Barbarians of Lemuria Rulebook v1 (005-052)
Barbarians of Lemuria Rulebook v1 (005-052)
Barbarians of Lemuria Rulebook v1 (005-052)
CONTENTS (CONT)
VII THE TRAPPINGS OF HEROES 35
Starting gear 35
Weapons 36
Armour 39
IX A GAZETTEER OF LEMURIA 53
Overview 53
The Geography of Lemuria 54
Map of Lemuria 59
The Races of Lemuria 60
Flora & Fauna of Lemuria 64
The Gods of Lemuria 72
The Twenty Gods 72
The Dark Gods 73
A Glossary of Lemurian Terms 73
X THE SAGAS 76
Overview 76
Sample Adventurers 76
Krongar the Mighty 77
Argol Arran 78
Molina Goth 79
Pellem Pharn 80
Sharangara of Oomis 81
Jandar Joth 82
Rork Kozaar 83
(Krongar) The Gladiator 84
(Krongar) and the Island of Doom 87
Character Sheet
Master list of traits & flaws
INTRODUCTION
“It is an age of warriors, when strong men and been building his power in the Void, biding his
beautiful women, soldiers and savants, magi- time for this moment.
cians and gladiators battle to carve a bloody
path to lead to the Throne of the Lemuria. It is Hadron was loosed to wreak havoc across the
an age of legends and valiant sagas too. And Earth; and he did so with great fury! He top-
this is one of them”
pled the mightiest cities of the Sorcerer-Kings;
The Crimson Edda
he caused the sea to boil and rage, reclaiming
land that it once owned; whole mountain
THE AGE OF THE ranges were levelled just as new ones had been
SORCERER-KINGS thrust violently from the earth. There was noth-
ing the Sorcerer-Kings could do – their magic
H
alf a million years ago, mankind arose
from the depths of barbarism to the had lost its power and the evil might of Hadron
heights of civilization. Theirs was a was too great.
time of great strife in which wars were fought
across the entire world with sorcery and magic; THE AGE OF DARKNESS
where great machines could unleash devasta- There followed the Age of Darkness; the Earth
tion across entire continents. But these still trembled and bucked against Hadron’s
“Sorcerer-Kings” were not satisfied; once they power; fires still came spouting from the land
had mastered their own world, they wanted to pouring blackness into the heavens; forests still
master the entire universe and so become withered and died and there was a great cold-
Gods. ness across the lands.
But men were not supposed to be Gods; the From the dark places came new threats; lurking
Sorcerer-Kings could not control the forces horrors, carnivorous beasts, ferocious monsters
they thought they had mastered and in their and cruel twisted half-men. Some of these were
arrogance and ignorance set free the Dark undoubtedly minions of the Dark Lord; others
Lord, Hadron who for untold millennia had were the results of the vile necromancy of the
1
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
Sorcerer-Kings, who had been forced into hid- doms, at first friends, soon discovered wealth
ing. This was a barbaric time, where the blade and power and greed and envy. They fought
of a warrior ruled and where terror and death and fell and rebuilt and fought again. But with
were constant companions. Yet somehow enormous slowness civilization began to grow.
mankind found a way to survive and then to
fight back against the Dark Lord. THE RETURN OF
It began with the Hero Hrangarth, the First THE SORCERER-KINGS
Blade-Bearer. From their secret places the Sorcerer-Kings
had watched the rise of man and they were
THE FORGING jealous of what he had achieved whilst they
had been hidden in darkness. The Sorcerer-
OF THE ORB-BLADE Kings had become almost reptilian with pale,
Whilst the Dark Lord ruled the land, man skeletal and hairless bodies. They had also be-
would continue to struggle to rebuild. Despis- come warped and cruel. They had maintained
ing the Sorcerer King’s great evil, the Gods of the ancient secrets of their forefathers and
Lemuria devised a plan that lead to the creation delved deeper into the lore of the Void. The
of the Orb-Blade; forged by Yrzlak from the Sorcerer-Kings believed they could cause Had-
Star-Orb that Sa’tel sent crashing to the earth ron to rise again, so they set forth into the
as a portent of change. The Gods gave the world to take back what they believed was
blade to Hrangarth (called the Blade-Bearer), theirs.
creating the first Hero of Lemuria.
Kylarth was the Blade-Bearer at the time that
With the celebrated blade, Hrangarth fought the Sorcerer-Kings began their assault on Qid-
his way into legend, slaying foul beasts, desh, Qar and Ygddar. First of all, Kylarth and
nightmare creatures and the minions of the his army easily defeated these warped magi-
Dark Lord himself. He led brave warriors cians and their slaves but they were clever and
across the mountains and into Lemuria to build their magics took a toll. Each time they re-
the first great city of Ygddar. Hadron was sent turned with stronger beasts and in greater
back to the Void and so the light came back to numbers until the defenders became hard-
the Land. pressed to hold onto their cities.
THE AGE OF MAN Events began to turn against the race of men
when Morgazzon tricked the Blade-Bearer to
So began the Age of Man. The continents had
do battle in the Swamps of Festrel. Lord Ky-
settled, but they had changed. The once mighty
larth was driven mad and the Orb-Blade was
cities of the Sorcerer-Kings had fallen to rub-
lost. Over the next hundred years, the Sorcerer-
ble and dust and were no more. So warriors
Kings slowly pushed their way back over the
came to Lemuria and fought back against the
land, forcing mankind back to the sea and be-
horrors that stalked the land. And when those
hind the walls of their puny cities of Ygddar,
warriors died, more came because the land was
Oosal and Qeb.
rich. Over the centuries, those first warriors
and those that followed spread slowly through-
One-by-one those cities fell to the power of the
out the vast untamed jungle-lands and across
Sorcerer-Kings and their Dark Gods until only
the great mountain ranges of Lemuria and
Oosal remained. The price was high; the Sor-
magnificent kingdoms were founded; Ygddar,
cerer-King’s magic had devastated the lands
Qeb, Oosal, Qar and Qiddesh. These king-
2
INTRODUCTION
3
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
thrill of the crowds or bawdy pirates with an their hands to other, less honest, work. They
eye for treasure and a yearning for adventure. will often be found turning to a life of thievery
Women are voluptuous scantily clad beauties or piracy to make a few coins although they do
to be rescued from evil priests or lithe adven- tend to prefer honest work when they can get
turers as capable in a fight as most ordinary it. However Heroes can only stand their jobs
men and just as ready to crack a barbarian’s for so long and sooner or later the yearning for
skull as bed him if spoken to lewdly. The bad adventure will come over them. Luckily it is
guys are invariably evil necromancers, sorcer- never far away...
ers, priests and druids. Sometimes
they are lily-livered nobles or cun-
ning assassins, but even they often
have a magician behind their nefari-
ous plots.
4
ROLE PLAYING
“Oomis was the first city of the New Age of
Man, following the fall of the Sorcerer-Kings
THE PLAYERS
but Satarla is the greatest. The Priests foretell In the Barbarians of Lemuria the players will
that in the fullness of time eight proud cities create characters (used interchangeably with
will come to stand under the black and gold Heroes throughout these rules), who like the
banners of Satarla, ruled by a rude Barbarian characters in a sword & sorcery novel, will
from Valgard in the frozen northlands. Krongar travel around the land breaking into ancient
the Mighty is this warrior’s name; but for now crypts, fighting monsters, finding great hoards
he is but a flame-haired youth shivering in a of treasure (and losing it again) and generally
snowstorm in the Mountains of Axos. Little living the life of an adventurer.
does he know, that the cave he is venturing
into for shelter is the lair of a great Snow-
The character is a player’s alter ego in the
Worm and, even now, those visions of the fu-
ture may be thwarted before they have ever game. He can be a brawny barbarian or a deft
begun! Such is the whim of the Gods.” thief. She can be a dispossessed noble or a
Krongor’s Saga swashbuckling pirate. The players decide these
things when they create their characters.
OVERVIEW The players will create characters that, for
R
ole playing means different things to whatever reason, will team up together to make
different people - some see it as little their fortunes. Each player will decide the ac-
more than a tactical wargame, with the tions of his own character during the adventure
backdrop being perhaps a fantasy dungeon to and will roll dice to determine the outcome of
be looted, whereas others see it as more of a events, where there is some doubt about
freeform or improvisational storytelling exer- whether the character could succeed or not.
cise. The Barbarians of Lemuria is somewhere
between the two, tending towards the latter.
5
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
6
ROLE PLAYING
7
CREATING A HERO
“Into this brutal age of war and necromancy, of You might simply like the look of several of
the warrior’s blade and the assassin’s dagger the careers and base your character concept
come eager young men (women too) to step around a mixture of those.
out on the path to glory and riches, the throne
of Lemuria as the ultimate prize. But for every Once you have your idea, you need to deter-
adventurous soul that wins fame and fortune
mine your attributes. These attributes are
there are thousands more that fall by the way-
side; bloodied, penniless or dead. A grim important in defining your characters physical
reminder that life is cheap, in the Jungles of and mental make up - his strengths, weak-
Qush, the Deserts of Beshaar and even on the nesses and outlook. Naturally, it makes sense
civilized streets of Parsool.” to place the numbers in a manner that reflects
The Parsool Records your character concept.
OVERVIEW ATTRIBUTES
E
ach player in the Barbarians of Lemuria Each character in the Barbarians of Lemuria is
needs to create a character to use during initially defined by four attributes. These are
the game. The GM doesn’t need just mainly physical things and on the whole can be
one, he needs several or more, but we’ll come used as a general gauge of the characters
on to that later in these rules. To start with, you physical make up. For example, a character
need to think about the type of character you with a few points in strength will have a tough
want to play. You may want to base your char- looking body and will tend towards the tall and
acter on a favorite character from a comic muscular look.
book, novel or movie or you may already have
a picture in your head of the type of Hero you To determine your characters attribute levels,
want to play. divide four points between the four attributes
as desired. You may put at most three points
into one attribute or spread them around as you
8
CREATING A HERO
wish. A zero in any attribute represents an av- Use agility when the character is attempting
erage rating. Attributes can go to higher levels physical endeavours that require speed or co-
than 3, but these would be truly legendary in- ordination, like tumbling, swinging on
dividuals. You cannot start the game with an chandeliers, picking a lock or cutting a purse
attribute higher than 3. If you really want to, off a merchant’s belt. Sometimes the GM
you can buy down one of your attributes to might prefer you to use strength for some of
spend the point elsewhere. Only one attribute these things, but if you have an agile character,
may be reduced to -1 in this way. you should be able to use your agility where
nimbleness and speed are key. In combat it is
The attributes are as follows: used to determine your initiative and whether
you hit your target when firing a bow or swing-
Strength ing a sword. Finally, it is used to get out of the
This represents raw physical power, toughness, way of hidden traps and snares and to dodge
muscle and so on. It is useful for Heroes who landslides and other effects where reflexes are
like to bash down doors rather than use the vital.
handle or smash open chests rather than pick
the lock. Soldiers, barbarians and gladiators Mind
often have a high strength. Intellect, willpower, knowledge and psyche are
aspects of the mind. This is not big amongst
Use strength when the character is lifting, pull- barbarians but it is useful for magicians, al-
ing, bending or breaking things. It is also the chemists, priests and scribes.
attribute to use for a number of other physical
endeavours, like swimming, jumping, climbing Use mind when the character is trying to re-
and arm-wrestling. Sometimes the GM might member a fact or some piece of information. It
prefer you to use agility for some of these is used where awareness and perception are
things but if you have a strong character you important; to spot things that are distant or
should be allowed to use his concealed or to hear a thief
strength where pure athleticism is sneaking up on you. Mind is of
concerned. Strength determines particular importance for spell
how much Lifeblood a character casting and defending against
has and how much damage the illusions and enchantments.
character delivers when he hits
his enemy with a weapon or his Appeal
fists. Finally, strength is all- This attribute represents the
important in determining whether looks, charm, persuasiveness and
a character can resist the effects overall likeability of the Hero.
of venomous bites or the poisons Merchants, minstrels, nobles,
of assassins. dancers and serving wenches will
often be strong in appeal.
Agility
This attribute covers general Use appeal in any situation where
speed, dexterity, coordination the character is trying to talk
and so on. It is a useful attribute anybody into doing something
for the more subtle type of char- for him. It is the attribute for any
acter. Many thieves, tumblers, attempts to seduce, haggle or bar-
pirates and archers will have ter the price of goods or get
higher than average agility. people to look upon him fa-
9
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
vourably. Appeal can be used to sway the opin- enemy from a distance. However, considering
ion of individuals, crowds or even entire cities! the beasts that roam the Lemurian jungles and
deserts, most adventurers would consider it
COMBAT ABILITIES wise to have a means of keeping them at bay.
Ranged combat is used together with agility.
Once attributes have been determined then the
When all else fails, there is of course the next
Heroes combat abilities need to be determined.
combat ability to consider.
Again you have four points to allocate amongst
four areas with a maximum of 3 in any one of
Defence
those areas. If you really want to, you can buy
Call it dodging, ducking or sidestepping, de-
down one of your abilities to spend the point
fence is the skill at being able to avoid attacks.
elsewhere. You may reduce one combat ability
Most Heroes believe it is better to kill your en-
only, to -1 in this way.
emy before they have a chance to hit back, but
other adventurers are a little more cautious and
The combat abilities are as follows:
may live a little longer, even if the sagas don’t
mention them so often.
Brawl
Hitting people with fists, feet, head as well as
throttling, holding and throwing people around. CHARACTERISTICS
Includes the use of improvised weapons, Depending on your character’s origins, you
chairs, bottles, tables and so on. Usually used may receive certain characteristics. Traits pro-
in combination with agility, the GM might al- vide benefits and flaws are disadvantageous
low you to use your strength instead. Tavern when your character is taking actions associ-
brawls are common in Lemuria and heroic ated with those characteristics.
characters often have some brawling ability.
Having said that, a brawl in a Lemurian tavern LIFEBLOOD
will often lead to the flash of blades and this is
Lifeblood represents how much punishment
where the next combat ability becomes useful.
and wounding a Heroes body may absorb be-
fore he keels over. It is based on a value of 10
Melee
plus the strength attribute of the character.
This is the skill with hand-held weapons;
When a Hero is struck in combat, his body suf-
swords, knives, clubs, axes and spears are all
fers wounds. The extent of the wounds
covered under this heading. Adventurers usu-
suffered depends upon how powerful the blow
ally need to be able to defend themselves;
was and is expressed as a number of points.
Heroes always need to. This ability is used in
This comes off the Hero’s Lifeblood total.
conjunction with your character’s agility. The
• If, as a result of wounds received the
skill is normally used to attack opponents, but
value falls to 0, the Hero falls uncon-
can also be used to parry blows aimed at you.
scious.
When your enemy is far away however, the
following combat ability might be worth hav- • If, as a result of wounds received, Life-
ing. blood falls below –5, the character has
died. Nothing short of godly interven-
Ranged tion (in the form of the expenditure of a
Hitting targets with bows, crossbows, slings as Hero Point) will save him.
well as throwing weapons like spears and • If Lifeblood falls below zero the Hero
knives. Many heroes neglect this skill because is unconscious and dying. He will lose
it could be considered un-heroic to kill one’s 1 more Lifeblood each round until he
dies (see above), receives medical at-
10
CREATING A HERO
tention or the gods intervene (by the is feeling much better now, having recovered
expenditure of a Hero Point). four of his lost Lifeblood.
• NPC rabble have only 3 Lifeblood.
They are killed or rendered uncon- The pair press on for a day and do not encoun-
scious (the player’s choice) when they ter any more trouble. Krongar regains a
reach 0 Lifeblood or less. At below –5 further Lifeblood and Sharangara gets to make
they are most definitely dead, in a most a roll to double this. The player rolls 8, which
gruesome way. adding her physician rank of 1 and mind of 1,
• Important NPCs are generated by the gives her 10, which is higher then she needed
GM in the same way that Heroes are (requiring 9 or higher). Krongar is now fully
and will generally have 10 or more fit and ready for more action.
Lifeblood, depending upon their
strength attribute (Lifeblood could be 9, Stabilizing the dying
if strength is -1). A character who has received enough damage
to reduce Lifeblood to a minus number is down
Recovering lost Lifeblood and dying. He will suffer loss of 1 Lifeblood
As long as the character is still at zero or posi- every round until he reaches -6 and dies.
tive Lifeblood and provided he gets a chance to
rest and take a gulp of water and so on, for Before he reaches -6, he can be stabilized by
about 10 or 15 minutes immediately after a bat- another character reaching him and making a
tle, he will recover up to half his lost Lifeblood moderate task resolution roll, using mind and
straight away. This represents recovery from any appropriate career. The difficulty is one
fatigue, bashes and minor cuts/bruises. level tougher for every negative Lifeblood suf-
fered.
After that, he recovers one Lifeblood per day
provided the day is taken up with only light Once stabilized, the injured character is still
activity. Careers that enable a character to heal out cold but recovers one Lifeblood per day
(physician, perhaps alchemist if he has a potion until he reaches a positive total.
or access to certain plants/herbs) are able to
immediately heal 1 Lifeblood per rank in the Example: Sharangara has been attacked in the
appropriate career. jungle by a ravenous beast and suffers 12
points of damage in the onslaught. She falls
After that they can make a moderate Task over, bloody and torn, falling to –2 Lifeblood.
Resolution (see the Game Rules section) roll Krongar and Argol Arran continue to battle
each day to double a characters healing rate. the creature and the barbarian runs his Val-
gardian blade through the creature’s heart. It
Example: Krongar, who has 13 Lifeblood, is falls to Krongar’s feet. Sharangara meanwhile,
wounded in a battle suffering 6 points of dam- drops to -3 Lifeblood. Argol then rushes to the
age, meaning his Lifeblood is now down to 7. aid of his companion and as an alchemist per-
After the battle he has a quick rest and downs suades the GM that he has a few powders that
a few swigs from his wine flask. He regains 3 will help. He makes a Tough resolution roll (-3
Lifeblood (half of the damage he suffered). His for -3 Lifeblood), but with his mind 1 and al-
current companion, Sharangara of Oomis is a chemist rank 1 the modifier is only –1 and
physician of rank 1, which means when she has therefore he needs to roll 10 or more. He gets
a chance to work on his wounds, she can re- 10, and has saved Sharangara. Now she needs
store another Lifeblood immediately. Krongar to sleep, but with constant attention she could
be on her feet in a couple of days.
11
HEROIC CAREERS
“Some men carve out a career with a sword in You have four ranks to arrange your careers as
their hand, others with a dagger in the dark or you wish. You cannot buy down a career to
even a drop of poison in a cup. Other men are gain another point elsewhere. You can get fur-
not slayers or blood-letters but men of words ther careers at a later date using Advancement
be they written down or spoken. Some have Points (see Chapter 6)
greatness thrust upon them; others have to
fight with grim determination for every little
sliver of glory that comes their way. The path The main characters in many sword & sorcery
you take to riches is your own but for some, stories follow many different paths during their
fame was never their own destiny but the des- lives of adventure; both Conan and Thongor
tiny of others.” started as barbarians and at one time or another
The Crimson Edda became thieves, pirates, gladiators, soldiers and
even, at the end, nobles.
OVERVIEW
Many of their travelling companions have sev-
A
s mentioned earlier, careers are the key
eral aspects to their character. Jesharek,
to playing the Barbarians of Lemuria.
Krongar’s friend is a wizard, alchemist, scribe
The career path of a Hero represents all
and physician (and probably other things too).
of his upbringing and experience and therefore
can be used to help determine everything he
knows; his skills, his knowledge, his expertise CHOOSING YOUR CAREERS
and his influence. Choosing the four careers gives a player an
immediate handle on his character. A high rank
You need to choose four careers for your Hero. in a career would probably mean that the Hero
A minimum rank of 0 may be placed against a spent a long period of time following that path;
selected career and the maximum starting rank a rank of 0 could mean only a short spell or
is 3. even just a natural affinity for the career.
12
HEROIC CAREERS
ALCHEMIST/ARTIFICER BLACKSMITH/METALSMITH
The scientists and inventors of Lemuria, these Often found helping alchemists build their in-
characters need to be literate. Alchemists are ventions, these characters are skilled at weapon
often mistaken for wizards by those who do and armour making and repair, metallurgy,
not understand science. Skills covered are weapon lore, and have skill in bartering and
things like making potions & perfumes, plant haggling the price of weapons and armour.
lore, poisons, medicines, metallurgy, distilling Blacksmiths are generally noted for their
allanium (lighter-than-air-metal) for flying strength.
boats etc. This is not a terribly common career
for adventuring Heroes, as it requires too much DANCER/TUMBLER
patience. Mind is normally the most important Exotic female entertainers, these ladies are al-
attribute for an alchemist. For each rank above ways young, nubile, graceful and energetic.
2 in this career, the character must take a flaw The types of skills that a dancer might have are
(see Chapter 5: Origins) tumbling and acrobatics, escaping from bonds
and seductiveness. Dancers rely mostly on
ASSASSIN/SLAYER their appeal and their agility.
These covert killers are adept at sneak attacks,
killing, information gathering, city lore, per- FARMER/PEASANT
suasion, poisons and lock picking. They tend to A farmer character lives outside the city, but
have fast reflexes. The best assassins are from often within a days travel, so that they are able
Halakh. Most of the attributes are important for to get their produce to the city to feed the
assassin characters. populace. They are skilled in basic plant and
13
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
14
HEROIC CAREERS
PIRATE/BUCCANNEER SLAVE/THRALL
Rogues of the sea, Pirates are skilled in climb- Slavery is not exactly a career of choice. Nev-
ing, sea lore, navigation by stars, and boat ertheless, it does provide the opportunity to
handling with a good knowledge of far ports pick up a few skills and techniques that other
and islands. Pirates speak their own version of careers do not give and can be useful in round-
Lemurian, known as Sea-Tongue. Pirates need ing out a character concept. The career gives
to be agile and some strength is always handy. skill in things like humility, going unnoticed,
listening and sneaking. Slaves that are used for
PRIEST/DRUID labour need good strength; female slaves nor-
Priests reside in their temples in the major cit- mally find things better (or worse!) if they are
ies of Lemuria; they are knowledgeable in appealing. Slaves used to run errands often
ancient lore, sorcery, astrology, astronomy and need high agility. Clever slaves are normally
literacy. Their position gives them a certain considered troublemakers. In Zalut, if you are
degree of authority. They need to have clever not a priest, alchemist or a magician, you are a
minds and the best ones have plenty of appeal slave.
to be able to sway their followers.
SOLDIER/GUARD
SERVING WENCH/COURTESAN Soldiers are the paid guards in a city or in the
No tavern is complete without its serving standing armies of rich nobles. They will have
wenches. Their closeness with their customers some city lore, perhaps skills in intimidation
gives them good skills in seduction, city lore and riding as well as a limited amount of au-
and carousing. Some are even good at taking thority - especially the officers. Strength is
things from customers without them noticing. normally most important for soldiers although
It is stating the obvious, but only female char- archers and cavalrymen could do with a bit of
acters can choose this as a career. Appeal is the agility. Officers need to have plenty of appeal
most important attribute for a serving wench. to lead their men and quick minds to make
sound battle plans.
SCRIBE/SCHOLAR
Scribes are characters who are interested in THIEF/ROGUE
ancient lore, ancient languages and map mak- Those who live by less-than-honest means in
ing. Obviously this leads to a certain degree of the streets of the towns and cities. They will
knowledge in these areas too. Scribes need have skill in such things as city lore, burglary,
clear minds to do their laborious work and sneaking, picking pockets and are likely to
need to be literate. have guild membership. The best thieves are
from Malakut. Thieves require agility for their
trade, but a quick mind also helps.
SKY PILOT/AIRMAN
Pilots are trained to fly the Sky-Boats of the
Satarlan Sky Navy. They are usually ex- TORTURER/GAOLER
soldiers and often nobles too. They are skilled A not terribly pleasant career that provides
at navigation, boat handling, observation and skill in getting information, intimidation,
are leaders of men. Mind, agility and to a lesser medicines and killing blows with 2-handed
extent appeal and strength are all handy. axes. Torturers are jailers and executioners for
the cities of Lemuria. They are not often
blessed with a great deal of appeal, but strength
is handy for beheadings and both mind and
agility for torturing.
15
HEROIC BEGINNINGS
“Across the land bearing the dust of eons are second trait. You can choose a third trait for
the grim crypts, the mouldering ziggurats and two more Hero Points. (Hero Points are de-
the crumbling citadels of those that are now scribed in the next chapter).
just memories and bones. But their glorious
riches remain; guarded by dark sorceries yet Where the trait states that you get an extra die,
undefeated by time to weave a deadly lure to
this means that instead of rolling two dice to
those with the courage and the skill to bring
them back into the world again”. resolve a task, you roll three and drop the low-
The Crimson Edda est die.
W
here you are born will provide cer- resolve a task, you roll three but you drop the
tain features or characteristics that highest die.
are common for citizens of that city
and will help others determine your city of
AXOS MOUNTAINS
birth and something about you. A great many
people and Heroes go through their entire lives The people that live in the Axos Mountain
being remembered simply because of their range are the Haklaton (see Chapter 9: Gazet-
original birthplace – as in “Sharangara of Oo- teer of Lemuria for details) or several tribes of
mis”. rangy fair-skinned barbarians. If you are from
one of these tribes, your first career will be
Choose a birthplace from those below and se- barbarian. You are also likely to be a hunter.
lect one trait from those listed. You can choose
a second trait if you also choose a flaw from Traits
those listed. If there are no flaws for you origin Hard-To-Kill: You are particularly solidly
(or if you would rather not take a flaw), then built. Add +2 Lifeblood to your total.
you may use two of your Hero Points to get the Quick Recovery: Living in the mountains
gives you better endurance than many. When
16
HEROIC SAGAS
17
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
creatures that live in the mountains. When surface though and rumours abound that Mor-
tracking, trapping, or hunting creatures in this gazzon, Demon of Madness has a cult within
environment, you may use an extra die. the city and the Yellow Druids have returned.
Sneaky: You are particularly quiet. Roll an
extra die where stealth is important. Traits
Quick Recovery: Living in the mountains Attractive: You are particularly handsome or
gives you better endurance than many. When beautiful. Roll an extra die in situations where
recovering after a combat, you regain an addi- good looks might be important.
tional Lifeblood, on top of the half you recover Great Wealth: Through inheritance, trade or
normally. (not very likely for a Lysorian) force of arms
you are incredibly wealthy. You own lands
Flaws around the Lysor, a house in the City and a gal-
Cravings: You are addicted to something and ley in the port. Roll an extra die on any attempt
require it every day to function fully. It might to obtain any goods, services or items you need
be a particular substance; like blood or a rare whilst in Lysor.
plant extract or even something physically Learned: You have studied at the Great Li-
gratifying like self-flagellation or sex. brary. Choose any specialty from Star Lore,
Landlubber: You are unused to traveling by Flora & Fauna, Geography, Law or Legends.
sea. Roll an extra die for all activities whilst at When recalling a fact from your area of spe-
sea. cialty, you use an extra die.
Untrustworthy: You cannot be trusted. Roll
an extra die when the situation calls for some- Flaws
one to believe or trust you. City dweller: You are not very savvy when in
the wilderness. Roll an extra die in situations to
KLAAR do with outdoor survival.
The Klaar Plains are home to the Ceruleans, a Combat paralysis: You are not really sure
race of blue-skinned nomadic giants, also what to do when the fighting starts. Roll a d3.
known as Blue Nomads. Whilst they are fear- This is the number of rounds that you freeze
some-looking, Ceruleans are not an especially and during which, you can only take defensive
aggressive race. They are actually great traders. actions.
If you are a Cerulean character, your first ca- Delicate: You are as slender as a wand. Deduct
reer must be barbarian and second should be two from your Lifeblood total.
merchant (although not mandatory). You can- Morgazzon’s Curse: You are touched by the
not be an alchemist, physician, scribe or Demon of Madness. Work with the GM to de-
sorcerer at all. Their priests are called shamans. termine how this manifests itself.
Refer to Chapter 9: A Gazetteer of Lemuria for
Cerulean traits & flaws. MALAKUT
The people of this city tend to be slimly built.
LYSOR Malakuti commonly have olive skins, dark
Lysorians are a quiet and slender people. They brown or black hair, thin lips, narrow eyes and
are generally fair or brown-haired and blue or hook noses. This lends a slightly sinister air to
green-eyed, but other colourings are not too the Malakuti. The Thieves Guild of Malkut is
uncommon. Although the inhabitants of Satarla the most powerful of all the cities in Lemuria.
might have something to say about this, Lysor Malakut is known for its leaf-bladed fighting
boasts the best healers and physicians in Le- spears, used by its city guards and soldiers.
muria. All is not as well as it seems on the
18
HEROIC SAGAS
Traits Traits
Fighting-Spear: You are trained in the tradi- Giant-Friend: You get on particularly well
tional weapon of the city. If you are using a with Ceruleans. Use an extra die when dealing
genuine Malakut Fighting Spear, you may roll with the Blue Nomads.
one extra die. Great Wealth: Through inheritance, trade or
Sneaky: You are a par- force of arms you are
ticularly quiet mover. incredibly wealthy. You
Roll an extra die in own lands around the
situations where stealth Oomis, a house in the
is important. City and a galley at the
Thieves tools: you own river-docks. Roll an
a well-crafted set of extra die on any attempt
specialized lock-picks to obtain any goods,
and therefore use an services or items you
extra die when attempt- need whilst in Oomis.
ing to open locked Hard-To-Kill: You are
doors or remove me- particularly solidly
chanical traps. built. Add +2 Lifeblood
to your total.
Flaws Swamp Tracker: You
Delicate: You are as are skilled in hunting
slender as a wand. De- creatures that live in the
duct two from your Festrel Swamp. When
Lifeblood total. tracking, trapping or
Untrustworthy: You cannot be trusted. Roll hunting creatures in this or similar environ-
an extra die when the situation calls for some- ments, use an extra die.
one to believe or trust you.
Landlubber: You are unused to traveling by Flaws
sea. Roll an extra die for all activities under- Morgazzon’s Curse: You are touched by the
taken whilst at sea. Demon of Madness. Work with the GM to de-
termine how this manifests itself.
OOMIS Poor Hearing: You have worse than normal
Oomisians are generally tall, solidly built and hearing. Whenever you make a mind check to
often have a blue-tinge to their skins (there is perceive something using your hearing, you
speculation about just how deep their friend- roll one extra die.
ship with Ceruleans runs). Their eyes are
usually various shades of blue. They have very PARSOOL
small ears. They often have silvery-white hair. The people of Parsool are a mixed bag of all
They are a people of fine merchants. Rumours types, shapes and hair and skin colouring. Par-
abound that Morgazzon, Demon of Madness sool is trying to be more like Satarla, but is
has a cult within the city and the Yellow Dru- constantly engaged in sea battles with pirates,
ids have returned. which is ruining many of the merchants of that
otherwise bustling and diverse city. The very
best mariners are from Parsool.
19
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
Traits Traits
Born sailor: You are a seaman through and Born sailor: You are a seaman through and
through. When dealing with ships or carrying through. When dealing with ships or carrying
out physical activities on board ship (other than out physical activities on board ship (other than
fighting), you may roll an extra die. fighting), you may roll an extra die.
Carouser: You are the life and soul of any Carouser: You are the life and soul of any
party or tavern. Use an extra die to gain infor- party or tavern. Use an extra die to gain infor-
mation, make contacts or acquire goods and mation, make contacts or acquire goods and
services whilst in a tavern. services whilst in a tavern.
Pirate killer: You have a particular hatred for Quick Recovery: You have better endurance
pirates. You can use an extra die whenever in than many. When recovering after a combat,
combat with pirates. you regain an additional Lifeblood, on top of
Swamp Tracker: You are skilled in hunting the half you recover normally.
creatures that live in the Kasht Swamp. When
tracking, trapping or hunting creatures in this Flaws
or similar environments, use an extra die. Drunkard: You cannot help but get drunk
whenever in port or whenever you can get hold
Flaws of a bottle or two. Roll a die when you are re-
City dweller: You are not very savvy when in quired to do something important for the rest
the wilderness. Roll an extra die in situations to of your companions. If a ‘1’ comes up, you are
do with outdoor survival. drunk and unable to do anything until sobered
Drunkard: You cannot help but get drunk up.
whenever in port or whenever you can get hold Illiterate: You cannot read or write and you
of a bottle or two. Roll a die when you are re- cannot choose a career with literacy as a re-
quired to do something important for the rest quirement.
of your companions. If a ‘1’ comes up, you are Missing Eye or Ear: You lost your eye or ear
drunk and unable to do anything until sobered in a fight. Roll an extra die whenever the GM
up. feels it is appropriate to the situation.
Missing Eye or Ear: You lost your eye or ear Missing Limb: You are missing a hand, arm
in a fight. Roll an extra die whenever the GM or a leg. You have a metal hook or a wooden
feels it is appropriate to the situation. replacement. Roll an extra die whenever the
Missing Limb: You are missing a hand, arm GM feels the situation is appropriate.
or a leg. You have a metal hook or a wooden Untrustworthy: You cannot be trusted. Roll
replacement. Roll an extra die whenever the an extra die when the situation calls for some-
GM feels the situation is appropriate. one to believe or trust you.
20
HEROIC SAGAS
SATARLA Traits
Satarla, (known as the Jewel of Lemuria) is a Beast Friend: Easily domesticated creatures
city of high culture and sophistication. The are not afraid of you and you are able to train
people are a mixture of all colours, sizes and them more easily. Ferocious animals are less
types. Beggars are outlawed, so no character likely to attack you. Whenever dealing with
can begin with that career. You may only take animals, roll an extra die.
a career of Sky Pilot if you are a Satarlan. Jungle Tracker: You are skilled in hunting
creatures that live in the Qo and Qush Jungle.
Traits When tracking creatures here, use an extra die.
Artistic: You have a skill in creating works of Keen Eyesight: You have improved vision.
art. Roll an extra die when appraising or creat- Whenever you make a mind check to perceive
ing such items. something using your eyesight, you may roll
Etiquette: You are an expert in the social one extra die.
graces. You gain an extra die on any task Keen Hearing: You have better than normal
where good form is important. hearing. Whenever you make a mind check to
Learned: You have studied at the Great Li- perceive something using your hearing, you
brary. Choose any specialty from Star Lore, may roll one extra die.
Flora & Fauna, Geography, Law or Legends. Keen Scent: You have a better than normal
When recalling a fact from your area of spe- sense of smell. Whenever you make a mind
cialty, you use an extra die. check to perceive something using your sense
Great Wealth: Through inheritance, trade or of smell, you may roll one extra die.
force of arms you are incredibly wealthy. You
own lands around Satarla, a house in the city Flaws
and a galley in the port. Roll an extra die on Distrust of Sorcery: You will not knowingly
any attempt to obtain any goods, services or use sorcerous powers or items. When dealing
items you need whilst in Satarla. with wizards and alchemists, roll an extra die.
Marked by the Gods: The gods favour you. Feels the Cold: You are unable to cope in very
You have an extra Hero Point. cold conditions. Roll an extra die for any tasks
undertaken in a cold environment.
Flaws Illiterate: You cannot read or write and you
Arrogant: You believe the hype that your city cannot choose a career with literacy as a re-
is the jewel of Lemuria, but you also let others quirement.
know it. Roll an extra die when dealing with Landlubber: You are unused to travelling by
people of other cities, where your arrogance sea. Roll an extra die for all activities under-
might annoy or offend them. taken whilst at sea.
City dweller: You are not very savvy when in
the wilderness. Roll an extra die in situations to TYRUS
do with outdoor survival. A bustling river city; the people tend towards
dark complexions and hair, with green eyes.
SHAMBALLAH Tyrus soldiers are noted for their skill at arch-
Shamballahn’s are generally a dark-skinned ery. Sorcerers are outlawed in Tyrus.
and dark-haired people with purple, mauve,
scarlet and indigo eye colouring. They are very Traits
aware of their surroundings and make good Detect Magic: You are attuned to sorceries
Hunters. and spells. Roll an extra die when trying to
dealing with wizards or their magics.
21
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
22
HEROIC SAGAS
may have other careers too). Zaluti are usually be a particular substance; like blood or a rare
bald, have very pale skins and albinos are not plant extract or even something like self-
uncommon. They are very insular. It is thought flagellation or sex.
that they are the last remaining descendants of Morgazzon’s Curse: You are touched by the
the Sorcerer-Kings. Demon of Madness. Work with the GM to de-
termine how this manifests itself.
Traits Poor recovery: You do not recover from your
Learned: You have studied the ancient tomes injuries as swiftly as other characters. You re-
and grimoires of the Sorcerer-Kings. Choose quire medical attention to restore lost
any specialty from Star Lore, Flora & Fauna, Lifeblood and recover nothing from normal
Geography, Law, or Legend. When recalling a rest.
fact from your area of specialty, you use an Unsettling: Your looks or something else
extra die. about you is disturbing to anyone in your pres-
Magic Resistance: Your closeness to sorcery ence. Even beasts are edgy around you. Roll an
has built up your resistance to magic. If a spell extra die in social situations.
is cast at you, roll a d6. On a roll of 6 it simply Untrustworthy: You cannot be trusted. Roll
does not work on you. an extra die when the situation calls for some-
Magic of the Sorcerer-Kings: You have one to believe or trust you.
learned some of the arts used by those who
ruled before man. You can roll an extra die LANGUAGES
when casting spells although you must take an
Every character can speak his native tongue.
extra flaw too.
For most, that is Lemurian. They can also
Night Sight: Zalut is a nocturnal city. Because
speak additional languages equal to their mind
of this you have developed exceptional night-
value. If they have a relevant career, they can
time perception. Roll an extra die when
learn further languages equal to their career
darkness causes negative modifiers to see
rank. Instead of choosing a language, they can
things.
choose literacy. A character that is literate can
Poison Immunity: Either because you use poi-
read and write any language they can speak. A
sons in your work or because you have had
character who has the flaw “illiterate” can
drugs and toxins tested upon you, you have
never learn to read or write.
built up immunity to these poisons. Roll an ex-
tra die whenever you are resisting the effects of
Careers that are noted for being literate
drugs, venoms, toxins and even alcohol.
(scribes, physicians, alchemists, priests etc)
Power of the Void: You have tapped into the
allow a character to roll to work out the gist or
Hadron’s source of power. You have two extra
essence of a text even where the writing is of a
points of Arcane Power.
language unknown to them. This requires a
task resolution roll, the difficulty for which
Flaws
depends on the nature of the text itself.
Combat paralysis: You are not really sure
what to do when the fighting starts. Roll a d3.
Where a career is noted as being one that re-
This is the number of rounds that you freeze
quires skills in the spoken word or characters
and during which, you can only take defensive
of that career are likely to be well traveled
actions.
(minstrels, merchants etc), allow a character to
Delicate: You are as slender as a wand. Deduct
roll to work out the gist or essence of a lan-
two from your Lifeblood total.
guage and make basic conversation even if the
Cravings: You are addicted to something and
tongue is unknown to them.
require it every day to function fully. It might
23
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
24
PLAYING THE GAME
“And lo! Lord Hurm looked down upon the city The GM will then tell you if there is a modifier
of Oosal to where Thangard had climbed the to your total. For easier tasks, you may get to
highest tower to make his desperate appeal. add to your total. For tougher tasks, you may
Not normally given to interceding in the affairs have to deduct from your total.
of man, Lord Hurm nevertheless felt a little of
the passion of this Hero; so much so indeed
If the final number is 9 or higher, you succeed
that he was moved to act. Calling Karyzon the
Messenger, he bade him to carry his words to at what you are trying to do. If the final num-
Thangard” ber is lower than 9 you do not succeed.
The Crimson Edda
Rolling two one’s or two sixes
A natural roll of 12 is always a success. In ad-
PERFORMING ACTIONS dition, it could be a Mighty Success or even a
T
o perform an action, you simply roll two Legendary Success. A natural roll of 2 is al-
dice (2d6). To the result you add your ways a failure and it could be a Calamitous
character’s most appropriate attribute. If Failure.
your character is fighting, you then also add
the combat ability for the type of attack being Task resolution
made. If your character is not fighting, you The following table sets out the difficulty of a
then add any appropriate career rank. task, the equivalent range for missile fire and
the modifier that should be applied to tasks of
You might have a trait from your character’s that difficulty. There may be further modifiers
origins that enable you to roll three dice instead applied based on other circumstances.
of two dice. But you still take the result of only
two of those dice. If it is a trait that allows you
to roll an extra dice, you drop the lowest die. If
it is a flaw, then you drop the highest die.
25
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
RESOLVING COMBAT
Combat resolution is similar to Task resolu-
tion. Rather than adding a career to the
26
PLAYING THE GAME
appropriate attribute level though, the most ap- Dodging & parrying
propriate combat ability level is added. Characters may elect to dodge or parry. If you
do this you get no attack for the round but,
The required roll is still 9 or more, but this when dodging, get +2 to your effective defence
time in addition to any GM determined modifi- for all attacks directed at you whilst you are
ers (which could be due to range for thrown or dodging.
fired weapons, or for hitting an enemy from an
advantageous position and so on) the oppo- Example: Krongar elects to dodge and there-
nents’ defence rating also becomes a modifier fore his effective defence will be 3, meaning the
to the roll needed to hit. guard now needs 12 to hit him. However,
Krongar can do nothing else in the combat
The GM could allow, in some rare circum- round because he is currently concentrating on
stances, a career to pro- not being hit and any-
vide an additional way, was surprised.
bonus. For example,
assassins may be al- When parrying, you get
lowed an additional to roll using your charac-
bonus when striking ter’s agility plus melee
unaware enemies, or combat. The modifier is
gladiators may be al- based upon your oppo-
lowed to make special nent’s melee combat
manoeuvres that could ability. As usual a final
give them a slight edge total of 9 or more is
over an opponent. But needed to block the blow.
such a manoevre would
most definitely not Resolving hits
work twice on the same When a hit has been done
opponent. on your target, the result
will probably be that you
Weapon ranges are cause damage to your
given in the weapon opponent. The bigger the
descriptions in Chapter weapon the nastier the
7: The Trappings of He- wound is likely to be.
roes. The ranges set out Luckily there is also ar-
are base ranges at point blank. Each additional mour available to absorb some or all of the ef-
increment is one difficulty level harder on the fect of such blows. Shields exist in Lemuria,
Task Resolution table. but they are uncommon and particularly so
amongst Heroes, more often being reserved for
Example: Krongar is standing on the far side ordinary soldiers.
of the pit, when through the door he has just
destroyed comes a guard with a crossbow. This The Weapon table in the Chapter 7: The Trap-
surprises Krongar and so the guard fires at the pings of Heroes sets out how much damage a
barbarian. The guard is classed as rabble and weapon causes. This is in terms of a dice roll
so has a ranged combat ability and agility of 0. and is scored directly against the Lifeblood of
The GM decides the shot is at close range for a an opponent. In addition to the damage shown,
difficulty of 0. Krongar has a defence of 1 and you add the strength of the attacker as strength
so the guard requires10 or more to hit. helps the blow do more severe harm.
27
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
The Armour table shows how much of the Example: Jandar somehow survives the deo-
blow is deflected and/or absorbed. This is the darg’s first attack and gets to higher ground,
protection of the armour and takes into account (the GM is kind and gives a +1 modifier). The
the material used as well as body coverage. player rolls the dice again; this time he needs
12. Luck is still with him and he gets the re-
Example: The guard was very lucky and got quired 12! Since 12 would have been a success
the 12 he needed to hit Krongar. Krongar is anyway, it is converted into a Mighty Success.
wearing his battle harness (1 point of protec-
tion), boots (1 point) and bracers (1 point) for Automatic Failure
a total of 3. A crossbow bolt does d6+1 points Rolling a 2 on any task roll is an automatic
of damage and the GM rolls 3 and adds 1 for a failure. This means there is always a chance
total of 4 for the guard’s shot. Of the 4 points, that even the best characters will have a mo-
3 are absorbed by Krongar’s armour and so mentary lapse.
Krongar receives 1 wound against his Life-
blood total of 13, reducing him now to 12. If rolling a 2 would have been a failure in any
event, you have instead achieved a Calamitous
Krongar, in anger throws his own spear at the Failure.
guard, requiring a total of 6 to hit (Krongar
has a ranged combat rating of 2 and 1 agility USING HERO POINTS
and there are no range modifiers) and he gets You can use Hero Points to affect the outcome
7 on the dice for a total of 10. Damage is d6 of a battle or situation and swing the odds to
for the spear, but +3 for Krongar’s strength your favour. The following options are avail-
and the dice comes up 5 for a total of 8. The able to you:
guard’s armour (leather coat) stops 2 points
but the 6 wounds received still does enough to • A Twist of Fate
reduce his Lifeblood level to -3 and kill him. • The Luck of the Gods
• Mighty Success
Automatic Success
• Legendary Success
Rolling a 12 on any Task roll is an automatic
success. This means there is always a chance • Defy death
that you might be able to achieve the seem-
ingly impossible. A Twist of Fate
Where the narrative of a scene has not clearly
Example: Jandar Joth is fighting a losing bat- defined a certain piece of information the
tle against a deodarg that is guarding a temple player might suggest something that sounds
Jandar broke into. The deodarg has a very reasonable and make that suggestion become
good defence, meaning that Jandar needs 13 to fact. Use of a Hero Point in this manner should
hit the beast. The player rolls the dice anyway be at the discretion of the GM and shouldn’t be
and 12 comes up! Jandar somehow succeeded to effect major changes in a scene and can’t be
in hitting the beast with his spear even though used to change something that has already been
his position looked impossible (it still does, by established as a fact. For example, if the char-
the way, deodargs are virtually unkillable!). acters are locked in a dungeon cell, one of
them could use a Hero Point to find a loose
If rolling a 12 would have been a success in stone in the wall, that he can prize away,
any event, you have instead achieved a Mighty maybe to use to bash the guard over the head
Success. when he comes in to serve their slops. Or a
character that has failed his task resolution roll
28
PLAYING THE GAME
to swim after his ship has sunk in a storm below zero Lifeblood but above -6, you may
could use a Hero Point to describe how, luck- spend a point to put your Lifeblood to zero:
ily, a wooden spar from the ship’s mast floats alive but unconscious.
by, allowing him to stay afloat by clinging to
it. If you have received sufficient damage to put
you below –5 Lifeblood, you may spend a
The Luck of the Gods Hero Point to stabilize and remain alive. You
You can spend a point to roll the dice again are still unconscious but will recover with sev-
whenever you make a task resolution roll (even eral days rest.
if you roll a 2, which would otherwise be an
automatic failure). If you do this you must use MIGHTY SUCCESS
the result of your second roll. If you have a If fighting rabble or creatures of up to small
trait that allows you to use three dice instead of size, you roll damage as usual but the result of
two, you use all three dice the second time as the roll is the number of rabble (or small crea-
well. tures) that you defeat in that action or combat
round. The way they are defeated is entirely up
Turn a success into a Mighty Success to you – you don’t have to kill them; they are
Whenever a player succeeds in combat (or out of action and will not be coming back for
even in non-combat situations), he can turn the more.
success into a Mighty Success at the expendi-
ture of a Hero Point. The results of a Mighty Example: Four thugs attack Sharangara in an
Success depend on what the character is doing. alleyway. Sharangara is not surprised (she was
expecting trouble) and she has the highest agil-
Note: This is effectively the same as rolling 12 ity, so acts first. The player rolls 8 and adds 1
on your Task roll, where 12 would normally for her agility for a total of 9, which is a suc-
have been a success. You can do this even if cess. She decides to spend a Hero Point,
you spent a Hero Point rolling the dice again. turning the success into a Mighty Success. She
then rolls a d3 for her dagger and gets a 3.
Turn a Mighty Success into a Legendary This means that three of the thugs are defeated.
Success The player decides that in one great slashing
If you roll a natural 12 when making your task move, she slices through the first thug’s belly
roll that would have been a success in any with her dagger and rips him open. The second
event (a Mighty Success), at the expenditure of thug takes a nasty thigh cut and falls over,
a Hero Point, you can turn that into a Legen- dropping his cudgel. The third takes a slight
dary Success. You can do this even if you nick, but drops his cudgel and runs. This sim-
spent a Hero Point rolling the dice again (as ply leaves thug number four, who can now take
long as you got 12 on the second roll). How- his go.
ever, you cannot make a Legendary Success
unless you roll 12 on the dice. (In other words If fighting major NPC villains, or medium
you cannot bump up a normal success into a sized or larger creatures, a Mighty Success re-
Mighty Success and then spend another Hero sults in an extra die of damage (d6), due to
Point to make it a Legendary Success). hitting the vitals or other tender or unprotected
areas.
Defy death
Hero Points can always be used to keep a Hero
alive where he would otherwise be killed. If
you have taken sufficient damage to put you
29
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
30
PLAYING THE GAME
31
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
32
PLAYING THE GAME
parts of the game session describing what your If one of the characters is a priest, you could
characters are doing. say he receives some sort of vision from Hurm
or some other god. This vision could be in the
Adventures form of a riddle or a just a faraway place or
The Barbarians of Lemuria is a game all about event. A hunter could come across something
adventures and quests. Adventures can be one- out in the wilderness or jungle, - strange tracks,
off scenarios that begin and end after an eve- an unknown creature or a dead body. A min-
nings play. They can be designed like short strel from some distant part of Lemuria could
stories, each of which starring the same cast of come to Satarla, or wherever the characters are
characters (maybe with a slightly changed cast, based, with a tale of ancient ruins and buried
if players can’t make it, or new players come treasure and that could lead to new adventures.
along). Best of all though, is when adventures Be creative. Once you begin differing the way
are linked in some way and so that what went to introduce scenarios to the players, you will
in the last adventure has a bearing on the next start to develop a campaign structure to your
one. These are called sagas. games.
33
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
galley and an alchemist might want to find The other thing to bear in mind is that the
some great secret formula. These are the char- players may be acting this way simply because
acter’s long-term goals and so they should be what you had in mind for them does not actu-
working towards these goals anyway. They ally interest them. They generally give away
make a fantastic way for GMs to come up with pointers about what their characters are inter-
adventures that the players would be really ested in doing and you should always be ready
keen to take part in. to pick up on these clues and create adventures
to suit them. You could always ask them too. A
Players might have other ideas for their charac- great way for players to introduce adventures is
ters and often these are a great source of to include plot hooks when it is time to gain
material for GMs struggling to come up with their Advancement Points.
adventures of their own. Don’t be afraid to
plunder the players ideas for campaigns and Another option is not to be too rigid in your
adventures. It means they have a lot more per- adventure design. Let the players go where
sonal stake in your game. Sagas work best they will and do what they want. You can
when the player characters have lives of their tweak your scenario to suit, especially as you
own too and where you play out sessions that gain experience in running adventures. If the
have a real meaning for their characters. players didn’t know what was in your scenario
in the first place, it can’t hurt to change it. You
Be aware of railroading can cut out the less important parts of your ad-
Railroading is where you try to impose your venture if you need to, or return to them later.
scenario on the players, rather than letting the
players interact with your scenario. In other Ultimately, role-playing is a game about
words, in your scenario they should go to choices. The players are free to go beyond the
Malakut to continue to the next part of the boundaries that would otherwise be imposed
saga. However, they decide instead to steal a by other types of game, like board games. So
galley and go to the Pirate Isles. Because this you do have to be prepared to improvise from
isn’t what you wanted them to do, you make it time to time.
virtually impossible, to the point of frustrating,
for them to steal the ship and then more or less
force them to journey to Malakut instead. This
is railroading.
34
THE TRAPPINGS OF HEROES
“And lo! The brave warriors of the city ride out
on their Kroarks to face their enemy. They are
proud in their gleaming mail, their long spears
in their right hands and shields in their left.
And the Archers of Tyrus stand grim-faced and
ready, longbows in hand. It is Tyrus Longbow
versus Satarla blade and in the cold light of
dawn, there is no certainty which would win
the day”
The Satarla Volumes
STARTING GEAR
T
he basic rule about character equipment
is to give the players what they want!
Conan, Brak and Thongor never went
shopping; neither should characters in the Bar-
barians of Lemuria. If a player wants his
character to have something that would be ap-
propriate to his career, let him have it. If he
wants something less appropriate you can still
let him have it. You can always take it away
from him!
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THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
36
THE TRAPPINGS OF HEROES
the bowstring, which is strung between the two edges that can be thrown with a range of 10’
ends of a curving length of wood. All bows are increments or used in close quarters. Highly
used two-handed. Bows fire at 60’ range in- concealable it is a favourite of rogues and as-
crements. Great bows fire arrows at 100’ range sassins. You do not get two-handed versions of
increments. daggers.
Club Fist
This is used to punch people. It also represents
the use of elbows, feet, head and so on.
Flail
Mace
Dagger Sling
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THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
Sword
38
THE TRAPPINGS OF HEROES
ARMOUR Coif
A coif is a hood of metal links. It can be
Heroes tend to wear little in the way of
worn under other helmets but gets very
armour, often not for practical reasons
hot.
but out of vanity (armour covers too
much of their bronzed bodies). As it
Full Helm
happens Lemuria can be very hot, and
This is a heavy metal helmet with nose,
so that is another good reason not to
ear and cheek guards. It is cumbersome
wear too much armour. If more than
and restrictive. Often kept strictly for
one type of armour is worn, simply
use in battle or in gladiatorial arenas. If
add the protection values of all the ar-
you are wearing a full helm, you sub-
mour together.
tract 1 from mind for any tasks where
you are trying to spot or listen.
Battle Harness
A broad leather crossbelt buckled across
Gauntlets
the chest and used to attach weapon scab-
Heavy leather gloves, perhaps with metal
bards, arrow quivers and so on. As a
studs or strips. May not be worn with
result of the amount of leather, metal
bracers. Whilst wearing these, you sub-
buckles and so on, the battle harness
tract 1 from any agility tasks where fine
makes for decent protection and many
manipulation is important although you
heroes will simply wear one of these. A
do d3 damage with your fist.
battle harness may be worn over other
types of armour, though this would be
Greaves
excessively cumbersome and hot.
These are hardened leather or metallic
shin guards. They may not be worn with
Bracers
boots.
Hardened leather or metallic forearm
protection. Bracers may not be worn
Helm
with gauntlets.
A helm is a simple helmet of hard
leather with or without metal strength-
Boots
ening.
Heavy leather boots providing protection
up to the knees. Not a common item on
Leather Coat:
Lemuria, though the sailors and pirates
This is a coat of thick leather or thinner
wear them more often. Boots are not
leather with metal studs or similar. It
worn with greaves.
may be worn under a plate cuirass,
though Heroes would rarely do so and
Chainmail Bikini
besides a person in all of this garb
To the female Hero what the battle
would sweat like a bouphon in the
harness is to the male. It is exactly as
heat of the Lemurian sun. Whilst
it sounds - a collection of mail links
wearing a leather coat, you sub-
covering only the barest minimum of
tract 1 from your agility value.
the body, allowing a feast for the
eyes of any Hero in the vicinity. Not
Mail Shirt
normally worn with other body ar-
Heroes sometimes wear these in
mour although greaves and bracers
battle. They are simply metal links
can be worn with one.
pieced together to form a shirt or
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THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
40
MAGICIANS,
PRIESTS & ALCHEMISTS
“Krongar had never met a Wizard before and In game terms, the most powerful of the spells
although this man before him was old and his and alchemies that these characters can per-
robe sagged on his bony frame, there was a form take a great deal of time and research –
power surrounding him that made Krongar something that there is not a lot of during the
pause for a moment. That pause was just course of a normal adventure.
enough time for Jesharek to mutter a spell of
binding – thick ropes coiled around the Barbar-
ian so that he could not easily reach for his However, there are examples of less evil magi-
blood-thirsty Valgardian blade.” cians and priests in sword & sorcery fiction, so
Krongor’s Saga these careers can make viable options for play-
ers as long as they understand the possible
OVERVIEW restrictions they might face. Inventive players
can always come up with something!
M
agicians, priests and alchemists fig-
ure highly in swords & sorcery
fiction. That said, these mysterious MAGICIANS
types do not generally make for good player Characters with points in the magician career
characters. As a rule, they tend not to be ad- begin play with Arcane Power equal to 10 plus
venturous, preferring instead to engross their magician rank. NPC rabble magicians
themselves in their mystical studies. Another (adepts, students and apprentices) start with
factor is that many of them tend to be the vil- only 3 Arcane Power.
lains; often twisted and deranged by their foul
necromancies and the dark gods that they wor- All spells fall into one of four
ship. classes: Cantrips and spells of
First, Second or Third Magni-
tude.
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THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
Magicians (who are also called sorcerers, nec- slither up a castle wall or distracting a guard
romancers, wizards and witches) always have with an imagined sound. Such spells rarely
rune-inscribed rings, amulets, talismans and cost more than 1 Arcane Power and only re-
trinkets and so forth about their bodies through quire a skill roll when directly affecting a
which they can cast very minor and simple sentient target or perhaps if the magician has
tricks and cantrips. If they are stripped of these been deprived of his trinkets and fetishes
items, they have difficulty even with these can- (when the Arcane Power cost would be higher
trips. too).
Spells of increasing magnitude have a greater More powerful spells are trickier though and
cost in Arcane Power and increasing difficulty are really the stuff of heroic magicians and vil-
levels to successfully cast. The table below lainous sorcerers.
shows these costs and difficulties:
Cantrips
Spell power cost & difficulties Cost: 1 or 2 Arcane Power
Difficulty: Easy or Moderate (-1 or 0)
Spell
Magnitude Difficulty Arcane Power Cost
Cantrip Auto/Easy 1 or 2 SPELLS OF THE
FIRST MAGNITUDE
First Moderate/ Tricky 5 (2)
These tend to be spells that the magician can
Second Hard/Tough 10 (6) cast during the course of an adventure. They
Third Demanding 15 (11) are utility spells; they allow the sorcerer to per-
form activities that anyone with the right
training and equipment could manage. Such
Mind-affecting spells sorcery might allow the caster to glide up the
Spells that directly interfere with a person’s side of a cliff – since a normal person with
psyche or his perceptions, such as mind control rope and pitons could achieve the same result
and mind reading have an additional modifier (eventually). Damaging spells of this type
based on the mind rating of the victim of the would typically cause 1d6 Lifeblood of dam-
spell. age to the target. These spells cost 5 Arcane
Power and have a price too. For every one of
Healing with Arcane Power the following casting requirements that the
Arcane Power does not lend itself to healing magician can meet, in full, reduce the power
injuries of any sort. Accordingly magicians cost by one point. The minimum Arcane Power
cannot cast spells that repair damage to living cost of a First Magnitude spell is always 2.
things, although they can repair inanimate ob-
jects or items using magic. Spells of the First Magnitude are usually either
moderate or tricky task resolution rolls.
CANTRIPS
These are very basic spells allowing the caster Spells of the First Magnitude
to conjure a brief pool of light, the distant Cost: 5 Arcane Power
sound of laughter, or a spark to light a fire. Requirements: -1 per requirement taken
Cantrips can be used to repair a common ob- Minimum: 2 Arcane Power
ject, sour a jug of ale or make the brief illusion Difficulty: Moderate or Tricky (0 or –1)
of a common object. Other examples might
include making a coin vanish, causing a rope to
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MAGICIANS, PRIESTS & ALCHEMISTS
43
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
44
MAGICIANS, PRIESTS & ALCHEMISTS
45
THE BARBARIANS OF LEMURIA
P
riests are the earthly agents of the
Twenty Gods of Lemuria. They bring effects to be. Use the magician spells as a
the word of the gods to their worshippers guide to the relative power of the spell required
on the earth. Each god has his own followers and the difficulties to be assigned. However,
and their temples are numerous across the con- you do not have to worry about Arcane Power
tinent. or spell requirements as the god itself has the
requisite power; he is just using his earthly tool
Druids are the earthly agents of the demonic (in the shape of the priest) to channel it.
Dark Gods - the Gods of The Void. Their
numbers are fewer and their followers more The only difficulty for the priest is whether he
widely scattered. However, their numbers can handle the energies that are coursing
swell each day, as Hadron tests his powers and through his body as he channels the spell ef-
seeks to restore himself in the world. They fects. This is tested in the form of a task
have hidden temples in remote places and in resolution roll in the same way as magicians.
the hidden parts of several cities. Simply check the equivalent magnitude of the
spell the priest is attempting to channel and
make a task resolution roll, using mind + priest
DEVOTION (or druid) rank. A positive modifier (+1)
Priests follow and worship all Twenty Gods, should be awarded to priests casting spells
but those priests of rank 1 or higher must within their own temples.
choose one above all others (see Chapter 9 for
the options available). Druids worship all Dark If the roll is successful (i.e. the player gets 9 or
Gods but, at rank 1 or higher, must choose one better) the spell works in the way expected. If
above all the rest. Sometimes their god actually the roll fails the spell doesn’t work; the charac-
chooses them. At rank 0, priests and druids are ter failed to control the energies.
still in training and do not devote themselves to
any one god in particular.
DOMAINS
Priests and druids receive their powers from Each of the gods has a domain over which he
the gods; particularly from the one the priest or presides (Dyr is the God of Storms, Tharungo-
druid is devoted to. Any spells cast by the zoth is the Slaughterer and so on) and, if the
priest are simply a channelling of the god’s priest is channelling a spell that is deemed to
powers. In effect, the priest or druid is simply a be of the domain of the god to which he is de-
tool to be used by the gods. voted, he may roll 3 dice instead of 2, taking
away the lowest die.
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