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> “In , never be surprised. If you see a flying donkey, just say that Allah is capable of anything.” -MOROCCAN PROVERB

JackPoint Stats 88 Users are active Welcome back to JackPoint, OMAE: on the network Welcome back to JackPoint, chummer; your last connection was severed 22 hours, 4 minutes, 13 seconds ago Latest News > The Department of Animal Today’s Heads Up Control has issued another > JackPoint has updated its security protocols (again) because of suspicious warning: tens of thousands of anomalies. Keep better track of your security data people; last warning. — devil rats have been flushed Glitch from the sewers because of current repair projects and are now roaming the city. Incoming Residents are advised to avoid > Yeah, definitely be afraid of the dark.[Tag: Dark Terrors] them. > Know the opposition. Even better, know what weapon works against them. Personal Alerts [Tag: Street Lethal] > You have 12 new private > This is me, resisting a “play it again, Sam” joke. [Tag: Morocco: -] messages. > You have 45 new responses to your JackPoint posts. Top News Items > You have 01 incoming > Terrorist group calling themselves Overreach claims responsibility for messages from your pizza destruction Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square on 04 September, delivery agent: “Oh God, open saying “Monuments to colonialism and its heroes will not be tolerated.” the door! The devil rats are after me, HELP!” Seventeen people were also killed in the attack.” Link > There are 2 Members online > CAS Military and contracted mercenary units conduct extensive “readiness and in your area. exercises” near Carib League border in Florida, despite repeated League > Your Current Rep Score: 799 (71% Positive) protests. Link > Corporate Council and United Nations to hold international summit and THE INNER CIRCLE gala celebrating the final completion of the Skyhook Space Elevator.Link Current Time: 06 Jauary 2080, 2319 hrs >> SHADOWRUN <<

FACTS AT A GLANCE MOROCCO Education Expenditures: 7.5% of GDP (2074) The CIA Factbook, 2078 (Revised) Estimated SINless: 19% Language: Moroccan /Darija (official), Arabic, Berber Geography: northern coast and interior are mountainous with languages (Tamazight, Tachelhit, and Tarifit), English, French large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich (often used for business, trade, government/diplomacy), local coastal plains. dialects Area: 446, 500 sq. km. Literacy: 90% Border Countries: Algeria, /Mauritania, Major Urban Areas: Casablanca 3,144,909; Rabat (capital) Climate: Mediterranean (warm, wet winters w/ hot dry 1,655,753; Fes 964,891; Sale 903,458; 859,098 summers), becoming more extreme in the interior Maritime Claims: Economy (rank ordering): Phosphate mining/processing, Coastline: 1,835 km agriculture (food processing), construction, tourism, leather/ Territorial sea: 12 nm synthleather goods, textiles, exotic minerals mining, energy Contiguous zone: 24 nm Corporate Affiliation: 50%, signatory of the Business Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Recognition Accords Continental shelf: 200 m depth or to Currency: Nuyen (mints physical currency under license of the depth of exploitation Corporate Court), dirham (often used as local currency in some Natural Resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, areas, exchange rate w/ nuyen: 8.55) zinc, fish, salt, other Per Capita GDF: 8,200 nuyen Population Below Poverty Line: 13% Government: Constitutional monarchy Administrative Divisions: Fifteen regions (as of 2075); Communications: Advanced, multipurpose communication Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Doukkala-Abda, Fes- system; participant in Grid Overwatch Division security Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara, partnership -Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Matrix Users: 25.4 million Haouz, -Tafilalet, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer, Notable Local Grids: Gibraltar-net (shares with Spain), Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-Al Des-Sat (satellite network for communications in Hoceima-Taounate desert/Western Sahara areas) Capitol: Rabat Regional Telecommunications Code: AF/MOC/MO Independence: March 2, 1956 (from France) Legal System: Mixed. Legal system is based on French and Military: Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (RMAF); Moroccan Islamic common law. Judicial review of legislative acts done by Royal Army, Moroccan Royal Navy, Moroccan Royal Air Force, Constitutional (Supreme) Court Moroccan Royal Guard, Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces Suffrage: 18 years of age Service Age/Obligations: 18 years of age for compulsory service (males only). Service length at least three years; 12 Population: 33,287,266 (January 2076 est.) months active duty, 24 months (total) active reserve. “Emergency Metahuman Demographics: Human 62%, ork 19% (35% of Reserve” status maintained until age 50. Females barred from that percentage is metavariant: hobgoblin), troll 5%, dwarf 5%, military service except with waiver. elf 4% Military Expenditures: 8.0 of GDP Education: Less than 12 years 9%, high school equivalent 65%, college degree 41%, advanced degrees 11%

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 3 >> SHADOWRUN <<

Third, businesses are expanding. Until recently, THE PLACE … Morocco was thought of as a one-trick pony, relying on their ports to foster a massive shipping business. With POSTED BY: TRAVELER JONES more than a few nations (like, say, Aztlan and the Sioux Morocco is my kind of place. It’s a combination of bus- Nation) having taken hits to their own agricultural business, tling urban centers, quiet rural areas, wondrous sights of Morocco’s agro-businesses are receiving worldwide nature, great food, and enough exotic local flavors to en- attention. Morocco’s longtime mining operations have tice (but not scare) the norms. also started to expand as new precious minerals are being More importantly, it’s where business gets done. discovered. Ask any professional what the biggest runner hot-spots are, and I’ll lay odds they’ll mention places like Seattle, Berlin, or Hong Kong. But Morocco? Not likely. But that’s ACCESS AND VISITATION the beauty of the place. It’s like that great local place that’s With over 1,800 kilometers of coastline (or approximate- been around forever but is suddenly “discovered.” In my ly 3,000 kilometers if you include the disputed Western not-so-humble opinion, that’s Morocco in a nutshell. A Sahara), multiple aeroports, modern roadways, railways, lot of professionals have seen the signs and are setting up and more seaports than seagulls, getting into Morocco shop. Hell, if not for my migratory business practices, I’d is relatively easy provided your travel documents are in seriously think about at least a summer home here. order. To accommodate the tens of thousands of daily visitors, security officers try to pass people through cus- > This is going to be something besides a huge mash note soon, toms as quickly as possible. This has created extremely right? efficient inspection techniques. To supplement the stan- > Rigger X dard walkthrough scanning stations, drones equipped with top-of-the-line sensor suites also scan individuals So what’s Morocco got for business? First off: location, waiting in customs lines and record their travel visa/pass- location, location. Located on the western part of northern port and personal data, which is relayed then to security Africa, it controls one half of the Strait of Gibraltar with spiders for verification and clearance. coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal travel and transportation hub. > Despite the efficiency of Moroccan customs officials, they’re “Entrepreneurs” of all stripes traveling from the Western often overworked and understaffed. If you have better-than- Hemisphere and Europe to the Middle East make extensive average forged documents and or a decent “gift” to offer them, use of Morocco’s facilities. your chances of getting in are pretty good. > Traveler Jones > Let me say this: The above reasons are why smuggling is the biggest shadow businesses in Morocco. If there is a thing to be > Not for much longer. New directives from the NPF have created smuggled, it has been done here. better security protocols. If one uses a forged visa or SIN, it had > Al Dhibi better be a good one. A decent bribe won’t guarantee entrance anymore. Second, unlike some other nearby nations, Morocco is > Waaha fully modern. At the turn of the century, Morocco was already working toward modernization in its major cities. And over > Checks have also increased within the Southern Provinces, the past couple of decades, government deals with various which includes vehicle inspections, much to the dissatisfaction corps has poured billions of nuyen into fully modernizing businessmen like myself. their infrastructure, including the latest in Matrix hardware > Hazma the Lion and protocols. Have a job in the less tech-friendly parts of the continent? Morocco makes a nice staging point. > This have anything to do with the rumors of orichalcum deposits in the Western Sahara, a.k.a., the “Southern Provinces”? > Morocco’s grid is a point of pride. Many users from Europe > Lyran choose our grid over their local ones—a fact which is often exploited. > Well, didn’t take long for that particular rumor to pop up. > Waaha > J. Murdock

> Jones glosses over that before the unpleasantness of the > That’s not a denial. early 21st Century, Morocco had modern industries in mining, > Lyran agriculture, and telecommunications. After the Jihad, the corps were quite happy to help these industries get back on their feet. > J. Murdock

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Morocco currently recognizes most government > Despite Moon’s lack of social graces, he’s correct. Morocco is and corporate passports/visas and doesn’t require any progressive in many ways, but the traditional Muslim hatred of additional paperwork, except for awakened individuals. magic that “doesn’t come from Allah” still runs deep in many Any Awakened individual visiting Morocco must apply places there. for an official Moroccan Government Visitation Waiver > Am-mut at least two months prior to their visit. Applicants must declare the reason for their visit, a full itinerary (including AIR exact arrival and departure time), a full listing of known abilities/materials/tools, along with associated licensing Morocco boasts a large number of modern aeroports for any and all such abilities/items. Awakened individuals capable of handling all known aircraft types. The largest staying less than twenty-four hours or on layover must be of these aeroports, Hassid II International out of Casa- secured in special areas at their respective point of entry blanca, started out as a USAAF fighter base in World War until their departure. As always, their identity and visitation II and later became Nouasseur Air Base, for the USAF’s waiver must be broadcast at all times or they face action up . The US pulled out in 1963, but to and including, incarceration, deportation, or in extreme locals still call it “Nouasseur.” cases, execution. When the Alliance for Allah’s Jihad was in full swing during the 2030s, Morocco’s and seaports served > Pay heed to that last one. Abominations using powers outside as critical bases and staging areas for operations into Allah’s grace are sometimes tolerated but never welcome in Spain and France. And when the Europeans eventually his lands. counterattacked, Morocco’s airports were at the top of > Crescent Moon their target list Following the Jihad, Morocco’s airports languished in > I was wondering if you would show up here, old boy. As disrepair until King Hassid brokered deals with Saeder- charming as ever I see. Krupp and Ares Macrotechnology to modernize them. > J. Murdock The project began in early 2051 and despite the damage caused by Crash 2.0, the project was considered complete > Others are only tolerated as well … enough in 2072. > Crescent Moon > Special concessions were also given in the form of “privately > Keep it civil. leased” areas at some aeroports. Security there is handled > Glitch by the leaser, and their craft come and go at their leisure with priority clearance. S-K has two such areas, one at -Al Massira and another at Marrakesh Menara, while Ares has one OTHER MAJOR in Ibn Battouta. > Hazma the Lion MOROCCAN AEROPORTS • Agadir-Al Massira (Agadir). Flights to most major Besides modern aeroports, Morocco has a significant European cities. number of smaller, low-tech airstrips dotted throughout the rural areas. Most of these have no official name and • Cherif Al Idrissi Airport (Al Hoceima). Flights to Netherlands. often are nothing more than cleared strips of dirt or • Mohammed V (Casablanca). carved/blasted from the mountainsides. Worldwide destinations. • Fes Saïss Airport (Fez). Flights to Europe and Casablanca > These locations service the region around the Atlas Mountains. • Hassan I Airport (Laayoune). Flights to Agadir, Casablanca, Many of these facilities are favored by smugglers and t-bird Dakhla and Las Palmas. pilots operating throughout the country, although legitimate • (Marrakesh). Flights all major concerns also make use of them. These facilities range from international airports in Western Europe permanent, fixed locations to temporary ones that can be set- • International Airport (Nador). Flights to Amsterdam, up or dismantled in under an hour. Brussels, Casablanca, Cologne, Düsseldorf and . > Al Dhibi • (). Flights to Amsterdam, Casablanca, Marseille and Paris. LAND • (Ouarzazate). Flights to Casablanca Unlike many areas in northern Africa, getting into and and Paris. around Morocco by land east of the Atlas Mountains is rel- • Rabat Salé Airport (Rabat). Flights to Paris and Tripoli. atively easy thanks to an extensive roadway system. While • Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (Tangier). All major Morocco’s air and sea ports were decimated in the Jihad, international airports in Western Europe and trans-Atlantic the roadways were left relatively intact by invading forc- flights

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es. Over the past decade, the Moroccan government has spent billions of nuyen upgrading these highways. To date, there are approximately 57,000 kilometers of roads and MAJOR MOROCCAN RAIL ROUTES 1,500 kilometers of highways crisscrossing the country. HIGH-SPEED • Casablanca-Marrakech • -Casablanca MAJOR MOROCCAN • Tangier-Casablanca HIGHWAYS AND ROADWAYS • Tangier-Marrakech • A1 Rabat–Tangier (218 km) STANDARD TRAVEL • A2 Rabat–Fes (167 km) • Casablanca-Fez • A3 Casablanca-Rabat (95 km) • Casablanca-Oujda • A4 Tanger–Port Tanger Med (52 km) • Casablanca-Nador • A5 Casablanca bypass (37 km) • Casablanca-Qued Zem • A7 Casablanca-Marrakesh (197 km) • Casablanca-Tangier • A7 extension to Agadir (233 km) • Marrakech-Fes • A9 Fez–Oujda (321 km) • Marrakech-Tangier • A11 Berrechid–Benni Mellal (172 km) • Tangier-Oujda

There are also several thousands of kilometers of roads designated as National Routes. Not quite as modern as the There have also been hundreds of worker casualties over the highways, but at least they’re paved. The National Routes years to shifting sand and exposure. Am-mut connect areas outside of the urban centers. Currently, sixteen > national routes branch off to smaller local roads. These routes > Interesting fact: ONCF, or the Office National des Chemins de Fer are designated National Route 1 through 16. du Maroc, started out as a French company but was bought out in 2056 by Krupp-Manufacturing and is now basically an S-K company with a national affiliation. > Mr. Bonds > Moroccan roads are decently maintained, but rural travel west of the Atlas Mountains is becoming increasingly difficult. > In the Southern Provinces, the railways are essential. Most, if not Sandstorms and dune-shifts take hundreds of lives each year. all of necessary goods travel over these lines. Few are willing to High elevation and the dangerous curves of many Moroccan risk large and valuable shipments over the roadways anymore, roads outside of the main cities don’t help either. as raids are common. > Al Dhibi > 2XS

Like the roads, the Moroccan rail system was also > It creates a nice market for smugglers, t-bird jocks, and such left intact. Today Morocco boasts an extensive, modern individuals, who can charge a two-hundred-percent markup for rail system. While most of the standard rails are used certain items. predominantly to haul freight, there’s still demand for low- > Waaha cost passenger transportation throughout the country. Complementing the standard rail system is a fully modern > My vehicles and equipment require a great deal of maintenance high-speed track. This system enables passengers to travel and upkeep, not to mention the risks involved. It’s simply the between most major cities within approximately two to cost of doing business. three hours. > Al Dhibi

> The high-speed rails are quite efficient and offer a very pleasant SEA ride. That’s if a line isn’t down for maintenance, upgrades, or if sandstorms haven’t completely blocked the rails, which is According to recent financial reports, as of 2078 approx- becoming an alarmingly frequent occurrence. imately eighty percent of Morocco’s economy is depen- > J. Murdock dent on its maritime resources, which are the most de- veloped in the country. Morocco controls thousands of > ONCF, the national company that oversees the rail-lines, hires kilometers of coastline in both the Atlantic and the Med- the poor (and often SINless) to clear the sand from the rails. The iterranean as well as half of the strategically important job pays almost nothing, and the working conditions are brutal. Strait of Gibraltar. This makes Morocco a regional power,

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and as such their opinion is sought after by national and > Keep it relevant. This space isn’t for commercials. corporate interests. > Glitch

> And the Moroccan Navy likes to constantly remind their Currently Morocco imports approximately seventy-five neighbors of this fact. At least two Moroccan naval vessels to eighty percent of its necessary goods. To facilitate this, are on-station in the strait at any given time and supported the country has five major ports operating. These ports by ready-alert aircraft from near by Air Force bases. Any ship handle everything from supertanker/freighter traffic to or craft that crosses into Moroccan waters gets a nice friendly commercial vessels to tourist and pleasure craft. Demand board … I mean safety inspection. for these ports is at an all-time high, and finding dock time > Hazma the Lion can be tricky. To alleviate this, the Moroccan government (with corporate assistance) is considering a massive thirty- > Still grumpy over that confiscated shipment last month, ol’ boy? year expansion program. This only happens when you don’t have friends in the Moroccan Navy. And if you don’t, it’s good to be friends with someone MAJOR MOROCCAN PORTS who has friends in the Moroccan Navy, especially those willing to let you name drop or sell specific IFF/ID transponder codes. Port of Al Hoceima. Constructed in 1925, Al Hoceima My friendship, for example, is considerable, and my prices are is a commercial fishing and recreational boating center reasonable. which is popular with tourists and recreationalists. The > J. Murdock fish markets and local restaurants and clubs have devel- oped a reputation for outstanding food and service. The

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Moroccan Navy’s 21st Coastal Patrol-Rescue unit is sta- SITES OF POWER tioned here. . At almost nine kilometers long, POSTED BY: LYRAN Casablanca is Morocco’s largest artificial port and is Moroccans, like many Muslims, have a love-hate (most- considered a corporate hot-spot. Currently, it’s capable of ly hate) relationship with magicians. On one hand, they handling almost thirty million tons of cargo per year and claim magic goes against everything Allah teaches and can accommodate forty vessels. A special shipyard for is. On the other hand, they seem to have no problem in commercial fishing is also located there. A dedicated rail line using magic when it serves their purposes, provided that leads directly to the port to facilitate logistical operations. the magician in question is one of the faithful and is “do- Port of . Essaouira is an extremely popular ing Allah’s will.” tourist location, and current Moroccan law has declared that Despite this interesting dynamic, Islam does have a it must be preserved as a historical site. Originally established magical tradition. In Morocco, things aren’t much different in 1793, Essaouira contains the remnants of an ancient from other Muslim nations. However, because of the Portuguese fort, once used to defend the coast. Today, the Western/European (and corporate) influences in its history, only industry allowed is the fishermen who catch for the Moroccans tend to be slightly more tolerant of Awakened local populace. In recent years, a few small hotels, cafés, folk (especially money-spending tourists or corporate and restaurants have cropped up, but the area has remained citizens), as long as the mojo isn’t used against them. And mostly pristine. while Morocco may not be a hot-bed of magical activity, Port of Safi. Regarded as one of Morocco’s key there are locations of power. And each of them just happen commercial ports, Safi sits in a location rich in minerals to be tied to faith. which are minded and refined nearby and then transported One of the loopholes that allows Muslim magicians out of its ports. Part of a natural outlet into the Atlantic, Safi to use magic is the concept that the magic is not from handles between five hundred to seven hundred tons of the magician, but from Allah and his will. Because this cargo per year. Safi is a dedicated commercial port with next loophole is faith-based, it’s allowed other magicians of to no tourism elements available. Cranes, gantries, elevators, similar outlooks to find something resembling common tractors, and conveyers pack Safi’s multiple docks and slips, ground. This common ground, as well as influence from working twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. various sources, has kept most of the non-Islamic sites Port of Tangier. With barely enough room to operate, of power from being outright destroyed, although not for the port is within walking distance of the town center. Every lack of trying by radical elements. street leading to or from is packed with shops, tourists, workers, etc. For those trying to make a decent living, it’s a > Some of that influence is corporate backed; S-K in particular has nightmare because of a lack of adequate space. As a result, been vocal about keeping certain sites intact if for nothing more many stores and shops have started to move up, which has than “historical purposes,” which means they also want access done little to alleviate the overcrowding. Crime is especially to study them. prevalent here, and the government is refusing to allow any > Elijah expansions until the situation has been taken care of. HASSAN II MOSQUE (A.K.A., CLIMATE AND WEATHER GRANDE MOSQUE HASSAN II OR “CASABLANCA HAJI”) East of the Atlas Mountains and along the coast, Mo- rocco has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot Located in Casablanca, this is the largest mosque cur- summers and mild to cold, wet winters. Average tem- rently in operation in Morocco and is the largest religious peratures range from twenty degrees to twelve degrees. structure in the world. The mosque’s design is a mix of Because of this, Morocco has a large biodiversity of trees Islamic, local Moroccan, and Moorish influences all com- with some species re-Awakened after 2011 and a large bined in a modern urban design. The building itself was number of dense forests. The coastal areas are especial- built partially on land and partially over the Mediterra- ly lush and form the backbone of Moroccan agriculture. nean Sea. Featuring mosaics with stone/marble floors Going toward the interior of the country, temperatures and columns, it also has carved and painted real wood and climate become more extreme. Sandstorms and de- ceilings that managed to survive the upheavals of the sertification are major problems west of the Atlas, which early twenty-first century and the Jihad. The most mod- acts as a natural shield for the coastal regions. ern feature of the mosque is an “ARO laser” that projects a beam of light toward Mecca once the sun goes down. This new system replaced the old-style laser that was in- > Only a fool goes into the desert unprepared. Scavenging of said fools is also very common in the western regions; many villages stalled in the previous century. in the Sahara see it as their primary source of income. It can accommodate twenty-five thousand worshipers inside and another eighty thousand in the expansive > Crescent Moon plaza square. Ten years ago, special areas of the mosque

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were designated open for non-Muslims to visit. However, FES JEWISH CEMETERY/ trespassing outside of these areas is considered a serious TOMB OF SOLICA crime and insult. What makes the Hassan II mosque an interesting site of While the cemetery at Fes is known for being the final power is not the location itself, but that the mosque acts resting place for several prominent rabbis, it’s primarily like a giant power focus with the worshipers providing known for the martyr Solica. the power. Observers and researchers have reported that In 1834, a fourteen-year-old girl named Solica refused during the prayer times or holy services, a mana ebb is to convert to Islam and refused the advances of the created and increases the abilities of all Muslim awakened governor of Tangier. As a result, her throat was cut. This on mosque grounds. Magical researchers from around was a historical footnote until 2012 when “Solica’s” spirit the world have petitioned the Moroccan government for was seen roaming the cemetery grounds. The site was permission to observe this phenomenon, but so far have largely forgotten again until September 7, 2035 when been declined. Spanish and British Special Forces were pursuing a group of Alliance troops through Fes. The Jihadists thought to take refuge in the cemetery, but the Europeans followed > One of the things lacking at Muslim holy sites are spirits. The and a running firefight ensued. Islamic tradition is very touchy on summoning, fearing that a Within five minutes of their arrival, a powerful spirit spirit may be a demon. However, select Muslim clerics have began attacking both sides. Only those who threw been traveling to Morocco to perfect the art of banishing. down their weapons were spared. Since then, anyone > Elijah who brings a weapon on cemetery grounds is harassed. Those who enact violence are viciously attacked by > Which is interesting because spirit activity in Morocco is on the Solica. Unarmed visitors left alone. Because of this, the rise, especially in the Southern Provinces. There are rumors of cemetery is considered a refuge. Those seeking help one called “the Demon Wind” that has been terrorizing villages can find it at the Habarim Synagogue located on the and hampering mining operations throughout the area by cemetery grounds. whipping up intense sandstorms. Rumors suggest that clerics have been tasked by the king to deal with this spirit. I visited the Tomb a few years ago. Not only does the free spirit > Waaha > protect people from violence, but the cemetery has also become a refuge for wandering spirits. > Elijah MAJI MUJAHEDIN Based out of the Hasan II Mosque, this group of Islam > Betcha those Moroccan clerics love this place. Why haven’t they cleaned house? Clerics banded together four years ago to combat “evil” spirits > Stone that threaten Allah’s children. Adapting similar techniques used by Catholic exorcists, these clerics see banishing as their > Politics, old boy. The local Jewish population is still small, but sacred duty. Little is known about the group, but it’s rumored they’ve got decent political and economic influence. Besides, that each member takes an oath to serve and destroy any the spirits there tend not to bother anyone outside the cemetery. spirits that threaten their lands. > J. Murdock In 2076, six Maji were dispatched to the Algeria border to deal with a “dead village” that was overrun by shedim. Details TEMPLE BETH EL SYNAGOGUE of the mission are classified, but when the Maji were finished, AND MUSEUM, CASABLANCA the Moroccan Air force leveled the place. Complete historical records about this synagogue were Currently the Maji Mujahedin is comprised of seventeen lost during the second Matrix crash, but oral records re- Islamic mages (clerics), eight adepts, and five mystic adepts. main. Before the twenty-first century, the temple was At least three are known to be from the Arabian Caliphate, considered the centerpiece of a vibrant Jewish commu- one from Egyptian, and three from other unconfirmed Middle nity. During the VISTAS plague, Beth El was known for its Eastern countries. use as a makeshift hospital and treatment center. Exact numbers are unknown, but it’s been estimated that thou- sands of people died while being treated there, and no one was turned away. Most places associated with such high levels of death often become polluted astrally, but the exact opposite occurred at Beth El. Refurbished and turned into a VISTAS museum and memorial in the early 2040s, visitors have reported experiencing a feeling of peace and tranquility

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when entering the old treatment areas. Awakened visitors have confirmed this, saying that the ambient aura is URBAN AND one of sadness and loss, but also of hope, comfort, and RURAL AREAS compassion. No one is sure how this came to be. POSTED BY: TRAVELER JONES > Not all records were lost. In the early days of the VISTAS plague As I’ve said before, Morocco is where you can find just in Casablanca, a group of visiting rabbis and their wives became about everything, and that includes geography and to- stranded in Morocco. Lead by Rabbi/Doctor Thomas Schwartz, pography. Morocco’s cities are bustling metropoles with they became the de facto leaders at Beth El. Oral accounts all the modern conveniences (and problems) the Sixth indicate Rabbi Schwartz being an early Awakened healer who World has to offer. But step out of those nice urban areas, organized the hospital. His great-granddaughter Rebecca is the and you’ll find villages that have remained unchanged current rabbi and curator at Beth El, and also a mystical adept. for thousands of years because that’s the way the people > Am-Mut want it.

> SINless and those of “unique need” can find healing in Beth CITIES El’s basement. It always costs, but those without funds often help with chores, while those with funds are asked for a fair For thousands of years, travelers and merchants have donation. At Beth El, no one is turned away. come to this region exchanging not only goods and ser- > Waaha vices but also ideas. In Moroccan cities, this tradition con- tinues to this day as traditional values and modern norms CHURCH OF ST ANDREW, TANGIER form a distinct synergy not found in many places. New ways are not looked down upon but seen as new oppor- Consecrated in 1905, land for this church was gifted to tunities. Likewise, old ways are not discarded as obsolete, British expatriates by Sultan Hassan I in 1880. To honor but instead honored by integrating them with the new. their benefactor, the architects used traditional Moorish This gives the Moroccans their own unique identity. style with quotes from the Quran and the Lord’s Prayer This synergy is seen everywhere from the design of carved into the walls. No graven images were allowed, buildings with traditional flavor to AROs that make use of and a cleft indicating the direction of Mecca was con- ancient symbols. No matter where you go in Morocco, structed. For years, St. Andrews was considered an inter- you’ll see the ever-present Moroccan flair. faith community center. In 2025, a terrorist bomb destroyed most of the > You’ll also find the not-so-pleasant things as well. Crime, pain, original structure, and it remained vacant until 2034 when and suffering can all be found in Morocco as well, no matter an interfaith coalition of Christians, Muslims, and Jews what the government and tourism boards try to hide. restored it to most of its original form. Using historical > Hazma the Lion records, the carvings were replicated and several more were added, reflecting current history. Three small wings CASABLANCA were added to allow services for multiple faiths with most open to the public during select hours. With a name that also means “white house” in Portu- Today, St. Andrews once again serves as an interfaith guese, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and center. Local magical practitioners use St. Andrews as a home of the largest port in . It’s also strate- meeting place, ritual site, and magical workshop where gically important and home of the Royal Moroccan Na- new ideas and theories are discussed. It’s rumored the vy’s primary naval base and one of the Royal Air Force’s Maji Mujahdin were tutored there by the Order of St. fighter wings. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, it’s also Sylvester, who maintain the Christian wing. a major business center where several A-rated and above corporations have based most of their operation and > St. Andrews is great for learning interesting spell formulae and manufacturing centers. As such, Casablanca also boasts a techniques for dealing with spirits. It’s also one of the few places thriving population and extensive tourism industry. in Morocco where open spirit summoning is allowed. > Goat Foot RABAT This is Morocco’s fourth-largest city and also the nation’s capital. All foreign embassies, along with several corpo- rate regional HQs, are located here, making it a center of political intrigue and deals. Situated on the River Bou Regreg, Rabat has silt problems and never developed a port. However, several industries including textiles, food processing, and heavy construction operate in Rabat. It’s

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 10 >> SHADOWRUN <<

also a popular tourist destination and home to multiple > Shadow jobs in Fes are extremely rare because it’s difficult professional sports teams such as football (soccer), vol- getting around with any efficiency, and there’s really nothing leyball, urban brawl, and combat biker. In the nation, Ra- worth going after. Meetings, however, happen all the time, and bat’s nightlife is considered second only to Casablanca. there are plenty of people worth meeting. > Waaha FES The second largest city in Morocco, Fes is a major reli- SALE gious center. Called “the Mecca of the West,” it boasts A former commuter town opposite Casablanca on the several mosques, along with Christian churches and Jew- River Bou Regreg, Sale is a ruined ghost town. During ish synagogues. During the Jihad, Fes was almost com- the Jihad, European forces attempted an airborne land- pletely destroyed by European invaders. After the Jihad, ing there. To secure a landing zone, large portions of the Fes was rebuilt, and modern parts of the city are often city were bombed, and in one tragic instance, an air-fu- called “Neo-Fes.” Despite the modern reconstruction, Fes el bomb was accidently detonated over the city, killing is currently one of the largest “no ground vehicle” cities in Alliance and European forces along with countless civil- the world. Only pedestrian, mass-transit, and limited air ians. After the Jihad, the few survivors were re-settled to traffic is allowed within city limits. Casablanca, and Sale’s remains were declared a national monument.

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 11 >> SHADOWRUN <<

haggle. For them, it’s not unusual or remarkable; it’s just > Sounds a lot like the Barrens of Seattle. Do many shadow-types or the SINless take up shop there? how life is lived. > Bull > Most Moroccans appreciate a fair deal and consider it a point of personal honor to act accordingly. This doesn’t mean that all > Not for very long. Sale is routinely patrolled heavily by the local play fair—quite the contrary. It’s quite common for a bartering NPF who have orders to remove unauthorized personnel with session in one of the seedier areas to turn violent. extreme prejudice, because Moroccans now consider Sale as J. Murdock sacred land. > > Goat Foot Most Moroccan strive to receive at least a high school MARRAKESH level education. And with the help of various corporate sponsors over the past few decades, they’ve been relatively Called “the Red City” because of the red walls built be- successful. And for those who can get accepted, there tween 1122 and 1123, Marrakesh is filled with museums, are several technical colleges and universities (both state cultural centers, various markets and bazaars, historical and corporate sponsored) one can attend. Healthcare in sites, several five-star hotels, and even a theme park. Morocco is readily available with at least three level-one Considered Morocco’s tourism capital, many local celeb- trauma centers in each major Moroccan city. Despite the rities and corporate executives own homes there. The city modern benefits Morocco enjoys, there are traditionalists also continues to be a popular destination with European who scoff at the progress of the last few decades. And tourists from Spain, France, and recently Germany. Both despite all the progress, there are still a few social taboos. Saeder-Krupp and Wuxing are considering Marrakesh as future corporate enclave sites. MAGIC The first major taboo concerns magic. In a nutshell, the THE REST OF THE COUNTRY best way a magician can avoid problems is simple: Don’t While the Moroccan cities are examples of the traditional use magic. Morocco is a progressive Muslim country, but and modern, outside these urban areas are places that it is still a Muslim country, and the faith does not take time forgot. But time did not in fact forget them; rather, kindly to magic users. Fastest way to piss off or freak people chose to live a simpler life. out the populace and get the local law after you is to do In and around the Atlas Mountains or scattered about something flashy like cast a fireball, use a manipulation the Western Sahara are villages that harken back to spell, or conjure a spirt in public. centuries past. Ten kilometers outside of some Moroccan That last one really freaks people out. cities are homes and villages that have existed even before Morocco was a country. In these villages, they live off the > As a reminder, by Moroccan law magicians must broadcast land, farming and herding animals with little modern tech their Awakened status along with their normal ID. Don’t get within fifty kilometers. caught disobeying this one. > Am-mut > What they lack in modern convenience, they make up for with anonymity. Being able to disappear among the kilometers of > That’s mainly for those who use spells. Adepts seem to be nature has its benefits. The wide-open areas make excellent tolerated, even celebrated. Your average Moroccan sees adept places for doing all sorts of business undisturbed. powers as innate blessings from Allah. But that doesn’t mean > Al Dhibi that social adepts get a free pass. Mind-influencing powers are frowned upon just as much as a spell. THE PEOPLE > Goat Foot PERSONAL AUGMENTATIONS For the most part, the Moroccan people are a mix of new and traditional, able to adapt to changes while retaining Another taboo concerns personal augmentations, and their traditional identity, which has always been a blend this can be a very difficult subject to discuss because of of traditional Muslim/Islam and Western European. This is long-held Islamic beliefs about the sanctity of one’s body seen in ways ranging from the influences in architecture and soul. Depending on where you are in Morocco—or to styles of clothing. But one thing the Moroccan people the Middle East for that matter—opinions regarding aug- tend to share is what is called the “Art of the Deal.” mentations may vary wildly from the mostly accepted to Having been a center of commerce and trade for a hardline stance of opposition. But no matter the stance, hundreds of years, Moroccans seem to be born barterers context regarding the augmentation’s purpose is key. and dealers. No matter their profession, social ranking, or For example, augmentations that are purely for where they live, you will always find a Moroccan ready to cosmetic purposes or a person’s “vanity” are extremely

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frowned upon in Moroccan society. Because, why should > Most Moroccan officials simply follow the corps’ lead on the someone go against “Allah’s perfect design” when a piece subject, which often simply means handing said techno over to of gear or equipment could accomplish the same task? the corps and washing their hands of the whole situation. And Conversely, augmentations are quite accepted in cases we know how that tends to end up. of disease and/or injury. But even then, natural-looking > Am-mut augmentations are preferable in most cases. Higher grade, essence-friendly is also preferred, despite the costs. As CUSTOMS, FAMILY, AND always, visitors are given more latitude in this department GENERALLY HOW TO ACT even if the locals secretly disapprove. The Moroccan people are usually tolerant of outsiders > Not surprisingly, Morocco’s military and security forces are unaware of local customs and norms. But that only goes the most accepting of augmentations for obvious reasons. so far. If one is traveling or doing business in Morocco, It wouldn’t do for their forces to be completely outclassed, there are a few things to remember. because gear can only do so much. First, dress modestly. This goes for all genders. General > 2XL rule of thumb is to cover as much as possible while in public, especially midriffs. Women are not required to wear > And even then, they tend to go with the least amount of ‘ware head-scarfs, but some still choose to. Loose, comfortable possible. You won’t see too many overly cybered-out troops in clothing is considered ideal for all. the regular MRAF. Those augmented are usually combat vets Also, public displays of affection are frowned upon, and who’ve seen a lot of action and want to keep fighting. Now, it’s a good idea for romantic partners to maintain some Royal Guardsmen or DST agents are a different story. distance between them. In recent years, holding hands has > Picador become acceptable. Alcohol is also forbidden for public consumption. > There are rumors of certain sects of clerics that offer “blessings” Visitors are allowed to consume, but only in private areas to those who want augmentations but do not wish to invoke such as designated bars in hotels or in private quarters. Allah’s disfavor. When applicable, the lost body parts are During Ramadan, non-Muslims are not expected to preserved for later burial with the individual. This practice is fast, but they are encouraged to utilize private indoor considered somewhat controversial because some use it as a places to eat. Also, women are still not generally allowed societal loophole to indulge in multiple unnecessary personal into most cafés or coffee houses, but a few women-only upgrades. and mixed-sex establishments have become popular, > Hazma the Lion especially in corporate-dominated areas. Moroccans are famous for their hospitality and make > And also because you have to preserve body part for many friends easily. The most common sign of friendship is years and keep them stored somewhere, which, gross. being invited to dine at a Moroccan’s home. Turning the > Groovetooth invitation down will not (necessarily) be considered an insult, although you may be pestered for a later date. But > So that’s why I’m hearing reports of an uptick in organlegging in if you accept the invitation, it’s common curtesy to bring a the Mediterranean. Guess what—many of those people aren’t gift, usually something that can be shared during or after going to be reunited with their old parts. the meal. > Hannabelle > In short, show respect and get respect. It’s pretty simple actually. TECHNOMANCERS/TECHNOMANCY > J. Murdock It’s estimated that less than four thousand native tech- > Of course, the obvious is ignored. Slowly, piece by piece, the nomancers exist in Morocco, and they tend to keep to Moroccans sold themselves out like whores, gladly letting themselves. Almost all of them are found (albeit with a infidels take what rightfully belongs to Allah’s children. They decidedly low profile) in one of the bigger cities with read- hide their shame with petty material goods, trying to fill the ily available Matrix access. Most other technomancers are holes in their hearts where the light of Allah’s love once resided. predominantly foreign visitors or, in rare cases, corporate One day, there will be a reckoning. Until then, sleep well in citizens. your comfortable homes under the so-called protection of your Government officials and religious leaders are still infidel friends. They will not be able to save you. debating their official stance on the subject. Some claim > Crescent Moon technomancy is another form of blasphemous magic, while others argue it’s a new form of blessing from Allah. > Can someone tell me why we’re letting this guy in here? Like magic, if a technomancer keeps it subtle, they’ll avoid > 2XL a lot of problems.

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Moroccan laws are strict when it comes to weapons agents from the Alliance for Allah forced the king into and do not recognize any non-Moroccan issued permits. exile. When the Jihad ended, the previous system of gov- Although, exceptions are sometimes made for select ernment was re-instated, and it continues to this day. Like corporate citizens or security contractors. Small blades such most western governments, Morocco has three branch- as daggers or knives are common and are seen as tools rather es: executive, legislative, and judicial. than weapons. Handguns are frowned upon but not illegal; the rule of thumb being “out of sight, out of mind.” If you EXECUTIVE BRANCH brandish a weapon and cause a panic, you can expect rapid, The two main figures of the executive branch are the King unwanted attention from the local law. Anything bigger than (Hassid II) and the Prime Minister (Aziz Harrak). The king a shotgun of course is illegal, except in rural areas. is considered a secular and political leader, the Com- mander of the Faithful, presiding officer in the Moroccan Standard, armor-piercing, or explosive ammo is also illegal > Cabinet, and the chief of the military. He is also responsi- because it represents a threat to the general public. For casual ble for appointing the prime minister. It’s the prime min- carry, keep it loaded with less-than-lethal stuff. ister who’s the actual government head and appoints the 2XL > members of the cabinet, who are validated by the king. Armor isn’t illegal, but obvious armor and armored LEGISLATIVE BRANCH clothing is considered faux paus (and a bit silly) for everyday wear. Given Morocco’s climate, most people The legislative branch consists of two parliamentary wear loose, comfortable clothing. Wearing obvious armor chambers. The Assembly of Representatives of Mo- and armored clothing tends to get the attention of local rocco (Majlis al-Nuwab, or the lower chamber) has 325 law—who are very inquisitive. members who serve five-year terms. The Assembly of Councilors (Majlis al-Mustasharin, or the upper chamber) METAHUMANITY has 270 members, who serve nine-year terms. Technical- ly, under the current constitution the Assembly of Repre- Morocco was the first Muslim country to recognize meta- sentatives may dissolve the government through a vote humans as something other than demons. As such, they of no confidence. never had any major problems with metahuman rights and mostly considered the whole thing a non-issue. > After the Jihad, when the old government was re-instated, there There are still some hardline conservatives who profess were rumors of severe jury-rigging and backdoor deals favoring the infernal nature of metahumans, but they’re typically pro-corporate candidates in both assemblies. This helped lay found in rural areas. the groundwork for current corporate partnerships. > Waaha > Oh, frag you! You don’t know squat, Jones! You have no idea of how the hobgoblin population is treated! Non-issue my ass! > What is the old song lyric—“Welcome the new boss, same as Even today we’re still persecuted and the old stereotypes are the old boss”? Or perhaps “the more things change the more still being shoved in our faces. If I ev… <0.3 Gp deleted by sysop: they stay the same” is more appropriate? Bull> > J. Murdock > Clockwork JUDICIAL BRANCH > Ever stop to think that maybe the way people treat you has nothing to do with your metatype, but rather … you’re just a Morocco’s highest court is the Supreme Court, which is fucking asshole? loosely modeled after western counterparts. Judges are > Bull appointed by the king and serve for life. The Supreme Court is divided into five chambers: Criminal, Correction- > I hate to seem like I’m sticking up even the slightest bit for al and Civil Appeals, Social, Administrative, and Consti- Clockwork, but that kind of argument has been used for tutional. The Special Court of Justice may try officials on centuries to dismiss and mistreat some groups. And just charges raised by a two-thirds majority of the Assemblies. because he’s an asshole doesn’t mean he’s always wrong. A military court exists for military personnel and some- > Fianchetto times state security. The Supreme Council of the Judiciary regulates the courts and is presided over by the king.

GOVERNMENT FOREIGN RELATIONS In 2011, King Mohamed VI initiated a series of reforms Simply put, Morocco wants to be friends with everyone. that allowed Morocco to become a constitutional mon- The government is extremely pro-business, doing what- archy. This system was dismantled during the Jihad when ever they can to bring new industries (and the accom-

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panying money) into their country. Of course, the corps love this. Being a former Spanish and French protector- AETHERPEDIA ENTRY: ate, Morocco has close ties to both countries. Although France seems to be the favorite. MOROCCAN SOUTHERN PROVINCES/ WESTERN SAHARA (ABRIDGED) > French influence runs deep in Morocco, but within the past few years there’s been an influx of all things German. S-K has First occupied by Spain in the nineteenth century, the been pressing into Morocco through French holding companies Western Sahara region was jointly administered by Morocco and subsidiaries. S-K Heavy Industries has been involved in and Mauritania administration in 1975. Soon, both countries infrastructure work for almost two decades. Now, I wouldn’t say (and several other liberation movements) were at war for that the Moroccans are ready to give up Crepes Suzette just yet, control of the region. In 1979, Mauritania withdrew from the but they seem to be developing a taste for schnitzel. conflict, and Morocco seized control to develop industries > Mr. Bonds along the Atlantic coastline, despite continuous low-level fighting. In 1991, a UN cease-fire agreement gave Morocco Still, Morocco has continued problems within their Southern Provinces, a.k.a., the Western Sahara region. control of two-thirds of the region. To protect its new Once thought to be pacified, the Western Sahara is a acquisitions, Morocco constructed a series of fortifications hotbed of activity. There’ve been multiple attacks against throughout the area known as the “Moroccan Wall.” various Moroccan interests there, and local infrastructure The Western Sahara—or the Southern Provinces, as damage has been considerable. Despite the government’s the Moroccan state labeled them—remained relatively best efforts to contain the region, reports are filtering quiet until the VISTAS plague hit. Paranoia and desperation out, resulting in a heavy-handed approach with military/ caused conflicts over food, water, and supposed vaccines mercenary forces being deployed. or medicines. Fierce fighting killed about twenty percent of the regional survivors, with most of the remaining individuals > This sort of thing happens all the time. Why should we care traveling to the cities. When the plague subsided, Morocco about it here? had little problem taking the rest of the Western Sahara > /dev/grrl region. The UN officially recognized Morocco’s claim in 2027. > Heh, I peeked ahead. I think that Lyran may be on to something. Problems returned in 2040 when refugees or their > Slamm-0! descendants attempted to re-claim their old lands and homes. The Moroccan government was more than willing to allow > I knew it! I gotta make some calls. these people to return in exchange for high land taxes and > Lyran oaths of loyalty to the Moroccan Crown. Most refused, claiming Morocco had no right to their land > Good luck, ducky … you’re gonna need it. to begin with and should at least offer proper compensation. > J. Murdock This caused a resurgence of liberation groups (secretly backed by interests in Algiers and Mauritania) that targeted CRIME AND Moroccan interests in the area. Since then, the Southern Provinces/Western Sahara been a contested area with PUNISHMENT low-intensity warfare continuing apace. The Moroccan government has tried several times to appease or rout these POSTED BY: AL DHIBI insurgents, but all attempts have failed. , my friends. I am honored to help you understand the finer points of “crime” in my country. Now, I know that time is very valuable so I will provide just enough information to get into, or rather stay out of trouble. up space on that here, the Matrix is available to you— seek specifics on laws when you need them. For my pur- poses, some generalities will suffice: if it is illegal to do THE LAW in most European or western countries, it is likely illegal Moroccan jurisprudence is based on European systems in Morocco. If it offends Muslim sensibilities or violates and Islamic laws. Criminal and civil codes are extensive Islamic code, it is illegal in Morocco. If you wish to stay and complex, and this is not the place to get into all the out of trouble, do not do them. Or, do not get caught. Of details. I could post thousands of pages of Moroccan civil the seven prisons in the country, each one of them is a and criminal code, or go into a long discussion about the cesspool where overcrowding and disease kill thousands twenty-seven Sadad courts, but it’s best not to try to in- annually. So avoid going there. terpret all of that unless you’re a lawyer. Rather than take Wasn’t that easy?

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> Perhaps a few extra details on prisons are worthwhile, because our people have a tendency of ending up there. If you get “DJINN” MAGICAL arrested in Morocco, do it on public property. If the corps get you, you’ll go to a corp jail, and as you probably know, those are THREAT RESPONSE TEAMS no picnic. Prisons run by the government can be complete drek, A joint effort between the NPF and Knight Errant, this unit but it can be the kind of drek that works for you—specifically, the was created to deal with magical threats. Nicknamed “Djinns” over-crowded, lax on record-keeping type of drek. There may be after the spirit of legend, these teams are basically anti-magic few places to hide in these spots, but there are plenty of ways to hit-squads. The Djinns were conceived in 2065 when Moroccan get lost in a crowd. If you’re determined enough, you can make authorities realized they didn’t have enough “holy men” to your way out and have days to get clear before you’re missed. deal with increasing magical threats and situations. A deal > Groovetooth was struck with the Moroccan government that granted non- > The location of the different prisons can bring opportunities Muslim magicians attached to Djinn units special dispensation and problems. The rural prisons have older tech and worse to use magics without violating Moroccan law. guards, but less over-crowding. The city prisons have better Djinn teams are normally composed of two to three “holy gear all around, but more people to make things confusing. men” or clerics, one KE magical or mundane observer, one Pick your poison. or two mystic or physical adepts, and several mundane NPR > Am-mut officers utilizing mil-spec equipment and vehicles. Methods of eliminating the threat vary, but combat spells and heavy LAW ENFORCEMENT weaponry are common. Preventing collateral damage is The primary law enforcement agency in Morocco is the considered secondary to stopping the threat. La Sûreté Nationale or the National Police Force (NPF). Un- like municipalities who use private security contractors for their law-enforcement needs, Morocco has kept the CRIME NPF operational ever since it was re-instated after the Ji- had. Technically a national agency, the NPF operates like Like any nation, Morocco has crime. There are plenty of a municipal police force, handling local enforcement and assaults, murders, robberies, and so on—all the normal leaving cross-jurisdictional cases to the Royal Moroccan stuff. But most major crime in Morocco revolves around Gendarmerie. However, both agencies frequently work or is linked to smuggling and the black market; it is the riv- together and have countrywide jurisdiction. er from which all illegal and shadow business flows with the possible exception of the various corporate intrigues. > But this doesn’t mean there’s no corporate security influence. But many times, even that is somehow connected. Scores of Knight Errant “advisors and observers” have been In other countries, large criminal syndicates often attached to various NPF districts, working hand-in-hand with have smuggling as part of their operations. Groups like officers at all levels. They don’t have arrest powers but are the Yakuza, Mafia, and the Triads are famous for their authorized by Moroccan law to act in defense of Moroccan lives/ smuggling operations. In Morocco, it’s the smuggling property, function as expert witnesses/technical experts, and rings themselves that have the power. detain suspects until NPF officers make an official arrest. To be clear, a “ring” in Moroccan parlance is akin > Hazma the Lion to saying an organization, group, team, and so on. A smuggling ring can be as small as a single individual or as The NPF is a competent if not spectacular agency. large as a multi-faceted operation with multiple operatives, Their current mandate focuses more on keeping the vessels, vehicles, etc. working a vast network for multiple peace and maintaining social laws than on crime solving clients moving several different types of merchandise. and prevention. In tourism areas, the NPF has a reputation Smaller rings or independent operators, tend to specialize for being accommodating and professional. Away from in one particular type of merchandise. The larger rings with tourist eyes, NPF commanders prefer methods that close multiple operators or fleets of vehicles tend to diversify. cases quickly with things such as evidence and facts Sometimes, multiple rings will band together on a being secondary. temporary or semi-permanent basis for the right job or to Through their cooperation with KE, the NPF has access “force others out of the market,” which is smuggler slang to SOTA weaponry, vehicles, armor, communications, and for eliminating the competition. And competition is fierce. forensic gear. The NPF also has high-threat response units Much like shadowrunning, a smuggler is only as good that train with Firewatch members on loan from Ares. as their last successful job. Too many failed jobs or lost merchandise and you’ll find that no one will hire you, or in some cases clients may decide that you are too much of a liability and need to be removed from the market.

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SAMPLE MOROCCAN SMUGGLING RINGS EL HASSAN RING vessels and aircraft. Their exact methodology varies; sketchy The oldest and largest ring in Morocco, the El Hassan ring reports suggest that the pirates assaulting the Maersk Minnesota operates more like a small corporation than a criminal enterprise. used VTOLs while the seizure of the freighter Sea Song was The ring started in 1989 as a small group of opium smugglers. accomplished by multiple small craft. Over the years, El Hassan diversified into illegal weapons and Whatever their methods, the Barbary Pirates are extremely human trafficking. During the unofficial “Smuggler War” of 2031, bloodthirsty. The few survivors they leave have reported that the El Hassan defeated four other rings to become the top operation pirates kill indiscriminately while taking vessels. Those who survive in the Mediterranean. El Hassan III, grandson of the ring’s founder, are often sold into slavery. took over in 2069 and radically restructured the ring. By selling his vessels directly to his most loyal captains and purchasing several SUN STRIDERS RING key docks at Al Hoceima, Casablanca, and Safi, El Hassan Holdings, A loose coalition of smugglers, the Sun Striders specialize in LLC is now considered a legitimate business, with all the local and land/air smuggling, operating several routes across the Moroccan national support such a business requires. border into Algeria. Lead by the rigger Al Dhibi, they run everything from weapons to medical supplies to the latest designer drugs. The NEW BARBARY PIRATES Striders are known for their exceptional skill and daring as much as A group calling themselves the New Barbary Pirates debuted they are for their excessive mark-ups on goods and services. on the Mediterranean scene two years ago with the successful They have no current permanent base of operations and rely on capture of the Maersk Minnesota, despite the best efforts of the mobile shelters at multiple locations. Their fleet consists of mostly Maersk Marines. Named after pirates that operated near North aircraft (t-birds and other VTOLs) with state-of-the art sensors and Africa between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, this newest electronic warfare suites to avoid authorities. While they prefer to incarnation has racked up an impressive capture count, seizing avoid engagements, the Striders are capable of dealing with the eight vessels and hundreds of thousands of tons in cargo. Moroccan Air Force. If one needs to get something (or someone) Their exact strength is unknown, but it is estimated that they across the border and into the Southern Provinces or across the have fifty to one hundred members and access to both surface Atlas Mountains, the Sun Striders are the ones to see.

> Like other criminal organizations, war occasionally breaks > Also like the smuggling rings, the black markets in Morocco out among the rings. Often, it’s one ring invading another’s are impossible to control—not that many in the government business. Or it’s a matter of “honor.” These wars can be bloody really want to try. If left to their own devices, the government and violent, but sometimes disagreements are settled by would look the other way. Unfortunately, they have to keep up something as simple as giving the aggrieved party a better appearances for their corporate allies and European neighbors. offer. Loyalty, like all merchandise, can be bought and sold in So every so often, the Moroccan government sends NPF or Morocco. RMG to crack down on a few lower-tier rings for show. It’s all > J. Murdock part of the game. > Hazma the Lion If the smuggling rings are the river, the black market is the shore. > And of course, those rings with high-level contacts never use Located in every Moroccan port, city, and town, the said contacts to take out the competition. Perish the thought. black market is everywhere. Morocco is an illegal buyer’s > J. Murdock paradise. With the right connections, one can find anything. Like the smugglers that supply them, the size and scope of the black markets vary by location, and usually the smaller ones deal with specific kinds of merchandise.

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MILITARY > I got this one. Y’see, the Moroccans didn’t want to lose their precious grip on half of Gibraltar. So with already having a > I decided to let someone else handle the military stuff because decent army and air force, they concentrated their finances it’s so not my style. Thankfully, I know an old war-horse who (which included selling items from some of their caches) on retired to Morocco awhile back. getting their navy ship-shape, starting with the purchase of the > Traveler Jones aforementioned frigates from . > Kane POSTED BY: COLONEL COBRA Founded in 1956, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces > That, and sometimes it’s better to let others do the—what’s the (RMAF) quickly established itself as a well-trained fight- term, heavy lifting? ing force known for their expertise in desert warfare, > Hazma the Lion combined-arms tactics, and counter insurgency tactics during the later twentieth century. This reputation contin- > There are those still alive who answered Allah’s call. Their sons ued until Morocco, like the rest of the world, had to deal and daughters remember exactly who did the heavy lifting. with the fucked-upness that started in 2011. Years later, > Crescent Moon RMAF ranks were decimated by the VITAS plague, and when it was over, only forty percent of RMAF personnel During most of the Jihad, Morocco preferred support roles had survived. But their equipment was one hundred per- rather than front-line combat. The Royal Army saw limited cent intact. With more kit than soldiers, government and action, mainly acting as defense forces for Alliance bases. The military leaders implemented a “secret surplus” program; Royal Air Force and Navy however, saw extensive action. mothballing and then caching most of their aircraft, ar- The Air Force conducted long-range strikes and close- mor, and small arms in the Atlas Mountains. air support missions across the Mediterranean in direct support of Alliance ground forces while the Navy provided > The Moroccan Navy was not as lucky. Few know about the escort and artillery support. Most of the material stored in Moroccan Death Fleet, a foolish attempt by the more influential Moroccan supply caches went to the Alliance’s second- members of the Moroccan elite to outlast the plague by isolating line forces, which allowed main units to receive the most themselves at sea. Eventually, the thirteen-ship fleet succumbed advanced equipment available. and attempted to reach Western Europe. Fearing reprisal by When the Europeans eventually counterattacked, the European forces, the Moroccan Air Force sank every ship off the spearheading British and Spanish forces assaulted strategic Portuguese coast. All records of the incident were sealed and targets all along the Moroccan coast via Gibraltar. Despite eventually lost in the Matrix crashes. a fierce resistance, Moroccan forces were eventually > Waaha overwhelmed. After the Jihad, RMAF personnel numbers rose to their > Oh, that’s convenient. Anyone else think this is a ghost story? post-VITAS levels. But their caches were empty, and a lot > Slamm-0! of torqued-off Europeans were still on their soil. Morocco then sold their souls to the corporate gods for protection. > Several expeditions have been funded over the last twenty years. Many claim to be scientific, but my guess is someone > I appreciate the good Colonel’s military acumen, but I’m afraid wants to recover items the passengers reportedly took with he’s being a bit overdramatic here. Several corporations, S-K them. Unfortunately, most of the expeditions either failed or just and Ares at the forefront, acted as moderators to negotiate a disappeared. If I were a betting woman, I’d guess double-cross cease-fire. Concessions were given all around, but in the end, or trouble from local pirates. it allowed Morocco to recover faster than the other Alliance > Sounder nations. > J. Murdock As the country recovered, the RMAF still had their caches. So they left them there for a rainy day. When the > Some of those other nations never recovered. And as Crescent Alliance for Allah began their Jihad in 2036, Europe was Moon alluded, the other Alliance countries weren’t too happy still battered from the Euro Wars. Initially, Morocco wasn’t about how light Morocco got off. thought to be directly involved in the Jihad, until two > Picador Moroccan frigates (recently purchased from the Italian government) initiated a surprise attack against the Italian > Some would argue that Morocco never fully recovered either Navy stationed near Sicily. and instead entered into consumer indentured servitude, which the Moroccans don’t seem to mind. Ares, for example, has an > So if Morocco had all that stored weaponry, why didn’t they exclusive contract for supplying arms and equipment to all participate in more ground battles? branches of the RMAF. > /dev/grrl > Mr. Bonds

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 18 >> SHADOWRUN <<

> Please—you say “servitude,” I say “business opportunities.” > From what my sources tell me, General Berrada’s plan also > Al Dhibi includes bringing in several outside military advisors. So tell me, how do you like your new villa in Casablanca, colonel? Like the country’s infrastructure, the RMAF underwent > J. Murdock multiple modernization programs after the Jihad. Ares supplied the RMAF with military hardware across the > It’s very nice, thank you very much. Now if you please, frag off. board. But those programs were completed in a haphazard > Colonel Cobra manor depending on what Ares was pushing at the time. This resulted in units having a disparity in the quality and ARMY quantity of their gear. The current Moroccan Royal Army consists of approxi- > One of my first sergeants was former Moroccan Army. He told mately 90,000 active troops with another 140,000 re- me that sometimes a front-line unit would get a new batch of servists. During emergencies, the Ministry of Defense can assault rifles and train up on them, only to turn them in six activate an additional fifty thousand from both the Royal months later to learn a new weapon system because some Gendarmerie (20,000) and Auxiliary Forces (30,000) as higher-up “said so.” Meanwhile, units desperately in need of reinforcements. anything other than their thirty-year-old AKs got nothing. When I Because of its small size, the MRA doesn’t normally asked if it was political, he shrugged and said “maybe, but more organize its forces above the brigade or regimental level. likely it’s just stupidity and greed.” In a time of war or emergency, the MRA will organize > Picador into divisions or even corps as needed, dictated by the Moroccan Military Directorate. To resolve this problem, the Moroccan government The MRA’s primary mission is the protection of the recently completed an audit of all its military equipment Moroccan state from outside aggression. As such, current and initiated a massive upgrade program for the RMAF. MRA military and tactical doctrine priorities defense and Spearheaded by Army General Salamah Berrada, this favors units such as missile defense, anti-aircraft, Matrix program officially began in May of 2077 and is scheduled defense, et al. over standard infantry, which makes up to run through 2082, provided there are no hiccups. only twenty-five percent of MRA units. The MRA is often referred to as “the best force multiplier in the world.” > And of course during any such programs, certain items tend to When proactive measures are taken, MRA maintains fall through the cracks. three “expeditionary” combined-arms regiments. These > Hazma the Lion. units normally see limited action other than scheduled war games. That changed nine months ago when the First and > With Ares facing their own problems, I wonder for how much Second Lion Expeditionary were deployed to the Southern longer they’ll be able to maintain their contracts in Morocco, Provinces. Since then, they’ve seen regular action against and who will swoop in to fill the vacuum? local insurgents and other irregular elements. > Red Anya > While their total number of infantry soldiers is low, the MRA Publically, the RMAF is considered to be a capable fields disproportionate numbers of drone and vehicle riggers. military force. In reality, the RMAF is plagued with Expect the typical Moroccan combat unit to field at least twice corruption, favoritism, apathy, and in some cases gross the number of combat drones compared to similar units. incompetence. Specific branches (namely the Moroccan > Al Dhibi Royal Army) are full of soldiers who are “biding their time” to fulfill their mandatory service requirements before MOROCCAN ROYAL GUARD being transferred to the Auxiliary Forces. While the RMAF denies having a special-forces unit, the Still, there are individual, capable units in the RMAF. It’s Royal Guard does a good job of acting like one. Estimates common for these units to get the most visible postings, peg the Royal Guard at between 100-200 personnel, but such as the Gibraltar Defense Cordon. But in the number of that’s likely a gross underestimation. The Royal Guard’s these “reliable” units is declining. Part of General Barrada’s primary mission is to protect the King and royal family, upgrade plan is to slowly “phase out” problem officers but recent years have expanded on that mandate for the and NCO’s, although he faces a tough political fight as Royal Guard to proactively seek out and eliminate threats. opponents exert their political influence. This means the Similar to the UCAS’s SEAL Team Six or the British SAS, RMAF will face a tough transitional period that will hamper the Royal Guard also deals with domestic threats and operational readiness. counter-terrorism. They also have arrest powers and work alongside the Gendarmerie and NPF, making them similar to the German GSG-9.

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 19 >> SHADOWRUN <<

Not widely known, the Royal Guardsmen often rotate search the wreckage later. Or send in the Marines to put a bullet through regular units to “keep their skills sharp.” In reality, or a thousand up your ass. they’re spies. This has caused the typical fear-response > Kane one would expect, but has done little to diminish problems within RMAF ranks. > The MRA and the MRN have one thing in common: their use Since their re-formation after the Jihad, members of of drones. Approximately eighty percent of the MRN’s combat the Royal Guard have adopted wearing special red ballistic aircraft are unmanned vehicles. There are a few manned masks. Aside from standard protection, the masks help aircraft operated, mainly A-17s purchased from Ares as part hide the guardsmen’s identities. of a Complete Naval Upgrade Package back in 2070. But most manned MRN aircraft are for search-and-rescue. > Within the RMAF, Royal Guards are called the Red Masks of > Al Dhibi Death. Normally, such a unit would be universally feared, but the Royal Guard are just as corrupt as the rest of the RMAF, AIR FORCE except when it comes to protecting the King. Unfortunately, the Royal Guard is somewhat, inconsistent with their criteria of Despite being the smallest RMAF branch, the Moroccan what constitutes a “threat.” Royal Air Force is considered the most “traditional” mili- tary branch because they choose (mostly) to forgo combat > Waaha drones. Instead, they utilize manned aircraft. During the Jihad, MRAF fighter- > In addition to the Royal Guards, there’re whispers about a secret MRA/MRAF unit called the “Desert Shadows” operating supplemented Turkish Air Force aircraft, providing in the Western Sahara. Details are sketchy (natch), but it has close air support and attacking key targets. These been confirmed that ten high-priority terrorists in the Southern victories were the subject of Alliance propaganda and Provinces have been eliminated over the last six months. many Moroccan pilots became minor celebrities with a romantic mystique, often portrayed as dashing air > Hard Exit warriors for Allah. After the Jihad, Moroccan spin-doctors cultivated NAVY this mystique. PR projects eventually became With the Strait of Gibraltar—a.k.a., the Gibraltar Defense ingrained within the MRAF culture. MRAF pilots see Cordon—being of vital strategic and economic impor- themselves as successors to the noble tradition as one tance to Morocco, the Moroccan government spared no of the last practitioners of “true” air combat in an age expense re-building the Moroccan Royal Navy after the of electronic warfare and unmanned air forces. Some Jihad, giving it the lion’s share of the rebuilding funds. consider the MRAF a wasteful enterprise, but the Currently the MRN fleet consists of fourteen ships MRAF consider their ability to accomplish any mission (six frigates, five guided missile destroyers, two guided “better than some soulless machine” as a matter of missile cruisers, and one light aircraft carrier) with rumors pride and honor. of an unknown number of Florida-class submarines also in service. The MRN also operates scores of smaller craft > While capable, RMAF pilots are worth more to the Moroccan for coastal patrol and fast attack. These vessels operate as government as a PR/recruiting tool. Their frequent airshows Morocco’s Coast Guard naval squadrons. increase recruitment numbers and bring in tourist nuyen. Each MRN vessel boasts SOTA weapons and systems. > Al Dhibi Unlike MRA soldiers, MRN sailors are considered some of the best in the region and known for efficiency and The RMAF operates three combat air wings of discipline. A posting to a fleet ship is considered an honor approximately sixty aircraft and two reserve wings of and billet competition is fierce. While not large enough various types. Because of the ad-hoc way the RMAF to be a separate branch, the MRN has a corps of fighting distributed equipment, the wings are a hodge-podge of sailors known as Moroccan Royal Marines. Unlike in other aircraft types. It’s not uncommon for current-generation militaries, these are strictly maritime defense soldiers as and sixty-year-old fighters to serve in the same squadrons. opposed to amphibious infantry. MERCENARY UNITS > Of course, political ties and favoritism play a large part in securing a naval commission, especially a command. Militaries are expensive, and maintaining standing forc- es eats up a large portion of a nation’s (or corporation’s) > Hazma the Lion finances. Factoring in training, equipment upgrades, pen- sions, and maintaining combat readiness during a rela- > The MRN jealously guards their part of Gibraltar. Standard Operating Procedure is simple: Give one warning. If they don’t tive peace, many countries simply cannot afford all the respond within thirty seconds, put a missile up their ass and necessary expenses. But they still need dedicated mili- tary professionals

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 20 >> SHADOWRUN <<

After the Jihad, Morocco recognized the gaping holes left in their military when the European forces (eventually) left. As a stopgap measure while rebuilding, the Moroccan government CURRENT MERCENARY contracted mercenary companies to fulfill this need. COMPANIES CONTRACTED The number of mercenaries employed by Morocco TO THE MOROCCAN GOVERNMENT varies, but there’s always one contracted as a first- response military force (read: cannon fodder) under MRA > Here’s a quick rundown on the mercs in Morocco. I’ve also command. Mercenaries in Morocco also act as both included International Mercenary Association (IMA) Unit advisors and trainers for Moroccan forces, often playing Ratings and known force compositions. the role as OpFor during wargames. > Colonel Cobra

> We know what mercenaries do, no need to explain it. The 22nd Spartans (Rating 7, two phalanxes/companies armored Colonel must be getting senile. infantry) > Clockwork 180th Independent Air Regiment (Rating 6, two squadrons mixed aircraft) > Come on, show a little patience while the groundwork is being Hasting’s Guardians (Rating 4, one combined-arms division laid. and three mechanized infantry companies) > Picador Stalking Horse Armored Cavalry (Rating 5, two armor Even un-contracted mercenaries are good for business. battalions and one aviation company) Morocco is a popular waypoint and staging area for Viper Vanguard (Rating 5, one battalion, standard infantry) mercenary forces heading to hot spots in Africa and the Middle East. Morocco is also a popular trading post, specifically for units based in Lisbon or Constantinople. OTHER BRANCHES/FORCES Mercs can easily find deals on the latest in mil-spec ROYAL MOROCCAN GENDARMERIE weapons, gear, and vehicles. Moroccan cities also make nice spots for R and R. The Royal Gendarmerie was created to augment the The Moroccan government has increased their number military in times of need. While technically RMAF mili- of mercenary contracts in the last two years, several of tary police, in peacetime the RMG works alongside the which have been stationed near and around the Southern National Police Force. In their law enforcement role, the Provinces to augment Moroccan expeditionary forces. RMG works under the authority of the royal prosecutors and the Royal Court of Appeal to ensure and protect Mo- > I wonder if this has anything to do with mercenaries contracted roccan law as well as maintain public order, public securi- to Algeria staging near the Moroccan border, or the fact that ty, health, and “peace and morality.” “terrorist raids” have about doubled in the last three months. Anyone want to lay odds? > In recent years, the RMG and NPF have made efforts to learn > Stone the latest in investigative and forensic techniques. There are plans to construct two modern crime labs in Casablanca > Sucker bet. Morocco has recruited a lot of veteran mercenary and Rabat. Depending on the jurisdiction, the RMG may be units in the past few months and offered the job to several somewhat lenient in their enforcement of morality-based laws; more. Most of the latter are still recovering from their time in usually in areas frequented by tourists. Visitors are generally various hotspots and aren’t looking for anything. Others like given polite warnings and are only arrested if they persist in myself know that when the offer seems too good to be true, it their immoral behavior. usually is. > Waaha > Picador > Because of their aversion to magic, they often disregard magical > The 22nd Spartans have recently contracted with Morocco forensic techniques. This has caused some minor friction and deployed two phalanxes. Also, the 180th Independent Air between KE and the RMG. Regiment has assigned two squadron’s worth of “advisors” to > Goat Foot the MRAF. > Hazma the Lion AUXILIARY FORCES The Moroccan Auxiliary Forces are the reserves. Made > Women are still forbidden from serving in Moroccan combat up of soldiers who’ve already served their regular mili- units. Because of this, many capable Moroccan women sign tary tours and now have to fulfill their reserve require- on with merc units. ments, the Auxiliary Forces are what most professionals > Am-mut call “weekend warriors.” All the negative stereotypes as-

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 21 >> SHADOWRUN <<

sociated with that title can be applied here. At best, the Auxiliary Forces are a collection of individuals just look- CORPORATE ing to just get by, having already fulfilled their obligated INFLUENCES service. Most see themselves as civilians with other con- cerns, while a few take their duties seriously. POSTED BY: J. MURDOCK At their worst they’re a bunch of unmotivated, The most succinct way to describe the relationship be- underachieving, incompetent, and generally undisciplined tween the corporations and the Moroccan government drek-heads who managed (just barely) to avoid court- is: cozy. It’s no secret that after the Jihad, the Europeans martial (or worse). These are the soldiers who give the rest were ready to carve up Morocco like a Christmas goose of the Auxiliary a bad name; the privileged ones protected if not for corporate intervention. Decades later, the corps by either political or familial influences, sometimes both. are still here and Morocco is considered one of the most The only reason some of these individuals are still in corporate-friendly countries in the world. And while the uniform is that the Moroccan government needs to keep debate on the moral and ethical implications of the situ- their numbers up. ation continues, the fact remains that Morocco has pros- As befitting a reserve unit, the Auxiliary Forces receive pered because of that intervention. the hand-me-downs (read: junk) from the regular military To adequately cover the subject of Moroccan industry, units and are expected to maintain said equipment. The I’d need a bloody decade. But there are always the top current upgrade plan was supposed to help remedy this, dogs, kings of the mountain who shape things; and here is but it’s been a case of poor execution. no different. For those looking to do business in Morocco, here’s a quick rundown on some of the biggest games > Even the worst soldier can make the best cannon fodder. in town. Should be no surprise that most of them are > Crescent Moon members of the Big Ten, but there are a few locals that play in the big leagues. MOROCCAN INTELLIGENCE: DST The Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (Directorate ARES MACROTECHNOLOGY of Territorial Surveillance or DST) is Morocco’s main in- DISTRICT HQ: RABAT telligence service. Similar to agencies such as the CIA, During the Jihad, European forces did a thorough job of OMI, or MI-6, the DST oversees the country’s foreign blasting the ever-loving hell out of the Moroccan military. and domestic intelligence operations. The DST has two When it was over, the Moroccan military barely existed. main branches: the surveillance division that handles all Then, in Morocco’s darkest hour, came the mighty Ares information (which includes Matrix security and investi- Macrotechnology. The two of them had problems that gations), and the secret police that carry out field opera- the other could help solve. Ares had weapons to sell, and tions against a variety of subjects; which can be political, the Moroccans needed weapons. Kismet. national, or corporate. So in exchange for deals, Ares (along with Mitsuhama, S-K, and Yamatetsu) pretty much told the Europeans to > The surveillance division normally backs up the local demi- bugger off and leave Morocco alone. Perhaps that’s a gross GODs of the Grid Overwatch Division. One on one, most over exaggeration and oversimplification of facts, but it’s decent hackers should wipe the floor with a DST hacker. But accurate. With the proverbial knife away from their throats, the DST uses pack-tactics to stall targets so GOD can put the the Moroccans were more than happy to buy everything hammer down. and anything their new friend was selling. If Ares made it, > Pistons the Moroccans bought it.

Most “secret police” forces breed corruption and or > > And whether “it” worked or not was immaterial. incompetence, but DST agents are the exact opposite. Recruits > Waaha are pulled from the most loyal Moroccan citizens or military personnel and most would rather take their own lives than > Much of the excess Ares equipment was simply re-sold on the betray the King/state. Those rare few that do are hunted and put black markets—at quite a profit, I might add. Morocco actually down like dogs. got the better deal. Fianchetto > > Hazma the Lion

And because Morocco and Ares were—I mean are— such good friends, Morocco gave Ares an exclusive contract to provide arms and material to its armed forces. Almost every single piece of Moroccan military hardware has the Ares’ (or a subsidiary’s) logo stamped on it.

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 22 >> SHADOWRUN <<

company in the region, having operated in the > There are signs that the honeymoon is ending. With Ares’ recent problems, they’ve been late on several shipments to the RMAF, Mediterranean for almost a century now. They employ which has already threatened to derail the upgrade programs. In thousands of Moroccan citizens and control significant response, Morocco has been quietly looking to other suppliers portions of every Moroccan port. These corps are as close such as Onotari, Shiawase Arms, and some upstart outfit called to household names as one can get in this country. Up Ironmongers Inc. until ten years ago, Maersk was the main shipping game in town. Then Wuxing slowly and quietly moved in and > Red Anya bought out all the smaller operations in Morocco until it was just really them and Maersk. > Ares may be losing Moroccan confidence, but they aren’t going down without a fight. I’ve heard that Ares is hiring for all sorts The two are now locked in corporate mortal combat of work in Morocco including sabotage, mudslinging rivals, and for control of regional shipping. Maersk is firmly intimidation of allies to keep them friendly. entrenched, but Wuxing seems to be slowly rooting them out. Both have been undercutting each other at > Hard Exit every turn, offering incentives and preferred customer status to clients while promising superior service. Both EVO companies are now in a dead heat, with the Moroccan DISTRICT HQ: RABAT government firmly on the fence between the two. Why Back in the day when Ares supplied weapons, Yamatetsu should they choose one over the other when they’re supplied medical technology, which the average Moroccan getting such great deals? was very receptive to because Moroccan hospitals couldn’t deal with the massive casualties caused by the Jihad. > Maersk has several long-term leases at most major Moroccan When Yamatetsu eventually became Evo, the corp ports, and Wuxing financial agents have been working to continued bringing top medical tech to Morocco. In 2069, buy up those leases, effectively trying to shut Maersk out. subsidiary Crash Cart Emergency Medical Services began Maersk is fighting back, trying to secure partnerships with service in the country. After Crash 2.0, Evo was at the other port operators, but those not already under Wuxing’s forefront of Morocco’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. influence are few. Because of this, Evo still has an overwhelmingly positive > Mr. Bonds reputation in Morocco—despite current events. Evo uses this goodwill as a gateway to push one of their > Piracy along the North African coast is also on the rise with key products: augmentations. Despite Islamic dogma and both Maersk and Wuxing ships the prime targets. This has initial social stigmas, Evo used a series of public relations caused conflicts to escalate and both companies have turned to campaigns to educate the Moroccan people on the alternate sources to solve their problems. benefits of selective body modifications. In the past few > Hazma the Lion years, augmentations have slowly but steadily increased within the Moroccan population. SAEDER-KRUPP DISTRICT HQ: RABAT > This idea of sacrificing parts of one’s body is heresy at its finest. But what would one expect from a people who have already While most corporations in Morocco tend to specialize, sold their souls? After that, what’s a few body parts? the claws of S-K have sunk into multiple ventures. The largest is Krupp Manufacturing, which has been at the > Crescent Moon forefront of Morocco’s urban modernization for the past few decades. Smaller corporations are often sub-con- > Medical isn’t Evo’s only game in Morocco. Subsidiaries, Yamatetsu Naval Technologies and Saotome Aquadomes, have tracted for specialty projects, but ultimately, Krupp has been busy. Last year, both companies were awarded contracts to final say in all contracts. refurbish and expand the ship docks at the Ports of Casablanca Other S-K subsidiaries are also popular in Morocco. and Safi, barely beating out a Krupp Manufacturing bid. The BMWs are a common sight on Moroccan roads. Krupp projects were scheduled to start six month ago, but “mechanical Specialist Mining has teamed up with Dafina Mining issues” have caused serious delays. to explore new mineral and ore deposits. Rumors also suggest that Dafina may end up another S-K subsidiary > 2XL within the next two years. MAERSK AND WUXING > Krupp has also been hiring extra security for its facilities and DISTRICT HQ: MARRAKESH escorts for their survey teams in the Western Sahara. Local For over a decade now, Maersk and Wuxing have been liberation groups have been making things difficult. battling to be the top dog in Moroccan shipping. > 2XL Despite their AA-rating, Maersk is the established

<< SHADOWS IN FOCUS: MOROCCO 23 >> SHADOWRUN <<

Recently, Angelic Entertainment has made a big splash, farmer named Walid Monsoor discovered he had no skill producing several local trid shows such as the modern in farming, but was good at organization—and dirty tricks. pirate epic Death on the Water and the historical drama At the time, farming conglomerates were reaping the Sands of My Ancestors. AE also has the broadcast rights for benefits of a government tax break. Smaller farms struggled all Moroccan professional sports teams. to compete with the conglomerates, and the state did little to help. Fed up, Walid organized a group of associates and > With Ares’ continued problems, Onotari Arms has gained a went Robin Hood on his competitors. However, instead of foothold in the Moroccan weapons markets by selling directly robbing from the rich, they engaged in acts of sabotage, to the civilian market. Word-of-mouth about Onotari quality has strongarm tactics, and a few homicides. After six bloody reached Moroccan military leaders, who are considering other years, the conglomerates were under Walid’s control and options. underwent a massive reorganization that formed the > Mr. Bonds current company’s foundation. Walid also made sure that all farmers had equal opportunities and were protected > Onotari gained “brownie points” in Morocco by helping local from reprisals. Today, Monsoor Agriculture is an umbrella Berber tribes produce a modern version of the Jezail rifle. corporation that produces and distributes almost half of Popular with the Bardi Horsemen, these custom rifles are Morocco’s food supplies. starting to develop a following among firearms collectors. > Al Dhibi > The only reason Walid is still breathing is that food production never faltered despite the violence, and appropriate palms were SPINRAD GLOBAL greased. > Hazma the Lion DISTRICT HQ: CASABLANCA The newest player in the Moroccan corp scene, SG took > Monsoor still works his field (somewhat) and lives on his farm. everyone by complete surprise six months ago when it This helped win support from the other farmers, who practically swooped in out of nowhere and scooped up all of Neo- worship him. But screw with his business and watch how NET’s former telecommunication assets in the region, in- ruthless Old Man Walid can be. Rumors say that his fields are cluding Gibraltar-Net and Des-Sat (the largest grids in the fertilized with fallen enemies. region. This makes SG the de-facto biggest Matrix ser- > Waaha vice providers in the Mediterranean. Since then, they’ve been busy securing their position, which includes build- ing a regional HQ in Casablanca. DAFINA HEAVY MINING GROUP > “Securing their position”? More like trying to fend of the CORPORATE HQ: RABAT wolves at the gate. What SG and Johnny Spinrad pulled off CEO: KHALID EL-SAYED in Morocco was nothing less than a massive corporate coup. The Dafina Heavy Mining Group is a company that Renraku and MCT were pushing hard, but everyone thought stretches back over 150 years. Originally the Managem that Amalgamated had a lock on NeoNET’s Moroccan bones, Group, the company has been bought, sold, and re- but no. Spinrad made a lot of enemies with that move. named several times in the past fifty years. CEOs often > Mr. Bonds build up the company and then sell off controlling stocks for a hefty profit. Despite its rocky history and curious > Many are still wondering how Spinrad pulled it off. operating practices, Dafina controls approximately forty > Hazma the Lion percent of Morocco’s mining industry. Current CEO Khalid El-Sayed purchased Dafina only > Indeed. Now all he has to do is survive the blowback and four years ago. Since then he’s expanded into the Atlas inevitable reprisals. Getting to the top of the mountain does Mountains and Southern Provinces, partnering with S-K not mean you will stay there. On a related note, jobs against on several joint ventures. El-Sayed is rumored to be in Spinrad’s allies in the Moroccan government have been on negotiations to sell his stocks, with the buyers’ identities the rise … being a closely guarded secret. > Waaha MONSOOR AGRICULTURE CORPORATE HQ: RABAT CEO: WALID MONSOOR Many forget that Morocco is the largest agricultural pro- ducer in Africa. At the top of Morocco’s agro-business is Monsoor. The company started in 2041 when a young

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mained sporadic until a Draco Foundation expedition in GAME INFORMATION 2065 confirmed the animal’s existence when three at- tacked their encampment. TIMES CHANGE Approximately the size of the American black bear, the In the Sixth World of Shadowrun, many things have Atlas bear is slightly shorter but thicker with a smaller snout changed in and for the nation of Morocco. But in some and claws. It can also be distinguished by the reddish- ways, it has stayed the same. Morocco (for the most part) orange fur on its underparts. The Atlas bear is territorial has found a way to adapt to these changes, and for the and intelligent, and in addition to its powerful bits and most part has remained a progressive nation with strong hammer-like paws, it has been reported to use rocks and ties to its Muslim heritage but also heavily influenced by boulders against prey and opponents. Atlas bears are European neighbors. Here are some of the changes the Awakened and possess abilities that function exactly like nation had to react to. the adept powers Hang Time 2 (p. 171, Street Grimoire), Penetrating Strike 2 (p. 173, Street Grimoire), and Smashing WORLD CHANGES Blow (p. 174, Street Grimoire). Combined with its small claws for gripping, the Atlas bear is an expert climber. The world re-shaped itself after the first decade in the twenty-first century. Nations fell, and new nations arose. B A R S W L I C ESS EDG M Ancient powers returned while technology created new ones. Plagues and wars, the rise of corporations, and 8 5 5 10 4 2 5 1 6 2 4 disasters both natural and magical helped re-create the Condition Monitor 12/10 Sixth World. Armor 6 Limits Physical 11, Mental 5, Social 4 LAND CHANGES Physical Initiative 10 + 2D6 Skills Gymnastics 6, Perception 6, Sneaking 4, Unarmed Unlike nations in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, Moroc- Combat 5 co’s borders remained largely unchanged in the twen- Qualities High Pain Tolerance, Toughness ty-first century, aside from the annexation of the contest- Critter Powers Enhanced Senses (smell), Natural Weapons (Bite), ed Southern Provinces/Western Sahara. Natural Weapon (Paws), Search Since the Awakening, Morocco has never been a Weapons Bite [Unarmed Combat, DV 8P, AP –2] hotbed of Awakened/magical activity. It has long been Paws [Unarmed Combat, DV 12P, AP –2] debated if magic is stunted or muted by the antipathy toward it showed by Islamic beliefs. But Morocco was not immune to Awakened changes. BARBARY LION Sandstorms and shifting dunes are a recurring problem (PANTHERA LEO LEO) in areas south and west of the Atlas Mountains and the Barbary lion prides have recently been spotted the West- Western Sahara. Most of the urban areas west of the Atlas ern Sahara just ahead of sandstorms, which locals take as Mountains have been spared because of that natural a sign of impending danger. Not considered to be Awak- barrier, but encroachment is slowly bypassing it. Part ened, the Barbary lion has genetic adaptations to the of this reason is a powerful wandering free spirit of air desert climate. Their paws are wider and thicker enabling (Force 12) who took up residence in the Western Sahara. If them to walk across hot desert sands. Their hair is also encountered and not appeased by an offering of one point thicker to keep sand off their skin. Their eyelashes are of Essence or six Karma, it will create a vicious sandstorm especially thick, and their tear ducts secrete a transpar- and attempt to literally bury those who have not shown ent substance that forms a natural eye cover. They also the proper respect. store water in their fatty tissues, giving them a distinctive Riches that were thought lost can sometimes be found paunch. again in Morocco. Discovered only last year were several The Barbary lion is also an opportunist and ambush orichalcum deposits in the Western Sahara region. Both predator with their favored tactic as hiding in sand when government and corporate interests are attempting striking their prey. Being opportunists, they will attack any to keep this discovery quiet. Also, species of animals animal they consider food. Which is anything. once considered extinct have been seen in the wilds of Morocco. B A R S W L I C ESS EDG 7 6 8 6 2 1 5 1 6 2 ATLAS BEAR Condition Monitor 12/9 Armor 6 (NEO URSUS ARCTOS CROWTHERI) Limits Physical 9, Mental 3, Social 4 Thought extinct in the 1870s, the Atlas bear made a Physical Initiative 11 + 2D6 comeback in the early 2040s. Reports of the animal re- Skills Perception 6, Sneaking 6, Unarmed Combat 5 Critter Powers Enhanced Senses (Low-Light Vision, Smell), Natural Weapons (Bite), Natural Weapons (Claws) Weapons Bite [Unarmed Combat, DV 8P, AP –1] Claws [Unarmed Combat, DV 10P, AP –2]

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MOROCCO CHANGES Gamemasters may elect to impose additional penalties per full point of Essence lost in all social interactions, After the Awakening, the Moroccan people knew that though this can be cut in half (rounded down) for natural- things were different, and they had to adapt to these appearing augmentations. changes. This didn’t mean abandoning their religious be- liefs; instead, they looked to their history for Allah’s wis- THE GRID dom. The results were mixed. The average Moroccan is willing to give a magician the benefit of the doubt until The Matrix situation in Morocco is a bit chaotic. Every said magician does something that individual might con- major city in Morocco has their own local grid, but those sider “sinful.” are simply connected to the overlapping Mediterranean One thing that changed after the Awakening was grid, which also services the southern European countries the average Moroccan’s wiliness to accept most things along the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the amount of modern. Despite what many say, the Moroccans suffered users on the , it’s considered to have a constant as much as the rest of the world during VITAS, both noise rating of 1, which can increase during peak hours Crashes, and the Jihad. As a people, the Moroccans vowed (gamemaster’s discretion). The local grids, named for the never to be helpless again, and they will do whatever and specific city in which they operate, may not always have ally with whomever to ensure that the past isn’t repeated. the ability to reach past Morocco or Southern Europe, but they don’t incur any penalties for local work. All grid security is handled by hackers of the NPF and LOCATIONAL RMG, who usually back up the Grid Overwatch Division. QUIRKS (OPTIONAL) All Moroccan demi-GODs operate in no less than pairs MAGIC AND AWAKENED and will gang up on troublesome hackers. CHARACTERS HASSAN II MOSQUE Life can be difficult for the non-Islamic Awakened in Mo- rocco, as many hold views that magic is infernal. In cit- During times of prayer, magicians receive a situational ies, Moroccan citizens are more tolerant but still frown +5 bonus to all rituals and summoning/binding of spir- upon any overt magical use, especially spellcasting and its. Non-Muslims caught talking at these times may earn summoning. They also take personal offense at any ma- a death sentence in Morocco, provided they live long gician/adept who uses magic to tamper with someone’s enough to make it to trial. free will. Magicians are required by law to include their Awakened status with any ID broadcasts/requests. How- FES JEWISH CEMETERY/ ever, adepts have an easier time because powers are TOMB OF SOLICA more seen as “gifts and blessings.” Islamic magicians (of- The spirit of Solica forbids violence of any kind on the ten called clerics) are the exception to this rule and Mo- cemetery grounds. Those who attempt it or show hostile roccan law, but even then they are often deeply devout intent of any kind will face a spirit calling itself Solica, a and only use their magic when necessary. Force 10 free spirit of man. Her response will be in pro- Gamemasters may elect to impose a –2 penalty on all portion to the violence being perpetrated. Those who social interactions when a non-Islamic magician or mystic repent and cease their hostile intent are spared, but may adept player character is open about their abilities, such as still take injury up to, but not past, their damage overflow. wearing obvious foci or magical tattoos. SOLICA AUGMENTATIONS FORCE 10 FREE SPIRIT OF MAN For Moroccans, augmentation can be a tricky subject be- B A R S W L I C ESS EDG M cause of religious and societal implications/norms. Aug- mentations that were applied because of illness or injury 13 12 14 10 12 12 13 12 12 6 12 are not looked down upon, but those with obvious pieces Condition Monitor 15/14 of cyber or bioware are frequently questioned about them, Armor 6 which can make social interactions a bit awkward; espe- Limits Physical 5, Mental 3, Social 4 cially and more so for those who have obvious implants. Physical Initiative 22 + 2D6 Such people tend to be pitied more than anything else be- Astral Initiative 20 + 3D6 cause they are seen as having lost parts of their soul. As a Skills Assensing, Astral Combat, Perception, Spellcasting, result, natural-looking ’ware is preferred, and many will pay Unarmed Combat higher prices for higher-quality and more Essence-friendly Powers Accident, Astral Form, Concealment, Confusion, pieces. Obvious ’ware, especially when purely cosmetic, is Enhanced Senses (Low-Light, Thermographic Vision), considered vanity and is looked down on. Guard, Influence, Materialization, Sapience, Search Optional Powers Fear, Innate Spell (Mana Barrier), Movement

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TEMPLE BETH EL men tend be more plain with neutral colors while women’s tend to be more colorful and ornate with intricate patterns At this location for healing, any magician using healing of stitching and beading. Also popular is a hoodless magic receives a situational +2 bonus for all spellcasting version of the djellaba called the kaftan. tests and tests to resist drain. Also, those recuperating Because Moroccan clothing tends to be loose-fitting, there receive an additional one damage box per day in armor or armor-weave clothing is often impractical. addition to the standard healing. However, armored vests worn under these garments are popular in seedier areas. Obvious armor isn’t unheard of, CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW but those wearing it tend to attract attention and become This spot is considered to be a safe haven for magicians, uncomfortable in the Moroccan heat. and magic on church grounds is allowed through special Note: Gamemasters may elect to enact an additional government dispensation. There are no specific bonus- +2 heat penalty for fatigue tests (see p. 172, SR5) while es for working magic on church grounds, but a magician wearing heavy armor during the day in the inner cities, but can learn new spell formulae form the clerics, rabbi, and only a +1 along the coast. other holy men on site if they can be convinced to share Moroccans are also fond of their technology. Expensive their knowledge (standard opposed Etiquette + Charisma commlinks and gear are often seen as status symbols, [Social] test). especially in urban areas. Matrix use and augmented reality are big parts of life in Morocco. RUNNERS IN MOROCCO Because Islamic law forbids most tattoos, henna is extremely popular in Morocco. Henna artists are You’ll find the same types of runners in Morocco as any renowned, and it’s common for women of all ages to have other place, but the influence of their Islamic beliefs is felt at least some henna body art. throughout the nation, including the shadows. Because And of course, Moroccan men are fond of the bernousse, of this influence, there’re a few key things to remember more commonly known as the fez. while running in Morocco. First, augmentations tend to be on the lighter side and tailored to the specific runner’s role on the team. Gear LANGUAGE is often used to make up for the lack of ’ware whenever Due to tourism and business in Morocco, there are doz- possible. What they lack in personal augmentation, they ens of languages spoken throughout the country. For the make up for with having some pretty good equipment. average Moroccan, or visitor, the three most important Thanks to the wide-spread black markets, even mil-spec are: Moroccan Arabic, Berber, and French. gear is somewhat common in the Moroccan shadows. A Moroccan Arabic is common throughout the nation; shadowrunner contact with a connection rating of 4 or the majority of the population speak it as a first or second higher can sometimes get items at a lower Availability language. Some variant of Berber is also common in the rating. This discount is equal to the net hits a runner gets nation, especially rural and southern areas. Since the on a standard Etiquette + Charisma [Social] test before the nation is a former French protectorate, French is taught Availability test is made. in many urban schools and is often used in business and Second is the bias against magic users. Native diplomatic deals. magicians as runners in Morocco are going to be even rarer than they are in other non-Islamic countries. So when PREJUDICES one is encountered, it often dramatically tips the balance of power. Conversely, adepts are highly sought after in the Moroccans are typically a very welcoming and tolerant shadows. people, eager to make a new friend (or at least a new contact). But even tolerant people have their limits. Mo- STYLE roccans are also a very proud and take matters such as personal honor and integrity very seriously. Most foreign- Style in Morocco varies as much as it does anywhere ers (who are obvious tourists) get a little bit of leeway. else. Given Morocco’s close history with Western Europe, However, anyone blatantly insulting a Moroccan’s honor it’s very common to see trendy European fashion mixed or harming their family can expect swift and sometimes with traditional Moroccan styles when it comes to attire. brutal retaliation. It’s not uncommon for entire families to This is especially true in the more touristy locations. track down someone to enact retribution. In smaller mat- Moroccans tend to be practical and that means comfort ters, a concession of some kind with a token of forgive- and functionality are their main concerns. A common ness is usually enough to restore peace and harmony. Moroccan garment is the djellaba a long, loose, hooded There are really only two things that the average garment with full sleeves with an attached hood called a Moroccan is honestly prejudiced against. The first is (no qob that’s used to protect the face and head in both hot and surprise) magic. It’s often seen as a force of evil that will cold climates. Popular with both sexes, djellabas worn by ultimately bring the downfall of Allah’s children. It’s also

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the practice that summons demons and robs people of The Moroccan government and regional corporations their free will. Some Islamic magicians have gained some hire deckers (and a few rare technomancers) as anti- acceptance, but they attribute their abilities as a divine gift hackers and or security spiders. And with most urban that must be used in the name of Allah. Islamic magicians Moroccans being technology connoisseurs, walking walk a fine line and must ensure their devotion to Allah is down the street with a cyberdeck doesn’t raise any red- never called into question. flags. In fact, having a deck is considered très chic (actual Moroccans also look down on hobgoblins, because skill not always required). Of course, real deckers love to every society needs a black sheep. Sociologists have yet to screw with these wannabes, and more than one poser determine the source of this disdain, especially when the has gotten their deck bricked for acting like total drek- baseline ork is widely accepted in Muslim society. When heads in the presence of a real pro. Technomancers people are queried about this prejudice, the common are known to carry false decks to avoid any unwanted response is to say that hobgoblins “are simply not to be attention. trusted.” Corporate influence in Morocco may have helped the country rebound after the Jihad, but many Moroccans SHADOWRUNNERS (especially younger generations) see the corporate aid IN MOROCCO as soft subjugation. So while the corporations brought a lot of modern technology and money to Morocco, Morocco is the most modern country in North Africa they inadvertently brought with them the seeds of an and has a thriving shadow community that’s still expand- emerging neo-anarchist movement, with hackers on the ing. Corporate games are constantly being played, and front lines. Disenfranchised youth, frustrated with what despite appearances, the Moroccan government is try- they perceive as corporate domination combined with ing to hold on to what little sovereignty they have left the stress of being a Muslim in the modern world, like by pitting corporations against each other for contracts, to vent their frustrations on a target they feel deserves even though they know that it may be a losing battle in it. The Grid Overwatch Division keeps them in check, the long run. There is also the situation in the Southern but Moroccan hackers are a constant thorn in their side. Provinces, which is made all the more intense now that orichalcum has been discovered there. AWAKENED RUNNERS The smuggling rings are the true wildcards. The It’s tough being Awakened in Morocco. Unless you government knows that these rings could easily disrupt convert or devote your life to serving Allah’s will, expect the major ports, while the corps consider open hostilities to be persecuted if you pop off a few spells or call a spirit with them to be bad for business. buddy for help. Adepts are the only Awakened that get any break, but ARCHETYPES even they have to be careful. Any power that augments a person’s physical attributes isn’t considered inherently FACE evil, but rather a blessing from Allah. Social adepts with In a nation where the art of the deal is a way of life, fac- powers that “rob a man’s will” are perceived to be just as es thrive. They can be found in every level of the shadows, bad as casting a spell. Adepts also command larger-than- from the hustler who can sell sand in the Sahara to the black average fees because augmentations are still relatively marketer who knows exactly what their customers want rare, which makes adepts the de-facto ace combatants in and how to get it to the chummer who’s just as at home in the Moroccan shadows. corporate functions as they are taking to Saharan nomads. Magician runners exist in Morocco, but depending Moroccan faces know that during a deal, words are on the particular flavor, they may be extremely rare. weapons. In the Moroccan shadows, they’re often used Native full magicians or mystic adepts are extremely as moderators to negotiate with aggrieved parties before rare, because most Moroccan spellslingers have devoted things get out of control, helping negotiate some kind of themselves to Allah (normally). Being caught engaging in settlement or cease-fire. Faces are critical in the Moroccan criminal activity is a good way to get into hot water with shadows. the religious establishment—more than one Moroccan magician who strayed from Allah’s grace has come down DECKERS AND TECHNOMANCERS with a bad case of death. As such, most full magicians/ In the late twentieth century, Morocco had a booming mystic adepts who run the Moroccan shadows tend to be telecommunications industry. With the rise of the Matrix foreigners, and they usually command extravagant fees as and the wireless Matrix, Morocco worked hard to stay part of a shadow team. Most magicians in Morocco get current. With each major city in Morocco having a grid, paid three times as much as other team members because combined with the presence of the Mediterranean grid, of the extreme risks of just existing, let alone operating on Morocco is not lacking for Matrix access, which Moroccan Moroccan soil. hackers use to great effect.

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“STREET SAMURAI”/GHAZI WARRIORS LIFE MODULES Because bushido isn’t as popular of a concept in Morocco as it is in other parts of the world, Morocco’s REAL LIFE street samurai tend to be samurai in deed and role only. MOROCCAN CITIZEN Most of these warriors tend to have their own personal Morocco runs the gamut when it comes to education codes of honor, or attach said code with personal religious and career paths. The Moroccan government, backed beliefs. That being said, don’t make the mistake of calling by corporate programs, has worked hard to ensure that them “samurai”—they prefer the term ghazi. the majority of their citizens have at least a high-school What hampers ghazi compared to their street education. Those with this level of education can apply samurai counterparts is the ghazi’s lack of comparative to universities or trade schools. All males must complete augmentations. This means that ghazi warriors tend to mandatory military service. After their service, most have less ’ware on average, but they make up for this with use the money earned to pursue further education and greater skills and the use of small unit tactics. careers, while many return to their rural homes to work Some ghazi come from rural areas where they learned farms owned by their families for generations. survival skills, including how to defend against wildlife. This Attributes: Logic +1, Intuition +1 tends to breed hearty individuals. Having comparatively Qualities: College or Trade School Education, lower technological skills than their urban counterparts, Perceptive (5 Karma), SINner (National, Morocco), would-be ghazi often gravitate to more physical pursuits. Skills: Computer +2, Etiquette (Moroccan) + 1, In Moroccan shadow teams, ghazi mercenaries are Etiquette (Business) +1, Pilot Ground Craft +1 also common. BUSINESS APPRENTICE RIGGERS AND SMUGGLERS At some point you worked for a local business in one of In Morocco, these two practically go hand-in-hand. the many bazaars or perhaps interned with one of the Many prominent smuggling rings started with only a single many corporations as an assistant or local guide and rigger and their craft, eventually expanding into fleets. A learned some of the basics of the Art of the Deal. popular local saying states that if a rigger or smuggler can’t Attributes: Logic +1, Charisma +1 make it in Morocco, they’re idiots. Morocco is a country Qualities: Bilingual, Dealer Connection (pick one: where tens of thousands of water, ground, and aircraft aircraft, drones, ground craft, or watercraft), Linguist travel along or across Moroccan borders daily. Skills: Con +2, Etiquette (Business) +2, Negotiation +2, The relationship between the Moroccan government, Perception +2 the corps, and the smugglers is a long and complicated one. It’s a constant game of deals and shifting alliances as RMAF SHORT-TIMER/ newcomers to the smuggling biz try to make their mark AUXILIARY FORCES MEMBER while the established work to hold on to their power. Alliances and partnerships are forged and broken on a You served your time in one of the RMAF branches. You daily basis, sometimes turning into small wars or feuds. kept your head down and did your job. You didn’t win any Your business partner one day may try and swipe your medals or commendations, but you learned a few skills merchandise the next. It’s all part of business. that may come in handy. Now you’re in the Auxiliary Depending on the merchandise, smuggling can be Forces, still biding your time. very lucrative for even the smallest operation. Contraband Attributes: Agility +1, Logic +1 of every kind comes into Morocco through a cornucopia Qualities: Will to Live (3 Karma) of channels. T-bird pilots run the desert routes, jumping Active Skills: Automatics +1, Blades +1, First Aid +2, the borders to bring in specialty cargo (shadowrunners Pilot Ground Craft or Watercraft +1, Pistols +1, Sneaking for example) or act as lifelines to villages and towns +1, Survival +1, Unarmed Combat +1 besieged by hellish sandstorms and shifting dunes. Or maybe smugglers press their luck playing chicken with the FORMER ROYAL GENDARMERIE Moroccan Navy and Air Force, trying to get cargo through OR NATIONAL POLICE FORCE the Gibraltar Defense Cordon and into southern Europe. Or You figured serving in the RMG would be preferable to maybe a rigger is the captain of a massive super-freighter, the regular armed forces, and you were right. Unfortu- hull packed with all sorts of goodies, and instead of taking nately, something went sideways and you had to leave. on the authorities, they know exactly who to bribe to May have been your fault, maybe not, but whatevert he ensure a pleasant trip into one of the massive Moroccan case, your former superiors don’t like you. ports. Of course, this isn’t always an easy trip—pirates and Attributes: Intuition +1, Reaction +1 other smugglers may try and lighten your load. Qualities: Bad Rep, Common Sense, Home Ground If a rigger/smuggler can find a new angle, they can (Street Politics), Perceptive practically write their own ticket in Morocco. Active Skills: Clubs +2, Intimidation +2, Pistols +1, Pilot

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Ground Craft +1, Professional Skill (Criminal Investigation) +2, Running +1, Tracking +1, Unarmed Combat +1

RMAF VETERAN You joined up to fulfill your obligation, but once you got in you realized that you actually liked serving in the mili- tary. You signed up for a few tours, learned a few things, and became a respectable soldier/sailor. But nothing lasts forever. Unfortunately, you found about the glass ceiling when you hit it. So now you’re out, with some marketable skills to show for your time. Attributes: Agility +1 Qualities: Tough as Nails (5 Karma), Restricted Gear Active Skills: Automatics +2, Blades +1, First Aid +1, Heavy Weapons +1, Pistols +2, Sneaking +1, Pilot Ground Craft or Watercraft +1, Thrown Weapons +1, Unarmed Combat +1

EQUIPMENT What do shadowrunners in Morocco look like? Answer: depends on the job. When it comes to the tools of the trade, runners in Morocco tend to go very gear-heavy instead of being loaded with augmentations whenever possible. It’s also not unusual to see runners with the oc- casional bit of mil-spec tech.

ARMOR Armor can be one of those touchy things to purchase in Morocco. While the government likes to project their im- age as a peaceful place where all visitors can feel safe, they’re not so disconnected from reality to buy into their own bulldrek. Personal armor, while not exactly fashion- able in Morocco, is widely available in all standard styles. The higher levels of armor are another story. After a running firefight between a team of shadowrunners and a group of mercenaries in Casablanca, the government has decreed that any personal armor above an armored jacket is considered illegal for civilian use, and anyone caught using it will face stiff penalties. Of course, this meant less than zero to shadowrunners. While higher grades of armor such as full armor and security-grade armor is available through the Moroccan black markets, because of recent crackdowns on arms suppliers, prices for armor have gone up by fifty percent. A number of mercenary commands returning to their home bases after the most recent Desert Wars have dumped a lot of their gently used suits of light mil-spec armor off on the Morocco markets. Players who have the appropriate contacts who wish to purchase a suit can do so for twice the listed price in Run & Gun (p. 65). At the GM’s discretion, all suits will be considered to be lightly worn (see p. 59 Run and Gun).

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WEAPONS ELECTRONICS The Moroccan government has a strict yet odd policy Moroccans love their tech and toys, and as such they regarding weapons: if you aren’t RMAF, RMG, NPF, or have no problems with ownership and use of a cyber- any official Moroccan agency, then you are forbidden deck for legal means (whatever those may be). Carrying from carrying deadly ordnance. This doesn’t mean that a deck attracts no more attention from the general popu- firearms are forbidden—the law actually forbids certain lace than wearing a fez. Carrying a deck may attract other types of ammunition. Any ammunition specifically de- deckers, but that’s about it. signed to kill (such as regular, APDS, explosive) are illegal and having them in your possession is a crime. Howev- AUGMENTATIONS er, less-than-lethal ammo (such as gel, capsule, Stick-N- Augmentations are currently a touchy subject in Mo- Shock) are allowed. But don’t think that means you can rocco, as allowances from Muslim clerics and holy men walk around with an LMG filled with gel rounds; the law are still being hotly debated. As a result of this and high also states that any weapon that is burst-fire capable and demand, the availability for alpha- and beta-grade aug- larger than a heavy pistol is also illegal. There are excep- mentations is 2 higher than it normally would be. Foreign tions—any bonded/authorized private company or indi- non-Muslim visitors are not exempt from having any vidual can carry their weapon with standard (lethal) am- ’ware, but they must declare exactly what augmentations munition, but waivers for individuals are uncommon. they have before being allowed to enter the country. Brandishing a firearm is discouraged because of the Muslim or Moroccan citizens who have permission to possibility of causing a public panic. Also, per Moroccan receive augmentations can visit one of the few Evo-owned law, visitors are informed upon arrival that weapons must clinics in Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakesh. And because of be declared before entering the country and that the state demand, there is a two to three month waiting list for any has the right to confiscate any weapon at any time. procedure. Have fun with that! Large blades and melee weapons, such as swords, are CHEMICALS, DRUGS, also illegal, but knives are legal. The exact blade length that is the dividing line between legal and illegal weapons AND OTHER SUBSTANCES is a subject of constant debate. Morocco government takes a hard line on drugs and rec- reational pharmaceuticals. Given the destructive nature WEAPON ACCESSORIES of most modern drugs, the Moroccan government feels that the use of such substances are an inherent danger Accessories are mostly considered a non-issue by Mo- to the stability and well-being of the country. In other roccan authorities and the Moroccan government en- words, they don’t want some jazzed-up BTL-head to go courages anything that make the weapon more accurate nuts and hurt a lot of nice, nuyen-spending tourists. (especially biometric locks and SAFE targeting systems) Drugs for legitimate medical use are legal, but tightly because they believe it makes them safer. Also, conceal- controlled. The exceptions are medications in medical able holsters are highly encouraged, and the Moroccan patches found in most first-aid kits. authorities prefer that all weapons remain concealed.

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