The World
195 years after the mega corporations of the old world settled a new planet, where they could start over fresh instead of trying to live in a world ravaged by their own greed and mismanagement, society has evolved into a harsh, corporate-dominated dystopia.
This new world is characterized by towering megacities, sprawling industrial zones, and a stark divide between the powerful corporate elite and the struggling masses. Life is a constant struggle for survival, and only those who can navigate the dangerous streets and corporate intrigues can hope to thrive. But through it all, the wild zones, areas outside corporate-controlled territories, are fighting back by giving the select people access to powers that resist corporate control and challenge the established order.
Edgeliners
Edgeliners are the individuals who operate on the fringes of this corporate-dominated society. They are often skilled in combat, hacking, and other specialized abilities that allow them to survive and thrive in the dangerous urban landscape. Being an Edgeliner means walking the fine line between rebellion and survival, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible while avoiding the ever-watchful eyes of the megacorporations.
Ancestries
Not only are they human, but technology has advanced to the point where it can uplift animals and other species to human-level intelligence, creating a diverse range of sentient beings that coexist alongside humans in the world of Edgeliner. They primarily uplifted canines, felines, and rodents to serve as workers in dangerous environments and as companions to their human counterparts. The uplifted are treated as second-class citizens, many facing discrimination and limited opportunities despite their intelligence and capabilities.
In addition to the uplifted, some AI have awakened and downloaded into robotic bodies to escape corporate influence. It is an ongoing struggle for these AI to assert their independence and find their place in a world dominated by human and uplifted interests. It is also debated whether these AIs control their memories or if they belong to the corporation that awakened them.
Augmentation & Tech
Edgeliner introduces a range of cybernetic augmentations, customizable cyberdecks used for hacking and drone control, and other advanced technologies. These augmentations and technologies provide players with unique abilities and tactical advantages, allowing them to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle and approach to the challenges of the dystopian world.
Mystic Powers
Three forms of mystical and supernatural powers exist in the world of Edgeliner: Psychic powers, where individuals with predisposed genetic markers can manipulate space and mind around them. Shamans get their power from the spirits of the world, who take the guise of familiar animals, and who fight to return the world to balance. And finally, mages who get their power from the language of power that was discovered from tortured shamans to unlock its secrets.
Each type of power comes with its own strengths, mechanics, and limitations. Players must carefully consider which path to pursue, as each choice will shape their character's abilities, role in the world, and interactions with both the corporate powers and the wild zones.
Factions
The world of Xethos is divided into 28 megacorporation territories; they do not cover the entire planet, and the 28 megacorporations do not stay solely in the territories they control. You can find them all over the world, doing questionable things. One faction, though, is the designated king of the corporate hierarchy within their own territory.
In the wilds of the world, the shaman and outlaw factions operate outside megacorporate control, often clashing with corporate forces and each other as they pursue their own agendas and protect the world's natural balance.
Running Edgeliner
Running Edgeliner involves balancing the gritty, high-stakes world of corporate intrigue with the mystical and technological elements that define the setting. GMs should create scenarios that challenge players strategically and morally, encouraging them to navigate the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and hidden agendas that shape the world of Xethos.
Mechanical Changes to Pentra
The Edgeliner setting introduces several mechanical changes to the core Pentra system to better reflect the unique aspects of the world: an attribute for Power, new rules for mystical abilities, hacking, and drone control. The powers offer a host of new skill choices locked behind power talents and tied to the power attribute, ensuring characters who invest in these abilities can fully harness their potential.