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F'or I host• of you who have already played rolcpln;:ring In this day nf virtual reality and interactive televi-
11.:imes vou may want to skip ahead to Chapter Orw, -.ro11, "''' 1•an now lwC'ome involved in these stories
·The Plawr s ~<·rtton." For the newcomers. the k'- that so i:rip us. \\'e become characters in tales of our
matndcr of this introductory chapter explains the con· own dc_-;i~n. stories propelled forward by our actions
ccpts of roleplaymg. characters and ad"entures. and f\.'al'tlons and mo,·ini.: ever closer to the inevi-
Get your 1magrnat1on fired u~you're golni;: to table <:on<:lus Ion. •
le\'d It! Think of rok:pla)ing then as interactive ston.1clhni::.
You and a group o r fril.'nd.; create alter egos and en-
ter the \\orld of your ima2inations. e\-ploring realms
Stt, l\1HAT IS hmltcd only by )OUr creatl\.ily. One person assumes
the role of rderce-<>r ~amemaster-informing the
ROLEl,LA\1ING? player ... of their characll rs c;Jtuat1ons-rhe en\.iron-
You've read noveb: you \e seen mo,ies: ~ou vc nwnt, the ''orcb and act ions of the other character:.
watched tclcvl.,1011. \\hat~ ll about these thlm:s that present ( thosl.' characteri. ., ~t controlled by tt:<O' play-
o;o compeb people to sit down time and again to ••r,: an 1•vll wl1arct, tor example). and the re!;ults of
o;p;·nd .,ome of our prt.>crous free moments., the players· characters· activities.
'ltorit'~' · \\ith a rolcplayini.: game you can thrust yourself
We h>R' to watch characters fall into conflict, and 11110 the ht•art of adventure. becommg characters in
we CJnnot wait to see hoY- things turn out. Oot>s tht> world' of yuur uw11 imagination or of your fdvurite
Inept hut loval>ll! protagonist get the girl: Docs the novd movie. or I devision show. like Star Wars. Dr
secret ilgt•nt make it out of the villain's lair before tht• iH111 Jmrw' llm1d. Bohylon 'i. Space Aboce and Be-
whole plac(• explodes? Does the noble hero saC'rHic<• vo11cl. I lerrnle' 11w Lel!E'Tldun· Journeys, or The X-Files,
himself to save his kingdom'? to name just ,, few•
Thi.' 1tenrt: dm•sn't matter. Believable. conflict-ori· Let's stop a moment and look in on a typical game
cntl•<I stories enga1.w our senses so deeply that we sl'Sslon Judy \11kc. Chris. and Tim have gotten co-
olti.>n Imel ourst•lves hypnotized by the events unfold- ~l"llwr Oil ii rrida'r l'Vl'lling to continue their fantnS)
i11~ before u:-. c"mr>mgn (:1 hnkcd c;eriec; of ac1vt>ntures-like mdi-
v1clual books 111 a novd series) Tim. the i?amemaster
(Gl\t ), has Just tx>gun to summarize the events of the
last ad\.cnture ( for now don·l worry about the game
mechamrs--thc dice rollin~. character attribute and
!>I.ill name:., et cetera ). The dialogue in quotes lndi·
cat cs that the playt'r is "p<>aicing in the \;oice or his or
hn chara<'h'r.
Tun: Your char:ict ~ "',.,caped the Vizier's Flying Ar-
-,;tC!a. hut your -.kyst11 '>Ufiered se\"ere damage dur-
11)? the cn~ag ·~ t 'rou're ~oing to ha\"e to make
repairs ~<xm .

• \II nip} rt!>:hls .u1d tr 1d.,marks are the property of their

rc,.pt.'<"lln: 11\\-nt•r:-
 Judy ( p/uym~ Cu ptum U'alkt•r J I.,.. alk to the prow and Tim: \\ ell 11 s h,1rd for you to tt>ll ..\lot of the damage
USf' my spy~lass to look for a ~ood place to anchor is on the lower hull. \•lll<.:h vou can·1 see ven well
• the ship frorn the deck ~like. make ;1 -Perct>pt1on roll. -
, Tim: .\bout a qu:irlt>r of a m11r tu the nonh is a large Mike: Oka). ( R( \ I ..,ot a 9.
plam dotte<l \\ilh sc\eral sm<1lhsh buildin~s. You can·t Tim: That'-; ~ooc ""' n ~thing tell.; you 10 look behind
make out mm:h more ti ar t 1at lrom this distance. you. When ~·ou n vou :.t.'e a j!lint ol li<:ht in the sky.
Mike (plu.Hns~ F1f\/ Mat1 .\!t•n\son ) "Captain. whafre It only take.' you a couple of seconds to realize that
yer ordersT it's the .-\rmada"s le.id ship.
Judy: -Head for that deann!:: (point~ 1 Mike: MLO<Jk' It's the Armada:
~like: - -\y<·. Captain - Chris: I'm chmbm~ dO\\ n from the cro'' 's nest.
Tim: Chris. wh<>rt'" your character at this point? Judy: -G~I to your battle stations while I tum us
Chris (pluym~ Crt'uwun Fuhrer); In the crow·s nest. around . We can ·1outrun tlwm. -:o we're going to have
to fi~ht."
nm: Okay. makt• a l'L•rcepuon check.
Tim: i\11 ri ght, wt•n• j.!t•tting into comhat rounds now.
Chris: ( RCJll.\ s<>mc• diet• ) I rolled a 11 Everyone make Rt>!lt•xt•s rolls ..
Tim: A fourtcL•n'> Ok<1y, that's pretty good. You notice The night con II nut's with an exciting confrontation
a plume or grayish-white smoke twisting upward into between the Armada ancl the plavers' characters.
the sky from a woo<lec11111110 the northeast. Luckily. the piratt• <1llit.•s of the <.·haracters show up to
Chris: "C.1pt.1in, look a fire to the northeast: help out - of counw they wall until the very last
moment to arrlvt!!
Judy: Do I set.' tht· smokl':'
Tim: \t><; 1t\ ;ibo,11 ,\half-mile from your current po.
s1tion. GE'l 'l'ING llEADY TO PIAY
1

Judy -...,•ens..on , whilt do you think ' hould we check Th .. of role11 a~ "' :i comhinatlon of interactive
out the flrt first or head to the \'illa~e.,- st Jn tellin~. actrn~ 1rnprov1sa11on. and dice-rolling.
're •u and ,·our friend .. are .,..:ritin~ vour O\m stories.
Chris: 0o I think the .;hip can make it to the hill and
filling them ....it h e..xot 1c locales. mter~tmg characters
Ulen ba<.k to the v1lla'!e:'
ar:d t'\:O<.'dtlvc scene:- . All you nt·t>d ls some paper a
Tim: \1ake a 'h1pu r1gh1 roll . pencil. dice. nnd your 11n11~inn1ion!
Chris: ( R<>ll' wrnt• UK<') l'h-oh. I onl) .-oUt!d a thr~.
 Panicip<tth1s 111 a rolt>pl,1ymg game take' a slight
amount of knowledge <tbout how the ~anit:' works. CREATING A CHARACTER
\1ost of tlw tlnw you can rt>I:. on the gamemaster to
1. Make a photocopy of a character sheet.
coach vou throu~h. but it makes life a lot easier ir all
the playC'n know at least the basics. Z. Distribute attr ibut e dice.
The detail'> of the art>as cO\'cred here appear m thl· 3. Select :<:kilts and distribute skill dice.
rtst of the IXlOk (Player,, ~ou don"t na."d to \\Off) 4. Roll for body point" (If applicable).
about t ho:;l' chapters: only the ~amemaster has to kno'' 5. Determine personal Information (name.
the line points.) Once you"ve read thi' ~~t1un you"ll ~pecles, g~nder. height, weight
be anned and ready to lx~ome a part of .1 rolepla~inl.! appearance).
ddventure. The 06 ystem b :iesigned so that you can 6. Choose Ad\'antages and Disadvanta'!es
play in any ~enre (sc 1e1 t ·fiction fanta.•" cyberpunk
7. Record or select special abilities
\ 1ctonan, pulp. horror. et Ct'tera) \\ithout ha\1n~ to
(spell,, psychic po\\ers. et cetera).
C:!dl"r a m:-... 't"t ol rule~ for each one!
1\o'' let's begin your foray into the exciting world 8. Create hackwound and personality.
of roleplayini: j.!ames ... 9. Determine starting money and
purchase equipment

;r
J
CHARAC'fERS
To play t lw game you ·11 n<'ed a character r\ character ATIRIBUTES
1s an aller ego \'.hose pan you assume for the dura· AttributC"s rl'PH'M'nt a charn<:ter's basic ap111udes-
tion of a gmning :.ession Think of it as improvisational hl'r inlum:nt ll'vt'b of .ibilil v in various art:as. from
acting: you know the abilitie<: and personality of your 1>hysical strt•n!olth to !o~kal reasoning Your
C"haracter and vou dec1dl· hov. that character real·tc; ~:imema.;tt>r "111 provide you \\Ith either a character
to the s1tuatlo1ts presentt>d to him. Unlike most lrad1- ternplatt: (a p.utiallv created character that you can
t1onal games, which follov. set procedures for each customize to ust• a~ VC>Ur O\\ n) or a list of attributes
player's turn, roleplayin~ ~ames leaw all options that will be ust><I for his gaml' \\oriel (so you can cre-
open If !>t>llwonc shoots at your chara< ter. lor ex· <Hr a charactt·r Imm scratd1)
ample. you can decidl' to leap out of thl• way. or re--
turn fin•. or catch tht' bullrt in your teeth
£ y:ample: Space Opera Game Attributes
Okay, th,11 last opt ion sounds prell~ outlandish. but Strens..rrh rci.I ~rreri~th md lecel of
\\ hat if your character Ls a superhero? And then again, ph_~-stc(J/ cond1ttontn~
what ii he isn't'' Reflexe' r1•act1on tmte
So. w e need a way to quantify the character's abili· Coord111u11011 uim und halunre
tics-his aptitudes. skills. special power$ (magical,
l'ercc>ptwfl ohwn·a11011 and 'L\·th-s<:n.'e
p<;ych1c • .;upcr). et cetera . The D6 Syste'll represt-nts
Rt'Q,0'1111~ dPducuon und pmblem-,,o/n~
vour character's level of abilitv in eact. area \\ith a
die cod.-. a number of six-sided dice plus a number ol Knou'ie11J.,'<! ec/ucutmn (formul or informal)
-pips - For example. a dil' code ol 30· I mt'ans thrl<t' Characters ht~in \\ ith a t >lal number of dice dic-
s1x-sldt.>cl dice plus one pip (don't worry aoout wha1 tated by tltt' ~.1mcmaster. usudlly three din· per al-
vou do with these dil.' codt.•s for now: we'll cover that t nbute. In our example th<•n .i starlin~ character
a little later in the .;fftion titlfti .lfakm~ Dice Roi/.,). "ould ha"e a totnl of e1~h1t..-en dice (I 'D) \ou dt.'cide
All vou nt~d to knO\\ nl!ht now is that tht• more din· hu\\ thusc dice ::-houlcl be dn·ided among the
and the more pips. the bt•ttt!r the charactrr's exper- ch;iral·tn"s attrlhutt>s If }OU \\ant to create a space
tise in thl' particular aptitude or skill
smu~~ler. for t x.11nplt•. you'll probabl~ concentrate Charactl'rs u..,u;1lly bt•gan with 70 in skill dice. Oi-
your availablt• cl1Cl' on the character's 'trength. Re-- \'1de tht:>sc dkc amom: the skills the character pos-
lie:<~. and Percept ton attributes. the aptitudes most sesses <ll'fult'd by thecharactt·r template or selected
important to srn 1eo1 e \\ 1tt th'1t car~r. lr<Jm the skill list pr<mdl·d b~ tht: gamemaster) JUSt
like attribute.... cxt·ept 1h.1t the number of skiU dice is
£.xamplt: pace Smuggler Characler- 18 added to the b>1sc all ributc For e\'.ample. ,f the char-
Total Dice c.lCtt-r had a Ct.,orciination of 2() I and you spent 1D of
.\ln'n~tli llJ sk~I dKC on blastt'r (a futuristic weapon). he would
Refl1•.xe~ m have a total blaster dh: e<: de of 30-1 20-1 -
Coorrltr1<1twn .!/J
ID-JD •
Pcrc1>ptw11 1/J Example: Space Smuggler Character-7
Reamnuu~ .!/J Total Skill Diet
Kno11 lt•ci11e :!IJ Strl'fl~lh /[)
You miRht h,1v1• 11ntkt•d that none of these die codes R'"''st dumu~w ·II>•:!
have pips 'Al•ll. you rnn break up these dice into R1'fll'w.~ m '!
smaller units (Just lilw you can break ten into ten /Jmls.w m. :! ''"'''"" p1/oring SD
ones) Ead1 die cocll· has three levels of pips: 0. I. CoorrlmC1t11>11 :!J)+ I
ancl 2 Tlw progrl's~lon looks like 11lis: o. +I. +2, ID•O.
8/(1.\/er 3/)+ I
ID·I. ID :!.:m o.:m I ;m.2.:mTo.:m.t.3D·2.4D·O.
et cetera. Sim·t• ,1ny numlwr plus 7ern equals that Pc•ffef>tton //J
number drop tlw ·O pips lea\.·ing us ~;th: -1 •
Wl' t .in Con ;n I WCll'< II ·flJ•:!
•2. ID. ID· I. II»~. :m, :.m.
t et cetera. We can then Rt'l/\Ufl/111.! :!/J
d1vidt• one die (11>) into .;ub-units of three -l's. or a h/UJU fed~~ .![)
·I and a ·'.!. Ju~t remerntx.-r that three pips equals
.\tarport., 3/)
one d1e(ID .:\).(Don't \'\orr~ . it':-. not as complicated
'1S 1t sccrr " )
£xamplt>: Rt>t.is<·d Svacf! Smuggler Charac·
t~r-18 Tot al DiC'<'
.'ilrer1~1/1 1J
Hcfle.xe~ 30·1
C()(m/mutwfl :!O· I
l'c:rnp1wr1 ID
Ht·a~11nm~ 2/J
l\rmu feds.,'<' .!J)
Lets l ht•<:k our rn.uh First we'll add the dice
(4D·3D ,m ••m.:m.20 1iD) and then the pips
(2+1 3 IO)for.it<1t.11oflRO(l7D·ID~ l8D).
Attributl's typic:illy have a lower limit of 20 and an
upper limit or 4D. with :m the average. Special cir-
cumstnnct>s rnn chani.w th ose boundaries- ask your
gamernastt•r about them II you're Interested (or read
the Clwrum•r.. d1aptt•r of the Gamemaster Section)
Still with us'' Good Don't worry. the die code pro-
gression 1s the most d1Hin1ll part of the game. Once
you'vt• ~ol that , l'Vt>r) thing else is simple.

SIHLLS
At this point you' \-e quantif ed the character's basic
aputudcs But what about t t specific areas he has
eithl'r 5tud1cd, prarlll"C<!, or i><"t.'r trained m:' We need
some \\a) 10 ~pn·-.t•nt th~se acquiwd skills.
\\ell. let's think about this for a manUle. Suppose
\OU"' nt vour ch:ir.1ctN to h."l\'e a high level of ex-
p. rt s 111 j)lstol. If he starts off \\Ith a.high aptitude
i• han<K w t·oordinat1on, 1t stands to rt~a:>on then that
praellctn~ th ts particular skill ~111 raise his ability leYel
above that point .
"<>. ,,e'vc estahbhC'd thut the lcvC'I of expertise in
a particular .;kill is baq·d on tht' attribute that gm:-
erns it-1n our t•...:arnpll'. p1stol 1s based on Coordina-
tion.
 Time to check the math. \\e spent 2 pips on II t rtCI (•r E?TOW II >OI )
re.mt dama1.w skill . lD on dod!!e ID-I on stars'111J r>i· What nrc h1" p.irC'nl5 like:'
lot1ng. IO on blcNer. ID~l on con. 2 pips on ..earcll.
and 10 on 'tarports. Add up the dice Ho\\ man~ slblmi.:s does he hcive. and "hat are
( ID• ID• IU· W· ID=5D) and the pips Z· 1-1-2=6 =20) the) ltkt•".'
and "e !-,'Cl " tota! of 70 (5D-2D- ID \\hat mor.-• cN'·~ '10t's his ramil~ ascribe to"'
~ote th;it lhl' standard limit on the number Of ,1,:111
d1cf' vou c:m add to am· one sldll for a startinc char- PERSOX.\LITI./PS\"CHOLOG\'
acter is 20. A~ain. the gamemaster may chan~t'. 1his
Dt fine \our t•naractcr :> c 1rrent psvchological state
rt•quirement. but she II tell you if that's the case.
You can also chan~c the number of skll dice by SL..
b~ con;mg up \-ath an"\"~rs to que;tions likt>:
le<.'tint.: \dva11te1ge:- and Disadvantages for your 1.:har- \\hat"" 1lw 010-.111nportant thmg in the character's
actt·r lift•'!
\\'h,11 1:-. his ~o.il m life'.'
CHARAC1'ER POll\"1.'S Wh,11 .irt· hi:-. immt."dwlt' auns'?
What i:-. lib normdl demeanor·,
Characters usually bci.:in play with five Character
Points (unlrss the gamemaster decides otherwisr). Wh.it <lul':-. lac h<11e'1
l'lie rolt• Ch,iracter Po111ts play an the game will bt.. V. llilt <lol's tw likt:'.'
come apµart•nt in the upcoming sections .\.faking Dtc<' Wli.tt w<1:-. hb must t·mbarassmg moment'!
Rolls and I::1•t1'nng Characters. !Joe:- lw h.ivt• anv h.ibits or quirks?

TBE CBARAC'I'Ell CREATION TEMPIATE GOALS

\"ou rnnv or m.1v not\\ ·sh 10 select one or more ~o;ils
The gamemastu may prov de you with a Character Creation Tem- for vou; t•h:ir:it:IC'r He ma\• wanl to conquer the \\Orld
plate that defines the various aspects of characters in Iler game
(an· extreme!\ dani:erou~ ~oat ) or track dmrn a \ii·
world-w h1ch attributes the\' have. which skills are available, how
lain \\ho \\rongl'd him. or coU~ \.<l!>l stores 01 trc:a-
many attribute and s!..-ill dace they start "'ith. allowed species. el
sur '.or e~1end the boundaries of tbe Great Galactu.:
cetera. From this template you can create your character. Just copy
Empire. or order as many differem drinks from as
down the appropriate Information onto a blank piece of paper (with manv d1ffcn.· nt ta,crns a:. pos!;ible.
enough room to fill m yo\Jr die cod~) and then fofiow the normal Ha,ing a goal help-. you determine how your char-
character creatmn proc~s (a!Joting attribute dice. selecting skills
acter wall rl'act in a ~1,en s1tuation. Does a particular
and dastnbut1ng skill dace. et cetera). Think of the template as a guide course take him rtoser or larther away from h:s ;oal"'
to the types of characters you can play for a particular game world.
Can he make a deal to help someone else \\ith hl'r
You can find a blank copy of the Character Creation Template in goal m return for assistance in achieving his goat:'
Chapter Two
OU IRKS
You rn;iv want to choose some quirks from the fol-
l~A'l' E POINTS low1n1o: list. 1'111.!se quirks do not affect your characte(s
Charactt•rs <:an begin with any number of Fate Points. scores (like Ac\ vantages ond Disadvantages can-see
from none to five. as determined by the gamemaster. below) but lnst<•ad s1::rve to adrl depth to his person·
but In most ge1me:., characten; start with ont:. <llllV.
fMt·hcs
UOLl:PLA\'ING NOTES Condcscend1ni.:
&>far we"ve spent all of our time recording quantifi- Const.:mtlv Quotes Clichcs
able mformauon about our character. ;-.;m, we come Crark" k.nuC'klt><.
to the les:, concrete aspects. psychology and sodol- ( JfSf"
o)t\·. Or\. "ensl' 01 Humor
W ht>re did this character gro-... up:' Does he ha\'l! E ~m o is Appetite
dll\ aimo\ 111~ h<tbil:-".' Does he have any s1blmss or F-xtrenwlv Or~an1ted
othN clo;c f;im1I\ members" H°'' did he learn all of ravorilc brml..
ha-. .,1.; I ,? What .~ tis goal in life'? Gro"'ls
lt"s ttme to a11swer •hese and other QU{"St1ons to Keeps a Journal
complete our character ~me of this information may Lisp
~ dictall.'d by the ~amemaster sht•ll teU you 11 that"s Love..... Puns
the <:ase). ,:\nd )OU don I have to answer all of the l.ovcs Trai:edy
follow1m: questions. Just pick the ones that seem mol>l ,\tumble.'
important 10 vour character Must ,\!'' Jvs Have th~ Last \\ord in a Conversation
\lus• Hu\ 1 "llll\'t•nir from f\·ery Place\!sited
DISTOBY/SOCIOLOGY '\ 'f\'OUS 1\1.'ilCh
Dtndl• lhc basics of yourcharacter·s back!!round I>> 1>1s\. L1t t·r
answl'rlni.: questions like· OhS\'SSIV('ly CIC<lll
Wh<it kind of nation1kingdom/ planet did this char- C>ptlmistk
Pess11mst1l·
Picks Teeth
Practical Joker Congratulat c s' 'tou'\'c t·on!)lt•tl•d the character cre-
Prefers a Particular (olor(s) ation procc~!'t ..,., 1 1>1' v. hat do you du with aJI of this
Refuse' to Bdth · mformattor
Re.-,poncls onl) to Full :'\amc and Titlt! 'lour l·haractcr ' ' ill part1c1pitte in adv~ntures--se­
Ritual (tx>fon• com hat aftf•r com hat. beiore sleep. first tt~s ol ltnj.;ed event" that lead to a c mactic scene. LI
.: I! t e mormn~. err) you·\'e created a knight fora fa t lS} v.orld. your char-
"-in-a.,, c acter ml~ht become mvol\L'CI 11 t quest to locate and
!:!1) 11i.; Tall) ho'" or "You got a problem with tha::'- rctrie,·c the Great Taltsrnan of Tomanda. Or your CL.\
anc• so lorth) agent may rc<."Cl\"C orders 10 help smuggle inlor ma-
"<:r<1h: hes Constant I\ 111111 oul of lr,1q. Or )<>Ur spc11.e smuggler may decide
!:-cratchy \'nice • to make .:t run into the dan~crous Outer Rim Territo-
Shouts ril•s
Sh) \round thl· Opposite !'>l'X The gamcma-;tt•r prov1dt•s thl• sC'tup-he tells you
Snores the goal of the adwntun· (most of the time). From
!"lpPaks tn ,, \\ t11spt>r lh<lt point on. tlw playws cfircct the flow and pace of
Spcab in M onoto1w lhe a<lvc111urt'. 111lor111111i.: tilt• ganwmaster ol their
Spits chilracll'rs' <il'tlvltit-s ,1t c.11.·h Sll'P along the way. F"or
"tu ti NS exarnpl('. your knif.!hl and hi<> companions {an inept
"'uperst1t1ous w11ard and it youn~ squire. played by two of your
. we.its Profusclv friends) u11clNtake the ki11i.1's request to find the Great
Takes Insults Piiorly Talism.m Unfortunatl'lv. vou knov.· nothing about the
Tctkt:s Crlt 1us111 Poorh ma~ll\tl Item or Its 111..:-tc)ry. so you ask the king tor
Talks 10 Herself • \~h.llc-.:cr infonnatton he ml~ht have. The king gives
Thie k .\("l"t'llt vou the ba:-rcs, but tells \'OU that an old hermit-\1.' iz·
Uses ~l<l\\ ·n l ...111g.m1!C arcl m th!.' Out lands \\f''t .of the ktnS?dom IS rumored
Utter!\ Unol"~ani1ed to kno\' C\"Cf\ thin~ about thb particular talisman.
\erbo~e You and ~our companions then dccldc lo head into
Whine., th<' Uutlands to hnd the hermit ...o that you can get
\\ n:y on \\llh the quc:-1 On \our \\d). hU\\C\er, you run
Ya .... n,; Con..1an1ly int< ' ,,r• of bandit$ .... ho dcm<ind :ill or your gold
and ''"c ..-.um.., \\hat are ~ou going to do'> Comply"
AD\"..\~T..\GES A~D DIS..lD\".: l.',.AGES PanL'. l ... ~t? Run·:
If you \\ould ltke to turther flesh out your character. During each 1111 hesc encounters. you and the rest
)OU can choos • to take Aclviinta~es and Disadvan- of the players de<"i<le ho" to react. thereby leading
tai;:~s. E<tt h c:nt ry 011
thc hst in Chaptl·r Three include.s to the next encounter. '' hate\'cr that might be. You
the name of thl' ,\ch:an1.11;:c or 01sadvantage. its de- don't ha\'(.' lo lollo" a set progre~s1on or events- it
scription and ,1 cl1l' cnclt'. \\.hich may be positive or all dept-nds on "hat your d1aracttirs do. Two differ-
ncgat I\'~. \Vlwn vou :.(.'il-ct one of these items. v.Tite it ent 1!r<>Lps or chMactl'rs runnin11 th rou~h the same
on your charactt•r lt•mplate or sheet and record the advent ur<' won't ta kt• till' saml' al'! ions. so the out-
die code on t1 st'J>ilriltl· pun· of paper. '"hen you've come of <.>ad1 ;iclwnturc will probably be d1fferent-
linistu:cl <.1<lc1 up the cllt: <'Odt•s (the result may be Lhc TatismtJn is found, or t lw faltsman 1s not round.
pos1tiw or rwi.:atlv1:) I'ht• resulting die code t ells you or thl' l'11ar.\l'tl'r:> dk• lii.:htin!( th\.· dragon who o wns
ho1.1. many skill dkl' you must t'it her take away or add th<' Talisman, or till' dt.iril«l<'ri. and th<' dragon be-
to rnur charac tcr's starting skill dice (a positive die come allit•s .ii.1,1inst a i:rc•<1tl'r evil. et cetera
code n•sult nwans ulcl whill' a ne~ative die code re- \o how do you win? \\ell, tl'Chnically. there's no
sult means :;ubtr,1t t such thin,.: as\\ 111n111g i11 a rolcplaymg ~ame. The clos-
)our ~ilmcmastl'f ~\ 111 tell you whether any or ~he est rl:'sult tu a v.111 umd1t1011 would include the sur-
,\d,antage.., or Dls.idv.inta1-:c.. listt:d m Chapter Three v1\al or vuur ( lwr.1ncr and the ac1.·omplishment of
do not appl) t<• lw• •, "'orld or are not allowed the ~o<iJ set .11 the bcginnin~ of the adventu re. Along
Example. Spa ce Smuggler-Adlantages the way. hov. e\l•r. ) ou ma) pick up gold coins. or
and Disodt antagps ma~teal elixirs or an abandoned :-tarship, or impor-
tant information-your n:,,ards for h~uring out hO\\'
Adi anragl' Di~adi antage Die Code to .. olve llw problems prc... t•nted to 'our character.
[)eb! ..:£
Quick /Jraw -:!D
Rel• m<'d Com·ut -In ~l1llilNG DICE ROLLS
Total: ~ 10
The quc.-.t1or " n ~ ''-'s iov. does the mfonna-
n1e ~mugJ,?!er1.:arn\ 1111 odd1twnal JD (smce the t1on on \'our t h:iractt•r slwct aflt•ct gamt' play'!
lolcJI 1ws • ID) 111 :.tar//llf! 'kill dice \\ hene\'C'r \'our charal·tl•r want!; to perform an ac-
tion vou mc1v ha\'l' to rnakt· ;i die roll !>-Orne tasks
(\' c1lktn~. talk.ing, looking. opt•ning an unlocked door.
t•t n•tt>ra) <10 not rt•quln• ,1 roll bct:ause of their siin-
 plicity. Other feats Gumping shooting. speakin~ an- r.
But \lfl('t' .w>U mllt>d (J ()n the u:;/d Die..\'OU~"''
other language. rt.'Calling information about a starporl, to mil II Ut/<Jtn fou ml/ another 6, so you odd
dOd!o?mJ.: out of the wa:. of a laser boll. et cetera) are thut tu your totul ( 13·6d.9) and roll again Tl11.,
more difflc:ult, so there is a chance that vour charac- time you roll u one and add ti to total ( /!:J./ =:!0),
ter m:iy fail to uccomplish his goal. Th~ lxtter your s:11 m~ u fmul mil of!(} four ~memascer informs
chara<'ter 1o; at a certain skill. however. the more likdy .\'OU that your charuct<:r munaged to successful/,
he will succt'<."<1 in performing it. and that\ wh~ you 0

111mp nut of th1• hullet path. tumbling a lull tum

\

conc<'ntrated vour attribute and skilJ dice on the at- und lundms: baC'k on yuur feet (a spectacular fi:al
tributes and skills that most applied to your 11 htch you u·ere able to accompltsh becau-;e yCJu
chararters hne or ""·ork. !:<'flt'fCJtl!U .\UCh u high total)
Don't worry about "hen you n=d to make a die
roll. your Ramemaster wiU let you know. He'll tell you
to make• a skill or attribute roll and give you a bask Note: The Wild Die applies to every
idea of the lcvt•I of difficulty of the task you are about skill , attribute. or damage roll you
to clttl'mpt For example. if your private detective ever make!
character 1:- tryinf.( to leap out of the way of a bullet.
tlw ganu:~mastt•r will tell you to make a dodge roll. You
th~n fin cl your dod?,e die code on your character tem-
pi.it<' (or shet•t) and roll a number ol six-sided dice
CIIAllAC'J'Ell POINTS
(thP kind you can steal from a Monopoly or Yahtzee Character l'omts comt- in handy when you attempt a
i.iame) equal to the number before the Jetter D If your skill and wmd up ~cnerating a low total. If the failurt'
thc: prlvalt: <.lett'<:live has a dodge skill of 30.1. you ur this at·uon rould s1~ll the death of your character
would roll thn..oe six-sided dice and add them together. or th( failurt. of your overall goal. you may choo~ to
l..ast. you add the number of pips to the total for a <;J>l>nd :1 Charactt>r Po111t to roll another die and add
final .,;alue. ""hich you then tell the gamemastt'r. Tht> th.it to vour total. The s,?amemaster will not tell you
total you ~enerated determines your success or !ail· the dft•cts ol your skill attempt until after you·n~ ei-
urt.' in dod~ing tht' bullet. ther spent your Character Points or decide you·re not
But \\hat if your character doesn·1 ha' e the dod~t! ~oini.: to spend dll} on this attempt (think of it like
skill? Don't wor!J', at doesn"t mean he can·l dodge. It ch~s~ : no mon .s 11al until you take your hand 01!
ju~t mc:.sn~ that he dOt":m·t '1ave an} particular ex- vc:-ur 'J•t."C'c. once vou \:c removed vour hand. YOU can·
1>ert1se 111 that area of the Relle.'les aptitude. lnstc.:ict ~ot c angc your mind ). • ·
he must relr on his basic Reflexes die code to gener. \ote: You can dtcide •o s~od Character Pennis
ate a total. Just rernt!mber. if a character doesn·t have aftl·r ~·ou ve made vour roll (unlike Fate Points-see
a skill, u~t. tht. die code or the attribute under"" hich bl'IO\\) 'tou can spend no more than two Character
th;it sklll lal's Points on d pc1rt1c:ular ~kill attt!mpt.

THE lfILD DIE

Character Points can onJy be spent on skill
Whenever you make a skill or attribute roll. m<1ke sure or attribute rolls.
ont- of the· dice is ol a different color than the rest You cannot spend more than two Character
This dit! is callt!cl the Wild Die. and it can either help Points on any sklll or attribut e attempt.
or harm vou. depending on the value it turns up
II you roll a one on the Wild Die, it means you"ve
made a critical error in your skill attempt. Hyour char· £xam11le: Character Points
1Ktcr wa:. tryin~ to dodge a bullet. it may mean that Ll:'l 's soy ,vmir priL'ate detect ice u.:ound up wlfll
he tripped ;ind smashed his head into a nearby wall, u mtul do<.J1:e roll uf 6 Smee you don 'rrhmk tflm
and o;till ~ot hit by the projectile. th<1t t11tul '·' hi!:h t•nough tu at·o1d the bullet. and
If you roll a six on the Wild Die. it means you've tlll'rr• 1~ c1 l11~h r><>rn•ntagp rh"nce that your clwr-
done somethin~ especially helpful to your attempt. adt>r uw1 I 'un •in• .,uch u11 lnJUT)'. you decide to
Allt'r you add up your dice. you can roll the Wild Die Sf1'.:fld CJ Character Pomt fou .subtract one from
a~aln and add that value to the total. U \OU roll a sax the numb..>r of Clwructer Pmnts listed on your
again on thi'.' Wild Die. you add that and then roll a d1uru<·1t·r template and mfl one add11tonal die
third lime, and -.o forth :Xote that after the initial roll fou mil u 1, and odd that to mur 1mt1ol toca/ of6
fort he ~kill attempt rollin~ a one on the Wild Die does fmtJ lotul of 10 f6-.J /0) . •
not indkat<' a critical error. SI/II the t(1/a/ dt>i:~ ·1 :.l!em htRh enough (note
Example: The Wild Die flit• .,,'<lmt•mu,t.•r <1111 hasn t satd anything about
the elft•ct' of tf1e mil _wt. he '<. ; uat1mg unlit \'OU
>Our pncatf! deted11Ai' leaps to get out of th<•
ftmsh !opendmt: Character PomtsJ. .so you :.pend
uw· of a bullet Thi! gamt'masJer tells you to ma kl! unotlla Ch1Jruct~·r l'•>lflt a11d roll a 3. for u final
a docl~c mil. und lookmg al your character sheet totul of /.1 ( 10.3 1.1) mce you cannot spend
\'ou fine/ that \'OU must mil 3D- l >Ou roll three cmolht>r Clwroclt'r l'omt (you 're ll?ached the tu·o
dtcl! (lu u u:h1it and one red (the Wild Die JJ U'tth
pmnl ~{>t'ndm~ lmul), you tell the gamema~ter
lhl' follotJJtr~ rt'~ult:. I ftLhite), 2 (u:hue), and 6
your fuwl tota/ and hope ti's enough.
(r1•d J }iw odd up the dice rolls (4-2-6~ 12) and
llwn add your ptp!> (I 2-1 =13) for a total of 13
 The i:amerna~tcr either c1ssi!,lns a difficulty number
to the ta.'k vou .... ant to accomphsh or randomly gen-
'lou hav • ooc other option for increasing the chances erate.-. .1 diihcultY number based on a die code. For
of :-vc..n~cdtn)( .it a J><lrlll ular skill roll· Fate Points. example. p1d:ini the lock to the back door of a man-
Before mak111~ till' roll , you can inform th~ sion Ill.I\ ha\c .1 :.c..·t d11f11:ull\ number. like 7. If an-
g:mwm.1s1er th.it ~o i.I " ·111 spend a Fate Point (you othl'r d;ara\.'.tcr oppo... c.s you~ skill attempt by dodg-
cannot de<"1C: l 1osr>< ·11d a Fate P<Jint alter you've made ing a bullt•t you hrcd at her. ho" ever. you succeed by
your :-kill ro "ubtract one from the Fate Point list- rolhn!-! a hl~hl'r hf<l\lt•r total than <;he rolled a dodge
;n~ on ~our c.. :-i".r.1l ter template. hut rather than add- total (\\tuch 1... l'allccl an oppuwd skill roll).
ing om• l'Xtr.1 <Ill' to ~our roll hke you did when you ~lost lime,,, the ~aml·mastcr \\Ill g1\'C you an mdi-
spend a Chnr<it.'tcr Point. you duuble the number of cauon of thedlHicuhy tt•vt•I of a particular task. based
...kill dKl' md pip" on the table bdm~.
~ote: \II <lie rod<• ac1JU"tml·nts (penalties or bo- If vou '' :-tnt lo infill r:it<• a t·omputer system. the
nusl'S) tlrt' ,1pplil'<I after doubling the skill or attribute ~am~mastcr m11.?hl tl•ll you that your character thinks
dice 11 will bl' an E.1sv task since thl' computer doesn"t
seem to haw .iny rl'adily appan.•nLS<'curity features
To use a Fate Point, you must declare it be- or en<.·ocllng ;1lgorit llrns currently in operation. You
fore making your roll. kn o w Imm this information, tht•n. that you need to
roll ~onwthin~ hl.'lwt•<•n a si'< and a ten (from the chart
You may spend only one Fate Point on any ahovt-}. although you don't know the exact number.
skill attempt 0( course till' ).:tlllll'lllilStcr tclb you how difficult the
Only onl' die counts as the Wild Die, not two. attempt will ht• fx1wd 011 your <·huraclers perception
of the e\·tertuutlTIR factors gon•mmg the tasks ease or
d1ff1t 11/tl Thctt• ma" be other dctt·rminants that your
Example: Fate Points ch:1racl1:r would h.l~ ~no way of knowing-which may
>our pm au tlc..·tt tit t lius me na[!ed to d<XL.r1e int'rt>a"l' or cit'< re;i..,1• th<• d1fhrultv
the bu/l(•f f1retl by t/lf• ~ung.,ter c·husmg him. but ~:-.st'flttallv the g.1mcmastcr ~l\·e.-. you a general idea
he realt=•'' lie need' to stop thr ussatlant from of the d1ffit'ult~ leH:I: Jll'-I rcrncmber) ou can"t always
,hoollfn,: ui:c1111-u 1t/11JUt h1mmg /11111' Qwte u feul. rel) on the ~ahdlt~ of the mtormation.
}uu de<'ulc to 'pt>nd nnc olyour prrc1C1us feu.· Fate
Po111t' 'uhtractinl! ur11> fmm \'01/T Fatt> Point total
umJ clouhlm, tt t 1 mber of brawling skill dice TASK DIFFICULTY TABLE
you *-'t t11 m \mu? tile dl'lectu't' ha,. a brawl.-
in~ dtt> r<><f•~ .f !IJ I 11temf><1ron~dX!comes 4D-1 Lev·et or Difficulty "\umber Range
for 1111., \ktfl attempt }ou roll four dice for a tu~a/ \'ery Easy 1-5
uf JG ( 1·3·-l·S /fi) to 11 hteh )OU add the 2 pips. &-10
Ea<>y
i;m/111g" 111> a total bra\... lin~ roll flf /,}-u·h1ch 1s
Moderate 11-15
pretf\ darn ~"xi'
D1ffirnlt 16-10
Exampl<': nu: ft1flut1n1/ icurlord Ku!tm Zun L\
alxmt to tfmp the 'acred Phcwnrx Stone into the very Diffi<.'Ult 21-25
n1rte.\ to th<' Fire l mn'f"\<' If the artifact is de- Herc)!<' 26-30
.\trmnl. 1t c·t1ulli c/<1<1111 the planet to conquest by Heroic• 31+
tfw ·enl /a n four circlter character has one
dtcmn• to lmcx/{ tit<' c11t1fuu out of Zan's hanw
lwl•m.' lw tlmp., 11 ( m<>re ahout disarming an op-
fH>nr•nl CIJl{WllT\ m C/wptn F.1~ht J Ycw therefore
EV()L\TING CH1\llAC'fERS )
d<'etde 111 s1><.•rtcl ct Fote Pomt und double the num- \t tht• encl of ;in ad\'rnturt• tlw )!amemaster rewards
fk.•r of dtct> v1111 wn mil for the archery attempt. survh in!! char.1ctcrs with Character Points and Fate
Smee tlw clwmflc•r llu' urr arc..·he~ .\kt/I of5D-2. Point~. based on tht'ir performance throughout the
WJU ~l'f to mil JOfJ· /' seen.mo \dd these \"lluc~ to the current number of
} m 1.,1t_'11erate " total of Ii' The gamemuster point:. on your d1.1r:1ctcr tt>mplate (sht.'t'l). and you·re
tell~ \ "u t rat not 0111\ did \~Ju knock tht> artifact ready for the nc.-..1 adventure. ,\lso. add the number
fro11 l.i111 , hund.\ hut rn~ managed to put him of Characlt'r Points lo \our \ 'ctcran Points total (this
off ba Jf1 ·p If hP Im/, ~ balance rull. h£> :~going is a "a' for the C\, to kt!ep trad: or the m·erall ability
to fall tnt11 ti 1• • or/t>_\' level o-1 vuur t'harattt•r rdat1w to all other charac-
ters: the\ ha\ c no otht.·r g,une m.c
DIFFICULTY ~UllBEBS But \'Ouldn t 11 ma ·p senst.• that your character may
hcl\Clmprl»Cd in :-.t>me ltrCa:i over the course of the
\\'e , .e been 1<1lki11g ahout the'e d.e rol totals and adventure'! II ,,h~··s l><.>1!11 pickinq tocks at every op-
.,...hethl'r thl'\ lnd1ratc thl' success or the failure of a portunitv. \\1n1lc1n't sill' gl'l better at it?
~kilt attempt Ho\\ clo you know what number )OU
Ot't'd IO ht•.i1·: \\ell. \OU don't- that":; the
~:imcrnastcr's 101>
GEXDER/SPECIES: - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
..\GE: UEIGOT:
--- lfEIGUT: - - - -
PUl'SICAL DESCIUPflOi\: - - - - - - - - - - - -

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
J\1TRIB UTE: .\'frlUIU'TE: •
•
••
•
•
•
•
••
• EOl"JP)IE~T:
•
.tITRIBlITE: .\TIIUUliT£: •
•
•
•
• n.trliGROt "~D: - - - - - - - - - -
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A rrnmt 'TE:
•
,.\TfRJBt n~: •
•
•
••
•
•
•
.tITRIRl1TE: ,\TIUllJl"TE:
: PEllSON.tUn':
•
•
••
••
: OBJECTn'ES:
•
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SPECIAL .tBIUTIES •
Fate P o ints - - - - - •• ..\ Qt;OTE:
Character Points •
••
Move - - - - - - -
Bod) Points _ _ _ __ •
CO~NECTIO~
WOl'~O ST.\Tl' S •• \f ITD CD.UUCTERS: _ _
••
..J l Wound
•
..J 2 Wounds •
..J 3 Wounds •
•
=1 4 Wounds •
..J 5 Wounds •
 INCREASING \'OUR SIULL cided that :.he should :.pend the Character Points to
buy lhc skill To do :.o. u:.c the same formula for in-
PllOFICIENC\' creas1nR the skill but use the du~ code of the attibute
To n•prcst>nl th1-. ~radu.i. t•arnini.t training, players to dct~rminc its initial cost. for t•xamplt>. if the char·
mav ::;pt:nd Character Points to increase their skiU die acter had a Coordination of 2D· I . it would cost two
codes fo increase a skill by one pip costs a numbc;:r Character Points to get the fo<kp1cktnR skill at 2D~2.
of Chararter Points equal to the skilrs current die
code. For example, 11 )OU v.ant to raise your
ch;iracter·:-; d'~ :.kill from 31>· I to 3D-2. you mw.t GET llE1.\DY 'l'O DAVE 1.,IJN
spc:nd three Character Po1n1s (be(·ause the number Th;1t ':. illl you need to kno'' IO pla~ a 06 !:iystem game.
in front of tht• Dis :n. To incn•<tSl' furthN. from 30-2 Don't worn: if you didn't understand anything ex-
to 40 1the next step in tilt' die code progression) plauwd aho\'e: your f,lamt>mastt>r <:hould be able t o
would cost another thre~ Charartcr Points. To move help you nut durm~ the ~ame .\nd vou don't have to
up to U> I from 40. hov. c\·cr, '' ould cost lour Char· mcmori1e anythin~ .\1ost of tht• information you·n
aclt:r Pomt:.. need durm~ an ad\'enturc appears on the character
\ou may ah;o chOQse to ~l\'e your character ne'' 1cmplatc or' ~t you'll bt'. u ... 111~ .
ddlb. pspec1allr tho"e v. hkh he ma~ ha\'t.> attempted II y ou w.:ir l tc learn more about the game's me-
durmi.: an ad\'cnture \\tlhout prior practice. For ex- chanac:s . or about lht> difft>rt>nt option" beyond the
p l' If vour rharaclt.'r didn' t ha\c the lockp1ckm~ basks h-.tc·d above. refN to the the chapters that
sk I and ~l'I managed to opc•n three locks using onl)' lollm' Othen~ise. put the book down and get ready
her Coordination attributl··s clit' code, you may de- to havt.> some lun!
Tlw f)t) System provides a framework upon which lo ~" \'OU tl'll tlw players that you're going to us<' the
bast• any gl'nre of roleplaying game you want In play· moo;t clt•tailt-d <:ombat options so that every move the
fantasv. space opera. hard science fiction post-holc>- t·har.icll•rs makl' lwcnmes e\1remely important to the
caust t·yberpunk horror or other exotica. Althou~h It outcom~ol the battle. rou·w spent a great deal oftimt·
may sound like 1u.st another generic rules system, 11 and t'ffurt to l(l"l to tlus point you want to sa\'or the
isn't. TI1e 06 '>ystem allows gamemasters to de\"clop mornPnt. not ~t:l 1t o\'er ''ith.
an cnlirl.' Ri!r' s'stem-not game world, ;;ame ~y~tr'm. If you \\ould hke to Ju_o;t start pla~ ing a 06 game
One potential ')roblem ,,.·ith generic rules system,, "ithout ha,·mi.: to crC'ate 'our own svst~m. don't
is that the\ force each w orl to fit into tht> confmc..-. "'-Orr). In Chaptrr Fl~wn y~u If nd a c~mplNt• ~am••
defined b\. the rule; themse ves. rather than all1m- system ;1lrcady dc\·clciped. pws a few character tem-
mg the wtjrld to mold the rules. \\ith Db. you decide plates for your pla)'t'r-;.
how the rules work 1n each world you develrJp or play
1n, with one unlfym~ aspect; all rules are ba-.ed on
the rolling of six-sided dice. l\1UAl1 HOES THE
One example of a D6 game S}stem is The tar Ila"
Rolt'plu.un~ Gume. Each area of the rules ch.iracttr GA~IE~l1\S'I'Ell no?
creation, combat. speciaJ powers. et cetera) \'\orks in 'lbt• i.:anwniaster fulfills man) roles. from referee to
a particular way-but each could work d1ffer('ntl) If ~.1111e world t·realor-and m the case of the D6 Sys-
you Wdflh:d to mc1ke the combat rules more mtra:atc tt•m t•wn g;mw rults dt•s1gner Some GMs maychoosl"
and dt•tailcd, for example. you could swap in one of tCJ pl;1y onlv one or two or these roles. ancl others
tht• t'omhat option packages provided in this book muv d10o~c to play ..ill of them Your level of involve-
or cwn dt:'vclop one of your own. Or what 1f you nwnt and tinw t·x1wnc11turc> remains entirely up to you
wanll•d to use body points rather than wound levels
for damagt:''' No problem. The entire game-and all IUUEt:l'OU
D6 ~amt:'s-are completely cusromizable.
Using t ht• D6 System you can also develop your own \s lhl' i.tamernaster. you set the stage for the players
rul~s from o;c-r1tth You choose the attributes. skills.
\ou tt·ll them about their characters· current sur-
method or combat resolution. magic or special µuwer rounclings lrom tht• time of day to the number and
rules, plus all other areas of game play so that the tcll•ntilit''> or lhc g,rn1cma..,tcr ChdraCters (those char·
nch.•rs not cont r<>llc:d by 1 he players present \\hen·
finishl'd s\stem matches the tone and fee of rnur
~ame world • t'\'t•r a play<'r·.,. t·harac 't:'r undertakes an acti<m you
The 06 ':>y.,.tem abo allows you lo incorporate the Inform her of the results of that action.
vanous opllonc: at any tune. If you play in your ~me To makt• thb part of the job t."asier. you ma~ wish
world for several months and decide you \'\'Ould lil.t• to to use props: maps player handouts. dim light in~ to
sunulatt• the darkne,..,.., of an underground complex.
add the combat speed option. you just tell the plaH·rs
for C'\amplc). mu.-.it (for theatrii:aJ eifect). or an~1hinl.!
and vou'rc read\ to ~o You don·t have to cham:e am·
char'iu:tcr staltsl11:s or otherniSt manipu]ate the !-?·une cl.;c that makt>s scno;e m thl.' ld\'enture.
rule..°"' in <111)' \\d)' You can e\'eu add in option.-. for ii
stn!o(h• t.'n<:ountc-r during an adventure~ For e:-;amplt•,
CUARACTER ACTOR
your group 'IX ncls fivt' ~ame sessions chasing do" 'l Th<• ~amcma ... tt r takes on tre roles of all the
an aliL•n creature that has escaped its confines and has i.:amt•m,1,,ter t'haraclt'rs speaking in their voices wht>n
~n wrt>akini: havoc at every turn. \\hen the charac- tht•y ronvcrst• .ind deciding ho\' they react to the
ters finally reach lht.'creature. you don't want the com- cl1ar.1ctt:r:.' action ... For example. the characters en-
bdt to l:w over ln juM a kw minutes. This :;hould be tht• counter a nwrc·hant trying to unload some illegal
dhm1ct1c, :;low-motion finale to the whole campaiHn ~oocls You mi~ht start ou t by saying (in a scratchy.
\\hhpcrcd "Oil l' "I le), you intcr~:.tcd m some great
merchandii.c:' Have I l(ot a deal for you • ,\s the play-
ers rt~pond in the vrnct> of tlwar charactt>rs. you con-
tinue to play the rolt• of tht' Merchant. If another
gamema:)tcr l'h.tracll.•r arrivt:s sa} a police officer
}Ou assume his role as ''ell, Pf r a)S '13)in~(in a v01ce
different from the ont• )OU use< or the merchant).
"'\\ 1iat's -.:n111 ~ on her ,.

llEFEllEE
As rdt-reevo 1dt•t1dt• what actions .rn.• possible based
on the ph~ sll'.s of tlw ~anw \\Oriel . If one of the char-
acters y.;ants to fire <1 bl<tsh:r through a rnncrete\\-all.
for c.x amplc. you JUcl~t· whNhcr or nut such an ac-
tion could on ur 1>.1sl·<I 011 your knowlc<lge ol the ele-
ment:; involved. Hcikplayinfol 1-1anw:. don't provide you
with an t•ncydnpcclia lull of po-:.;ihle drcumstances
so that vou can look tlwm up w lwncvcr a part icular
situatioi1 dewloµs You <ire instl'itcl called upon to use
your judgment a11d 1magi1wtlon to extrapolate on the
mformauon vou (lfl' i.:1ven .
Abo in vo~ir roh- ,;~ rdcn·\· vou determine the dif-
ficulty of ·th1• ta!o;ks the play1•~s· characters wish to
undt!rtalw. If a rh,1r.11: tt•r "'ant:-. to l'lunb a wall. lor
example. you decide the difficulty number he has to
beat to acn1mphsh that lt•.it If the \\all has no foot-
or hand-holds , vou rr .1'.
'>t I the d1fhcultv at DilftcuH
(l i'). If Instead ·11 ".ts .i br c. i. .s tructure-" ith strong
vines -..mdrng up to the roof. you mi~hl set the diffi-
cuhy at 1-:.'l,~ ( )
(Don' t \\orrv about the numbers or the diff:culty
QUaJiftcr.. for I 'l\\ f 10Sl' \\Ill be t!Xplained later in
the Gamemas•t-r ·t·tion )
\\'OIU.D CREA1'0R
;...., v.orld l·rc:.itor \OU dt.:!>llo:ll and develop the mi- j
lieu m wluch your p171yt.>r<: c haral·krs will adventure. §
You are n•spon-.iblt• lor <ll'tPrmininR t>very aspect of i:
this world. from its physic.-al nature to its politics to -
its populat•t• noc.•s ma~k l"<ist? If it does. is it t reated st ar ling w ith charactc:r s. and moving on to skills.
like a ~cil'nC'l' nr llkt• <1 su1wrst1tlon? \\ ho really con- magic and other µowt •rs systt•ms, ~u1pment, adven-
trols tht' world'! 1\re tlwrc v,1mpircs or cyborgs or d i- tures. c:omhat vt-h1clc c:ombat. and healing and ve-
nosaurs running amok'' Dci KlrC'cops from the planet hicle repair. w ith" sa111plt· game system at t he end o f
Bobe~n con:. t antly takc.- hum.in form and par ade the book. At e.1ch stt•p you lt·.irn lhc opll<ms avail-
around like insane.' monkt•vs? able and ho\\' l'.1C h works. so that vou t•an decide
Of c·ourst'. vou alwavs have thl' option of using an which vou want to ust• for your ~illTH' \\Orld·s rule.<;
established ~:cumi,:. t•ithN lrom a book. a television system.
show, or a mo,·1e ,·nu Ion'. o r from one of West End·s
olher game lint'.:. (hi.e Stur Han for example).
'l'DE D(; SYS'I'E~I
GA)IE DESIGNER
'1 EllPl~l'l'ES
1

Last. ~ou m.iy 1. ke on the r< It• of -taMi> dt>signer. de-

cidi.nS?ho\\ each ~'"Pffl ol thl' nilcs works from char- On the folio"' m~ ..heels} ou rt.'(."oro the basic struc-
actt>r crt'ot1on tot ornb.1t This hook pr<l\1des you \\1th ture of your game s\.stem. from character template
'\l.ral option~ for each area. but you are more than information to l'Omh.11 options to magic rules. Think
er"cour,1~d to conw up" 1th\ our O\\ n ideas. of the Character Creation Template as the players
guide to dcs1~lm.: c:harnl tt•rs to play in your game
'l'DE llES'I' (ti.- 'J'HIS \\orld. and the Ciamt· Template a:. your st ructure for
th~ ~amt- s)'slt>rn itself.

SE(~'l'ION i\l ake photoc·op1t-s of th<>st• tt•mplates so that as you

proceed throui.th th:s book. you can start designing
The rest of the< h.tptt•r s 111 t hl' <Jamemaster ~ection your first game svstt·m' Just record the options you
takt> you thrnu~h c;irh <1s1wt·t of roleplaymg games. choose on tht• shc•t.•t and vou re n•ady t o go!
 f: U1lll1l(~'l l~Il 1

(; lll~1l'l I () N
1

'I,1~111,1~1'r1~

Game World Name: - - - - - - - - - - Game Designer: - -- - - - - - -- -

CDAilAC'l'Ell INFOIUIA'flON
Species: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DAMAGE SYSl'EH
.J Wounds #: _
Age Requirements: - - - - - - - - - - .J Body Points F o r m u l a : - - - - - - -
Groups: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ ADV1tN'rAGES AXD DISADl' ANTAGES

Starling Attribute D1te: - - - - - - - --

tarting kill Dice: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Starting Money: - - - - - - - - - - -

ATl'RffilJTES ~U SKIU.S
 f11l)JI~
SYS'l l~)I
1

'11 I~ )JI•fJ\'11 I~
fMme\~mP . _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~

Came Ot:s1~ner: - - - - - - -- -- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Genre. - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
World (l\'t>f\'il'w : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Technolo~~ Level - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PO\fERS SECTIOS CO)IU.\1' SEfTIOX
TIPE(S) DUUGt S\STUI
...l \1a1.: I(· :J \\ound~ =·_
..J Ps1on1<.· ...J B0<h 1 o t~ formula: _ _ _ _ _ _ __
..J Upt'r ROl \D STRITTl'RE
...l Olh<.•r ...J '-.r1 ltar cous
UlllTAflO~S A UESllUtllO~S .J lnittatl\'e rou"ds
.J C. ontinuous
Ol'TIO~S
.J Hit lrx.-at1on
...J '-pt>ed
.J \\ound Type

lllSCELL.\.~EOUS XOTES
 ~--~
./
I

DE\TELOl,ING 1\ l,EllSON1\L
CDAllAC'l'Ell CREA'l'ION I Nl~C, ll~IA'f I0 N
'l'E)IPLATE Ho'" would you 111 bout describing ont' of your
fnt•nd,., tn :rnothw'.' You m1i;:ht indicate his gender. hr:.
' nee chilractcrs stand al the center of an) rolepla)ing 1•v1• :ind ha r color. h1" '>a.,,c bod.; form tall shon.
~ame, you start des11:nin~ a game system bydeddmf: thm, H n:tcra). h1., age .1r d ti ie basics ol his person-
on the particular character ability values treni.:th, a lit). Thoul!h )OU think you \'e prO\ided enoug-h in-
Coordination. et cetera personaJ aualit P:<; sr Clt'S, formation about htm, ) our other friend may stilJ h.wc
gender, politkal C1.fhhat10ns and so on and skills :i <•Hnplett•I) diUPrt' nt picture of the person you'\'l'
(dodr;:e, archl'r.'~ cl1em1s/T\ and so forth) that nt't'd to <11tcmptt·d to dc.,~·nbe. So vou might then start add-
be reprt•sentP<l In your game From this information ing other dcfrmn<t fc:uurt>- or qualities until you· ve
plavers can create their O\\ n characters and you can t•ome to ;1 pomt \\hen.• this person cannot be illus-
111vcnt all of the ~amemaster characters (G \IC~). trated any further (of course you could aJ\\a) s dra"
Think of the Character lreation Temp!ak as a model a p1l· tur1• or pr1J\1dc a photo as well).
lor the scnuc11t bcm!o(::. in your game world You're \\. hl'rt clt•s11-1nini.? rolcplayrng game characters. vou
c!'i:>l'llllally dcvdopin~ a dossier with spaces to write Ii.ave tht· opt1rn1 of dt:finirtJ.: lite e:.:.ence of that char·
information about a particular charactt>r-name, :wtcr (all of the ciuahhes and quantities that mak<'
ran'. profloss1on. likes. dislikes. peculiarit1e:.. apti· him up) to .111:i- clt-gn'l' you 1>refer from a sketchy out-
tucles. skills. mystical powers.et cetera-and with the lirw tu a dL•tailc<l charactcr tr<"atment. Remember that
options available for each entry-species ( clfling. as you n•<1ct tht• n•st of the chapter. For example. you
mountain-man. goblin. and so on). gender (ft'mall'. may <ipc1clt• to list a <·haracter's a!.{e as 25. or as twenty-
male, neuter, none). profession (gangster, CIA agent. i~l 1. or 1101 .it 1111. Ju~I 111t1ke ~ure that the Character
arl•n:1 maRl', and so forth) When you create a new C'rc·atio11 fl·mplatc.• contains enough information for
charactt.•r. you 1ust $!<>down the list and till in the ap- pl:ivn-.; to 1·rpatt> thf'ir m"n characters.
propnatc words. numbers. and die codes.
First. make a photocopy of the 06 ystem Charac- SPECIES -~

tt'r Creation Template and grab a pencil ·\s you pro-

Charitt'tl'rs in fantaw and science fiction often com\.'
ct•t:d through the remainder of the chapter indic.itt: from \'artous SJX~te~. from elves. dwarves. and trolls
on the h .• mplatc the information for each sect ion-or
to \'a111p1rc,, andrrnds. and \laruans-not to lor~et
lea\'t' out sN'lions you haven't dt'cide<l upor )ou l'an humm1,.,, of l'our.,c. :\s 1'dlllernaster. you decide\\ hr ch
al\\ays ~o back and make chan~es (which is\\ h) you spe<'res the pln)ers may U!:c for their characters.
should use a pt'11cil-don't use those erasabll• pens· Though your \\oriel nught ha\·e vampires. you may
trust nw, b\' the time vou erase one letter \ou're l.!O·
\\ant to rc:-.trkt their u:.e a_, player characters becaust·
ing to m~cla nt.' \' pie-Ce of paper . ..
Oon't for~ct that you have complete control of your
thc'e creaturt s \\ 111 play a major role as villains (the
ad\1•rsam'~ of the character:-.'
~amt' -;y.,tt>m If you come up \•;th an idea not co\-
\.' ~ ou tlc~li.:n your ~ame world. keep a list of thl.'
errtl in th ts chapter (or in any of the chapters follow- spc<'1cs nvallnhk to the player!: \cx-t to each. "ril.:
ing ti), use it. Don't feel limited b~ the information clo\\n :in\ ntormat1on that seL<; that specie~ apart
pH·~ented ht.•rc. Thc constraints of timc and span~
from en·ry other specie:.. Ask ~ourself \•·hy it tS con-
prt>vent us from covenn~ everything in as much de- sidered .1 difft'rcnt spKies in the first place D0t>s n
t;iil as we would like. A:. gamemasteryou're m char~< h<tVl' a difft·m1t ap1warance? Does it have different
( mon• about which we'll talk later in Chapter St>ven).
scnsu.tl or~.ms·• D<x•:; It bn'<'cl dttferently? Does 1t have
don't skip ii l{ood idea 1ust because you haven't sct•n
1>c1rt1n1lt1r .irt•as of skills or artitudes for which it has
1t bdon.• (these are usually the best ideas of all).
inherent prowess? Does it have any physical weak- may also opt to have players give only a general de-
nesses? scription. like overweight, tall. short. and so forth.
If you want to create a standard record for each ol
your species. use the format below. AGE
You can change this information for every game lo a roleplaying game. characters can be of almost
world you create. For example. if you want your hu- any age. from a kid of 10 to an old man of l 00. Some-
man characters to all have the ability to look like a times, however. it doesn't make sense to allow cer-
muscular barbarian type you could give them a maxi- tain age groups as player characters. For example. in
mwn Strength die code of 60 rather than the stan- a game set in the real world you couldn't have an 11-
dard human die code of 40. year-old boy i11 the FBL Give your players an idea of
what ages are allowed. and ii it doesn't really matter
GENDEU anyway, you can have them just give a basic idea. like
You don't have too many choices in this area. Most young. thirties. middle-aged. old. and so on.
species will have two genders: male and female. You
might also devise a gender-less race or a race whose 1\Fli'J 1.11\'l'I 0 NS
members can spontaneously change between male You may create organizations in your world to which
and female. Again. if you come up with a new choice. the characters may belong. Examples include: anti-
don't hesitate to use it. terrorisl groups. religious cults, adventuring bands,
town militias. secret so<:ieties. wizard guilds. et cetera.
HEIGR1' AN)) WIUGD'I'
Choose a maximum and minimum height and weight
for each species. If you're using normal humans. you Species Template:
can just tell your players to use their judgment. You
Name:
Height Minimum/Maximum:
Weight Minimum/Maximum:
Physical Description:

Attribute Minimum/Maximum Die Code

Strengths:

Weaknesses:
 l\t•t.>p a rL>cord of lht'se !(roups for your O\\ n use an,1 \s ment101 t'C Chapter Ont- a I or the skills m 06
PW\"lde pl;iycrs \\'JI ha hst and de.'>cript1on or the OOC'\ ,\..., em game." reh· upon hase attnbutes. .\character
of \\h1ch the\ l:clll become members. >trform any 'kill that lalls under a part1cwar ski I
b) u .. 111g the the code of the attrlbutt itsd1 rur ·x·
ample. C\'Cll though m) nw>tocrat doesn ·1 'l<wt.• an)
,i..:rn dit 1• m dnt.1~>. he can -.till attempt tc !t"ap <•ut ol
~ow ~ou ha\'~ 10 d~ld<' .... hid .. ptituoes you \\Ould the \\Ii\' tusmg hi' Reflexe-. dice. smce thats th~ at·
like the l·har.1cters m your game world lO quant1f\. tribute clod~ tall-.. beneath) It 1ust means rnat he
1 c .. \\ tuch attributes .... ill be assigned die codes that doc.,n"l h.ive an\ partt< ular expertise abo\"f". and tx"-
will <lt>lenmne whether or not a character sunet.'ds yond his b.1-.Jc aptltucle
at a p<!rlll'ular task dur1ri..; an ad\·enture. Char.1( lt>rs normal!) hc~m pla:-; \\ilh a number ol
\ttributes \:an ~pre::.t""nt an) abilil) from ph)"in1l attribute d1l·c t qual to the number of attribute.s timl:!s
'itrt•nl.(th to mental prowess to magical control. You thrL·t· (# of attributes .\ :J # of attribute dice). For
detl·rmitw \.\ hll'h ol thl'Sl' attributes applit•s to vour cxampll . if)< HJrhoos(• sewn attributes for the char·
world. and huw complex you would like your c.:har,1c- .1ctt•rs 111 this pJrttculc.irg<1me\\·orld. lhey\\oulcl each
lcn• to he ~or example. YOL may design a sdence bt•iiin with a tot<il of (7 x 3 21) attnbute clire. These
ftl·t1on u111wrse when.• magic doesn "t exist. and tlwre· C<lll b) split .11110111'( ,1 rl1<1r..ic.:lt-r"s attributes as dt:t«ilt'cl
ton". YOU clc111 t i11duclc ;\1agil as a character alt ril>utt• 111 tlw \ttrlhuh•s StTt111n of Chapter One.
Or \'Ol c·ould l'n•att• a fantasy world in which tlw Till' fnllow111i.: li'il of attributes includes an \ltn-
c•har,11'll'rs will SPl'IHI all or their time· crawlmg n;itt.• \;111ws t•ntry 'ou can opt to use one ol these
throu~h dun~wons ancl IJatthnt: monster4'. In tlm c;1sP namt.·~ H vou think 11 nmre clost>l\ matches tht' tone
'< >U clon't rcallv need am attributes other than Co- .incl It l'I of th<' parlinilclr ~ame \\~orld Ior which you
urcl1nation. ~.ndurance Reflexes. and 'trenqth-tht• .1n• cn·,1ting tlu., gJ.lllt' s~stt-m . Fur example. rather
purely ph~ sll·al aptitudes- since the players \,·on' t than using the 11.1mc K1 o\\J..·dge in ID'.'!- fantasy game.
can• about their ch.1ral'lcrs· ability to chann people ~nu in.ty m.,t<•:id 1·all 11 I mt>
or rl.'member tht> av~ra~ airspeed of an ,\frican swal- II ~uu '\:rnt to in1·orporate the ~ame mechanic ol a
lu\\ (or \\3" tha LLJropean?). particular abiltt\, but don't want lo add another at·
trrbute to your game. ~ou can aJways decree that the
abllll\ h CO\'('rl-cl b\ one of the attributes \'OU·\.·e al-
THE "NO ATTRIBUTES" OPTION rcnd). 'elected For c'amplc. you'' ant to us~ the dm.;-
'lou ran for~,~ u.~ use ol attnbuk.s dJld rnstead create charac· 111g -..kill '' luch fall, ur:dernt-<1t the :\le<-hanics at·
ters \\1th '"Ill diet ode-.. uni\ Treat dll :.kills as if thev had a base tribute. but vou alread,· have :.ewn attributes dnd
attnbutc equ;:il to the :-;pcciC.,, minimum of a particufu character \OU don't v.ant to ha\'c lo add another. So. YOL dL....
(for hum;ms use tht> ..;f;indard 20). Players then select the skill.; c1de that clm.:11~ no\\ fal sunder Reflexes <anattributt.:
l'vt• <1lrc.1<1v recorded on m\' Character Creation Tern·
ltte\ \.\1Sh to increase (folJm,ln~ the normal rules for distribution
Clf star ing skill dice). plate) Chapter four Ibis b~>th the standard attribute
upon wh1d1 a "kill 1-. basl.'d as well as alternate at-
Example: fourlluman barlxman charocJerhas /SD m ~l<lrt· trihutes 11 l."oulcl foll ~neath
mi: .1k1/I dice ><w tlende to apply SD of that to lifting. giun~
htm a total <Jf 7U tn lifting (the buse of 2D plus the SD rOU COUE A'l'TIUBU1'ES
!>pent), ·ID t<J hrawlin)(. gtl'lll!-1 u ffJICl/ of fiD in brawling ( tfte
Wht•11 t' rt.'at 111!( .1 l)(i ~ystem game. begin with the four
bas<• of :JIJ plu.~ llw 1D YOU vx•rtt), and the remain mg 6D to
c:nrt• all rihutl'S ·1hl'Sl' are the aptitudeg required rm
sword. f.!wmg u tot<1/ .;word skill of SD (2D ~ 6D)
tht· romlMt l'lll'OUlllcr~ referred to throughoLJt the
The recommended starling :;kill dice with the -No AttributesM rest of lhL· hook (Ir you plan not to have any baltlt::..
option 1~ I SD lncrca~e or decrease this die code depending on you don't 11Pl'CI t hPo;p abilit1c>s)
the tont: of vour gaml! world . Also. vou may allo\\ players to i~
nore the 20 six:ndtng limit per skill (as done in this example) COORDl~. l TION
You can trl!tll the attributes (Coordination. Reflexes, and so Alternat e '\ames: Aim. Ot>~ieritv
on) as skills since you·11 ne1·d th<:m for certam cases (like Endur· oord1r 1l111t represents a character's ab1l11y to pt.>r·
ance for resisting dama!(e). or you could create specialized skills fc1rm le.its that n ..-quarc manual dextent,i. or hand-e~e
that cover tho!>e areas (li ke the resisl damQRe skill rather than C<><,pcratlon, I e. fine molor skills. '.:)uch tasks include
Endurance). firlnu a bu\\ or gun. p1ckm1? a lock. iiDd thnm int! a
This option \\Ork:i extremely well for dimensiorrhopping, time-- ..,rt I IC:
faring. or !o:enre<ros!'.1ng game~. If a character arrives at a place '\otc.>: I 1 \fcJ1 lfol'.'>, the D{'xtcnty attribure encom-
(or time. or \\hate\'er where a skills e.xists, he can learn It and ' '~'t'" tt •>< rt t lH' a d Refle'.'\es.
lhe pla>er <:'dn add It to tus skill list You don·l have to worry
which attribute the skill falls under. You can therefore pick up EXDIJIL-L~CE
any game and JUSt use the skill names \\.lthout having to spend .\llern ate '\runes: lo11st1t 1tion ~tamma
time determining the attributes that govern each-in fact you F.ndur.111n s .1 measure of a character's bodil..: resiS·
don't have to worry about the attributes used in the game at all. tann., I t'. , h11\\ \H'll h s body stands up to ·.stt;ick
To determine the skill die code of any gamemaster character from \\ hl•tht·r from dlrt>ct injury or more insidious sourct:s
that game, just add use the sklll value listed (e.g. parachuting likt· po1.,u11, tl1H'tl...,t'. or 111<1.gical sickness.
40· l) and treat all other skills (skills that would normally rely on '1ote: In .\tar ~i(1rs. the 'otrcni:,<th attribute encompassc~
an attribute die codt>) as having the minimum species dice. both '>tn•ngth ,111d Fnduran<'<'
 Alte rnate '\ames: \~11t1y, B.il-
ance
, Rerlexts ~au~t'" a l'harac:tcr...
qross motor nx1rdmat1or 1 th ...
abih'\ of his m111cl ancl Ins m 1sdC's
to reac:t to a potcnti•ll ti rNI ' a
sudden occurn•ncc. Examplt·-; of
~kilb thdl rc:>h on Rdl<.•xt•s ·ndudt"
dodgini.: an att;it k f1..:htin~ ''Ith a
melee '"capon (.1 sword. a kn1ll'. l.'t
cetera) and balancmi.: on a t1~ht rope.
Note: In Stur iiu~. the l>cxtcritv at-
tribute enrompassl'S both Coordina-
tion dncl Rl'fll•xt·s

S'l 'UENG1'11
Alternate Names: At hlt•t 1cs. Physique
Streng! h n·1>r~Sl'lll:. t1 rhararter's phys I·
cal power-tus ability to lilt heavy oh-
1ects ancl to mlhn d;.1111,u~e wtth a hand-
held weapon ( like ii sword or n knife).
~ote: In "tar ~t(J" tlw "-trt'nglh attrihutP
encompas-;es both ~trl·n~th and Endur-
ance
OPTIONAL A1'TRIBU'fES
In dt>s i:mr ~ a .;,1mc s\stt•1n, you must de--
tenn m· \\htch aptltuclt s other than tht:
core) most afk'<'l pl;1y. II ;.our ~ame \\Orld has
magic. \'ou ma~ "':mt lo include the Ma~ic
attributt• in d1ar.1t lt•r c rc,1tlon. If \OU want the
players to rely on their nv. n kno\,·lcdge--if, for
examplt>, you\·l• -;c•t your q.1mt' m the real world
v.hcrc the plityt·r~ take on ttw roll•s or charac-
ters ~irnilar to themsdve~-you "'on't include
the Knowll'<l!t<' attribute
Choost• thost• .1pt1tudt•s th.11 you v.ould like to
have rt>flc•ctc-d bv die- rnd<.>s 1.e. abilities that re-
quire a die roll 1(1 determine their success or fail-
ure. If. for example. dlilractcrs ln your ganie world
can ust• p:.ionk powc•rs consistently with no po-
tential for lailun•. tht•n don't mdu<le th e Psionic
Power ,lttribull'. just tt•ll the pl.1yers that they have
the abilitv and may usl' il without fail. subject to
whatever otlwr rt•:;tra1nts ynu have imposed (once 1ni: uttrih11te., Criorclinut1011. Endur-
per da\ onl\ during .i full moon, and so forth). <mn• Reflt'H'' .Vri•nRtl1. l\n1111 ledi.:t" J/a~1c. Per-
Example: fou 'n• creaf<•d a game u·nrfd 1ha1 c1•pr1ofl, cmcl recluwlo',{\' fou rl'<'Ord f/1e'e nume:.
combm"' luma., 1 1ntli '<'ll'nt "'fictwn m~1C'fXJU.,_ in the 'fKlC1'" pmt 1dl'1i 11n tile C1wrw ter Crl!ulmn
ercd technolm~· l''(l't' in 'mull quanlllie.,· char- Template
ucten curr.' ""''''-\ aneten1--.tyle u:eapons \ ou WJU deft n111rlt' tht• \lnrtmR uttnhut•• dice
(su~Jrd., k1111 e• and other blude\) and most >011 hate e1~ht attr1but<! u h1cl1 mu multiply by
people hm·e mme uff1111~ for ma~1cal btndt~' tlln•e to ~" I a total of JI/) m ,/artmR dlCe
}(Ju he!WI creut111~ u churarter creation 1em- 'mu ma) opt to include none. some. or all ol the
plu1t• b.1 wft•t fin~ 1/w cori; 'rtr bures Coordina- l1lllO\\ mi.: attrlbuk'
1/on tncJurance, Reflexes ancJ .\fn·:~h .Yexi. -y.·ou
decule to lfl< bu.le• Kriou.led~t \fur;.t·. Pt"rr:ep11on. IXTEU.ECT
and "frchnofo~, fou 'i <! optt•d to ulluu: the pla.' • tjternate 'iam elllgent·e. R\.",1~omn;
,.,... 111 rP/\' on tl1eir ou n mtt'llect und deduction flus .i.ttr I 1'1 t s ire~ the nMthtematical. concep-
ab1l1t1e,, 'und th<? re'/"' tliP utmhute~ don I apply tu, I .11ci ciedurt1\C cap:ib1litles 1>f a character Typi-
/O /ht 1,'Ufll<' U'<>rfd cal -;k lls v.hkh it rould J.:oH•rn include estimation
S" churacter.o. m tl11s game (/ht.\ part1Cular tn· (m(llt a I;. fii.,'tmn!-t nut' .1lm·~). dc.•c1phl.'ring languages.
wmut11m cJf tlw ~Ulllt' ul h•u.,t J ltuL I' tlw follou- or codc.>-br~aklng
Alternate ' amcs: Lore.\\ 1Sdom. ~1ence \lte r nat t- '\ame~ Tcchn ' '!."-
The Knm• lt.'d~e attribute represents a character·-. The T~ ~ 1tlnbute rt ~url'S a character...; npt1-
level of educat o 1 various fields. from "cicntanc tude lor technolrn?1cal L'Q p :er . from computers to
pursuits l1kt• ptl\:sics to philosophical concepts. from eh..'l.·tronk hstemn~ de\ice; to electronic secunt\. as
history and lan~uages to magical lore and planetar) \\ell a!\lhosesk lls that reqwrea combination of l\nowl-
svstcrr_s. \nv lnformauon a character could know m 1.'<I~ and Coordmauon. hke f1N wd and ftJ~'T).
the ganw '" ~rid ('ould fall undernearh rhb aarlhute.
Again. if you're playinq in a uni\·erse where combat
rules the dav and thinking takes a iar second. then Alter nate Namcs: \h•ntt1l Forltt udt> \1ind ;:.par l
youse ain't i.:onna care 'bout Kh-no-hgee (l's hates \ <. iaral lt•r '\\ 1ll1><>wer reprt!sents his abilitv to~ 1rh
dost• silt•nt lt•tters-nm' where·s my big \:Un'.'). ~1;in<1111,•11t.-il .11 .tcks. wht!ther thev come from s1tu-
a11onal pn·ssurt•s hk1..• stress or d.irect assault. like
HA.GJC lllil).:il ,ii or psvd1i1 pht.•11omencl
Alternate Names: Dwt>omercraft. ~lystic1sm, Witd1
craft
Ttw Magil' attribute gau~es a character's affinity for Sl\ll""'tS
tlw ust• of mvsti<'al forces. Most skills based on this l lwptt•r ~our contains a comprehensive. though non-
attribull• ar~ spells. though others do exist for ex· t•xhaustiw list of -;kills and the attributes upon which
am pk. t hl" <1bilit~ lo determine what incantation <1n· lht·v 1.m• b;1:;cd. Ch.1r<Klt'rs bt!gin play with ID ( tht'
otlwr drnrat·tcr is attempting to perform "<'<' Cha1>- li;\1 rn.1y .iltt•r tl11s valm• fnr a parttrnJar game world}.
ll•r' \ix mcl Flevt•n for more information on ma!lk
svstems and their ~ame mechanics.

llECBA,'°"ICAL ~I0\7 E
Alte rnate "liames: \ 1echanics ensory f.xtcns1on. The mo\ e entn· repr1 '...r to; he distance a character
!°>) mbot < Attachment of a certam SJ>t.'C'1 ~, can travel 10 meters e\·ery f1\·c
Mcchamc:s repre ...ents a character"s ability to repair -.econds (011 ·combat round). Humans normally ha-.c
machinen. \·chicles. weapons. armor. androids. and a mo\'C of 10
so on. It can also measure abilitv in skills \\h1d1 rL"-
quire a combination of Reflexes and Kno"A h.·i~t· 1kc
CHAllAC'l'Ell POINTS
shit•ld operation. ndln<;?. and dri,in~ (you r- s rst
lc:-ctrn llo"A to operate the de,ice. but then )11 u~t Ch, ·tt ·~ P<Jints ilVl' two purposes l. to inc:reasc
r;,
rely on quicknl·ss to use the device to its potcnti.11). cit roll' and 2 to lm·rC'a"e character skill di~ code's
as m1·ntio11ecl 111 Chapter One) \ormally. charactt>rs
PEllCE.PTIOX lw~111 \.. ith five Charal'll'r Points. but feel free to sP-
Alternate Names: Awart!ness. Cognition. ObsenJtion. l~c·t .umtht·r startmg \"aluc if il would better fit in with
..,('nSl' your ganw worlcl .
~mcllmt's ,1 d1<1racter may have the opportunity to
not kt• s<>mcthing in his surroundings that might pro-
vidt> ;111 important piece of infor mation For t'xarnplt., 141\'l'E t•OIN'l'S
a d1<1r<1('tt•r might spot a bulging pockd on an advt·r· FnlP f>11i11h c·.111 \«i...tlv inlluence an encounter and
sar y. which may indicate the presence of a con<:ealed sh11ulcl t lwrdorP not IX.- distributed casually. The num-
Wt'apon Thr Perception attribute covers such in- hl•r of 1";1tt• 1'0111ts ~·ou ;.u,s1!(11 lo starting characters is
st<ull'c~ as well as those skills that require the ablllty up t11 you (thouj<h ~1v1ng one point is tht' recom·
to r,•ad the emotions or logical reasoning oi another nwmkd :->t.111<1ard)
like bar~nminR. commanding or persuading
CONFIDE~CE \
7
E'l'Ell1\N POIN'fS
Alter nate '\ames: Charm. Presence
\ Pli.'r:m Points han· no impact on game pla) or char-
This attribute rcprest!nts a characters personal ef-
M'tcr ad\'anl'ement \\ hatsoever (refer to Chapter
ft""Ct on others. It includes such slillls ~ oration. ac-t-
Ont'). The~ allo,.. )<>U a.s gamemaster to quickly dt'-
in~. and gmon !-'
tem1inc the overall ability level and expt!rit'llCt' ot a
PS IO~,C POl\~ R chara~tcr. for e..'amplc If one character has 30 \l-t-
cr.. n Pc uni.. .ind nnolht•r has only 15 you can 1mmt~
Alternate '\amcs; t'sych c Abiut~
I 1kl \1,1g1 t '11s attribute applies only in game \\Orlds d1:1lt.'h ''-e that the firs: character ha." partic1pa1ecl
whl·rc tills pht·nomt•non exists. and represt·nts ;i
m more and or harth:r adventurt!S.
,\bn. ~ou can add up the \'eteran Points of all player
d1;ir,ic:ll'rs ;ib1l1ty to\\ 1cld psychic powers from dan-
~n st•nw to pyrott:!chnics to telekinesis :-t.·f:' C'hap-
clwr.1rtns takmg part in an adventure to get a gtx>cl
t<•rs !'-ix and [lt.>ven for more information 01 psionirs. 1dt•a of hm" chlht·ult vou should make the obstaclt•s
the\ mu:-;t oven.:omc ( st>e Chapter !>even for mo rt· in-
form,111011 on .11l1usting adventures based on chara<·-
ll'r t''l>t.•ri1•111.'t• ).
 metaboht: rates, therl.'by rl.'clucin~ the character's a t-
tnbute sC'on•s b~ 1 for t•ac:h day she i.:oes without (on
the first dav. an attribute of 11) \•ould fall to 30-2 on
DA~IAGE SYSTE)IS the seconci 1t ''ould fall to 3D· I . and so on). After
one \\L"Ck ( more or lc's at th~ G\l s d1scre11on the
The 06 'wsh'm has l\\o 't.ir <J..aro "'a)s to represent
c.:haroc.:tcr ha-. defeated twr add1l· tu>r 11 :.he ever par-
the amount of d.1111.11.t ·a character can suffer (" ':lt::ther
>akcs of till' furmcrl\ <1dcl1l tlvc a<·t1v11v an the future.
from ph~ sic al assault , ma~1t'al spells, poison e·
cekra) hc!orc d~m~. Chtlll't· the s~stem that must
she has a ;;o ( t-:i on~ mil of ID) chance of becom-
coincidl'5 ,,llh the ri.itur~' ur ~our um,crse (though in~ add1CtL'CI a~am.
this partkular C'ho1< ·· rl'la-... mur•• on personal prefer-
ence than an\ thmi.t l ls1·) \n<I clon t forget to record
0

ontheCl1ar<1<:tcr Crl'.ttton Tcmplah.'which system you ADVANTAGES AND DJSADVANTAGES

choosl' l\ame Starting Skill Dice MO<lifier
Addiction +30
Argumentative • 10
Wllh lhl~ d.i111<1g(· systl'lll l harnuers can take up to
five \\·ouncls bdon• clying. You can increase or de- Blackouts ·20
creast> that numht•r lo 111.1kt• your l,l:\mE' world more Center of Conversation +- ID
or less ll'tllal Wht•nt:Vl'r .i d1arac:tcr suffers a wound. Compulsive rendenclcs +3D
ht: also rcet•1vcs ii 1wnalty to all of hb skill and at- +30
Curse
tribute rolls u1111l lw lw;ils "l'l' thl' Damage section of
Chapler t-:1i.thl !or 111orl' H1form,11i11n. Debt •1Dto·3D.
de~nding on the
BODY POIN'fS size of the debt
Characters tx:·~111 p1.i' "'ith a number ot body points Delu.;lon<; of Grandeur .10
equal to :W plus an fn<luran<'(' roll A., \\1th the wounds £.xtraordinary Hearing -20
system. mc:re.i...c or dl•ncase the base ,aJue or 20 to Extraordinan \1, r ory - ID
alter the lcthalit~ of ~our game \\or \\'htn a char-
acter fats to 1cro or It'" body p<• m-. t e dies. :::.ee ExtraordlllW'\ ~1>.;hl -20
the Damat!l' :-.cctlon ol Chapter l::i!-; ll :>r more infor- f.xtremt>lylc. ... r tlve • ID
mal" Fallbaclt Plan .:m
£.xampl<': \~\' Cf,\ m.,>elll cf111ruaa ha.\ an En- Fanatic .30
dur(ll < • 111 <<xi<• of 31>· I To Jeh nnme his body
Halluclnat ons -30
.w•u make cm f:mlurunce roll (I rolled an
p<»fll<
11) and ucld 11111 Ill<• IKJ\<' of ~O. for a tutal of 31 Hade; Emotions .20
( 1/ • :.!()) lnfrav1s on -30
Low Self-steem .20
ll()tEPlAYING Mame Depressive +30
Aside from clctl'rmlnl11g a tharacters physical and Medical Pmhlt•m -3D
mental <·.ip;1bilith':., a playt'r may or may not wish to Migraine lleadaC'hes -20
defirw th;it d1,1r,1ctt·r·s p<.•rsonahty-his history. his Mot Ion Sick1wss - ID
family. his lll'lll•fs. his quirks. l'l t'ctcra. One option is
Nightmares •ID
to allow pl.1yt'rs to sclcct \clvanta~Ps :ind Disadvan-
tar;:es (as dt•filwd 111 t l1<1ptt'r Onl ) Skim the list be- Noble Birth -10
low and dl•h•rrnmc first, whl'ther )<>U want to use 'o SeH-con£1dence .20
,\dvantJ~c~ .md 1>1:-..1dv.in1.1~<.·s , and :second. which
Obsessive Tendencies ·lD
partit'ulM l'nlrics you \\;int to include or exclude
(record 1h1 ... nn thl' Char.u·tpr Crt at1on Template . Parano1e1 -30
To sum up tht• ust· of \d1.-ant.11; ...s and Disad\·an- Pathological Liar -ID
~: t•hcx,st•an Item. "' nte 11 on tht:' charactt:'T sheet. -ID
Phobia
record the assodatt."d die cod~.;; (which 1s in paren-
theses). acid up Ille die codes (\\ h1t·h can result in a Phy:.icall) Impaired .:m
positive or il nci.:.ath c number). nnd clc:c·r"'.'line ho" Poor M mory ·ID
m:a.ny e't ra or f('wcr -.\.all drci> that character receives Procra:.tlnatiun • JD
(pos1t1\:E! q" ·xtra n i.:. 1 \ \ ·tlue - *ewer).
Quick Ora~ -20
AD\ AN1'AGES AXD
1
Rel&SL'<I Con' 1ct • lD
JUSA0\7AN'l'AGES Sixth Sense -20
Addiction (+30): Thi• t' h.iractl·r cannot l?O more than Skeleton 111 the Closet ·2Dor more
one day without clnnking. l.(ambhn!{. ett . 1.c. satisfy- !)worn Enemy · I 0 (creature)/•3D (spectes)
ing his <idd1t·tion. Faihm to do so results in lowered Targeted for
Assassin atlon +30
t;Jtravislon -30
Wanted for a Crime ...20
Argume ntath e ( ... ID): l h,:;. charaC'lcr l<>nstant ~ Hallucinations (+30): ,\t random limes this ch u:w-
pla\s the dc\ll's ac \ • I<' "h"' n.:jok£!!; "'hen nn e'- lcr bt~~111s hi!\ mi.: dclu,1uns. He cannot te I \\ ht:n
plo11ablc s1111a1111n an"e" arguing though -.hr -.onw- s<1metiiing rs trul) cx.·curnng or just a figment of his
t1mes ;u?rcc' \\1th hl·r adversary. The an..rumcnt be- lmai:mation. lhe G\I has full control over th1" l11<>ad-
comt's t1 i.:.11 H .i stratr·t?ic: c·ontest oi '' ilb. \,lflta~r.

BlackouL<t (+20): l>unni.? ht~h pressure s1tua11nns this lnfra"ision (-30): ( 'har<1<'ll'r" bom "" ith this enh:mcNI
<. har H tr h.is tcn<lencv to blackout lor st:\ nal mm· ' sJ ac utt-. c. l see into the infrared spectrum,
Ull'S ..., t i.ts no ri.:colleetion of this lost time. In g.unc t I l "l'b\ s ·n.., i.: 111.:at JMltt'rn:.
ter 0 s •charaCtlr blacks 0111 \\hene,er "h• rolls a Lo\\ 5etr-e.--tet'.m (•20): T'l s ·haracter h~ a o\\ c1pm-
I in th \\ 'c' • 'D minutes
k t.-r,eH "I l cons ct 1' I\ berate~ her<>e I, hari>-
Center or Con\en,ation (~ID): This character l1·c s mg ( ri her h in CJ Ml t s
tht: net• 1 ' . l"•I\" >< in the m.ddlt: of t:\l:r) <OJ \Cr· \lanic Oepressi\e (+:JO): This character slips 11110
sat1on ~ml \dl) not. He ah,ays knows exactl\ \\ h.11
llt'l'p. lon!-Hasl 11 c.; dt•press1ons He doesn ·1 Crtrl' about
to sa;.-.1 it st t IMt "s "''Ml hf' think-.
.111v1hing d11n11g thcsP times The player ma~ clt-t'ldl•
Compuhiht· Tt'ndcndcs (+30): \t any 111111 . tla· 1 har· "hl·n the l hu1-.1< ttr foll:. into depression dllcl whl·n
:ictN Ill.I\ dt•< Hit• to do or say som1•thi11g that -<lw ht• t'Xtric:ate" hi1mwll lrom it II the player nt'Vl'r ll'I:;
woulcl 11ot normall\ clo or sa)o under till' rirrum· his rharactt•r lapsc• 11110 1 his sliltt'. th e GM should takt'
stances For 1•x.1111plc. during a \'.Oll\'ers.1t1on with a llll mit1aliv~.
head of ..1.1tc ttw chnr.icter might blurt out ·1nur \ledical Problem (... :m): 1 r 1s character sufft>rs from
"' ft" is much U!.!lit'r than I expected.-
l lment th,11 rcq r· ·s she take medicine l'\'l'r\ l J\
Curse (+30): l"hi-. cha C''Pr e1t hn mhcr l<'d or to treat the lllnes" The player and G..\ I should work
!Jroui:ht upon hcr,cH a ( urst 111e ptm·cr mu-.1 de- together 10 de\(~lop the s(ll>cll1cs ol the problem. tht'
ciac the spec1hc" of tht t:x. ">Ut knQ\\ n cur"'-"" in· appropriate lllt."Clldnc. muJ the ramiUcauom ol fall-
dude uncontrollab c -.hapE'-Changm!-! a \ wlcnt rc:ic- ing to take the medic 1
tiun to :o.•imethmg the charnl~ter IO\ e:-. .ind ronstant \tigra.ine Headachl'S (-20): The character has c1 B
failure at a g1,cn task
( 1-'.! on a roll of ID) <'h<tn<. e per day to suffer t 11.' 111-
Debt(+ I 0 to .-:m. dPpt>nding on the si:te oftht> dt'bt): rt,lentln~ pain t>f a ..e\' .. r<' m1qraine headache In ~ame
1 his ch.1raCll'r c1thrr tnht•nted this debt Jr bnrW\' eel krms. tlw charal ter Tl'Ct•ives a -ID penal!} to ;ill of
a .;uhst.mtial amount of mone)· "h ·has a tim1_· hrml his at:nbutc.., f 'lr lh1.• rl•mainder of that dav.
tor rl'paylng the loan
\1oUon . iC'km-ss ( + I 0): \\ ht·nt>\·er this chara<·tt•r riclt•"i
Ddusion~ o r Gr.mdeur (-1 D) : Thi:' bl:'sl th mg In C\ l r a neatureor. vt I dP. she must make an Endurance
happen to the'' orld That.., hm' character' ''1th th1-. cl1t..'(k a~a111st .in f ...1sy (Ill) difficult) or immt'chatt•I\
DL-;ad'l:antat?c \1C" themsel,·es. ~o one can surpass ~m to shake and' nm1t. ~i\'ing her a - ID penal!~ to
h1 r f)ro'' cs-.-the\ :-houldn't even bother ll\ mg .1 lc.:tlons u dtr ~kt·11 \\hilt> still ridmg.

E.'traordlnar~ Hearing (·20): The construe I ion oft hL-. '\ightmare:. (... ID): \lmosl everv night. this c har.ir-
c~ 1r.1ctcr·~ sour:d n11lectors (ears. u"uall~ ). h." 111· ·r ...uttt•rs lr<•lll horrlbll.' nightmares. usual!) rel<tll'd
creased !11,.. ab1ht) to d1stin~u1sh llet\H'l'll .. m11l.ir to .in unsi.11 islicd issue in his life though not llt'<.:t"'·
sounds. tit •1t•rm1111• 1lw cii n•ctinn of tht· sou n l' ol 1host s;1rih.. As t1 result, t lw character needs 10 hours of
:munds. me! 1m·k up whispers from a cll.;1:111n• sl1•1•J> pt•r cf,\) F.1ilun• to l!el the required amount of
Extraordinary M<'mory (-1 D): This rharact1•r t'.1n r<' n•st n•sults in u lll pt:>nalty to all skill and alt rlbul<.'
cc:JI Ion~ a.io l'\'t•nts or t:'suteric iat ts with t'i1w In rolls for that cl<t~
game ll·rms "he i.:ams ID to an~ Kno~ crli.:l'-l>asl'cl '\oble Birth (· ID): l111s character fell into luxurv-
skrll roll burn nt<>.t \\Call It\ .w rh<ips noble. family. ~he'' antc.<1
fatraordinar~ ight (·20): The !>hape and genetic lor notntn!!. attending the best schools. ordenn!ol wr-
makeup of t s •.:rs C')l'.S enable her to '('C
L •
vanb around. and ha\ n~ C\ t'r~thing she Ot'sm-cl Tl<t
three ttme' n' far a_, a normal memtwr ol her 'Pt'" character b~1n.s pl.1\ "Ith double the amo l.lnt of
ch 11 rt i. \ ~ < ~t lrtin~ characters
C•l'"

t..'lremtl'.\ Competithc (... ID): To this character l'\• '\o •lf<onfidcnce ( • 20): The character ha.'I no con·
....-rvtl in., 1", omp1 l1t1on. She al" d's \\dill:- 111 rnn ll0t'l1<°t' In r lfi '>• f \\ hf•llt'V!:'r he has 10 perform an
the otht:r char<al'ter,, lt t e '>attie. put hcr:-df in more un1)(1rtam t.1sk tmaktnl! an accurate shot. nel!ot1at-
dan~t r 1h.111 a11v11111• t'lsr 'Incl '>lo"h drn.. nth<· 1110..1 111~ '' ith a hosl<1ge. l't n·h'ra). he has a 50 " ( 1-3 on cl
drtn~ '\helm lflt 1 1m dm'n a C'hallu1!!e
roll ol ID) eha1m.> of los nj.l confidence. tr he falls this
roll. he redun:s his ch.mce ol !>Uccess m tht• currt>nl
Fall bad. Plan ( •20): Tt11 ... charactE'r cannot furH tlnn t· ·~· 1.. l \ or b~ 2()
unit 's ..,, 1 I '' dl'\ 1st•< a backup plan for C\ 1·n s!tu.1-
tio11 "he pub herself into This applils tu cvcn"tllln!:l Ob*S>i\'e Tendencies (·20): \\ henever this c hara1·-
lwm comb.it to rcla11.,nsh1ps. tt·r c ·<.. uc.., on a cour'c ul action. she <"0111101 hl'lµ
hut h~l·ome totally locus1_•d on that action. i~noring
Fanatic (+30): This character holds to .a pl11loso1>h1- a. II htr s-. lt'S II ht•r hfl•
1
cal 1( t'al. tht• . . om 1 f which ma) be a -.1•ct •• 1 11n-
t1cm. or a p1•r:-rn "hl· \\Ill aJ\,ays dt'l1•11<l th1s u 1..11. Paranoia (... :JD): f.wryono: wants to destro" this thar-
t'Vl'll tr.icl11 g lll'r lift' ft •r its prest'nal1on.
atlt•r .\t lt•<1.;t. that's what "he believes. Sht> must
constanth· look O\ er her :.houlder check every inch Targeted for .\ssassination (+30): .. omcone has put
of her slcc p1111.: t 1 \ 1ronment. a 1d scrutini1e e\·er~ out d contratl on this d u. cttr s re Tht> assassin
acquaintunl'• "'it tc\·cr kn<m s \\ ,·n her enemies \\ill could be an~one and could strike at am time.
stnk<> llltravision (-30): Beings of man~ sp ·1.: 1t s ha"e been
Pathological Liar (· I 0): tw. character cannot stop born\\ Ith abnormal sight o~ans. l>~W characters
hiins t ( l\1n~ c 'lsi. ! I\. ~o matter ,,·hat the situ- \\llh ultr:t\1s1on ha\ e the ab1ht v to s. ,. 'lto the ultra-
ation. uc 1s 1.:u°mpcllcd to c\,1g~crtttc. f b. and outright "mlet spt.:t:! r ·
lie. Wanted for a Crime (• 20): \nation, ci ty-state. or
Phobia(+ I 0): Thl' <Ill' nxle ot 1 s ) ~dvantage var- culture h.as <I t t t'<I this charal tcr ,1 criminal. The
ie:> dcpendm~ on thdcvd 01 ti 1.: l harncter·s fear (,,;th character mav or nm\ n• •t ha' t~ <·omrmtt<'d the crime
a ma,1m11m of .~n>) \t 1I> tht•<·haract<-r a\.'oids thf' tw has bt>en <:h.1rg('(i \\1th. hut nt'\'Prt h1 f(";, the au-
objt>e! of hi\ lt•.ir as oltt·n <lS 1>>ss1blc. but has no pro~ thontws haH· l>l't.!Ull :heir 't·arch for him.
lem deahn!-: \\ llh 11 ''hut lhl· time comes. At -30. the
chMacttr wlll rwvc•r put himst'll in a situation where
he has 1<> ropt• with llts fl•<ir. It ht· does wind up In l)ll()l~ESSIONS
sui.:h a ~itu<1tio11. lw frl·t·zc:-. c111d rt·main::. unmoving
until lht- obwrt nf hi-: fl';ir .;ub-:ides Fears includc> You mav \\cllll lo prml<k plawrs With a list or pos-
heights. watt•r. rt>rtain tn•aturt'!->. darkness. open sible prnfl'ssions llll'v can dwost from {or a list of
spares. c rnrnpt•d sJ><Kt·s. rn.1g1t. thunder. lightning. careers they rmmol 11$t') hast•d on tht• l'nvironment
and sn on. of vour t.!clllll' world B1•Jow vou'll find an assortment
of ~hanJ<:t~·r rn•t•up.1lion:. hut <"r<'illl' your own as you
Physicall) Impaired (+:JO): Tht• t'haracter suffer" Sl'f' f1l. l\:oh• th.it th<'"'' prof •.. sum-. do not offer any
from .t problt n of th1 hoc!\ Hl' m:w he blind deaf or l!ame lx·nelit. thev .1rt• 111ti•nclccl merelv to \?l\"can idea
mute {or any otht r •1 p urnwnt you can de\1se) for v.hat l~(>e." of skills 'ud1 a char.1cter would most
Poor Memor) (+ ID): ( harnctcrs v.1th this problem ht.t'I\ havt!.
ha\·e trouble rer r> ·r ng. In game terms whene\'er "k I'" \\Tlttcn ''lthln greatcr·thanancl less-than signs
the character Im' to rl't all c111 lrn1x1n 11 •• p:cxe of in- rc.p ,;ent a ~1.:nenc t" pc of""'"" h1l"h ::.hould be sub-
formation, her chnnces of dom~ :.o drop by 2D (for stitute-cl \'1th an actual "kill
an} t\.nm• leclgt>-tm.... ecl 'kill roll) Exampfr: \ d1uratlr.!r l1t' f fe."ron 1/1at
Prcx-m.<;tin.1tion (+ 10): Thi:. f'.har.:ict~r nl.,..n:_1.s puts mc/ud;• language 05 CJ U.<: ' The pla.H!r
e\eQthm~ off f. \t•n \\hen ..nmc:hingcannot wait. ht> dt>Clrlt ' to "'IPCI Ru""m a' ( mc.ufar lun-
st.l' 'et,, 1t .:o until It's too lt1lc. ~uaf.!C h1' character k11ou ' llt> could have JU't a.,
u ell prckPd E11~/t~h ·'POnt\ll Japan<'''" or any
Qu.ick Ora"" (-20): Tht• character may dra\• a type of
ot11er /Or!J.!UO~
v.e... >on (S\\or<I. rifle. bl,1-.tcr.•ind so fort m.med1-
atel\, 1.e. 11 does not <'ount a~ an .tl t <1n dunn~ a com- .\I.CHEMIST
..
bat fOUIKI. ~ole that I hi" factor ap11ht'S only to-a single Usual . kill-.: ,..,"' A. 01 It dgt' '1chi>m1cal Concoction
v.~apon typt'. If you 'A:tllt yuur character to be able
lden11fr ."iuf>.\lunce, C<im'o< I 1'111\1111 /clent1fv Poison
to qukl- dr,1.,.. il ""on! .met .i k11if1.:• ht· must take thb
O~anic ·\lclwm}. /nrir}i<lfll< ,\/chen/\: f'lflllt! \fathemat-
fatlor tw11·p (for ·1 t umul~!l\t' -11> penalty!.
1n J11em11Klmu11111'
Relea:.ed Coankt (• ID ): :--onwt1me during this Role: rht• t1ldwmlst s1·rVt·s many purpost•s through-
char:it·h·r s lift• lw w.1" < onvi< tecl of a crime (which out thC' lands Sh<• ('n•at<'S dwrnical compounds used
he may or 11i.1y not haVt• 1·01111lllltl'<I) After servini;i a for ev<•rythi111o1 from food pn•s1·rv.tt1v~s to potions
1all sentl'IH't'. lw w;is n•lt•ased and no~ must battle infused with 111.1).l1tal <.'llilos. to explosive devices.
lhe slllo(llld .1!,!.1111st t':\·<"111\VJ<"IS l'hou!o(h thl:' .1kht•1111st lrequc-nlly plaet~s herself in
\ 1.h
.. nS(' (-20): I h"' d1.1rat•tcr has an innate dan-
dan~er sht 111<1\ rt .1p hu~t· rt•\\tirds from her work.
t:er svnsl I It\ 1wrn·nt (I-:~ un a roll of lD) of the .UU' UAEOU)GIS1'
time an al.mn ~ocs oil 111 hc:.>r head \\hen she comes
w11hln CJ lei' seconds of .1 <filnl.(crous situation. The l 'sual kills: \1 m1111lllR I rdo k. Reud n nte ·Lun-
G\I roll' thb cht.:(·k "ccrctl\ ancJ alerts the player gm ~ , r ""·' ~a l\rw11 IP<ige Chart Constellauon.
V. it I' Slll"C'C"fuJ Heraldn.. c.arroRraph\ lf1,tor.\ <Jf <Area• Hwory of
<.\pec1c:~ 1/1,tor~ of \aT1011u/ll\ l1bran £;,e, CW>-
Skdeton in tht• ClOSC't (·20 or more): Tlus charac- tr:m, of Rl•f,!1011 Pt'<JP <' \stmrmm1cal £tent'. Arch1-
,. a., clcmenb of hi' pa'! th; u~,, no wait ,, '1. t• ldt rill(\ .'fJ<~lt.:' /clent1(1 Pwfll
anyone to unearth lne pla~er should d )Se as~ Ro le: Thl" archn1.'<>log1st bears much m common with
cific "si.cleton· and lie It In\\ 1th the chardcter:. his- I •xplorN though v. lth .i grN1tt•r mtt>rf'-;t m intel-
tor~" i'\o matter \•hat, 111: must nc\cr rc\.'ea. this se- lectual d1sCO\er\ than In treasure rt.•cm·el).
er t ''il > arm to either him or those he 1..iVl:'S
UOD\'GU.\RD
worn Enem~: 1, C'l1<1racter has for -.omc reason
I~ led a~ > < (' per,on or creature ( • l D) or a spe- Usual l..illi.: ol f!(lfHJI, Ul'UflO/l/t'" fi~llllfl!!, Srylt!>.
cie:; (.:~I>) ol l rt•atufl':-. ,ts lwr <hret t ctd\t'(Sdr~ \\'hen· L,_,,, 11, Trip., hsume fd<'r1t11"), llltndfu,:httn!!,
ever he l'<J111cs 111 c1111t.Kt .,.. 1! h sut:h a being. he im· Role: \\l•alth~ 1111rd1.mh or nohlt•" oft1•n hiT<' skilled
mrch:1ll'ly .111.wks mt•rrcn.ir1es "tor 11101t 1·11011 Tht·st~ hodvguards tvpi-
c.tlly pm,.,t-,., -,k b iri at east one \\eapon plus (m
nm ''"orlds !hut have nla~ic) some knm' led~eofthc
arcane arts lsual I.ill~ lden//h .\/ ' u.1~ Ltbran ·". Iden·
llf) ' '' IJ1agno'e \lulu"'? Anatom\ UT!.'<Jnu: H·
C.\RUSB.UlPER \ Ct•llulcu l\riuu l<'d~<· • "'
Ro l e: Corporcaltsh share the awl' of anatomv that
l ual ':>kills: \•1,·uk. ·h~ut"'e;> ldent11) ••-tppraNng C<1n-
-.. role 1g1-.1s po'"e'' Rut. unlil-e thPir count ..m.u '
1m ' ' C.tm l rhun Geo~ruph_\
tOe\ behC\l' m the sancllt\ or all life. re<~arc' ~ss l'f
If,..
Role: ·1 he 'had) t ardsharper '" chea~ anyone out
kingdom da........ or 'f>L"Cle.... ·
:>I .in) thin~ tlwy m1~ht possi:ss. usuall~ throush out-
Corpon:ahsts stud: the r 1-'f-l\(>rkmgs o h\'IO!'.:
right tnrkery or subtle deceit \laO\ ol tht·s1 «>OS
being..... learn mg t11c1r st rens hs as wcl a' t IJeir wectk·
lll\olw s1111ple ~amin~ especial!) \\ith cards ht1Kt'
llt "l'>t':- The\ •I\ t ol:- ii rCJ'OUn:l' to healers pro" 1d1m,
th<' nanw) v. hi le otht.:rs revolve around eliihor;11t•
them w Ith detailed dc,criptions oi the knO\~ n eff,•cts
schcml's th.ti rl•quuc large amounts 01 time to com-
plcll'
of Cf'rt.1111 suh ... t;rnn•s on II\ 1ng tissut:'S The
l'orpon•,1hst .tlso clt'\'otes a Jar!{c amount of her limt.:
CARTOGRAPHEB t11 tlw rntl'gorintion of lhl' va~rious sµec1es that rt'·
s11h• througho11t tlw un1verst;>--and some ha\t' evt>n
Usual kills: Clwrt ConMellat1or1. Canoqraphy. An /11
IH'gllll tlll' l l.t:-.i.lfll.llto11 11( lrt:'cttures from bevoml.
lecture. Crt•e1/1t <' 1b1/1f:» ( Drmung) Urban (ie111~ru·
pin
To this l'nd llH'V join ,;t·outing and cxplor~lory
group.; I hat c!Pln• 1111(1 rPi.tions ne\·t>r before st•t>n hv
Roh': nw rarto}:r..tpher has one purpost'--to clr.1\1
hUl1l1llllt\" •
111.ips. Thl'St' 111<1µ ... 'crvc a variety of funclions-11"
floor pl:ins dirt•<"tions to secret caches of tre<1 ... 11rt< DEHOX HUNTER
or :is polit it·.il boundary markers . .\1an~ front it:rsnwn
l s ual ~kill'>: lkopon .\n!!uk. l nluck. Rt'ad II 11tt'
\\ould p:t\' well for such maps. and therdorc, cartoi:-
l.u 1 • lrrf<.Jm1al1<.n Gathenn..; 4.o;/ru/ En·nt<
raphcrs often join t!Xpedit1ons into unknown temtOr)
\1•/ •r/1J11' ltlem1fr \etliercr~oture
Rolt.•· Ttw cll'rnon. hunter abh 1rs demonic creatures
' 1· rcature,; not of thb difi ens1on \\ho threaten to
erao ca't' hf1') and tho-.e '' l• ' " ... d ha,·e dl'ahnt;s
,,,th llH•.,e dark lll'nd... lhl'\ scoek out uet en,ordl\
occurn.:ncc., c1IY> it) s -.e<irt r 1.,, lor lht'ir ..o rec 1n
ho~,, of C\'Cnt uall~ climmatln~ 1t
E\'OC~lTOR
Usual Skills: U!!CJf>Oll>. fol' l\J111u·/edge. Blmdfu,!hlm~
\f1/1tm' foct11' Anune Um•
Role: Lvm'iltors pore over hundreds or spel sin tht•ir
ltlt·11nw,.,, -,dn·tin!o( only thost.• lhat have the power to
t .iu,,l! ~rl··H t·onf1.1~r.ition" or devastation. The~ pt•r-
sunily ttw most volatill' of wi1ards. sometimes cast-
ing t h1•1r grt•atl'sl mai.i1r on a whim They believe lh1•ir
powt•r prl•vcnl:-. lht.'ir unt1mt'ly death. and as i.I re::.ult.
l1.1vc t•arnt•<I rt·putat1ons a:- fearless warriors who can
t"t."ilY t u111 tht• t tdt• of lhlttll• •1 ith the lousing of a sin~t..:
spdl upon thl· t'IWl1l\ S111cccvocators bold powt•r .:is
llw 1>inn:1d1• ol hf P aC'hi1•\.·l:'mt>nl they typicall:. mas-
lt>r Sl'Wrnl \wapon ..... pro\.iding them with anolht•r
tnl•,111i. to :.urprhc tlwir opponents

EXPLOltER
U'>ua l S l..ill:.: llt 1)(1 5u m1rr:in;: Coukmg Fm•
J\rir. ~ l.1~1.•11. Trap' Chart Con<./Pllatmn Cartt>g-
rtipl•\ fir..t Atd \IJLtl!Q(IOfl Pilot <.\ e:;:oef.... Tl!rrum
R •< J.C/1111btt1~
Roi<': Tho'c I cart~ .;ouls ''ho a
.re to becom<.> ex:>lor-
l ,., ., >encl vcar... 111 lhe \\1lderr ~~- e1cher on sea. lane!.
01111.'f star l>) !>lc111:-. or In thrfere1 t d men$ions. Wht:11
the' do rc•n·h , ., .1 ~ < T"as. thev cievote much of
tlw;r tnni.' to hhr.1n rt ..;t·• rch. sea;chmg ior th<" next
1!reat COllUU ,.
llEAl.Ell/APOTDECUIST/DOC'fOU
l s uaJ kllls: f"lf\t \1CI, flt'a/1m~. Anutorm. ltlf.'ruif1 1'111·
\!Ill /JwK""''" \/ulc11.,1 O~cin,1c Alchem:v
Rol e: lh•al1•rs, .1ls11 known a::. apothecrists in sonw
areas ol the \\orld lll·dKatl· thems<' ves to the curing
of \"ar1ou-. malad1t "· from clist>ast•s to lacerations. LsuaJ k ills: a, <1fl II R1 r11/ It me <Language>.
The\ possess an Intimate ~nm' kd~e of anatomv and ·°'Dl'<Jk I <tn.,.tus:e Ch<1rt 0111,,1,•llatmn R1d11~ <Crea-
can""'"'' Imel ''ork ''here, er they travd. - turt. Tcnu111
1xnLTIL\TOR Ro le: On!) t '"" c irmg souls\\ ho risk t t'ir hves on
pt•nlous ext r' • s ;wross thl• untamed wilderness
lsuaJ l.ills: l~eupon . /.l'I• n Rt•ud Wnt <Lan ma;. call then Sl ' ·s true outndHs. I hl'se loners of-
!:Ua,,. 'I' J l.a11~ua~es A"umP /dentin· .'>l>ct ter man~ m\alual>le scnice,.; to th~ people ol the ands
K.nnu letlg(' f//<JUl'/t(' cu,tt nl\ " ' < Re~wn. Pet pie ancluclnu.: mi:ss.1~e ,, cl ,.mall obic<·t dcli\'CT~.
Fore" nwu/11(\
Role: Tlw mhltr JI< r 1s tht· abilitvtoassume the iden- PEUFOR~IEU
llt" nI any pcrsc n '-I t' oil en hnds '' ork as a ~PY or as LsuaJ kills: .\m•1Jk Jui...f!.flllt.: Anunal Trainm~. Theat-
double lor ,1 nob It 1111111 rat ors u:;uallv can talk their
no /tlu.,11n \fui:u
v.ay into ,111vth111~. l rom tlw c:onliden~c of the king lo Rol e: rtwugh perlornwrs rornt• 111 many types. they
lhe ~<'cn•t 1111ctnchamtwr of a wt>althy merchant. all have rnw go.ii-to l'Jllt•rt,1in ,1nv \\ho care to watch.
IN\'ES'flGA'fOR Tht:v tr;m:I till' land t•arn1ng a i1v1ng through their
efforts
Usual kills: l~h1p1111 . m•apm1/p,s Fighting Style >,
Sneak. l.1.~cen. f'fllll< 11, •h\UllW Identity, /11formarwn PltO'f
Gatlwrm,.:. Cortl<lt /,, Tailing '/'rack1ng. Scaling Urban Usual kills: HCJ/w1n• C'llart Ctm~tella11on, Cartogra-
Cenqrar/11. Crm11nolnR1· • p/11· .\uc 1'.[CJllOn. !'1/<>f I <'·'·'c I . Trml<• R11t1lt':t Tt'rruin
Rol e: Thl' ht\'t•st1~.1tor. unlikt• tht. shl'ri(f works for (.WUJ
pn-.att•ritlll'lls in ncl·d t)f a number of st.rv1ces. From Ro le: l'o .;c<·ure a .;:if1· jourrwy. p1lors '-Pf'Tid a S?Teat
tracking to spying to the solving of m\steries these dt>al of tnnt• mapping out t lw1r intended routes. Skills
lndl\'lclu<1ls tai.e ,1<1v;u11,1ge ul \ .1rlow: r ..~ources. in- m navigation and cnrto~raphv ,,, ''ell as Imo\\ edge
dudm!: sh.ul~ t.011t.1t ts ,1nd fncnd" m h gh place:;. of t c onstell.itions unprm I' their chance.; ol suc-
J(~IGllT cess m ht:.-.c endeavors The pllCJt may cho •se "hich
' • •f the ,c.,sd-,t."<ifann~. ice.farm~ sky-farins.
l'sual ~ill<;:
< l\1 tJ/Xlll Jleraldr. Ride <Creature> !>pace-fanng. or 11111<.'-fctnng
'I r • tic' \/tl1111n Command ·
Role: The lm1ght belongs II> a ~roup of people who S.\UOTEt "R
<J he ~.m c ol>jct I \cs. mumb. or code. Typically. L.Sllal kill- .:"' ak. l.J\1111 I nloel< Truf>\ .\."uMe Iden-
&n) 1"m~ht .... ho bctra\'~ th~ code oi her order will //(' \ t· 1 1, / Concoc11on f.ngmeerir.. xc. ng. ite-
endure har-.h pun1.;hnwnt-from dishonor to t::ille to liu1 ' Pit rmodv11<11111c ~
death. ~lam t'01hicler l·aughts nt>atures of noble 0

Role: <;.a ltcur.; h 1re tlwmst•l,.cs out a-. "JX'Cial agents

thought. R.1thcr. the~ are creatures or order and logil to' l1'1ot;-. gov,•rnnwnt" :ind Ol)?il1117at ions. They typi-
-but onl~ tlrnt lo~1t· pros< rll><'d by the !!roup. Those cally ha\'c cxpN1e1wc in en~met•rm~ and a/chem'
who devi.itc from 1lw -iruc- 'oil'I." of logic must be ( chermstry) dlld US(' I ht·s1• skills to carry out their
~ih:nn·cl . In rt·<iht~. kn1~ht:. appear nol:>le depending
assi).lmrwnts ol sabotai.w ·
on tht> pt•r-.1>t•t t1vt• of t lw h<'holdt•r-those who as-
cribl• lo lht> krnl.!ht's lwlicfs find tlwm noble and just. Sf~ OOIAR
wh1lt• ot hl'rs find tlwm t•1t lwr -.trange. pompous. or a Usual kills: lfr1u/ 1 H /rt ft' J.m1µ1111ge.~ History of
barrier to fn·l·ctom of I hought. Area H1.\lmT CJ{ .\p1·<'w., . f f1smr1 of iva11onality>.
HEUCl~ NAUY L1hrar.1 I se · 1>1me11\11m /..nc111 •led1.w. A.vral Theor v,
Fmcluf., Corpu.\ Jum f."nR1rtt·t•rtn~. l'ICJnt Pl1ys10/o~~
Usual k1lh;: nettptm ~~f'uponh'S' Fightmv Stl'if'> E:.!'o/o!{\ Of'l!u111c \l<lw111.'~ ln11ry..•mm Alchemy F111ite
u·1mmin • \li/11C1n' foct1c~ . .\frliturv Command · · itC1tht•mut1< 1 l'Jlt'rtT111(/_H1um11 .\, Cdlular J.no1dedge
Role: l ht· 111c•fft•n.1n 1sually st-lls hN ;;e";ces to the Role: The sd1nl.1r h,,,., "Pt•nt lwr life studym~ the vari-
h1~ f st b1<l<lt·r !:-ht t,1kt•s 1• 1hs rc1nging from !-,1t1ard to ou.; astwns of .1rh <1nd Sl"lerwcs Jnd has committed
soldier. ·1 hn~t posst ss111~ skills 1n magic offer greater tht remainder to te.1l·h111g 1host su1jects she has
power t 11011~1 I ,., <h 1rgt· h g1 er rts
~r"wn to lo\'c
XECltOLOGIST SHEIUFf
l'suaJ Ski ll~ /aen I ' res Truckrn!! Anarnm\·. Ge· lsuaJ Skills: I\ ('CJ/>0t1 H capun le" F1~htm~ Sty'£».
• ' r)11,l(ITllC Aid 1 Ct•llular Knuu led<>e • miatt• 11 Gatl11•nng Tm/ Contacts Corpus
Role: TI1t necrolog1st spends most ol her tt':nc cLss~t­
.... ,, ·1
Jur ' • r•t -"X11 tit» lJrlxm Ge~ruph.\·. Cnminolog)-
' I c bodies of an) and all h\1n~ IJclm~s. man atte1apt Rol e: r :ohenff enforce" the la" in the area o\·er
to C11,n1,cr the mncr "orkm~" of the :issues and tlu- \\ 1c h he holds 1unsd1< tum. His talents range from
" l•)und in almo...t all <'n-.1ture' :\lore ach-anced re- deauctl\C c!elt'l't 11~ to c.: rinunal apprehension. !:>ome-
rl·h of till m•nologlst ll\\ol\'cs tht· ~enel!c alteration lime.!> shenlb ;:ro" llrl·d with the typl" oi crimmal el-
(j f 't>eelc.' to l n•ate nt''' . more powerful creatures
enwnt 111 the art.•a amt 'l't'k t•mploymt'nl in a town or
~1an~ \it'\\ this work as an ahonunation or nature and city· of l·ontrcistmi,: ;itmospht•rt•.
most ..,I.ti!"' h.\w f);1Jlllt'<l lht• practice of necrology. fore·
111~ tlwst• n·,l".trt lwr;o; 11110 hidmg.
l..sual kills; '>ncuk, A~.,ume ldenltf\", Burterm~ />1 /ot t ..ual kills; IH'.J/AJI. nc:up<.Jfllt'.\S Fighttn; ,,_. It
\essel> \ui 1~1/mn, Arpru1~mg T~ad~ Rou/,;, Con \111 1k l.1stc11 lnformuflf>n Cutht•nng. Knots Tailm~.
tacts fof"S/en llat!g/inf! Tenmn Trucktnf.!
Role: ' rnug!ollers generally come into two types: tht• Role: Tht: trndwr seek~ out and captures anvonc or
sua\'t'. fru;t-t,tlker and the shifty sneak. These ·mer- dn\.lhmg that \\111 hnn!-: her a great priet: (or ev1·n a
chants- usually deal in goods ol an lllel.!al sort. from not-so-great pnn•. clcpcndins on her currt:nl !man-
non-tarifkd .-u~m uhura l product:. to bur111l'\l \H'ap- cldl stdtus).
onry to dan!:ern 1s ma~1c to powerful drutis
\\".\XDEUER
SPEILl ..\CKER l suaJ kills: < u:~apon > Cookm~. Fire Knuuh•d..,ne Ter
lsual kills: di1.:u/)(111 'ineak Listen n /t>ek Trap' i JI
Balance hrarv l \(' /nfr1rmutmn Guthermq fotltnq. Rote: \\a•tclt>rcrs mcanclt-r throu~h the world fort ll
Rttalmifm:. Arcune l.1JT< :·:<ulin!{ 1;.ba:-.v) v.1th 1111 des11na110n. The) take odd JObs for
Role: Tlw s1wll jat'kl•r tracks and steals all m;1111H·r of slwrt rwr10ds of t 1nw to cilrri enough for food .me!
enchanted obj('t'ts. from weapons tospt"llflt'111" to lost 'ht·ltl'r, but <;oon )!row bored with t he area and mov1•
artifacts fhcsl wizards st udy various aspt>t'ls of 011 ~onw wanderer s lltl\'l' chosen this life for t lwir
magic as Wt:'ll .1s tlw subtle nuances of infiltration .ulCI lo\t> of advt>nturc vowing to see every great wcmdt•r
theft. Thl'Y l'nl(>loy manv skills in their qut-sl to l'<lp- of the world Othl'r" slmpl\. cannot stand thl' St:'Clen·
ture the items of tlwir (or their master's) <lcsirt . 1.iry Ille and t'l1J<>' \\Jndcr·ng Cor Its own sakl'.
SPELISU~GER l LUU.OfK
lsual kills: H, .ir><>nles!<> F1r!hlill!! St\'/e Rt•ud U nt1• l sual kills: \/1•dll11tmn /) mt·nqon> KT111U led~1·
lanr;uaf:! .\ _,,,. uk l.onguages >: Btindfl!!,httnR. <;um ht r Th 1ry \erlwrlore. Jdenuli: \'ethercreuture. \r·
b/1m,. Dare n.., ur I.ore
Role: The spellshn~er tra\ds the land:- usua l!\ Role: Thi• fC\\ ,,,1rk1<.·ks ti at st1 exist in the ''orld
searching for C:\l"llcment and adventure " · .>ehcH" nt \oh: their h\ t':-o tu tht' <KllU Mlmn of lllru?1cal knm' I·
rn a well-roundL•d base of know1edgt". fron hi.:ht111~ l'<l~t:. They lrcqucntl'.). summon demonic crealurl''•
styles lo the arts to tht" intricaci~ of magic u ... m1.; lhem a~ '011rc1·' of 111format io11 p rolt>ctor;;, ur
lat•kev" \\artc1<.·ks t \f)1rallv have dar k. sombt'r pt r-
SPY ~onaltl1l':. shac:klin!-: thl'ln~t'lves to their laboratortt·s
Usual kills: l\eapon >. < ~~eaponle.~~ F1~ht11u, .V\ I• , lor c:cntunc:-.
'int•uk l.1.,tl!Tr, /;.r1/r1<,k, Bulunce. /n(ormu//un Gut/1 "''~·
Assumt lc'clll1f\ Tu1lin,.. '>c:ulmf! WK\PO~ U .\STIR
Role: ~Pit's le.ut tnal~ oangt>rous li\·es. sm•akmg mto l sual kill~ : l\'pupon > \ / t>d1tutwn Bu ur cc
enemv tl·rr11orv. ~athl•rmi.? \'aluable lnformauon, and H 1·•<1fu~tlftn!! < ii euponlt>s' Fit?hftnQ :v\11•
returnm~ to thl•1r patrons undetected In mo~t na· Blu ·k.\/r1t:l11n~ a"odcun tnf.!
t1ons . <"it\ ·statc.... and star systems. espionage <'arril·s Role: The" l'apon 111.1sh.'r de,otes much of her hfl• to
a penalty of cl<·.1th. and as a result. few spies suf\'IVC' ll•<trntng the St:'<'rt'ls ol steel. v.uod or Oestl, chscov-
for ver y lon~-.1lthough those that do are 1:1tlll'r H rv cnng thur latl'nl t ncr~il':-- <tnd harnessing them 111
good or wry hi~h on t lw -=-nemy's hit-list. bl•i:ome virtuallj inv1nt·1hle rn combat. Some weapon
maStl•rs prdN a sln!(ll' ty1w of wt=>apon. while others
'l'UEUlUST hl'lil'VL' diversity will always triumph.
Usual kills: Rcud ~i nte Langua_.nes>. Sect Kn111dt>dt,1t'.
L1brun• l SI htrul nwory: Fractals. .'\rcanc /.on•. ri
nil<! '.futl11::m11t1c~ l~IN1.\NCES
Role: The thcurist, unlike other speUcasters. typ1t•:tlly C11.1ractt:r:- e '<I nu 1e~ 11 purchase equ1pmen• '\o
learns nosk1lb ot her than speUs. She devote.. hrr hft• gcccra ,, • dt line c"'ts for determinin,; st t ...
to the undcrstan<hm: of ma~ic and them) !>tl~al f 1rcc.., lund~-11 depend" on your ~ame ''or ld and ho" ''ell
of the un ' •rse. :'\ot one spell \~ill (>a!>s before her c~c.;; 1•qu1ppt><I you'd h"c \our diaracter lo be
that st1l doe.-. not 1mmP<l1a:ely learn and mao;ter. he )ou ma~ want to conw up \\1th a stclildard stdn nil
con:.tm ti\ scd..~ out tho:.c incantat ion~ that ha\ 1· amount. like II.JO gold t'oins or IOO. and tht:n mo<1 f\
dudt•d h~r. col ll·ctln~ :in ar~C'nal of spC'lls and <'n- that number <ll'J>t•ndml! on a particular charactl·r s
chanted 1lt>m;; l... 1tt> 1n lht>1r cari:'E'rs ttwur•;;h ll"ll· h.ilk~round ( nnl.Jlc:- n·tcl\l' more. pea:>ants It·:.:.)
all) b~in to <:raft tht:ir own magical devices.
 I/
~--~
' '

.. ....-
Thi~ chapter <'ontam<: a li,.;t of ~kills u<:ahle in a vari-
elv or l!t'nrcs \s \\ 1lh f:.'\"t'n.1hlng els<: In the 06 -, :;..
C1\l.1l..INCJ l~Oll Sli.ILIJ
tein. this cat,1)0J: ,:1vcs you a starting l>Oint create llOltS
new skills as the m't·d :mses. and alter cxistmg skilb
to suit ~our !-(cum.: \.\oriel \\ hcnevcr a player\\, nts her rharartcr to do some-
Record till' sl\tlls ~ou '' ish to u~t· fur i.l particular tl11ng. )OU rnust ckuc!c '' hethcr or 1101 to l'all for a
game world bcrlt'alh their appropnaw attributes on "kill roll. Just u"c vour common sense. If a ft'at has a
!ht> Chararln t'rt•<1tion TrmplC1tP (11vn1 don't havt> chall('f? of failurt>. ,1sk t ht• playt>r to makt• a roll . he
enough room. vou ma\ want lo'' rite them on a sepa- then s1mp.v roll' her rl1te (after takmi.: Into account
rate piece of paper any modifier.... like 'pent Fate Points or target range
;'\ote t di ... on.c sk, b m tall under different at- and tells you the total 'he ~eneratcd for that skill at-
tnbut~ '- 1 l·c the ''~tt>m allo,,s \OU to sde<."l tempt from thl.'rc. )u't folio\\ the simple rule higher
\\h1ch attr· l>utcs '"'>'"'" I l vour ~amc "orld, vou rnav '"better
\\'1lnl to t't' .i -.t..lll tlt,11 j, ha,<>ct on .in ,11trib.1ie you·~.
not usm~. To allt•\'1C1tt• this probll•m. som1: entries con-
tain several poss1bl •attributes Just ·1se the one that
llldkt-s the ntosl M'11st• II you find a sl..111 t at ''ould ht .ll feat ma rolcp!<1~ 111c: ~ame ha' .i1 'soclated dif-
!x>ncr bcnt>ath .in .mrloutc not listed 1111ts t:' tr). U1en f1rult) number-the \'lllue the player mu:.t roll equal
b) all mt·ans put ii .,.. here you thmk 11 hdn'lg:.. Don I to or 111\?her than to ...ucreed m that allempt. To de-
feel obhqatcd lo blmdly ;1ncp1 \\hat )<•u find here. tt>rrmne the Ulffk Uh) of a slo.111 attl'mpt. ~OU l."an refer
No mfle\1bll• ~aml' '>vstem can fit cverv conceivable to tht.• 1•xamµlc~ g1v1•n lwm•ath the skill or you can
~ame world so iii orlt' point or another you·re going makc ont> up on t ht• flv
to have to rlclJU:il llK• infor111at1011 prov1clt'U. ...,ome tasks do not rt•q111 rr a skill roll. and therefo re
clo not han• a diffirnltv numbC'r. This includes C' \'erv-
t hin!-l from talkm~ an cl \\ alkini? to eat Ing and sleeP.
Ing. "<>metimcs l'Vl'fl thcst• tasks t:an rl'qulrt' a diffi·
Some skills Ml br;1( k1:tt:d by lcs:Hh.m and greater· cult\· ho" ever. Fnr C'.l:,1mplc. a character may want
than si~n" ( ~ ). Thi' notation irulic.1tt>" that the sl.:ill to spt•;ik to ;ir111tht>rt 1 r.wtt•r in a lan!{l.J:l~t·ntht>rthan
name hstecl as al'tuall~· a skill t\JW (for example. Ian h s native tonl.!ut "11Kl' that abiht v does not come
gua~>) You must t'hoo:-e a sµenlH skill from this naturally lo him lw must make a skill roll to see
general typt•. l.t'.. don't just \Hilt' <lw1guu~t'> or <mt'· whether or not he stHTl'L'cls
lee 1£eupon on your character shl'Ct. Instead you Dt'lerminmi.: a dllfll'Ult'.> numbl·r 1s simple Just de-
:1hould "rilt.> ·Russ1c111· or ·:;,H>rd • rcspcct1\'cly. cide hm' dill <.'ult \OU think a task 1s from \l r) Easy
You may" 1sh lo r...~•>rd the possIble foci for these to Heroic·. 'ee belo") and then select a number
si..:sll types \\hen you hst them on lhc> Character Cre- \•ithm the a.:.soc1att'<l ran"e.. For e\:ample. a player
atmn Ternplatt!. for example. m a 20th<entury spy character wants to search for a conn•ah·d door ~ ince
~ame you 1111::ht ''rite ·,peuk lam~uu~,. (any cur- \OU feel the door \\Oulcl l>t> ,·en· d1H <·ult to find. vou
rent!~· spoken 1.111gu,1gt'): and ·<mL''''' u ·apon p1s- look up\ er~ L>1lht·ult on t tw chart bclo\\' and see that
1ol, rirlt!. 111<1t h1111·i.:un. i.:rl'nade).· In ,, font:is) garn~.
0
11 IMs <1 range of 21 to 2:> You dt>ddl' on the number
h<1w1:v~r. )OU 111 ~ht \Hilt! -\fX!Uk l<Jn~uu.;e '"Elfin. 2 t then Iell the pla\ d to make his q•urc-h roll tr he
0\\arvish Troll Ci1ant 1sh: and • nw/,>(' u·et1[1tm asks hm' dif11cult lus d1:ir.1rt<'r ti 1 1.:s th< tct~k might
(each ,,·eapon ha.., Its 0\\ n skill. blo\,!lUll. 00\\ cross- Ix>. ~ou c;in tell tum that he tt1 r ks 11 s \'t n difficult.
bcl\\. and so forth):
 \eri. ~..as} 1-5 \\'hen n player rolls a I 1e \\ i d r e. y1 u ha\'t"
l::.<.c.\ t>-10 l\Hl 01>tions. ~ou can eit11er trl:'at 1t as a crit1c:al lail-
~1<o<krate 11-15 ure ancl hct\it! somt>thm!o( extrl'lllt'ly bad happen to that
()if lt'Ult 16-:!0 charal 1t•r, or you can 111..stcad tell the pla) er to lee!\ e
\en; U1fficu!t :!1-25 out th•·\\ 1ld Die and th<' hh~hcst die.
Heroic :?6-30 f'l;.1 nple· \llkl' '> d1aractt•r. Secret A~cnt Tomlin.
0

Hem1<'• :n. wants t 1 shoot thl' fleein~ e1wnw agt>nt He makt's a

or
'toucan think it this\\ a\'; the dlff1culty label (\er~ p1:-.tol rol and ~Ct!'i the foll1m m(!: l (\\11d Die). t. 5. :i
Eas) ~.asy. et l'l·tera) helps you determine \\hat num- 3 I he <i~1 can dcddc to h.1w n cntical fa1lurl' occur
ber to lhOOM' anc1 g1w:. Ille player an ldl·J ot ho\\ (Tomlm'._ gun j;m1s .mcl tw l'anno1 lire it for another
hard ii ta:.k is "'1thout giving away the el\atl numbl·r round) or to hav1, :\.1ikc ll'd\'t· out lht• \Vild Dw ,1nd
he n<•L•ds. Lsln~ that 111formation, thl' player can dc- lugh!•st V<1luc (in thi.; t·.'tSe till':;) for a total of lO (4 .3 .J
cidl• \\hl'tht>r he ''ants h1-. «hara<'lt'r to s1wncl an} IO).
Char.1cter or F<1tc Pomts on the skill attempt. c·spt'-
cially when It could dekrmine thl' outcomt• of the 'l'AIUNG 11' StOlt'tY
advt•nture lncreas111~ I he tinw 11 lakc•s to perform a particular
Thi'> sy:.tem t .ills for you to gut·:.s You do11't ha\e ll'at c<1n make the task easier tu accomplish. Ttus 1s
to look up obs«urc s1tuat1onal modifiers and .itld tht'm repn·sc·111t·cl in ~illllt' mecha111es by giving the char-
IO!(l'tlwr to figurt> out a clirficulty number Jll';t ba~l' ,1dcr t'xlr.i din· for his :;kill iltlernpt ..\s a !-:t'llt>ral
vour cfrc1sion 1 in vour gut instinct \s <J result the l>i ~uidl•linc. a char:1dcr ~ets ..m additional die for extra
~vstt•m rum. quil"ldy anCJ therefore keeps your play- time t>enod he takes to pertorm the skill. On<> tune
ers hookl'd. p•·riod 1... l'<jUal tot hl· amount of time it normally lilkt's
Other than a hxed value. a d1fhculty number could to ai:n1mplish the• task (i.e •• 5 secclllds. 1 hour I
be n·presented by a skill or c1ttribute roll. For t·:1..1mplt:. month. and so on) II he doubles P1e time period.
an l'Ombat a character makes a \H•apon skill roll In an therefore. he rel Cl\ cs ont.' c-.:tra die 1f b1: triµ cs tht.'
attempt to dcft>at hlS tan_tct's dod~~ roll. If th<' attackt"r time, lw gets an l'Xtra 2D: and so forth.
rolb higher. ht: hits. if thl• defend,•r rolis higlwr the Re <';m>f11I with this rulP If you decidt it shouldn't
attacker m1ss(.·s see Chapter Eight. -con1hat: for apply 111 a certain s tuatlon. then don't let tht> nla\cr
more on comb.i rt>Sol..it101 Ut: It hcad-to-ht.>ad tests do It
arc l'dill-d op1>o.,ed rolls

~' 01(~ 0 SKIIi DO YOU USE? "l~llEE'~ Sll.IU.S

Choo"ir s "'n l skill to :st> for a panicu ar sr' at or 'wu may dcudc to i.:1ve ~~.nning lharacters some
is usuallv easv: a character is dodging an atlat k so ·fr,•e~ skills. i c .. skills thl'y !Wt without buying them
the play~·r m,;kt·s a d1xf.r.,1t' roll. The D6Syst<'m allows with tlw1r .;tarting ;,kill clicP \ 'tandard .-x;implt> i" ;i
vou to be mon~ flexible than that-but It also rtcqu1rcs c:haracll·r's native lanl{ual.tl 'ou can either ~1ve tht
you to rely on your imagrnation and 1udgment charartt•r ,1utomat1t• sun:ess \\hen speaking his l.in-
Whl·nc,er vou dt>t:ide that an action calls for a skill guagl' or g1w h1111 a 1OD or l:m die rode in his .\f)('uk
roll. you may allo"' the player to dC"termmc which of </Unl(uu1.11•> skill You could just as well d~clde that all
his ch;1rartt>r"... skills might apply to th<' cu rnmt .;1tu<t d1arat·trrs can cast the u·arp magir spell because all
lion For example. a bounty hunter character chases a d1ildrl'n 111 vour !-:<1lllt' world learn this incaJltation
band II to the edge of a rooftop. ll1e bandit leaps acros.'> durini? t'lt>m~·ntary st'hool.
a flftc<'n-foot gcip to the ne>..1 roof. l~aving the bounty
hunter behind "iormally. to jump across the t-mpt~
space would rl-qu1re a1ump111g roll which thb charac· SPECl1tl..17A1'IONS
ll:'r has at 30). but thLc; ch,1racter also hap~ns to havt!
'-omc t·haractt.>rs may have spt•c1alized knowkdgt• or
the ucmbaf/n skill (at 4D· l). The player asks whetht'r
.1bllitv with a ~1\'t'll sk I For l'\amplc a character \\Ith
he rar usi> his character's acrobatics to leap across
(slnct' he• h..ll> a h1!.!her dit· code and "ould therefore the c'ur p1/ot1~ skill (dnv1111.:) ma~ na"c.> partkular
t•xpent <.'I.! ,qth ran"<ar.;. H s ab1l1ty to drive r;ice-
have .1 better chance to make it). You haw thret-
chrnn·~ in th.:. l 'i.l:>e: l. you tdl him he must use1ump-
c•ars is thl•rt•forc ~rt•ater than his ability to drive .my
ln!f. i . )OU allo" hnn to U$C ucrobutu;~: or.~. you make
other t \ >t' ol car J'h1-. addt'C' prowes~ is reprt'"PI led
In 1 he i;::1111C bv sp < I .zat t• S
him use:1umpm~ but give him an extra 1D for luc; ;;cro-
bat1cs c:apab1hties (or tell him to average tht· l\\o d ..
A spe< 1. 11al1<i m a part cu ar skill !-;:,·es a ID I.><~
nus to ;ill roll:. il'Vll\\ illl.t the speciali1ation.
codes) If you w,mt to ket>p the game simpk· (but less
realistic). you can opt to rollm' the frsc rul• 1 .t usi Example: .\ charocll r 1th u lockpTkmg die
tht skill that m<J\f applies to the kat ~ " '>U nak1 t1x/t• • f If '"" <J ·'/H!< 111/1.:uf/On m n,mbrnu·
your ~ame nion· complex (which you ma) <kdde to fl On lock.' It ht>nC'cer he hu' 111 mu kt• u
do tht• more you play). you can shift your rulln~s into lockpkkmg mil 11' open a 1 omhmu/l(Jn /1xk "''
the st•cond (ust• whatever skill seems appropriate) and Lief., 11 JD bonu' f"r a tntul of 5D· I When lw
third (avera~t· the skills or give bonuses) option~ alft•mpt' to pick (/llY otht•r tyf'<' of fock. hmret l'f,
1\ga111 as ganwmaster you make the call h!' roll\ ·If>- I
 (\·ou .s hould determine,.,. h1(·h attribute \-..ill be
Each of the skills belo~ haS C1.Ssoclate<I rules, but rather used bt>forc p1ayers creall 1ht-1r characters:
than referencing t hem in the middle of an advent ure. you l.l'. the pla~ers should nut :;t•lect \\h1ch at-
can use your imagination and judgment t o adjudicate a par- tribute In the list they would prdcr <1 particu-
ticular feat. Just folio" the rule higher is belter. For example. 'ar skill to fall und<.>r).
a player character want s t o Oy his skyskimmer through a
tlght canyon just wid e enouRh to accomodate the airship. Time Required : Unless othcrni:.e indicated. a
Rather than looking up the piloting skHI to figure out the charactt'r can complete- a skill within live sec-
appropriate diUlculty. you can just malt~ an educated gu~:.. onds (or one combat roun<I - •we Chapter
To _give you a starting point for determining difficulty num- Ei~ht ) This does not mean that a character
bers the table below provid~ the percentage chance for an •annot attempt more than one skill during that
a\'era~e (30) skill attempt to !ail and its equivalent (approxi- l11lll' (sec "Performing Multiple kt ons- in
mate) difficulty. 'ote: this table does not incorporate the
l " hJptcr F.1~h1).
Y.ik! Die random element The WUd O.e serves to simulate all ~riptioo: An ovcrv1e'' of the ty(X's or ac-
the '"lctor:. that cannot nonnally be quantified.) tions or knowlcdi?e which the skill covers.
Chance of Failure Diffkulty Most skills have examples afterward that
ox. 3 ~1w \OU an idea of how to set the d11hculty
lt"Vl'I ol c1 particular skill attempt Tht>:;e diffi-
2% 4
culti\'S arc rough estimates: you'll have to take
5% 5 I nlo :ict·mint any <;11 uat ional mod iflPrs that
10~. 6 applv durin~ a specihc attemµt.
15~. -
I

25% ~ DIFFICULTY CHART

10% 9 :\aine Value
50% 10 Very Easy 1-5
62% 11 f..a~w 6-10
75% 12 Moderate 11-15
85 13 Difficult 16-20
\"crv Difficult 21-25
90% 14 Hcr~lic 26-:m
95'K. 15 Ht>rok 31.
!18% 16
99iu 17
.\ CROBATICS
99.9' 18
Base<! O n: Rcflexc:.
T i01e Req uired:,'; sec()nds
D ei.c ript ion : C' haractt•rs \\; Ith th., skill can
,.\ s1>et i.1hLat on costs fiw Ch<1rc.1ctcr Points or ID tumble. le.t11. and roll to a\'oid fallini:; damai:e. to en-
of startm~ skill ch<:e.' \ rhar<trtt•r mav ha,·e no more tertain an ,1ud1l•nce. or to surpr1st :in opponent in
than one spcc1ali1ation many i.:1ven skill. For example. comhal. Tht• d1fhculty reqwrcd to arc:omplish a given
a rharactt>r ldkes a Mac1ntost1 sp(.•c1alizatioa in com- feat vanes ~1tll l'ill'h ~1t uatlon. L;:;t• the following table
put1•r 01wrcumri.,. He uinnot then takt> any other spc- as <1 1-:u1dd111c.
c1al11alions in that skill (mamframt>s. Windows. and
Action Dirticulty
so cm)
Rull to surpriSl' an opponent
().(1\ es • 11) to al tack roll '' 11 h
NON-PROFU~IENCY PENALTIES mclt't' ''capon) E.asy
OPTION Leap il<: ross a i:ap le;s than l"' ice
You can opt to increase lhe difhculty of any the characters hei~ht In ll'n!,'lh \1oderate
given :;kill attempt by 5 or 10 if the character Tumbll· to allC\,a.c dan a!-:C rrorn a
doe-; not ha\e any training in that skill (i.e.. the melt>, \\l~tpon ,,.ivcs -20 lo
ski. is not listed ,...1th a higher die code than its Endurance r l vs darragc) Difficult
bcu;e attribute)
A 1£11 E ~ll CAl/CDElll C.\L ro~COCTION
Based O n: lntl'lll•ct. Endurance
SKIIJ..S Time Require d : \'arics
Tlw sl.1111 -.1 bt:IO\.,. pruvtdt.!> tlil information you need Description: fhis skill allm•s fh,1ractprc; lo create
lo 1 <.• •rporatc .t particular skill into your 06 game. explos1\'t' or 111cendian substanct•s out of various
f l <•ntr\ IS< JVidPd into lhree p:trts: matcriab mcludini.e herbs and otht•r chen11cals. E..x-
plosi\'cs 111£hct up to hair of their skill dice (rounded
Based On: Tt e attribute under wh1<.·h the skill falls up) m damage (e.~ , a character '"illl a chem1cul c.-on-
.\I' t try w·1th mult1plr all nb11tPs m<l1cate that the skill c<xt1<1r1 skill of iO.:! could ncatc c.1 i;ubstance that
mav bt• ~oH-rned b~· ;111\ onl· of the attributes listed could c.1usc 1D). Incendiary Ou id" infltr.t standard fire
d:imi~t> (see Chaptt·r Ei~ht). and tht' flanll's lao;t a
numlwr of seconds t•Qual to the roll made \\ hen cre-
ating tt- • substa.in Bawd On: lcllect. !\no\\ ll'<JI.,'(:
If a ct aracter has lhe thl!U® ::.k I (and 1here1orc Time R('quin..-d: 5 ,t!concb
C.\1sts m a" orld \\ 11 h ma~lc) and • 11\es a Heroic al- Dei.cription· Tho'c po,,e,.,ml.! th1~ "k: Imo\' tht>
' hcm1cal ronl"1x:twn roll, !'he may create ma:t:ical 1lu- rumors. talc~ . and lcl!cnds ol ma!.!1c the (J\I s '>Uld
1ds ti ou~h sht.' must also ha\·e acn·ss to the i:pell lncn•asP the chfhcult} lnr each attempt by l e ·1 1 1.?~h
sht Msht•s to translt.'r into the liquid (1.t>. she must of 11111<' since the on·urenn• ,11 a rate of ·I tor <:very
bt• a blt: lo cast tht• bum.,h spell to imb0t·,1 pot1on Y:ith century).
that po\, er Lore Difficult)
Creation Difficulty Time Required Fam1Jus \\ uar<Js \ery Eas\
f \!)Im. vt•s \lc><1Naft:' ) 11 rs Etwhantcd rte n l\ ., f.as~
\ nc1s GI •es C1reast• Diffcult :m hour... lndt\1c1ual spl'lls cind thl"r effect ~lockrate
J\fa ~1ral Fhx1r' Heroic I() months Prl'l'l'-t' l0<:<1t1011-; of suppost'dly
111a~1cul an•as Difficult
ANA'rtUIY
H1... torH·s ol specific
Based On: lntcllt•t·1
1•nC'l1<11111.'d items \ery Difficult
Time Req ui red:') St't·onds
D<-scription: ( harac tt?rs with this skill ha\'(• studied .t SSUHE IDE:\'TITI'
till' main functions of the boclie-s 01 thost' SJ>l'dt•s in
Based On: • ri•sr- ice lntelkn
tht- animal kini.?dnrn Tinn· Required : I I mmutc::; lo I hour depcndmg on
Action Difficulty con pl• \II\ nl ( is~J•St
Cut•ss main !unctions of Description: l"h1s -;kill ,1 lows a charact er to 1m1tate
a cr1:.1ture's v1s1bl~· l1•atures ot lwrs bv d1angmg his clothes and us in~ crude
ITI<lkt•Up.
D1st-c1vcr crc:itur••'<>
\H•al..11cs<;e<; bast>c1 on I<> Action Difficult)
appearance \lode rate Fool others for a short amount ol
\lt<:r 11 t:a.I ng procedur ,._ llmt• at a short d1st.mrc a\'ay \1r..dcratc
bast-d on sr>enlil" anaton } \ l!r} D11fi(\Jlt hb facial le<1tUrt"s
() sf.!UJ!'.t' Dirticu.t
l>1a1.tnose inft'rt 11111s and v1ru.ses Her<>1l· \.tt•r hochly ap(.X.·.ir,inrt-
(,.l10rtl·r taller. sli111111t.~r.
t :\dd 1 ~his anat"m.\ die code as a bonm, to his heal·
d ttll'rt'llt '-Pt.'Ctcs) \ery D1f11cuh
mg skill).

.. BAL.t.XCE
Based O n : Perception. Re-
.. fll'\Cs
Time Required : ~ seconds
Description: This skill ht:lps a
l l1<1r<1cter maintain her bal-
ance.· whether on a tishtropc
or bt•ing tripped by an oppo-
1wnt in combat
BU~DFIGBTING
B as1:d O n : Perct:pt ion Rc-
flcxc.•s
Tim e Required: 5 seconds
Description : A character \..i t h
blindf1~htmg can operate or
battle in dark o r other\\ 1se re-
duct'd-s1ght conditions 1>117·
J"ards bl ndfol ded. and so
lorthJ. (( haractt>r in combat
nur m<1lly suffer a -2D 1>t:nalty
during full darkness condi·
t10ns e Chapter Eight: Cum·
bat for more inlorrnat1un) The
l h,uactcr must mi.Ike a
h/11ulf11~h11ng roll every .'l M~C­
onds to con tinue to en10~ the
skills effect.
 ~·n.,t 1.)(. .iticm d1ml11att• \loderare
of bein~ blindncs~
p••nalt,·
Lo<:atc inanimate Diliicult
OhJe<'h

CAR'l'OGR.\PO\'
Based On: lntt•l it·<'I Pt rcept 111n, { oordmauon
TI.me Rcqulrt:"d : \Mil'"
Descriptio n: T 'w (arto~rup/ly skill allo,.-i, characters
to rt>ad ancl c·n•;11t· maps ol v;1nP11s typt>s. lrom topo-
llraph1<:al lo puhtK·al
Action DifficuJty
Re<1d nwps ;111d ickntafy symbols V<.-ry Easy
Crcatt• snwll M'•lk mnp:-. Ea:;y
Create lei r.1i11 m.ips Moderate
Cn.•alt• worlcl 111,1p" Difficult
Crt>.ih: d1111l·:.ion.1l ",1Mn· 111<1p-. \cry Difficult

CO~IPU 'l'ER OPEl~.\1' 10XS

Based On: lntdlt•ct l\n0\~kd1-:c. lechn1ca.I
TIDle Required: 5 sE·< on<h
Description: Computl'r 11p<!rot10m. represents a
ch.aractcr·s profl<it·r.l·~ \\ilh computer programming to nde a h\·m~creaturc. \\hclllcr II bt•a horse. a giant
and ;pplicat1on ust'. h£ard. or c\ en a drc1gon R1clable mounts have an
ituatlon Difficult) onermess <"ode that n•prescnt' their le'l.·el o resis-
tance to hemg riclcten When :i t•haracter first slips
m .>le s~stcm \er~ Eas\ mto lhe :,addle a., \\l?ll as <lunni: evt?nts that may
Cor µl~x sntt•m .\ loderate fn~hten the mount. .,ht.: mu't make an oppo<;ed <crea-
Encoded s~stcm \"er) Difficult turt» ndm~ , ..,, orner111css roll ( the !;lamemast er
mak\.'s t hl' orneriness roll !or the beast). If the char-
actl'r rolls th1: s:unc or h1~hcr value. he maintains
Based On: l,cn. t•pllon, Prt'Sl'nl·c cont ml of hi' mount R1•ft>r to tlw folio\' ing table to
Tlme Requ ir e d: HI m1nutt·s to I hour detem1inc the r1•:,ult 11 tht• crl·ature ~enerates the
Description: Char.ll'll'rs must oftt.>n rely on their abil· hil,lher total
ity to Im ate 1ndi\'iduab 10 form a network ol infor· Oroerio~ >
man ls \\ho can oHt•r v.irious lypes of information beast ri d ing b) R('SUll
about pt•oplt'. pl.at·t>:., or 1•vt•nu. in the area they in-
habit (ell le:... pl.11w1:.., :,ccturs, l.lalaxics), or who can 1-5 Bt-<1sl stops and
pull i:onw slrin1-1s lor c-h.1r;1ctt>rs in OC'Pd rt'fuses to move
fllr 5 seconds
Action Difficulty
6-10 Beast stops and
fllld l'Olltat'l \er~ Easy rctuscs to move
<it'nl'rill rumors E.as~ for I 0 seconds
~·crels of lht• ... trtt'b \1oderate 11-15 Heast bolts m a
Jlt'<:lfl<. mlor matmn .ibc ut r.mdom d1rect1on
I 1rmlc:,s 111<hv1du.1l or C"l'tlt DilficuJt for ID rounds.
:\~ih<.· inform,1111111 about I ti· B1:ast buck.snder.
cl ... ..,cro " ··1d1v1dual ur C\"Cnt \er~ Difficult ~1der must make an
E.'ls~ (10) Reflexes
'CUE.\Tl\'E ..\BIUTI'> roll to a' Old being
Based On: 'P nt Pt rcept1011 tf rt>•\nofl
Tame Required: \.ir1t•s
Description: 1e C'Tt'<l//tt ub1f1~ ~kill covers evef)- Cl~STO~IS CW < IUO:GIO~ Oil Cl"LTIJRES>
lh n~ Iron r '' ng to su 1n.., to poetry to dancing. Based On: nt <I P• n·cption
Time Re quirffi :; ,pconcl-.
'fllE.\TlinE> IUDl~G Description: This skill n t·tt~urt•s a characters le\'el
Based On: \h'<. h.1111t;1l Rt•flt·ws ol kno\\leclge about a q1Vl'fl n•qu>n"s or culture·s cus-
Time Required: 1 sernmb toms.
Description: I his ~kill mt••1:,ures a characters ability
 Gt-neral trad t ons F.as~ Familiarit~ with
Meanm{!s of trad1t1orn. \1oc i>ratt> Document or
Full knm\ lt.>d)!t' of ignature DifficuJtr Time Required
esotem: custom \"ery Di !Heu II 1111 rnatt>h fam1li.1r F...1., .. ;; seconds
DIAGXOSE ll.U..ADV \loderatel~ fa1mh.1r \h><ler.1tl' 5 'l'l'fllHI'-
lnlam1ii.ir D1rtkult ;; ~t-conct ....
Based On: Intellect. Pt>rccptmn
Time Required: \ arics Complt>tel) \erv ;; second-,
Description: Charactt'rs \\itt this slill can dia.~110-.t> unfamiliar Diffil'Ull
and po•c t1illlv curl d1-.ecc;es. G.UIBUXG
Action Difficulty Timc Re qui red Based On: l't:n cpt111n. Presence
L.>t•ter min<> I asy 5 secor ds ·nm\' Required: l.~.'llgth of .1 game
existence ol Description: ;\ gam 1 >1t•r kno\\s ho\\' to pla~ v,mous
disease gillllt s of ch,lllCl' Ullcll'rstct11<ls odds and sprC'ads. ,111d
Dett<r111111t• type Moderate 1 minutt• (.;omelimesJ has tlw .1h1llty to influence a game. l'S·
uf disease p<'l'1ally lhost• rnvolv111)! l"<trds, dice. or wheels (or
Determine Diffkull 5 seconcb otlwr t>lt•mt·nts 1h.1t 111voln· some.• amount or skrll lo
medicine m•t.>dt•cl "'111) \ d1ar.1ctl'r "'hos 1cn•ssfully cht>ats al a ~.imc
to pur~<.· c11sea-.c '"'" alll'r !ht! oulco:nc Ill tht.! r.wor or anyone invoh•t·1l.
111duclm~ (and esnc1·iall\ ) Ir :nsell.
Determine \"er\ I day 111 I \\eel\
-.pec1hc cause ~ flicult
If ,1 charat:lt•r attempts to L •<it no mat er" her her
he 1s successful or not ). alto\\ al olrt'rs ll"\"Ol\"ed In
ETIOli FITE the ~arnc to make PcR'cption rolls. An:one ''ho ro Is
h1~her than the dmra1·1er·, gambling total (the 011c
Based On: "'nowlcd~c Intellect Pem:pt1on lw made to dctcrnUnt! \\hdht'r he succcssfulh.
Time Required: 5 'l.'t:onds
1 hcatE'd) not1c•t:s :h1• t•h,1r;1cter".; eiforts to altn th~
Description: F:t lquet tt' mt>asurcs a characters Imo" f.
~amt s <>UlCOllll'
edge <>f the forms m.11 ncrs, and cen:murnt•s n>ns1d·
ered acct'pl,1hlt• hy soc1f'ty Action Difficulty
Arca of Kno "' l edge Difficult) Knm1. !lame rult•' fasy
Propt·r t<thlt> n ,1011..rs and Familiar with i!·tf11P
mtroductrons of homeland Easy prob<1bihttc.' .ind stat1slll"s \1oderare
'-pedhc forms of conduction Influence ~amt• (cheat Difficult
in a ~wen situation
in homeland \1oclerat~
11.\GGUXG
Kno"led!-!l' of n•rt>monies Based On: Prcs~rKt'. l't·rt·eptton
of home1:1nd Drthcull Timc Required: \ant·:. d1.·1wnding on local hai.:i.:lin).(
r 11-.t11ms
lnrn•usL t lw difficulty by one level or mort• for so- Dt:scriplioo: Thrift-. c. haraclt'rs oftf'n employ habsghni.?
cieties with \\hlch thL' t•haractcr has no pnor t'x1wn lo Iowa the pnt:e or goods the:-. purchase or raise
cncc lht· prn·t> of lllt'rchandis(• tlwv wish lo sell
FORGERY Alter Price B~ Difficulty
Based On : "no\' ledge. Ce>ordination . .\1ech<u11L·al JO \ery Ea.<>}
Time Required: \aries ~!) E.1s~
Description: \ lon.:cr fabricates documt.>nh or s1~11a­
30 ~loC.eratt>
tures Tht. C\CI vr dHlicult) dt>pt:nds on the l)pe of
creation and the k1 • •\\ ·di:;e of the person\ IC\\ in~ It . 4 (1 Diificult
The /orf!('ry .skill rm ..r, h< lth the act of for~ n~;is" t>ll 50 \ "'~ Oiffiruh
as t11e 1derllfication o! fof't!enes. fiO Heroic
Forger's Chart DEALING
Item Forged Difficulty Time Required Ba.-.ed On: Knuwlt. cl~1·. lnll'llcct. Perception. Rerle..w.:.
t.:noHidal not•· Depend:; on Tim e Required: \,Jnl':O.
o r corn·sponcl<-m·e length of Description: l>ndors rncdu:s , nurses. and other m1·cl1·
document t .111\ trainl'd 1wr,onra>l 11-;1· \ C1rn1us technique.... mccl1-
0

\loderatc .5 mmllll's l'im•s, and dru).(' to help cure t 1e sick or mjurl'<I of

~i~nature
their ailment-.
Official docun1cnl Difficult ~pend~ on \ c.:harancr ma~ atkmpt to heal another basl'<l 011
length ol tlw current \\OUnd lt•vel of tht• injured person. On\
document ont· heultn~ skill atll·mpt ma-. b<' made per day on a
p.trt cu!ar ind1v1clu.il \successful roll md1cates that
tltt.. miurt•d or -.tck t•harat·tcr ht.>a s one \\'Ound level \\ h~ther or not a "uhst:in<:e 1s ll'thal to his species (in-
(5 ..... ounds to 1 \\(1uncls. 1 l.'Ol r ds to 3 \\Ounds. and creast the dlff1<·ulty hy l\"o lcvt'ls for ot her species).
soon) if usin~ 1he\\ OUnd dank11,,. sys~em or 20 body Action Oirricull) Time Required
t>,· ts if using the boc:h pomt d, Ma',;" s~stem.
~·ernune \\ht•lhcr
Current \\ound a substance 1s
le' el of \ ic tim Oifficul~ poisonm1s E.'ls~ 1 minute
I ''11t..1c1 75-JOO Determme type
of hod~ points rt•rttatnlll~ \'ery Easy of pm~on ( sleep
°.! \\CIU!lds 50-74' sicknt'.;s,
of bod~ pomts n•m.1111111~ Ea!>y de•llh, etc) \locll·ratc 5 minutes
:l wounds :!:l-50 , l>eterminc 11.1111c
of body points rc•ma1111ng \loderate of poison D1ff1rn It 10 minutes
1 wounds 1-:!5' . Determim•
of hody plllnts r<'n1.1111111g Difficult anlld<>ll' \t•r y 1>1ff1rull I hour
.S wounds 0 hod)' poin ts Very Difficult INFOIUIA'l'ION GATHERING
II EllJ.\UUl\' 8ast'd On: P<•rt·c-pt ion Pn"Wll<'C'
Bas<-d On: Knowl\'d!W· lrHl·lll'l t. Perception Time R<'qulrt.>d: \arws
lime Rl.'quirf'd: 'i s1•cnrHI' Description : /11f11r111c1/1<1fl ~utllertnf.1 measures a
Description: \ d1<1r;11:tcr \\>ilh till' liemldr_' skill can <'harnctt>r 's .1hihl\ tn pick up rumors. street t alk and
recm.:n11c tit lwnrwrs. t·rc.-.ts. and sigils of various current underworld t vt'nts from various mronnants.
cla'ls polltn·.11 ),!r1111ps, ,111<1 t.:O\'l•rmt"nts T) pe of Information Difficulty
Action Difficulty Rumor:- IA S)
I 1..nt11\ hcralclrv-... General fcchn~ of
afhl att(ln Easy <' cr~round· popula< c \1 odera1e
ldent1h dem-.111011 '-r~t 1f1c m d •, ""'c 't
ancl h1,tor) of hcm1ldr:- \loderate
'I :\STUU)I E:\T>
ldent1f\' mc.mm!!s of
I tr ( r cclc:mcnh \cry Difficult Based On: Pl r n. PrcscncC!. Rel exe»
Time Required: Dt>1><'11<1s on IPngth of song
Inert -.. I 1e chffi<·ult\ for hnald~ reco~nition de- Description: Charartl·rs \\Ith th1~ sldll can choose
i,e c. .._ o a d1aral tcr\ prior c.xµcrlt'OCt' ''Ith a gi\'en from among any Inst runwnt native to their um verse.
ind. pl<mt t roup, (Ir gn' r'"'""'lc nt
,Jt'llPING
lllS'l'OR\' 01: <AREA>
Based On: Rl lh"\l"S ...,trl11~th
Based On: Knowlt·d~l' lntcllt•tl nme Req uired: ) '''C'flllc1S
Time Requir ed: !l sl'< on<h Description: Tht· 111111pm~ skill { O\'Crs lt.>aps in hori-
Descri1>lion: \ ('hi1r.1{'tt·r who possesses this skill zontal .rnd or Vt•rti<'ill cl1rl'rtions. The difficulty is
know .. thl' 111st11ry of ,1 particular area, ~hether it be clctcrm1nccl hv till' cl1:-.1.uwt· iump{·d. 5 for each meter
as sm<tll as ;1 nty or .1s lanw as ,m entire world. horizontally ,md • 10 lor l'ad1 mckr vertically. lf. for
Area or Knowh'dgt.• Difficulty example. <1 drnrnt·ll-r wttnlt•d to leap two meters for-
ward and Olll' ml'IN 11p\\arcl. tlw total difliculty would
Tlml'llrll' ol 111.1jor l'VCnts Very Easy
Ix· :w <5·:i· Ill 20).
"at101l!'I, lt'<Hll'rs, .111<1 w.irs \foderate
Ll'\.!t•nds .u1d Ill) t hs !)iffie:' Ult LA\f
Am:icllt ocnirctll'c:- \'ery Difficult Based On: lntelk'<"I Kno\\ lt-rl~t
lncn·ase t hC' d1fflcultv ctcpendmt: upon the size of the Time Requir ed: 5 seconds
an.:a in\:ol\:ed. Del.cription: Kilo\\ lcdl!c ol the la"' can be a \'ery im-
Jor .. I -.I.. I. t;spcdttllv \\hen It n>me:. to customs.
Increase incan-er • •t:•C" - ~h. and treaties
ize of Area Difficulty By
Area of ~no" ledge Difficulty
\
'-1 r<:onUnent I lc\"el Ba~k h JI ... t''I l<rn \ery Easy
l mcnt 2 lc\'e s Homdand (<·ttv) '""~ Ea')'
3 k\t~ s I .<t\\:. ot other !;incl~
\\ Id
t "-~talc' ) :\.lodt<rate
1r l It•\ · s
"' '-pt'( ilic dlsc1phm•
IUEXTff\' POISO~ rn1l c:;tatc, tort.
P11terta11111wnt t'l l.'dl'r:I) lliffirnlt
Based On: 1\110\" lt•<l~t·. h11t•llt-n. t•cru•ption
Timc R(•quln •d: \'.mes
Description: ·y his sl.:11l .1llows .1 character to determine
 increase at the rate of -5 for each pip For example. a
character who Willits to raise his dodge skill b\ ID
Based On: Kno\\ ledge Intellect. Perception hai. a chfficulty oi 15 (5-5-5=15. since -10=3 p1ps1 II
Time Required: \aries th~ charal·ter falb the roll he gets the bonus mdi·
Description: Libraries and databases contains vast
cated b' his die roll
stores of mformation that may prO\ e helpful or at leiL'it
relevant to a character':; goals The difficulty of a skill Example: .\ churocter needs a 15 to increa!>e
attempt depends on the complexit) and obscunt::- of Im dud~t.> \lull h.' ID lie makes a mcd1tauon
the information sou~ht as well as the size and accu- mil and genel'a/es a total of 12. not 1tnough IC1
racy of the library database (beginning with a diffi- rect'IL'P the ID bonus ThP 12. hom!t ·er, 1i. high
culty of zero) t!llOUf.lh Ill beut tile next /ou:est bonus le iv/ ( • :!
ptp., J. 'n the characters dodge increases by uni
Complexity f"P·' for ID mtnutt'S Ht' rul/s JD and gets u 5 s1i
of S ubjec t Diffic ulty Modifier the boflus lasts for fffe minutes.
General knowledge -0
q1ELEE WEAPON>
Introductor y theories -5
Based On: Refle-.:es
/\dvanccd/state-of-lht:-art/
Time Requir ed: 5 seconds
cutting-edge Information •I 0 Ocscrlpllon: Characters who engage in clos~1uartl•r:;
Obscurity of Subject Difficulty Modifier rombat may wish to have the ability to wield <l
weapon, rather than relying solely on a weaponles:o
Common -0
fighting style (see below) As a character be{'omes
Lncommon -5 more proficient in t he use of a particular weapon ~he
Esoteric -10 increc1~es her accurac-y-e1ther in striking or m ptn-
Library Difficul~ Modifier prnntmg the most vulnerable area of her opponent.
'iince each type of weapon requires different kno\\ 1-
Catalo~ed l~e -0 l'dge and muscle control, a charactt'r cannot appl)
Cataloged, small -5 her exper ence in one weapon to another For ex-
'\ot cataloged. large -IU ample. a character highly skilled in the use of a sword
'\ot cataloged, small - 15 (die l·nde of 70-2) may have only a limited know!·
t>d~e of aws (die code of -10-1) and absolutely no
Example: \ d1uructer u.ant.s m find rnfomw· experience in club {default to Reflexes die code of
twn regarding the replicat1on of cells rn su{X'r- 30-2).
heated condttwn.<; In this game u•orld. this topic
1s considered uncommon r-5J and cullinf( ecfRe <iUISSIJ,E WE.APO~'>
( • 10) and the character only has access to. a Based On: Coordination
$mull. catuf<lged database ( ·5J The total d1ff1- Time Required: 5 seconds
cul1J-· for 111~ uui:mpt. therefore. is 20 r5- W-5=:!OJ Des<:riptjon: Characters who engage in long-range
LOCliPICKING combat may wish lo Increase their proficiency with
mlssill· weapons (bows. blo wguns. pistols, rifles.
Based On: Coordination blast ers. flame-throwers. and so on).
Time Required : \'aries Like the <mell:'e u•eapon> skill. each type of weapon
Description: A character with luckp1ck1ng can release requires different knowledge and muscle control. and
the tumblers on a lock without the kev or combina- therefore a character cannot apply her experience in
tion. 'fotc that this sldll applies only to
m1.:chanical one weapon to another. For example. a character
locks (electronic. opt ical. and similar security mea- highly skilled in the use of a rifle (die code of 80· 1)
sures rail under the security skill) ma) have only a limited knowledge of pistols (die code
Type of Lock Difficulty nf :lD-2) and absolut ely no experience in blowgun
(default to Coordination die code of 40).
Simple key-lock Easy
lomplex key-lock ).loderate NAV1GA1'10N
Combination lock Difficult Based On: Knowledge. Intellect
:'ll icrochip key-lock \'ery Difficult Time Required: 5 seconds to -1 hours
Description: \auguuon mea<>ures a character's ah1l-
HEDITATIO~ 1ty to plot a safe couri.e through a body of Y.ater or
Based On: ~pint.\\ illpower through space Failure means that the pilot of the
Time Required: IO minutes vessel must makl:' a piloting skill check against a dif11-
Description: As many sages. philosophers. and psy· cult} one level higher than the difficult)' of the area.
chlatrists have learned. the focusing of the mind can 5uccess means the pilot need not make a roll (unle-;s
release formidable power Y.ithin a person. This skill he performs an unexpected maneuver ); the vessel
allows a charact er to temporar ily increase any one arrives safely
skill die code for a number of minutes equal to a ID
roll. The dHficulty is deter mined by the amount of
 Danger Le' c l o f Area
Comptetel\ sale Based On: Knm\ .:e. In te ect
navtRable lant-s marl..~ Tune Required: ,:; ~econd:.
Rt!lat1\ el) ,,,fl': Description: ,\ ~kill In a 'l·1ence d1sc1pline ph)sics.
ft!"' obstacles Easy cher str). biol~ ~eolo~~ thermodynamics. artifi-
;\'arm..,; safe-lane \1odcrat... cial i ntdhgenn• et cetera) rl'prt....ents a character·s
~tany obstructions Difficult knowled" 1f • 1at arl!d.
:\lany mo ..in!o! obstructions Type of Kno\\ledgt> Difficulty
(e g asterrnds Bas1<" k11m,·lt di;:c \ C.f\ E.:isv
Theories Easy ·
PUBUC Sl'EAKIXG Complex concepts \1oderate
Based On: PresC'nce Cutting-edi.:e topics \'erv DiHicult
Time Required: Lt'ngth o! :.pet·c:h
Description: PuhlK spvukmg represents a character·s SF.CRE'I' SOCIETIES
skill at oration his <1bllity to speak in front of large Based On : Knowlcdgt·. lntclkt·t. Pt.'rC"cption
crov.ds and to convuwe tlwm of his beliefs. Time Re quired: ll ~Pcond<:
Action Difficulty Description: This skill rnvers knowledge or groups
that act in st•c:recy.
Speak with lltth..· fear
and stammering E::asy Type of Knowledge Difficulty
·peak co11!1dt•ntly ~amt>s and rumors
and with emotion \loclerate of i.iroup Eas...
Convince crowdt Difficult Locations of operation \lodcrate
Philr soph1es D1fhcult
t Increase or decrt>ast! this difficult) depending on
the demeanor of the nowd as a whole Friendly. ac- ACll\ Ille.-. \ 'erv Difficult
ceptin~ crov.ds v. 111 b1! easier to convice. while hos- Pcrsona~e' Heroic
t le crowds \\ill be more difhn•lt to con,·ince.
SO .\DOWl~G
READ/WIUTE <Ll.~GU ..\GE> Based On: l'ercepuon
Based On: J...nowkd,;e. lntc..lkct . Perception lime Required: \ nric.s
Time Required: Ot>pt.>nd<i on length of document Desc ription: T ht> ' hodou·m g c:loll represents a
Description: T s skill cnabll•i. a character to com- c harac'cr s ab11itv lo folio'' 1;1\ n lcif\?et
prehend and use the \Hillen fonn of the specified Action Difficult)
lan~au~e
Folio\\ target
Action Difficulty in opt.•n art>a \'erv F.asy
Create and read simple Follo..,; tar!(t'I
sentences using a in small town Easy
small vocabulan
Follow tar11L'l
Crellle and reacl 10sm.11! l'ity Moderate
docu111ents of medium Follow target
difficulty Moderate in lari.ie con~l'sll•d c1tv Wry Difficult
Create and read novels \cry Difficult
SNEAli
SCAUNG ~d On: Rdlext'>, Pcrn:ptaon
Based On: R<'flt>xt•<, Strt•ngth lime Required: ::; -.econds
lime Required: Depends on heii.thl of structure Description: l his skill cnablei. characters to shroud
Description: Chmb1m: human-made structures re- their n own enrs from the sight and hear ng of oth-
quires <1 set of skills similar to but not exactly like ers, mdudm~ cvcryt hln~ lrom hand gestures to their
tl1at nt•t.•<kd for rod• dnnbmH The scaling skill CO\"- entire bodies The 'neak roll total becomes the diffi-
ers cvcr)thini;: from pyramids to sky5crapers. cult~ req i..1rcd for another d1aracter to pE"rceive the

Actloo Dlfficut~·
sneakmR character ( usually throu<:h a Perception
roll )
5calt surface with manv
hand- and footholds • \loderate SPIUH <L..\~GUAGE>
!>cak surface\\ 1th lev. Based On: I\ o\\ t<h,l r tt.lkll . Puception
llcmd- and fo<1tltolcl-. Dillicult Time Required. >e1>cncl-. on l~ns,:th of conversation
!Xa1e surfa(·e \~Ith no Description: r l1l character may converse with any
hand- or footholds \cry Difficult other creature \,;ho "r>t•ak~ the o;pecified langauge.
Hi!o'lh levels of prohc1enc\' tn the skill indicate a great
Stop a 1,111 Heroic fluenQ. 111cludin~ arrent . intonation, and connota-
lion. Fa1hnl( ask II check results in some orrr ol nll'··
cornmunintion the cxten• )j whil.:h is determined oft <I \ .. r~ Easy
b\ the amount b\' "'h1ch the character m1s;;e., tlte
Gr a"' land Eas"·
<lifhcult~ · Forest :\\oderate
Action Difficult~ Rain fon.~ ...1 D1f11cult
Dc-•en \ ery Difficult
Convcv and inm.rstand
simple thou,..t ls Easv lnl'rt:a..,I.'. the d1f 1cult\ b\ 1e lt>\d !or each da~
" nee the per-. on or creature \: ss"'1 through tht> area
Conver"" c<.isua ' ''ith
native speaker • :\lodcratc 'fRAJlS
Conwv .ind understand &i.-..·d On: 1'1•rccpl1on Rd exes
c:ornplcx thm11ihts Difficult fiml' Requlr<•d : l»1wncls on romplexit~ of trap
C.1pturc .1lTt•nt. intonation. Ot•scription: The traps "kill represents a charactt•r's
ancl co11not.11 mn of prollt'h·m \ 111 St'tlini.: locating and disabling traps.
11.11 IVl' :-.1wokers
I rap ~t Locate Difficult)'
S\VDDllNG 1 YP<' OirriC'ultj Difficulty Disable
BM('d On: Fnclurancc I'll Vt•ry Fasy Easy Easy
Time Req uired: 5 l>C'rnnds ...lltlrl' r:isv \.1oderate Easy
Description: Tl1osc who dare to tread 111 tht• dl't'p I rip\\ iri: r<1sy Difficult \'er) Easy
,,,\ll'r" of laht!.-. ri.,,ers and oceans must li.t\ l' t he l.ork Ill l'Cllc I )lff1rnlt 01fikult Difficult
.~11'1111t111n~ .~kill or w II ri!c>k drowning
\\all llart \tn· \ery Very
\ctlon Difficulty D1ll;l'U 1 Difficult Dill 1cult
"" m 111 dear. calm \\aler \en _...s~
lillB.lX GEOGR.\PBY
"' 111 in chopp~ water Eas~
Ba~d On· Rno.... ledge. mtc•iL"l:I. Pt'rception
"''° 1 in rough "a\ e.; Moderate
Timl' Rt"quir<-d: ;) seconds
..,,, l dunn" a hea'1 storm Difficult De~criptioo: A character \\hO knm' s urban
"· H. another drm,nmg character \'cry Difficult ~orgrapll) can loc<1tc public transportation. govern-
mental build ng... ancl other -.pedfac structurt'S Pro\\·
THEATRICS c.-... m th1' si..111 nllo\\' ham to na'l.i'.!ate ~id st l'l:-.
~ On. Perception, Presence sub\•U)S. and city »C\'l.Cr sy,tem<:. A su~ces•d 'kill
Time Required: Ot!pends on length of pt>rformancc dwck 111eam that the character can find his ''a\ to
Description: This :;!..,II measures a character\ abilit\ hh cfc,tinatmn 111 h.ilf the nonnal amount of lime and
to fool others into belicvmg he is someone clo;c rhc \11thout ~t·lling lo't. Failure means he t:"ither simply
themnn skill total ~eneraced for a given attt•mpt l~'­ t.111nol h><:<1tt• hts cle!>tana11on or he becomes utterl~
l'omc:. thl dlffil·ully nt!t!ded for another (.'har11ctcr to Ju..,t
Sl'C throu~h till' pl'rformance (usually a Pt•rn•pt1011 Difficulty
l yJW of Knowledge
roll)
Ct•11t•rk lily l<1youl Very Easy
'l'DEURGY l.on1l 11>11 ol SfH't'ifil' buildings
Based On: l\nowledgc Intellect. piril and o;t rut ll1rt•s Easy
Timt> Required: 5 seconds c;oocl ~llCI had Sl'('(IOllS Moderate
DeS<'ription: Thl" theurgy skill represents a charartcr"'• "1 rt•t'l SUIJ\\cl\' 1141\'l~atlllO Difficult
knowll'tl~,!l' ol ma~lc<tl incantations and item:. "t'\\ t•r 11:1\ 1~.it 1un \'ery D1flicull
AC'tion Difficult~ :\lo<hf~ the difficult~ ba:;ed on the congeskdm."-'s
k.nov. h..'<lt!e of ('ommon spell Ea.-.~ and u ... e o t c1,·1l cng111 rm~ m a particular c11~
Knov.kd~e of uncommon spell :\loderate <\.ESSEI> PILOTIXG
Kno" lcd~e of rare spell D1fikult Ba.wd On: Perceptlo1.
ldl nufy .spell as it I'; ca."t by 11mt.' Requirt.'d: ;; .., !Co cs
another character \er~ Oafftcult Description: \ charac t r ust maKe .. p1/Q1111:!_ roll
ldtmhfy enl·hanted items Herok v.hi'ncH•r h attempt-- to 1ertorm a stunt (se(.' the
"\chide Combat- chapter ). P1lotin!? a vehicle under
TRACIHX6 normal urcum-.tanccs doe-. not require a roll. Types
8a,s(-d Oo: Pt"r<:t..piton of \e.;,els 111cludt> star!'h ps boat~- hovercraft. and
Time Required: 5 ..,t'conds car' trud.....111<1 mntorr) t les ir which case the s ..111
Description: Truck1f!R allows a character to follm' tht• l'an be t.·alled clmini.:).
markin~s ldt by a person or creature. The difficult\'
depends on lhe terrain and the amount of t,nw 11t.11
ha~ P<l'M'<I ... 111ce the quarry madt> it:; tr..1cks.
 <WEAPONl.ESS FIGH1'1NG STYf. .E> \\resthn~ h;is <1rh.1•n out of a dcc;irl' l o disable an
oppo11e11t without 1:ausinJ.l too mud1 physical harm
Ba...ed Oo: Rdkxcs Though some have str;1y1•d awa) from this ideal. most
Time Required : 5 wnmcb y, ho pr;iclice wrestling forns on grapplin!-l their ad-
Descriptio n : l l1rl'c st:111dard forms of \\'eaponless versary and phys1c·ally 1nh1b11111g his movt•mt.'ntS.
f1~htmgexist 111 tht• known world m;irtlal arts. \\'rt'S- Br,l\,Jlng. the k·,1st formul,ul." of the thret" Includes
thni:. and hrav. lmg. the 1vp1cal tavt>rn-h\,lht tal't1Cs-from wild haymaker
Martial arts , tht· li~htln,., art <I llw <1r11·1c ts cen- punl:hes tu kid;..<; IMl!<:tt•d at an opporwnt's shins (o r
terson a person's 11m;1tl' ab1ltty to control her muscles otllt'r, more [rag1lt• areas) Most characters that
in :.ud1 d \'\<I\",,, to l 'fl'.tlc ~rt•.it po\n:r in hcr strike:;
dwnse a weapon!Pss fl~htm~ style will usual!} learn
('hilractcr's pru1·t1nm:: a rnarti<ll .irt employ a variety brawlinl.!. the t•asltst of lhl thrt.>t' to mastt•r
oi mo\'t'S , from frontal sl nkes dm>ett•d at lht' solar
plexu' to spinmni?. high kicks to the head
Charactl'rs m•cd equipment to help them survive ;md
suc-ct.>cd in their Hoal!i during adventures. Wnich 1tern,;
J\lltlOll
are available depends entirely on the game" orld. hut \rmor provide" charac-ters with added defense
bt.>low you'll hnd a basic list to Q1ve vou an idea <•f again-.t atta<'ks. The Ot>fense Bonus applies to Endur-
ho\' to create your own. - ance rolls" ht•n rt:s1stmf'l damage see Chapter E.tght.
~combat: for mor nformation)

COST T)pe Defense Bonus

-1
Hean Paddm~
You must determin tne costs of lhe \ariou., Item_, -lD
Leather \rmor
'k'lov. dependin~ on the scarcity of the equipment, Chain Link \nnor -2.D
t e law-; i;:ovcmin~ 1t-. sale. and the trade agrt>ements
U~ht l\e\ lar -20-1
of your game v.orld. Finl.. Jacket -30
Plate \rmor -30-2
Kt'vlar Ceramic: -30-2
Weapon· have an accompanying list of stat1st1cs that
detem11ne how much damage lh~ cause how far the' 1\J)\7EN'flJRING GEAR
can go, ho-.. much ammunition th~v can hold and hm~: 0
Chara<.·ttm; often t•mploy other paraphernalia when
Cast they can be wielded. Refer to C-hapter Eight -com- taklnH part In <Ill adventure. Below you"ll find a sample
bat: for more information on using those values. list o( typt•:- of l'qu1pmcnt that might come in handy
al •Will!' point during a character's adventuring ca-
)llSSILE "rJ~ONS rl't-r.
Weapon Range Speed Damage You l'illl cn·ate gear that serves no particular game
purpose or that has its own set of statistics For ex-
22 calibre pistol 10 25 50 I) 1n ,unplt•, a lllt:'Clkll ml~hl heal two wow1ds if a success-
38Spec1al 15 30·10 0 :m.2 ful he<Jlm;:d11:ck 1s made. orsoh. padded shoes might
.35i \1a~num 12 25·60 -1 1D ~,._.._. :1 • 1D bonu-. to all ~m>ok rolls
Blowgun 6 14 20 -:2 20.1
Devise eqrnpmcnt as you see fiL but be careful not
Crossbo\\ 10 20 -10 -ID 40·1 to lxig the charal·ters down in items. and don·1 let
I.on~ Bo" 13 31 5\J -2 '-TR· ID them t•arrr an 1mpos~1ble amount either. lf a charac-
\11 6 223 \ssault Rine 20 t) 55 -2 'iD
Thro\,lnj;i kn1ft> 5101') () ..,---. 2
ter " carr~ing around a canoe on h:s back- he can·1
hold .111~ thin\! el' ., A.'\\ ith any:hing else ma 06 game.
\\'ht.-el<><.'1, P -;to• l 12 .JD pla~ fair nnd \ct fa~t-a.s long as the evervone 1~ ha\·.
mg run c1011' 1 \\nrr-.; too mrn:h about the-rules.
)fELEE " "E.l.POXS
\rchacoloi:1st\, Kit
\\eapon Range Speed Damag('
.\rrO\\'
Baseball Bat -2 ~~-10 \_-,trolabe
Battle-axt• -ID-I TR 20 Backp.wk
Bra..'is l\.nucklcs 0 STR·l B<indohcr
f.lt•l·tro-knile -1 ..;TR tD g.ittertt s
Fist -2 "TR Bdt
Km ft• 0 TR 1 R111on11ar.,
Sword -lD 'iTR.!Od Bl,tnkt•t
Wnr llilmmt•r - lD 'TR 10·2
Briefcase
Bui? Detector
Bulle:s ossors
C-t E.xplO!->l\'C "hO\l
Camera '.:'.-hav1m: !\It
C.moe S e cer
Cunlccu -.. ~pin.: Roll
Cloak Ta
Com pas' Tape Recorder
Computer Dlskt•ttc.., Telephone. cellular
Cook1n~ Gear Telescope
Cro\,l>df Tent
C~l>crndit· lmµlant Torch
Dt'tonator Trackinf.! Oev1n•
Dice \\atdt
Fake ID Wire Cuttl'rs
Fit-Id Radio \\Ire Tap
f15hlni.t Gt'ar Utensils
Flashli!o(ht \ehidl' Un·nst•
Flint and ~h:cl Vid<'<> Hl.'C'Mcil'r
Frt·t>7f:'-<1rw<I rood
Gas \.lask
Glon s
Glut•
Gm:).:IC!->
Gr:ippllng Hook
Gun rm,der
Handcuff,
Hanj.! Cihdcr
Hat
Hea\'\ Boob
ltobtcr
Infrared f:og~lc-.
It•\ s JI Ink
lro 1 l\•'i. and Piton
L ! ll'f'1
Laptop Computer
Lt•,11lwr ~atd1cl
l.1lt• Jackt•I
Li!-!hlt'r
Lockpickini.: Tools (•ID to
/oc/(f>tl'ktfl~ rolls)
Maps
Marble~
\1a1dws
\1t•ch.ink\ Toolkit
\1ctllcal Kit (·ID to fwafm~
skill rolls)
:'\h:ht-vis1on Goggle!'>
Paper
Parc1chute
Passport
Pen
Pencil
Pia' m~ Card~
l'ortabte Chen11,tr~ K 1
Pom.h
Quiver
Radar Detector
Radio
Radio Jammer
Raft
 .:tgency ma} offer 1•etn!; required for the suc(·ess ol
1he advcnturt'. If the characters are supposed w bu!l
1\i.:ain. depending on your game world. you ma:. wish a hotl'I room \\here two enem} agents will meet for
to include vehicles of various types. from carts and example. they'll need l'lectronic listening de\'ices Jn
wagons to luxury liners and spacecraft Refer to the these cases. you should provide the necessary c·quip-
\'ehicle CQmbat section of Chapter Eight. ·combat: m•·nt to the char;1ctcrs rm loan. At the end of the ad-
for more information on creating statistics for vc.._ w•nture. the cha.tatters should turn 111 "'hatevt>r
hi cl cs thc:."v., borrm"ed (except those items that were ei-
ther used up or ldt purposely oi course).
~lake !iUrl' to gi\.·e the characters opportumties to
DISJ>ENSING EQUIP}JENT purchase c..'qu1p111ent cn:rv once in a while. Thev'll
As chara(·ters proceed through an adventure (see oftt·n nt•t•cl to stod up on s~pplies. replenishing what-
Chapter ::,Cven. -Adventures-). you might want to pro- l'ver they've used <luring their adventures ~mnetimes
vide them with additional gear that will help tht'm you mi~ht v.ant to limit tht' ch;iracters' ability to pro-
during subst>quent scenes. Items that provide heal- cure 1tc•ms as an anded complication to a scenario.
ing often work best. but weapons (especially those For example. their plane might have gone down m
of a magical nature-if appropriate) and special dt'- the middle of a jungle. and the characters have onlv
vices (horning beacons. for example) give the play- enough supplies tC> last a few days. If they clon ·1 mak~
ers another -toy- to play with. You could even sprinkle 11 to c1vi117alwn in time people may star1 dying.
an entire scenario with seemingly useless items that The amount of equipment the characters have ac-
together can allow the player characters to solv~ the ces~ lo 'ant's with the game world and the le>cati<>ns
adventure's main conOict. \\ 1thm that sdtmg Use this as(X!ct of rhe game to
In many situations especial!~ when the characters ht'lp set the ton(• of thl' milieu.
undertake a mission for some fom1 of aurhority, the
Many i.:urnc world:. 111duch.· rm1i.:ic, p:;ionics. mysti- SOUllCE 01~ HAGIC
cism or otlwr "upnnat ural po.,. l'r-. This chapter
\\'hen you desi~n your magic systC'm. you must also
g1vPs ~·011 ii bask ll\'t•r\'ll'\\ of such syStt•ms and pro·
think about the tlwe>r) bt't11nd lls ust'. for example.
\'ides illl example of l'ill'h t l1.1t vou can incorporate
you t.:dll ckddc not to \H>rrv about th1:ory and just
into your ~amc right n\1.,1\
c·
says it work.' 1he mls.iht) w11ard Rotha1 appears
out of nm,here. fe,1tallng 111 mid-air. With a wave of
llAGIC SYSTE)IS his hand he turns )OU all Into wart ho~s: -Hev. hO\,··d
he do that'• •\1a~1c :'\ow d o you still w.int to go into
\1il~K µla),, • 1d r• mnm fantas) settings. In the tavern?·) Or you could h.i..,t>ad1mt·11s1on of pure
-.omc. magic l><!n•adt>' the '' orld. '' hile m others it µ<mer that sp ·llca,tcr . . can tap into t•> u1st their
lies hlddt>n 111 m1l.l•nnt.1·old rullL'.. lost to all but a fe'' spelb. Or you could sa'' that all thini.:,.. in the universe
redus1vc "1z:ml and '' itches. But don' t rule out have an 11111c'1t<' 1x1wer \\hit h 't>ellust>.n can drain awar
other ~enrc.': ) ou could create a ne'' atmosphere in to pow er their mcantations, lc<Wllll.! the source of the
an old setting by tncluchnf! ma,::1c. For example. the po\\'er m1ure<I or dead Or perhaps all s~ s rely on
\\..lid\\ ·st , 'c1cntc f1~t1011. c.:-µ1onn;t· etc. complex m.1thematkal cc1uc1ttons that \\hen com-
Tlll' extt•nt to "hlC'h vou ":int mag:c to be used in bined \\Ith n·rtmll cump<ml·nts causes th~ reorgani-
your !?atne "orl<I w 111 dt•tcrmm • ''hat type of magic <:ation of quarks Ill a g1v1·n .irca, thereby producing
svstl'm You create 'lou can r1•stm.t the use of magic the des1r1•cl elf1·rt
tn Sl'\t•ral \~<t)s' ~
• Limit your plavcr characters' exposure to GJ.\HE HECDJ.\NICS
spell boob and t•x1>t·m·nn'<I wi1ards so that they can- The ~ame mcl·hani<'s of a m,1gK sy~tem determine
not lcarn spl'lls 1·a:.lly how sp<'lls arl' ll•arnl'CI c·ast. cl1spt•lled. and otherwise
• lncorporatt till' 11s1• of spt>ll components, fo rcing manipulakd. You l'1111 trc,1t spells as skills lhat fall
diarac:tl'rs to constantly rt•stoc:k since the compo- under the M<1gll .1ttrlbutc or <1s s1wclc1l µo wers that
nents arc dl'stmyt•<I wlwn c<1sting an incantation. In do nut re<juir<• anv roll whatsoever. Of course. you
aclcl1t1on, if you makt• thc mon· 1h>wcrful spells requm.• can <ilwav~ dcvl'lnp your own syslt'lll as well
expensive or cxtrcmt:lv r.irc cmnponl'nls. characters l . F..ARNING SPELL.,
will haw to rel:. on tht• lcss powerful spells.
Acqulnn~ .ind l1•;u111ni: 11want<1lions usually occupies
• H:l\c s1wlls clra111 hf... force ("'ounck bod) points a ma1onty of a spcllcastt•r's time. Dcµenc.Jing on the
Ch.1ral·ter Polnl"i or Fatt> Pomts) from the caster amount of 111ag1c ust• you '"ant for a par11cular game
• Allo" other ch.'lract••b to scn"t.> the use of m~ic. world. you must dccldl! till' dtfftculty of locating and
The more !)O\\t'rf11l thl' .... pell b<!in~ ca.,t. the more~ comprehcndmg spells
tlv at can be -.ensed and )o(.·ated. The '1mpl -;t mdhod, and the one most likely to
cause your pla)oet char<H ters to ~et too po"erful too
• Ha\t' the £0\lt•rnm ·nts Ill your same \\Orld outJay;
quickly 1s to .illo" spellcas1ers to lm:oke any Incan-
the u-.e of magic
tation the~ ha\ c '!.'en U'L"<l b~ • not her spellcaster.
• Give mngw a ranclom f'lement that makes it unreli- One"'" to defeat the net:ntl\"C aspect of t ·ii<; system
ahlc is to make all w 11ards encountered bv the characters
• Require kno.,. lt>d!W ol ct'rtain lm•-(lO\,·er ~pells for CA1rt>ntl'I\ proficient • •rnd t lwreforc. dani:.~rous. If a
ca-;1111~ high-power spt•lb character ''ants to lt•arn a nc'' spell. he'll haYe to
face this deadly ,-.11<ml in battle.
 Another method centers around the recordm~ of against the difficulty. Fa1lurt• means that either I) the
incantations on a gt\'en medium. ~lost olten. incanta- spell d1dn t work and thccru.tcr I :>st 1t from hss memory.
tions arc ~·rlttcn into spellbooks or on loose parch- :?) the spell didn t work jnd the caster retains it in his
ment pa~r. bul ,i.ou n>uld encode the formula for a memor). 3) the spell didn't work but some other effect
' :;pell on stone. 1n a com1>utcr. in a spell~em (see -Ar- occurred. or 4) the ,pc.JI\\ orke<I and another effect oc-
tifacts· bl'lm•). or ar\" ere else that makes sense curred ~ well note· if not us.nl! the "From \1emon·-
for vour ~ame \\ orlc: ..., ,. ls mav be\\ nnen ma stan- option. 11;nore the question of \\hether or not a spell
dard lan~ua~e or In t ton..,ue spedall,i. created to ca(r remains m the ca,ter's memory).
lure the \Ocal nuances nc<.cssary for spellcast ng. I he dtlhcult y may also be hsted as an opposed roll
Once a character linds the\\ r nen Corm ol a spel . ratht:r than a numerical ,,;aluc. For c..\ample. a spell
he ha::. to learn hm• to ca:.t 1t. This can happen auto- with a dilf1culty of "Ta~t?t\. \\11lpo~er" would require
maticall)' or could n.•qu1rt• a \1a.-:1c attribute roll the tar~et of the incantation to make a \\111power roll.
against the clifhcultv of castin~ the spell (see -spell wtuch bt.>cOml'' thl' dlff1cultv for the successful cast-
Attribute-.· below). II tlie charaltcr heat!> the speJrs ing of the :;p; II ·
d.Hf1cult\. he m.1v cast it from tht·n on If he fails. how- Spee d: The sp1•t·d value only comes into play if you
ever. he may try a~;un. l>ut each successive anempt are usin~ the !°'lpl'l'd combat option (see Chapter
lncrc<.1ses tht· d11fh.:ultv bv :3. Eight). It rcprt'st.'nts t ht• length of tune 11 takes to cast
a spl'll. ranging frCJlll 11 lew 'e~:cmdi. to days or months.
HE)IOIUZIN6 SPEIJ...4' tr the Yilluc appt•ors without J time measurement
Thcrt~ arc thrcl' m.iln ~ays to ca::.t spells: (e.g .. 1 in..;tead of 1 st>conci~) It ln<lil'<ites that the spell
I. On the Fly: Till' chara('tl•r may cast any spell (that can he cast w11h1n :1 st•conds (onr combat round)
he has previous!\ learm·ct) at any tune. as manv times The caster thl·n trl•at-. thl· spl'll's SJ)<:l'd value just like
as he wants. "'lthout hmilation. the siwed value of a "'capon. adding 11 to hts Reflexes
2 rrom ~kmory: The char.1cter can memorize a roll for m1tlat1\ c. Hlght.>r v.1luc~ repn:i.ent the need
gi\:en number of s1wlls up lo .1 maximum number de- ior lon!'(er pcr11xls of time. so.1 spell witl" <J speed of 5
termined b~ hb ~ta~k attribute (one spell per pip: a 1ak ·~ lc's time l<• ca't thc1n a "Pell"' 1t <:pt>e:d of-2
tharacter "ith a !'.1a~t( attributt.' of 30-:! could have
a total of 11 spells rr.cmurued at one ume (each die Range: The ran~c ~" e' the ITTilxlmurr distance from
ast~r that the spell can reach For example. an
s equal to :i pip:-. so 3 :\ 3 9. • 2 pips: 11)) and ma,i.
ca:-t tho -. "hen he choo,.,es. incantation \\ith a range of lO meter' could not di-
Under th .. s~ ..tern a charact<'r mu"t spc:'nd a half rect!\ affect a character standmi;: I:? meters a" av from
hour to mscrit>e the ma!!tcal formula of a spell into the spellcas1er Th wizard can targN a spell an~"'·here
his memon. To memorue 11 spell-. \\Ould therefore \\!thin the de-.1gnatect rani.:e
take h\'C and a half hours \\'hencYer a -memory sloC Area o f Effect: This \'alue deterrr ..; he total area
opens. 1.e.. the t'haractcr ca:.b a spell. he can then that a spell can a 11ect. 1 reat the nur 1er t;t\en as the
memori.fc <1notlwr :.pdl in that ~10: radiu-. of a <.'1rdc ccntt.>red 011 thl' point the caster tar-
Onn· a character has l'a-.t :ispell. he cannot cast it geted ('' h1dl 1s hm1ted by the spell'" r.1nge). Anything
again until he tak1•s tlw time to re-memorize it. One withm that c1rl'a ht!romt•' alft't tt'cl by the spell An
wav to avrnd this hm1t is to ml morize a given spell area of efll'('t of fi\'l' llll'tl'rs, tlwrdort'. \\Ould affect
multiple t111ws If ;1 d1aracter ust·... 1hr1.>e memory slots anythtn!ol within fiw meters of the targt•t point.
(spending an hour and t htrty 111111utes studying) for Some incantations do not affect an overall area. but
the same sp<.'11. Ill' ( ,111 c.1st tlMt spdl three times be- rather a numbt.'r or t.ir~t't!> within the spell's range. A
fore he net·ds to llll'lllorln· 11 .1f.(ain spelk;1stcr <'illl Choosc .t numlwr of targets up to the
3 Throu~h Objt•c·t., !\notlwr method for desi):lnatcd vallw. For t•x,1111plP. <1 "'IWll with an area of
sp<.>lkastin~ rl'l1l'S on rnn<:rete objects like scrolls. dfert of thrt•c t•haractNs can tar~cl one. two. or three
wands. potions. ancl tht• likt• for releasing magical characters within tht• spell's ran~c .
ener~il's Ch.ir.it:tt•rs haw no inht'rent aptitude for
Duration: ,\ spell'.; ctur.1tion indicat<'S the length of
or control over magi<· (I.e •• thl' Magic attribute and
time the incnntat1on last' for example. ii a wizard
i.pell ...kills an• not lN'd). The\ m 1st instead spend
usi>s he paraf\·:e spell (duration of 10 minutes) to
hmt: lo<.·atmg sudl objt•<.·ts 11 the~ \\ 'h to have any im.apac1tate h1~ \ tctlm. the paral~ za11on effect wears
magic at their disposal This met'tod ~1ves the G:\t oH ten mmutcs after he c .....t the ... pell.
complete ('ontrol m·cr all ma rjc used in the game. He
can lmlll powcr:Cul ma\;1cs. instead ':!t\10!! the player Optional \'alues Include
charactt:rs ~cak or temporarv uerr~" (a \•and that has Components: \.-.mentioned alx.i\e. )OU can create a
on ,i. thn.'t! <hargt'.s left before at-. mal.!IC 1:. depleted). ma!!tC s~:-tcm that rL'qUtre the use ot spell compo-
SPELL .\TTIUBL"TES nents I.Isl here the "[.>e<lflt• t~ pc.' and amount:. (if
applicable) of 1.:ach component. Ex<tmples include. a
.\n meant au on h~s 'e' era! valut-s that !:!O\ ern its w,e keY'"'Jrd or phra...t• ;i ph\s1cal movement or a ges-
The most common (and :he one' U.'>Cd for th.. sample ture. a certain amount of an element. or part of a dead
mu.,<. s\sh n in thl' chapter) an creature. and ... o forth
DifficuJtv: This valUl'. u.,e<J on \' \\ t spdb arc treated Life Drain: TI11~ cntr\' hsts the amount <>1 wounds.
a:; sk. lls ih.d l.111 undt•r the :\1aq1<.· attr· Dute represent.<; bod~ points. Charal'tcr Pomts, f-"atc Pomts or a com-
the ddllcultv of nP<lltn'.i( the t.'lfet·t When a character bination that is draml•d from the spl'lkaster "hen he
v.;anb to <.'•L~t t1 :.p 11. lhl plan•r must make a skill roll rel east>~ t hl' 1nt•antat ion.
~1aRical Pulse: This dual value represents the <lit 1 omllat rounc1-, ors multaneous combat opuons see
cu I\ for a1 other character in the designated rangt- Chapter Eii:ht ·comb:n·)) you may wish to us t
to se:use the use of magic. The sensmg character must fo lowmg 01>11011 a character who suffer; damage
make a :\la!-:1c at tribute roll against thi: di1ncu1ty: -,uc- \\.hllc ca... tlng a .. pell automaucall~ loses that spell
ccss means he notices the casting of the spell and For cxnmple. a character Cdsling a spdl \\ ith a 'pct:d
tlw general c11n.•<.-t1on of the caster. For example. a of one minute \\Ould lose the mcantation ii he too"
mllJ,!ic<tl pulse of -10 50 mt!ters· rr.eans that an~on~ dmnag •;it nil) time• durmg that mmute
\' athm 50 meters who beats a dHficultv of 10 on a The he incantations that require less than one round
\ta~1c roll not1n~ tic. release of the spe·n (h\ e st•tnncls to cast \\Ork a little clifferenll~ .\char-
<Ktcr rolls ht:. l<eflexcs dice to determine \\.hen he
~IAGIC OPTIO~: SHAPIXG SPEU.S OX ,1{ h dunn~ the cumb..it round. TI1e n~sulting total rep-
'fllE FL\' r~sl•nt .. l lie tune.• tht· d1aractcr bcgms to ca.~t his spdl

You 1·.i11 tn·,lt m<.1Hktl.1 ::.pells as static erfects, I.e .. .tll l'ht• s1w1•d of tilt• "P"ll (which can be a negativ~ num-
"P<'lls .1lwavs work l!Xactly the same way no matlt'r ber) Is lht•n .ulclt>d to the total to i:ive a ne"' value. If
the clrcumstanct:'S surrounding the casting Or you the ch.ar<Klt•r suffers damdS.:t' at any point beh,een
wuld allow t·haracters to manipulate incantations on the first valu1• (tilt• l<l'flexes total) and the second
thC' Cly V<Jllll' (tlw Kt>fh•Xl'S lot<SI plus the Spt'll"S speed). Lh('
Tlw mt·rhanlc:; for this technique a.re not as com· <.'\lst<•r losl'S llw spdl
1>lir,1ll'd tis llwy ml~ht seem Essentially. the difficulty &:amp/(•: IH1/1er tht II 1~ard has engaged a
of cast in!-{ a sp\'11 increases depending on th<' amount ~mup <11 haruht' 111 huttle On tlm combat mund.
of altt'ration from ii!> standard version See tlw l;\pt'll Hult. 1 plun' to dt•\lrr>y the ruffian\ urth a fire·
~hapin!,? Ta bit• f>tolow IH1ll {1r/11< h Ila' " 'f><'ecl <Jf ...,._.:;) The player run·
lllllR liulti>r tnClke., 11 Reflt•xe~ roll tu determine
SPELL SHAPING TABLE u;he11 Jn, d1uructer !!l'ls to take an act10n He
pell Attribute Difficulty Increase W'Tll'rato a Ji 'nit lxmdus fas a ~up) mil u
lulu/ of JI \mi" Halter ~eneruted tlie l11!(ht•r
&>• ,.cf ct 1r st' -1 per time-unit
u1lu he :!-.'<.>e' ftrst JA 'l<J.rt..< cat>llfl!! at 15 and
R r~c('ham:e • J per distance-unit u•1/I Ltmlmut• to ra't unlll //me> ualue \t>t'f'n ( 15
Area ol Effect -1 per radius-umt or ( Ua/tPr ~ Reflt'~·e, roll)- '(the firehoft:.;. .;.peed)
number-of-target:. () f."ut n character u.flo m<n tuke un actMn
change dunn:,: that time penrxl (uh1ch m this case df)e.'
l>uratmn chcm~e · I per time·umt mcluclt• tilt bar1d1t.' u I/CJ rollet! ar1 11) l1u., u
cllam·e to mfl1c1 Jamcn.,'(! un Hafter and 1hercb\
A unit rclcrs to the measure used lor that part1cu·
C<lll"' lum to Jn"' hi'> firehol/
l<1r spell. For t!.\dmple. an incantation,., ith a ran~e o!
12 f,•et could be extended or contracted at the rate of
I pt•r foot To limit the range to nine feet . tht'n, would DOW HA~T\' Sl)ELIS DO
lnt:rt'ilSl' tht• d1ffkulty bv three. A spell with a ran~t·
of t•ight .wrds could be extended or contracted at the BEGINNING CHARACTERS
rate of • I per vard. To increase its range from ci~ht GET?
yarcb to 12 yMds, then, would raise the difficult)' hy
four. The number of spells (or other powers ) that
Spt•cial consideratrons: diaractcr:; receive during character creation
dcpt'nds on I h<• game world. The recommended
Speed: Thi:' lame required to cast can be redutl'd numl><>r 1s four. In a world with little magic. how-
or N.:p;indf'd by the time unit given. If the speed' :iluc· ever. charo(. tcrs may slait with only om:: spell
is a numbcrwath no lime measurement qualifier. then or even with none at all Or in a world over-
the difficulty an creases at a rate of ~ l per one step flowmit with magi<' characters may start with
frorn the dc'a~nated ,•aJuc a speed of nine. therefore. cii.:ht or t!\'en ten :;pells.
('OU Id be reduced to a speed of se\"en ''1th a d1fhculty
1ncn.:a!'>l' of I "-O.
\rea of UfKt: Increasing or decreasm~ the num- ARTIFAC'fS
ber of ta~cts of the ~pell 'fur those spells that i:ivc Mam fant.1s\' ad\'entures- uo,els mm·ie... and
the .1rea of effcl't J.s .i number of targerts) rm:>c:> the rolc1}ta\lnt.: garnc...-rc\'o \'e around the que.st I >r a
difhrult:. at 1h1• ral'° of -1 per additional target s."ICn..'<i or ma~1\ al tn:. ::.ure ::;uch de• ic~ can co111t•
in a .. ariet) <>I form,,,, from \•andi; and potion;; tc "'' ..
DISllUPTIXG SPEllCASTI~G chanted blades and crvstal balls. The magic of tht>s"
'ou mav <: hoose to disallow the disruption 01 spells item" U!>uallv I.alb mto one of the follm,;ng catego-
while tht•\ .m.• beint.: cast. \\:henever a character at- ric..<;
tempts tc) c.tst a sp~ll. he may do so'' ithoul Mi ·ry-
SPEU, SDIUL:.\.TIO~
ln~ about another char acter preventing bim from sue:·
cccdmg. '-mm: artil,1t'h sunply duplicate the effects of a spell.
II vou would like to add an extra level of complex using till' s;1m1• \'ilhH's dt•s1gnated by the incantation'-;
ity to vour U<1me (and assuming you select either the t•ntr;. \\ith m.a~ic;al items howe\'er. a roll against the
"i>t-ffs d1llicult) 1s nut n:qmrcd. t t t ku occurs at 1.hao.. ~tre.sm. creating a conduit throu~h which pure
the w1l'lder's command ("' l11ch rrM~ require a com- chaos l'nerx.\ flows into thl' caster's body. If the "chaos
e
mand \\Orel Abra cadahra · ) or gi'..;ture (rubbing thP hindpr" lost•, nmlrol of her "Pt'll \\hilt• l·ashng. she
l;irnp)) unleashes chaos energy directly into her environment
with unkmmn results.
ENOAi" CED POWEil on 1•noWESS
Other artifacts scrvt! to lnl wc1sc till' power of a char- GAME MECHANICS
arter in some 'Aay. Sometimt'> tht item alfccts tht. Thi~ 111.ig1c :.vstern uses thefollo\\ in~ spdl all ributes:
c haractcr himsdf. cor\\'eymg a ·II> lo "-1 rength. for ch!ficu I~ "l>'-'<'<l. range. area of effect . and duration.
exampll•. An 1km could. on the other hand. have an Chara< lers h<1ve the ability to ah er their spells on the
inherent 1xmer that st•ls it apart Iron otr r 1k s of r y (acn •rdu .... 0 the spdl shapin!! rull's given above).
a similar or'll c::.g. a S\\Ord that (·auses addll•unal
cl.imagt• d1spcb e11ch<1nt111c11ts. or \!IVl's the'' 1t:lder CASTING CHAOS BINDINGS
a • 20 in s S\\ <>rd s" I Ch<J.r<Hlc.r~ c n t.ast an unlimited numoer of :;pell:>
1~r cl av. but the difficult) to ca.-;t any sf>dl ts increased
Ul\IOIJE El~FECT hy .. \i.1lue cou.-il to •he numher of s1><'lls thr· \\11ard
You ca 1 ,1bo create arttrac ., t 1at ,1\·e unique effects has (.tst th 11 dav so far (nott' that this onlv counts
For ex<1mple. d spellgem ta h.1nd-s111:'d p1C'ce of crys- Spells that Wl're SUCCesS[ully Cast: any failed attempts
till 1mbul·d with magic) could stem• mcantations from are not mduc1ed) Only a full eight hours or sll'<'p can
v.h1rh spt'llcasters can le;irn """ :-.pl'lls Or an onyx remow tht.• ;.u.Jclec1 diI!icutty. For e\dlllple. a ('harac-
orb could opcn a gate into .111ot ht·r di111t·nsion You tcr ""ho h.is u.lrcaclv cast live spells on a ~1vcn day
c:rn crcato:> any kind o! magical de\ ice that fits \\lthin \•ould havl.! a .5 ~nalty lo the d fie ty of the next
vc111r ganw world. St>l'll ht.• al 1t·mptl'<I to cast. This slm~ difficulty m-
crca.;;e represent!'> the ~rowin:., at s · spellcasters
CDAUGED ITE)IS cxpcrlenre \\hen the) allo\\ cl1aos cner~:i. to no\\
>r ie artifacts might han:: ,1 linutc<l number ol uses throui:h their bodies
11. ion: their mal!ic 1:-. C..'\~llclc<I . )nu ha"c the 001100 In g;im1: terms .,., 'lenen~r a ch.iractcr fa1t.. the d11f1-
o! :ill< .,.,in~ thc:;e il<.'n1s to h 'l·ume forever useh.:ss or cult) roll to r:1st a s~ll. the G~1 must roll 20 and con-
to l'W n·char!,?f'd by .1 -;penfit•d procNhm._ Pc>rhaps s11H I ht• l nll't1stwcl Chaos Tahh•
caslint.: a spell snto tht• dev1re might rej 1venate it. Or
tht: chilrncter may have to dip tlw <trtilatl into the UNl..EASDED (~DAOS TAUi.i!
magin1l lake of Na! Durra on tht' f;ir -.id<.' o! the <:onti-
rw1 t Tilt restorat1011 for t'tlt' h Item could be chffer- Ro ll Errm
u11-.... h1(h could mak..: !or .in unhmit1:d :rnpply of 2 A r.rndom spell rncmor11ed by the
potential advt'nture" for ti•· ,, ~~er characters. <>p<:'llcaster goes off rather th. n the mtendt.:d
spell
PER)IA~E~'f ITEMS :l A r.mdom spe I occurs (not limited to the
\\any artifacts ha\·e un m It magical ener~· .. CJ "ill eastcr's urrently memorized incantations
llC\Cr lo.sl· thc1r ab1ltt1t·s °"U< ll cncllantmt>nts should
4 ,\ random spell or ench;mtecl item n•ases to
Ix· r<trt· In worlds v.hcre 111.u.:1c i-. M.tne. otherlhise fund or for 2C mnutes
\\ h<>C\<'r holds suer a c evi<'c could t ...:;t " .iuse your
g.111w to become unhalann·d Orw .,1cJe h,1s a cltst1nct :> Tht.• castl'r vamshcs and reappears SD reet
aclvanta~e that prevents them frnn lo.sing m almost
1n any d1rcct1on from his current location
anv s11u.uion 6 All spt!lkc1sters ma 50-foot rachus centered
ile c.ircful when handing out pt·rmaiwnt artifacts. on the caster automatlcally gain a ·30 bo-
'I he mort• you give to th~ players, the ltarder you'll nu~ toan'I' ca.st i\ny spell for the next ID min-
fn1d t to create advt·ntur<''> that drnllcng.:> them. ut~.,

7 \ti ma~1<.· in 50-foot radius. c.~enter<-d on the

StUJl•LE ~L\GIC S\'S'J'E)f castcr.~~C*S dead for In minutes
SOtllC'E 01~ ll,\GIC s fhc spdi effect occur:; ID nunutes after the
complelton of :he inca111at1on
Maw<.·al ener~ coml·s trom randomly 1110\ingle~ Imes
~I \ !late to another dimension suddenly ap-
(l·,1llt:'d l'11aos stream~) in lhc earth \\ twn a \\1zanl
pears \\itt n (IO x 10 feet of the spelkaster
attempts IQ CdSt a spt I. he taps Into the n1; uest rhaus
:.tn•11111 .111d draws out th~ 1>owc:r rt•qu1rt·d to create JO \ cl1rPCt chaotic backlash oc<·1irs inflicting
the de:;tr\.·d effect. Since the lcv line., constantly move. II> damal.!e on lhe caster
ho\\ewr. the \\i7ard nc\er knows \\hdher he\\ill be 11 \ltrr lht· <·aster unleashes her spt'll. she be-
able to n>ntrol the power lw rt•lt•asc•s which some- t'mnes mesmerized l>v a random creature in
times results in random ma1(il'al effects. ht r me if sight for ID minult's
\\hen a character w1she!> to bmct a spt'll. she must
12 Tlw enchantment produces the opposite of
'l.tsu.iltte the d!ect 111 her 1111m.J '" u111(·entrating on
llw 111tended. effect (as determin~ b:i. 1 e
the pattern ol chao::. ener~· that ddmc_,, the incanta-
G:'\1)
t on \ gt•.,tur<• or phr:1se ( or hoth) tap.., mto a nearby
 spell Usl'r n \ t" pt.ire the energy created b)' the lt·m-
porary flux in the chaos .;tream. Pie spellcaster ma~
C.\ST CD.\OS thC'fl reca.. t the enchantment that caused the back-
Diffic ult): -.;~l J ldsh t.'\ e n If he chd not orn:lnall) cast 1t
J>('<.'d: ....
Range: "P DRU~
.\rea or Effect: pee 1al Dlrticulh ~ Js
Duration: "i"'''- a. ~peed : -i
1 he castu <..dn unleash pure chaotic ene~ an at Rangt.>: Touch
tempt to '>lmulate a spe . The mcantattoa -.~ ast at a .\rt.>a of ffkct: -
difficulty of 10 plus the simulated spc s cl ff1cult\, Duration: 1'Ulnt
and automat1call:. tnggers a chaotic backlash ( the (,\1 Tht: l ' t.-r may .. 1e.1I a Character Point from her tar-
rolls on the Lnh~ashed Chaos Table). If thec;1stt•r fail-, i:ct uncl ust• the pm,er to temporarily in<:reas"' her
tht• difficulty roll. the G:\1 rolls a second time on the ability to cast I.er nt xi spell (recei'ving a 20 bonus to
L nleashtd Chaos Table. The simulated spell ts m~atecl ht·r spell skill roll ,1g;11nsl 1ls difficulty). Note that the
just as 1r It had been cast normally (using its spct'cl. bonus appllt!~ only to the next spell cast by the spdl
ran ge. art.•tt uf efrcl"I, and duration) user. Tht• v1ttun ol the in<:anlalion feels a dull pain In
his l'IWl->I when the Character Point is sucked awa). If
CHAOS UURS1' tlw t<1r1,_w t lrns no Chilra<·ter Points he still feels the
Difficulty: 15 il<'ht.', but till' l'JS!t•r does not gain any benefit.
peed: _:1
Range: m m~ters n ..lSll
Area or Effect: One character Difficult): J
Duration: Instant '-.p('{•d : I
\t tht r st ng of this spell, three bolts of S\~ irhng t•n Range. I met£'r
t'rg) erupt lrom the caster's fingertips and strl"a:.. to- \rea of Eff«t: IO meters
"ard one tar~et The spell user must rr;ake an aaack Duration: Jn,tant
roll for each bolt. but 1t Is treated as .. sin~le a<:t1on. Tnts qukk enchanment ereat~ a painfLI burst of ht:ht
Each bolt causes 40 dama;:e. The raster • e1 r 1lls that af'ects all creature~ \\ 1ttun the spelrs area of ef-
once on the Unh.•a..,hed Chao:. Table. re:,ardlc"s , 1is fect Tho~e aflL"Cted (I e•. looking n the d1rrt>tion of
.,ucct'"" In hutin~ h1" targe:>l. the light) go blind for 10 seconds ( Ulereb~ suffering a
-:m penalt:. to all action.; dunng that time: see Chap-
ter Ei~ht , ·combat: ror more intormaaon on blmd-
nes<> penalties).

DESITATE
Oirticulty: 5
peed :-i
Range: 1ouc.:h
CUAOS 1'' EH Area of Effect: Onl' l'harac.:ter
Difficulty: 17 Duration: Instant
Speed:-4 Throu!-(h tlm lnc.:antatlon. the caster injects a tiny
Range: 20 meters amount of chaos t•1wrgy into to his victim's body, cau:r
Ar<'a of Effect: 5 meters mg the tar~t•t's musclPs t o spasm momentarily. ,\s a
Duration: 10 minutes n•sult, thl' tar~t:t !;Uffers a -5 penalty on his n~xt Re-
This chao~ binding creates hundreds of strands of fll'xes roll for 1111 ti alive
chaotic fiber that interweave themselves into a web
of magical energy. The spell user must anchor the \,·eb XETUEllDABT
bet" cen at least t\\-O objects. Anyone touchm~ tht Difficulh·: :!O
WCb Wllh bare rJesh automatically takes 30 daffia!:t peed:-6
(once J>er rontact) and causes a chaotic backlash (roll Range: 20 meters
once on the Unleashed Chaos Table). An~ attack 1n Area of Effec-t: ;:.pedal
the '\\t.>b results in an additional chaotic bad• .is Duration: 20 se<"onds
\\hen the 'Pl.'11 end:o. the libers quickly break do'' Upon the ca.stln~ 01 l s spell. 11,·e dark motes of en-
and fade a\\ ay. their mnate chaos expungt'd. :\ote that c~· coalc.o;lc In the \....!>t~r:. hand. The chaos binder
the caster i:. not immune to the eHects of the \\eb. may hurl th~ deadly ma~1c one mote at a time sp<-ed
of· I) al the 'ame or .s~parate targets (each atrack 1<:
CO;\'T.U~ CD.\OS trc,ued a.s a scparCJle act on). The c.:aster may choose
DifficuJtv: 20 to throv. them all at once (incurring the applicable
P«<f: .5 mult1-iKth111 penalues) or one at a time. A successful
Range: -10 meters allCJd.. cilusc.s :.min the \.ict1rn as the black mote bur-
Area of Effect: - row;; mto the ta rfo.let's body Once within. the dark
Duration: Instant cner~y beRms to suck away the victim's "';11 (subtr act
If t·ast withan 10 seccmcls alter a chaotic backlash. the ont> pip of a mental attribute and one pip of Endur-
 ance for ever) 10 sc<:ond:> the spell remains in effect: as another spdka:.ter unlt·ashcs an incantation). or
the lost 1>ip<> rt'turn at the samt.> rate they were lost may t-radlcate a spell th;'lt t.:is already been cast_

PROPEi. ZED'ORIC'S DEFEXSE

' DifficuJty: 10 Difficulty: 12
peed: I m nute peed: 5 minute..'
Range: :?5 l'tl'r' Range:-
Area or Effect: One object Area o f Elfed: The cash:r
Duration: Ill minutes Duration : hour"
Tr"" -.1>t'll builds up a wa\.e >I chaotic energy ..,.·hich Lsin1; th1 ... mcantatton. tht' c;.Lstcr wea,·es chaos en-
the castl'r feels .ts an invisible, pulsing force close ery..'Y tnto hls bod~ . The chaos held absorbs any physi-
by At the rompldton of th<.' incantation. the chaos cal damage inflicted upon the <.·haracter (including
binch:r l<>n1111d11<b tilt.• \.\a\t' to push objt'cts or crea- magical attack:. that phy~1cally harm the ta~et). giv-
tures in am chrcct1on The wave of force can manipu- ing a bonu~ of ID to an Endurance or mental attr ibute
latl' a tarR<•t nf nu IPss than I kilogram and no more roll to rcs1c:t dama!-!t'.
than I OU k1lo!,!rams at a movement rate of up to I 0
(twin• as fai-1 as a walkin~ human). While directing
the waw. thl' rnsti.>r may not undertake other activi- 1•syf;111c 1,01\TEit
ties. but must <.'01H·cn1ra1e on the energy to keep it
from cllsp(•rsing. SYS'I1E11S
P:.vchil.: , or p...ioriil. pow1:r:. ~hart' many similarities
SENSE IUSIDliAL HAGIC with magic l'ht• main clifkrcncc lies in the source of
Diffkulh·: IO powt>r that <'rt>.1!P!'. !ht> dft•rts \1ag1r. often relies on
peed: :;; rmnutcs outside elcment!'.-anotht·r d1mt•nsion. tht' combina-
Range: - t on of 'anous compont' ts drtifacts- whereas
Area of Effect; I k1lo1m'ter ps1c 1c,; lunges on the po\\t'T I the mind.
Durati o n: :~ ho 1rs
Magi<' lt'il\'e-. tellta t s1!-!r " of 11-. u.;e in the fonn of
sh1mmcnn~ p.1ths of rt•s dual chaos imisible to the
naked eye. \\ 1th this spell. the user attunes her sight
to the rani.:c ol ch.iu ... \\ave..... enablmgher to see these
strln~" paths .111d follm• thl'm to lht! r source. The
ca.-;tcr m:t) tr:ul n particular fl'llh up ti the spell':;
art>a of cffl>t t at '''hich point 11 irradually fades. If the
on~inal caster has ltft the area. the trail ends m mid-
air. The 5pellcastcr may then cast ~ense residua( magic
a~ain and pll' k up the trail where tt left off. following
up tht• limh of lb c1n·a. ,ind so on.

SDROt'D
DUficulty: 5
pe~d: 5 11 OUlt.'S
Range:-
·\rea of Effect: I he castN
Duratio n: l it< 1rs
\\ he tt s •nchantmcnt 1.., c.ist. a S'l\irling. blotchy.
gray-and-bL'ld: film cnca"e" the <;pellcaster's body.
cont •1e1r''' conceal n~ her f<'atures.

" '.UlP ~UGI C

Dlmcull) : 15
pe-ed:
Range: :; m(•tcr~
Area of Effect: One spell
Durdtion: Instant
The caster may prl'\'Cnt a spdl from occurring Gust "'•
 But a fC\\ { 'c t n of these te.st.s mana!!ed to ccm-
trol their po\>.cr' and e:-.capc the no•1ce 01 the tl'ams
Psychic J.Xl\H·rs St" lllilll~ or the !'ame :;d:l rules i i ' sent to hunt them do.,.n. s the\ tum 11110 adulb. lhcv
ma~1cal spclll' Rat her than the .\ tagic attn butt>. ho"-
r;:aln complete u.,c of their po"er.s. but mw;t take care
C\er. l·hara.l·ters use !ht> Pwchic .\b1lit\ attribuh' a-. to conceal them from the t:\ t:r)da) populace. ''ho '
the basis for their aptitude ior such po'At'r' \II \\ould rt>port them Immediate!~. so scared art.' thc;i.
psmnlc sk Is thl•n fall LJnder Ps~ch1c j.b1 lu~ of "hit! the gO\ crnmcmt rontmu!"S t .. a. -mon ... tt>r~ -
LEAJlXl:XG PS\"CDIC POWERS GAM E )IECD.l.'\"lCS
Chnractt:r~ c;i11 learn to use ps1onics in man) d Iler· nus s,>:-.tcm uses drfhcully. :.peed range. area ol t'f.
t•nt "a).'> fn l . cllld durnt1011 It IS rt:COllUllt:Dll ·d that tlw Cll·
Innate Ability: A chara<.-ter may be bom '' ith an 111- tribult.• \\ 1llpo'A1·r l><' usl·rl m this game system s1m·e
lw n •nt ps~chu: power as a result of a gcnl.'tlC muta· m.111\ ot the po'Al'r ... c<111 l)t' resisted b) 1L ~lterna­
t1on (111 a sot1l•ty where 99.9' of the populatl()tl h.is tiwl\. \11tH\1n trl'at willµ•w. er as a skill under another
no psychic ability al all) As he gets older he can learn mt·nt.1l .1llrchutt·. hke Mand for 111stance.
to con trol and harness that ability.
POWE US
Learne d Ability: In a particuJar game world all diar-
adl'rs ma) haw the potentiaJ to become psy(·h1rally ESI>
ac·t1 \ l' Vilnous tralnmj.? programs (in a worl<I wherl Di fficult)' : l.1ri.:l'I\ W1llpm-.er
SU\ h ab1lit\ 1-. c.>ncouraged) or banned dot·uments j>('('d: II
l"<int·crn111g tlw use oi psychic powers (in " world Range: llJO ml·tcr:-
wlwn • psionks .ire considered evil) can t>nhann• .1 \rea o f Elf<'<'I: Ont: <"h:iracll•r
l har.1c·tt
0
rs
bas { dptitude Duration: ') 111inu1t·s
ln nic ted Abil ity: '-ometimt>s a charac-tt r ma~ bP ,\ c 1< r ~1th this po\, er c.u1 secretly entc:r the
bltswd \Or cursld dept""nding on ihe sentiments of mind of her tar~ct and hsten to his ,h lU~hts
the game "orld\ society) \\ith a ps~ch.c ahiht~ dur-
n~ a 1r11umat1<.· or injurious e' ent. For example. a lll~D .\SS.\l"l.T
t. i.sracter mav be subjected to enormous amounts of Diffic ult) : Target's \\1llpo"<'r IO
r dlation that somehow alter his brain structure to Spt..-d :-~
• • . O\• h im to produce psychic f"ffe<'ls )r durm~ 10- R.angt•: 5 meter'
tens1\ "brain" ashm\!. a character"s mil"' re~ls \\1th \n>a or Eff('("t: llnc character
ctll rb force. relea.sm~ rls t'ller~ ·n such a \\ay th.11 it Duration : rn ...t;int
c:n.•ates a nc" synaptic pathway that allm's him to 1" po.,. er alhJ\..... a characlt!f lO d.rt>ctly anaci.. an
use psromcs. oppon~nt's mmd. tcarin:: apart synpases and k.llm;
hrain n•ll, \ ... ucn• ... ,lul attack c;iusp;; 6D dam;ige.
USING PS\'CDIC POlfERS \\hlrh h res sted bv th~ \'ICt m's \\ illpower rather
\1ost literary and film sources depicting psychic po\\· th<1n his ~ 1 tl\J r.m<'t•
NS show ps1on1<.·ally active characters using their
abilities v.lwrwver and as often as thev likl•. l nlrlw ~llNlt lt'OllH
spells. thcrttfore. P~'rch1c powers do not have to h1.: Diffic ulty: ·r. ri.:\'l 's \\!11lpow<.'r
mt·mon.r.ed. Once d charncter has learned lo 1ist' t1 . pN·d : -Hl
pow(.'r hl• has unlimited use of it. ince this lack ol Ran !lc: JO 111t•tws
llmit;1t ion t•ould distur b game balance it is n•('nm- Arca of Effect: 011c c:h<1raUer
mcnd<.>d that vou Incor porate the life dram optional Du ration : 20 m111utt•s
attribute (see Ma~ic Game Mechanics above). \\ 11 h this power .i chara('ter ran plant a lo reign
thoul.!hl 111 h1-. 'l.tl lim tl1<1t prc'l.enb hi:, memor~ from
PSVCDIC POWER A.1'TRIBt;'fES captur111g the ima~1·s. "ounds. and other pt>rceptinns
P:;ychk po\\l'rs ha\'C the same attributes as spells: tlt.tt on•ur .1round h11n for the cluratinn of the powt>r
c11ffkulty, speed range area of effect duration, plu... When the pm~er \\ears off. the target cannot rcnwm-
the optional attribute. components ••:le dram. and ber i'lO\ t hmg du rm~ that pt-riod.
ma~1cal (in this case. psychic) puts" nc nt•xt ~cc­
tion conta:ns a ~amp e psychic po"~r s)s!er based Tl:l.J:KIXESIS
on 1hcsc mrnu1es Diffic ult) : I per JO kilrn:rams
~p<>t>d :--

SAHPl..E PSYCHIC Po"·ERS Ranitl': ..:5 meter:.

'\rea of fJ fe<"t: -
B.\CKGROL~]) Duration : 1;; minute.'
Thb pm,er alhm' a character to mO\e an ot>jt.-ct
In tht: l.11c:!lsl cc:ntur y ~enetic manipulat on hs bt·cn
\\1thm h1-. rangcnn~-v. here "ithin rhat range. Tht'. stan-
banned. Previous attempts to control the structure
dard 'JX•c<I of oh1ect 111<1\'t-ment is t"o meters J.>t'r
ol h uman beint.!s have !ailed horribl). creat11 g a r,tlt:
sl'<·ond (:ipproxm1.1lt:>lv tht:' i'pe\."'d of a walking man).
of matrur ml•cl monster s. muse ot whom ha\e bt•t•n
\ d1.ir.11tcr1·;i11 C\t'll mow himself in this fashion
lockt•d .twilv forcvc-r in the deep basements of thl'
world·.; most udvanced research labs.
 sut•En ,,.,,,1Ell SVS'fE~IS Enhanced $eQS(!s (i5): This 1>0\\ cr includes any en-
hanctd or Jdd llonal sensm~ ab:hty. from heightened
Because <·om1<· hook ch. rnrt<•rs ;we r:ianv varied and \'isual accu1t \' to X-ra\ \ision to a SL\1h sense that
sometimes unique ab11i11cs. ~uper po\,:er systems ' ' ams of n pend rt).. d~nt.:er.
work c11flerl•ntly than lhe n or • standardized spells Enhanced lJH (2 per bonus pip): The hero has an
and v~~dm po\\ ers f-::.St h s p•·r p<mer has its own automatic l>ur ~'> re ~ing from·') lo ·20) for a gh·en
asso<.:1al\'cl hm1tations ar cl l.,.lr 1e mechanics \' hich skit (e.g bra\\lm~) .
arec'l{·snih•·c w I 11n the l>O\\er.; f'THry) .
:-ur>t•rherilt's 1 s rnllv hegm plav alread} possessing Right (100): A cbaracter \\ tth this ability can fly at a
tht.>ir aD1liti<-s hut \"<>U t•ould run a campaign in which Sl)('E'd rar '!(in,.. frc>M ont to to m •t('r s per second.
the char actt•r s d1sco\·l·r rlw1r latt·nt talents or sud- lm'Ulernabllit) to <Damage form> (I 0 per die of
denly rt'<"Cl\C 1><>wt:rs throu!:h ;m experiment gone resistance bonus/ 150 ror complete immunity): A
a\\ rv. an l'xtrcmc cl<>sl of radiation, or contact with charact~ wllh this al)lh t y t•llhcr has a bonus m the
extratcrrt>stnal lwini:s. range of l D to HJ to l nclur;u1c1.· \\.hen resisting dam-
The s1mplt•st method for alJO\\ lllJ! players to select age or the nclk.tt(•d t\ p<· o r takes no damage from
super µowers for tht•ir char artt•rs is to assi~n each tha t tyµe whats0<•wr Dam;11w forms inrh1dt> radia-
power<• point C'ost ancl l ad1 charact<:'T a pomt allow-
0
tion, lightning, .icld. agmg, and so for th
ance. for t•xarnpll'. for a low-pow<'r campaign. you
might givl' l',t t h d1ar.1t ll'r 100 poi11ls to spend on
Lightning Six>ed (75): Ttus drnrart<'r has a ground
supe r powNs, whilt• for ;1 h1!-lh power campaign you mo.,, ement of four times his spt•cics' normal. A hu-
man hNo with this ah11itv would have il movement
mi~hl i.?ivt> SOii pollll\ lif•low you'll find <>Orne sample
valueof40(10 x 1 111)
po wers and tlwir .1ssm·i.1ted point t'o:>ts m parenthe-
ses <lftcr tht• pmH•r 11i1rnt• \1atter Generation (100): \character v.'ith this abil-
1t~can cn•at" ,incl lmm<'h a spH 1hc substance from
SAHPLE POWERS dc1d to steel to \\ all•r
Body Weaponr~ (10 per die of damage): ...\ charac- :\letamorphosil> (200): \character v. 1th this power
ter "1th I 1" .1 11 1t\ l • u't ,1 p u of his body to ar- can chant.:t> Into <111 alt~rnate form, '"hcther it be an-
tacK. w·hetlwr 1t (,.a natur.11 £caturt' \ra7or-sharp lin- other pc:rson. nn clement kt "'ater or flame or
2ematls. fJn(!s. tongue) or an t•xt ra appt•ndage (limbs ~ni>rgy Thi-.P<>\\t'raJ ... oco\t'r.; t t• 1>1 ht~ to phase in
blades. spikes). The damal:!C from :-.uch aw eapon can space-time. enabling a char 1 t • t1 :>.1ss t'lroUl:!h solid
ran~~ an)"' here from 11> to sD clcpcndin~ on the na- ob1ects
tun~ and 11rn1>0s1tion of the bod~ lar•
Rapid Healing (100 per healing multiplier): ~cha r­
Eoer~ Generation (10 per die of damage): This acter\\ th this po\\1 1ls at up to 10 wnes his spe-
pc>\~cr al O\\ s a t'har.1< h.: r to crt·att: bolts of electric- cies normal r.ite lset> lhapter 10 ·Hea mg and \e-
ty or other t'nt•rgy form th.It c;1ust• anywhere Crom hicle l{epa1r >r more: 1'1forn at1on
l D to s(} cl:1m.1~1..' l"ht• dt;ir;wtt r uses his Coordina·
hield (50 per die or dodge bonus): This po~er al-
lion attribult• or t'llt'rJ.lV wc.tpon skill in combat to
lows a d1aractl•r to def11.·c1 em•r!o,') or mis:>ile wea~
determine wht'llwr or 1101 h1· hit his tarl:!et (as per
ons. Thc: ~hickl t:oulcl lw .111yt l11ni.: from a specially
the normal comh;1t rult·s) construclt'd alum111u111 .1lfo~ t o ii natural forc~field­
Enhanced Attribute (5 per bonus pip): The charac- hkt> barrit>r. Tlw dlClrtl<'lt>r f.!ilin ... a I 0 to 50 bonus to
ter hns .rn .wtom:1tlt bonus (rnnqing from 5 to -20) dod~ing thesl' wt>apon:>
in om• attr ll>ult'. All skills l>a:.t•cl on that attribute also
gain tlw llonus vah1t"
\,\'e've taJkt><l about chaTacters and magic and e4Ulp· The hurdles tltl• cl1.i.racll n; must deal with aH• d1l'·
ment-but so far \\l' ha\t'n' t discussed the "~ame • t.it(·d bi. the G\I "IH· prmades a ~oaJ and then J>rt'-
What do ym. du v. hen you play a rolepla) an~ gaml' :· "• 1h tht t 'l-iM< c·ters w1tl a ..,enes of problen s that
In an ad\l'nturc. characters confront a sPrics of prt H 1b them lrom re.. ad 111:, that objeeliw For c....'.\·
obstacles as the) attempt to reach an ult1mak ~oal amp e tt e charal· tcrs rnui:.t cross into enemy terra-
\dventurc.., then. nre the ht.>art of rnlt.>pla;.ing game" lor:. <mcl :-.teal mf11rmatlo11 about ;he ddcnst' forc..:c~
Herc is v.hl•re you'll find the story-the c\il advcr· tor an t:'ll'm~ sccl<lr hnmcd1atcly. several poss1bl,•
"aries, tht' alit'n l<>cale-. and the fantastic technolo~ problt>rn-. lt·ap out · gt'tt111g aC'ross the '>order. infiltrat-
all threaded tmwthn to form anenga~mg plot for the inl.! the enem\ s "troni.:hold. breaking through the
main char<ictcrs (tht• players . computer's security measures. locating the nc~cd
This chapter cm:crs everything you need to kr.m\ inlormation !o!cttin~ out of the stronghold and b<lt'k
about preparln~ .111cl runmng ad,·elllures. R11~ht 11m' to safe territory E.ad1 or ttwse obMacl~ has st•\·eral
1t ma) sc·cm llkl· a lot to assimilate: but don't '"'rr;. possible solut ion.-. and C\t:n more possible outcome:..
you'll get the hang of 1t iu no time Actu.1 ' t re\, To gPt aero.;.;, ah<> horder. lor example the charactt>r.;;
onl:i.· one rule vou nt>Cd to remember: make " re C\'· ma\' emplo\' starship .... 1ealth techniques to -,lip
ervone has fun! through undetected. Or the\ may instead attempt to
Certain ~roup .... or players will prefer a cert.1in style c on the bordt'r olficia.., nto belie\·ing that they art'
of play. so nor all of what follows applies m e\'ery s11 u- a(·tually mtclli~cncc 0111( t·rs returning from a CO\'Cn
ation. As you run \our adventures you'll de\ clop a m1ss1on O r th•: pla'.¥crs lll<.t~ come up with another
feel for v.hat e.xC'1tes and enthralls your player-. .ind <Li tern at ave basl•cl on the particular proficienc..:ies their
then you'll l>t> ablt' to structure your subscqul'nt sn·· characters posi-t•ss Th~· n•sults of this encounter af·
narios to inrnrporntt• those elements. It'd all the others Ill.It rnme after it. LI the enemy spots
The chapter Is dlviclt:cl into four main sections: Cre· their ship and alt'rts thl• stronghold, it's going to ht.· a
at111g Adventures, l'repanng ,..\dventures Runmng lot hardC'r ~l·tt1111.: into till' base. and therefore, com-
Advcntun..·i:.. and I::nding Ad\entures. You may \\illlt plt:ti11~ tilt: !-(Oul.
to reread these sections once in a while a.<; you begin ,\n adventurl' 1s <1 Sl·n~s of scenes or encountt>rs.
your gamemastt>rmg <:<ireer. but there·s nothmi.? 11Prt' t~arh of which ha-, a 'l>\'UfK purpose in the context
to memorize or to rden:nce during a !.!ame sci:.slon, of the i.eoal presentt.>d bv the G:\1 \\'hen you desi~n
Instead you'll find tap .... and suggestions that will help vour own adt>vt nt Lr•.;, thank about the plots of mm"
you creatl hours of entertainment ror your friends 1es. le e\·1s10 1 st 11\\s, noYels. or even comic boo~
as well dS voursclf. The characters l>t.·~ln at Pomt A and must stru~~le
thmu~hou1 tht: storv to i-:ct tn Point B. They may face
anythin~ from a group of thu!{!' to a secret code from
(~ lll~1l'l'ING 1\D\'EN''l'UllES paranormal pht'llt>ml'llJ to suspicious securitv
I ike most ~ame;; , vou must overcome a scrie;; or ob- guards 'Ometillll's t he d1aracters may e\·en become
stacles to reach a fmal ~oal But in rolepla\1m:. th<>Sl' in\'olved in .:round . aar. Pr ....pace battles. There's no
hindrances can take a variety of forms from monsters hmll to the types of ch.11 \.:I ~t.'s the~ could encounter.
to e\1( wizards to acid storms to cm·ert gon~mmcnt Rolepla;.ing sames \"1rk 111 .i s milar manner. ex·
agent~. dependmi.: on the ~cnre and Lhe p..trt1cular cir· c ept that the plaver' ~et to decide ho\\ their charac-
cum.stann s of the adventure ~our characters arc'' ork· ters react to tht• g1\en obstacle Lers look at an out·
ing throu~ '-<>mt'tirnes the character.; might ha\.·c to ' ne of a sar:iple sl·enarao
convince som~'l>nl' to !{I\ e up information they 1)0sscss. \dventure: Operation Firestorm
or to sneak into a fortress without alerting its !o,'llard..,
Coal· Retrieve information about the Zaratec Empar""'s
Or they might ewn h.ive to lower themsel\'~>s into tht
clt>fense forl'l"S ill P1·ll<x ·el tor.
heart or ;1 volc,1no to retrieve a hidden treasure
B Encounter 'J wo: Infiltrating the Bc.i.t
C. Encounter lhr~ •: IJownloading 1he lntormation
D. Encounter Fuur: Returning Home
In the hrst t.>ncountcr. the plavcr characters must
devise some method for pcnctralin~ the enemy bor-
der w thout givin~ themselves a\\'ay. 'ince the play-
ers ha\e unlimilt'<l options (one of the main differ-
ences between rolt·playing game" "nd other games).
the GM muc;1 know as much in!ormation a.c; neceSS<lr)
to be able to co\t•r all the possib1httes. How many
enemy ships palrol the area? Do I hey have orders to
shoot on sight ancl ask questions later'?
As GM. you must try to prcchct what the players
will do-<1f tourst', they'll uftt:n :.urpri:.e you, so you"ll
have lo be ablt• to cxtrapolnte from the information
you have clecidc•d upon. I.et 's return to our example
adventure and come u1> with everything we might
need to know for the first enrountcr.
A. Encounter One: Crossing the Border
Goat· Slip arross t•nt•my hnt>s undt-tt"cted
• The enemy maintains a force of 50 starships along
the t\\o-parw<.· hordN bt>l\H'('fl ih tnritory and the
characters·.
• Because all-out \\.ar 1s imminent. thecaptamsof the
ve!;sels ha'e order!. to a1>prchend all unidentified
ships\\. lthin their patrol area, bu 11c" to destroy them.
• Three permanent border stations allo\\' official traf-
fic to pass throu!.?h. The officers riannmg these sta·
lions are required to 1n.spect \'t.>Ssels and make cop-
ies of the occupants' ldcnt1flcat1c n
"lou m1~ht even t rc<ttc i:ame std s for a captain. a
ship. and Its crew. as well as for the border station
guards With luck you'll be rl·ad~ to handle any situa-
tion that comes up wlwn your players try to cross
the border.
Below you 'II find a non-exhaustive list of adventure
types, all of whic:h could fall under any genre. You
can use these sample ideas as oul lines for adventures
you cre.ite or you can cil'vC'lop your ow11 "schemat·
ics· from snatch J·or more adventure outlines. just
pay attention to tht• storit•s portrayed in movies. nov-
els. and television shows They prO\·ide a wealth of
potential scenario structurt!s that you might ne\·er
think of on your o"n dragon, the \ 'all ant ".imur H:s<.·umi.: the princess. But
Following that you'll find a sample list of scene to sho~ vou ho\\ t hc'I.' st:cndriu uu1llnt:s C'an \\Ork
typt:s . U.smg thc.sc t\\.O sections you should be able with an) ~cnre. let's use ;m example set 1n the far fu-
to design an ad\'enture quickly and easily. so get a ture.
pen and paper for notes and read on. The Great .,_, rl1 rd of the C1 r "vstem ha-; lost pos-
session 01 tht "' bol of Com 1 the ancient arti-
fact that re r ... .. his authority 0\ er tht' popuJace:
l'YJ•ES 01; ADVENTIJRES \\ ilhout It ~es his rr:onarC"hlcal status. It turns
out that t t ..., bol \\a.... . m I.tel. -,101t-n b) an under-
TOE OUES'f ling Thl' Ovt r ord need' the charactt>rl' to locate and
obtain ti 1 ..,, r t>ol-and the person "·ho absconded
Goal: Locale and rctnew an ob1ect or person at the \\'i'h 1- \ \ tho· t alerunc: the populat on at large about
behest vi a not her. its d1sappcaram: To makt' mattt•rs worse the an-
This t\.pe ol adwnturc 1s typical!) associated ,,;th nual Festival of tt e "lars-dunng \\hlfh the Overlord
the ldnta:.y i.ienrt• Kini.: Arthur searching for the Hol) marche:. throu~I tht ~trt·d:. '"1th the <;)mbol at his
Grail. thl' bravt> \\,srnor hunting d<>wn the nefarious side-starts in t hr~< d.svs
 So we have the goal: hunt
down and capture the errant
individual and the Symbol of
Command and return them to
Gurji within three days. .'.':ow
we have to create the adven-
ture itself-the obstacles the
characters must overcome to
attain Lhe goal.
The easiest way to flesh out
the scenario is to decide how
you would go about accom-
plishing the objective. In this
case. the first logical steps
seems to be the gathering of
Information: What does the
Symbol look hkc'> Why did the
underling steal it? Where
would he go with it? and so
forth You have to create the
answers to these questions
;,... by expanding the back-story
(the part of the taJe that has
occurred before the arrival of
the characters). You have to
decide the underling's moti-
vations. resources. and over-
all plans
i\ow that you have the goal
and basic plot. you can select
a series of encounters (from
the list below or on your own)
and create tht> adventure.

CAUGHT IN A
'l'IGDT SPO'f
Goal: Escape from a situation
that could cause some type of
harm to the characters or
their allies
In this type or adventure the player characters find f?AVORS
themselves up against a wall, whether ii be a literal
barrier or a more metaphysicaJ conslraint like a dead- Goal : A friend or benefactor requests a favor in re-
line turn for gratitude or other type of remuneration.
For example, the characters have one week to S<'ek The player characters ~ree to perform some service.
out the Gem of the Fire Gods and toss it into the vol- whether it be to slay a dragon that has been attack-
cano near their home city. Should they !ail in this ing a villaqe or to smuggle advanced biological weap-
endeavor. the volcano v:ill erupt and destroy every- cms into a city-state where such armament is banned
one and everything in lhe city. L pon completion of their mission. the characters
Or. secret agent characters have exactly three receive (usually) the agreed upon compensation.
hours to infiltrate a top-secret enemy laboratory and
steal copies of the research files. The three-hour win- CONTESTS
dow corresponds to the distraction effectt.·d b} an- Goal: The <.'haracters must accomplish a predeter-
other agent team. When Lime runs out. all the lab·s mined goal more quickly or more efficiently than ev-
security measures return to working order, making 11 eryone else involved in the contest.
impossible for the characters to escape unnoticed
Or. the characters find themselves trapped on a The chnracten; rnav become im·olved in the contest in
0

remote planet with no subspace communications a \'ariety of Wa}'S They might learn Oi it in advance
They must fight to remain alive as the indigenous alien and travel scores of miles (or hundreds or lighryears)
species lhal roam the world begin to attack. more to rt•ach th~ <1ppointed location ol the competition.
ferociously and more skillfully with each barrage They might happen upon a village just before the con-
test begins. Or they might even try to win as a favor for
a friend \\ho m>eds tht• mont•tarv a\\ard (turning the example. when thc11 rt'ach the dra~on pit they must
ad\cnturc into <1 n>mbm,1tion of contest and favor). confront the terrible tx>ast that hves therein. Other
tunes. h J\\CWr, a scent> roulcl Ix' "ct orr based on a
HYS1'ERIES time element (c.~. the bomb explodes at noon). For
GoaJ: rhc player ch.ir.1ctt:rs must d1sco\'er the truth the ~ake of clant:i;. ,.,c'll c01ll ltx:at10n-ba::.cti scenes
abuut a person, thin~. or nent. encounteno. aud t1ml'-basw s<.'tm~s t>tc.>nt.s
BeJO\., you"ll find "l'\'t'ritl ty~·s of scenes. each or
)'ou can thmk of this adventure t)"J>f• as a myster) \\ hich could be .,ct up either as an t:ncounter or an
'lO\t:I, 1110\'ll', or tcle\'1s1un pr~r<un ~me e\'ent oc-
event.\\ IH.>n you first .start pla~1m: with a new group
curs to bnni.: thl· nwstcrv to the characters attcntion- you might ''ant to ac;itc in adventure that includes
a murc!Pr, a clt>ath thn•at .th<' arn.-;t of in innocent party one of each t)pc so that vou <.'all quickly determine
and so forth. 1 he pla\t·rs then spend the rest 01 the which kmds ol scncnl·~ 1.·aptur.: their imagination.
ddventurc trymi.: to rind out \\hat r~lly happened (or
what ltcs !x-hincl the veil or SC{ rCC}) and then trying to 'l'DE SE'l'UI,
prove that truth to the powers that be
A myster) docs 1Hll h«Vt' to center around a crime. Orten you'll hej,(m an <1dwntun• with a st>tup scene.
F'or example, tlw charact("r!>' ship starts to suffer The characters rt>n'IV<: a casst•tte taµe that tells them
about their mission (if tlwy should choose to accept
stran~e dirlit:ult1t's and the characters must figure out
what's golnJ.! on bcfon.· the vessel is destroyed. 1t) Or the king calls in his gr<:att'st heroes and begs
their he::lp in fimll11g his lmH son. Or a crimelord of-
fers the char.it·tcr~ a smu~gliog deal, c.....plaining the
'11Yl•ES 01~ SCENl~S terms and rond ill<>M ol paynwnt.
The setup scene allows you tn n>nve; several
Once you've dctcrm111ed the typi.• of adventure you pieces of mformat1on to the pl<1vt•rs right away: what
\.Yant to c.rcatt'. you must d1v1de it up into smaller the adventure is about. where it \.. 111 take place. who
chunk.-. <.«tlkd :.<.·em·:. Olten d :.cene is triggered by w ill be 111\'0lved, and what constitutes success The
th<" play\:r characters· arrival al a given location. For characters often (but not alwa):.) hav<' the opportu-
nity to ask q1wstions of the person who
is clirt'l'tlng !hem to the ad\·enture (the
km~ or the cnmelord, from the above
examples).

DEDUCTIOi\'/LOGIC
PUZZl.ES
• nne' of this nature c.m mdude an~­
thmg from a M't'rl'I door to a riddle.
Olten the d1M.1<.· 1cr' rece1\t: dues to
solvt• the punll•. but must make some
sort ol dPductivt• lt>ap lo discover the
answer On(·t· t hl'Y bypass the obstacle.
t hev move ont> stl'p closer to the goal
of lht• <l<IV<.'nturt.•

llOl.El»l.J\ YING
A rolcplayln~ scene <.·an be anything
from ;i parl1•y with a group of bandits
lo ii fan... to-l,1n• non-violt•nt confronta-
tion \\ith ;1 traitor. In such scenes the
playl'r charnctcrs converse with G~1
chilrartcrs 10 .in attempt to persuade
thl'OI to do smnethln~. for example. the
rharal'tcrs m1t;h1 have to con their way
pa-.t ~arch and into the h~art of FBI
headquarters. <>r. thev might have to
pla~ a i.:aml' of ch:ince a~ainst an ad-
,·cr..arv to \\10 the kev to the Great \auJt
of Thonw Or, tile~ rru~ht have to coo-
vin~ nn olcl hl·rmll to tell them where
Tim lives
Rolepla~·ing scenes can co\er almost
am kind of non<ombat encounter io-
voivim: G\.1 l·harac.:tcrs
 IXFOUHATIO~ GATHERING another characters attempts to catch him before he
plumnwts to hb death-you can employ the follow-
The clwractcr:-,' !o{Oal in this type or scene ls to dis· ini:i 1erhmqut·. the goal of which 1s to get the players
cover o;omc Important piece of information, whNher ( the i.1t: tua.I pcr:.om. plc1ying the game) hearts rac in~
1t bt· e\'1denn·. the answer to a nddle. or a piece or a Tl·!! the players they have a certain number of sec-
map that will lead them to the rebel outpost in Llim onds (smm•wtwre b~tween 10 and I 5 seems to work
sector To find this knowledge the characters might best) Durln!( that time they have to roll a certain
h<IW 10 visit a library. search through a murder numbi.•r of sixes on six-sided dice. Each player may
victim's <1partmcnl, or tear apart the ancient lempk· only roll a numbt•r of dice equal to his die code in the
of an evil goddess. aµ1;mprlatl.' skill at a time (a player with a character
Just mak<• sure that the information the characters who h<1s 21» 1 in Rdl\:'xes. therefore. would get to roll
seek Is rtltamable and in some way helps them to- two dice at a time when the character attempts to
ward the ullunatc goal of the adventure. That doesn't sdw his fa Iii nil companion). The players roll the dice
mt'an vou shouldn't thrO\\ ma red hemni;? once tn a as rranv times a:; possible during that short period
~ hllc. ·Ju~t Ix· (ardul not to force the pla) er cha rat·· until e1lhl'r they roll enough sixes to accomplish the
tcrs to ~o throu~h an enormous amount of trouble task or lime run~ out.
ba-.Pd c;n clue-. and hints )O~·n: given them only to
£.yom ple: A playa character team of secrt?I
hnd that their t'lforts \\ere \\ast~
uge111 "wak., into a Iraqi consulate m Yew >Orll
'fURILL SCEXES Cir: 77tc<'omputl.'T V:lt!Clali~t must rrou dou.nlCXJd
inlorma110n on bwlog1ca/ u·eaponry from 1he
Thrill -.cent.>s tn\'< ,.e a tense morrertt in \\hich the
umnmal A.' 'he logs onto the computer u·1th
11111111
c:haracters worn· about an imminent occurrence for
the 'tulc!ll pu.wu.'>(irc/ pronded by hersuperior. the
e.\amplc, a c.irri il~1.· contammg the king':. dau~hter
computer \IXUrif) ') -;tt>m kteks m. requmng her
r:tct-s toward a cliffs edge. or the characters arc at- ro enwr tl1e .,econdun· passu·ord-u·h1ch she
tempt mi.? to "nt>ak pa.st a half-dozen securi:y measure .. dot~'" ·1 huve-m tlw n~xt 15 seconds. She mu~t
to sll'al a precious painting. or a ghost-like presence now 1n· 10 <'ltmmal<'. bvpa.,s or m some u·ay sat-
continue~ to harass the characters and the) susp~cl
''" t/11: \t>C:UT/f\' 11wcmire }ou tell the player that
1t nu~ht tn to kill them at any moment. s/1~ must mil i1t'e sixes in the next 15 seconds
To hl•lp s1mula1c a dramatic moment-ltkc when \mce tht• cllilracter Ila.~ <10 ..2 m computer opera-
<>rlt' dhlrnct< r slips over the edge of a rooltop and
 t1nm thP pltJ.\er J;?ef\ tt1 mil four dice at a time. cu tv. Failure means thev crash into the fiery shrap-
fou 1?1t't.' lier the> R<> ahead to start rolling rrhile nel and suffer Sf) clama~e
l-'OU u ul<"h the• '<'mnd.' frant1call\: .,he starts toss- The onl\' othC'r element to incorporate into a chase
.in~ the dtce four at a time Et ;ry fne :.econd.~ b the distance bet\' ecn the l'haracters in\ olved so
\ ou let her knou llou much mne _,fie hm left If that \OU r ct lcrmlne ran~c (see Chapter Eight.
·,,,~, roll.' tire fll e 'ixc~ before the 15 seconds are -combat ,., the \tm·t:ment section of Chapter
up, 'he 'ucceed' m hyptH"ng the second pass- Eii.:ht for 1 twn on ho\\ far characters can move
uiord If not the mm11uter ou1omot1cal/\' se1s off in a ~"en time period. You may want to use a one-
the con,u/<Jte' alum1., mch ...quart• -.heel of graph paper and 25mm minia-
If the character m the abO\e example had had a ID tures (or even 1ust coins) to ket'p track of the dis-
in computer opt:r.1t1on~. the pla~cr ,,·ould ha,·e only tances bet" een the '-arioU!> characters and vehicles
bct•n able to roll two dice at a time. thereby making it taking part in t Ile clMst•
that much more chfhcult to get fives sixes. As a gllide-
lint:, a d1.irilUl"r with an avt·rage skill of 30 can roll COHRA1'
two or three sixes in I 0 sN·onds fairly consistently Somt:t11ncs the l'lldTdl tcr:. will become involved in a
(d1>1w1Hling upon how litst thP player can roll the situation that erupts into violl•ncc. The game mechan-
dice). You mc.1v wunt to int r~asc the number of sixes ics nt>Pdecl to run battles appear In the next chapter
needed as the pl;iycr characters advance their skills "Combat."
and gL't to roll t>ight or t'Wn Ill dice at a time.

Cll1\SES
In .i dlilM' s<.: t•ne. till' 1.:hc1r.i<.:lcr;:, either pursue or flee Uunn~ their .1dventurcs 1>laycr tharacters encounter
from a GM <.'har.1<.'h•r (like the black knight). a crea- 'anou~ ..illlc-.. enemies. 01nd neutrals who serve to
ture (lik1• a tyrannosaurus rt•x). or an object (like a ~hapc the .;.tory. c,-1.1hh-;hing the setting or helping
hu~c. rnllin~ boulder). Above all. make sure these or tundermg tht characters at cnt1cal moments.\\ith-
encounter... play out drama11cal' b\ loading them out these charal ters. noth1n~ much would happen.
\\1th near mhse' and cxdun~ events. ,\s the G\I \OU create the game "orld's popula-
The snnple.... t \\i.1} to set up a chdl>t: sc1:ne .s to cre- tion. de.... 1~ning friend'.'. foes. and casual acquaintan-
ate a last of the various obstacles t <. aracters must ces lor the player character~ to met:t G'.\1 characters
mercome e_...pectally 1f )OU ca:i couple it" ith a map include c'cr~onc from mnjC>r \ill:un,; to <annoying big
of the area . Just like scenes, \OU can ha\"e location· robot,. from '' 1ho;ar1 rnmp;rn1nn ... In my.;tf>rio·1s re-
based and time-based e\ ents Ust each occurrence cluses And don't fo01et the less-spt"ctacular charac-
bv either ''hen it occurs (m combat rounds-pt!fl- ters-the shop o"ners , bartenders. tavern patrons.
ods of h\C sL'C<>nds. sec Chapter Eight. ·combat.- for spaceport nluens go\emmcnt of11c1als. and so forth.
more information on rounds) or where it occurs. They're just as Important tu tin: story a!> ev1:ryone
Lt.:t'.._ look at an example in which the player char- ebc.
actt'rs rnu-.t pursm• a ~roup oft hieves on hover bikes Don t pa.rul· 'ou don't havt> to crt>att' enous;?h char-
throui.:h rn undcn~round Ci!VL'rn complex. ricters to hll the cntm• uniwrM·. You should carefully
Round One: Both i.:roups be~in in a lar~e cave that choose \•hich G~1 char,1cters play the most pivotal
boasts a small hnvcrcrnrt docking facilily. Two tun- role Ill vour adwntur<· .mcl dt>s1gn them in detail. Then
nels lead off 11110 the n•st of the complex. The thieves :;elcc.t ·the lt:ss 11nport.int rharacters and determine
choost• the onl· on the nghl. All characters must make moi.t of tlw1r IMckground and personality, and so on
lml'erlnlw pilutuig dice ks .igainst an Easy (i) difficulty until vou ronw clown to the nameless characters who
to avoid hitting tlw :\ICks <>f the tunnel's mouth as nl'!:'d ·nothinl( mort' th;1n ;i brwf mt>nlion. You can cat- ,
tht•\' entt>r Anvom• who fails the roll suffers 20 dam- egonze the~w charartt•rs into lead . supporting. and
ai.ie" to himself and SD damage to his hoverbike. extra charactl'rs.
Tunnel f ,it: Wht•n tht> two groups reach the first
tunnels l'Xll thev hnd th.it it open~ into another tun- tEAI) CIIAllAC'I'EllS
nel ~h1ch unrncdlatelv rnnt!> do\\nward Everyone
must makt• /1(11 erb1ke plft)tm~ checks against a \1od- \\1thoul lead ch r lit ., 1, adHnturt would mean-
crate (I.?) d1ffll·u1t) to avoid sma.-.hln~ mt l> the tar \\all. der about 'our game '-'Orld "'1th no real focus Lead
Tho,...c \•ho fall the roll take ID damage and thetr bikes C'haracters make things happen. but th~y don't nec-
take 60 d:unage. and the) must irnmediatel) make t'ssan ' have to be adHrsarie-. of the player cbarac-
Refle.xe_s rolls against an Eas) (IO) ditficulty to Sil\ lers-the' rnuld be alhe.... or c\ en casual acquaintan-
mounted. Failure mean' that the) plummet 30 meters c ·s '' o can great!) allect the ll\e.'> of the characters.
.., ~ l l' the'-C charc1ct er' pla) )>UCh an important role
to the tunnel floor and take !OD dama!.!e (the bike5
r<" c'.c.,tro)eci In the colhs1on). ' 1 ad-..cnture or campa1~. you should fill out a
charactN tcmpl:ite or -.hC'et. listing sl\.ills. assigning
Ro und Fh e: \\ hcrcver the characters are at s die code' and rccnrdm~ background and personai.-
1:01 t. one of the thieve.,· hoverb1kes suddenly over- ,1, note..., When \1>u're dont ~ou should have a defi-
heats and l.''-µlodes . ,\II pla) er charc1ckrs must make nite ~rasp ol this characll'r s 'strengths. weaknesses
//ocah1k1• piloflflf.!. roll:;. ai;:amst a Difficult ( 17) d1fh- and amh1t1ons
 SUPJ>ORTING \\'hen it corr es to assignim, skills and attributt.s .
use· these gutdcbnes helm' ·
CDAllACTEilS Die
~scription Code
uppartini.e charactt'rs usually play a role al> Sl'conds
to lead characters. assisting them in their efforts tu lk•lo\\ human averai:l' for an attTibute. ID
achieve their goal You don't ha,•e to spend as much llnt ramt.>d human awra1!e for an
time creating support in~ characters as you do \\1th attribute and mam· skill'>. :m
lead ch,uactcrs . You may want tO record their at· \vera~e le,el ol tra1111ng for a human. :m
tributes and skills in paragraph stats (sec s1dt•b.u))
Prole!>.;1011al le\·cl of tramin~ lc>r a human. ti>
and append a ft'\\ .;entt-nces about their bad:w-ounds
and personal1ti1.:s but you don't have to ~o into as \ >>Vt- a\'er.1~e c:>.pt'rt1se. 5D
much detail Just make sure you have t'nough infor- l onsadcrcd about the b<.•st in a city or
mation to run the character during the adventure. !o!t:<>~raphir area. About I in IC: J.000
p<•ople will have tri1i111ng to this sl<ill le,·el. 6D
\mong the b<:i;t on a continent About
I in ICJ.OOU.llfJO 1woplt• will have training
F:xtras ar(' th<' n~1mclcss. and sometimes facek·si., to this skill level 711
characters who navi~;ite ice barges. tend bar <it loc;il ·\mong the b<.•st on a world About
taverns. or hatlll• a~ainst enemies in large-scall' con I in I00,1100.000 1wople will have training
frontatlOOS Jlle moti\'C'S backgrounds, and pt.:r"Oll· to this skill lt:vcl. 8D
ahlies or these chara,·ters matter little (1f at all) m One o[ the bt>~t 1r wvcr.sl svstems. About
tht' contt'xt of the adventure They have a spcc1ftc I 111 a b:lhon people h:l\'l' skill a
role. and may "crve to help or hinder lhe:: pldycr d1ar· di this levd 90
acters. but otherwise the\' have no ~rini.: on the Om• of the bes' 1 a 'Cl tor. IOD
O\·erall conn1ct. - One of the btc>..,. 1 ,, ft'~aon. 110
You can easll) sum up thcse characters n para-
\mong the Oest • a gal;ixy 120
graph stats like th's
10 Guards. ..\I stat.; :.m except. Coordinatmn :m. SPECl.lL AlllUTIES
blaster 3D· 1 trt.ngth 30-1 :\love lO. lkavy l.iser
~l<.1n) chara<·tt·rs have spu:ial <1bilatics. such d:. :.u·
pistol (10·2)
pt•r pO"-C'rS or inhNt•nt alit•n capabilities..~..:ign liwst•
~mehmes , howc\'er. you may \\'!Sh to ~1\'e tht•se as St'l'm rrao;onable for a character. Don't overlook
olherw1se non-de~cnpt characters some part1rnlar out-of·tht."Ordinan d1ar.1l'ter~stics like cvbemctic
quark or uniqu~ ab1ht~ to set them apan from the 1» implants and na·d1~·al (or mexplicable) alterations in
tent ally billions of other beings wandering your ~amc otherwise normal memb••r!> of a given species. ::>uc 'l
worlo • uch flourisht". make an e"'tra memorable. t:vt•n ab1l1tics could s 1rprbc the player charackr~ at t."\·
.f lhe player characters didn't get his name. ;u tlv th wron~ monu.nt'
CHARACl'Ell POINTS AJ~D FATE
)JISDIREC'l'ING 1'DE PLAYEltS POli\TS
Don't be afraid to "dasRuise" your villains every once Cannon-fodder villain!> such as army troops. henrh·
in a while-when your players are exper ienced. this is mC'n, and merchants typkally have no Character
especially important Instead of putting your major vii· Points or fate Points l\11nor villains. whose survival
lain right out there where everyone can see (and per. isn't dcpendt'nt upon the .idventure·s plot may haw
hap:. shoot ;it) him, m;ik<.· him more mystcriou:.. For 1-:l Character Points ;ind (usually) no Fate Points.
example. through an entire series of ad,·entures the Contanuinii villains c;lJch a.; tho"e w·ho may be used
player characters mi~ht think that the \.illain causing for sevl'ral adventurt·s or\' ho an~ subordinate to the
all their problems is a \\izard named Zaja Lirin, but. main v· lai ma\ tla\'C 4-10 Character Points and at
when they finally confront Linn. they find out he was the (,.\rs d1scret or . one or two Fate Points
actually being manipulated by someone else even mor~ :'ltaior '1 lains \\ hu m1i.:ht bt' used over the cours •
powerful-like another spellcasteT. or the kin~ of a of a campa1;.,'ll .:ind MC lntC's;:ra1 to an adventure· should
nearby land. or someone else w hose identity remains ha\·e at lc>a>:t I Char acter Points (some characlt.>rs
a mystef')~ ma\. have Y.Cll o\'er 50 Charncter Points) and many
w·ill ha\'e at least three Fate Points.

ASSIGNING SHILlS AND SPECIAi, CllE1.\'J1U llES

ADIU'l'IES CR·atures can either bl' non-thinking arnmals (like
Once you\.c comt> lip with the O\'erall concept for sharks) or sentient beasts in some way amme~ur·
the character. you should decide on his i.iamt• statis· ,1blv different from play~r characters (like dragons}
tics. \10,t of th<.• time vou need onlv determine a Yt u can use th~ lollo\\inii tt:mplate for recordml! in·
character·!) attributes and major skills~ althou~h lllil· formation about most creatures. If a creature requires
jor characters often require additional work
y£RCEP'f\01'
proceed through thl' encounters in the
ordt•r th<'\ .11>1x·.1 s1 1t you read onl~
the hrst half of I t Sl ·nario, vou could
_soedal Abilities: Imel yourself " t;or:>usly. flipp ing
throuRh pa(!es 1r~1m: to figure out what
h.1ppt•11s m·xt .
Size: You don ' t h.1vc. to memorize every
cll't.111 p1t lwr just kno\' the basic
Move: Scale: plotl11w and structure of the story. U
till' playt.>rs do something unexpected.
Orneriness: like.• killing .i m<1jor villain who·s sup-
- Description: post•cl to partic.·lpatt• In the finale of
tlw ,1clvt·11tun" you'll need to know

l~;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~:::::::::::::::::::~~~~~~~~~~
·1 he
U<'r of tlw storv

cr~ature'sorneriness die
cod!? repr<•scnts tis n•ststance to contact with other
~o that
wh,11 you canitclo
.st ill alter the
to comes
fy111!-! rnnduston.
to raemain-
satis·

(;UARAC'l'ER CARDS
c.:reaturcs or charac. ters !x•e the• creature:. ndu'lg skill One v.a~ to qukkt•n (!amc pla) ts o create G:\1 char-
m t'lt' "kil s d1aptcr for more mfonnallon . actl..'r cards You t•t1n l'll hl·r plH>l<Kop) the section
detail1n1o: each chara<·tcr or you can \\rite their game
111forma11011 on • n 111cll'X card \.' th<"' player charac-
PREP1UlING tt'r encounter v:irmus G\I char<u-tcrs. you can pull
out their d1ara1·ter rnrch 'o that vou ha\.e all of their
Al)l1EN1'UllES unportant inform.11l11n at )Our hn~ert ips . In this way.
First \ou'rl' ~on~ to m't.'d an adventure. 'rou can buy )OU \H>n' t ha\C le) fltp throu~h pages o the ad,·en-
one from \\ ...1 End G.1me,, t"rt'ale one yoursell. or turl' lool.111~ for n pMl1t·ular charactcr·s stats. espe-
makl.' o l l .ip cc. volJ ~o alori,:; a5 shown above . cially if that c h.1ral'tcr p.utk1pates in more than one
t>nrounlt'I'.
llEADING 1'DE AD\'El\TTUBE Tim t ~· hn1qu1•" nrk.<. espenally v. ell for campaigns
v. cr1• many charactl'r.s play a rl'curring role . .\Jso. if
\1akt• sun· vou rl' thoroughly familiar with the adven-
you wind up crcatinii lll'W characters on the fly (when
ture bcfon• vou st.irt playm~. The players may not
lhl' ch<1racl<'r~ 111u111t•111aril)' wander away from the
scripted adventure). you can quickly jot down their correction to brin~ the starship into a landing vec-
mforwat1on on an index card so that you have it for tor-and then sud~denly something explodes at the
later. You never know when the players may decide back of the ship. fou begin to lose attitude control
to return to spf'al\ " ·1th a particular character. U )OU aml ::.tart plummeting toward the surface!\.\nat are
haven t kept a record of his game infonna:ion, you yo.i qoing t J dor
may have to guess-and you could be wroni;?. thereby
Such fa::.t ::.tart::. put the players immediate!)- on
shattering the players' suspension of disbelief ('"Didn't
their toc-s. thrllsting them into the middle of lhe game
this gu> have blue skin the last time we talked with
him·:- ht>fort> tht>\'t>vt>n kno1.1. it Once thev'vedealt with their
irnmediat~ problem. they're thor~ughly enmeshed in
the storv.
S'l'OCK ENCOUNTERS At:am: be careful with this technique. Some play-
Another way to save time during an adventure- and er!> 111<1v 1101 m.e It. some ma) love it. Choose the one
to save you from looking ill-prepared- is to create that works bc<;t for your group And above all. vary
several "stock'' encounters. These short scenes collld your adventure bt'gmnings. ~othing puts players to
be anythin~ from a bar brawl to a chance meeting sleep more quickly than an introduction that exactly
with a squad of stormtroopers checking IDs. When mirrors the last five
your players decide to go somewhere or do some-
thing that you hadn't foreseen-and therefore hadn't
written out beforehand-you can use one of your llUNNING 1.\D\TENrflJllES
stock encounters to fill in the space while you figurt>
You've sun·c~sfully brought the player characters
out a wa~' to {;(et the characters back on track with
into the adventure l\ow you have to keep them ro-
the adventure.
('IJ<;f>ci and t>nthralled with the plot. If you see their
Try to develop ten or more stock encounters that
eyes start to \••ander. or they fall into a conversation
co\er a \arletv of en\ironments. The more you cre-
about the last ~ame (or worse. what the watched on
ate. the less like!) you'll be to get stuck in an adven·
televi~ion last ni~ht). you know something·s gone
ture because the player characters did something or
wron~. This section should help you maintain an in-
went somewhere unexpecte<l.
voi\ini;: :.tory and a sense of -really being there.-
S'l'All'fING THE
AD\1E~1't; RE PLAYING OUICli AND LOOSE
You have sen>ral options for startirig The 06 System relies on last-paced, cinematic adventures
an adventure. The most common is where action often takes center stage. Your job as GM is to
the mission briefing introduction (es- fluctuate the pace of the scenario-speeding up during lhe
peoally 11 the characters are agents exciting parts and slowing down afterward to give the charac-
of ~om~ 1-.ind of organization, govern- ters (and the players!) some time to breath. Don't get bogged
ment-sponsored or otherwise). The down In detail~ (unless you aJld your group want to. of course);
rharartE>rs who mayor may not know sacrificing some realism allows you to keep lhe game mo,;ng
each other. ha\.·e been assembled by (and thereby. k<>t>p your players' interest focused on their char-
their superior [or a meeting on their acters' situation).
upcoming assignment. The superior Ir during an adventure, the players do something unexpected
gives them an objective. provides (which you should expect!), don't let them know it. Just make
them with the resources they'll need up the part ot the story that you haven't yet created. You have
to accomplish that goal. and answers to rely on your judgement and imagination lo continue the
whatever questions he can. game without ruining the players' "suspension of disbelief.~
While this standard starting format
works in most situations. it can also
get boring. especially since not much happens dur-
ing thi:. encounter. The charncters just sit around dis· SE'l''flNG 'l'DE SCENE
cussing the mission '-:oth ng really starts to happen
Your tirst JOb ts to vividly depict the scene unfolding
until thE'y gt>t on their wa)..
befort' the pldyer Lharacter:.. \\'here are they? \\'ho
I~ HEULi\ RES else is there? \\..hat's happening? These are the ques-
tions you must answpr immPd1ately.
.~nother wa~ to throw characters into the midst of
the aclion is to start the game in medta res. The player DESCBIP'l'ION
character literally begin play in the middle of an cx-
\1ost published adventures contain -read aloud sec-
ploc;ivt> or o;uspt>nseful event. '.l.1aybe their ship E''l.'J>E'-
tions· at the beginning of each encounter. To set up
rienccs a technical problem and the characters have
the scene )OU can just read out loud or paraphrase
to fix it before it careers into a planet. Such an adven-
thP text .-\t that point the players usually either ask
tun~ could start thuslv·
you questions about their surroundings C-How many
Gamemast er: -okay. e\"eryone ready to play7-
dragons do we see?") or tell you their reaction to the
The Group: "Sure." situation (""I blast 'em with my stave or fire'-).
Gamemaster: ··Aft right. You make your last course The key here is to engage the players· senses, just
like a i;:ood movie. no\el, or television show. Try to
use c-.:oc".lll\'e '''Ords lo ~ive the players a dt-Jr and
\1Vicl \IC'' of lh~ircharacters· environment T 1e best
Wd) to learn ho\\ to provide sucn lileltke des• 'r puons
Another \\a~ to keep th<· pla) •rs enraptured in tht'
1s to p1cturt:' thl• scene In your rrund and ".lo" h le\ er story Is to ~1\e them a deadlme The) ha\ e uni) lour
) ou can to l'om. cy that same scene to your pla) t-r..; hours t1> rc,l·uc sl:nes headed lor an unknown loca-
)ou mav Incorporate rnu\'ie or lekvisiunfootage tion m the dangerou-. Jun!-!le.' of Zhadoom. Or maybe
you've taped. maps and diagrams you copied out of the CIA needs to ''am a rcrr ot outpost before the
hbran x><1b. or even illustrations you'\'e dra'' n Ru-.sian" mrhe tu dc,tro\ it but satellite communl·
ynurst I ">u 111d ellcrts CDs especially can ht•lp ~ou of
<!ahon..; arl' do..._ II (Ir one thl' pla)er characters "1'1)
set t ht -.1 ,.t f•ir the characters. h;1ve <·0111 met rd a I.it.ii clist>ase that can on!~ be CUR'tl
Just rcmcmbt!r that your players have five ..;enses. b\ a rt•r1:un shama h\ m)o; somewhere in tht: alter-
Don't iust rdv on the senst' of sight. 0t:"scribe \\hat ni'1tc di men, am calh < 1'.ha1a-Ree. the TimelE>ss St a
vour 1:haractt•rs hear. smell, touch. and ( somellmc·s) \\hen tht· pl,1yers Imo\\ the) have only a limited
tasll' Thl· following example engages several St'nSl''.'oo tinw to .ttTomplbh their objective. they don't waste
tlmt• 11w<111dcri11~ about tht: garnl' world. which is usu·
Gam cmast er: -The ship's landing ramp touchl'S down ;ally wlwn tht'y ).!l•t hort•cl with thf' adventure. You can
on the so~!o(Y ~rouncl with a sqwsh. and the thick. cWll l'llfon·t· a r<·al-time deadline. You give the char·
musty smdl 11f the SW<lmp-loresl immediately swet•ps ;1ctNs lour hours ol rt•al (as opposed lo game) time
up ;11111 Into ttw access t·orridor you're standing In to achkw thdr goal. Then. throughout the adven·
From ou1:;1ck vou <:<Jn hear the screeching chirps of tlln'. vou kt•t•p rcmtnc11n~ them about the time con·
loc.11 al'at urc.s as ,,._ell as a strange. slow slurpin~ sl rnint (or you rould even 1>ul a big dock in the middle
sound. Tht> hurniditv settles against your skin llkt> .1 of llw tabh• -.o tlwy can st'\' 1t lhemsdves). \\/hen you
blankt•t of moisture as vou head down the ramp. The ~WI du\\ n to thl' letsl hour. just watch them do every-
gang!~ ~r,1y trl!l's stattered in small stands about tht' thmg 111 thclr pmH•r lo hC'lp you move the story along
ship rNd1 up\,ard into the mist. and you get lhe dis·
tim:t fl'd111~ that -.umething up there is looking down PEH.SO~ .\L ST.tliE
Ori \'OU.-
<Jne uf I he bc_,t \\a)' to eni,:age the players is tu pr~
\ 1dc them .... 1th a pcrsonaJ stake in th'=' out cone oi
BELIE\'ABLE CH.UUCTERS
thr ndH•nturc \bybt> om• or tht>ir siblings has I>< en
Other than me sett in{!. 11e pta}er characlt>T::. ,,iJI also capturL'<I b\· a necromancer. or a cnmelord has SPiit
l'ncountcr ollll'r I '<11 It whu live in the grunt." ,,orJd. bount\ hunters rutcr tht l ( r their homelands !!0\'.
'tuur jub 1-. to mal.t -.ur.. that the::.e G.\I character-. ernm,.;nt ml'.'oolak••nl~ behc\'es they have become trai-
:appear real to thl 1»ayHs. Their "ords and a to s tor'.'>
must <>ef'm :ippropnate in the context of their h1-.to The characters O\.'e<l to deal .... ith these situation:;
nes, J>t'.rsonalillt.,, and ambitions. U a stoic mihtarv although the wholt> ad\'t.>nture need not focus on that
officer sudclenlv t<x>k off his helmet and slurted 1ok- storvhnc. \\ lulc the characters perform a suppl~ run
mg around. the.; players \\OUld probabl} 1ust stare at for 1tw1r lwnclactor. for example they could receive
you for a mmute as the game comes crashi11~ to a \\ ord th.it t hc pilot ·s father ha:. been taken in for ques·
halt. 11011111~ 1111 Ills home world. Between accomplishing
Pl;w t•ach t•hara( tcr to the best o[ his ability. Make tht.·ir mi:.s1on ancl rt•turning to base. the characters
sure i1c does everything in his power to achieve his could lravl'I tu till' pilot\. planet to find out what's
~o<'.lls. \\ hcther he's trying to thwart the player <.'liar s.!<>1ni.t on and to extric<ite his rather from the (appar·
adcrs or t•arn a load of gold colas. This does not mean l'ntly) unwi1rranlt•d incarceration.
that l'Vl'rv GM character should act overtly. Part of Fvc·ry onct· 111 whill• you should ask to see the play·
hi:; Jot(><tl nMy bl! to a<:hil!ve his objective undeti:C'tt:cl c..•rs cl1arnrll'r shl'l'ls Look !or background informa-
or to make 1t lcx>k like someone else was responsible. tion .ind pt:rson,1!i1y 11 dil:> th<1t might lend thcmsclve~
R<1ther. tht: 1d\•a is that the GM character should use to a 1wrs1111nl stake. If a player has written that his
.111 of his rt•sourn.os-his sldlls. allies. finances. etc.- t•h,1r<tdt•r 1s t•xtn•nwl~ rnm1)("ttlive. for example. you
to accomplbh his immediate as well as his lon!,'-h!rm could t'rt·atc a m ·.11 !o(roup that seeks to outdo the
goals. player character" at t•\·erv turn. The players will do
C\'t'r~th1n~ 111 lhl'.'ir power to make sure their charac-
EXCITIXG LOCALES ters ~Ul"Ct:L"tl more uflcn and more quickly than the
l <;t·t ting ... that evoke a sense of \\·onder '10u co 1 d
st' llCWl'OIDCfs
create a rnmmumty :;itual~ amid dozeris o case '.u1es
and \\att'rfalb, or a cnmelorcrs fortress suspe1 dld Gl\1 ING OJYfIONS
abo\'e lht• i;:round by masst\'e antigra\· engines. or a
Don"t constant!~ fon·e your players to follm' along
spaceport bulll 11110 the c iffs or an ancient l'enes ul
canvons tlw prc."'l'f' bed pal h of the advcnt ure. They may ha,·e
T~y to make each place the player charactt'r-. \. tstt dc\'ised .1n alternate s('heme for success not covered
b\' 1tw srcn.mo. and vou shouJdn·1 penalize them for
st•cm cl1Hcrt·nt than the others. By doing this. you ca1
ttit'ir l'rt'dth ity. ln~tt.>ad you'll ha .. t.' to use your judg-
makl• lht•s£' s1!:hl' l'ngaging and memorable for the
mt·nt to run tht rt•ma111dcr of the adventure.
plawrs
If thl• playt•r' feel that they npver have a choice.
that you h<ivl' µredetermined whal Lheir characters
will clo ancl s<ty-ancl therefore'. how the adventure
v. ill turn out-they're not J.?om~ to have any interest situation where the characters must pursue a fleeing
in pla~ Ill!:. Part of the lun ol a roleplaying game is •he bounty out onto cnor111011s strub suspended high
almost unhm1t{'() possible rl'actton::. to an~ givt!n s1tu- abo\'e a concrete floor: <>m· player decide!> that her
atior l"akl' that a\\"ay and you·ve lost much of the charactt:r \\ 111 Just turn oil the li~hts and wait for their
reason for par11clpatit1~ In th.s type ol ~ame. quarr~ tu fall You hadn't 1hou~h1 or that possibility
"o T1Cllmes the characterJ> \•111 ha.,,·e only a fe,,· '' l en vou dc..-.11~ned your ad\'t.>nture (or it wasn't ad-
c .. o n·s--nr ;1t li•:t,.t . a fe\.\' oh\·ious choices- and Clrt'sst"CI in thl'adventure vou bou~ht '·and there·s no
that's lme 1f It makes lo~1ral "ense in the context of rea.-; > the character t•an t :ittempt c;uch a feat. You
the !-tl"l"flilr&o and dm:~ri"t :.ct.'m li:..c an attempt by you tt. hl.'r to 111;1kc .1 .wcunty (orotht'r appropriate skill)
as the G\1 to d1cta1t• th<'ir c·haracters· paths. roll to I>\ p,1ss the computer lo~:kout on the lighting
Rev.<trd nc<lll\1ty. Gin• the players a reason to e..x- S) ~tt n " 1l' rolls f111!h. r111d l'H'n though its enough
crcasl' their bruins. Thl· mun: freedom they believe to accon phsh ti 1 t.1,.k. you tdl hl•r that her charac-
they havl'. the rnor..• tht.>y'll enjoytlw ac! .... enture. When tt.>r 1u.;t m1•,...t•d t '\o\.\ the pla\t•r charactt"r \\ill have
th<'ir <'harartN~ makP a mistake. they have no one to risk 1ht•1r liw1; h;1lannnl.! on the struts to appre-
elst' to hlanw 1t on. ,111<1 \\ ht•n their characters suc· hend the l>ountv.
cecd, thl·y fl•l•I .a J(l'nuine sense of accomplishment. Don't l(O owrhot.1rd with tl11s IC'chn1que H the play-
l'TS suspt•t·t that vou'\'t' bt>cn altering die rolls and
'l'llE SUH'fl.E All'I' OF diff1cultic:., lh~v·11 :-.t.irt to losl· ankrcst because it will
seem that lht:l.r frt>t• will ha~ i:><'Pn tak<'n away. You
HISDlllEC'l'ION should 1l1Cl$!l' rult's onlv al l·rilical moments and you
Ir th<.' players l'illl com'ctly i:uc•ss the conclusion of should al1,1,avs l>l' foir, g1vin!-( the bcnelit sometimes
<lfladwntun· \\'hilt• tlwy n• progressin~ through the to the <;M <:h.1r.u tcrs ancl "onwtimcs to the player
firsl l'IH'otlllll'r, till' t•nsuln~ l'tll'OU!ller:. \\On't pro,,ide characters
as much l'xdh'nwnt .is they ~hould
Tlw• 1' \\here tht' -.uhtlt• ;1rt nf m1sd1rection comes
In. Tht• l.!oal lll'rt' 1s to kt.'t"p the players (and their USING THE !IA.4'TERDECK"'
characters) ~ut.>sslng and rc\·1sing those guesses
The MasterBook ... rules incorporates a deck of 10.'> c..r&• that
thmul.!h the 1,1,holt> adwnturc You can do this in small
influence pta}. You can use these cards in a 06 game \.\'ith minor
\\Cl\s: make die' rolls. "mi.c for a moment. and then
don'I "ii~ an) than~ al>oul at ; h.1vc the character~ roll modification (bmorm~ the bottom half of all cards).
V.slnJ.': th1• ,\1<Hter8ook 06 convers101' "'the appendix. you can
Pcrct'ptlon check,,, a.;k for rhctr totals. and then JUS~
convert any card th<1t !;(1ves <t bor us LO an action (formula:
continut• \\.1th tlwt•ncmmtcr:a!-tk a pla~er for detaikd
( \fa!ilerB<>Ok \'aluc)/3 quotient and remamder: the quotient be-
information on hem her charactt:r is ~oing to clo~e a
comes the die <:ode nnd the rt'mCJinder 1he number of pips). For
dor1r (~\\'h1ch hand ari• you usm~'- "Do you ha,·e a
weapon 111 your hand·). but then ha,·e the portal close
e.'\alTlple. the Doub/I! Cms.s card ~\'es a -6 bonus to any action
that direct!} ~·tray!'> the rest of the part}. Using the formula. the
une..,.cntlulh
You al~o il<n·t• tlw option of throwing an major red .6 bt>comt>s" :m (6/:i • 2 remamder 0).
Plot cards ran be used a~ normal For example. the Common
hcrrtn!-IS If i.I (,\1 ( IJ,1raclt'r ~tarts tracking the Char-
Gmund card allo\\s a charact er to establish -common ground·
acter~. thl' pl<ivt•rs w11l 1mmroiateh· attempt to mesh
with an nth<.•rwiM' alic11 or unl-;no\\ n being or group.
this m•w pt•rsorf-. pn•i;t•ne<• with the rest of the ad-
Treat any I ife Points as Fate Points and any Skill Points as Char-
venture In rt•ality. h11\wvt.'r 1w·s Jllst a common lh1el
at·ter Poant~ rtw word "hand replaces the word ·pool" through-
lookln!o( for illl l'ilSY mark. or Ill' thinks that one of the
ch;tral·ters looks fomill ;1r hul cloC'sn't want to sav anv- out.
thin!-l until lw\ sun: lll''i. not mistaking that d~ara~­
Ignore th<> tt>xt on th(• .w1ze Jn111utwe card: instead it allows the
character to act first in a combat round. The J::ffect card allows a
lcr for soml'Ont' l'ls1•
character to add '2 to any action or damage roll.
\ playt"r char<1l'!Pr could receive a death threat
Al the he)o(inmng of every adventure, hand out three to five
from a lMl.(l' l'rimin,11 or!olitn1zatiun operating in the
cards (depend in~ on how much card-use you want) to each player
se<"tor. l nfortunatl'ly. till' m1·ssage was delivered to
lhl" .... ron~ pt•r.,on, .mcl tht (' ffi( lord has no interest and double that amount to yourself You or any player may then
in him or l11s cnrnpanions. Of cnun•e. you won ·1 let
use any card at any time. Cards not used by the end or the adven-
ture are discarded and new ones are dealt out at the start of the
thN11 kno\\ thal
next scenario.
L01.\DING 'J'HE DICE
Th· mo:-.t important part r. r 11eplaying game is the
story Don't let the rules get in the \\a~: If a flubbed
.JUDGMENT CAl~LS
die roll would normltll) lndllate that 1he main \,Jlam Uurm~ an ad\'e rt ~nu· rc in t•har~e Don t get into
d t·s a ft:.- n111111lt·.:-. into the adv.:nturt fudge the roll. d.11 cldboralc <fr,l u"s1on nl>oul the nuances of the
!-,1\ lC jw.1 b.1n.•ly t"" capcd. F"or thi-. reasvn you should ~a.me rules or o! one n! your dt~a.;ion.; . 'aou can aJ..
tr~ to makt• all ot ~:our rolls behmd a G\1 screen or ways discuss ruft•s que.-.tions or al"'(?uments \•ith the
hidden from the playt>rs by :.omc other object (like pl..yers alter tht• ~ame (st•t• the "Getting Feedback-
...our hands). sl-ction ll'. lo\'
· If tht• play1•rs make a roll that would destroy the \<\h1lt• tllls 1'Wner;1I ~u1ckhne provides you ,,·1th a
sl·cn.ino, or \\.1>11ltl m<tkl· II lc:..!'I exciting . ..,ou can fudge grl'rlt clt'.il of 1x1\\ er. at <ibo hl·ft~ on you the responsi-
llw diffkuhy numlwr For l'':<implt'. yo"u·ve set up a bility of us111>1 that powt>r w1;.,<'l)o<. You have to be fair.
If a reft r~ m a ball ~ame started randoml" pencshz· Above all. -.tc.1\' relaxed. 'Pl1s is a ~ame. not a test of
ing one team. the other team would get extremely frus- hov. \\ e ll you can garnem 1.skr Everyone is pla:-'in~
trated and C\entually quit once 1: becomes oh\ious to ha\ e fun. 'o JU'! d o your bt'st and enjoy yourself
that Ihere's no pomt in continuing.
\\'h1le) ou take the role of the "; Hain:. m the ad" en. .\LLOWING 1'DE Cll.ARACTERS TO
tun.: ... you run, do not think of yourself as the oppo- f ,UL
nt•nt of tht> plaver-. )our 1oh 1s to make surt• tht:. pl.1\·
ers ha"c a ~ood time. not to beat the:n. \\llilt. vot • etfmc, characters need tt tail If they roll poorly.
should try to •>rm 1de the players characters\\ th" ' re ...1mpl) outclas!ocd. or m >st m portantly. ii they
chal!cn~e. )'O 1 shculdn'l try to de\1se an unbe.ttable play µoorly . th c1r l"hMM tcr:-- '' 111 lose.
i.ld" t·nturl'. On the oth~·r hand. v.1th each defeat. the charac-
Tht•n a!(.1i11, If the players do !'Omethmg stupid. you te rs (.111cl pla\t•rs) should learn something. They ma)
shouldn't coddlt> tht'm The first time they makt• a lt.';1rn a hcth'r \1ay to .tpproach a situation. or they
particular m1stakt• vou mav want to alert the-m and Illa) st uml>ll· upon .i tool 1>r~adget that ....111 help them
n·dut·c tht• d<unage il would ha\•e caused. but the sec· 10 till' [uturl.'. It should lake ~rseverance and dedi-
ond tune you should adjudicate the error fairly rn1io11 . but lt'.1rni11i.: fmm mblakc~ will eventually lt•ad
Tread carl'fully on this aspect of gamemast1:ri11g. to st1t·n·ss .
It's easy to full one way or the other. Just rcmcml>cr
that vou'n• all playin~ this game to haw fun.
ENDING AD\7EN'flJRES
KEEl,ING 'l'HE fJAHE GOING ,\d\'enturl's can last a singlt• night or can span sev-
The plctvcr c.: I .iracters will stray from your adventurt' er.ti l.(•mw sessmns. At the end of a scenario (or the
[\:Pl'CI it-but don't 1-.orr) about it.. If you've taken l' lld of thl gamt• sess10n). vou may wish to distribute
your time to pr.:parc the scenario as indicatt.-d above. re" anh
)OU shouldn't haw a problem getting thing~ lad; on
track v.ithout alert in~ the players to their roundabout RElfAllDS
v.ay of prO<'t..'(.'dm~ through the adventure :\l:il..e ~ure thac "'I ll ti t. char.icter"' receh·~ for their
In fact . ... ome G\ls come to enjoy the opportumtv actions matche.... \1hcst tht'!- went through during the
to run the ~ame on ,e 11v You need a i:oocl 1rnag111a- ad"·enturt•
tion and a ~ood unaerstanding of the-adn:nture :o Charal1 cr ... ma) be a''-arded money. equipment. and
improw.. t> encounu r~ nut the more you do It, the \1capons for their :ict \1t1cs I hey ma~ also make con-
0
better \OU ll 'Cl, t1il b Y.llh an 11111x1rl<.1nt G'\1 chMactt:r-someone ·w ho
\\he;·~ the c haracter first meander awa,. from t t.' l'an help them 111 a future ;,.id"·enture.
plot. go in the dm>ction the players are heading "tart Char;wrcr.; also ren•l\'e Character Points and Fate
makln~ up thmi.:s off the top of your head, chrowmg Pmnts .11 the encl of aclwntures. which can be used
a~ much color and fla!>h around as you can. If you to mnl·.isc :-.k1lb or can be :.aved for later adventures
Med a couph· ol mmutes to figure out how to get thl~ ,\s a l.(encral rult>. a character should receive 3-15
pl.we rs b.H k into the :>tor)'. call for a break. Cll;1ra1:lt'r l'otnts and 1-.! fate Points for each adven-
Tht. ubilit'· to improvise is extreme!) import;int turl l'hc: .1".ird dl·p<.' nds upon several factors·
rn'cau"t' it allows you to maintain the players 11/11-
• Did th e' Player Accomplish lhe Adventure GoaJ?
S/CJn of free u•tll They have to believe that thev can
Civt' l'harnt'tl·rs Olll' Fuk Point Cor succeeding in their
choo:-.t• t hl'lr own path, instead of being forced -to do
nw:sion
t'\:<tctlywhat tlwGM wants them to do-this is a game.
and Ill gamt':. players get to make choices about tl1l'lr • H o w Well TI1c Characters (and Pla)·ers) Did. This
actions. Player:s l1utt being forced to do somcthini;! rev.ard r<•prest•nts how th~ group did as a whole If
Of cc>urc;t> you are always free to throw complica- thl· plilyL•rs '>oln.•d punles. came up \\ith ingenious
ltons ell the players. If thcv have chosen to l?O in an solutions. •111cl ni.1dc sure everyone involved had fun
uncxpnted din.-ct1on. you can pull out a character i.:ivc t hl•m six to <'i:.:111 Character Points: il the players
card or :i stod encounter ( or make one up on the did poorly. :.:1ve tht'm only three or four Character
spur of tht• moment) and let them deal y,·nh thats t J· Pomts.
al1on Y.hilc :you figure out how to bring them ba.:k • Ho" \\ell Each lndhidu.aJ Player Did. U certam
1010 the p lot . plct)cr., v.wl 'l'r'lr dl'' er or \'t'nt out of their "ay to
'nil' t>t1me .... through no fault of rhe play~rs ur your make the ~a IJ .,1·w 11cr ilfl e.'\.'tra Fate Point.
OY. n the ad\tmture die!i. The characters don t km'''
ho'' to proceed and the players completely lose r • • Whether TI1c~ Coo~rated. If the players worked
terl·~t. l'he ~'t way to handle such a s1tua11on st > \\Cll a" n tc:i 1 .;in. l'ac of them two lo four ex"tra
make :.orncthinl( happen. A brawl breab out or C '1. r u-tn Poi .,,
n<.'arby G\1 character ~cts dragged off by a band of • Did They Pia~ In Chnracter? U a player roleplaycd
rurf1an ... . or the li~hts sudden!) go out . or the t11s ch ir "It r wt•H ~·' e him thrt'e or four Character
charat'tt.•r's ship suddcn.y e:-.."J)erieoces a mallunct ion Poi ts
that will s<•nd it into the closest star. and so on. Gl•t • Did All Of 'tou HaH' Fun? If all of you (yes. this
tht• plawrs exc1tc.'d. Put their characters· lives 111 dan·
indudl•s thl G\1) had a ~ood time. gi\·e the players
J.tl'r '\fokc tht>m worry about how the encounter" ill
Js m.rny as lhrt•t• or four C:\tra Character Points.
turn out
 ..\dwntun·s can h;1ve i.?reatly var).1ng length. These calb and improvisation . Don t take any n~atiw re-
dWard 1-!Uldl'lant•s ar • for an average ad\"enture span- sporse.s a-. criticism. It's ta ·e'.'> a lot of work to plan
nin~ l\\O ni~hts of i.:amin:,: or four or five fairly long anc1 run a 1.:amc. and you c...ir t a 1wars please every-
episodes II an aclvl•nturc runs over se\'eral sessions. one no matter "hat ~ou cto. Inst rad. \lC\\ player re-
the G\ 1 ma:- \\-ant to i:1n• pdr•ia. a\\atds during the act1011s and nnnrnenh a.' lunb a.-. to ''hat you can
adventure sn the players don·t i;o too long .,.;thout do m the ne.'t ,1dvt•nwrc th:it will kt'ep them on the
gt>lling an~1hing to -.ho\\- for their E'lforts. Final Char- edgi; oft twir o.;eato.;
acter and Fate Point a,,·arcl:. ~hould be correspond- The best \\-il\' to confront such a problem is to ask
mi:ly inat.>as1..>cl to rdkct the length of the adYenture. the players ''hat they did and didn't like. )ou couid
On the other hand. If playing one- or t\,·o-episode even have them\\ rite yo:i an anonymous note \\ith a
quick adv~ntures . :-ou should decrease the numbers list of the.r f<1\'orite and le.1st lanmte :.c..enes. Just
of Charal' tcr Point thl.' l'h;iractcrs receive. don't for~ct to llskn to what your players have to
Other rc\\-~1rd!., such ;is money magical items. or say Tht!y may w:mt to t:1kt' th.> ~ame in a different
other matHial ohJl'<-'l~. an· \!iWn at your discretion d1M:lion than ~ou do. CmnpMm1se \1ake sure you
Aga111. trv not to bt: too li1v1sh in gi\'ing out ·stuff'- and your pl.1yl·rs IMw fun. If not l'ither you or your
your ch;micll'rs 1wt•d somt•th111g to work for later. In pla~ws will l'\'l ntu.1lly givt• up and rind some-
0

tht' movie11. rcwarcls of fric•nclshlp. honor. and cama- t111ng dst· to do <luring those precious
rndcrit' wt:rc 111ur l' 11nporwnt thdn money or equii>- :.pMC 11101111.'nls.
mt•nt. Of ('O\lrM' "t•a:-;h adv;1n<'C now and then doesn't
hurt

tr an .id\'l'llturl' will cun11nuc over a fe,,· game ses-

sion.; vou m.iy want to end each night on a
cliflhan~er .'.'>O tt1.1t the players will k>01\ forward to
the lll':\l µ.irl of the su·nario. At first they may
n-sisl su<'h a l<i<' lk. but afll'r a fe,, cliffhangers
th~y'll come to e11111v and expt'("t It. Think ol it
as thro~ini,: up a ·10 be continued" line at the
end of the night's l'p1s1xle
For ~xamplc. the pla}er characters race
across the country to stop a ro~ue ab>ent from
lxtravmg the Cl\, Just a" thl·\ rush into the
roc>01-"ilert.' tht• traitor Is suopo4'ed to make
the \:X<.'hani::l·• •1 do1en cnt:'m) soldiers ap-
pear from hidden ako\·\:s and point
submachiru.•i.:uns .it tht• charac.:ters The
m1sgu1c!l.'d <l!o:l'lll turns and says. -what
took you :.o Ion).:'.'" ,111d the scs-.1on ends
[)on 't ~·ven lct t lw pl<iyt•rs ask any ques-
tmns about tlw scene Just tell them
tlwv'll haw to wait until rwxt time

GE'l"l'ING l"EEDHA(;H
So1m:liml's <Ill ,1cln•nturt: doesn't
thrill the playNs likl• you expected
11 to wht>n you Wt>tt. first reading
or crcatin~ 11 . ,\s vou run a sce-
nario you should pa) attt·nt1on to
the plavers' rt.>act1oris to the
\ 'atiOU!-1 .sct.>ncs . Did they stand
up and all tn t > talk at once
du rm!-: the' MW" Oi<I they so
comatO:>t.'" I 1 tht.\ reacht.-d
the pllZ7lt.'-"OIVIOg. cn<·oun-
ter'. The pla\'crs words and
actions <.·an com·ev a l.lrl'at
deal of 1riforr: at1oi1 about
\\hlch parts of the ad\en-
ture the\ tr joyed and
which parts put th1·m to
slt>t•p
)ou also han• to iiaugc
their rca<: t ions to your judgment
 / ---.....__,
/

(
"nnwtimt•' ch,1ral't<•rs !{Pl into situations wlwrt> llwv Tim,'\: Tom himult.1nt•ou-.lv)· I clid'
h.tvt• 110 l hoin• but to en~age in combat with Uwfr Tirn , I got ,, I ti
acl\.t•1s.ir1t•s '-111ce lhe fate of lhe characters on both
sicl1·s 111 tht· ton IKt lies in the balance during tht·:.t• Tum; I rol11•cl a 1$,
krnds of l'tll"ountl'rs. 1t"s rmportanl to ha\'e a \\ell-de- G\I Oka}. lim rollt-d hi!-!h•·r so he g-oes first.
firwd 'Y'lcm for dctcrrnmmg the effects of attacks,
Charact<.>rs may attempt any actiondurm~ a battlt•, Tim: rm going to take t\H) shob. one at eacl of the
from hnng a ~un (a" long as he has one) to knockin!! mens runnmi:: tO\\arC: us.
1s opponent O\'cr to runnm~ a\,·ay. The combatanh G\I \ou' rt• gom1-? to ose ID from each shot Sllllt:
ay diem ~uch encounter~ . dependinl? <ln ho\,. much you're taktn!-! more t '" onl action.
1 <image they give and recei\e.
1i111: :'\ri pmblem l'w ~ot ID- I 111 hlasreranyway. How
Read thioui,:h tht: fo!lo" ing tnu;.i.cript Pf a Lyp1t:al far a.....1v are the\' at this poinC
game ~c,.,.10n "''here the characters ha,·e just l'Olllt'
into cnn01t•t ''1th their ad\'ersariPs Don't worry a 1>out G\I· \bout 10 nll'tt•rs
the dice roll.; for now: the rest of this chaprer c•xplarns Tmt: (Cht•<'k" h1'> bl::i'>ter·.., range and rolls his die.- )
all rnmh;1t-rd:ued mechanics in detail Hm111m, .. \\cll. I onl\· rolled a 6 on my first shot.
G\1: Okay. we·re in combat rounds nm\!, F.vervone ( ;\1 'l'h;1t's a rnj..,,
rnakt· a Rdlews roll (All players and the G \ I roll t hl'1r
Tnn : I fi~url·d Okily, on Ill) :;ccond shot I roll<.'d a 1:l.
din ) Anyone roll higher than 20'!
Bn.tff Yt•ah, I rollt•d a 23! ci 'v1 . llil' Koll clami\).!t'

GM. All n1oiht, what do you want to do. Tim : ({ 'ht'<'ks blnstl.'r s damage dice and rolls.) Thal's
.1 tot.ii of IH
Brian: Ah. that c.h.• pl!nds. What're the meres dom~·>
c;M: (Holls nwn··s 1:.ndurance.) I rolled a 4. Your dam-
<lM; T\\-o ol lht•m Me running across the docking bn• ai.:t· roll is thrt•t• unws l11~her than his Endurance rolP
toward you :md tht' other two are setting up some l"h<tt"' thrn· woun<b' You bla:-;t him square in t lw
kiml or lar~ c tripod-mounted weapon near the t'll- cht•"t :ind hi' W1t•s flyan!-J ba<•kward about n..-o meter s
t ram:t•, Y. hid s ab<1ut filteen meters away from you. Okay, rom. 11'.s vour turn
Bri;111· Hmmm l'I fire mv blaster at one of 1he two Tom Is that hl'<wy we:1pon almost mounted'!
\\ith the hl'ct\'\' weapon.' (Checks the ran~c or hi'
G\1 . \cc1h. ;uul it lvol..!. likl· thc~.-r~ about lo fire it
blaster and tht•n rolb his character's bla.~ter dice).
Lt'l'' 'et.'. I ~nt an 11 . I um Oka\ , then rm ~om~ to take t\,·o actions. First
G\ 1: That"s a hat! Okay. roll damage. I'm 1o:Ulll!o(. tu shoot al on~ of tht: troopt:rs \\ii ffi)
blast._·r rifle. :md them I'm ~ing to dodge out of the
Hn;in: ( ( hcd!> ht" b!aster's d:miage die code and then \\,I\
rolb live dke.) I rolled a total of 16.
C\1 : Oka~.. )OU lose I I> from <.>ach action since you 're
Ci\1: (Rolb Endurance dice for the mere.) I rolled a I.!
tal.:mg '""
to rc~i--t . so the damage was higher than the trooper\
Tom ( Clux:ks h is ran,;:<• lnd rolls his blaster dice.) I
E11dur;111l·e roll but les' than double. which translate-
IO 1>111· ''oun<l Your blaster shot hits rhe mere in the
rolh •d n ll 1>11 thl' \\ 1ld di!!' (Rolls the ,,;Id die a~am )
shoulckr. hut otht>r than d bide!. mark on his p!,tstcd, ,\ r&\!hl that's a total of~ 11
he "l'Plll" :111 right. Okay. anyone make a Refl<>Xl'" roll C,\1 You 11.1ilt·d him' lfoll dama~e
of IS or h11!her': 'lorn (Holls his hlil,.h.r rifle's damage dice.) I rolled
;111 Is.
(;\1: (Holls tlw rm•n-'s l'.nduranre dice.) \\'hooµs' I
rollt>d a I on t ht• '' ilcl dil'. That leaves a total of 2. Tom: I rolll.'d an ts for mv dod:..,'<! this round. Good
\\ell.~ ou rollt'<I ten tune..-. h1~lwr. so that's ten wounds thmg I spent that Character Point•
'lour blaster bolt catt hes him rn~ht in t 'le helmet and
he's throv. n b,u:k,,ard Into the "all. nkay. now make G'.\I: Th,1\'s right, ,., tht• mcrt•'s blaster bolt lances
\our dodi,'C.' rc•ll stra1~ht tc>\\ar<l )OU anrt ~ou Jl1't bard~ manage to
ump out of thc\\<J\ , Ok.i\. ~o t:Vervmw has taken their
Tom: (Roll" his t/11</ge dice.) \\ell. I rolled a 13, but action.-. for tlus round Hound t\\O tx:~ins now. Every-
...omcthlni: tl'll"s ml• that\. not ~rnm: to be h1'.:!hcnoui:h. one ma:..c Reflc.xc~ rolls ..•
so I m qrnn<..: to -;p..·nd a Charactl!r Point - -
;:<;m, vou have a b,tslC" lt!el for lhl' ,,·a\ l'omhat \,·orks
G'.\l. 01..,1\, roll .inutlwr drc .md add 1t. in a roit.•pl.i)in~ gam>. Tht• bJttlc wc.tust \\itnessed
Tom: (Rolls orw mort• cllc.) I rollt'd a 5. so thafs at<>- used th(• ""'""' clrimng<· S)Stcm .ind lhe (omba1
tal ol II:'. I'll -,tid; ''1th t l1<1t mund., st·qut•nct• (,.. Jm·h \\t!'ll dbt·us" momentarily)
Th~ m•xt sl·c·tions t·m:o.:r the llll't·hanics £or running
G\>1 You don t \\lUlt to s1wnd anollwr Character Point'.'
ganw hattlc·s and provid1• sonw solitairt• simulations
Tom: Whv? l>o vou think I should'.' so vm1 t'<lll ~t·I t tw hall).! of It by actually working
GM: (l<tU!-lhing) No. no I wr1:-. just making sure. Okay. through sonw :-.liorl t·o1111Mt sn·ncs.
the meres rolkd a 12 for Ht.•flexcs, so they get to go
now. Tlw nm• r11sh1n~ tow.ird you firc•s his blaster rine.
(Chl•c.:ks ran!-(l' illltl tlw11 rolls thl• mert"s blaster dke.)
lfilYS '1 0 llUN Cft)lll1t'I1
1

lie rolled ii I:!, sci ht• hits Dobo:; (rim's charact~r.) ~1n:.tmkpl.1vi11!' ):•llllt':- hrl.tl-. do""n t 11nt• during com-
Ti1t1, rnakl' your Fnduranet· roll. (Rolls damage.) bat <'O<"<>Untcro; into :-;mallPr 11111ts, typkall::- minute~
Tim: Ok.1y. (Roll:- his Emturam·e din~ ) I got a !l or st•roncb s111n· t ht• t 1111111g of ever~ tradt:.'d blo"'
cou 1ts The ()h "' -,tt•m offers three \\ a\s to run
G:\I I rolll·<I a 14 dilmit~t'. so 1ha1's higher thar your battle.... all of\\ LJse s{'(.'01\d" a' the main umt oi
roll but lc:-s than l\"o tirnt•s h1~her. That mean:; Dobos 11mc
take.-. one" ound.
nm. Oh. lllilll~ T11.1t', l\\O \\OUllCb I've taken ::.o far!
.'m not i;:oint: to la-.t much longer Combat <1nd chuo-.. ~umNhne-. ~o hand-m-hand. Ev-
G\I O,..u~. the trooper \\it h the hed') IJl<l!>kr fin:~:. dl cr~1hmt: '" happenrn~ at once. and it's hard to tell
Mck (T•>m's ch:iradcr) (Check;; rang<> and roll!' '' 'l. ,-., omg on Tiw ... 1muhancous «omha: me!hM

"11AT YOU CAi~ DO ON \"OUR TURN

Bash tht an opponent \•Ith a blunt weapon. Pin Pin an opp011l·n1 by t:lllwr hokhng him to
Cast \ "p.-11: lniti.1tc an incantation. the ground or " tacking~ n plt'et' of his dothing to a
Chari.:t>: Ru~h at an opponent. The attacker gains wall or otht>r nt•arh) oh1ect. Tlus action ·s treated
a bonus of • ID to dama~c when using a melee as a called shot.
weapon (sword club. ltst. et cetera). Pun<:h: This Is .mot lwr ~wll-<.•xplanatory one
Disarm: f<l•mov<' an ob1cct from an opponent's Push· forrtbly move art opponent The opponent
hand. This action is treated as a called shot. loses 20 from his m•xt Kcflexes (or Reflexes-based
Oodgt•. Fv.idc an attac·k. skill) roll. but t,1kcs no d.inl<tf!t'
Grab Latch onto ,m opponent Ready a Wt>,1pun Dra.w a ~un, un!'heathe a
Grapple: Ovc•rrnmt• your OJ>ponent by attacking sword. rt'lo.1d a rifle. ct <.'l'tt·r~1 .
him with your body. Once grappled. the opponent 'hoot: fire a Wl':tpon like a pistol rifle. blowgun.
can do nothinR other than attempt to break the bow blaster et cetera.
attackcr's ~rip. (Both make trength rolls. which ·1ru;h ':l\\m!( an t'<l!-lt'<I \H'<ipon (hk.e a sword or
count as actions. If the defender w tns he escapes a knifl l
the hold.) Trip tnd an opponent head over heels by
Headbutt <;;tam your forehead into your op~ quick!}' fore ng one or both ~s upward. This ac-
nent. tion is tr~ated as a called shot. The opponent loses
Kick: Thrust vour leg forward and ... \\ell this one 20 from his next Rt>fll'Xe., (or Reflexes-based skill)
should be sclf·e.xplanatory. roll musl sp-- nd one act Ion to stand up again..
Leap: Jump over an opponent or onto a table. U!'t' , 1o> Perform an action related lo a skill
or a.n) such maneuver. )OUr character po:.sc..-.se:. hke starting a fire. pick-
Lun~ ·Stab fol""--ard with a pointed weapon. like ing a lock, climbing a rope. t't cetera.
a sword or a knife. \'ehrcle Mar.euver: Perform a stunt In a moving
Move: Manemer around the area up to the veh cle.
character's move value. 'fote: Each entry (other than movement-see
Parry: Block an opponent's blO\~ \\1th a similar below) counts as or.e actio n.
wt.>apon (Ot!Sh vs. Oe!>h ::.word vs. sword. el cetera).
 capt Jrt 'thb fotd of cict1onl> occurm~ a· the s~e IL 11 1 1<.:c combat ha ... been dcclart"'d .e_. on~· char~t. -
F.wnone in\·olnd In lht> >altle ads"' once. deter· tcr as:onults :mother). e\ ery character im·oh·ed mu'I
mine ... the effects of their cict1ons disc \er ... \\ hat ac- ma!.:c n Rcflt•xt•, roll (the gamemaster may make one
1lons nerformed IJ\ other-. aHected them. and then roll for l'ach t\ pe of 1-!arnemru;ter charaner. e.~ .• one
o > ully) t:eb re;1dy to act again. roll for nil the mere,. and another roll for all the pt· '
' 1hcinoous ~·omhat!' worl.; •>n fi\e-second unlh lots) The character \'1th the h1qhe't roll ma~ ta:-,,.
of •called round:- Earh round.alJ lh~ chararlers ht ac:tmn fir~1 TI1~ character ;, Ith the st:cond h1~h·
tmoh·ed in the battle mavtake oneormoreaction'- e.-..t roll then takes her action. and then the third.anc
indud1n~ doing nothln~ Th1s 1s the simplest method
0

-.o on. until the la-.t character performs his action. at

for ru11111111.! a combat encounter. primari!) becau~e 11 "hl<:h pou!l the round end!> and a ne" one begins.
require' le.-.:-. d1u.: rolling and less accurac) In ~cn­ ="otc that pht)crcharacter and gamemaster c-hua1··
cr;il. tcr actions .ire lntt>rmmg,1·<1 ad<linl! more realism to
Wlwn pl,1yer or ~.imemaster characters in it i:lte .i thl' um'h.tt
combat. sw1td1 to the h\e-second round structure. t har:wtcr-. klll1:d durin~ a round cannot take any
You and om ol t hl• pla~ws each roll ID. The side wtt h .1l li1111!'1 for th.11 rn1111d 1f thev ha\·e not done so al-
lhL• h1~hL•st d1t roll g<>t•s first (r~roll any tie::.). t'ilCh rt'i1<fy (;1!'1 t1ppo,c•<I to tlw s111rn1taneous combat dl'-
c·li.1rnl·tcr 011 t11c v-.111nln~ :.1dl' makes all of his actions snih1•d .11>0\c).
bl'lon· 1lw losing side gets to take its tum. If you (as
1-1:.i01t•111.1stt'r) roll thl' hi~her scure. all the~anwina-.tt·r
dtaract<•rs tah• thl•ir actions before any of tht.' plav· INl'l'IA1'1VE ROUNDS:
t•rs ( 111 whatcwr ordt•r vou would like).
\\hen the pl<t)l'r ch;;ractt•rs ~et their turn. allow ROUND SEQUENCE
1.·ach player to take an acuon and then move to the I. All ~amema:.ter and p ayer characters make
11e_xt play~r. Tr:- to vary the order in \' hich tht.• pla:-· a Reflc..'<e...,. roll
·rs !(d to do -.omcthmq s >'hat no one is ah,ay' la-.t
i. The character \\1th the h1i;:'lest \alue goes
:\ntc that each ch.ir1c!er s action occurs re!:?ard-
1,,, of whether or not re ,._ni\"es the round. If a char-
first
al·ter die!' belore the p ')er controlling hun has made 3. The character \\ith the next highest \'alue
hls dtl'C rolls. he !'llll ~ts to perform his acuon!'I \t ~oe..' next. and so on ...
the end of the round. hO\\t"\·er. he die~ and cannot
en~ai:c in the next comh. m 1d (barring the appla-
catlon of ht'almg teC"hni< ue-; INl'l'IATIVE ROU~DS:
CDARAC'l'EU ACTIOX SEQUENCE
I . Make a Relle.,,es roll
Sl~IULTANEOUS COlffiAT: 2 D· um1nc the number of actions you \'-ill takl'
llOUND SEQUE.t~CE J ubtract dice for multiple actions
I. One player and the gamemaster roll ID 1 Roll .1ttad.: and rl'solve damage for each attac:ker
2. All characters on the side with the higher roll in order
to take their actions 5 '-1ow
3. All rharacters on the side with the lower roll Note: Steps •I and 5 may be reversed.
to take their actions

SIMUL1'ANEOUS COHBA'f: (~ONTINUOUS CO)JBAT

CUARAC'fER ACTION SEQUENCE Ry for the mo~t dctaik'<i pl the thrt-e. continuous com-
h;it allo"" \'ml to run nmrt.• intricate. more accurate.
I. Determine the number of actions you \"ill take and mon~ rcahstk battle~. Unfortunate!). to do so
2. Subtract dice for mult'ple actions rt"quirc-. more re<>ord-kccping during the combat se-
quence on the part ol you and the players.
3. Roll all attacks and r~olve damage suffered (see Unlike the pre\'lou~ combat methods. continuous
Attack and Deft>nse sidebars) comb~t us1•s lnten·als of one S<"Cond. although one
complete combat round con.;l<;t.; of f1\'t' -.econds. Uke
\\hen runmng lmttatl\C rounds all characters (player
and gamcma,tcr) make R~Oexes rolls at the begm-
INl'flATIVE ROU~"1lS n,ng ol each round Tub tune. howe,·er. refer to the
The onlv difler<'nce between simultaneo..s combat Conllnuou:-. Combat lnlllall\t' Determination tu detcr-
min~ on which ,~·cond (out of the live-second round )
and initlauve rounds is the order in \\hKh tharac-
tcrs take their ac:Uons Rather than all characters rn1 each character t:.ikc.; his action.
one sick• ~oin~ at once followed by all the charach'rs :\m,· call out the fir~t second of the round by say- '
on tht• otlwr sld<.> this method allow~ player and ing ·0111•: ,\t this point every character may make
gam<·mastl'r characters to alternate actions depcnd- om'-fifth of lus mowment (his total movemenldhidcd
ltl~ on l nclivictual dice rolls. h:. llwl. ;111cl .ir1) d1aracters who are allowed to make
 their a<·tion on tht ir-;t 'it'C't1nc1 of the round may ei-
ther do somethlll<;? or 'lold their actions until the next PElll~Oll}llNG !llJL'I1IPLE
st"tond.
Once all the l·haracters wh 1>sc Reflexes rolls \H~re
AC'I110NS
26or bl.·1tcr p<>rforrn their actions e.. those allowed <>n ~our lurn • s >l.J~ ·r or ...,lmcmaster) you may
to takt.• their actmn:> 111 thl' first set. nd ui the round ). cho<)se tu take more than ont• at·tiun. The more you
call out the m·xt "l.'<'ond by sa)oint: ~two.- ,\II charat.·- attempt to do. ho\'\ c,·,'r. the lc.-.s care and concentra-
ters ma,_ mo\'l 1 £'-filth oftheirmo\'e:nent again.and t ion you can .1pp'.y to each artu>• making it harder for
anv charattt•r-. " 10 ~t 1 ratrd < Refle\'.es roll of 21- '' 1 'Ul't't~ at <.111 of them This increased difficulty
25.mav takt. their al·twns ds \\Cit as am· characiers s rt'flt.."<"ted 111 game mechanics b\ subtracting ID from
who r;>llt><l a :!ti or b<'lter but held their action). Con- cl. skill attempts for t>ach actmn Jx>yond the first. For
linue this wqUl'tKl' until you complete the fifth sel· cxamplt·, If ~ou Y.antL"<I your space smuggler charac-
ond of the fh.·t"-St.·cond round. and then start over. ter to crus:. lour l;t11~o; of traH1c (a vehicle maneuver)
If more• th:rn ont• C'hi!racler take<> an action at the while .. hooting his hlastL'r out th1: \dndow (an attack).
same ttrne (111 the same combat second). treat the ht' would lost• ID (for t,tkan~ one e.xtra action) from his
cxchang<: Ilk<: u sirnultJneous combat. Both may take skill din lor both Jct10ns when rolling for success.
llw1r ;,u:tions rt.•garcllcss of whether one or the other £xompl l': Bruin I{. illwm., an undercover C1A
i::. klllt'd A charctl'll'r who dies. hov. ever. may not lake
a~e111, ·'/mt.\ /11s tur!-Wt leapm~ ucro1>.s to a ne1f!h-
any '1Ctions after this second
bori111-: rooftop Rea/i;111g lw dcwsn t have much
rime /Jnun clt•ncl<'·' lie lw~ to drau• his pistol and
fm• 1111111e1J1ute/\-<.1T1cl 111:' tlunk' Ill! 'd be better
CON1 INUOUS COHBAT:
1
off ,Jiootmg 111·1~•'· ;u.~t in cw;1 Smee hes taking
thre1• actmfl' f druu·mg and then fmng 111·1ce). he
UOUN)) SEQUENCE mu.,t sul>trucr 'lD from euch 'kt/I attempt. luck-
I. All gamemaster and player characters make a Re- t/): drau mg a u ''apon does not require a skill
flexes roll mil Clfl.\W<l_\. \Q ht o /u.,e., the 'lD from hts tu'O
2. The ~amemaster calls out the current second of 111arl\..'111u11sl11p ro ' ' ne ht., marksmun.shtp dte
th-:: round (:.tart mg at one) code rs ::.n . / ht• ~ < kt I oth oc11ons at 3D- I ( not
3 All character-. may move one-fifth of their move- roun:mg rcmpt• and o tht>r \llllat1onal p.!nalt1es ).
ment
4. Characters\\ ho may take an action in this second
do so now
)10l7 E~IEN'l'
5. ~dd ont' to the current second and then go back to Characters may \\alk up to their move \'alue in meters
step 2 (after five .,etonds. the round ends). e\ery round For example. a character with a mo\'e
of 12 t:J11 v. alk I'.! mder~ in anv direction
during a f1vc-sl'Cond combat rou;d. To move
COl\TTINUOUS CO!IBAT any fa-.rt-r rn<iu1rf'' a R1•0exes roll against a
INl'l'IATl\7E DE'fERHINATION <lifficultv dl'll'rmint•d b\' the number of ex-
tra ·movt.•nwntsM (one movement is equal
Reflexes Roll Action Taken on Second .. . to the charal·ter's mo,·e value: two move-
26· mt'llt!> 1s l'qual to 1wo times the character·s
21-25 2 muvt•· and so on). Each extra movement
adds 10 to tht• dHfi<:ully For example. a
11-15 3 bount v huntl'r c:hararacter wants to capture
6-10 4 a bancltt bt.'fore the thief leaps onto a mov-
(}-5 5 IO!-! train in a ft•w sl'conds Smee the bandit
1s about :!5 meters a'"ay and the bount:"r
hunter':- move is I 0 there·s no way the
CONTINUOUS COMBAT: bounty hunter t'.an rt>ach his quarr)' within five sec-
CDARAC'fER ACTION SEQUENCE onds Thi' pl:1yt>r tht'refore decides to hav e the
bount\' hunter make t\\o and a half extra mo\·es
I. Make a Reflexe:. roll The first 10 meters 1s lrt!C Its a normal move. not
2. Refer to the Continuous Combat Initiative De- an extra one), but the next I~. ··ter distance ~ields
termination chart to dt-tennine ....tiich second c1 totc1l d lffkulty of 20 ( 10 for t11e first extra move of
the character may take an action IOmt·tcrs and another 10 ior the second extra move
3. ~1ove one-fifth of mo\.-ement during each sec- of fi,.·e meter-.) If the bouncy hunter's mO\:e had
ond of the round been 20. he \\ ould ha\'e needed to make only one
4 Determine the number of actions you wiU take e:\1ra mo\'e and tht.'reforc would have had a total
5 l:>ubtract dice for multiple actions difficult\ of IO.
6 Perform action(s) on the second indicated by You ma;· also'' 1-.h to Increase movement difficulty
the Continuous Combat Initiative Detenrunation c1cpcnd1ng on thl' type of terrain A character run-
chart nm~ throu!ih a \'\·art>house cro...,ded with stacks of
Note: Step 3 occurs during every secood of the boxt:!> wouid haw more trouble than if he were run-
round, while steps 4 through 6 occur only on the nrnl.l anoss an opt•n plr1m.
second designated by the character's Renexes roll
 1\l)te thnl a di.uacter makin':! extra mon:s also
llll'Urr.s n mull 1-art ion penal I\ of 1[) ~r e~tro mote-
mt?nt. Ha character fa1b hb l{d11txes roll tor hi:-. t•xtra
movements, he ntm"l'" on!~ .1s f' nmaJ \'alue.
(IC usmg the contmuou.:- co J,,• Jption. character:.
mukc thl'tr mm••mcnt roll,; at lhc beginnint: of the
rnunrl 'o that the pla~ t• s knnu ho\\ 1ar .-ach char:ic.
ter c.m mo\c durm~ c:ich second)

1\'lvl 1\CKING Ai~D

1

DEl.-ENDING
\t Ihi' lw.1rt 11{ an:- combat are simple at tat•ks ;111cl
dl°fl'llSt':'>. l \mt! anyl hing from a tis I to a knift· to a
m;irhim· gu11. 1111!' d1aractt•r attempts 10 injun· oil·
otlwr 111 .111 t•ffo1 r lo kn<>l k out or kill him.
Wt· 11t·t•<l tv.·o rolls !or t><.ICh attad;. one to cJekrmhw
wlll'lht•t lltt• .111.1dwr su<.n.'t>tb in hillin~ hi::. laryt:l
.md ,11101111'1 lo dt•lerm111l' how much damage thl' 0<'-
fcnding t lwr:1t tt•r si.flers

A'l"l'ACK PROCEDURE
Add or '>t1btrac1 Offense Modifiers
2 Roll a1t11d dice
3 Comp:ue to att<ick difficult}
4 H hit roll damni,'<'
5 Compare damage roll to defender's Endur-
anl'C roll

.......
DEFENSE PROCEDURE DEJ'Dl))IXG
Declare dodge. p. r " o no defense
" If dodge. add Dodge ~hKliflers
' AGAINST
:~ Roll <lodge or p;1rry dice A'ITACK
·I. Com1>arc at1;1d; diHkulty to attacker"s weapon :.kill Tilt.• other way to ch.rni.w the ,·aJue needed to hit a
roll d1ar:Kh'r tn\ olw.:- t hf• 11st• of dodges and parries.
5 Ir hit, roll l'.11du1 o.1mt.•
6 Subt ral't I nclur:111n! tolal from attacker 's damage roll DODGES
7 RN·or<l cl<imagl' on d1aral'l<' r shert II ,1 d1ar,Kh'r <locli.:~·s (whit h cou n ts as an aclion). he
ri ills l11s tfoc/J..'e -;kill din'. Thi' gcm•ratecl value replace<;
th1· 111 ,1s th1· h<N <1lltt<·k clifficultv A defender can
lt'DAT YOU NEED TO BOU 1'0 dod1.:c- ·1nv 1yp1· of Wl'a1mn (melt.'t> or missile).
111'1' A (;IIARACTEB Exampfr: \ ·'fx"·e p1rall' decidt's todCJdge out
l'o pul It -:11npl~'. an :lit 1d:er must generate a skill to-
ol 11/1 "111 r1f t/u> fl/l'ri· \ retum fire He roll,\ hi'
tlodi.;c ,,k,I/ of 3LJ+:! and 1.'<'nerate.s a 16. u·h1Ch
1:11 of at le<L\I JO to
'iUCC'l'SS ullv hit a defendin(! l"har-
Ix-come~ tl1c ueu cmuck dtfficulf\. lht' mere mu.'1
actCr, Just roll \our bm1.J nk sword, or arc/1e1y (or
the :1ppropnate -:kill lllr whatever weapon )Ou· re us· beat to ,,C'orc a 'uccc ',fu/ ha on the space pirate.
Int:) cl1n>, add tllem up. and see whether you rnllC'd a Example: /..arer m rhe combar, the space p1·
10 l>r more rote dod .:c:-; a::arn, but u·ind., up u 1th a totul
fa:ampi<': A 'fXJC'(' pirO/P u llh a (ii$er pistol d1xlg<> roll of on!J• i ·'rnce rhe 1·alue he g._>nPr-
'kif/ uf tD· I fin·~ ut u <u,tu1n' olficrul He roll~ alt'<I h f,•" tllun 10 (Ille bu.,e cl1fficu/o·J. 1/1e ut·
ht!i l:1scr pistol cltC'<' and!.,'<'/., a 11 (~. 4 3 :! -1 lark d1fficull) 1 /Qu rr than If u·ould hac·e been 1f
//1•/wd mtldodged a: all (hence the nsk mr;ulit-d
pt/>} tl h1cl1 '' greater titan JO. md1calinf! 1/tm hi'
'UCC<'t'dt'd m J111u11~ tile offtcw'
m try rn~ tn a11t1c1pa11• un oppe11et11' urtacks ).

somt•t 1mes tht• -.11uation d1Ctdtt'-. an added or rt'-

It ma\ -;eem unrenh!'otk to allm' a character to
clnclt:e l;Ut ul tht• way of n hullt>t tra,·ehng at mach
clurcd d1ffkullv to suct'L>t.-d ir the attack. Rd1tr tu the
.,peed or .i l<Lwr bolt tr.1H•li11g ;1t the speed of light.
I >fli.:nw ;lllcl Del<'llSt' <>1>t1ons sidebars for t.•xamplt::.
I>•>1101 t h111k ah1111t n clod gt- thi~ w a~ \ charact~r who
\s ~.m1c111 .... tN. l111v.t."vcr. yoiJ al,, ays make thi;: fina
ts ilodgin~ 1s .111tirip.1t111g tlw l0<:atton of his attac ker ~
lll'l'h1<111 on wh.11 m1111t.•rkal effel:tl> a given silt1<1lh>1 1
111n1 rr:. ;lim (tH"fnn• the ;1t1<1l'k 1s made). and is doin~ all he
c.in to mancuvt•r h :nst>lf out of that area. ::x>metimi>«
however. the cll'lt>nder guc!'iSb incorrt'ctly and there- Rod~ l ocation
fore hcn1mcs c.isicr to hit ( reprt..,.cntt'd in the ~ame
Ri~ht Hand
hy mtikm!: a doo~~ roll that b Jess than the normal
1.alue needed for a -.un·t·,sful attat·k . But most time.s Ll'ft H;.r:d
he l<.>ap-. out of the\'•':'.! sc.rnt millisecond$ before hb Right Leg
op1>0nt'nt l;iundw, ;in :Uta< 1.: Left L~
Ri!.!ht Foot
P.UlRIES Left Foot
Onl) melt~ '' caJX' s h•t. cnJl)s , S\\ ords. et Ct.:lt:'ra IJ Abdomen
<.·.in bc p.1rrlccl: r 1ss I \H•apons {!!uns. arro,.. s. 7-~ Chc~t
blo.,.~u11 darts, t'l ' · ra l'iUtn<>I (unless other" is· 'J Head
ind1r:Ut•cl by Ilw 'Pl'C'1fil' game IAorld To parry also
lrl'alccl as ,111 action). tl1t' d£>1t•ndt•r rnlls his dice in Exampl e: A;;t 111 /Jricm II 1//1am.' roll" hi~ ul·
\o\hidll:'vt•r skill (whid1 must lw a mclt:'t~weapon skill) tack du 'I' am/ e11cls up 1n1'1 u Iola/ of J.1. u :;uc-
he ust•s tu dt•ft·nd tlw hlow (q.:.. att<Kker's brawling nw
c11\.1f11t ll11 (j,\f 1111'11 c'IWCk\ lhP Htl Lucalmn
vs Clt:'lt•nclt•r's hr;iwlln~ or attacker's sword vs. Cltwt. /1101'.\ 11111/w 1111e \ <11wr-111 r/11, t·u.'I!" ·l-
cldcn<lt·r':. knifl..') II tlw .1ttc1t·kcr gt•nerates tht: higher and d1'/••rm111< 1 ' tltl// Ii 1/lu1111s /111l11s11pponC'nl in
numb(•r, lw slips p;isl th<•dt.:fl·nclcr's parry and scores tlw nuht /1101
H Slll'C't>ssh1I hit 111111' clt'ft•n<lf'r gt'rwrates the higher
tot.1L hl' 111.inH).fl'.-. tu hlork the blow launcht'd O\. the llANGE
attarkc.•r "iolt that likt• dodges. thl' parry becomes Each \H'dJ>< in h,1s .1 listing for 1 s short. m('dium. and
lhc Ile\\ a1t.1ck chlhrnlt~ rl"~ardless of the total gen- or ii ra11ges. ,\n~·thm!: doM'r than short range 1s con-
cr.ill"d. c'it.:111r11 h h•s, than 10 (the oa.sc d1fllculty 10 s1dt r\·<I polt1t-bl.111k an<I has t1 -1 IJ mnd1flt'r !:>hurt-
hit a l'l1.1r.11 kr • ),l' attuck.' mc ur r:u p ·nalt1cs For medium-range

E:r:ample: l t/1, "n ··nommus oorhon1m from attack'. the attacker lo.,\:s 1IJ from lus :itta<.'k roll. and
the \,.,.,, /('rfl Rt•g10ns ''L m!J..' 111., dub ut ~irGui m for long-rani:<> attack' ht• Jo,£·' 21)
\alunan Gm 111 J>arnc' 1111.' blou tnth his su ord
U\/flg /11 fcnc:mg kill I ti! !?enerates an attack
SPEED OPTIO~
roll of I? but Cm m get' a parry total of 13. baref\ - me \\:Capon" require more time to u ...c than others
defl1 c.lmR tile cluf.> lx!lnre 11,mu.,fies into hrs skull II you \l;OUld hl.:e lo l ake th1 ... speed difference mt)
account. and therdn add more rec1hsm to \Ourcom-
UIT tOCA'flOX OPTIOX ':mt enl •)linter~. appl:i; the :>J>l-"t.'Ci .,;aJuc of a charac1cr's
To dctcrmhw the lot· at Ion \\here a character " !'
\\(>apon to h ... 1111t1:ttl\' •Ren \C.s roll.
h.t. (·onsu,I the lollo\'\tllg chnrt I-:"a mple: \ men u 11!1 u R~flc.\c~ rull uf 3D
dC'Ctdt s to f11·e a blo~t. r 11flC! ( 'fW<'d -/ D) dunn!?,
a comhat mund 11 /tc " 1-1•11,,rar111~ ht.\ m1t1atn·;,,
total fut //tat '' m11cl, lw mfl., .!/) ruthl!r titan JD
(l<eflt•w, 11/ 1/J - l/J 1111 ·'f>1·ecll

DEFENSE OPTIONS
Op tion Defense Total Modifie r
:l'l' <..ovl'r -5
iOX. Cm:~r .10
i.5 Cover
\loonlight
J."ull D~rkness
Pinned

r / ~
~ ,.._/
~ otc:
parries
Thc..... e modifiers do not apply to

~ l _ __....__O_F_FE-~N-S_E_O_PT_l_O_~_S_ __

~ ~ OpUoo Attack Dice Modifier

'(L.J.../ 1 Alm ID
Point-Blank Range -ID
• hort Range
Medium Range - ID
Long Rani;ic -20
C<tllcd !:>hot - 20
Blinded - 20
 £.'\·(Imp/~·: .~tr (;arm la/anon 5mdes mto the
,\ \\ound repn: ..ent .. anythln.....r·>m a bruise toa deep h<Jll/,• nng u, anng cm t>xpenrn)f' ~wt <1fr-ham marl
laceration to a hrc k( arm. umwr(annori aluc ID· It' cd..,aed and pomted
u • apon' • :! 1 s blunt u ..Pupom.) His opponent
DA~l1tGE TYPE OPTIOX bmh1 ' hm1 m the ·''de u t1l1 a mace for a mtal of
For C<ICh \\flUlld il clMra<.:tt r suff rs r 111 20 and I; dcmiuge Gui m makes an F.ndurunce roll (h1'
consult th•• C'hnrt bclc)\' to dt~term nc what type of am1or adds .J for th•• blunl·U<'<If>Qn attack) to
111j n 1 -..u'ft·r-. r1 ,1,/ Ill the 'ume round /11, opponent aho
Die Roll Da.m~Type ~10,Jie, 111 Jum u tth a /al!.,'t' knife 77m tune, Gann
., L<n.·t'.rat1on
rulds 11 J, I to h1., Endurunce mil since the attack
nm 11 from cm etl!!,ed uieup<>n
:1 Gash
1-:l Dt>ep Bruise
1;..7 ~krapc
H-!J Pundure
10 Internal Wound •\II char;1c1t•r:-. .111d wl11rh.· .. have a scale code that rcp-
n·...1·111s its 111.is:-. rt'latin• to the mass of other objectio.
11 Brokpn Bont>
Ch.irt1t'h'rs havt .1 Sl'<llt• <:ode or 0. but ii tank may have
l~ Concussion .1 ,c,1!1• n><l1· of 11> :ind .1 starship a scale code of 90

1UlllOR SC1tLE HOUlllJEBS ·ro AT'l'ACK

\\ lh'nt'\• r 01>1 ·1 ., of 1 different ma~ size attack each
Char<K'tt·rs «an pr(lll'<"' ti en se1\·es Crom damage I>~
other. hnd the ddfer1'nc1• bt.'l\\l'Cn their scale codes
"'<'<inn~ ~l'ilr I hat either sh1clci« them from or absorb~
\ charach•r hi;:htmg a tank v.ould have a scale code
attach The armor value of ~uch equipment is added d11f1•r1•11ce of -IL> (4()-0 41)), 1lte smaller of these IV•O
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . ohJ<.'Cts gnms thut diHcr<.'nce in scale cock dice
' a bonu-. to hit the bit:i,:E.-r object, while the
CHARACTER DEATH !Jigger ob1ect lost.>.., that difference to hit the
-.mailer obJ<.'Ct.
USIXG WOUXDS
F..x amplt•: 1 'tu~h1p (q-ale code ol9D)
Damage Co nd ition Grune Effect
!Jre:.1f\ hla.,tacannofl (.'cale code of.JD)
I \\ound "IU ned at a •mull orb1tu/ sptJce watwn (scale code
2~ounds I JUrecl -JD to all actions• nf 10/J) f/T'\f u·e hnd the difference rn srale
:i \\.'ound., •wrely Injured - 2D to all actions• c1xlt h) su/Jtrucr11u~ the blaster c·annon :,
"all' cocl«• of JD ( noftce u·<' 're no/ usm!.!
•1 Wounds '\lortally Wounded -3D to all actions•
1111'''""'"fl\ 'calf• codP; thot 1s lT"Pd rm/~·
5 Wounds Ot'ad cannot taJ-e any u Jw11 111.\ "" 1/11• cft'fending ~1de nf an ut-
actions fa< k) fl, 1m tJw .\par< ~rations ~ca le code
• This pt.>nalty does nol apply to Endurance rolls to of /Ill J nw rewflm~ die code ol 6D ( /OIJ-
rc•s1sl damage lf J J '·' 1lw11 cJCfcif!d w tlw bla~ter cannon:..
!{Ullfll'r' :-t..rsh1p gunnery skill roll ( r<'·
USING BODY POINTS m1•ml><'r l111t111R the brood ~1d12 of a ham
0 Rody Points =Death I\ " lot eu,wr 1t1uT1 l11Um!! u candle u·ick.
all •illlt'r luc ton. be mg equal)

DETEBHINING DAMAGE
USIXG THE 1'-·o XO DAM.AGE SYSTEll
to~er Umit Up~rUmil Effect
Damage Roll < Endur.ince Roll
Oama!(e Roll 2 Endurance Roll Oamase Roll <2 :'I Endurance RoU 1 w ound
Damage Roll 2: 2 x Endurance Roll Dama~ Roll < 3 x Endurance Roll 2 wounds
Damai..>e Roll 2: 3 x Endurance Roll Dama~ Rt I 4 x f.nduranct> Roll 3 wound s
Pamage Roll 2: 4 x Endurance Roll Oam~e R< I < 5 x t-::ndurance Roll 4wounds
OamaHe Roll 2: 5 x Endurance Roll Damdge Ro I < 6 x f.ncluti.11\ce Roll 5wounds
USIXG THE BODY POll\I DAllAGE S\'STEH
Damage Sufferedt - Damaqe Roll - Endurance Roll
t (z.e ro or a negati ve r<.>sult indk<1tes no d;;unagc)
 SCJ\U~ HODIFIERS TO DAJIAGE lie sufft'r.. the fu/120 {Hnnl., Tlw second und third
churucter.. <ire stuflcl1111.: ubo11t three fcl't all'uy the r
I vcrir Wl'aµon ( t'lt I er port 11Jlc or mounted on a ,.e- 'econd rcm~e) u111l therefore ,uffer JO points of
hiclc) hn,, a :-cale code thnt rcprc:senb the lc'd of dama~ (/wit of 20) The fourth character 1~ flt'e
damag.• it 1·an ~au-;t> J.'nr ex:unplr.a -;hell from a tank h'•'I uu a.' ufld ,uflt•r.o j puu//., (one-quurtl!r of :!OJ.
inflicts much mon~ damage than a bullet from a pis- ond tl1e filth chaull"ler, 1d10 " sei·en /pet au·a.'
tol. ~tost char<11:tt•r·scalc \H'apon:s havl' a scale code {and thc•refnrP 011t,1cle the tl11nl rtlflt:!t> culue)
of O. ,,·hcrea..:. a tank's main gun may ha\ ea sea Ii: code ~U,/Qlfl\ II ; I II ha/V> •r
ol 30 (nouce that the tank therclorc has t~o .;caJe
code:-. ,1,.,,.,ocidlt.-d .,..ith it. 41) for ib 111<1:-.,., and JI) for OTDEll UAHAGE TYPES
it's gun: 1111 had ,mother gun it coulcl potentially have
hr~ c11ffNent scale codt•:·.) El.ECTRICITI'
\\'hen calculatmg damage between t\\O obje<·b of
cliffert 11t sc-alt· c·ocks, find the difference of their scale
Elt.-drkdl d,unagc: l olll range .111)'"" here from zero to
IOD or more. cll'pl'nd111!o( upon tlw amplWrPs and volts
codes t'ontllllllllg with our chara«tt'r versus tank
cxdmpk the dWl·rc1u.:c: \H>uld be :m (3D-O-:m The l .,t• your iudi,:mcnt to cit•terminc an appropriate dit
l"O<
b1~g r of lhl• l\\U objl'CIS g;1(1ll' tha ll .lmber of dice
as a h1111tl'> to damagt' :111d to rE><;1sl damagE> causE>d Electrknl ~urc(' Oamage
bv the smaller ol>jl·c·t. \C oulkt 11>
E.w"'mple: C11ntmmng from our '"'' exampl<'. power st,111011 tr.msformt'r II>
u nou m·t d 111 dl'tf!rm1111• tile l'fft'< r:. 11f g11/t• on lightniug !ID
the cfcm1<1!-,'t' 111fl1cted 011 f/w ~pare stutwn by tlle
h/a,tet e<J1111or1 ( 11 '"re ""1m1mg tile a/luck u•a.' l'lllE
'ucce,,ful. of c-our..c) Tiit tJn (Jf 'ca/e d1ffen•11ce I-ire ha-, a standard dama~c codt> of 20 per round
( 10/>40. for th• /mt e,\ample) '' addecl :o the Rec J('t or 1nl rease the clama~c based on the volumt.
'fkl<t' \lllllf>ll' /Jody ,,,.,,,,~Ill u h<'fl rolling to ,, .•
of f Tl' s 1rr•1uncllng l)ll' Ch:IT<ll'lt'f.
,,_,11/w /J/O\ter ccmnon ' clumu~e ( remi!mber J11t-
t111.~ 011 eleplumt 1uth a 1001hp1ck isn't got~ 10 F.lWXG
do much dama1.,~ Character-. take no d.u .1 ..c lrom falling. They do.
I O\H·ver. lake clam.1gc Iron sl.umning into the !.,<round
WEAPO~S ' , dard damage b {.'<j i 11 D for e\ery ten let..
Weapon Damage Ran~ '>peed Ammo ~

Bla-;tcr 41) 5 I -- 20 £'Cample: T1111 ·1111> ~hwk • Demoane fulls .10

Blils l r rifle 51) IO .!:l tiO -ID :.w ft 'I ult• ·r /<hill!!'"·' grip u /11/f' 'ca/1fl!.! flit> outside \..
c>f u lx111k 171e G\f roll' ."JD dumuge (If) fur l.'t
f s. ~trcngth 0
en· t••n '4.•<•I and t:!• nerut<'S a /Ota/ of J 1
EXPI.OSIVES
CUAllA(~'I1Ell DE1-\'l H 1

HLl.~T ltlDi r S
c.. rtain Wt·, P"ll' {lllw gre11<1de.;) illld maglldl dlt>cts Char,1.cters \\ho sulll r hH wounds (1£ us in~ the wound
{hkl• fin•balls) .ttfl'<'t an l·n11n· area ralher tlwn 111st a cl,unagt· syslt•m) or who n·<ich 7cro nr less body
sml.!le d1<1ra<·tl·r Ctwrk tlw hlast ra<l1us valuf of the pomts (ti us111i.: the po1nt-ba•wcl clamai.:t• system) 1m-
mccl1a1ch I.ill um:un:.dou:-..
c)(pl11s1n· ur 111cc11diaf) dl'\ ll'e to determine how far
the cl:11nal.!t' .;pn':1ds 011t\'.,1rcl Imm I he point of 1m- II mcdit-;il ;ml cannol l>t.c•olfl•rt.'Cl rn11nPd1atl'ly (within
pdt'I. Tht· Vdluc is e:-.prcsst·cl a:-. a si·ne~ of numbers 111 st'COIHls ). llw d1.11;1CI Pr can 1wvf'r bt• rt>vivt'd (un-
s~paralNI .>\ sla~hc~ (similar to the ranq~ valuP).
0 lt.;:;s othcn~ 1s~· stated-some i,:anw \~orl<ls may allov.
for re\·M11rat1ons of the mai.:1cal, miraculous or tcch-
l..tumplt': ~wnmfe l>lu.,r rad1u' .!/4 5 1111:,11 sort).
Ch<irrtl tt rs st .1n<hn~ \\'llh111 tht• r.111gt• tlt•termirlt'd by
the first' ,11 '"· thcv arc <1 numlx:r of Ct"et a\\a\ from
the 1mjh1C'I point cquai to or Jc,,~ than thl! valu<?),,uffer ltlJLL-S(~1.\JJ! H1.\'f'l'LES
the full clamagf' of lht> \H .tpor 1r. ckr-.. '' 1thm tht> The ba."ll' 1deA"l b to ncah.' a mc.·chamc th.it adjudi-
sen111cl r.m~e (~rrater than 1lw' rst \, lue and t-qual to <' h."' .11 t111ns pnfornwd in t.111dem hy several par-
or llss than tht• s1~ond \<tlue sl. r half of the dam- t! ·s ' ehov. af, easer to do. but \\lth diminishing
a~e. and charat~ter"" ithm the thm1 range (b'J"l>atcr than
the ,C<.'nnd \CllUt• and equal to or le'" than the thin!
n .. return,

value) suffer 0111:- onc-quarkr of the 11am<i!it'-

£.\·ump/<": A :wldter kJ/J~" !..rn?nude mru u ~·roup
HEAIJNG
of Ill •• • fl('f11\ commafldo The detom1tor t>.\ At -..omt.> 1>01111 duru t , < It r ~adventure career
plode• for a total damuR<~ fJf !O (Jne charucter rs h s bod~ b g •In~ t > rwt•d llll'nd111g and his \.'eh1ck
.\laru/111~ 1111/1111 1111e fu11t ul tlw 11111x1<·t {>(Jtnf. uTICI fixm..;. nu.. ( haptt·r pro\'ides thl' l.!31llt' mechanio
1s tlier<.!fori• u 11/1111 th•' ~rl'nude \ f1~t ran~ 1 ulU•' n1•1 cs,-. r\ lor cletcrm1n111!! tht> ll·n~th of time and ex-
pcnsc of rcJuv1·natm).! characters and \·eh1cles. ;}JEIHCINE
Ch<irat·ters ma' be hcak'd in a varietv or v.av:.. from
n.11ur;1l to ma~1<.·a1 methods . • · l Siil!-: the ltl'ulm~ skill. a
chM<ickr can attempt to ht•al
:i wound1•d t'ontpan1on once per day according to tht>
NA1'URAL followini.! t•hart
Ch.1rill'h.rs who n.:frain £rom activity heal naturallv Curr(•nt Wo und l e vel of \ 'ictim DifficuJ ty
<1l tlw lollowinR rat<>~ (depending on °lhe dama!(c sy~­ I Wlllllld ; ;.... rno· of body
ll'm usNI 111 I hl! ~ame world) porn ts rl'rnaini ng \'ery Easy
Wo undi.: \\ounds ht>aJ at ratl' ol one per day. :! wound:; 511-71" , ol body
Body Poinb: llody poinb heal at a rate of five per prnnt" n·111ai11111g Easy
d1v '.i wounds 25-50 or hody
points rt•111a111111g Moderate
~IAGI C t \\ound.; 1-25" of body
\l,1glcal spells and items c n ,e D 'lea!. rc\1ve. or res· po111ts rt•1 J ning DiffiCU•I
urrect lllJUrl'd or dead characters. The game mechan- .' l \~ouncis ( hod~ prnnl.s \'ery Diffkult
·s anvolvL'<i \'ary depending on the game '' orld and
t e s1M• I or Item in que.sllC)n. For example. an e!l:<ir ol \ :-ucc ss I roll mdic<1IC!i that the in;ured character
,., mii.:ht rc:.turc ![) "ound:. or 30 bud) poinb either rl'mo\·e, rnw \\Olllld from his total or heals 21>
l><:vclop sm·h maqk a.s befits your game. boch poi n h
VPhidt> c·nmtMI work.; t•x.t<'llY likt' normal charnctf'r (sp;ic-t>) J. l Jsually ~iw11 111 nlt'l<'rS p<'r second (for
rnntlMt. with a ft•\\ 11<1ctltional game mechanics for vari- cast· ol USl' 111 l'Olltl><tt situations).
ous "stunts ." In 1>6. tht• ~oal 1s to keep the game fast- Hull/ Body trength: Tlw dil rnde that represents
pact>cl and nrw111at11·, anrl the ba.sic game mechanics the \'t'h <"It .., .1h1ht\ to rt·stst cl;image lll. -1. 10·2
tx:lo"" rdll'<.'l tl1<1t <1111ll1tio11. Ft-cl tree to im:orporatt' <l!i IL>).
many of \'C>llr own housl" rulL·s or optional systems as Hull Hits / Bod)' PoinL<I: ·1his du:1l \ 11.ie dctcnnines
you \\anl Fulure ()()games 1.1.ill provide add t1onal ho\' mueh damaR1' ,, \·f'hklf' ca11 su,•;un before 1t
11JL'<:h.u110 and vcl ucle up1 101 ,::. \\here apµroprial~. ts dt'..,lru\t:d (1 c ., t11m m.1m ·hit:> t •w vehicle can
lake). The fir,t number corresponds to ~he u-ound!i
\ 'EllICLE TEHPL.\TE charal'lcr d.1ma •c '"stem. and the second number
Like chara<.· ters. \ l 16 J\ ar -.ssociakd set of to lht• fx><l\ 1>01Tll' c1amagt: S) "tern (see Chapt~r
gamt.> \'lllUl's. \II wlu<'lt•.., ...11ould ha\e at It-as; the tol· 'lltrcc. "Chor<tdcr~: llnd Chapter Eii:ht. -combat.-
tor more information) Ch()().;e \'hi ch option works
Jo,,., 111~ lnform.111011
best for your ~:tmt: \\orld and \Our players.
nmlrl.E XAHE: TOE \'EUICLE'S Weapons: l{cpeat the Ji..,t of entries helm' for each
\\t. I <)n t) pe
DESIGXXflOX (".l \fll.U E OF ..\ TlllE." I) pe: I he number and type of >n•apon ( two
..TUE Ll~C K\' (' .UIEI..'' TUE TDl£F'S C.\R). 11.:1< hml·~un,, 0111· 1111,..,ile laundter. four laser can-
T ype: I he vduclL .., make and model (Alpha-dass nons)
c ru1~l'r 'CJ:! Chcvv Bcrrt'ta, your standard cart). fire An 'I tw clirt'<'ti1111 \\ hidt tht• weapon points
Scale: The \'t•hid~•s srnlt· c1i.t· code (20. 3D-1 8D~ (forward .1ft port. st.irboard, forward starboard
s1 t' "'"'''' 111 Chapt<.•r l.1ght Combal.- turn•t (('<Ill turn 111 ;111v chrt't'tion)).
S i1;c.>: !'ht• vt'llidL"s dimensions (length. width. ( 1'<'11 i\urnlll'r of dlilr<Kll'rs rwt'cled to operate
lw1i.1h1. wi111.tsp;m). the wc,1po11 (tlw pilot :.t1ffl'rs a multi-action pen-
Pilol ing Skill: Ttw skill nN'd<'cl lo operate the V<"- i.tltv 11 tw pilots ltll' nnft and fin.•s a weapon simu t-
h1de (starllghll'r pilol ing hoverbike piloting. d n v- tanl'owdy)
tn~) Vale l'h1· Wl'•IPon's s<·alt• dit• nKle (see Chap-
Crew: I ht• numlwr <>I L' h<.1racter:; needed to oper- ter Ei~ht hComhal ," for nwrt• iniormation on
.1tl' tt11· \'l'llldt·. sc<tll..,)
Pns.-;eng<.•rs: Till' number ol addilional characters 'k1/ ·111e skill u... cd to opnate the weapon (la-
( ol h1 r I h.111 I hl < rt•\\) th.it the .. ehicle can hold '" rt ,r 11011 11111ch111l'gu1l.,, t•ncn:) \\<.'apon:>).
Car$lO Capacity: ·1 he :imount of ex1ra weight the fire Control l lw attal·;., bonus die code that rep-
w 1 t < 1 < lrr\. ll)ll i..1lu~rarns. 10 metric tons. re.....cnt-. lht• \H'apon's inherent ac('uraq \\'hich may
m ). rncluclc an~thing from ... 1ghts to targeting software
CoHr: The d11• <ode that reprt"sents the amount of (0. ID· I. ID)
c ·It nsc ( addt'd to a ~h11nt\'t r's t >aSC dcferu;e value) Run;.'<? 1 he weapon 's ram:e \'<1lues ( JO 10 40. 5
the \Ct•<''" fiord ... It-.. <."rC\• and pa,.sem:~ers ( -5. -10. I.! :?O. 150 100 .00}-"t."(.' Chapt1:r Ei~ht . -combat.-
fu for more mformatlon on ran~c .
.\Jtilude Range: The \'ch1cl s altitude limitati •r s /Jamage The d ..1mag<' dw code aused by the
;,round « wtcrs . s kil< •ner rs. space<apab e . \\ >on ( 11>·2. m 91>- l )
.\1an emerabillt~ : The d11• n><lL representml> h<m Cost: The l·ost of lhl' \Chicle ne\' or used ('~\.'J
\WI tltt ... 111p lt,sndk::-. (<tdckd to the pilot's pilotmg rt'\\'). t.:!5 ( used). 10 00 I credits ( new b.O'JO
sl.1 \dwn j>t•rfonm l~ stunts) {USl'd))
\1o\ e: Ttw \''l'h1d1• s ... tand;ird cruising movem1tnt Oes<: ription: 1111.' [>.1,.,1t' purpos~·. look and history
v;ilu1• maximum ntmlhl·r of muves per round in al- of tlw \l'lll('lc• ty1w or llw pa rt icular whide.
mosplwn• and sp<1n (50 '.! (atmosphere)· 15 6
 VEHICLE NAllE:
Type:
Depending on your game \,·or\d. you may Scale:
also wish to include the folio\' ing item$ in a
vehicle template
Size:
Consumables: The \ength 01 time a cn:V• can Pilotin2 Skill:
remain on board without having to resup-
ply the vehicle [four hours. t~o days. nine Crew:
months). Passengers:
Shields: Thb die code repre..ents the ad·
d1tional damage resistance artorded by the Carao Capacity:
vehicle's enerey particle :.hielding A char·
acter must make a successful shields ~kill Cover.
roll to use the shields cflcct1vely (a sue· Altitude Ranoe:
cessfu\ use allows the shield die code to
be added to the vchiclc·s hull b<iclv Maneuverabilitv:
strength when rolling a!-tainst dama~e). Move·.
The d1flicult::- depends on hO"' man) ol H (atmosphere)· Cs pace)
the vehicle'$ flanks (forward. ail. ull /Body Strength: ·
porl. star-
Hull Hits/Body Points·
"Weapons ·
Type:
Fire Arc.
rew.
Scale:
Skill:
Fire Control.
Ranae·
Damage.
Cost: (new). (used)
20 Description:

board) the shields \,.,n cover

adding .5 for each nank For example. a char·
act~r placln~ shields iorward and port
would have to beat a difficulty ot ll> C5 • 0.)
to do so. Tht' shield die code 1s e\'enl) ~pht
scofe: 40 bchH~t:n thOSI! \WO fianl<S wht:ll res1.,,ting
damage. It the shield <lie code 1s .m. he can
Skill flu\se ~nnort apply 10 forward dlld to to port .
Fire control· 'Q+2 ~ U gbtspe<!d Multiplier: This ~·aluc deter-

ore~"'~ ,ised
tn\nes how long it takes a starship tot ravel
Ronne. a ~ivcn distance lwhich is measured in
nnnio•e: so " aoo t1m~). for example a .;;hip with a
li~htspeed multipher of x2 wants co travel
to a nei~hbonng star sy<aern According
 to tht: stand.ml d1sl<1nl'e l·hart. it ''ould take a ship
mcmng at a h~htspct•d mul11pher of .xl one day to
re<.1ch 1ha1 .,~.,tt•m. This ,.111p (\\ it'1 ·ts "~ multiplier) On a 'Ul'ccssful hit II t , 1t<1cker rolls hb vehicle·s
\\ oUlcl 1al\e t\\o da~., Hi~her \~ t>,., 11•1icate sl mer damage d1ccancl the defender rolls his ,·ehicle·s hull
1,. h ,> d cngmt·., boch !>trcn~th Con, ult the \Ch1cl1. Damage Chart to
detel"mme "hal l\pc of dt1.-ct occurred.
Sensor.;: 1he <11-.tancc and cllecth ent>ss of a "eh de"s
,.,t l,..,,r .,, ... 1cm. for example. a value of b013D indl-
The attad.cr then rolb JO to randomlv select the
atc.-. that th<.' st•n,or' can ...can up 10 60 meters away affected \ ehlclc s~ s1cm or pan (maneuverability.
,,;,ha -31 >h<1nu... to the character's sensors sklU roll. I
llw chfht·ult~ of st•nsln~ an objel·t depends on its si1c.
t ncn..'Y output. and at•t·dt·r<ition. plus other situational \TEDICl.E DAMAGE CHART
facto rs hkr m·arhy r;ulloi11on.
Situation Effect
Damage Roll Temporary Effect
Hull R(l(ly 'itrf'ngt h Roll (o ne round )
\'eh1d<•s lollow till' s,in11. i.tanw mechanics as charn('- DamaRe Roll • Permanent Effect
tPrs for 111ovt•11wn1 purpos(•s :>1·1· Movement in Chap. Hulll2 x Body "treni,rth Roll (repair required)
tcr Li~h t . "Co111h,11." for lllOrl' inlormation. Damage !{oil Permanent Effect
Hull/3 x Body Stre ngt h Ro ll (part destroyed)
S'l'IJN'l'S
"\ormally,;1 d1ar<1l'tt'r l .ti op~rate a velucle w11hout Tt'mporar" Effl·<·t: Th\· cl,1111<11(\' elkct lasts only dur·
I 1J'\ 111i.: to llluk\ .1 .. kill roll--:.tsu«I drhing. Only when int.. th· r• 1d 11 \\".1' im•urred and thl' round immedi-
h~ v.:111ls lo perform a .,111111 dn diet• rolls com~ into n1el:- folio\\ tng.
pla\ Pe rma ne nt f.ffN"t (r<'pair required): C. haracters may
rt>pair rhr <lamagt• "1th t t ) uopn;u slo..; roll-. or
· ,, hiring a mL>chamc
The b~ difficul~ to hit a vehicle is 10. P(;'rmanenl frfE'<"t (part destroyed):
The charac• ., m"!>l pur hasc a O~\\
(or used part
ti reptace the
-. l 'EUICLE UODGE damagt:d one.
\ cliart1( tcr p1lut 1 1 \ ·hide
m,1~ cttlt:tnpl 10 <lodge thL
~r.1ft out of tlw 'A,,.,. ol 1n-
('om111~ projt•t:I ilt.,
Ra t ht•r than tlw c/m/~e
skill llll' d1aractt·r 11st·s
his p1/ot111~ ~kill (pill'>
0
t ht• v<'lrn·l1• s lllillll'll·
Vl'r<tbll 11 y l'Odt•) I()
t:?vadl· l ht• .1ttack.
The rollt•<I valrn· be·
COllll':; l h~ flt•\\ ill·
t.1di difficult~

RA.H~llNG
Both vchi<'lc' 1c1k~ .rn
·. 11noun t of clnmngc cqunl to thP
.,maller '••hkl1>s 'cale 1 oclP

SAHPLE STU:\TS
tun I Base Difficulty
Ram E..s} (10)
15 tum Easy(IO)
900 turn ,\toderat e (15)
IW t u m \'cr y Difficult (25)
 Ellen <'hart). The pilot rolls a to:a
dama~e of 19 ·1Ill' de' 1 11 .., plane general es a toia.
VEHICLE DDIAGE EFFECT hull'b<xl\ strength ol t "1 l ~ 19 1:. mort.- than three
ID Ro ll Effect t imes higher than 6. ti ding plan~ :miler:- thn.:e
I Maneu,·erability hit-. ( or If u ... mg tlw b och pomts "Y"lem. 13 bod~
pomh of clamm?e (19 - 6 - 13)).
Random System Damaged
Hull Damage
REP1\llllNG VEHICLES
Lh.ir.1t lcr-. mn' rl'I\; on their own technical sk, Is or
DAHAGE EFFECTS th.it or lured mcchan1cs to rt>pa1r damage::d veh cles.
ll1c lollo.,..111~ t'hart shows th<: difficulty and cost as-
0

Vch1\'11· dama~c mav manifest itself 1n variou:. wa\ s.

from lo:.:. of mancu~crability to huJI breeches. Bel;l\\ '"<'1.ilt'CI \\1th v.iriou' rl'pa1rs (the cost is listed as a
you'll land t•:1:plan;111ons of the damage effc-ds list<·d p1..•rtt•11t,1~t of the price of J nc,.., vehicle)
on thl' Vt•h1clt• Oamai.?t:> Effe<·t chart. Die<• Lost Difnculty Cost Time Required
Maneu v(.'r.tbilitv: Th<' vehicle loses I[) of <llfficulty 11> l:asy Ill"' I hour
Nott• t llilt I ht• m;11wuwrability code may drop bclo~ :.m Modt•rnlt'. ]!)'),, 4 hours
11•ro (-1 D. -:m ;md so [or th ). reflecting a vehicle <lam-
as.it·d so seriouslv that the craft more actuallv intt•r-
:n>ill" mow ll11fkult :!II' ·.. I day
fl'rl's with tlw p1iot s ability to handle it. .. Tiil' sta1Hlarct d1fflt·u1ty for repaarmg one hit or fiw
hodv point:-. ,, 10. \\Ith rl lillll' r1..·quirecl of four hours
System Damaged: Randomly select a vehicles svs- \If otlwr system n•p:11r~ depend on your game \\Orld
ll'lll (h!.!htspt•t:d cn~incs. communications tranor
'tou c.m cll'ndt• on chfficultil's. costs. and require<I
bean shwlcb, ct n~tt.>ra). That system becomt·:- tn-
opn hit' or loses 11> if t has an associated dk <:ode) llllll' '' lw1wve r dwr..rters neffi to fb: a \"ehicle or vou
can make vour 0 \1 n dmrh whl'n you des1r:n v~>ur
Hull Damage: The st 1p suffers an amount of damai.:c !-!amc \1orld
ns dt.>t<:rm1m ..-d b\ U1e •n:litl -om bat dama•..:e rules Ot·-.t1o)L"<I 1><1rt:. or S)stcms must be rt'placecl ;:-.. ....
(sec Chaptcr Ei~ht , ·combat- For example. in a do!o,'- h·c t .1 chlflcuh) to Install and a co:st that accoun•s I •r
f1ght one plane 'ih<Hl1' another scoring a .;ucce,slul the> intric;i.-~ nnd m:a·labilit) of the part as reflt>cted
hit ftir hull damage (as detern ·ried by a ID roll on the by vour game world
 Tlw Ch.1ra<.'ler Creiltion anc C:arnp Templates on the
follm~111~ paJ.?es provttlt• .i Sl't of rules for players an<l
~IAS'fERBOOK CONVERSION
gamem.islPrs who want a simple. cinematic system
that can h:1ndle man) i.:1·nr s "upernatural powers If you'd like to play a i1a~ter8ook game with
han been l'\Cluclt'<l from t I 1s 1.; 1·1w. but !eel free 10 the l>G rules. you can us«" this l\implc ml'lhod
11s1• .in:- of I he :-ample.' n>\. t'rL'i:I in that chapter. 1or co vertlng between the h•·o
Hand out the Character Crc;ttion Template to the "inc 06 allows you lo use 'Ahtchever at-
pl.•yrrs so that th1•y c.in design tht•tr d1aracters. and tributes and skills you deei appropriate for a
then rcc1d the te.xt dt."lailin~ lht ipt :>ns selected on particular genre, you can us< tnt MasterBook
the Game Template (simul1anern1s combat. for ex- attnbutes-r\g1lity. De.x1enfy "trt·n~h. Endur-
ample) m lht'. appruprt.sle t'haptt·rs. ·\ s vou play. you am:e. lntdk"Ct, ~!ind. Charisind dlld Confidence
111.1y "' bh lo bet.:in <tltt•rini-: lht: g,1111e b) <1dding oir (ignoring Toughncss)-and the ,\fusrerBook
tions t•ith('r 111 an effort to h<'ltcr match the gam<' -;k1ll" ;i., dt•finl:'<l by the p:trucular WorldBook.
-- \\orld or to ma kt• tlw -.yst c·m morl' dt•tailed and com-
plc.'\ At that point \'OU should photocOp\ the blank
You nn·d onlv convert the Ma.,tnRook values
into 06 d:(• n°ides usmg th~ lollowmg formula:
lemplatt>s 111 Chapt<-r Two, - I he Ganwmaster s :X-e- (Jfa,tl!rHook value) 3 =quotient and remamder.
lion - Hll In lht• sht•1•ts (pcrft•rably In pPncil so that The <1uotlent becomt'!- the die nxle and the re-
you l'an d1angt• lht:m later) and distribute cup1c~ of mamdcr the number of pips For example. a
tht'm to th· player., "o they l\nm~ "'hat you·,·e added \fu,rerR0<>k .;core of 13 would bt• a 06 die code
dell•tcd. or replaced of tD• I (13'3 " 4 remai der I),
Thl' 1>6 ~yst<.·m allows vou to sl'lt•ct and create rules You can use this qu1ck-and-ecss\. formula to
to refle<:t each ganw world so you may end up with conwrt all the attribute and skill values. To
sevt•ral sets of templall'S lor the various games you makt• things ..-ven easier. the MasterBook at-
run. or11<.·t1mes you c-an use the same templates for a tributt's contain the 06 core attributes-Agil-
kw &•Hnt' worlds but of11•11 you'll !ind ii easier to kt>ep ity (Rdlexes). Dexterity (Coordination) .
thl·m st•p;iratc Strt'ni;ith and Enduranct.:
Futurt• iiames from \\t•sl End ""·ill 111clude templates Last. Skill Pomts bccoml· Character Pomts.
appropriate for th;it world plus any additional op- and L.1fe Points become Fatl.' Points. Once
liono; not clistusst'CI 111 lhts hook You can also play you· ve done I hat. you can start playing! And you
any of the l!cJ.~l<'r80<1k ~anw:- usm).? the simple con- don't ha"e to go lhrou!:h <111 entire adventure
\Cr-,1<>11 belm'; all you nt-cd b the \\orldBook for the beforehand and chan~e all the MusterBook ,-ai-
i:a1m: you \\ant lo run ues You can Just do ii on the fly If one
~amemaster character ne\.'er uses anv skill
other than fire rombat dunnf'? an encounter. you
Y.Oulcl've wasted your time coO\erting his val-
ues. This way you only convert the attributes
or :,kills you ne«I during play

-..
 (;J11.\ll1\(~'I1l~ll
(; lll~1.\'l I () N 1

'1 1~11 I• l.J\'111~

1

Came Dl"•11.1ner; - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CDAUACTER IXFOR)IA'flOX
Species: _H_u_ma
_ n_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DA~UG F. s1·s ·1E:)J
.:il \\ ound~ #: z
....l 13odv Points Formula: _ __ _ __ _ __
Age Requirement~: -'An__..'------------
Groups: -'N~o~n~e_ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __
1\J>l'ANTAGES A.'\D DISAD\'AX1'AGES
All excepi 1nfravisicn and ultrav151on
Starling Attribute Dice --"'2_..10_ __ __ _ _ __
tarting kill Dice; _7D"----- - - - - - - -
tarling '.\1oney· _10_0
_ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __

A'l'TRIHUTES Jll~D sun.LS

COORDINATION ENDURANCE REFLEXES STRENGTH
Loc;kpicking Swimminq Acrouat1c:s Jumping
Pick Poclcet Balanc;e
<Missile Weapon> !3lindfignt1n9
<Thrown Weapon> Dodge
cMelee Weapon>
Scaling
Sneak

KNOWLEDGE PERCEeIJON MECHANICAL

Etigutl't-U Contacts <Creature> Riding
Forgery <Creative Ability> <Vehicle/Vessel> Piloting
Healing Hagglina
History of <Area> Information Gathenng
Law Read/Wnt.e <languagp
Navigation Shadowina
Secret Societies Speak <lan9uage>
Ur uan GeO!!raphv Traps
 fyJ\}11~
1
SYS'l l~}I
'111~}1 l• l.J\'l'I~

Game Designer:-- - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- -
Genre· _A_.__ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ __
World Overview: This game works well for any genre 'tha't requires a c1nema't1c s'tyle of plav Fas't ae"t1on and
s1mphc1'ty govern 'the game·s overall suuct.ure. l'tcan be used as a basis for more complex games l?y adchng in
op'taons and a power (magic. ps1onic, super, or o'ther).

)
(
Technology Level: _v.;...;a'"'"n.;..;;e"""s-------------------------- - - -
'""·
POWEltS SEC1'ION COHUA'I' SEC'flON
'n' PE(S) DAMAGE S\ S'IEM
.J Magic :il \\ounds #: ..2.
:l P:.ionic ..J Bod} Points Formula· _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
.J Super UOUNU S'l'UUfTURE
...l Other ~ 1multaneous
UMIT.\TIOXS ~ RES'IlUCTIOXS :I Initiative rounds
None .J Continuous
OPTJOXS
..J Hat location
..J Speed
..J Vvound Twe
POWER SIUl.I. NOIES
None

HISCEUANEOUS NO'fES
Include 1n this area any weapons. adven'turinq gear. special world considera'tions. or any o'ther topic that relates to
the structure of the game rules or the se:tinq. n is sec'tion might also con'tain an 01erview of a campaign or sam?le
adventure ideas
> OGL
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a

The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc ("Wizards"). All Rights Reserved.

1. Definitions: (a)"Contributors" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)"Derivative Material" means
copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition,
extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) "Distribute"
means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)"Open Game Content" means the game mechanic
and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the
prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including
translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) "Product Identity" means product and product line names,
logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language,
artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names
and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures,
equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as
Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) "Trademark" means the logos, names, mark,
sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the
Contributor (g) "Use", "Used" or "Using" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open
Game Content. (h) "You" or "Your" means the licensee in terms of this agreement.

2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in
terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except
as described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.

3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.

4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive
license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.

5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your
original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.

6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of
any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder's name to the
COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute.

7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another,
independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark
or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the
owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of
that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.

8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.

9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License
to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License.

10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.

11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written
permission from the Contributor to do so.

12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due
to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected.

13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming
aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.

14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it
enforceable.

15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Open Game License v 1.0 Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
The D6 System (WEG 51005), Copyright 1996, West End Games
West End Games, WEG, and D6 System are trademarks and properties of Purgatory Publishing Inc.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION:
Product Identity: The D6 System; the D6 trademark, the D6 and related logos; OpenD6 and any derivative trademarks; and all cover and interior art and trade
dress are designated as Product Identity (PI) and are properties of Purgatory Publishing Inc. Use of this PI will be subject to the terms set forth in the D6
System/OpenD6 System Trademark License (D6STL).
Open Game Content: All game mechanics and materials not covered under Product Identity (PI) above.