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NPCs

A good horror scenario really leans into the emotional connections, whether that’s between the Investigators or the non-player characters (NPCs) they end up interacting with. Whether they love or hate these characters, getting invested in their fate helps drive tension and makes the fear of failure more palpable. These folks can largely be broken into two categories: Background NPCs and Key NPCs.

BACKGROUND NPCs

These NPCs may only have one or two interactions with the Investigators or serve as victims to the horrors. All you really need for these characters is a memorable trait and a reason they’re in the environment and you’re good to go.

KEY NPCs

These NPCs are those that have a more active role, either through interacting regularly with the Investigators, or through a more direct link to the Horrors. As these are the folks that are going to have the biggest impact on the outcome of the scenario beyond the Investigators, it’ll be useful to spend some more time on determining who they are and their role within the scenario.

A Key NPC will typically have three elements that make them interesting and drive their behavior:

Description: This includes their name, basic physical details, mannerisms, and their job/role in the setting. Players are generally only going to be able to remember a few key details, so this can be terse as long as the features are memorable.
Goals: The character’s drives and outward motivations. This gets them moving in the setting. These are not static video game characters simply waiting around for the Investigators to interact.
Secrets: Complications involving the character and their hidden motivations. The Investigators may never learn these secrets, but they will help direct drives and determine the character’s reactions to the events of the scenario.

BOLSTERING NPCS

Academic: heavily annotated book, planner, sticky notes, pen, laptop.
Accountant: laptop, calculator, portable scanner, tax documents.
Acrobat: chalk, tape, form fitting clothing, bag with change of clothes.
Activist: pamphlets, mask, first aid kit, gloves.
Actor: Audition binder, portable charging brick, spare cosmetic supplies, change of clothes.
Administrative Assistant: Extensive contacts, corporate credit card, expandable briefcase, taser (d6, nonlethal).
Amateur Photographer: Digital camera, tripod, laptop, telescoping lens.
Ambassador: diplomatic passport, a diplomat bag, official letter
Animal Control: Bite proof gloves (+1 Armor), throw net, steel catch pole.
Anthropologist: 3d scanner, handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, laptop, sample bag, digital portable x-ray system.
Antique Dealer: gloves, eyeglass, blacklights, measuring tape, pen flashlight
Architect: laptop, CAD software, ruler, blueprints.
Archivist: gloves, archival storage box, digital catalog.
Armature Hunter: binoculars, rifle (d6), hunting knife.
Artist: Artistic tool of choice, notebook, camera, small but passionate fan base.
Assistant: rolodex, calendar, headset.
Athlete: Sports equipment of choice, sweatband, powdered sports drink.
Audio Tech (Film): A portable six-track audio recorder, Clip-on mics, An extendable boom & mic (bulky).
Author: Tablet computer, mirrorless camera, knitting needles, yarn.
Backpacker: Headlamp, backpack, stove and gas, bear mace taser (d6 non-lethal), rope.
Baker: Notebook with recipes, rolling pin, serrated bread knife, flour.
Bank Robber: duffle bag, change of clothes, mask, gun.
Banker: calculator, business cards, bank credentials.
Barber: Straight razor, scissors, hand mirror, disinfectant solution.
Bartender: apron, wine key, cocktail shaker, metal bar spoon, small knife.
Bartender: Winekey (d6), bottle of liquor, cigarettes, confiscated fake IDs.
Beat Cop: handcuffs, taser (d6 non-lethal), service pistol, radio.
Bicycle Courier: Bike, helmet (+1 Armor), messenger bag, unopened package, multitool.
Big Game Hunter: high caliber rifle, binoculars with multiple wavelength settings, side arm, trap.
Bodybuilder: Weight belt, lifting straps, gym bag, resistance band, pre-workout supplement.
Bodyguard: concealed body armor, (+1 Armor) ballistic blanket (+1 Armor), collapsible baton, side arm (d6)
Bookie: cash bag, notebook for taking bets, walkie talkie.
Bounty Hunter: pepper spray gun (d6 non-lethal), badge, armored vest (+1 Armor), handcuffs.
Bus Driver: Lunchbox, comprehensive road map, taser (d6, nonlethal).
Camera Operator: Mini shotgun mic, video camera, tripod, LED light.
Car Salesman: Suit, universal car key, heart locket with faded picture.
Career Criminal: Burner phone, lockpicking kit, unregistered firearm (d6), illegal goods.
Carpenter: Hammer, nail gun, small woodworking tool set, pencils.
Chemist: safety goggles, microscope, pipet, test tube, tongs.
Chosen One: Ornate amulet (+1 Stability), ritual dagger (d6), gold chalice.
Class Clown: Baseball bat (d6), multitool, bicycle.
Clerk: ring of keys, file, shift notebook, flashlight.
Climber: harness, climbing shoes, robe, chalk bag, helmet.
CNA: scrubs, PPE, penlight, bandage scissors, gait belt.
Coach: equipment bag, whistle, notebook, water bottle.
Comedian: notebook with jokes, drink ticket, bus fare.
Community Theater: script (annotated), lunch bag.
Compliance Officer: Inspection form, flashlight (d6), all-in-one measurement/testing tool.
Con Man: call spoofing equipment, voice modulation tools, fake credit cards (number and printer)
Construction Worker: hard hat, hammer, tool belt, measuring tape, screw drivers.
Contractor: Stocked tool belt, utility knife (d6), heavy duty flashlight, drill.
Cook: Blue tape, chef's knife, leather apron (+1 Armor).
Counterfeiter: badge printer, counterfeiter tools, credit card printer.
County Clerk: City seal, official letterhead.
Cryptozoologist: Thermal camera, tranq gun (d6, non-lethal), waterproof poncho.
Cult Researcher: Files on two active cults (p. x), the number of a confidential informant, cash for interview fees.
Cultists: holy text, key, knife (d6)
Cursed With Bad Luck: Poorly taped glasses, arm cast, malfunctioning umbrella, +1 Stability.
Cursed: Leather jacket, photocopy booklet on rituals, two Rituals (p.x).
Dental Hygienist: Mouth mirror, dental explorer, probe, sickle scaler.
Dentist: Mouth mirror, dental explorer, probe, sickle scaler.
Designer: laptop with mockup software, digital camera.
Detective: badge, gun (d6), handcuffs, gloves, evidence bag, camera.
Diver: dive suit, mask, snorkel, fins, tank, vest.
DJ: laptop, premade set mix, audio cords and adaptors.
Dock Worker: steel toed boots, heavy work gloves, safety vest,
Doctor: lab coat, mask, gloves, scissors, voice recorder, bandage.
Documentary Filmmaker: Release forms, handheld camera, tripod, high powered flashlight.
Door To Door Salesman: business card, case with samples, well worn shoes.
Drifter: Switchblade (d6), travel stove
Driver: spiral bound road atlas (heavily annotated), water bottle.
Drug Dealer: lockbox with drugs, unregistered firearm, favorite playlist.
Elected Official: breath mints, makeup kit, hand sanitizer, notebook with reference materials.
Electrician: Crescent wrench, cable cutters, hammer, flashlight.
Electronics Technician: Screwdriver set, pliers, rotary tool set, coping saw.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Medkit, trauma shears, stethoscope, WAG bag.
Engineer: Laptop w/ design software, waterproof field notebook, wireless router, seldom used PPE.
Environmental Surveyor: Annotated map, storage clipboard, 16’ telescopic grade rod (d6).
Executive: Suit, rolodex, packed schedule, stimulants.
Exterminator: hazmat suit, mask, gloves, pesticide spray canister and nozzle.
Factory Worker: Industrial apron (+1 Armor), safety harness, thermos.
Fanfiction Writer: Tablet computer, mirrorless camera, knitting needles, yarn.
Farmer: shovel, pruner, flashlight.
Fence: unmarked bills, locking case, firearm (d6)
Field Researcher: pin flags, boots, camera, sampling tools, waterproof notebook.
Film Crew: Mini shotgun mic, video camera, tripod, LED light.
Film Star: makeup kit, press kit, headshots, script.
Final Girl (Working A Dead End Job): A Fallout (p.x), machete (d6), bloodstained jacket.
Firefighter: halligan bar, pick head axe, helmet, fire retardant coat.
Fisher: Rod and reel, tackle box, filet knife, pliers.
Forensic Investigator: fingerprint kits, DNA tester, collection supplies, camera.
Forensic Surgeon: autopsy saws, brain knives, and rib shears, gloves, apron.
Forest Ranger: Bear mace (d6, non-lethal), walking stick (d6), maps, walkie talkie, trail camera.
Forger: basket, hori-hori knife, fixed blade knife, tarp, map.
Forklift Operator: Auto-mechanics kit, pack of cigarettes.
Gaffer: Two LED panels w/ tripods (bulky), light sensor, Gaffer tape, multi-tool (d6).
Gambler: paycheck, notebook, packed lunch.
Gangster: Lock pick kit, stolen goods, pack of cigarettes.
Garbage Collector: Cut resistant gloves (+1 Armor), hi-vis vest, reach extender, safety glasses.
Gardener: Pickup truck, spade, multi-tool, hat, garden fork.
Ghost Hunter: Spirit box, multi-range video-camera, EVP wrist recorder.
Golfer: Golf clubs, polo shirt, golf balls, visor.
Graduate Student: Laptop, binder full of research, letter of introduction.
Gravedigger: boots, pickaxe, shovel.
Guide: map, portable microphone.
Hacker: Laptop, data encryptor, burner phone.
Half A Psychic: An engraved lighter you always seem to forget about, a pack of cigarettes, three playing cards from different decks, +1 Stability.
Handler: contracts, research files, earpiece, two way comms devices.
Hitman: gloves, pistol with silencer (d6), lockpick kit, garrote
Hunter: Binoculars, flashlight, knife, bone saw, rifle (d8, bulky, loud), trail camera.
In-Home Health Aide: Prescription pills, IV equipment, first aid kit, gloves, tape.
Influencer: Expensive camera, portable lighting, designer bag.
Information Broker: rolodex, offshore accounts, encrypted communication device.
Insurance Claims Adjuster: Insurance claims, pepper spray (d6, non-lethal), digital camera.
Intern: packed lunch, task list, coffee order.
Investor: project proposals, access to funds, contract lawyer on retainer.
IT: screwdriver set, pliers, rotary tool set, coping saw.
Jack-Of-All-Trades: Tool box, duct tape, headlamp.
Janitor: Coveralls, work gloves, industrial grade cleaner, wrench, safety signs.
Jeweler: gloves, pliers, jeweler's saw, eyeglass.
Lab Engineer: Industrial apron (+1 Armor), safety harness, thermos, toolkit
Lab Tech: Panopticon sample processing kit, scalpel, syringe, baggies, PPE.
Landscaper: Sheers, pesticides, fertilizer, gloves, electric leaf blower.
Lawyer: Briefcase, Stack of Letterhead
Librarian: library catalog, book repair kit, digital research login
Lobbyist: files on politicians (heavily researched), dinner reservation, p-card.
Lone Survivor: Hunting rifle (d6), silver bullets, hunting knife, camo.
Lumberjack: Ax (d6), gloves, chainsaw, head lamp, rope and safety harness.
Magician: wax, flash paper, invisible thread, playing cards.
Maintenance: Flashlight, tool belt (bulky), faded paperback.
Manager: schedule, walkie talkie, keyring.
Mechanic: Adjustable wrench (d6), portable toolbox, electrical tape, brake cleaner.
Middle Management: fax cover sheet, in process project list.
Miner: safety gear, drill, pickaxe, helmet.
Missionary: holy text, map, bicycle.
Monk: uniform, beads, incense.
Mortician: Body bag, bone saw, scalpel, needle and thread.
Mountain Biker: Mountain bike, anti-collision shirt (+1 armor), full face helmet (+1 armor when wearing), action camera.
Museum Curator: item tags, notebook with draft exhibit
Musician: A duffle of band merch, gas siphon kit, notebook full of songs and drawings, switchblade (d6).
- News Anchor: A handheld audio recorder, compact with touch up makeup, lighter, pocket LED flashlight.
Night Nurse: Scrubs, nurses kit, an extra copy of notes on recent cases.
Night Shift: Flashlight (d6), caffeine of choice, large knife (d6).
Nurse: Scrubs, nurses kit, ring light.
Odd Jobs (handy-person): Jeans and a denim jacket, truck full of tools, warm six pack.
Off Duty Cop: side arm, badge, zynn.
Office Job: Business casual attire, red stapler, stack of memos, ID badge.
Office Worker: lunchbox, keycard, favorite pen.
On Administrative Leave: File of makeshift evidence, backed up hard drive, box of personal effects.
Painter: coveralls, brush, shoe coverings.
Parapsychologist: electromagnetic field meter, digital voice recorder, Zener cards.
Parks & Rec Employee: Toolkit, gloves, flashlight, uniform.
Perpetually Lucky: Four leaf clover (+1 Armor), scratch-it (worth $5k), walking stick with a scarab handle.
Pharmacists: counting tray, mortar, pestle, key to pill cabinet.
Photographer: camera, tripod, portable lighting
Photojournalist: press vest, camera, omnidirectional microphone, flash, ex
Pick Pocket: bag full of wallets, change of clothes.
Pilot: file full of aviation charts and checklists, flight calculator, weather decoder.
Pirate Radio: Unmarked van w/ a radio transmitter, unregistered handgun (d6), 100’ of cable.
Plumber: Hacksaw, plumber’s torch, wrench, endoscope.
Podcaster: Mini shotgun mic, smartphone tripod, LED light.
Police Officer: uniform, handcuffs, taser (d6 non-lethal), service pistol, radio.
Postal Worker: Bag of mail, comfortable shoes, taser (d6, nonlethal), sunscreen.
Preacher: bible, notebook.
Priest: robe, collar, rosary.
Private Investigator: Old Pistol (d6), Flask
Process Server: Court documents, taser (d6, non-lethal), disguise.
Producer: A nearly-filled notebook, laptop, $5,000 in cash, tape measure, laser pointer, A small first-aid kit.
Professor: file full of essays, red pen, research folder, annotated book, presentation.
Programmer: laptop, coding software, encrypted hard drive.
Project Manager: budget document, calendar, deadlines.
Psychiatrist: diagnostic scales, questionnaire, reference books.
Psychologist: reports, patient tests, laptop, recording software.
Public Access Host: Camera, release forms, mic & lights, bolt cutters (d6).
Punk: spray paint, bolt cutters, mask, gloves.
Ranch Hand: knife, pliers, hammer, thick coat.
Receptionist: Extensive rolodex, hands free headset, letterhead, mace (d6, nonlethal).
Repo Man: Car tool kit, flashlight, fake badge, running shoes.
Resonant Artifact User: A Resonant Artifact (p.x), stylish leather jacket (+1 Armor).
Retired Paranormal Hunter: Wedding ring (+1 Stability), hidden cane sword (d8), detailed journal.
Retired: A house, checkbook, collapsible walking pole (d6), Anna Stone novel.
Ritual User: grimoire (with 1d4 Rituals).
Sailor: rigging gear, knife, multitool, heavy gloves.
Salesman: leads, headset, sales sheet.
Sanitation: Coveralls, headlamp, heavy duty gloves, air freshener.
Scientist (Fringe): lab coat, goggles, gloves, testing equipment.
Secret Society Member: Robes, chalice, knife.
Secretary: schedule, headset, rolodex.
Security Officer: Batons with stun capabilities (1d6 or 1d6 non-lethal), Metal Zip Ties
Serial Killer: gloves, duct tape, zip-ties, blade.
Ship Mechanic: Coveralls, toolkit, unsigned NDA, your cat in its carrier.
Singer: microphone, notebook with lyrics, portable music player.
Skater: Skateboard, video camera, bolt cutters, collapsible ladder, wax.
Small Business Owner: order forms, business checkbook, schedule.
Small Town Journalist: Voice recorder, digital camera, notebook, taser (d6, non-lethal).
Social Worker: Laptop w/ bag, ID badge, pocket knife (d6), notebook and pen.
Soldier: uniform, rifle (d6).
Spelunker: caving coveralls, several premium LED headlamps, elaborate vertical caving kits, and high-tech digital survey equipment.
Spy: electronic surveillance equipment, recording equipment, GPS tracker, bug detector.
Store Clerk: Box cutter (d6), walkie talkies, name tag, incredibly comfortable shoes.
Struggling Writer: E-paper tablet, whittlin’ jack knife (d6), rejection letters, bottle of liquor.
Student: Library card, book strap w/ 3 books of choice, stationery set, booklight.
Stunts: pads, braces, helmet, fire-resistant suit and blanket, goggles.
Surgeon: gloves, scalpels, scissors, forceps, masks, gowns.
Survivalist: cutting tools, water filtration, fire starting equipment, emergency kit, 3d printed rifle.
Swimmer: suit, goggles, change of clothes.
Tattooer: Gloves, tattoo machine, ink, sketchbook, wad of cash.
Taxi Driver: Cigarettes, lighter, annotated map of the city, taxi keys, earmarked textbook.
Teacher: Coffee mug, scissors, large bag, homework.
Teenage Dirtbag: Drill, lockpick, screw driver, spray-paint, angle-grinder.
Telemarketer: leads, personal information, phone spoofer.
Therapist: Memo recorder, notebook and pen, business cards, small revolver (d6).
Thief: Lockpicks, Mask, Gloves
Thug: tracksuit, cash, jewelry, unregistered firearm.
Treasure Hunter: metal detector, probe, shovel, gloves, knife.
Trucker: Flashlight, cash, bungee cords, duct tape, emergency gear, radio.
True Crime Podcaster: mini shotgun mic, smartphone tripod, LED light.
Unemployed: Wanted ads, a final unemployment check, pocket knife.
Unlicensed Surgeon: surgical kit, fake license, gown.
Very-Online: Laptop w/ bag, online following, fake credentials, energy drinks.
Vet: Syringe, scalpel, scissors, animal tranquilizers.
Vigilante: mask, black clothing, body armor (+1 Armor), collapsible baton.
Volunteer Firefighter: Collapsible ladder (bulky), ax (d6), fire extinguisher, flashlight.
Waiter: uniform, notepad, tips, wine key.
Wildland Firefighter: Line Gear (harness/pack) (bulky), Pulaski (combo axe/adze for cutting + digging), Flagging tape.
Wildlife Researcher: Trail camera, Multitool, Camera w/night vision
Witch: Leather bound tome, two Rituals (p. x).
Zookeeper: uniform, kevlar sleeves, whistle, bag of food.

Tables

d119 Traits

Abrasive
Addict
Affable
Aggressive
Aloof
Altruist
Amoral
Antagonistic
Arbitrary
Argumentative
Arrogant
Atheistic
Benign
Blunt
Boisterous
Cheat
Cheerful
Clean
Compulsive Liar
Confident
Considerate
Courageous
Cowardly
Creative
Cruel
Curious
Deceitful
Dependable
Diatribe
Diplomatic
Disrespectful
Doubting
Dour
Dreamy
Dull
Dumb
Emotionless
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Even tempered
Fake
Filthy
Flippant
Follower
Foolish
Friendly
Frivolous
Funny
Generous
Giving
Greedy
Grim
Gullible
Harsh
Hateful
Helpful
High Horse
Honest
Humble
Humorous
Imaginative
Immature
Immoral
Impatient
Indulgent
Intuitive
Just
Kind
Lazy
Leader
Liar
Loquacious
Loud
Manifesto laden
Merciful
Modest
Morose
Obstructive
Organized
Outspoken
Pessimistic
Pious
Precise
Proud
Rash
Rash
Reckless
Romantic
Rough
Sad
Scarred
Scholarly
Self Sufficient
Self-Doubting
Selfish
Shifty
Silent
Skeptic
Slovenly
Sober
Soft
Somber
Spacy
Studious
Superstitious
Suspicious
Tactless
Talkative
Tardy
Thoughtless
Thrifty
Trusting
Unfriendly
Vain
Vengeful
Violent
Warmhearted
Well Mannered
Wise

d128 Quirks

A gamer.
Absent minded.
Absent-mindedly steals things.
Accent (sounds like it is maybe not authentic).
Adjusts and cleans glasses.
Aesthetic over comfort.
Always looking for the next snack.
Always looking for the restroom.
Always snacking.
Amateur photographer.
Anime addict.
Anything to end the conversation promptly.
Appeals to authority.
Authentically thinks everything is funny.
Breathy voice.
Burps.
Calls everyone by the wrong name.
Can't read the room.
Chews on lip.
Chronically online.
Circular speech pattern.
Compulsive lying.
Connected to the horrors.
Constant note taker.
Constantly drumming.
Constantly smiling (regardless of the situation).
Constantly tidying.
Deep cough (sounds awful).
Deep laugh.
Deep voice, chooses words carefully.
Defensive.
Dismissive gestures.
Does not laugh.
Draw conversation back to their interests.
Draws the focus back to themselves.
Embellishes the truth.
Extremely formal.
Eye rolls.
Farts, a lot.
Fanfic author/artist.
Fidgets with items.
Frequent pauses and filler words.
Giggles when nervous.
Gives nicknames (arbitrarily).
Gossips.
Has too much energy.
Horrible handwriting.
Horribly memory.
Hot tempered.
Hyper-controlled movements.
Hyperspecific frustration triggers.
Indecisive.
Laid back.
Laughs at their own jokes.
Licks lips.
Likes a good drink, often (wants others to join in).
Looks anywhere but at the speaker.
Looks over shoulder.
Loves retro tech.
Makes up idioms.
Mischievous in actions or words.
Narrates.
Nasally voice.
No-personal space.
Nose-bleeds.
Out of breath (always).
Overexaggerated blinking.
Overexaggerates everything.
Overly flirty.
Overly positive.
Paces.
Paranoid.
Permanent frown, super dower.
Picks at teeth.
Plays with hair.
Plays with jewelry.
Presses lips together.
Pretends to be foolish.
Quick to work themselves up.
Really into trains.
Repeats.
Repeats a phrase (think catchphrase).
Repeats hand gestures.
Repeats the same stories.
Replaces cursewords.
Rhetorical questions.
Says inside thoughts aloud.
Scoffs at the ideas of others.
Scratching (is there a rash?).
Seems on the verge of sleep.
Shy.
Simple speech (masking extreme intelligence).
Sings when nervous.
Sits on any surface.
Slow and deliberate speech.
Smile that doesn't touch their eyes.
Smokes (even when not an appropriate location).
Smooths clothings.
Sneezing, constantly blowing nose (assuring others its allergies).
Sniffs (often in in the direction of anything).
So many ZYNs.
Something in mouth, always.
Speaks rapidly.
Speaks softly to themselves.
Squints.
Strong, and wants an excuse to show it.
Swears in another language.
Sweats (constantly dabbing with a cloth).
Taps.
Terrible driver.
Touchy (hugs, fist bump, handshake, any sort of physical contact).
Tries out jokes (either not funny or not appropriate).
Unbearably dull.
Unclear if they don't remember who they meet or if it is a powermove.
Unreasonably stubborn.
Uses big words (only partially understands proper usage).
Voice, smooth like honey.
Voices cracks.
Voracious reader.
Wanders off.
Wet blanket.
Wet talking.
Whistles a discordant tune.
White-lies.
Wide eyes (more than normal).
Wrings hands.
Yawns at inappropriate moments.
Zones out often.

d100 Drives

A belief system.
Abetting.
Aiding.
Altruism
Belief system.
Belonging.
Business.
Calm.
Career advancement.
Change.
Chaos.
Community.
Compliance
Conquering fears
Control.
Create a legacy.
Creativity.
Cruelty.
Curiosity.
Deceit.
Drugs
Emotional fulfillment
Environment.
Envy.
Extremism.
Exploitation.
Family.
Fear.
Fear of the other.
Fear of the unknown.
Financial success.
For others to suffer.
Friendship.
Greed.
Harboring.
Hatred.
Humanity.
Independence.
Jealousy.
Justice.
Keep things the same.
Knowledge freedom.
Legacy.
Love.
Making a difference.
Making others feel as they do.
Making the world a better place.
Manipulation.
Misanthropy.
Needful.
Opportunity.
Overcoming challenges.
Path of least resistance.
Peace
Personal growth.
Pleasure.
Politics.
Power.
Power and influence.
Prestige.
Profiteer.
Religion.
Reputation.
Revenge.
Security.
Self-expression.
Self-satisfaction.
Selfishness.
Servility.
Sex.
Social status.
Stability.
To avoid conflict.
To be seen.
To better their situation.
To better their station.
To build the power of their cult.
To deny others.
To do their job.
To form connections.
To gain wealth.
To get by.
To get out.
To help.
To hinder.
To hinder authority.
To keep others away.
To lie.
To locate.
To obscure.
To punish.
To recover what was lost.
To scheme.
To serve authority.
To stand up for others.
To survive.
To tell the truth.
To thrive.
To uncover the truth.
Understanding.