is at a height of about 20 meters and
the buildings are on two to five floors. There are no aerial
metros on this level. The walkways of Level 4 are much
narrower than elsewhere. There is a constant feeling of
being in an enclosed space, far more so than anywhere
else in the city. The streets are dark and there are many
beggars. Although this level is fairly calm, its shadows have
the reputation of being a hiding place for creatures escaped
from the pharmaceutical and genetic laboratories that can
be found all over the level. Commerce is active on this level,
but much of what is for sale is illegal—especially drugs and
human organs. For some unknown reason, the Watchers are
particularly discreet here and avoid having to interfere as
often as possible. The prices for hotel rooms and personal
accommodation are the lowest in Equinox after Levels -4, -5,
and -6. There are many mysteries that surround this level,
and in the bars here, many tales are told of mysterious deaths
and disappearances, as well as terrible shadows glimpsed at
the back of alleyways. One needs to be especially cautious
here. A human body has certain value and is easy to sell off
to the laboratories.
EQUINOX STATION
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Forbidden Alleyway: this side street in the northern
part of this level is known and avoided by every inhabitant in
Equinox. In the past, the body of a young woman was found
there, and the mystery of her death was never solved. The
problem is that every year since then, a new body has been
found in the exact same place, though never at the same time
of year. There is a feeling of dread that seems to hang over
this alleyway, one that even a newcomer who knows nothing
of the place’s history will feel to the very depths of his soul.
The Scythe: this well-known and popular bar is frequented
by everyone. The food and drinks are of good quality and the
atmosphere is pleasant. Even so, some say that patrons have
disappeared there and that the boss of the establishment
has no qualms supplying the laboratories with these missing
people. Others say that, under the bar, an illegal clinic offers its
services to all the adventurers and smugglers of Equinox. The
man—Lomac as they call him—is a very tall and skinny fellow.
Cortex and Hellion: these two companies both own
research laboratories near the center of this level.
Orga: it is rumored that this independent laboratory belongs
to Voghn the Renegade and is at the center of the human-
trafficking activity in Equinox. There are a multitude of stories
about the terrible experiments carried out in this place.
Shadow: this is a bar run by a former Watcher who is now
suspected of having converted to smuggling. Some say that
Lerd Benton is trafficking with pirates. His establishment is
quite reputable and the prices are decent.
19
EQUINOX 1
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by two stations spread out around the
edges of Level 4.
Watcher control stations: there are four of these stations
on this level.
Philosophical Institutions of the Cult: there is only one
institution of the Cult.
Public showers and bathrooms: Six bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
The Body Snatchers: this group is said to specialize in the
kidnapping and sale of human beings. They provide goods
for the stalls of the organ sellers and are rumored to be
especially active in the smuggling of that kind of product.
Who is hiding behind this group? Nobody knows, but it is a
fair guess that Voghn the Renegade isn’t all that far away.
Boman: Boman is the name of one of the biggest narcotics
dealers in Equinox. Nobody knows his true identity, but one
thing is for sure: he is very influential on this level.
LEVEL 5
This level (20 meters high) is slightly smaller than Level 4,
spanning an area of just over 7 km2 divided up into the same
number of sectors. However, the atmosphere here is radically
different. The residential areas are home to a large amount of
Coralian and Polarian settlers. There are a number of private
clinics here, and the most impressive building of the Hygiene
Department stands proudly near the central marketplace.
Most of the commercial activity is focused around selling
pharmaceutical and hygiene-related products, fluids, and
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
mixtures.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Aeris: several sectors in the northern zone of this level are
occupied by the company Aeris, which produces hyperfluids.
It is an area under strict surveillance.
Coral Bar: this establishment is most popular with the
citizens of the Coral Republic, but everybody is welcome
there without any problem. It is a rather pleasant place, very
nicely decorated, and it is said that one can meet the most
beautiful women of Equinox there. The boss is a Coralean
named Glessial who is particularly courteous to his patrons.
The Neptune Intelligence Services have noticed a significant
increase in its customers over the last few weeks and,
more importantly, a significant increase in the number of
employees (all hired among Coraleans).
The Tomb: this bar is famous all over Equinox for its
interior design. Indeed, Ochloss, the boss, is a former explorer
who has brought back a number of relics of ancient times.
The Tomb’s patrons are adventurers, raiders, explorers, and
smugglers of all kinds. It is also a favorite haunt of pirates, in
particular the members of the Mermaid Fellowship.
20
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Department: these
services are provided by the main building of the Hygiene
Department.
Watcher control stations: there are six of these stations,
situated around the Aeris offices.
Public showers and bathrooms: six bathing establishments
are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
The Coraleans: although it doesn’t have a direct influence
on the lives of the other citizens, the Coraleans have
developed very strong connections with one another. They
have created a real network of solidarity in absolutely every
domain. Could this be a front for other, less noble, activities?
LEVEL 6
This level (20 meters high) is almost as large as Level 5 and
covers almost 6 km2 divided up into 36 sectors. It is mainly
visited by the operators of the independent stations. The
markets are all focused on the sale of maintenance equipment
for stations and the Concession Registration Office of the
S.M.S.O. can be found in the center, around the elevators.
There are many very cheap hotels here (dormitories, tubes,
and mediocre rooms for the most part), private and public
canteens (such as the Triangle’s canteens), prostitution
services, etc. It is a level that is constantly packed with
people and crawling with activity. With the embassies just
above it, the presence of the Watchers is very active here.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The companies Telemachus (Hegemony), Odysseus (Coral
Republic), C.T.C. (Coral Republic), Explora (Coral Republic),
and Pacific Transport (Coral Republic) have their offices on
this level.
The Triangle’s canteens: This network of canteens
found all over Equinox belong to a private organization, the
Triangle. Under contract with the Watchers, they offer very
cheap meals. These are real food distribution chains where
you can just come and get a bowl of gruel and listen to the
latest news broadcast through the speakers before you head
back to work. Many rumors are spread about the directors of
this company, especially about the contents of the gruel and
the effects it has on the human body. For it is worth noting,
the Triangle is most of all a company that is focused on food
research, and 50% of its shares belong to Cortex. The cost of
a meal in these “canteens” is 5 Sols.
Pandora: this company specializes in the sale and repair
of station modules. It owns a large repair hangar on
this level and several branches in the main ports of the
oceans. Its teams of deep-water workers are capable of
assembling installations down to depths of 15,000 meters.
The company’s boss is a 38-year old Natural Hydrid named
Patrick Petrovnick.
The Gorgon: this fairly popular bar is run by a man named
Ronaldo. It is situated on the docks on the edge of this level.

The Nautilus: this is a luxury hotel that is, unofficially,
reserved for Hegemonians only. It is said to belong to a
powerful family of aristocrats from Keryss.
The Black Cetacean: this bar is the favorite gathering point
of the underwater miners. Bar brawls are frequent there, but
the atmosphere is mostly welcoming. The establishment’s
boss is suspected of being a drug runner on the payroll of
Vurick the One-Eyed.
The Plankton Dream: this is an establishment popular among
the hydro-farmers. The food is especially tasty and the prices
are reasonable. The establishment is run by an androgynous
mutant named Lepto who has no remarkable history.
Concession Registration Office: this office complex, built
around the elevators at the center of the level, is constantly
full of people. The miners of the whole world come here to
have their concessions registered. To make an appointment
with an agent from the C.R.O., you will need to wait in line
for several hours at the number-assignment window. The
average waiting time to make an appointment is from 3 to 6
days and as, generally speaking, the administration workers
are always late, you will also need to wait for a few hours past
the given time. Those who don’t go the distance will have to
come back and make another appointment.
Complaint Registration Desk: the C.R.D. is just as popular
as the C.R.O. This is where the many sub-marine communities
can come to register their complaints and, in some cases,
establish the amount of compensation that is to be paid.
It takes 6 to 18 days to obtain an appointment and only by
practically laying siege on the number-application windows.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by the main building of the Hygiene
Department on Level 5.
Watcher control stations: there are eight of these stations,
and they are very discreet.
Public showers and bathrooms: six bathing establishments
are spread out over the whole of the level.
LEVEL -1
Level -1 is the carbon copy of Level 1. Its population, however,
is slightly different. There are almost no residential areas
here. It is a huge commercial sector where you can find the
largest number of bars in the city (roughly 110). The markets
are mainly focused on selling equipment for sea vessels.
Huge hangars have been built all around the level’s edge. The
repairs and maintenance workshops are many and are among
the best in the city. This is also the area where you will find the
highest concentration of mechanics, electronics engineers,
and computer technicians. The narrow back alleys are packed
with pirates, smugglers, adventurers, and explorers of all
kinds. Beggars are numerous throughout the sectors.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Equinox Workshops: these discreet workshops are little
known to the general public but extremely popular with
EQUINOX STATION
those who appreciate who owns them. It is in fact Malgo
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
Eight-Legs, the famous pirate, who runs this establishment
under the name of Arthur P. Carridge. Although he puts
himself in danger every time he sets foot in Equinox, he can’t
help but offer his services for fixing absolutely anything and
everything. He is also a very efficient fence and he can get
you anything you happen to be looking for. His activities
cover absolutely every type of vehicle and diving armor.
The waiting lists to hire his services are near-infinite. He
has many bodyguards who are always very discreet. It goes
without saying that the members of the Spider Fellowship do
their very best to protect their leader.
Lipus Repair Service: Lipus is a very talented small
electronics engineer, mechanic, and computer technician.
His specialty is not repairing vehicles, but repairing the
city’s installations. His knowledge of Equinox is invaluable
and he is simultaneously closely watched and protected by
the Watchers, but also by several criminal organizations. As
it happens, good old Lipus likes to sell some of the blueprints
of the city’s inter-levels or machinery to the highest bidder.
His prices are astronomical but the information is fairly
precise.
The Molecular Bar: this is a bar that is popular among a
large number of mechanics and electronics engineers from
this level. The owner, Milus Farmo, is a handyman himself
and is well known for the fair quality of his work.
The Sway: this is a bar whose patrons are often pirates and
adventurers. There is no specific dominant faction here. The
establishment is run by a man named Philar One-Leg who
earned his nickname after losing an arm and a leg during a
ship-boarding. He is a former pirate who was part of a now
long-gone group, the Chimera.
The Kraken: this bar is not one that sees a lot of dodgy
customers. In fact, it is almost always full of tourists. It is a
well-respected and reputed establishment. The food and
drinks are fairly expensive. It is run by a woman named Ilva
the Eel. She is a former prostitute of the Cult of the Trident.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Department: these
services are provided by six stations spread out all over Level -1.
Watcher control stations: there are 12 of these stations
on this level.
Anti-riot and security forces barracks: there are only
two barracks of this type. E
Philosophical Institutions of the Cult: there are only two
institutions of the Cult.
Public showers and bathrooms: twelve bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
LEVEL -2
The level is similar to Level -1 but slightly smaller in size.
It is 60 meters high, built over 4 floors, and divided into
64 sectors. The markets are specialized in small pieces of
21
EQUINOX 1
equipment and especially survival equipment. There are
also a number of workshops here. The residential blocks are
clustered around the central square. There is a particularly
dense population of pirates, beggars, adventurers, and
scoundrels of all sorts.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Titan Transport (Titan), Red League Transport (Red League),
Unified Oceans Company (Red League), and Electrotech
(Hegemony) all have offices on this level.
The Harpoon: this formerly dodgy dive bar was recently
“cleaned up” by the Watchers. A fence who went by the
name of Brodvitk, formerly in charge of the trafficking in the
area, was found murdered in this bar. This gave the security
services an excuse to clean up this establishment that used
to be a real lair for criminals. Velorg, the man who runs it,
has cleaned up his act too, and is staying on the straight and
narrow. His former pirate patrons are less and less inclined
to visit his bar.
The Seahorse: this is the favorite watering hole for the Orca
Fellowship. Bar fights are frequent here and some consider
this dive bar to be a real death-trap. It is also the meeting
place for several organizations of fences and smugglers.
Trident Oceanographic Institution: this institute provides
the general public with detailed maps of the undersea
regions. Some sectors are not accessible and visitors need an
authorization from the S.M.S.O. to be able to study them. The
institute is open to all for the price of 10 Sols per hour of
consultation.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by six stations spread out all over
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
Level -2.
Watcher control stations: there are eight of these stations
on this level.
Anti-riot and security forces barracks: there are only
two barracks.
Public showers and bathrooms: fourteen bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
The groups of smugglers and the criminal organizations are
beginning to have quite an influence from this level down.
They are generally in control of certain sectors and of bars
or canteens.
LEVEL -3
The slums of Equinox really begin on this level. From about
20 meters above the floor, the ceiling gets lost in a jungle of
cables and pipes 40 meters thick. The walkways are narrow
and dark. There is still one tiny aerial metro that only works
intermittently and doesn’t connect all the sectors. Everything
is on the ground floor. The area of 9 km2 is divided into 36
sectors and is home to a large number of residential blocks,
bars, and bazaars. The black market is everywhere on this
level. Four criminal organizations are constantly battling to
22
control the various networks. The hangars are mainly used
to store industrial goods and toxic products. There is a fair
number of private workshops and a few good repairmen and
technicians. However, there are also a lot of pirates on this
level.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Conger: this bar is not under the control of any of
the criminal factions on this level. Actually, it is a watering
hole for pirates from all fellowships, and they are ready to
defend the establishment’s boss against any form of attack.
The bar is run by a man named Vralack the Indomitable. He
is a former pirate.
The Trade Winds: this is the home of the Red Cutlasses,
a criminal organization with a lot of influence on this level.
This bar is run by a man named Poli who is none other
than one of the organization’s lieutenants. The place is
disreputable and not very pleasant.
Arsenal Hotel: this hotel only offers tube accommodation,
but it guarantees its guests complete protection once they
have checked in. As the Arsenal is financed by Vurick the
One-Eyed, it is understandable that other clans hesitate to
attack it. The security team is impressive. The room rates are
slightly above average.
Hunt: this is the office for a group of very well-known
bounty hunters. A woman named Denea Cillio is the director.
She employs about 30 bounty hunters who practice rather
radical methods.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by six stations spread out all over
Level -3.
Watcher control stations: there are four of these stations
on this level.
Public showers and bathrooms: six bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
The Red Cutlasses: this criminal organization is involved
in trafficking weapons, drugs, and forbidden materials. It is
run by Mad Leoni, an elusive sadist that the Watchers would
love to interrogate. The Cutlasses control the eastern sectors
of this level.
Lupir the Snake’s beggars’ network: Lupir is a
despicable human organ trafficker who has gathered a
network of dozens of beggars who serve as spies, thieves,
and murderers. He is careful to never take sides for one
or the other of this level’s organizations. He is said to be
completely schizophrenic and a lover of certain disgusting
practices.
The Blue Coats: this organization controls the western
sectors of this level. Its primary concerns are focused on
smuggling. Its services are often required to get people
out of Equinox or get illegal immigrants into the city.
The organization is run by Ivana Blue Coat, who owes her

nickname to her former role as an administrative agent for
the Cult of the Trident.
The Leoren Faction: Leoren is a hermaphrodite capable
of self-fertilization. He has given birth to so many children
that he is wanted by the Watchers. His children, along
with the ones he gathers from the streets, form his own
private army. He is specialized in weapons smuggling and
assassinations of all kinds. This faction controls the north
of this level.
Galanea: now relegated to the southern sectors, this
organization once controlled all of Level -3. The death of its
leader, Iran Leigh, was the last gasp of its omnipotence.
LEVEL -4
Divided into 36 sectors, Level -4 (40 meters high) is
worse than Level -3, except that here none of the criminal
organizations rule the nest. The beggars, however, are
everywhere and have come together to form several groups.
Over half of this level is dedicated to residential blocks.
People here live in terrible conditions. The small network of
aerial metros is now completely out of order.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Pit: this bar is one you should not set foot in unless you
are heavily armed. It is a hive of killers, bandits, and pirates.
It is a place where illegal contracts are openly discussed.
Assassination, theft, piracy, organ trafficking, etc.; all these
activities are tolerated in this establishment run by Agatha, a
young woman said to be connected to Voghn the Renegade.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by one station in the middle of the
level.
Watcher control stations: there are four of these stations
on this level.
Public showers and bathrooms: Six bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
Plycer Darken: this sinister individual is a skinny man
who is 2.4 meters tall. He is always dressed in a classy suit
and dark glasses. He smiles all the time so that people can see
his teeth, each one filed to a point. Plycer lives like a prince
at the heart of his criminal organization, the main activity
of which is human slavery and human organ trafficking. It
is rumored that he is in contact with certain representatives
among the Watchers to provide them with a rather special
form of labor.
LEVEL -5
The 36 sectors of this antechamber of hell are mainly
occupied by residential blocks and repairs workshops.
The customers of these repairs workshops are pirates and
outlaws from around the world. The lighting fixtures on this
level are almost all out of order and the atmosphere here is
heavy. The markets are grouped together near the center
EQUINOX STATION
of the level and most of the products on sale are illegal. The
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
merchants who haven’t found a space higher up to sell their
goods are forced to set up stalls here where space is never
scarce. Many prefer to leave the city instead. This level has
a ceiling about 5 meters above the street at the highest. The
layers of cables often limit the height to less than 3 meters.
Several sectors are cloaked in mystery and nobody really
knows what goes on in them.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Purple Area: this sector of Level -5 is completely
deserted. Everyone prefers to avoid it, but some claim to
have seen Watcher agents there.
The Urchin: this is one of the best bars in all of Equinox.
The quality of the food and the drinks is quite remarkable. It
counts a large number of pirates among its patrons, but also
“normal” people. It is said that this bar more or less belongs
to Ashaana Solomon, the famous pirate.
Deep Strike: this is a company of mercenaries trained in
commando operations. The group is made up of 30 members
or so, led by a former Watcher, Marcus Strike.
Hygiene, Water, and Maintenance Departments: these
services are provided by one station in the middle of the level.
Watcher control stations: there are two of these stations
at the center of this level.
Public showers and bathrooms: four bathing
establishments are spread out over the whole of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
Feodrom: this organization is made up of smugglers who
own most of the hangars on this level. It doesn’t cause the
general population much inconvenience. In fact, it’s quite
the opposite—its members would probably prefer to live in
a quieter area. Therefore, they do occasionally “clean up”
their sectors to remove any unwanted individuals.
The Enlightened: these fanatics are constantly high on
drugs. They live only to kill targets and to worship their
master, Lomnor Ka. This mysterious individual provides
them with drugs in exchange for their total obedience. Not
much is known about him, only that he is a particularly
handsome young man and that he doesn’t come from
Equinox or its surrounding region.
LEVEL -6
This level only has 16 sectors over 4 km2, almost all of them
continually cast in darkness. The ceilings are a maximum of
5 meters high, but in certain side streets it is impossible for
anyone over 2 meters tall to walk without having to stoop.
This is mainly due to the fact that the inter-level is extended
especially low at this level. Vurick the One-Eyed, one of the
most important traffickers in Equinox, rules over this level.
However, it is difficult to completely dominate such a diverse
fauna, and many uncontrollable groups haunt the dark back
alleys of Level -6. Some companies still dare to rent out
residential blocks in this hellhole. There are a few people
23
EQUINOX 1
who are forced to live here, but they never stay for very long.
In any case, most of the residential blocks are squatted by the
local fauna. It is possible to pay Vurick a tax to ensure your
protection. This usually works fairly well.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Rattlesnake: this bar is protected by Vurick, just like
95% of the other establishments still open on this level. If
you put it into context in its surrounding environment, this
dive bar could almost seem to be quite a pleasant place. At
least its customers are relatively safe no matter where they
come from. A lot of pirates visit the Rattlesnake, especially
the buccaneers.
The Abyss of the Damned: these gigantic holes can be
found dotted around this level and delve deep into the heart
of the machinery of Equinox. A 400-meter drop is waiting for
anyone who might dare to dive into one. It is possible to gain
access to the machinery through these wells, but the noise is
almost unbearable after a few meters of descent, the stench
is horrendous, and the only handholds available to the
plucky are greasy cables and pipes from which formidable
rats or the dreaded gliders are waiting to pounce on you. The
Dagger Children often use these wells to run away.
Public showers and bathrooms: two bathing
establishments are found in the center of the level.
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
Vurick the One-Eyed: Vurick rules over the area, as
detailed below.
Lasia: this charming female rival of Vurick has recently
settled on Level -6. She has an impressive amount of
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
equipment and an army of amazons whose charm is only
rivaled by their fierceness. Vurick hasn’t taken any actions
against her for the moment; he is waiting to find out what
she wants. For the moment, it is not all that clear.
The Dagger Children: these children, aged between 6 and
14 years old, are the most violent beings in Equinox. They
are nothing more than half-cannibalistic animals that track
their prey in packs. They use primitive weapons like shards
of metal or knives, which explains their nickname. They are
completely out of control and, according to the authorities,
beyond help. Authorities are wrong about that last detail.
These children are living in an environment where their
only food is a strange hallucinogenic mushroom that grows
on the pipes of the city and that is the main cause of their
condition. Away from this environment and fed under normal
conditions, they can be saved. This is, at least, what Manitia
Derling claims. She is the leader of the Human Coalition, a
group promoting the protection of oppressed populations.”
LEVELS 7 TO 10: THE EMBASSIES
Levels 7 to 10 are dedicated to the embassies of the various
important countries of the sub-marine world. They are
vast sectors with a ceiling height of 40 meters. The most
luxurious and the most expensive establishments of the
24
city can be found here. There are no more “canteens”
in the embassies, but “restaurants” that serve the finest
foods that can be found beneath the sea. Security here is
extremely tight and access to the level is limited. You will
need special authorizations awarded by the Watchers, the
Cult of the Trident, the embassies, or a few of the criminal
organizations. The periphery of this level is occupied by
huge relaxation rooms, installed at the foot of gigantic glass
walls that allow people to gaze out into the ocean. The most
important embassies are found on the lower levels as they
have more space there.
These levels are reserved for the elite. These are the
battlefields of all the diplomatic struggles, all the political
skullduggery of the underwater world. The negotiations, the
betrayals, the assassinations, the espionage, and sometimes
even the wars are all decided in the shadowy alcoves of the
luxurious establishments of Equinox.
The embassies are in the safest and best kept districts in
Equinox. There are plenty of Watcher control stations,
maintenance buildings, and public bathrooms.
LEVEL 7
Level 7 covers 5.5 km2 and is divided into 36 sectors. It
is occupied by the embassies of the Hegemony (northern
sectors), the Polar Alliance (southern sectors), the
Mediterranean Union (eastern sectors) and the Rift States
(western sectors). The walkways are wide and pleasant.
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Mermaid: this is a very luxurious establishment
reserved for a certain elite, in general the members of the
diplomatic personnel of the various nations. The Mermaid is
visited by people from every nation. There are a great many
forbidden products served here, but the establishment is
mainly renowned for its prostitution services. It is said that
the manager, Lestern Kar, works for Vurick the One-Eyed.
Ellipse Restaurant: This restaurant is one of the most
beautiful and most expensive in Equinox. It is situated
opposite the magnificent glass wall in the northern sectors
of the city. Here you can come across the ambassadors of
every nation who all like to eat in public. The security here
is particularly tight. The manager of the establishment,
Valendro Veet, has his own security service.
The Procession: situated right in the center of the level,
the Procession is a luxury bar belonging to the Cult of the
Trident. Its patrons are mostly Watchers, Cult novices, and
the administrative workers from the embassies.
The artificial parks: in some sectors you can find small
artificial parks where you can go for a walk among artificial
or natural vegetation. These parks are closely watched, as
the ambassadors like to stretch their legs there.
INFLUENTIAL FIGURES
Ambassador Ovar Godter: the ambassador for the
Hegemony is a 58-year-old man (it is commonly said that he
 EQUINOX STATION

is actually over 90 years old). He is especially popular because Leiya Davenport: the beautiful ambassador of the

THE LEVELS OF THE STATION

of his pacifist policies. He is always dressed in a superb Mediterranean Union is without a doubt one of the most
Hegemonic uniform, rich in colors and decorations, and he active representatives in Equinox. She is constantly
loves rare and luxurious things. His residence is one of the organizing meetings with the delegates of all the nations
most closely watched buildings on this level. He rarely leaves of the world under the oceans. Her actions are more to
his residence and prefers to invite people to visit him. He do with economics than politics. She is rumored to be
usually has an excellent relationship with Demeter, although very endearing and full of life. At 39 years old, she is often
recently it has been a little deteriorated after the events that seen in the bars of the Great Bazaar of Equinox where her
took place in Fuego Liberdad. presence rarely goes unnoticed. Needless to say that the
He is known to be a moderate and a great lover of peace, Union’s security service does not always appreciate her
but some people claim that this is just a front. His adopted little escapades, and they use all their available resources
daughter, Ina Godter, is a beautiful creature of 28 years to ensure Leiya is kept safe.
(genetically modified to be perfect), who is said to be none Ibraham Levisk: this small gent of 1.56 m with a notably
other than the leader of the Hegemonic Intelligence Service big round head is the ambassador for the Rift States. He
in Equinox. is said to be especially cunning and devious. He is a born
Ovar is very close to his spouse, Landa, who often counsels diplomat who lives for his work.
him on choices he has to make.
The Ebraer family: the Ebraers are a very influential LEVEL 8
Hegemonian family. Therefore, they have a status almost Level 8, which covers 4.5 km2 and is divided into 36 sectors,
equivalent to that of an embassy. They are represented in is the home of the embassies of the Red League (northern
Equinox by the Count Paul Ebraer, the son of Prince Vaughn, sectors), the Coral Republic (southern sectors), New Lemuria
and the family is said to be almost as influential as the official (eastern sectors), and the Kingdom of the Indus (western
ambassador of the Hegemony. It is strange to notice that sectors).
Paul Ebraer and Ovar Godter do not get along well at all,
despite their officially similar points of view. In fact, some
people suspect Paul Ebraer to only be motivated by a thirst
for power, willing to do anything to get what he wants. Paul
is a man of 36 years (officially), who has a particular taste
for certain deviant practices. It is whispered in certain
establishments that he has had people kidnapped so he could
inflict terrible torture techniques on them. Others have even
accused Paul Ebraer of being directly involved in the murder
of several young people whose horribly mutilated corpses
were discovered in the great bazaar.
The Terrastet family: the economic power of the Terrastet
family, who are the owners of the company Nova, is great
enough for them to have the benefit of private apartments
near the embassies. The Terrastets are more interested in
commercial business than they are in politics, unless politics
can help them make even more money. This family is very
influential on the markets of Equinox and it is said that they
are at the head of a number of gangs specialized in smuggling,
industrial espionage, and the trafficking of forbidden goods.
Paolus: the mysterious ambassador of the Polar Alliance
is an especially enigmatic individual. He is only very
rarely seen in public and he is always surrounded by his
bodyguards who are as warm and welcoming as a tombstone.
Paolus never expresses any form of emotion and some have
begun to wonder if he is actually human. He seems to be
about 40 years old. He is a very thin man, 1.96 m tall, with a
steely blue stare that is said to be as penetrating as a pair of
shield-piercing torpedoes. Over the past few months, he is
rumored to have organized several secret meetings with the
ambassador of the Hegemony.

25
EQUINOX 1
IMPORTANT PLACES
The Cobalt: this establishment is not open to Hegemonians
(unofficially speaking, of course). It is quite common to see
Veliador Viper eating there. It is quite a luxurious restaurant,
situated right in the heart of the Red League’s quarter.
The Blue Tavern: This Coralian establishment is fairly
cheap. It’s characterized by walls made of synthetic coral.
The most delicious drinks in the whole of Equinox are served
here. The Blue Tavern is mainly populated with Coraleans,
but everyone is welcome there. This is a spacious place with
many aquariums that some people spend hours gazing at.
It is true that the spectacle of the multicolored fish species
zooming in and out of the fragments of living coral is
especially magnificent. The tavern is run by a man named
Lavertis Neljack, a 42-year-old Coralean who is also a friend
of the ambassador of the Republic.
The Regent: the Regent is the name of a workshop that
specializes in the maintenance of the vessels belonging to
the embassies. This workshop is under contract with the
Watchers and every single one of its employees is thoroughly
vetted. Not just anyone can gain access to the Regent’s
services; you must be recommended by an embassy. All the
same, it is rumored that Krullick, the chief mechanic, is a
friend of Malgo Eight-Legs, and that he is willing to fix the
vessels of those who are sent by the famous pirate.
The artificial parks: In some sectors you can find
small artificial parks where you can go for a walk among
artificial vegetation. These parks are closely watched, as the
ambassadors like to stretch their legs there.
INFLUENTIAL FIGURES
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
Alma Terrack: as the president of Cliastro, the largest
extraction company of the Red League, Alma Terrack
received authorization from the Cult of the Trident to settle
in the same quarter as the ambassadors in Equinox. This
60-year-old woman is especially close to the pirates who she
unofficially supports. It is said that they often visit her at her
residence and that she finances a great number of bars in
Equinox where the members of the fellowships like to meet.
Veliador Viper: he is a member of the Cult of the Trident
(novice) and a possible successor to Urik. Veliador lives in
the League’s sector. He is an unstable person and he dreams
of crushing the Hegemony. He cannot stand the presence of
a single member of the Patriarchs’ “lackeys.” He seems to be
a megalomaniac of the worst kind, and he is watched closely
by the Cult who would rather keep him close than see him
threaten the world’s peace. The leaders of the Trident still
haven’t decided what they would do if this man were to be
called upon to replace Urik at the head of the Red League. For
the moment, they tolerate his scenes in the establishments
that accept Hegemonian patrons.
Olaf Faltor: the ambassador of the Red League is a mutant
who has certain powers that make him a very interesting
figure. Although he is blind, he has been compelled to
develop abilities that some consider manifestations of the
26
Polaris Effect. His voice is particularly soothing and almost
hypnotic. He never needs to raise his voice, and every time
he speaks, his audience eventually listens to him. He is also
said to be able to distinguish truth from lies in speech, which
is especially interesting for a diplomat. He is a good man who
works for peace, but not at any price. He is said to be close to
Coralia Deventris and to Demeter.
Note: Olaf has had suspicions for the last few months that
Lameas Plis is hiding a terrible secret, but he has never been
able to obtain proof of it—she is an empath and neutralizes
his ability to detect the truth. If any of the PCs can find out
what Lameas’s true motivations are, Olaf can become an
extremely valuable ally.
Coralia Deventris: Coralia is the ambassador for the Coral
Republic, and one of the most well-respected and well-loved
people in Equinox. She is a lovely woman of 28 years whose
beauty is only equaled by her talent for diplomacy. She is
entirely dedicated to peace. She looks after humanitarian
causes and she is always ready to help any enterprise that
aims to improve the conditions of human existence or the
good relationships between nations. She is very close to
the people and never looks down on anyone. If there is one
person in this world who can be considered as honest and
good, she is the one.
Coralia can prove to be a very interesting figure to know for
a group of adventurers.
Lameas Plis: she is one of Coralia Deventris’ counselors.
However, this 28-year-old empath does not share the
ambassador’s pacifist ideals.
Nelzaret Zoctan: he is the ambassador for New Lemuria.
This 56-year-old man is not particularly influential. He is
essentially preoccupied with economic contracts and adding
isolated communities to the territory of Lemuria.
Vrama Loch: the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Indus
is a close friend of the Ebraer family from the Hegemony.
He is an especially arrogant 33-year-old man. He is said to
secretly be a member of the sinister cult of Ashnir. He is
also suspected of financing groups of assassins and drug
traffickers in Equinox.
LEVEL 9
Covering 4 km2, Level 9 is divided into 16 sectors and is
the home of the embassies of the Enderby Confederation,
the Cape Federation, Fuego Liberdad, Tyr, Rogue, Luan,
Helen, Cerberea, and Amazonia. The embassy of Tyr is right
at the northern end of the level, the Luan embassy is in the
south, and the embassy of Helen is in the east. As these three
nations are at war, it is best that their citizens’ paths do not
cross. Several sectors are not yet assigned to a nation. They
have been set aside to welcome the future states that are yet
to arise in the ocean world.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Daedalus: this establishment situated in the center of
the level belongs to Cerberea and therefore to Legion. It

is a leisure complex where one can eat, drink, play, and
enjoy prostitution services. The delegates from Legion sign
contracts there with the greater nations. This establishment
is constantly packed and has a great deal of success with the
members of all the embassies. It is good form to show one’s
face there from time to time.
The Prelate: this is one of the most popular places on
this level. Right in the center, it welcomes the delegates
of many different nations who come here to drink and
watch the rather “steamy” shows. It is even said that the
manager organizes particularly bloody gladiator fights.
Unfortunately, it is also the favorite fighting grounds for
the citizens of Luan, Tyr, and Helen. The security service is
therefore particularly muscular to avoid the verbal disputes
becoming more... intense.
The Amazon: this strange establishment is mainly an
attraction for the curious who want to know more about the
enigmatic community of Amazonia. Apart from them, it is
popular with the people working for the embassy of the nation
and for the offices of its pharmaceutical company, Clystra.
It is worth noting that nobody who works for Amazonia in
Equinox has ever set foot in the actual community. They are
only paid to look after its business. Only the ambassador is
from Amazonia.
INFLUENTIAL FIGURES
Lopir Corr: the ambassador for Tyr is an arrogant man
who likes to provoke the people he speaks to. He is a stocky
giant with a powerful build—at 1.96 m tall, he is particularly
impressive. His diplomatic actions are limited to finding
allies to crush his nation’s rivals: Helen and Luan.
Uma Lesarch: the ambassador for Helen is assuredly more
diplomatic than her counterpart from Tyr, but her goals
are the same. She is always stunningly dressed in black and
gold dresses that are, as rumor would have it, Genetician
garments as effective as bulletproof vests.
It is said that in spite of the war that divides the two nations,
Uma is in love with the ambassador of Luan.
Iclan Deleber-Luan: Luan’s delegate on Equinox is a much
more discreet character than his counterparts from Tyr and
Helen. He is said to be more moderate and more inclined
to negotiate. As Luan is linked to Kilian Enterprises, the
organization has probably put pressure on the nation to try to
end this ridiculous war. Iclan is a quiet man in his forties. He is
said to be secretly in love with Ambassador Lesarch of Helen.
Vincent Plixen: the main concerns of the ambassador of
Fuego Liberdad are claiming massive compensations for
the temporary annexion of his nation by the Hegemony,
countering the expansionist policies of Rogue, and, most of
all, recovering his nation’s rights over the depot that they
have recently discovered and that has been seized by the
hegemonians
Lavara Teknacos: although his main activities in Equinox
are to sell the products of the Amazonian pharmaceutical
company, Lavara also serves as a diplomat. This discreet man
EQUINOX STATION
is the only delegate of this community. He does not say much
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
and will never give any information about his nation. He
always tries to avoid having to meet the priests of the Trident.
He often gives relics from the ancient world to his future
customers or to people that he is especially friendly with.
Elian Cap: the ambassador of the Enderby Confederation
spends most of his time meeting with his counterpart from
New Lemuria. The two nations are said to be about to sign
an alliance to merge into one large State. Elian is not very
influential on Equinox.
Calomar Craniende: the ambassador for the Cape
Federation is one of the main intermediaries between his
counterparts from Helen, Tyr, and Luan. He is doing his best
to obtain a cease-fire between the three nations as quickly
as possible. The rest of his time is spent signing economic
treaties with the greater powers.
Plymouth Levrue: he is the ambassador for Rogue, the
neighboring nation to Fuego Liberdad. He is a particularly
arrogant 39-year-old man who refuses to discuss peace with
the ambassador of Fuego Liberdad. The tension is continually
escalating between the two communities, despite the
mediation attempts by the S.M.S.O. There have already been
several incidents between the two embassies. Plymouth
Levrue is suspected of mostly being on the payroll of the
Hegemony’s Prism.
Karl Glitter: the ambassador of Cerberea is probably
one of the happiest in Equinox. He doesn’t have much to
do apart from spend his time in the bars and restaurants
with the customers of Legion. He rarely gets involved with
politics and watches the various struggles between the other
embassies from a distance. He often visits the other levels
of Equinox, especially the mercenary bars. It is said that this
38-year-old man likes to go on an adventure from time to
time, to remember the good old days.
LEVEL 10
Level 10 is divided into 16 sectors covering roughly 3 km2,
and is home to the embassies of all the other small nations
of the undersea world. It also contains the residences of the
employees of the S.M.S.O., of the company Solaris, of certain
Watcher officers, and of members of the Cult. It is the most
luxurious level of the city, probably due to the fact that the
members of the Cult and the Watchers like their comfort.
This level is a lot like the levels of the Great Bazaar, and
some of the smaller nations’ embassies (in the southern and
eastern sectors) are true markets.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Solaris: the main office building of Solaris is built on
this level. It is a gigantic complex, constantly watched by
the Watchers and by security drones. This is where all the
transactions between the nations of the world that are paid
in Sols take place. This is where the money tags are minted.
It is a kind of international stock exchange.
27
EQUINOX 1
Cult and Watcher residential areas: in the north of
the level, these sectors are reserved for officers and the
important members of the Fellowship as well as certain
members of the Cult. This is the most secure place in the city.
The walkways are wide and the apartments are spacious.
Artificial “parks” provide space to relax among synthetic or
natural vegetation.
LEVELS 11, 12, AND -8: THE WATCHERS
Levels 11 and 12 are occupied by the Watchers’ surveillance
centers. These levels are not divided into sectors; they are
instead gigantic complexes of corridors that provide access
to the multiple control rooms, residential quarters, and
offices.
Level 11 (40 meters high) is six floors high (ground floor
included) and houses the computer centers of the city, the
archive rooms, and most of the control stations. The hangars
are reserved for Watcher vessels. The prisons are also
situated on this level.
Level 12 is mainly occupied by residential quarters and
administrative centers. The level is 20 meters high and all
buildings have one to five floors.
Level -8 is the defense station of Equinox. This is where the
crews of the combat vessels docked at the base of the city are
housed. Gigantic sonar stations and machinery control rooms
are installed around the central well, which is 300 meters
high (330m with the lower tip of the city). In the center of
the well, the elevator columns that connect the 20 floors of
this level can be accessed by walkways that span across the
void. The heart of the flux variation detection system is at
the lowest level, an ultramodern room fixed to the base of
THE LEVELS OF THE STATION
the city. The hangars always hold 40 combat fighter vessels,
80 commando diving armors, 10 escort vessels, and 2 light
frigates.
LEVELS 13 AND 14: THE S.M.S.O.
These two levels (20 meters high each) are completely
occupied by the S.M.S.O., Solaris and the Genetic High
Council. Their employees are housed on the highest level of
the embassies. Most of the rooms are gigantic and extremely
luxurious meeting rooms.
LEVELS 15 TO 17: THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
The distinctive feature of all of these levels (20 meters high
each) is that they are equipped with great glass tunnels that
are built into the walls to allow the dolphins from outside to
move around inside the sectors.
Level 15 is home to the Cult’s administrative services,
but also to the Neptune Division and to the data treatment
services (Neptune’s information service). Cameras and spy
drones watch every corridor. The place is always swarming
with activity.
Levels 16 and 17 are occupied by the high dignitaries of
the Cult of the Trident. Here, you can find meeting rooms,
the apartments of the leaders of the organization, and the
28
great lounges where they meet with the ambassadors of the
greater nations. Security here is provided by the Ordainers.
The level at the very top of the city (20 meters high) has
two floors. The first one is entirely dedicated to Demeter's
private quarters and the second (the tip of the city), is a
structure made of ACS in wich Demeter likes to meditate
LEVEL -7: MACHINE ROOMS
This gigantic 700-meter high complex is the heart of the
city. In the center is the huge 200-meter high fusion reactor
that provides power for the whole of Equinox. Around it is
a veritable labyrinth of walkways, cables, pipes, air ducts,
evacuation ducts, etc. Without a detailed map, it is impossible
to find one’s way out of this complex maze. It is also said that
defense drones are always on the lookout for intruders and
that terrible creatures haunt its darkest recesses. Only the
city’s technical services (on Level -8) have a detailed map of
this level. Occasionally, some sellers on the black market will
offer partial maps for sale. However, not many people are
interested in this kind of information as there is nothing to
be found in the various machine rooms apart from monsters
and maintenance teams.
FACTIONS AND
IMPORTANT FIGURES
THE WATCHERS AND THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
It is only natural that these two groups are the most
influential ones in the city, even if, sometimes, it’s not all that
simple. You have to imagine these organizations as a kind of
referee in a gigantic arena, a huge crab pot inside of which
all the groups who have any influence at all in the world of
Polaris RPG coexist and conspire against each other. The slums
of Equinox, for example, are the realm of the crime lords, but
if one day the Watchers should decide to intervene, nothing
could prevent them from cleaning the place out from top to
bottom. However, that sort of action would be a disastrous
move for the Cult; the criminal organizations would just
set up shop elsewhere. Equinox would then no longer be at
the heart of all the intrigues and the Trident would lose the
considerable advantage that it has of being able to influence
that “heart” at every level.
THE AMBASSADORS
The ambassadors of the entire world have an enormous
amount of influence over every aspect of life in Equinox.
Although this influence is not all that obvious below Level 7,
you must not forget that an ambassador is the delegate of
a nation. He represents the political power of a nation.
Therefore, the amount of influence he has over all the groups,
merchants, smugglers, and adventurers who identify with

the ideals of his nation is enormous. It is equally obvious that
the embassies finance some of the organizations, companies,
and merchants who live in the Great Bazaar.
It is said that the embassy of the Hegemony, for example,
indirectly supports several buccaneers who provide stock
for their revolting body banks. Although it is extremely rare
that an ambassador leaves his place of residence, they all
have agents all over Equinox.
THE POLAR ALLIANCE
The presence of the Polar Alliance’s intelligence services
is particularly discreet. The agents are primarily stationed
in the embassies and the companies belonging to the
Alliance. To this day, the Neptune Division has not managed
to uncover a single operation ordered by the Alliance. The
Polarians seem to be content
with observing. There are also no
companies or establishments that
are known to be manipulated by
the Primarch’s men.
There is, however, a rumor
about the presence of cyborgs and
androids in the slums of the city.
THE SHADOW AMBASSADOR
If there is one influential and
mysterious figure in Equinox, it is
indeed the Shadow Ambassador.
Nobody knows who he is, or
what his motivations are. Yet
his influence is considerable. He
usually appears in the city’s slums
to deliver a message or to give
adventurers a hint about certain
leads. He is completely elusive
and the few who have tried to
get their hands on him have been
left grasping at shadows. This T h e W at c h e r s
character is the ideal way for a
GM to help her adventurers or get
them back on track. He will never act against the interests of
Ashaana Solomon or of Meslar Red-Hand.
ASHAANA SOLOMON
Although she has no direct influence on the city itself,
Ashaana controls a number of establishments in Equinox.
The Tiger Fellowship is the power behind: the Liparkis
Workshops (Level -3), the Mermaid bar (Level -4), Dawn’s
Canteen (Level 0), and the Chasm bar (Level 0). The Assessors,
a well-known group of smugglers, are directly linked to the
Tiger Fellowship.
CORTEX
The company Cortex is extremely active on Equinox.
Its directors are willing to do anything for their research.
EQUINOX STATION
Behind the backs of the Watchers and the Cult of the Trident,
FACTIONS AND IMPORTANT FIGURES
it finances kidnapping, organ trafficking, and several groups
of buccaneers. The company is a formidable adversary with
considerable resources at its disposal and the PCs will often
come across its agents. The slums of Equinox are Cortex’s
favorite laboratories and one can often come across its
special troops there, hidden behind a Watcher uniform or a
beggar’s rags.
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE DEEP
This group of fanatics is mainly active in the slums
of Equinox, where its members attempt to recruit new
followers among the poor and the needy. The most fanatical
of its members are often conspiring against the city, as they
dream of annihilating it completely. Luckily, until now, the
various intelligence services of the
world’s nations and the Watchers
have always managed to foil their
plans.
GELLOR THE CRIPPLE
This infamous pirate is a
prisoner in the Watchers’ prison
on Level 11 of the city. He is a
real living legend who has a great
many supporters in the city. He is
well respected by all, and it is easy
enough to find daredevils all over
Equinox who would be willing to
try and bust him out of prison.
HEGEMONY
The Hegemony is quite certainly
the most enthusiastic nation when
it comes to intelligence activity.
It is estimated that one in every
two agents is on the payroll of the
powerful Hegemony. Their spies
have infiltrated everywhere and
they are incredibly active. The
Coral bar (Level 4), the Platinum hotel (Level 0), the Aremis
Workshops (Level 0), Katine’s Bar (Level -4), and many
more are all favorite lairs among Hegemonic spies. All the
Hegemonic companies that have offices on Equinox, as well
as those who claim to be independent, harbor agents of the
Patriarchs.
The Prism has even put in place several networks of
smugglers, traffickers, buccaneers, and drug dealers that
it controls directly. For example, Mala and the Pulsors,
two famous groups of drug dealers, are in fact nothing but
fronts for the Prism. Lesaretick, a particularly revolting
buccaneer, is actually on the Prism’s payroll as well. It is also
important to bear in mind that the Hegemonic intelligence
services have two priorities secondary to the main activity of
29
EQUINOX 1
gathering information—obtaining human supplies for their
body banks and fertile specimens for their breeding centers.
LESTANI
He is a celebrity in Equinox and he is behind a large number
of workshops, bars, and groups of smugglers. His influence
in the neutral city is considerable and he is at the head of
the Informants, a group of smugglers specialized in the
trafficking of secret information. The Seaspray bar (Level -5),
the Anemone (a club on Level 8), the Orca (a famous bar on
Level 0), the Bertrand Workshops (Level -1), and the Miracle
Workshops (Level -3) are all run by his people.
LESVRICK
Lesvrick lives hidden on Level -5 of the city of Equinox,
under the false identity of Rob Necklen. He is intent on
getting revenge on Voghn the Renegade. He is therefore in
contact with a large number of pirate groups and fellowships
aiming to organize a vast operation against the infamous
buccaneer. He and his band also attack all of Voghn’s interests
all over the city. He can become an especially valuable ally
for those who wish to fight against buccaneering. However,
be warned: he will do whatever it takes to get his vengeance.
You can find him in the Shark bar (Level -4), the Filament
(Level -5), or at the Perkins Workshops (Level -4).
FACTIONS AND IMPORTANT FIGURES
LIEBUR
Liebur does not have a great deal of influence in Equinox.
However, his people run a network of buccaneers, the
Python Network, which provides fresh meat for the genetic
research centers and the agents of the Hegemony. Liebur
has never set foot in the city of Equinox. The Python
Network mainly conducts its activities on Levels -2 and -3
of the city. The Stars bar (Level -3) is said to be a regular
haunt for Liebur’s people.
RED LEAGUE
It would appear that the League’s
intelligence services are completely
nonexistent in Equinox. However, as the
agents of the Red League have very little
in terms of resources, they are especially
good at being discreet. Therefore, even
though every other nation on the planet
thinks that the League has the least
efficient intelligence services in all the
seven seas, the number of sympathizers
who give information to its perfectly
infiltrated agents easily rivals the
numbers of the Neptune Division. Their
role is mainly a passive one, and in
general they only act if it goes directly
against the interests of the Red League.
The League bar (Level 4), the Fire bar
R e d L e ag u e
(Level 6), the Amazon hangar (run by a
30
woman on Level 0), and the Butterfly restaurant (Level 8) are
some of the establishments that belong to the League. These
agents can become valuable allies for adventurers who are
able to locate them.
MALGO EIGHT-LEGS
This pirate is a celebrity in Equinox. He is the main
influence behind several smuggler organizations, such as the
Equinox Squids, and also behind several repairs workshops.
He is constantly under the protection of several of his men.
MESLAR
Meslar doesn’t have any particular influence in Equinox.
His fellowship runs the Scarlet bar (Level -1) and the Oriental
Transporters (a cargo shipping company on Level -2), but
that is pretty much all he controls. However, this pirate will
play a major role in a campaign that will be developed in an
upcoming supplement. So you will have the opportunity to
find out a lot more about him later on.
MOLOCH KRULL
This powerful character is one of the crime lords of Equinox.
He lives on Level 9 of the city and rules over several networks
of traffickers, racketeers, smugglers, and buccaneers. He is
an individual whose importance almost equals that of the
high society of the Cult of the Trident. He runs over 80 bars
in Equinox, including the Sunken Club (Level 9) and the Fin
Tavern (Level 0), and the vehicle rental company, Fluxia.
There are many groups who serve his interests. Among these
groups are, for example, the drugs traffickers of the Black
Gloves Gang, a group of specialists in intelligence activities
and all kinds of blackmail called the Spiders, and the Surf, an
organization specialized in smuggling.
THE CORAL REPUBLIC
The presence of the Coral Republic is far from discreet, but
it is, in appearance at least, very passive. Everybody knows
that the many prostitution services, clinics,
and bars that are financed by the Republic
are extremely efficient information-
gathering cells. There does not seem to
be any covert operations division active
in Equinox, although there have recently
been a number of new agents detected by
Neptune who don’t really match the profile
of the previously known agents. The Cape
bar (Level 8), the Palia bar (Level 0), and the
Omicron bar (Level -3) are all regular haunts
for Coralian spies.
ROBERT DE SAUL
He is at the head of several powerful
networks of smugglers on Equinox. He has
men infiltrated into almost every single
union of merchants, sailors, dockers, etc.
 EQUINOX STATION

He mainly focuses industries and with Cortex in particular. The Clinic of the

FACTIONS AND IMPORTANT FIGURES

his activities on the
surveillance of the
pirate fellowships
and the actions of the
Hegemonic spies. He
is a fierce opponent of
Vurick the One-Eyed
and there are regular
shoot-outs between
the two gangs. His
main smuggling
organization is called
the Vector. His men
are in charge of
C o r a l R e p u bl i c the Kitai (Level
-6), the Minsk
(Level -5),
the Gladiator (Level 0), and the Hurricane (Level
-2) bars, as well as the Islands restaurant (Level 7).
They also control a number of workshops, such as
the Bounty (Level 2) and the Abyss Department
(Level 1).
Equinox (Level 2), the Belloma Clinic (Level 9), and the
Second Life Clinic (Level -3) all belong to him. He gets along
very well with the agents of the Prism and with Vurick the
One-Eyed. The Chimera bar, on Level -4, is one of his favorite
establishments, and he can be seen there every now and
again.
VURICK THE ONE-EYED
Vurick is one of the most influential people in the neutral
city. He reigns over the slums and runs a great number of
criminal organizations He is also at the head of a network of
informants and assassins who are particularly efficient.
There is no telling how many establishments are
under his protection or how many beggars’
guilds he finances. It is said that he knows
so many secrets that nobody can touch
him. His relationships with the intelligence
services from all over the world are
excellent. He cannot stand people who get
him mixed up with Vulrick the One-
Eyed. It literally drives him crazy.

THE BLACK SUN

The presence of the Black Sun in Equinox
is a very discreet one, and in general its
spies have mostly just infiltrated the
administrative services of the Cult of the
Trident. It does not directly finance any
organizations, as it prefers to infiltrate the
existing ones. For example, one of Vurick
the One-Eyed’s counselors is an agent of
the Black Sun. All the same, it seems that
the Black Sun has set up a base on Level
-4.

TELKRAN RALJIK
This famous pirate has
spies who have all
infiltrated existing
organizations. He indirectly
controls a few organizations and groups,
but none of them are particularly
influential. His agents’ only task is
gathering intelligence, and they
perform this task with great talent.

VOGHN THE RENEGADE T h e B l ac k S u n

This powerful pirate is particularly
influential in Equinox. He is in control
of a number of companies and groups
of traffickers and smugglers there. His men M e mb e r o f t h e
are also in business with the genetic research B l ac k S u n

31
CHAPTER 2

around Equinox
“We felt a certain discomfort as we sailed forward between the Rockhall Mountain Ranges; they look just like a pair of
jaws. In the distance loomed Mount Olympus, and all around it, far above our heads, the powerful red flows were forming
and where they came together blue lightning bolts appeared. On the ocean floor, dozens of stations lit up the sea. Some
ships were leaving the channel; others were following us towards Equinox. We could see a gigantic Watcher cruiser
that was on its way to intercept a suspicious vessel. At that moment, our captain announced that we were about to dive
down to 6,900 meters to approach Ariadne. We stared, mouths agape, out of the portholes in the ceiling of our cabin at
the incredible spectacle of the flows mingling and twisting around each other just a few meters away from us. And then,
Ariadne came into view, a white pearl in the darkness of the oceans.”
—Extract of the audio journal of a tourist found dead in Equinox.

THE OUTER STATIONS
The Watchers and the Cult of the Trident are present in a
number of bases situated far and wide under the seven seas.
The most important ones are listed below.
CARION
Carion has become a true laboratory for genetic research
and is constantly under surveillance by the Watchers. This
station is a home for the victims of contagious illnesses, and
is therefore a restricted area to which only the scientists of
the Cult of the Trident have access. In early 567, a second
permanent station was built next to Carion. This base houses
a large number of research laboratories working on genetics,
viral research, and pharmaceuticals. Doctor Relevik has been
appointed as head of this center. It is estimated that there
are approximately 800 sick patients living in Carion at the
moment. The research center is home to about 20 scientists.
A protection squadron and one of the Watchers’ combat
groups provide the base’s security.
CRESCIA
Over the last few months, this research station’s budget
has seen a considerable increase. Furthermore, some units
from the Watchers’ Hybrids and deep-water intervention
commandos have been assigned to the station. Could it be
that the archeologists and scientists of Crescia have made
some interesting discoveries in the caves of the area? Both
the leaders of the Cult of the Trident and the delegates from
the Coral Republic have declined to comment on the subject.
CROSS
It would seem that the tensions between Cross and its two
rival stations, Hell and Litua, have lessened a little recently.
Over the last few months, there have been no reports of any

form of conflict among these three communities. It is rumored
that Milus Trend, the leader of this community, has put aside
his fierce hatred to focus his energy instead entirely on the
Cult of the Trident. The Ordainers have established their main
training base there, and their influence on Milus Trend grows
on a daily basis. Among other things, he has agreed to the
construction of a gigantic base for the Cult on his territory,
and the build will be finished by the end of the year.
MERROX
The agricultural techniques used on Merrox are attracting
an increasing amount of interest. This station, under pressure
from the Cult of the Trident, has been classified as a “Sensitive
Area” by the S.M.S.O. It is, therefore, now under the full-time
protection of the Watchers. The mercenaries who used to be
in charge of its defense were let go and replaced by a Watcher
combat group. Some would dare to claim that the Cult of
the Trident is in the process of annexing Merrox without
bothering a second to consider what its population may think.
PENDEVEN
Pendeven has recently come under attack from an
unknown assailant. The damage is said to be considerable
and a monastery vessel is rumored to have suffered serious
damage during the attack. The Watchers have not made any
declarations about the combat that has taken place in the
region. Some claim that the Black Sun has led a major attack
against what appears to be one of the most closely guarded
secret centers of the Cult of the Trident.
VALADES
This center for research on the conditions of the outside
world has not seen any major changes since the year 566.
XAL
Xal has officially been bought up by Cortex Industries. This
does not seem to have changed anything for the moment
and the treaties signed with the Polar Alliance have been
maintained. The presence of the Watchers has been reinforced.
THE SURROUNDING
AREA
THE ROCKHALL THRESHOLD
Equinox is situated above the Rockhall Threshold, which
offers several interesting particularities. The threshold is
made up of a great plain that extends out to two underwater
mountain ranges. Between these two ranges spans Rockhall
AROUND EQUINOX
Bay, and in the middle of the bay is Mount Olympus. This
THE SURROUNDING AREA
whole area covers a surface about 900 kilometers long and
400 kilometers wide.
The plain and the tips of the mountain ranges span depths
of 400 to 1,000 meters below sea level, which thus provide an
efficient base for surveillance of this region. The currents in
the area are particularly strong. In fact, it is via Rockhall Bay
that one usually gains access to Equinox. In some areas, the bay
reaches down to depths of 6,000 meters. Equinox is situated
just above the Ariadne Trench, which is the deepest in the
area at a depth of 6,900 meters. At the entrance to Rockhall
Bay is a gigantic underwater lighthouse that operates night
and day in order to guide ships in toward Equinox.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Both plant and animal life spring abundant in the threshold
area and in Rockhall Bay. The main hydroculture fields are
spread out over the great plain* around Equinox. Down
there, you can find fields of crops reaching out as far as the
eye can see and impressive fields of livestock.
The fauna is mainly made up of crustaceans, common
fish, and marine mammals. There are practically no major
predators in this area. The main exceptions are the few
moray eels that stay hidden in the two Rockhall ridges,
one or two wandering titan crabs, the infamous chameleon
sharks, and the equally feared killer congers.
* The flows only become dangerous about 10 meters above the
surface of the plain, and the currents remain dangerous to 200 meters
below the ocean’s surface. When the flows are particularly violent,
travelers can witness the grandiose spectacle of what the local
inhabitants call the “sky of the deep.” Divers can see the gigantic
layers of flows form above their heads and fill with lightning bolts
that look like a stormy sky. On the days when Equinox rises up above
the plain during this kind of disturbance, it’s like a star rising over
the horizon. Not only is such a sight absolutely breathtaking, but it
is also said that it’s a good omen to see Equinox sparkling away in
the sky of the deep.
MAMMALS
There are 50 or so species of mammals that live in the
waters around Equinox. Whales, rorquals, dolphins, porpoises,
toothed whales, narwhals, orcas (the rarest of all), and so on
seem to be irresistibly attracted to the region. This could be
rather worrying, as pretty much all of these races are capable
of using the Polaris Effect. However, it’s quite the contrary.
There are many people who think that this peaceful spot
where Equinox moves around in the middle of these powerful
flows is, in fact, generated by these mammals. These noble
creatures never behave with any hostility and even the whales,
who usually couldn’t care less if a vessel is in their way, seem
to pay great attention to not cause the destruction of any of
the human ships in the area. It is not uncommon to see divers
surrounded by a few curious mammals or even playing with
some young dolphins. However, the creatures will respond
with a great deal of violence if they are ever attacked.
33
EQUINOX 2
It is rare to see the leviathan whales in the area around
Equinox, although it has sometimes happened in the past.
NOTE ABOUT MARINE MAMMALS
It is important to remember that most of the marine
mammals have adapted and that most of them now get their
oxygen from the water, like fish do, since the air on the
surface is no longer breathable. There are, however, a few
species that have adapted to the poisoned atmosphere on
the surface. Others cannot survive without exo-respirators.
These are generally farmed mammals that have evolved very
little over the centuries.
THE FLOWS
Rockhall feels the impact of very violent currents to a
depth of roughly 200 meters below the surface. But the
most remarkable thing about this region is, of course, the
strange heat flow that surrounds Equinox. Studies have
shown it is the convergence of several flows that forms a real
and gigantic protective shield around the city. The precise
nature of this phenomenon remains a complete mystery that
nobody has yet managed to truly understand. The flows form
at a depth between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, in the region
around Mount Olympus, and they come together in the area
around Equinox. At that point, it looks as if their flow (to the
northwest) hits a kind of wall. They open up, therefore, and
wrap themselves around Equinox before joining again and
spreading out as a blanket to cover the Rockhall Threshold.
The flows are not dangerous individually speaking, before
they come together, although it is wise to avoid them all the
same. The Watchers keep them under constant surveillance
and inform vessels of their position whenever possible. It
is usually enough to avoid depths between 1,000 and 2,000
meters to keep out of their way. However, it has been known
THE SURROUNDING AREA
for these flows to form at other depths.
When a vessel arrives in the area around Equinox, it is
directed toward the many waiting areas that are situated at
a range of depths around Ariadne on the gentler slopes of
the trench. These stations are, in general, areas that offer
shelter from the disturbances of the flows. Vessels can wait
there for a passage to open. These tunnels are detected by
the surveillance stations in Ariadne and Equinox. As soon as
they give a green light, a Watcher escort brings the waiting
vessels into the neutral bubble that surrounds Equinox.
This bubble can be several dozens of kilometers wide. The
waiting time is variable. It can range from tens of minutes
to several hours and, sometimes, even several days. GMS
are encouraged to define the waiting time depending on the
needs of the scenario. The marine mammals seem to be able
to naturally detect these breaches in the flows and are able
to enter them without any problems.
It is worth noting that, when the flows combine, they
become visible to the naked eye.
34
THE WATCHER STATIONS
There are Watcher stations dotted all over the Rockhall
Threshold. Most of them are only surveillance or emergency
stations, but some of them are veritable fortresses. At the
moment, there are six defense stations known to the general
public and three fluctuating defense stations.
The static defense stations are military bases built into
the mountains around the Rockhall Threshold. They are all
connected to one another and also to Mount Olympus and to
Ariadne by a vast network of fiber optic cables. This network
also connects to all the automated detection stations and the
many communication beacons that are situated in this area.
The military bases are equipped with a great deal of weaponry,
several combat units, such as fighters, marine commandos,
and vehicles that can travel on the ocean floors, such as mobile
torpedo launch platforms and underwater jeeps.
The fluctuating defense stations protect the area around
the Rockhall Threshold. They can vary in depth depending
on their requirements. These fortresses are sometimes
hidden in the heat flows and deploy fleets of sonar drones
that can be sent out of the disturbance field.
Last, but not least, the First Fleet of the Watchers guarantees
the Threshold’s security.
OLYMPUS TRANSIT STATION
This station is, above all, a military base built into the flanks
of Mount Olympus. But it is also an important transit station
that takes some of the traffic flow from Ariadne when it is
particularly heavy. The summit of Mount Olympus is home
to several dozen docking stations and relaxation areas for
passengers. The visitors only have access to the top four
levels of the military base and have to strictly obey the
law of the Watchers, who will not tolerate even the tiniest
amount of misbehavior. Weapons are strictly forbidden
and particularly sensitive detectors are installed in all the
docking areas. Ships do not have to stop at Olympus, unless
the Watchers require them to. Generally speaking, any
vessel headed toward this military station when the traffic
to Ariadne is not particularly heavy will be inspected from
top to bottom by the security services. This is, in a way, a
kind of border crossing.
The underground tunnel that connects Ourgor to Equinox
leads below Mount Olympus into the Hermes Transit Station.
Olympus is home to a garrison of 4,000 men, under the
command of Governor Palial. It has an impressive amount of
firepower and two interception squadrons.
COMMUNITIES ON THE ROCKHALL
THRESHOLD
To date, 56 communities have been established on the
Rockhall Threshold. A vast majority of these communities
are dedicated to hydroculture and livestock farming. The
mining activities in the area are in the hands of just four
of these communities. A dozen others are dedicated to

providing services to the public, such as transportation,
tourism, accommodation, etc.
Out of these 56 communities, 18 are on the Rockhall Plain
and the others are in the shelter of the bay. Their huge
advantage is that they benefit from both the protection of
the Watchers and the enormous economic importance of
Equinox. In return, the inhabitants of these stations pay a
tax of 20% on all of their income to the Watchers. It is very
rare for new communities to be authorized to settle in this
area. To do so, one would require the authorization of the
Watchers, the Cult of the Trident, and of the S.M.S.O.
The largest communities in the Rockhall area are the
following:
ROCKHALL
Rockhall was the first community to settle on the Rockhall
Plain after the construction of Equinox, and it is now
the largest of all the hydroculture and livestock farming
communities in the area. It is independent. Its population
AROUND EQUINOX
is estimated at 650 individuals and it employs
THE SURROUNDING AREA
1,200 agricultural workers full time. This
community is led by a 48-year-old woman
named Natalia Desd, who is also the president
of the Aquafarmers and Breeders’ Union.
CALYMEDE
Calymede works the few veins of Cylast and
other strategically important minerals that
can be found in the two underwater mountain
ranges of the Rockhall area. Its economic
importance is fairly low and the community is
completely under the control of the company
Gladius. The workers of this industrial company
are extremely well paid (double the usual
salaries that can be found elsewhere) because
of the risks they undertake while mining these
resources. Indeed, in this region, the veins are
found deep down in the rock and it has been
known for mining tunnels to collapse on the
workers. Furthermore, the nooks and crannies
of the Rockhall Mountain Ranges are home
to predators that have no problem attacking
humans.
Calymede is run by Veston Prinst, a member
of the Gladius board of directors. He is 48 years
old. This community’s population is estimated
at 250 permanent residents and it employs 90
specialized workers.
SYNISTAR
This community, situated on the Rockhall
Plain, specializes in livestock farming. It is
present in Equinox through the company Synistar, which
provides probably the finest food supplies available in the
city. They are also the most expensive. The community is
run by a 34-year-old Natural Hybrid named Lem Farens. It
is home to a population of 150 residents and doesn’t employ
any external workers.
DELEBIA
Delebia is the most recently created community in
the Rockhall area. It was created in 556 by the Cult of the
Trident, and it was offered as a gift to a tiny community lost
in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its entire population
was transferred to the new station. The members of this
community are said to have risked their lives to do an
enormous favor for Demeter himself. This agricultural
community is exempted from all taxes, and its patriarch, a
56-year-old man named Malo, is often invited to the private
quarters of the Cult of the Trident. This community’s
population is estimated at 67 residents.
35
EQUINOX 2
POLYMA
Polyma is a small but prosperous community that
specializes in the rental of small transport vehicles, and it
offers everything from diving armors to underwater Jeeps
or small transport vessels. This community was created by
a former adventurer, Leobner, who is now 56 years old. He is
said to be very friendly and welcoming. He is always willing
to give a helping hand to any adventurers who come to see
him and especially likes to share his experiences with them.
His community has 98 permanent residents.
QUERELL
This little community is specialized in tourism, and offers
guided tours of Equinox and the surrounding area. The
excursions take place onboard small transport vessels that
can hold up to 30 passengers and enjoy the protection of
two of the Trident’s fighter vessels. Querell is a very small
station on which only 20 or so people live. The chief of the
community is called Daedus, a young fertile man of 28 years,
who definitely hopes to contribute to increasing the number
of his fellow citizens.
CHRISTA
This community is dedicated to making pharmaceutical
products that it then sells to the company Cortex. It is, in
fact, a medical research laboratory. The station is off limits
to the general public; members of the community often visit
ARIADNE
36
Equinox to see other people and relax a little. Christa is run
by a 47-year-old man named Dan Relkajik. It is home to a
population of 228 permanent residents and 89 employees.
PHALANX
Phalanx is specialized in making Phalanx torpedoes, and it
actually belongs to the company Gladius. This community is
used as a research laboratory for weaponry and an assembly
factory for the explosive warheads of the Phalanx torpedoes.
The community is under constant protection. It is run by
a 47-year-old woman named Vilma Terpine. Phalanx has
a population of 117 permanent residents, but it employs
450 individuals.
TITAN
As the headquarters of the Titan Freighter Company, this
is one of the most prosperous communities in the area. This
station is home to the company’s administrative center and
to the families of all its employees. Its population is estimated
at 450 residents. The leader of the community is the creator
of the Titan company, Jusack Leodor, a 76-year-old man who
is unusual in that he has fathered a great number of children,
all of whom are fertile. Jusack and his children have agreed
to undergo numerous tests and regularly visit Ariadne.
TRIDENT
This is the community from which the Cult of the Trident
and Equinox originated. Today, it has become a veritable
monastery entirely consecrated to the adoration of the
Polaris Effect and to meditation. The high dignitaries of the
Cult often travel there to rest. A part of the community is
open to the general public. The security of the community is
managed by the Ordainers. It is estimated that approximately
80 people live permanently on this station.
GLADIUS
The company Gladius controls, directly or indirectly, 25%
of the agricultural communities in the area. It also owns
gigantic naval shipyards that extend for over 20 kilometers
along one of the cliffs of Rockhall Bay. These shipyards
are visible from a great distance by any ships travelling to
Equinox, and they offer repair and maintenance services to
any ship that requests them. Its tariffs are quite average.
ARIADNE
Ariadne is one of the most beautiful underwater stations
ever built. It is made up of two completely separate sectors:
the underwater city and the underground city. The station

was built at a depth of 6,900 meters, at a distance of at least
700 meters and at most 2,700 meters away from Equinox
(above it, depth-wise). Several annex installations can be
found at various depths, down to 4,200 meters. The flows
can have an effect at depths between 1,000 meters and
6,200 meters. Some transit stations can be inaccessible, and
therefore vessels need to travel under the affected depths
in order to remain safe. The Watchers’ surveillance stations
contact all ships entering Rockhall Bay to give them the safe
depths they should use. No weapons are allowed on Ariadne
and each boarding room is equipped with very efficient
detectors. The Watchers never take this rule lightly.
THE UNDERWATER CITY
Ariadne is a gigantic pyramid surrounded by eight sparkling
domes, the base of which is said to have been buried. The
pyramid culminates at a height of 100 meters above the
ground and the domes are all less than 50 meters high. The
station has a diameter of roughly 1,000 meters.
Each dome is equipped with docking tunnels that reach up
above them like gigantic antennas. Vessels come and dock at
these towers. Any vessel that is larger than the size of a frigate
(20,000 tons) is not authorized to dock at the docking tunnels.
They must travel to Ariadne in their own shuttlecraft or hire
the services of a transporter with clearance from the Watchers
(on average the fee is 5 Sols per passenger transported from
the vessel to Ariadne). The smaller transport vessels, fighter
vessels, and divers in armor can all go directly to the docks
that are situated at the tip of the pyramid. As for vessels that
move on the ocean floor, they can access Ariadne via one of
the many hangars available at the bases of the domes.
Six of the seven levels of the pyramid are open to the general
public. The tip of the structure is occupied by the command
and surveillance center of Ariadne. It is out of bounds to the
public. The center not only looks after the movements of the
vessels in the sector and the variations in the flows, but also
the surveillance of all the public areas of Ariadne. There are
cameras and spy drones deployed throughout the station. A
team of 80 Watchers mans this center around the clock.
The two levels below the command center are the docking
hangars for small underwater vessels and divers in armor.
The central sections of each side of the pyramid are equipped
with a vehicle hangar and a diving armor hangar. The center
of these two levels makes up the transit zone and elevators
are available here to take visitors down to the lower levels. In
Ariadne, docking stations can be rented for 10 Sols per hour
for a small transport vessel and 5 Sols per hour for a suit of
diving armor.
Levels 3 and 4 of the station are gigantic leisure areas that
offer the visitors all the attractions of a pleasure port: casinos,
restaurants, hotels, prostitution services, sanitation services,
ship maintenance services, etc. Only service activities are
accepted in Ariadne. Any sale of goods, except for spare parts
for vessel repairs, is forbidden.
AROUND EQUINOX
Levels 1 and 2 are also leisure areas, and these sections are
LEGENDS OF EQUINOX
connected to the domes around the base of the station. These
are the most popular levels in Ariadne. The central area is
home to the elevators that give access to the underground
city and they are therefore off-limits. Several squadrons of
Watchers stand guard over these elevators around the clock.
Even if, by some great fluke, an individual was to gain access
to these elevators in spite of all the security, he would still
not be able to get it to work without the correct code, which
is changed every three days.
The eight domes around the pyramid only have three levels
each. They are made of ACS, and are therefore transparent.
The upper level is reserved for people boarding from the
ships docked at the towers. The central level is a leisure
center with splendid lounges where people can peacefully
gaze out of the glass surfaces at the never-ending ballet
of vessels coming and going around Ariadne. The bottom
level is partly made up of hangars for ocean-floor transport
vehicles, small transport vessels, and diving armors. The rest
of this floor is dedicated to Ariadne’s security services and
the city’s maintenance services.
The prices of the services available in Ariadne are about
10% cheaper than the same ones in Equinox. It is, however,
forbidden for individual citizens to stay more than a day in
the transit station without a good reason.
THE UNDERGROUND CITY
The underground part of the city descends to 150 meters
below the ocean floor. It is made up of 14 floors, exclusively
reserved for the Watchers and the Cult of the Trident. It
is only accessible via the elevators that are found in the
center of the pyramid or through access tunnels reserved
for authorized vessels. The entrances to these tunnels are
situated several kilometers from the city and are protected
by small defense stations. The tunnels provide access to
the underground hangars of Ariadne. Only small transport
vessels, diving armors, and ocean-floor vehicles can enter
them. There are four tunnels of this kind.
Level -1 of the underground city includes four hangars,
the cabins of the surveillance teams, and the advanced
security station of Ariadne. This station is in charge of the
surveillance of the part of the city open to the public and, of
course, of the lower levels.
Levels -2 to -14 are entirely dedicated to genetic and medical
research. They are equipped with laboratories, delivery
rooms, and the living quarters of the whole of the fertile
population of Ariadne. This population lives in the most
comfortable conditions that can be imagined in the world of
the Polaris RPG. Level -10 is even said to be entirely made up
of a forest, complete with fauna (only creatures that do not
represent any danger, of course). The fertile population of
Ariadne is currently estimated at roughly 40,000 people.
A few years ago, it was revealed that the fertile people who are
sent to Ariadne do not spend their whole lives in this station.
The Cult mentions several secondary stations spread out in
37
EQUINOX - CHAPTER 2
the oceans around the globe, but it remains extremely discreet
about the way it manages such a precious part of the population.
There is one more level that serves as a seismic surveillance
center. It is not only charged with predicting any possible
earthquakes in the area, but it also watches out for any intrusion
of the Burrowers in the sector. This level is situated 800 meters
below the ocean floor; it can only be reached via a dedicated
elevator. Although it has not been confirmed, the Watchers are
said to have installed a very deep underground base and have
equipped themselves with drilling ships. They are rumored
to have called upon the services of Hegemonian specialists in
particular. If this rumor is confirmed, it could mean that the
Burrowers are coming close to Equinox for the first time ever.
LEGENDS OF EQUINOX
In every bar in Equinox, the patrons tell each other
strange stories about the world beneath the waves, but also
about the neutral city itself. Some of the stories have a part
of truth to them, others are completely made up. Here are a
few examples of these tales.
The flame that speaks (for those nostalgic about The
Neptune Factor and the submarine Seaview): the story
goes that somewhere in the slums of Equinox there exists
a flame that has the gift of precognition and can speak.
Its motivations are obscure, but it is said to be capable of
hypnotizing the people it meets and is thus taking over
control of Equinox little by little.
The Chantak: a terrifying creature is said to haunt the
slums where it feeds on the poor and the mutants. This
indestructible, immortal creature is said to be the guardian
of fabulous treasures buried under the Ariadne Passage. The
construction of the city awoke the beast and today it reaps its
revenge on the poor unfortunates of the city.
Arimatti’s ghost: there are many who claim to have seen
LEGENDS OF EQUINOX
the ghost of a priest of the Trident in the upper levels of
Equinox who is none other than Arimatti himself. This ghost
only appears to warn and protect certain people. It is said
that Arimatti was so closely linked to the Polaris Effect that
his soul survived after his death.
The shades: some tell the tale of the unfortunate ones
who have been tracked down and sucked completely dry
by shades that glide along on the walls of Equinox. These
38
immaterial beings haunt every single level of the city and are
said to feed on the vital energy of the living.
The Ghost Legion: the Ghost Legion is said to be the crew
of a vessel that was eliminated by the first rulers of Equinox
because the sailors onboard were ill. Since then, they are
supposed to haunt Level -2 of the city and massacre anyone
who crosses their path.
The sailor who won’t die: a sailor is said to have been
killed on Level -4 of Equinox, murdered by a gang while
he was on his way to deliver a very important message to
the Cult of the Trident. Since then, he is said to haunt the
walkways of that level, still trying to get information across
in spite of the tragedy.
The death dealers: down in the slums of Equinox,
humanoid creatures are rumored to be able to cause their
victims to die after a single touch. They are said to be the
avenging angels of all those who have been left to live in
poverty.
The Devourer: this legendary creature is supposed to
live in the air ducts of Equinox. It is said that it looks like
a gigantic protoplasm that feeds off all the living creatures
that come too close to the air vents. In Equinox, you will find
that many citizens habitually give air vents a wide berth.
The slum dog: the story says that this legendary dog is
the master of a pack of Kraal Hounds. It is said that it’s as
intelligent as a man and that its powers are unimaginable.
It is rumored to live in the sordid back streets of the slums.
The slum mermaids: this legend tells the tale of
creatures that take on female appearances and attract poor
unfortunates down to the slums where they reveal their true
nature before devouring their victims.
The memory drinker: some say that there is a strange
character in the slums of Equinox who feeds on the memories
of the people he comes across. The only drawback is that his
poor victims lose their minds afterward.
The Medusa of Equinox: this female-looking creature,
described by the patrons of every bar, is said to haunt the
inter-levels and the dark walkways of the city. They say
she lures her lovers back to her lair and feeds on their vital
energy, which has the effect of turning them into a very
crumbly kind of chalk.
CHAPTER 3

The Cult of the

Trident
“The Watchers? I trust them about as far as I can throw them... They may pretend to be guardian angels, walking
around in their fancy uniforms, but they’re real fanatics who despise the rest of the population. They are the damned
souls of the Cult of the Trident. All you need is to see the Condor Faction in operation once in your life to understand
that. As for the priests, their masters, their only ambition is to reign supreme over the whole of the world under the
oceans.”
—Statement from a barman in Equinox

It is impossible to talk about the neutral city without
immediately thinking about the Watchers and the Cult of
the Trident. These two organizations play a fundamental
role in the world beneath the waves. Some even claim that
they are at the heart of every plot that comes together or
falls apart in the troubled world of the Polaris RPG. The
following information is only based on generalizations, as
it is extremely difficult to obtain even the tiniest piece of
information on these so-called neutral powers.
THE CULT OF THE
TRIDENT
The Cult of the Trident is certainly, at the moment, the most
influential group in the underwater world. Claiming the role
of the one true guardian of humanity, it has managed to use
the incredible power of the Polaris Effect to establish a kind
of relative peace over the past two centuries. It is certain that
without its demonstration of force in the year 375, humanity
would have quite a different face today. Maybe the Hegemony
would rule the seven seas, but, then again, maybe there would
be no humans left! The Cult is present, directly or indirectly,
in every sea in the world and in every single community. Its
official role is to keep the various nations in a state of peace,
whatever the cost. The Watchers, the S.M.S.O., the neutral
city, and Ariadne are a few examples of this will to unify
humanity by establishing a new order that will, at last, brush
away the rivalries between the states. Equinox was built with
the purpose of becoming the central point of all humanity,
a place where everyone can live in peace in the same
community, and also to be a referee in the conflicts between
communities. The official appearance of the Cult is, therefore,
that of an organization completely dedicated to the cause of
peace and the progress of humanity.
In practice, things are not always that simple. First of all,
it seems that the Trident will stop at nothing to impose its
own vision of the world. Whether it is by the intervention of
international troops, the Watchers (who are supposed to be a
EQUINOX 3

neutral force), or by using the Polaris Effect, the Cult has proved the Action Department of the Trident. Although they are officially
over and over again that it is capable of using force to get any only in charge of the security of the priests, they work directly
rebellious organization back on the true path. Well, perhaps with the field agents of the Neptune Division and they command
radical methods are actually necessary, to resolve extreme the mysterious Ordainers, the monk-soldiers.
problems in a particularly cruel world? However, the fact that Some rumors claim that a traitor on the payroll of the
such a small organization holds such power in its hands is, of Hegemony or the Black Sun has managed to infiltrate the
course, a sizeable problem. As long as Demeter is working for ranks of the chosen ones. The Neptune Division has not, so
the good of humanity, it is possible that the Cult won’t stray too far, been able to find any proof to confirm this accusation.
far from its role as an arbiter. But what will happen if the master
of the Trident should change his mind, or if he is replaced by a
more extremist figure? What would happen if the Black Sun had JASON HELIO (DEMETER)
as much power as the Trident? Many powerful figures around At 113 years old, Jason is an enigma, even to his own
the world have wondered about these questions, and most of entourage. Appearing to be entirely devoid of human
them are convinced that such a risk is intolerable. Therefore, it feeling, it is said that he is haunted by an unknown past and
is hardly surprising that, in the intelligence services around the by his ambiguous relations with the Other, the master of
world, people are crafting dark plots to take down this cult that the Black Sun. He has perfect control over the Polaris Effect
scares even the heads of state, once and for all. in all manifestations, and has experimented with talents
unknown until now, like Foresight and Mind Control. His
THE CHOSEN ONES detractors accuse him of using the latter of these abilities
The Cult of the Trident is ruled by 31 to manipulate people he meets. He is always seen
chosen ones who are the real masters of wearing his inhibitor, even if he has no real need for it.
the organization. The chosen ones are The wildest rumors surround him. Some tell that he
all capable of using the Polaris Effect, has attained such a degree of Polaris mastery that the
and most of them have mastered its Other is merely a manifestation of his subconscious,
powers. The most powerful of the dark side of his personality. It is also said that
them is, of course, Demeter Jason is in fact the person behind the enigmatic
(Jason Helio). He possesses Shadow Ambassador or even that he may
full authority. He controls be a Genetician. No one reliably knows his
the Watchers (off the deeper motives, except perhaps Sernea, the
record, as the Watchers director of the Neptune Division, who is said
are officially run by to be very close to him. It is unknown whether
the S.M.S.O.), Equinox, Jason is sterile or if he has any descendants.
Ariadne, and the Trident.
He could appear as some
kind of absolute ruler, but, LIAM VENGARD (PROMETHEUS)
in practice, he is assisted by Ambitious and impatient, Liam is the
six Prometheus with whom personification of the “hard branch” of
he shares the power. The the cult. He does not hide his sympathy for
Prometheus are his private certain methods used by the Black Sun and
counselors and one of them frequently recommends to Demeter that
will be called upon in the they should have recourse to more radical
future to replace Jason ways to manage certain problems. At 67
Helio. years old, he is the youngest Prometheus.
Below them come the Janus His control of the Polaris Effect is
and the Nemesis. The former imperfect. He is the representative of the
are specialized in intelligence Nemesis and carries out his duty with all
operations, the latter in due seriousness. He is sterile.
the Cult’s “actions.” Each
group is made up of twelve
individuals. The Janus inform KATYA DELERIK (PROMETHEUS)
Demeter of everything that is The representative of the Janus,
going on in the world. They Katya is a close friend of Demeter. This
work in close collaboration woman of 72 years barely appears
with the Neptune Division to be 40, thanks to her use of the
and the administrative agents Polaris Effect, which she mastered for
of the Cult. The Nemesis control
Jason Helio
40 (D e m e t e r )

a thoroughly unusual purpose: Cellular Regeneration. She
cannot control any other part of her power and therefore
wears an inhibitor at all times. Katya is a gentle woman
who is officially dedicated to assuaging the sufferings of the
poorest souls. She is the spokesperson for the “soft branch”
of the cult. However, it is said, in the shadows, that she
has performed certain inadvisable activities. Some rumors
suggest fairly benign endeavors, such as that of receiving
robust young men in her living quarters, but others
speak of real crimes. More to the point, the mystery that
surrounds Katya might, in fact, indicate that she is fertile
and as a recipient of the Polaris Effect, this may turn out to
be problematic.
K at ya D e l e r i k Lopteros
(P r o m e t h e u s ) (P r o m e t h e u s )
THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
LOPTEROS (PROMETHEUS)
THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
Head of the neutral city of Equinox, Lopteros is a
remarkable administrator who only thinks of the city’s
survival and the largest part of its population. Thus, he
is regularly brought in to make difficult decisions, which
contributes to his image as a bloodthirsty monster. The
order to incinerate a quarter with its whole population
after the breakout of an epidemic in 560 and the bloody
suppression of the panic in 564 are two examples of how
he earned among some the nickname “the Butcher of
Equinox.” Despite this, Lopteros remains unflappable and,
when asked if he regrets any of his actions, he responds
that, if one day the management of the city would leave
him enough time to ponder it, he would be overjoyed to
give an answer on the subject. He is sterile, at age 92.
KRELLAR VORHN (PROMETHEUS)
An expert in biology, surgery, and molecular and
genetic medicine, Krellar Vorhn is the official responsible
for Ariadne and, naturally, its research. He is a brilliant
scientist whose sole preoccupation is to discover
a cure for sterility. He is rarely present in the
neutral city, preferring to spend his time in the
restricted sector of Ariadne. As a result, very
little is known about him. He is 78 years old,
and it is said that he is sterile.
NATAHLIOS (PROMETHEUS)
Natahlios is in charge of relations with the
Watchers, as well as with the orbital stations.
In fact, he spends most of his time aboard one
of these stations. Many suspect the Cult of
the Trident of wanting to take control of all
space-based industry and to settle among the
stars, abandoning humanity to its sad end. It is
improbable that this is true since all who use the
Polaris Effect seem to lose their gift outside the
“terrestrial atmosphere.” Natahlios is 74 years
old. He is sterile and has fairly good control
over the Polaris Effect.
PELEN RAGEN (PROMETHEUS)
In charge of international relations and
the Orpheus (diplomats) of the Cult, Pelen
is one of the most important people in the
organization. Backed up by Marcus Delvion,
one of the oceans’ finest negotiators, he has
the heavy task of ensuring peace and harmony
among the nations. He spends the majority of
his time aboard the monastery ships, traveling
from one capital to another and attempting, one way
or another, to ease diplomatic tensions. Pelen is
41
EQUINOX 3
K r e ll a r V o r h n M a r c u l s D e lv i o n
(P r o m e t h e u s ) (O r p h e u s )
said to be very cultured and generous, but also extremely
wily. He has proven his absolute cold-bloodedness. He has
mastered the Polaris Effect almost as perfectly as Demeter
but he always wears his inhibitor to reassure the other
nations’ diplomats. The latter don’t fear that he would
misguidedly unleash his power, but that he might be able to
influence their decisions through Mind Control. Pelen has
often assured them that this power is nothing but a legend,
but he does not seem to have convinced them. Pelen is 97
years old. He is sterile.
THE ORDAINERS
These monk-soldiers from the Cult of the Trident were
thought to only be a legend until Demeter himself admitted
that they were real. The Ordainers are a group of individuals
trained in Pendeven and charged with ensuring the security
of the Priests of the Trident, both in Equinox and on the
THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
monastery ships. According to certain witness reports, they
are fanatics who are completely dedicated to the cause of
the Cult and who, for the most part, are capable of mastering
the Polaris Effect. It isn’t hard to imagine the meaning of the
forming of a militia of mutants capable of using such a great
power. Fortunately, there only seem to be a few dozen of
them. These agents are also said to be used for assassinations,
infiltrations, and all kinds of sabotage. At least, that’s what
the rumors say. Although they are trained to use any type of
weapon, they prefer combat staffs (modified, of course) and
bladed weapons. They are always dressed lightly and they are
completely imperturbable. Often, they are blindfolded but
it doesn't seem to impede them. . It has never been proved
by anyone that the Ordainers have participated in a single
confrontation.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENTS
The vast majority of the members of the Cult are in this
category. In Equinox alone, it is estimated that there are
about 20,000 Orpheus, Lares, Vejovis, and Hermes. Most of
these members are perfectly normal individuals who have
embraced the ideals of the Cult.
42
P e l e n R ag e n
(P r o m e t h e u s )
The Orpheus are specialized in diplomacy. They look after the
ambassadors who are present in Equinox and take care of all the
administrative tasks that concern the relationships between the
nations. Marculs Delvion is the manager of the Orpheus.
The Lares manage the economic and social affairs of the Cult
of the Trident. They are the largest of these groups and they can
often be seen in the streets of Equinox going about their business.
The Vejovis make up the scientific teams of the Cult. They
can just as easily be found in Ariadne as they can in the many
ship building docks of Equinox. They are also in charge of
public hygiene and medicine in general.
The Hermes are the Cult’s missionaries. They travel on
board the monastery ships and go from station to station to
spread the doctrine of the Trident.
THE NOVICES
These are all the individuals who want to join the ranks of
the Trident. There are about 10,000 of them in Equinox. During
their training period, they assist their superiors in various
tasks. After two years, a novice is appointed to one of the
administrative roles or, if he is not deemed competent, he will
be excluded from the Cult. They have very little influence.
THE NEPTUNE DIVISION
The secret services of the Cult of the Trident are grouped
together in the Neptune Division. This group is run by
Sernea, one of Demeter’s faithful followers. It is particularly
feared in Equinox but not very influential in the rest of the
world. Its specialty is counter-espionage. As it happens,
Equinox is most probably the place where you can find the
most spies in the whole world, who come from all over the
planet. Attempts to infiltrate the Cult of the Trident are
commonplace and the main concern of the Neptune Division
is to detect the presence of traitors inside the organization.
Every single novice is interrogated by this division before
being accepted as a member of the Trident.
The agents of this division work very closely with the
Watchers and the Janus. The Neptune unites a certain number
of departments that are specialized in a specific area.

INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT
The “Trailfinders” are agents specialized in the search for
individuals in Equinox. They know every nook and cranny of
the city like the backs of their hands and maintain excellent
relationships with as many organizations as possible (many
of them criminal). They are not fighters but snoops, true
human bloodhounds. The manager of this department is a
man named Learet Pala.
SURVEILLANCE DEPARTMENT
This is probably the most important department of the
Neptune Division. It employs a thousand people directly and
several thousand indirectly. The “controllers” are infiltrated
among the general population in almost every sort of activity
(prostitution, commerce, trafficking, etc.). They are the eyes
and ears of the Neptune Division. Anyone in Equinox could be
part of this department and, sometimes, they may not even
know that they are. Indeed, it is rumored that the Neptune
Division doesn’t hesitate to implant ocular cameras or bugs
into people who are admitted to the surgery services. The
manager of this department is a woman named Gilea Trevors.
EMBASSY DEPARTMENT
This department is specialized in one of the most sensitive
areas of the Neptune Division: the protection of ambassadors;
not only of the Cult, but more importantly the protection of
the foreign ambassadors present in Equinox. These agents
are among the best trained and the best equipped. They
go by the adorable name of “Cerberus.” This department is
managed by Marcus Lenag.
ACTION DEPARTMENT
The Action Department is made up of the assassins on
the Cult’s payroll and the special intervention groups. The
keyword of this department is “discretion.” Their actions are
always off the record. They are known as the “Mambas.” This
department is under the management of Piot Molag.
ANALYSIS DEPARTMENT
The agents of this department, known as the “spotters,”
spend their time analyzing any information that they can get
their hands on. The information can come from transmissions
intercepted by listening beacons, images filmed in the walkways
of Equinox, confidential documents, etc. Their role is to provide
all the data that the other departments require in order to take
action. This department is managed by Milo Pendev.
THE MONASTERY SHIPS
These huge cruisers are the mobile embassies of the Cult
of the Trident. The gigantic vessels are 304 meters long
and weigh 220,000 tons. Officially, they don’t carry any
weapons, but they are always escorted by Watcher vessels.
The Cult of the Trident owns 12 of these vessels that roam
the seas of the world, going from station to station to assist
the more isolated communities and spread the good word.
THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
Each vessel carries over 5,000 people, medical equipment,
THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT
transport and maintenance vehicles, supplies, and survival
equipment. Several smaller ships specially designed to reach
unfathomable depths are also carried in the cargo holds.
GENETIC RESEARCH
If there is one research area that the Cult of the Trident
holds above all others, it is genetics. The gigantic company
Cortex is entirely funded by the Trident. Its activities range
from the pharmaceutical industry to the latest in genetic
treatments. For example, Cortex produces the most efficient
medical intraprobes on the market. The genetics research
laboratories are located in Ariadne. The main concerns of the
research scientists are, of course, genetic degeneration and
sterility. The Cult of the Trident does not cut corners when
it comes to the resources made available to its scientists.
These studies are considered to be an absolute priority by
the leaders of the Cult.
Some malicious gossips claim that Cortex would stoop
as low as to use the dregs of humanity, of which there are
plenty to be found in Equinox, as human guinea pigs for their
many experiments.
TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMICS
The Cult of the Trident also has its hands in several
companies, the importance of which is quite considerable.
Hellion Laboratories are the only ones able to “make” Geno-
Hybrids. This kind of operation costs a lot of money and,
in general, is reserved for the agents of the Cult. However,
for quite a hefty sum of several hundreds of thousands
of Sols, and a few months in a hospital, any citizen can be
transformed.
The Aeris Firms own the secret for the production of
hyperfluids. They also offer a range of mixtures and fluids.
NeoStar fluid is one of their greatest commercial successes
and a very popular product among divers. The company
also controls the company Cultura, which is specialized in
hydroculture, livestock farming, and synthetic food.
When it comes to weaponry and heavy industry, the
company Gladius is a huge corporation that produces,
among other things, the gear for the Watchers, their vessels,
and the famous monastery ships. But it is also a company
that builds modules for stations and civilian transport
vessels. Its research centers are among the most efficient.
Their most secret project is probably the Reality Vortex, a
terrifying Genetician weapon of which not much is known
at the moment.
When it comes to space exploration, although it is not the
largest, the Trident Space Agency builds various pieces of
equipment for the orbital stations, satellites, and satellite
weapons.
Finally, the most important company belonging to the Cult
in the domain of economics is Solaris, the company that
produces the Sol tags and controls the distribution of this
currency.
43
EQUINOX 3
The Cult of the Trident is obviously a considerable economic
player, and it has at its disposal resources comparable to
those of a powerful nation.
THE RELIGION
Regardless of the rest, the Cult of the Trident is, above
all, dedicated to a religion, the Polaris Effect. This very
particular religion is based on a way of life, a rather special
perception of reality and the environment, and, above
all, a power that can manifest itself and is tangible. The
Priests of the Trident believe that everything that is alive
(including the earth and the oceans) is united by an energy
that acts as a sort of cement that allows everything to exist.
The aim of this religion is to be able to control this energy
by reaching a higher level of consciousness. Therefore,
the priests of the Trident officially refuse the theory that
states that those who are able to control the Polaris Effect
are mutants. The Cult’s believers like to meditate for
long hours in states close to a trance. This allows them to
“bathe” in the energy. There are no places of worship in
Equinox, as meditation is considered a personal activity.
However, aboard the monastery ships and in a number of
isolated communities, there are meditation rooms that are
very close to what could be called temples. There are many
who claim to have been able to manipulate the Polaris
Effect during one of these sessions. The leaders of the Cult
maintain a rather embarrassed silence about this.
THE BLACK SUN
The members of the Black Sun are the sworn enemies of
the Cult of the Trident. They share the same belief, but their
44
methods and their interpretations are radically different.
As far as they are concerned, only those who are chosen
receive the ability to manipulate the Polaris Effect, and for
the sole aim of leading humanity to its salvation. They refute
the idea that any common mortal can learn to manipulate
such a power (unofficially, many of the Priests of the Trident
share this point of view). As for the methods to be used, they
must be firm and efficient. If humans behave like animals,
then they should be treated as such. Therefore, the priests of
the Black Sun consider themselves to be shepherds guarding
their flocks.
This organization is led by the Other, a mysterious character
that nobody has ever seen and whose power is at least
equal to that of Demeter. His spokesman, Alemsh Palkrach,
is a former counselor of Jason Helio. There are many who
believe that the thing that puts these two organizations in
opposition is a simple thirst for power.
THE HYBRIDS
Both the Natural Hybrids and those who were created by
the Cult’s surgical techniques are strangely attracted to the
priests of the Cult of the Trident. Some say that this is due
to the fact that the Hybrids are more sensitive to the Polaris
Effect. Whether or not this is true, a Hybrid will always
hesitate to attack a priest and will feel reassured if he is face
to face with one of them.
 INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE
ADVENTURE

Industrial
Espionage
This scenario is a basic investigation set in Equinox, which can either serve as a good introduction to the world of
the Polaris RPG or allow the Players to explore the city, its atmosphere, and its dangers. It can be played best by a
group who can balance action and reflection. Reading the chapter about Equinox is obviously necessary.
Note: everything that follows is for the GM’s eyes only.

THE PLOT

Kora Company, a subsidiary of the powerful Gladius and

based in Equinox, specializes in the resale of used weapons.
This company collects obsolete or faulty weapons from the
Watchers, military organizations, or allied stations. They
recycle and recondition them in order to resell them on
the secondhand market. While generating some significant
benefits, Kora is also a means for the authorities to control a
part of the arms market.
The story starts with Winston Shanter, a greedy executive
at Kora, hitting rock-bottom. For some time, and for his
own benefit, he had been embezzling a portion of the
spare part inventory to sell to various gangs of smugglers
and traffickers. One day, he was contacted by a new gang
eager to acquire some gear. They are actually mercenaries
specialized in industrial espionage and the resale of sensitive
technologies. Depending on your needs, they could be
freelance mercenaries or directly connected to one of the
big factions of the underwater world (which will make them
even more dangerous and may also lead you to build on other
plots). On the lookout for any smuggling activities and any
other shady gangs, the gang could have approached Shanter
through these other factions.
Discovering a new lucrative market, the executive then
lured in an engineer from Gladius: Arber Valendo. Gambler,
depressed, and alcoholic, this engineer crippled with debts
was willing to sell a few technologies on minor weapon
systems. Several exchanges were made for substantial
amounts of money, thanks to Valendo’s access to several
laboratories and Shanter’s illegal schemes. The intelligence
being exchanged was becoming increasingly interesting
for the spies, who always wanted more. In the beginning,
Valendo and Shanter were quite glad about the situation: the
former desperately needed money and the latter was greedy
and had a grudge against some of his superiors.
Things changed, however, when the two men were asked to
deliver some highly sensitive technologies that are at the very
core of Gladius vital interests. The two men hesitated, then

45
ADVENTURE
refused in the end. Still undercover and having considerable
means at their disposal, the mercenaries reacted very rapidly:
they forced both men to carry on, threatening to reveal
their betrayal, and using verbal and physical intimidation.
Under duress, Shanter and Valendo had no other choice but
to agree to deliver some important technical information
concerning prototypes of certain supercavitation weapons.
The mercenaries felt they didn’t get enough, however; their
threats were not apparently taken seriously. The first to
break down was Shanter, the more clear-headed of the two—
while Valendo sank into alcoholism and drug use. Shanter
threatened to expose them at all cost as “agents from foreign
powers.” Worried, the group of spies took care of him.
Shanter was killed in a hotel in the city while waiting for
a gang of smugglers from whom he wanted to ask for help
sneaking out of Equinox (for a good deal of money). At the
same time, Valendo was kidnapped: the spies still needed
him to decipher several stolen digital files that contain some
very valuable technical blueprints. In order to force his
cooperation, his sister was taken as well.
And this is when the PCs come in...
INTRODUCING THE
CHARACTERS
There are several ways for the PCs to become involved in
this scenario:
They may belong to the authorities (the Watchers) and
will thus be officially entrusted with the investigation of
Shanter’s death. In this case, they will start at the crime
scene.
They may work for Kora or Gladius, or be acquainted with
these companies regarding other cases. Their employer
assigns them to a discreet investigation concerning
INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE
the sudden disappearance of one of Kora’s executives,
suspected of embezzlement. Thanks to the ties between
Gladius and the Watchers, the characters will learn about
the death of their target and then be able to go to the
crime scene soon after the official investigators “turn their
backs.”
They may be some of Shanter’s contacts, who have
been expecting a “delivery” for several days... under the
surveillance of the Watchers or Kora/Gladius’s agents.
They will be contacted and offered to give Shanter away
by accepting, for example, to wear a wire in order to
spy the transaction in exchange for a reward (after all,
the PCs are not a direct nuisance). Then, after Shanter’s
death, they will be asked to lead an unofficial, parallel
investigation in order to take advantage of their contacts.
Depending on the selected introduction, some adjustments
may be necessary, but on the whole the rest of the events
should not change.
46
AT THE CRIME SCENE
Shanter was taken out in a relatively roomy hotel on Level
0 in Equinox. This is actually where the scenario begins. If
the PCs have official credentials, they can have direct access
to the scene. If not, they will have to call on some contacts or
their employers. The leads are rather thin:
• The man was chased inside the hotel by a group of
masked killers who pulled their machine guns out of
their bags and seemed to have no qualms shooting at
him in front of many witnesses. The man was eventually
executed in the bar lounge.
• According to the hotel managers, the victim had been
staying there for the last three days. Registered under a
false identity (they are not being very vigilant here), he
paid cash and never left the hotel.
• In his tiny room, the PCs can discover some personal
effects in a large travel bag: a medium-caliber gun,
a bulletproof vest, and a huge amount of money in a
briefcase locked with a key code. There is no trace of any
identity papers.
• After the identification, the body is recognized as
Winston Shanter, executive at Kora.
• The killers arrived as quickly as they left (they seem
to know the city pretty well and they started a fire in a
passageway nearby in order to cover their operation). The
bullet holes show that they used heavy-caliber weapons
with armor-piercing rounds. Because of this, the damage
looks considerable.
AT WINSTON SHANTER’S PERSONAL ROOMS
Shanter’s living quarters are located on the city’s upper
levels. They are roomy and very comfortable. The place has
obviously already been searched, as everything has been
turned upside-down. The executive’s personal computer has
been destroyed. The neighbors did see three “shifty” men
hanging around and they heard some noise. By the time
they called security, the intruders had already disappeared.
However, although the burglars did manage to disable
the security system in the flat, they did not have the time
to break the office safe open. Upon opening it, various
documents and contracts will be found, as well as a simple
numbered magnetic key.
Here are some leads that can be followed at this point:
• The documents reveal only one important clue: a
property deed regarding the acquisition from a small
security company of a warehouse in the city’s lower
levels. The company itself does not exist: it was a dummy
created by Shanter.
• The magnetic key opens a luggage locker located in
a Level 0 storage facility that offers individual (and
anonymous) safes to anyone willing to pay. Inside the
safe, the PCs find a data-chip containing some bad quality
pictures apparently taken in a bar, showing a sunken-
cheeked, unkempt, and distraught man in the company
 INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE

of another man. The former is Valendo—who is difficult It could be interesting to have a few Watcher assault squads

THE CULT OF THE TRIDENT

to recognize—and the latter is a well-known petty drug show up during the discussion. Alerted by the shooting, it
dealer who will be easy to trace down but has nothing took them a bit of time to prepare, but now are ready
to do with the current case. Shanter believed that this to eliminate any threat in the warehouse—some of the
clumsily built “compromising file” could implicate smugglers (or the PCs!) who are a bit nervous and forget to
Valendo instead of him in case something went wrong. drop their weapons might well try their susceptibility and
marksmanship first hand...
THE WAREHOUSE
The warehouse is located in a seedy, dirty, and dark level of
Equinox. From the outside, the place looks deserted. The area SMUGGLERS (3)
is actually eerily quiet. On a closer look, the doors appear to
STR CON COO ADA PER INT WIL PRE
have been forced open. Inside, there are signs of a recent
shooting: the stale smell of pepper gas, bullet marks, bodies Base 15 15 12 13 12 10 14 10
lying of the floor and still holding weapons... The caliber SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES
is similar to the one used for Shanter’s murder. Only an Luck - Reaction 12
experienced tactician can figure out what actually happened
Damage
here: some armed assailants broke into the building while Melee Damage Mod. +2 -3
Resistance
other people took refuge inside and defended themselves.
When the PCs figure this out, they hear some noise in Knockout
Stun threshold 14 24
the large dark building filled with containers and handling threshold
equipment. They are suddenly attacked in an ambush.
Their attackers empty their clips a bit randomly and shout Skills: Armed combat 12, Handgun 12, Shoulder-fired
that they will not be taken alive, while insulting the PCs weapons/Rifles 10.
abundantly. The characters should quickly understand that Gear: dagger, Kevlar vest, medium handgun, submachine
they are being mistaken for the first group of assailants. gun.
A good deal of diplomacy—or more likely when their
opponents are out of ammo—will allow the PCs to capture ARBER VALENDO
a group of frightened smugglers who surrender without When investigating Valendo’s dealer, the PCs can learn the
any resistance once they understand they are facing the man’s address or the places where he can usually be found.
authorities and not special forces who want to kill them all... If the PCs go to his quarters (he too lives in the upper levels),
Here is what they have to say: they will not discover anything particularly interesting.
• They were indeed in business with a man matching Valendo seems to have disappeared without a trace: he did
Shanter’s description from whom they would buy not go to work this morning. If they ask his neighbors about
weapons and military supplies. him, they will reveal that his only family is his sister, Janessa.
• They recently put Shanter in contact with a group of She is a technical agent at Equinox’s docks, but needless to
buyers who were not from Equinox—their appearance, say that she did not go to work either, as well as one of her
accent, and behavior marked them as soldiers or co-workers, her boyfriend, Daven.
mercenaries. As those people belong to the huge Although Janessa is nowhere to be found, Daven can be
network of acquaintances found in the underworld, these found hiding at his place—a tiny cell. This morning he
smugglers are uncertain (or unwilling to admit) whether witnessed the abduction of his girlfriend and now he does
they would be able to recognize the attackers’ faces. not dare go out. The kidnappers shot at him and, scared
• They have just suffered an all-out attack, aimed at killing to death, he will not hesitate to empty the clip of his black
them or getting rid of as many of them as possible. The market-bought weapon if anybody knocks on his door. Once
smugglers do not really understand what just happened he calms down, he will give all the necessary information he
to them as they do not have really have any enemies at can provide (few elements that are directly usable actually,
the moment—except the authorities, obviously... Despite except that he was attacked by hooded armed men...).
their assailants’ efficiency, they somehow managed to However, he does remember that Janessa and he were
keep them at bay, thanks to their stocks of weapons and approached several times during the previous two evenings,
ammo. when they were in a well-known bar. The men looked shady
• Some crates do indeed contain weapons and spare and asked the girl some personal questions. Fortunately,
parts that were ready to be resold. Obviously, the both evenings, they were with friends and this seemed keep
smugglers filed off the serial numbers of the equipment those men away. Daven will then insist on being escorted to
with a laser in order to make them untraceable. A deeper the nearest Watcher station in order to lodge a complaint.
investigation at Kora will allow them to discover the
equipment embezzlement orchestrated by Shanter.

47
ADVENTURE

DIZLO’S GANG also find some computer equipment and the files stolen
Some searching around, accompanied by either Daven or from Gladius, which might not actually be about any ultra-
one the other friends that had been present during one of sensitive projects but are valuable nevertheless.
those evenings will be enough to expose one or two petty
criminals known to belong to a gang run by Dizlo, who is
a far more dangerous person. This criminal is one of the MERCENARIES*
mercenaries’ contacts in Equinox. After the abduction of
Valendo and his sister, Dizlo was ordered to guard Janessa STR CON COO ADA PER INT WIL PRE
while her brother was taken somewhere else. The gangster Base 15 15 15 16 13 12 17 8
does not know what to do with the girl, whom he actually SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES
considers a poisoned gift. He is thinking of asking for a
Luck - Reaction 14
ransom as soon as possible, although he does not really know
to whom... The PCs will need to call some of their contacts Damage
Melee Damage Mod. +2 -3
to locate Dizlo and his gang’s hideout—in the lower levels— Resistance
which he will defend like a madman before surrendering. Knockout
Stun threshold 15 25
He will even negotiate for freedom by releasing the girl threshold
and revealing the mercenaries’ hideout. In any case, once
captured or wounded, he will be eager to reveal everything *Number to change depending on the PC’s power.
as a form of revenge: his former “associates”—whose origins
also elude him—hide even deeper into the lower levels, a Skills: Armed combat 13, Handgun 13, Shoulder-fired
rather dangerous area. weapons/Rifles 14.
Stats for Dizlo and his men: use the stats for the smugglers Gear: dagger, heavy handgun, light machine gun,
above, and add as many foes as there are PCs. polytitanium fibers protection (full).

THE MERCENARIES’ HIDEOUT

The PCs will need to go a bit deeper in Equinox to find the
mercenaries. If they do not know the area, they will need to
find a guide—and they may well find a crook who will drop
them in a particularly dangerous area. Keep in mind that
criminals are not the only things that hide here and that the
lower levels accommodate a whole wildlife of their own. Feel
free to change this descent into an exploration, and to put
a few Kraal hounds (CRB2 page 166) or any other creatures
that come from the slums, in addition to some red-herring
individuals that live here.
INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE
CONCLUSION
All of this may lead the PCs to other adventures. Keep in
mind that the mercenaries present in Equinox can actually
be only a fraction of a bigger group. They could even be
connected to one of the factions of the underwater world.
These people will probably seek revenge, whereas the PCs’
employers may want to know more about this group’s
actions.

In any case, the mercenaries are hiding there and will

not be taken out easily. The best option would be to end up
with a difficult encounter set within the dark, disturbing
passageways in Equinox’s lower levels. The mercenaries are
experienced enough to have booby-trapped the area and to
have put in some motion detectors. They will ambush and
fight the PCs in an environment they know all too well.
Therefore, launching an attack will be no pleasure cruise.
Please note that depending on their status, the PCs can call in
the Watchers, or a gang of hired muscle paid for by Gladius.
Once the mercenaries have been taken out, it will be
possible to search their hideout. The PCs will find Valendo’s
body, shot down at the beginning of the fight. They will

48
 "YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS CITY AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME,
TO BE CRUSHED BY ITS MAJESTY."
-Statement of a Red League diplomat, during his first visit to Equinox

Discover the underwater city of Equinox, this huge octahedron with

its many levels that floats on the Rockhall Threshold. Learn more
about its population and way of life and the most important locations.

This supplement also gives you more information about the Cult of
the Trident, their power and intrigues!

Start exploring Equinox right away with the short adventure

"Industrial Espionnage"!

This book is a setting sourcebook for the

POLARIS RPGTM. You will need Core Rulebooks 1&2 to
play the game.

www.polaris-rpg.com

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 16+

ISBN: 978-2-36328-214-9

PZO-BBEUS-POL-02 © 2016 Black Book Editions. Polaris RPGTM and its logo are registered trademarks of Black Book Editions in the U.S.A and other countries.
Black Book Editions and its logo are registered trademarks of Black Book Editions. All rights reserved.