This chapter defines the weapons, tools, protective gear, holy items, field supplies, and faction equipment available to characters in The Hollow. Availability ranges from ordinary retail purchase to items that require faction access, federal credentials, or a specific contact, and a few pieces that have never appeared in any catalog.
How Equipment Works
Damage and Range
Weapons deal damage on a successful hit. A melee weapon's Dam entry is a bonus: add it to the wielder's Might to find the damage dealt. Might 3 with a +1 knife deals 4 damage. A ranged weapon's Dam entry is the full damage by itself. The target's Resistance is subtracted from the damage dealt, and the remainder is applied to the target's Wound Points (WP). Unless otherwise noted, a successful attack deals this amount regardless of how many net Successes were rolled.
Boon results on attack checks may be spent to:
- Deal 1 additional damage on a ranged attack, or on a melee attack with the Balanced quality
- Create a positional advantage for the next attacker
- Force the target into a reactive posture (cannot act offensively next turn)
- Apply a weapon's Brutal quality effect
- Inflict a Critical Injury by spending net Boons equal to the weapon's Crit rating (see Crit Ratings below)
This list is not exhaustive. Boons may always be spent on narrative effects per the core Reading Results rules (information, position, resources, scene changes), with the GM adjudicating. The core spends of Strain recovery and direct condition application (Prone, Disoriented) are not used in The Hollow.
Crit ratings. A weapon's Crit rating is the number of net Boons that must be spent to inflict a Critical Injury with it. Weapons in The Hollow use a default Crit rating of 3 unless a quality changes it: the Keen quality lowers it to 2, and the Crude quality raises it to 4.
Breakthrough results on attack checks deal full damage and automatically trigger a Critical Injury roll on the target without requiring a Boon spend (see the Critical Injury table in Chapter Seventeen). Roll d100 on the Critical Injury table; all weapons in The Hollow use a +0 modifier unless a quality specifies otherwise.
Reading the Weapon Tables
- Skill — the skill used to attack with the weapon: Melee (Might) or Ranged (Agility).
- WD — Weapon Damage. Melee entries are a bonus added to the wielder's Might; ranged entries are the full amount.
- Crit — the number of net Boons that must be spent to inflict a Critical Injury with this weapon (see Crit Ratings above).
- Range — the weapon's effective range band. Attacks beyond it add difficulty per the core rules.
- Encum — encumbrance: how much the weapon counts against what a character can comfortably carry.
- HP — hard points. Each permanent physical modification (silvering, an iron edge, a suppressor, a scope) occupies 1 hard point. A weapon with 0 HP cannot take permanent modifications. Blessing is a rite, not a modification, and does not use a hard point.
- Price — typical cost in US dollars through a legal or ordinary channel. A dash means the item is not commercially sold; it is issued, inherited, or made.
- Rarity — 0 to 10. How hard the item is to find: 0–3 is retail, 4–6 takes contacts or effort, 7+ means faction supply chains, specialist makers, or the black market. Items with the Restricted quality require credentials or a Streetwise check regardless of Rarity (see Availability and Access).
Calamity results on attack checks: the GM may introduce a complication: weapon malfunction, exposed position, unintended target, or supernatural consequence if applicable.
Resistance
A character's Resistance reduces incoming damage before it applies to Wound Points. Armor adds to Resistance. Supernatural threats may bypass Resistance entirely. This is noted in Chapter Eleven by creature type.
Weapon Qualities
| Quality | Effect |
|---|---|
| Balanced | Permits the Boon spend for +1 damage on melee attacks (see Boon Spend Options below) |
| Brutal | On a Boon spend, deal 1 additional damage and the target cannot use Resistance against this hit |
| Vicious X | Add +X to Critical Injury rolls caused by this weapon |
| Keen | Precision edge or pattern; the weapon's Crit rating is 2 instead of the default 3 |
| Crude | Clumsy, blunt, or diffuse; the weapon's Crit rating is 4 instead of the default 3 |
| Concealed | Can be hidden on person without a Subterfuge or Stealth check under normal conditions |
| Holy | Counts as holy; can harm supernatural targets that require holy means; a demonic entity struck by this weapon suffers 1 Bane die on its next action |
| Blessed | Holy and specifically consecrated; adds 1 Boon die to attacks against demonic entities |
| Silver | Effective against silver-vulnerable creature types; Silver counts as a confirmed weakness, so these targets cannot apply Legendary against silver weapons and the weapon ignores their Resistance (reduced to 0 for the hit) |
| Iron | Effective against iron-vulnerable entity types; Iron counts as a confirmed weakness, so these entities cannot apply Legendary against iron weapons and the weapon ignores their Resistance (reduced to 0 for the hit) |
| Limited Ammo X | The weapon or loaded magazine can be used X times before it must be reloaded, recharged, or resupplied. Special ammunition carries this quality; ordinary ammunition is not tracked |
| Reliable | Weapon does not malfunction; Calamity results cannot produce equipment failure for this weapon |
| Loud | Makes significant noise; imposes 1 Bane die to Stealth checks in the area after firing; attracts attention |
| Two-Handed | Requires both hands; cannot be concealed; cannot be used while grappling or restrained |
| Restricted | Legally controlled; possessing without cause is a criminal offense (see Availability and Access) |
| Improvised | Not designed as a weapon; add 1 Trial die to attack checks; breaks or becomes unusable on a Calamity |
Melee Weapons
| Weapon | Skill | WD | Crit | Range | Encum | HP | Price | Rarity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unarmed | Unarmed | +0 | 5 | Engaged | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | Fists, elbows, knees; always available |
| Boot Knife | Melee | +0 | 3 | Engaged | 1 | 0 | $25 | 1 | Concealed; very small, difficult to disarm |
| Knife / Blade | Melee | +1 | 3 | Engaged | 1 | 0 | $50 | 1 | Concealed, Balanced |
| Combat Knife | Melee | +1 | 2 | Engaged | 1 | 1 | $150 | 3 | Balanced, Reliable |
| Tactical Baton | Melee | +1 | 4 | Engaged | 1 | 0 | $75 | 2 | Concealed (collapsed); non-lethal capable |
| Club / Bat | Melee | +2 | 4 | Engaged | 2 | 0 | $25 | 1 | Brutal |
| Crowbar | Melee | +2 | 4 | Engaged | 2 | 0 | $30 | 1 | Brutal, Improvised; also a functional tool |
| Machete | Melee | +2 | 3 | Engaged | 2 | 0 | $60 | 2 | Balanced |
| Fire Axe | Melee | +3 | 3 | Engaged | 3 | 0 | $80 | 2 | Brutal, Two-Handed, Loud; unwieldy in confined space |
| Short Sword | Melee | +2 | 2 | Engaged | 2 | 1 | $300 | 4 | Balanced, Reliable; concealable under a coat |
| Combat Staff | Melee | +2 | 4 | Engaged | 3 | 1 | $100 | 2 | Balanced, Two-Handed; can be blessed |
| Silvered Knife | Melee | +1 | 3 | Engaged | 1 | 0 | $400 | 5 | Concealed, Silver |
| Silvered Blade (combat) | Melee | +2 | 2 | Engaged | 2 | 1 | $900 | 6 | Balanced, Silver |
| Iron Dagger | Melee | +1 | 3 | Engaged | 1 | 0 | $200 | 4 | Concealed, Iron; cold iron |
| Iron Pipe | Melee | +2 | 4 | Engaged | 2 | 0 | $15 | 1 | Iron, Improvised |
| Blessed Blade | Melee | +2 | 2 | Engaged | 2 | 1 | — | 7 | Holy, Balanced; blessed by valid clerical authority |
| Silver-and-Blessed Blade | Melee | +2 | 2 | Engaged | 2 | 1 | — | 9 | Silver, Holy, Balanced; covers two threat types |
| Combat Cross (iron) | Melee | +1 | 4 | Engaged | 1 | 0 | $250 | 5 | Iron, Holy, Concealed; faith object first, weapon second |
| Iron Chain (blessed) | Melee | +1 | 4 | Engaged | 2 | 0 | $300 | 6 | Iron, Holy; can physically restrain iron-vulnerable entities |
On Weapon Preparation
Weapons can be modified between sessions or during preparation scenes. A silvered knife begins as a standard knife until properly silver-forged by someone with the skill and materials. A blade becomes blessed only through legitimate clerical authority; an improvised blessing does not qualify (see On Blessing and Authority, below). The Latchkey Archive maintains a small inventory of pre-prepared weapons for field assignment. The Black Road runs its own supply chains.
A weapon modified with Silver or Iron retains the quality permanently unless damaged. A weapon that is Blessed retains the quality for one case unless the blessing is renewed or the weapon is profaned.
Ranged Weapons: Firearms
| Weapon | Skill | WD | Crit | Range | Encum | HP | Price | Rarity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Pistol | Ranged | 5 | 4 | Short | 1 | 1 | $250 | 3 | Concealed, Reliable; .22 or equivalent backup weapon |
| Pistol | Ranged | 6 | 3 | Short | 1 | 2 | $400 | 4 | Reliable; 9mm, .40, .45; the default sidearm |
| Heavy Pistol | Ranged | 7 | 3 | Short | 2 | 2 | $700 | 5 | Reliable, Loud, Brutal; .357, .44 Magnum, .50 AE |
| Suppressed Pistol | Ranged | 6 | 3 | Short | 1 | 1 | $900 | 6 | Reliable, Restricted; significantly reduced noise signature |
| Submachine Gun | Ranged | 5 | 3 | Medium | 2 | 3 | $1,200 | 6 | Restricted, Loud, Two-Handed; automatic fire, can engage multiple targets |
| Shotgun (buckshot) | Ranged | 8 | 3 | Short | 3 | 1 | $500 | 4 | Brutal, Loud, Two-Handed; devastating at Short, reduced beyond it |
| Shotgun (slug) | Ranged | 8 | 3 | Medium | 3 | 1 | $500 | 4 | Loud, Two-Handed; single projectile, maintains range |
| Shotgun (buckshot, point-blank) | Ranged | 9 | 3 | Engaged | 3 | 1 | $500 | 4 | Brutal, Loud, Two-Handed, Vicious 1; at Engaged range, upgrade one Ability die to a Mastery die on the attack |
| Rifle (standard) | Ranged | 8 | 3 | Long | 3 | 4 | $900 | 5 | Reliable, Two-Handed; 5.56, 7.62; general-purpose |
| Rifle (high-caliber) | Ranged | 9 | 2 | Extreme | 4 | 3 | $2,500 | 7 | Reliable, Two-Handed, Restricted; .308, .338, .50 BMG; precision shooting |
| Hunting Rifle | Ranged | 8 | 3 | Extreme | 3 | 2 | $700 | 4 | Balanced, Two-Handed; scoped, effective at range |
| Crossbow | Ranged | 6 | 3 | Medium | 3 | 2 | $350 | 3 | Balanced, Two-Handed; silent; accepts modified bolts (silver-tipped, blessed) |
| Compound Bow | Ranged | 6 | 3 | Medium | 2 | 1 | $300 | 3 | Two-Handed; silent; accepts modified arrows |
Special Ammunition
Special ammunition modifies a firearm's effective qualities for a scene. It does not change base damage unless noted.
Ordinary ammunition is not tracked. Assume a character carrying a firearm has rounds for it; a Calamity may still leave them dry, jammed, or reloading at the worst moment. Special ammunition is different: each set carries the Limited Ammo X quality, and those uses are counted. The Supply column below gives each set's X.
| Ammunition | Effect | Availability | Limited Ammo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silvered Rounds | Adds Silver quality to any firearm for a scene | Black Road caches, black market, specialty smiths | 6 |
| Iron-Core Rounds | Adds Iron quality to any firearm for a scene | Black Road, Latchkey Archive, specialist production | 6 |
| Blessed Rounds | Adds Blessed quality to any firearm for one scene; requires legitimate clerical blessing | Order of Mercy field kits, emergency supply | 6 |
| Salt Shells | Shotgun only; replaces the shotgun's damage: 4 against physical targets, 8 against ghosts and spirits | Black Road, Watchfires, specialist suppliers | 6 |
| Silver-and-Blessed Rounds | Adds both Silver and Blessed qualities | Order of Mercy emergency reserve, Black Road premium | 4 |
| Incendiary Rounds | +1 damage on hit; target continues to take 2 damage per round unless extinguished; Restricted | Military contacts, black market | 6; Restricted |
| Dragon's Breath (shotgun) | Incendiary; same effect as incendiary rounds; also lights flammable materials | Black market | 4; Restricted |
Protective Gear
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Concealed Armor | +1 Resistance | Commercial, law enforcement | Concealable under clothing |
| Standard Body Armor | +2 Resistance | Law enforcement, military, restricted commercial | Not concealable |
| Tactical Armor | +3 Resistance | Military, law enforcement, restricted | Full plate; imposes 1 Trial die on Athletics and Stealth |
| Helmet (standard) | Reduces head-targeted Calamity effects | Law enforcement, military | |
| Bite/Slash Gloves | Protects hands from slashing/biting; +1 Resistance to hand/arm injury | Commercial (cut-resistant) | |
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 1 | See Containment Equipment | Latchkey Archive | |
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 2 | See Containment Equipment | Latchkey Archive | |
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 3 | See Containment Equipment | Latchkey Archive specialized | |
| Hazmat Suit (standard) | Physical contamination protection; no supernatural protection | Commercial, Latchkey Archive | |
| Lead-Lined Vest | Reduces passive supernatural radiation from certain relic types by 1 WP per scene | Latchkey Archive | For specific object categories only |
Holy and Blessed Items
Holy water, blessed oil, a crucifix, prayer beads: not a guarantee. A change in the odds.
Holy items provide mechanical leverage against supernatural threats.
Holy and Blessed items carry the qualities defined in Weapon Qualities, above. A demonic entity struck by a Holy weapon, or in direct contact with a Holy item, suffers 1 Bane die on its next action. Blessed items additionally add 1 Boon die to attack or use checks against demonic entities.
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Water (vial) | On direct contact with a demonic entity: 2 damage (spiritual), 1 Bane die to entity's next action; vs. ghosts and spirits: see Chapter Eleven | Order of Mercy, Catholic churches, blessed water sources | 1 use per vial |
| Holy Water (flask) | Same as vial; larger supply | Order of Mercy field kits | 4 uses |
| Holy Water (large container) | Same effect; can affect a small area if poured on ground | Order of Mercy, sanctioned supplies | 8 uses; heavy |
| Blessed Oil | Used in Sacraments, Anointing, and formal rites; required for Sacraments authority skill checks; adds 1 Boon die to appropriate rite checks | Order of Mercy ordained clergy | 3 uses per vial |
| Rosary | Provides 1 Boon die to Theology checks; adds 1 Boon die to Composure checks against supernatural fear when held and active | Common; Catholic supply | Personal item |
| Crucifix (standard) | Provides 1 Boon die to Composure checks against supernatural fear when held; no attack effect without Holy weapon quality | Common | A focus, not a weapon |
| Iron Crucifix | Provides Iron quality and 1 Boon die to Composure checks against supernatural fear; functions as an iron implement | Catholic supply, specialty | |
| Blessed Crucifix | Provides Holy quality, 1 Boon die to Composure checks, 1 Boon die to Deliverance checks when held | Order of Mercy, sanctioned blessing | Requires valid blessing |
| Relic Medallion (authenticated) | Holy quality; provides 1 Boon die to Composure vs. supernatural fear; adds 1 Boon die to Theology checks when worn | Order of Mercy, authenticated only | Fake relics have no effect |
| Blessed Candle | Provides mild warding in its immediate area; entities in its light add 1 Bane die to Deception checks; rites performed in its light add 1 Boon die | Order of Mercy, Watchfires supplies | Burns for one scene per candle |
| Prayer Beads (personal, prayed-over) | Provides 1 Boon die to Theology and Discernment checks; provides 1 Boon die to Composure checks against demonic influence | Common to believers | Not sacramentally blessed, prayed-over |
| Personal Bible (annotated) | Provides 1 Boon die to Theology and Discernment checks; Watchfires characters add 1 additional Boon die when confronting directly | Common | Requires genuine personal engagement with text |
| Scripture Card (laminated) | Provides 1 Boon die to Composure checks against supernatural fear | Common | Single-use talismanic version |
| Prayer Oil (Watchfires) | Not sacramentally blessed; provides 1 Boon die to Righteous Fire and Deliverance checks when applied | Watchfires network, Christian supply | 3 uses |
On Blessing and Authority
A weapon or item becomes Blessed only through a valid sacramental or recognized liturgical blessing applied by someone with legitimate clerical authority. A priest with the Sacraments authority skill may bless items as part of their function. A Watchfires minister may pray over items. This provides the prayed-over benefit but not the Holy quality unless they also possess Tier 1 Consecration magical talent.
An improvised blessing, meaning words spoken over an object without valid spiritual authority behind them, does not confer the Holy quality.
Warding and Ritual Supplies
Rock salt, iron filings, chalk, blessed cord: common items from a hardware store that keep something from crossing the threshold.
Warding materials are required for most Warding and Binding talent uses. They are common, inexpensive, and overlooked by anyone who does not know what they are used for.
| Item | Effect | Availability | Supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Salt (bag) | Required for basic Threshold Mark and most Warding rites; adds environmental component to warding checks | Hardware stores, bulk food supply | ~10 field uses per bag |
| Iron Filings (container) | Warding component against iron-vulnerable entities; alternative to iron implements in rites | Hardware stores | ~10 field uses per container |
| White Chalk | Marking material for ritual circles, binding wards, and site mapping; required for most Binding rites | Hardware stores, art supply | ~20 uses per stick |
| Blessed Chalk | As white chalk, but adds 1 Boon die to Binding and Warding checks when used | Order of Mercy, sanctioned supply | ~10 uses; requires blessing |
| Consecrated Oil | Required for Order of Mercy formal rites; adds 1 Boon die to Sacraments checks | Order of Mercy ordained clergy | 3 uses per vial |
| Silver Dust (vial) | Warding component against silver-vulnerable entities; used in circle perimeters | Black Road caches, black market, specialty | 3 field uses per vial; expensive |
| Iron Nails (set) | Used in pinning rites and certain Binding procedures; iron quality | Hardware stores | 12 per set |
| Blessed Cord / Rope | Used in physical-spiritual binding; adds Holy quality to physical restraint against supernatural targets | Order of Mercy field kits, Watchfires supply | Single 10-foot length |
| Black Candles | Used in Forbidden Rites and certain Candleless procedures; required component | Occult supply stores, black market | 4 per set |
| Item | Effect | Availability | Supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt and Iron Kit | Pre-packaged field warding kit: rock salt, iron filings, chalk, iron nails | Black Road, Latchkey Archive, prepared characters | 5 full uses |
| Ritual Supplies Kit (general) | Chalk, candles (black and white), iron filings, salt, binding cord, sigil reference cards | Black market, occult supply, Candleless | Full kit for one complex rite |
| Order Consecration Kit | Holy water (flask), blessed oil, stole (travel), breviary, blessed chalk, salt | Order of Mercy operational | Full Order field rite support |
| Incense (sanctioned) | Used in formal Catholic rites; required for certain Order procedures; adds 1 Boon die to formal rite checks | Catholic supply, Order of Mercy | Standard supply |
| Incense (occult) | Used in Forbidden Rites and Summoning procedures | Occult supply, black market | Standard supply |
Investigative and Field Gear
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence Kit (standard) | Adds 1 Boon die to Forensics checks in the field; includes gloves, swabs, evidence bags, labels | Commercial, law enforcement | Standard issue |
| Evidence Kit (forensic grade) | Adds 2 Boon dice to Forensics checks; includes full collection tools, sterile containers, field preservation | Lyncean Office, law enforcement specialized | Required for Evidence Chain skill checks |
| UV Light (handheld) | Reveals biological traces, certain occult markings, and some supernatural residue invisible in normal light; adds 1 Boon die to Perception checks for hidden evidence | Commercial, law enforcement | |
| EMF Meter | Detects electromagnetic anomalies associated with supernatural activity; adds 1 Boon die to Perception checks to detect active Wound sites or entity presence; does not distinguish type | Commercial (paranormal equipment) | Abundant false positives near electrical equipment |
| Thermal Camera | Reveals temperature anomalies; useful for detecting Cold Shard activity and certain entity types; adds 1 Boon die to Detection checks in applicable situations | Commercial, specialized | |
| Voice Recorder | Required for documented witness statements; essential for Inquiry check follow-up and Evidence Chain procedures | Commercial | |
| Camera (quality digital) | Documentation; produces photographic evidence viable for Evidence Chain checks; required for official case record | Commercial | |
| Video Camera (covert) | Small, concealable; adds 1 Boon die to Surveillance checks when placed in advance; 8-hour battery | Commercial, Directorate Vesper | |
| Lockpick Set | Required tool for Subterfuge checks on mechanical locks; no check needed for basic locks with this kit | Restricted (criminal background), black market | |
| Electronic Lock Bypass | Required tool for Technology checks on electronic security; adds 1 Boon die | Directorate Vesper, Lyncean Office, black market | |
| Field Microscope | Reduces difficulty of Forensics checks involving trace evidence by 1 step | Medical, scientific supply | |
| Ground-Penetrating Radar (portable) | Identifies subsurface disturbances; useful for locating burial sites, underground chambers, structural anomalies | Scientific rental, Lyncean Office | Two-person carry |
| Geiger Counter | Detects radiation; also useful as secondary detection for certain relic types that emit analogous energy | Commercial, scientific | |
| Site Survey Kit | Measuring tape, mapping materials, grid markers; required for accurate site documentation | Commercial |
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encrypted Laptop | Required for Technology checks involving secure networks; provides access to restricted databases when equipped with appropriate credentials | Lyncean Office, Directorate Vesper standard; restricted commercial | |
| Satellite Phone | Long-range secure communication in remote areas | Lyncean Office, Directorate Vesper, restricted commercial | |
| Encrypted Radio | Short-range encrypted team communication | Directorate Vesper, Lyncean Office | |
| Burner Phone | Untraceable short-term communication; disposable | Commercial | No technical analysis linkage |
| Night Vision Goggles | Eliminates Bane dice from darkness conditions; Restricted | Military, law enforcement, black market | |
| Drone (small) | Remote reconnaissance; adds 2 Boon dice to Surveillance checks for exterior observation | Commercial, Directorate Vesper | 30-minute flight time; noisy |
Medical Supplies
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid Kit | Required for Medicine checks in the field; treats up to 2 WP per use with a successful check; without this kit, field Medicine checks add 1 Trial die | Commercial | Standard |
| Advanced Field Kit | Reduces difficulty of Medicine checks by 1 step; treats up to 4 WP per use; includes IV supplies, wound closure, surgical basics | Medical professionals, black market | Requires Medicine skill to use effectively |
| Trauma Kit | Full field surgical capability; required for major injury treatment; treats up to 6 WP per use with a successful extended check | Medical professionals, Lyncean Office field supply | Requires Medicine rank 2+ |
| Pharmaceutical Kit | Sedatives, stimulants, pain management, and a small selection of prescription medications | Medical professionals; restricted commercial | |
| Splint and Immobilization Set | Required for field fracture treatment; prevents additional WP from movement on a broken limb | Commercial, first aid | |
| Adrenaline (epinephrine) | Once per session, a successfully injected character who has fallen to 0 Wound Points acts for one additional round before collapse | Medical supply; restricted | |
| Burn Treatment Kit | Required for fire-based wound treatment; reduces Strain from fire damage by 1 per application | Commercial medical | |
| Spiritual Wound Dressing | Sage, salt, prayer cards, and specific materials; used when spiritual damage has physical manifestation; adds 1 Boon die to Medicine checks on supernaturally-inflicted wounds | Order of Mercy, Watchfires, Black Road | Combined spiritual/medical treatment |
Latchkey Archive field kit: iron-lined case, Grade 2 gloves, consecrated sealing tape, and the provenance card for what should not be touched without reading it first.
Containment Equipment
Latchkey Archive standard equipment. Note: This chapter covers tools and operational gear only. Relics and cursed objects are defined in Chapter Nine.
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 1 | Prevents passive contact triggers from dormant relics and inactive objects; required for basic Containment checks | Latchkey Archive standard | |
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 2 | Prevents passive triggers; adds 1 Boon die to Containment checks with active objects | Latchkey Archive | |
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 3 | Full containment protection; adds 2 Boon dice to Containment checks; resists passive infernal contact effects | Latchkey Archive specialized | Issued for high-risk retrieval |
| Iron-Lined Case (small) | Sealed container for small objects; iron-lined interior with salt-treated lining; prevents passive emission from contained items | Latchkey Archive standard | Holds objects up to briefcase size |
| Iron-Lined Case (medium) | Reinforced; lockable; padded interior; handles objects up to small-crate size | Latchkey Archive | Requires two-person carry when loaded |
| Lead-Lined Container | For objects with radiation-adjacent emission profiles; adds 1 additional layer of passive containment | Latchkey Archive, specialized order | |
| Faraday Case | For electronic or signal-emitting objects; prevents transmission | Latchkey Archive specialized | |
| Consecrated Sealing Tape | Archive-blessed tape; objects sealed with this cannot be re-opened by unauthorized personnel; supernatural entities cannot open sealed containers without breaking the seal first; breaking the seal is audible and detectable | Latchkey Archive | Per-roll supply; visually distinctive |
| Provenance Kit | Labels, markers, reference cards, photography kit for documenting object condition at retrieval | Latchkey Archive standard | Required for Archive logging |
| Item | Effect | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Tablet (offline) | Encrypted device containing relevant Archive object records for current assignment; adds 1 Boon die to Relic Lore checks on listed objects | Latchkey Archive | No network access; physical device |
| Field Containment Barrier | Portable physical barrier system; establishes a 10-foot perimeter with additional warding materials integrated; requires 15 minutes setup | Latchkey Archive | |
| Quarantine Tent | Portable field containment area; creates physical boundary that functions as a basic ward (equivalent to Threshold Mark at all entry points); 30-minute setup | Latchkey Archive specialized | Two-person setup |
| Emergency Containment Foam | Chemically inert rapid-hardening foam; immobilizes a small object in transit without contact; no supernatural properties, but prevents mechanical activation of physical triggers | Latchkey Archive | Single-use canister |
| Object Transport Vehicle | Armored van with integrated containment units, sealed compartments, GPS tracking, driver separation barrier | Latchkey Archive authorized only | Faction pool vehicle |
| Breach Response Kit | Full-scale breach response package: additional sealed cases, extra Grade 3 gloves, consecrated sealing tape, emergency containment foam, medical supplies, backup archive tablet | Latchkey Archive emergency deployment | Deployed when initial containment has failed |
Faction Starting Gear Packages
Each faction provides members with standard operational gear. These packages represent what a member has at the beginning of play. Individual characters may supplement with personal purchases.
The Watchfires
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Personal Bible (heavily annotated) | 1 |
| Personal Faith Object (cross, prayer beads, medallion, individual choice) | 1 |
| Prayed-Over Water (flask) | 1 |
| Prayer Oil | 1 vial |
| Salt (bag) | 1 |
| Iron Filings (small container) | 1 |
| Rock Salt Shells (if armed) | 6 |
| Basic First Aid Kit | 1 |
| Civilian Vehicle (personal) | 1 |
| Cash (2 weeks field expenses) | Personal |
| Burner Phone | 1 |
Order of Mercy
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Breviary (field edition, annotated) | 1 |
| Stole (travel, blessed) | 1 |
| Holy Water (vial) | 6 |
| Blessed Oil (vial) | 2 |
| Rosary (personal) | 1 |
| Blessed Crucifix | 1 |
| Consecrated Oil (vial) | 2 |
| Blessed Chalk | 1 stick |
| Incense (sanctioned, travel pack) | 1 |
| Emergency Relic Transport Case (small) | 1 |
| Ecclesiastical Credentials | 1 set |
| Vatican Field Contact Number | 1 |
| Civilian Vehicle | Shared pool |
Ordained priests additionally receive:
- Sacramental kit (full Mass supplies, last rites kit)
- Formal stole (color-appropriate)
- Sealed case with emergency holy water supply (8 uses)
Directorate Vesper
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Cover Identity Package (documents, legend) | 1 |
| Encrypted Communication Device | 1 |
| Suppressed Handgun (9mm) | 1 |
| Standard Ammunition | 30 rounds |
| Surveillance Package (basic: 2 cameras, audio recorder, transmitter) | 1 |
| Burner Phones | 3 |
| Operating Cash (small bills, two currencies) | Field budget |
| Safe Location Contact (pre-arranged) | 1 |
| Encrypted Laptop | 1 |
| Non-standard Vehicle (unmarked, non-traceable registration) | Operational pool |
Operational personnel additionally receive:
- Secondary cover identity
- One pre-arranged asset contact (NPC, GM determines details)
The Lyncean Office
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Federal Credentials (genuine, Lyncean bureau) | 1 set |
| Duty Sidearm (standard issue handgun) | 1 |
| Standard Ammunition | 30 rounds |
| Evidence Kit (forensic grade) | 1 |
| Encrypted Laptop (federal network access) | 1 |
| Voice Recorder | 1 |
| Camera (quality digital) | 1 |
| Federal Vehicle (pool) | Access |
| Secure Communication Device | 1 |
| Case File System Access (encrypted device) | 1 |
| UV Light | 1 |
Senior agents additionally receive:
- Secondary federal credentials (broader mandate)
- Priority forensic lab access (reduces Evidence Chain check time by one increment)
The Latchkey Archive
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Latchkey Handling Gloves, Grade 2 | 1 pair |
| Iron-Lined Case (small) | 1 |
| Iron-Lined Case (medium) | 1 |
| Consecrated Sealing Tape | 1 roll |
| Provenance Kit | 1 |
| Reference Tablet (offline, current assignment files) | 1 |
| Archive Credentials | 1 set |
| Rock Salt (bag) | 1 |
| Emergency Relic Transport Case (small) | 1 |
| Basic First Aid Kit | 1 |
| Field Camera (documentation) | 1 |
| Archive Vehicle Access (containment-equipped van) | Pool |
Senior specialists additionally receive:
- Latchkey Handling Gloves: Grade 3
- Emergency Containment Foam (2 canisters)
- Access to Grade-4 containment equipment on requisition
The Candleless
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Forbidden Text (personal, specific to character history) | 1 |
| Ritual Supplies Kit | 1 |
| Black Candles | 4 |
| White Chalk | 2 sticks |
| Rock Salt (bag) | 1 |
| Iron Filings (container) | 1 |
| Personal Weapon (knife or compact firearm, unregistered) | 1 |
| Burner Phones | 2 |
| Cash (untraceable, 2 weeks) | Personal |
| One Black Market Contact number | 1 |
| Personal Faith Object (if applicable, some Candleless still have one) | Optional |
Experienced Candleless operators additionally have:
- Secondary forbidden text or ritual reference
- One Infernal Contact (NPC with own agenda; GM defines)
- Access to one Unclean Sanctuary location in current city (GM defines)
Black Road loadout: silvered rounds, salt shells, iron nails, and a vehicle that runs in bad conditions. No credentials. No cover story.
The Black Road
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Standard Handgun | 1 |
| Standard Ammunition | 30 rounds |
| Silvered Rounds | 6 |
| Salt Shells (shotgun) | 6 |
| Salt (bag) | 1 |
| Iron Filings (container) | 1 |
| Iron Nails (set) | 1 |
| Blessed Cord | 1 length |
| Salt and Iron Kit | 1 |
| Combat Knife (or blade of choice) | 1 |
| Basic First Aid Kit | 1 |
| Flashlight (heavy-duty) | 1 |
| Burner Phone | 1 |
| Personal Vehicle (reliable under bad conditions) | 1 |
Experienced road hunters additionally have:
- Kill Ledger notes on 1–3 creature types (GM provides relevant weakness information)
- Access to one regional road cache (GM determines contents: may include blessed rounds, silver-tipped ammunition, specialized equipment)
The Lantern Index
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Reference Library Device (offline, Index-encrypted, current research) | 1 |
| Translation Reference Set (physical, dead languages) | 1 set |
| Academic Credentials (university affiliation) | 1 set |
| Index Credentials | 1 set |
| Field Notebook and Pen | 2 notebooks |
| Camera (documentation) | 1 |
| Voice Recorder | 1 |
| Encrypted Laptop | 1 |
| Salt (bag) | 1 |
| Burner Phone | 1 |
| Personal Vehicle or Transit Access | 1 |
Senior Index members additionally receive:
- Rare Text Access Card (physical credential for restricted archive access in affiliated institutions)
- Peer Contact List (3–5 specific scholarly contacts who will take an urgent call)
General Loadout
Characters without faction affiliation (Independents) or characters whose starting package does not cover a specific need may draw from the following general loadout.
| Category | Standard Options |
|---|---|
| Personal Weapon | Knife or standard handgun + 20 rounds, character's choice |
| Faith Item | Cross, prayer beads, personal text, if applicable |
| Field Supplies | Basic first aid kit, flashlight, salt (bag), burner phone |
| Documentation | Civilian ID (genuine); profession-appropriate cover (journalist, contractor, consultant) |
| Transportation | Personal vehicle or reliable transit access |
| Communication | Personal phone; one burner |
| Cash | Two weeks field expenses |
Independent characters begin with one additional skill designated as a profession skill (see Chapter Three). This represents the additional self-direction that replaces faction resource access.
Vehicles
Vehicles in The Hollow serve field logistics rather than combat. Vehicle combat, if it occurs, uses the Operate skill and the normal Pool structure, with the GM setting terrain and speed difficulties.
| Vehicle | Notes | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Car / Sedan | Ordinary travel; Operate check, Easy , for standard driving; no off-road capability | Common |
| Pickup Truck / SUV | Cargo space; moderate off-road capability; reduces Operate difficulty by 1 in rough terrain | Common |
| Four-Wheel Drive Truck | Full off-road capability; reduces Operate difficulty by 1 in rough terrain; reduces again in extreme terrain | Commercial, Black Road preference |
| Motorcycle | Fast and maneuverable in urban environments; adds 1 Boon die to Operate checks in urban pursuit or evasion; no cargo | Common |
| Van (standard) | Cargo capacity; conceals equipment; can serve as mobile base | Common |
| Surveillance Van | Modified van with equipment mount points, signal-blocking panels, tinted windows, roof access; required for professional mobile surveillance operations | Directorate Vesper, restricted |
| Containment Van | Modified van with integrated containment units, sealed transit compartment, passive warding materials in walls, emergency containment foam dispenser | Latchkey Archive authorized only |
| Unmarked Government Vehicle | Federal pool vehicle; provides 1 Boon die to Local Liaison checks when arrival is documented | Lyncean Office |
| Light Aircraft (charter/private) | Long-range transport; Operate check for takeoff and landing in unusual conditions | Licensed charter, Directorate Vesper |
| Boat (small) | Coastal and river access; Operate check in rough water | Commercial rental, Black Road coastal network |
Availability and Access
| Availability | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Common | Purchasable without check at any appropriate retail location |
| Restricted | Legally controlled; requires credentials, license, or a Streetwise check at Average to access through unofficial channels |
| Faction-Gated | Available through specific faction authority skill, faction pack, or faction contact only |
| Black Market | Not legally available; requires Black Market authority skill or Streetwise at Hard ; item may be counterfeit, damaged, or bugged |
| Latchkey Archive Only | Not available outside the Archive; items may be requisitioned by Archive members through Vault Access |
| Order Only | Not available outside clerical channels; requires Sacraments authority or direct Order requisition |