Table of Contents

102 Pen and Paper Adventure | Beta Age | Hunting an Unknown Hunter

SCENE 9 — FINAL DEBRIEFING

1 | Scene Overview

Atmosphere & Sensory Cues: The definitive sound of the HQ’s heavy doors sealing shut · the hum of the secure ventilation system · the smell of ozone, damp equipment and stale synthcaf · Ezrah’s visible relief · the growing weight of everything the PCs have brought back from the Realm

2 | Read-Aloud Descriptions

Initial Read-Aloud — Welcome Back

The heavy doors of the HQ hiss shut behind you, sealing out the noise of New Kourou. After the endless mist, wet timber and tangled undergrowth of the Atrana Mountains, the mechanical hum of the building feels almost unreal.

The air smells faintly of ozone, moist soil and stale synthcaf.

Ezrah is waiting beyond the inner checkpoint. Her eyes move across your mud-stained equipment, your injuries, the faces beside you and whatever remains of the mission you carried home.

For the first time since you met her, her hard professional expression softens into a genuine smile.

“You made it,” she breathes.

The smile lasts only a moment. Then her attention settles on the evidence, the unanswered questions and the consequences that followed you back from the mountains.

“Come inside,” she says. “I want to hear everything.”

Staged Read-Alouds — Progressive Descriptions

Trigger / Timing Read-Aloud / Narrative Insert
J.W. was delivered alive Ezrah’s attention settles on J.W., and the relief disappears from her face. She looks toward you rather than calling for an escort. “Search him again. If he needs treatment, stabilize him. Then take him upstairs to the interrogation room.” Her eyes return to the prisoner. “Keep him secured. Until someone else assumes lawful custody, he remains our responsibility.”
The PCs secure J.W. in the second-floor interrogation room J.W. sits restrained on the opposite side of the desk. Whatever condition the journey has left him in, he meets Ezrah’s gaze without lowering his own. She remains standing while you take positions around him. “J.W.,” she says. “At last.”
J.W. was not delivered alive Ezrah leads you into her office on the ground floor and closes the heavy door behind you. She takes her place behind the desk but does not sit. “All right,” she says. “Start at the beginning. Tell me what happened to J.W.”
Recorded testimony or decisive evidence is presented The room fills with the sound of recorded voices, rustling documents or the quiet placement of recovered evidence upon the desk. Ezrah does not interrupt. By the time the final detail has been presented, the relief has vanished from her face.
J.W. prepares a final desperate action J.W.’s attention shifts away from the questions. His eyes settle on the frosted pane behind him. The muscles in his shoulders tighten, and one leg draws beneath the chair. For one suspended moment, the entire room seems to hold its breath.

3 | Scene Intent

Scene Type Player Intents DM Function / Story Link
Final Debriefing Report what happened · present evidence · explain difficult decisions · ask unresolved questions Establishes the official outcome of the mission and allows Ezrah to evaluate the PCs’ actions.
Conditional Interrogation Question J.W. · test his account · confront him with evidence Reveals only the parts of the case that the PCs have earned and that J.W. can still confirm.
Resolution Determine what happens to J.W., the evidence and the truth about the Blues Records the consequences and J.W.’s Final State, determining whether the adventure continues with Scene 10a — The Hunter Unmasked or Scene 10b — What Remains.

4 | Key (N)PCs

Name / Role Motivation / Function Dynamic Cues — How They React in Play Link
Ezrah Scherkenstein Obtain answers · establish accountability · protect the Office Ezrah is genuinely relieved that the PCs survived, but she does not confuse survival with success. She listens before judging and distinguishes unavoidable setbacks from reckless decisions. If J.W. is present, she wants a usable confession and lawful custody—not private revenge. Ezrah Scherkenstein
J.W. — conditional Preserve leverage · limit his exposure · control how much of the truth becomes known J.W. is exhausted and isolated, but not automatically repentant. He confirms proven facts, bargains with information and protects the secrets he still considers valuable. His injuries, restraints and earlier experiences determine how much resistance he can offer. Jareth Wyrick
Returning Companions or Witnesses — conditional Confirm events · provide testimony · preserve evidence Bii, Jop, Kelta or other surviving companions may corroborate the PCs’ account. Recordings and direct testimony can replace information that would otherwise have required J.W.’s presence. —
The Tinkerers — conditional Provide medical or technical assistance · help Ezrah keep the Office functional The Tinkerers appear only if their established condition and location permit it. They may help stabilize injuries, prepare the interrogation room or examine recovered equipment. They are not guards and do not assume custody of J.W. Martin "The Tinkerer" Gaugnon
Guarding Troopers — conditional outside authority Secure a dangerous prisoner · preserve evidence · assert legal jurisdiction Guarding Troopers become relevant only if they already know about the case, accompanied the PCs, responded to earlier events or are contacted after the debriefing. They are not members of the Office and may claim custody of J.W. or recovered evidence. Guarding Troopers

5 | Triggers, Clues and Consequences

Before the Debriefing — Review the Recorded States

Only consult the states that became relevant during play.

State to Review Application in This Scene
J.W.’s Final State Begin with the state established during the return: Delivered Alive — Remains Alive, Delivered Dead, Not Delivered — In Honga Custody or Not Delivered — At Large. If J.W. dies by suicide during this scene, update the state to Delivered Alive — Died by Suicide at the OfSO.
J.W.’s Current Condition — if alive Record whether he is conscious, injured, crippled, restrained or capable of answering questions and attempting physical action.
Evidence and Testimony Review physical evidence, documents, recordings, witness statements and discoveries made inside the compound.
Judgment State Carry forward the result of Scene 8b — The Judgment, if that scene occurred.
Blues Disposition and Resistance Preserve whether the Blues were Sympathetic, Uncertain or Alienated, and whether their Resistance remained None or became Open Defiance.
Legal Status Record whether the Guarding Troopers know about the PCs’ actions, the compound, J.W. or the Blues.
Previous Statements Note anything J.W. already revealed and whether Bii or another witness recorded it. Do not make him repeat information unnecessarily.

Phase I — The Mission Report

Ezrah first asks for an uninterrupted account of the mission. Allow the PCs to decide what they report, what evidence they present and what information they attempt to withhold.

Trigger / Cue Ezrah’s Response Clue / Consequence
— J.W.’S FINAL STATE —
J.W. was delivered alive Ezrah instructs the PCs to search him again, remove any concealed weapons or tools and stabilize injuries that threaten his survival. The PCs must then escort him upstairs to the interrogation room and keep him restrained under their watch. Ezrah accompanies them. Available Tinkerers may assist with treatment or preparation, but they do not assume custody. Set J.W.’s provisional Final State to Delivered Alive — Remains Alive. The original live-capture mandate has been fulfilled. If J.W. can answer questions, continue with Phase II — Conditional Interrogation of J.W. If he is unconscious or otherwise incapable of answering, skip to Phase III — Ezrah’s Assessment.
J.W. was delivered dead Ezrah asks how he died, whether his death could have been prevented and why the PCs chose to transport his body back to New Kourou. The body remains secured in the enclosed salvage yard until the debriefing is complete. The live-capture mandate has failed, but the body may provide physical evidence and allow J.W.’s identity to be documented. Record Delivered Dead and defer examination and unmasking to Scene 10b — What Remains.
J.W. remains in Honga custody Ezrah is openly dissatisfied but listens to the circumstances of Aruṇa’s judgment and any pact the PCs made. Record Not Delivered — In Honga Custody. Determine whether Ezrah accepts the decision as understandable, regards it as a breach of contract or intends to pursue the matter later.
J.W. escaped, was abandoned or was never secured Ezrah concentrates on his last known condition, location, resources and likely intentions. Record Not Delivered — At Large. The evidence determines whether the Office can act against his network despite his continued freedom.
— EVIDENCE AND TESTIMONY —
The PCs present decisive physical evidence Ezrah examines the material carefully and compares it with the original attack upon the Office and the death of the Nameless Man. Facts demonstrated directly by the evidence require no social probe. Update the Evidence State accordingly.
The PCs present a recording of J.W. Ezrah listens to the complete recording before asking questions. J.W. cannot credibly deny statements preserved in the recording. If he is absent, the recording may resolve important parts of the case without him.
The evidence remains incomplete Ezrah asks the PCs to separate what they witnessed from what they inferred. A successful INT (Investigation) or CHA (Persuasion) probe (DC 13) can organize incomplete evidence into a convincing account. Failure does not erase existing clues, but Ezrah records the case as uncertain.
— THE BLUES —
The PCs report the Blues and their treatment at the compound Ezrah asks whether they served J.W. willingly, acted under coercion or resisted the Hands when the alarm sounded. Use the recorded Blues Disposition to describe their relationship with the PCs and Blues Resistance to establish whether they openly opposed J.W.’s system. Do not treat every Blue as equally responsible.
The PCs conceal or limit information about the Blues Ezrah can act only upon the information she receives unless existing evidence, witnesses or Guarding Trooper reports contradict the PCs. Record the Blues Exposure as Hidden, Limited or Exposed for the ending.
— OUTSIDE AUTHORITY —
Guarding Troopers are already involved The debriefing becomes part of an official investigation. Evidence may be copied, witnesses questioned and lawful custody claimed by the authorities. Ezrah cannot guarantee that the case or the existence of the Blues will remain inside the Office.
No outside authority is yet involved Ezrah temporarily controls how the information is documented and released. The PCs may still influence whether the truth is exposed, restricted or concealed.

Phase II — Conditional Interrogation of J.W.

Use this phase only if J.W. was delivered alive and remains capable of answering questions. Information he has already revealed does not need to be extracted again.

Trigger / Cue J.W.’s Response Clue / Consequence
The PCs confront J.W. with proven facts J.W. confirms what the evidence makes impossible to deny, but frames his decisions as necessary for survival. No probe is required to confirm a fact already established by decisive evidence or a recording.
The PCs ask about the Nameless Man J.W. describes the Nameless Man as someone whose deteriorating memory threatened more lives than his own. He avoids describing the killing as personal revenge. Use the Case Resolution and Discoverable Backstory page to answer only the questions the PCs ask and can support with their discoveries.
The PCs ask about the attack upon the Office J.W. separates himself from the physical attack by emphasizing the Hands who carried it out. Evidence may nevertheless establish that the operation served his interests or followed his orders. The PCs may connect the assassination attempt to J.W.’s wider system.
The PCs ask about the compound and the Blues J.W. describes control, secrecy and stolen identities as protection from a world that would never accept his people. He does not willingly describe the Blues as victims. A WIS (Insight) probe (DC 13) recognizes where concern for the Blues ends and concern for J.W.’s authority begins.
J.W. refuses to answer or offers a bargain He requests protection, medical treatment, restricted testimony or consideration for the Blues in exchange for specific information. The PCs and Ezrah may accept, reject or modify the bargain. A CHA (Persuasion or Intimidation) probe (DC 13) is necessary only when the available evidence provides insufficient leverage.
Ezrah asks the PCs whether his account is credible J.W. watches the group while they compare his story with what they found during the hunt. The PCs decide which statements they believe. Their assessment influences Ezrah but does not automatically reveal the complete backstory.

Optional Event — The Hunter’s Final Move

J.W.’s death is an optional consequence, not a predetermined ending. Use this event only if all of the following are true:

If a PC is explicitly watching J.W., they notice his preparation automatically. Otherwise, a WIS (Perception) probe (DC 11) notices his fixation upon the frosted pane and the change in his posture.

After reading “J.W. prepares a final desperate action,” stop and ask the players what they do.

Any plausible immediate intervention may prevent the attempt. If a probe is required, use STR (Athletics) or DEX (Acrobatics) against DC 12.

Outcome Consequence
The PCs stop J.W. J.W. is restrained more securely and remains alive under the PCs’ watch in the second-floor interrogation room. Record his Final State as Delivered Alive — Remains Alive.
The PCs fail to intervene J.W. drives the chair backward through the frosted pane and falls into the enclosed salvage yard below. A jagged spar of salvaged hull plating kills him. Update his Final State to Delivered Alive — Died by Suicide at the OfSO.
The PCs injure but save him J.W. survives but requires immediate treatment. Further questioning is postponed. Record his Final State as Delivered Alive — Remains Alive and update his Current Condition.
The attempt is impossible because of earlier precautions Do not call for a probe. Reward the PCs’ preparation, keep his Final State as Delivered Alive — Remains Alive and continue the interrogation.

Phase III — Ezrah’s Assessment

Ezrah’s decision should reflect both the original mandate and what the PCs actually accomplished.

J.W.’s Final State / Evidentiary Situation Official Resolution Reward Consequence
Delivered Alive — Remains Alive, with substantial evidence Mandate Fulfilled: J.W. remains secured for formal investigation and eventual lawful transfer. The PCs qualify for the full agreed reward.
Delivered Alive — Remains Alive, but the evidence remains limited Target Secured — Case Pending: The live-capture mandate has been fulfilled, but the Office must verify the wider case. Payment may be delayed until the evidence has been assessed.
Delivered Alive — Died by Suicide at the OfSO Live Delivery Completed — Target Died at the Office: The PCs fulfilled the extraction mandate before J.W.’s death. Ezrah records how the death occurred and whether reasonable precautions were taken. The PCs retain their claim to the full reward unless they deliberately caused his death.
Delivered Dead, with substantial evidence Case Proven — Mandate Failed: Ezrah accepts the identity of the Hunter and the truth of the case, but records that he was not delivered alive. The original capture reward may be reduced or withheld. Exceptional evidence may justify separate compensation.
Delivered Dead, but the evidence remains insufficient Identity or Case Pending: The recovered body may still provide evidence, but the Office cannot yet close the case. Payment is delayed or withheld pending examination and identification.
Not Delivered — In Honga Custody Cultural Judgment — Mandate Failed: The immediate conflict may be resolved, but J.W. was not returned to the Office. Ezrah determines compensation according to the PCs’ pact, reasoning and evidence. Full payment is not automatic.
Not Delivered — At Large, with substantial evidence Threat Identified — Target at Large: The operation has been exposed, but J.W. remains a continuing threat. The full capture reward is withheld, although Ezrah may compensate the PCs for decisive evidence and survival.
Not Delivered — At Large, with insufficient evidence Inconclusive or Failed Mission: Ezrah cannot close the case or prove the PCs’ account. Payment is withheld or limited to previously agreed expenses.
Any Final State in which outside authorities claim jurisdiction Official Investigation Opened: Custody, evidence or testimony passes partly or entirely to the Guarding Troopers. Payment depends upon whether Ezrah considers the Office’s mandate fulfilled before jurisdiction changes.

Before continuing, record:

Phase IV — Closing the Debriefing

Once the relevant questions have been answered, read or paraphrase:

Ezrah closes the case file with a slow, deliberate click.

“Whatever else happens, what you found out there changes this case,” she says. “Maybe more than any of us understand yet.”

She looks from the evidence to each of you.

“The report is finished. What remains depends on what you brought back—and what we decide to do with it.”

Once the debriefing and Ezrah’s assessment are complete, continue according to J.W.’s recorded Final State:

J.W.’s Final State Continue With
Delivered Alive — Remains Alive Continue with Scene 10a — The Hunter Unmasked.
Delivered Alive — Died by Suicide at the OfSO Continue with Scene 10a — The Hunter Unmasked.
Delivered Dead Continue with Scene 10b — What Remains.
Not Delivered — In Honga Custody Continue with Scene 10b — What Remains.
Not Delivered — At Large Continue with Scene 10b — What Remains.

6 | DM Notes

DM Tutorial: How to Resolve the Final Debriefing