Really fantastic! I'm not sure if this is my #1 or #2, to be honest, but either way, I think it deserves a spot in the winner's circle.
Some quibbles:
- I think there are a few places where, mechanically, this could be stronger. Some of the damage figures given don't gel with the equipment stats in the PSG; for example, Liam's Wrench is 2d10 vs 1d5 for Assorted Tools. Likewise, the health per wounds in the stats are a bit high.
- I thought the theme could have been a little stronger.
Why I think this really works:
- It's very different than most Mothership modules. Given the amounts of money involved, this seems like a great way to allow a crew on the raggedy edge to reset and replenish.
- The art is really fantastic. Even on the relatively art-free first spread, you use a few strong colours and some very light illustration to generate a huge amount of visual interest. The choice to make it feel like a cult pamphlet is really great, just really well considered and executed. The second spread is even better. I love the way you've centred the artifact in the red and black. The sketch drawings of the characters have a ton of personality. It's real 'worth-a-thousand-words' stuff.
- The social aspects seem well considered. I like how you've used PC morality (not wanting to indulge Z's violence) to goad them towards danger (Harriet and her poisons).
- Selfish cultists as the monsters and aliens as a distant hypothetical is great.
- Conversion relic is awesome. It could easily be detached for fun, modular use in a home campaign.
I think you should expand this one. I'd love to see more of the cult and the Light Fathers.