Old School Renaissance – Red Sangha Mercenary Corps: The Gene-Cursed Warriors of Stars Without Number

Old School, stars without number

Publisher: Sine Nomine Publishing

Stars Without Number is a sci-fi role playing game that allows you to explore a vast and diverse galaxy full of wonders and dangers. One of the features of the game is the Mandate Archive series, which are free supplements that provide more details and options for various aspects of the game world. One of these supplements is the Red Sangha Mercenary Corps, which introduces a faction of neo-Buddhist super-soldiers who are known for their serene demeanor and deadly efficiency. In this review, I will give you an overview of the supplement and its main features, as well as my opinion on its quality and usefulness.

Overview of the Red Sangha Mercenary Corps

The Red Sangha Mercenary Corps is a group of professional warriors who follow a modified version of Buddhism that emphasizes detachment, discipline, and compassion. They originated from a colonial world called Jivaka, where a group of monk-scientists developed a drug called Liberation that could alter the human mind and body. Liberation was a neurochemical treatment that lasted for six weeks, during which the subject would be permanently locked into a state of calm serenity, incapable of feeling strong emotions such as rage, panic, lust, or dread. The only emotion that the Liberated could feel strongly was a deep and abiding love for those people, places, and ideas that earned their devotion.

Liberation had a price, however. Subjects could expect to die of brain cancer within forty to fifty years of modification. Despite this, some of the most devout Jivakans chose to undergo Liberation, believing that it was a noble and pious choice that would grant them merit in their spiritual path. They also formed the Red Sangha Mercenary Corps, a group of elite soldiers who offered their services to various clients across the galaxy. The Red Sangha Mercenary Corps was renowned for its high standards, loyalty, and efficiency. They were also respected by their enemies, who knew that the Red Sangha mercenaries would not resort to unnecessary violence or cruelty. The Red Sangha Mercenary Corps had a distinctive appearance and equipment, such as their red robes, their smiling masks, and their signature weapons: the sangha rifle and the sangha blade.

Game Mechanics and Content

The supplement provides new rules and options for creating and playing as a Red Sangha mercenary character in Stars Without Number. You can choose from four new backgrounds: Red Sangha Initiate, Red Sangha Veteran, Red Sangha Officer, or Red Sangha Renegade. Each background gives you access to different skills, foci, and equipment related to the Red Sangha Mercenary Corps. You can also use the new rules for creating a Red Sangha mercenary group, which allows you to customize your group’s name, reputation, specialty, and assets.

The supplement also introduces new equipment, vehicles, and cyberware that are available to the Red Sangha mercenaries. Some examples are:

  • The sangha rifle, a versatile weapon that can fire bullets or plasma bolts, and has a built-in grenade launcher.
  • The sangha blade, a retractable sword that can cut through armor and shields, and has a stun function.
  • The sangha bike, a fast and agile motorcycle that can fly or hover, and has a cloaking device.
  • The sangha suit, a powered armor that enhances the wearer’s strength, speed, and durability, and has a built-in computer and communication system.
  • The sangha implant, a cybernetic device that helps the user control their emotions and pain, and grants them access to the Red Sangha network.

The supplement also offers some adventure hooks, factions, and locations that are related to the Red Sangha Mercenary Corps. For example:

  • A mysterious client hires the Red Sangha mercenaries to infiltrate a secret facility and retrieve a valuable artifact.
  • A rival mercenary group challenges the Red Sangha mercenaries to a duel for honor and glory.
  • A former Red Sangha mercenary reveals a dark secret about the origin of Liberation.
  • A rebel leader seeks the help of the Red Sangha mercenaries to overthrow a tyrannical regime.
  • A planet is under siege by an alien invasion force, and the Red Sangha mercenaries are the only ones who can stop them.

Conclusion

The Red Sangha Mercenary Corps supplement is an excellent addition to the Stars Without Number game. It provides an interesting and unique faction that can be used as allies, enemies, or player characters. It also adds new content and options that enrich the game world and enhance the gameplay. I would recommend this supplement to anyone who enjoys sci-fi role playing games, especially those who like military themes and Buddhist concepts.

Stars Without Number – Mandate Archive: Red Sangha Mercenary Corps on DrivethruRpg