Reaper's Blow

The Reaper's Blow is a river of lava and seismic activity that divides Europe into two parts. It starts in the Ice Barrier, cuts Borca in half, and runs all the way through Purgare into the Mediterranean. The area is wracked with occasional earthquakes, charred debris blown into the air, and toxic clouds that darken the sky.

This almost impassible gorge greatly complicates travel and trade between Europe's eastern and western halves. Bridges over the Reaper's Blow are maintained by the Hellvetics, who collect tolls for safe passage. Their Sentinels guard the passages from trespass and smuggling attempts, particularly from the Apocalyptics.

## History

The cracks that would become the Reaper's Blow first appeared in 2075, dividing Germany, Switzerland and Italy. During 2076, the split widened, causing further damage and separating Europe. This year was also when the Hellvetics constructed the first bridge over the Blow, and five more would follow in time.

By 2185, East Borca began to feel the climate effects of the Eshaton. Winds carry the humidity of the Reaper's Blow to the east, producing forests of evergreen conifers.

Further south, the lava leaks into the Mediterranean, where its forms small islands. However, what would become known as the Scorched Path offers a land route between Purgare and Franka.

## Cultural Impact

Even with the Hellvetic's bridges, passing over the Reaper's Blow can be difficult. The Hard Path, located north of Bergamo, requires masks, water and proper equipment for safe passage.

In Purgare, the Reaper's Blow has poisoned the west. Roma and the surrounding areas are plagued by dangerous vapors, and the residents generally remain underground to avoid the polluted air. Despite the risks, some faithful Anabaptists enter the fumes, which can cause visions of what they perceive as the Pneuma.

Located southeast of the Alpine Fortress, the Maw is a unique area where the volcanic activity is reduced. Here that Anabaptists drag Psychonauts bodies to toss over the cliffs. They believe that the Demiurge will only be defeated once humanity can cross the Reaper's Blow by walking over their bones.

In 2586 East Borca, an army of Swords of Jehammed marched to Justitian but were unable to pass the Reaper's Blow. Honor bound to avenge the death of Isaaki Gideon, they cannot return to Osman.

In Borca, the Cockroach Clan has been using caves near the Reaper's Blow as breeding pits to replenish their numbers. In Justitian, ash from the Reaper's Blow is a source of fertilizer for crops in the Rubble.

## References

**Justitian: The Righteous Fist.** p. 24. *“The Black Lung: The Reaper's Blow”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 66. *“Borca: Hellvetica”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 186. *“Hellvetics: Stereotypes — Apocalyptics”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 346. *“Year 2075”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 346. *“Year 2076”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 176. *“Hellvetics: Isolation”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 347. *“Year 2185”*
**The Killing Game.** p. 39. *“The Mediterranean: The Reaper's Blow”*
**The Killing Game.** p. 30. *“East of the Rhône: The Scorched Path.”*
**World Map** at degenesis.com
**In thy Blood.** p. 10. *“The Shortcut: The Hard Path”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 45. *“Forward: Purgare”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 127. *“Purgare: Roma”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 122. *“Purgare: Signs and Wonders”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 124. *“Purgare: The Maw”*
**Primal Punk.** p. 353. *“Year 2586”*
**Justitian: The Righteous Fist.** p. 291. *“Cockroaches: Cannibal Holocaust”*
**Justitian: The Righteous Fist.** p. 132. *“The Rubble: Barren Soil”*