Madrigal
Chapter One
Core Rules
Introduction
Welcome
You are preparing to enter a game world using
the Accelerant system. The system is designed to
be simple in concept and execution, yet have a
rich and varied set of skills and abilities with
which to develop characters and stories. To do
this we have created a set of Core Rules that
defines all of the effects of the game and presents
them to you within the first two chapters of the
rule book. All skills and special abilities refer
back to these Core Rules, so once you have
learned the Core Rules you know how to react to
effects from any Accelerant game, even though
the skills or abilities that allow a character to use
those effects may be very different.
Philosophy
The main philosophy of the Accelerant system is
to keep the game flowing smoothly without
interruption. Almost everything you do you
should attempt in game. There should be no
reason to drop out of game, to consult an out of
game personage during normal game play, or to
describe out of game actions unless those actions
may make others uncomfortable. You may
consult in game spirits and characters, but all
your actions should be in game.
In the Accelerant system you will never have a
reason to describe your actions. You can't set
things on fire. You can't chop creatures to pieces.
You cannot, and have no reason to, perform
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actions you cannot actually attempt unless those
actions are defined in some other way in these
rules.
The idea is to stay in character no matter what. If
you have a question, attempt to word it and ask it
in game. If you feel you must leave game, walk
to the edge of the game area in character and
leave the game for a time. You should never
interrupt the flow of the game. There are no rifts
that move you out of the game action, no things
stepping through solid walls, no flying creatures,
and no happenings that cannot be played without
interrupting the flow of the game. You might be
transformed into a spirit and made to walk
someplace in that state, but anyone who sees
your spirit still sees you walking.
Be forewarned that our directed characters will
react to blatant out of game comments as insults
or lies. Spirits and creatures will become enraged
at out of game comments. As such, dropping out
of character can get you killed, or worse. If the
problem continues, you will be asked to leave the
game. Stay in character.
Rules of Etiquette
In a game as fluid and full of unexpected
circumstances as live action, it is important that
each player attempt to follow the spirit as well as
the letter of the rules. Although we have tried to
create a set of rules that is as cut and dry as
possible, there are certain rules that are difficult
 Madrigal

or impossible to quantify that are necessary to

promote atmosphere or safety. These rules are
Caution
This phrase indicates some condition that may
marked as Rules of Etiquette. These rules are
threaten the health of a player. A caution should
difficult or impossible to quantify. We know this,
never last more than 10 seconds. It indicates that
and if players abuse them or become less than
those people who are close to or involved in that
graceful when using them the game will suffer.
problem should pause so someone can get clear,
We trust the player to follow the intent of the
get up, or move away from a threat. Only those
rules, and to be particularly careful to be graceful
people nearby need pause until the problem
when dealing with Rules of Etiquette.
resolves. Everyone involved in a caution is still
responsible to the game, and should still be
Rule of Etiquette cautious of in game threats. They may move
The first rule of etiquette is that abusive language away from the Caution or pause until the person
or actions are not tolerated, whether they are in has dealt with the problem.
game or not. Language or actions that are
derogatory or that are deemed to be harassment
are not allowed. References to explicit sexual Clarification
behavior or concepts, particularly violent ones, This phrase works like Caution, but it indicates
are not allowed. In game threats should be that someone needs a quick explanation of what
worded so they are clearly in game. happened. People directly involved pause for up
to three seconds while someone repeats a verbal
Always In Game or quickly indicates a condition or result of
something. This should be used infrequently, if
You are always in game, even if your character is ever. It is present for new players who may be
unconscious, dead, or affected by a game overwhelmed and confused during their first
condition that incapacitates you. Your spirit still game or two.
remains with you, and it can experience the game
world around you. You do not need to pretend
you did not experience the game even under Let Me Clarify
This phrase, which can only be used by plot
these conditions. If your eyes are closed then you
approved non-player characters, indicates that
might not see what is going on, but you will
any encounter information that follows should be
remember everything you hear, smell, and feel. If
considered true. There are times when your
you are lying unconscious or dead, or affected by
character may not trust another character. This
the Stun effect, you must close your eyes.
phrase indicates that the information that the
character, trustworthy or not, will impart is
There is no "out of game" except during
important and true information about how some
emergencies. There are no out of game indicators
specific encounter works. This phrase cannot be
such as white headbands, and no people should
used unless the player has plot approval for that
be wandering about unless they are there in the
specific encounter, and the information imparted
actual game. To keep the game flowing as
must be a clarification of some specific game
smoothly as possible, we have defined the
effect or encounter.
following ways to deal with problems and
interruptions.

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 Madrigal
Emergency
This phrase should come up rarely. This means
that there is some medical emergency that needs
attention. The game play stops, and everyone
who hears the emergency should drop to a knee
to indicate that a real problem exists. Emergency
should only be called is there is a real problem
and someone could be hurt.
Safety Restrictions
There are a number of basic safety restrictions in
the Accelerant system to ensure the safety,
comfort, and enjoyment of all.
No Physical Contact
You have no reason to touch another player in the
Accelerant system. Physical contact is not
allowed. You may contact another player with a
boffer weapon in a legal attack area and you may
contact another player by touching a packet to
their arm or shoulder to deliver a "touch cast"
effect. Violators will be asked to leave the game.
Searching a Character
Because the game does not allow physical
contact, you may not physically search someone
else. Instead you approach within searching
distance and tell them in a low voice "I am
searching you." The player may simply reveal
items you have found. The player may make a
pouch available for you to reach into and take
items. The player may request that you describe
your search. In this case, you must take the time
to tell the player where on his or her person you
are looking for items. Items cannot be hidden in
places people might find rude or inappropriate.
An item must actually be hidden where you say it
is. You cannot have an item in your pocket, for
example, and claim it was tucked in your boot. It
must be hidden there. If someone searches a
general area you may request them to be more
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specific by stating "Describe that search." If you
have an item concealed in the sole of your boot
and someone says "I search your boot" you may
ask them to "Describe that search" before giving
it up. Players should not demand unreasonable
searches with too much detail - a search should
take no more than a minute.
Carrying a Character
Because the game does not allow physical
contact, you may not physically carry or drag
another person. Instead you simple tell the person
you are picking them up and role play carrying
them along. They must get up and walk with you
while you pretend to hold their shoulders. You
cannot move faster than a walk while carrying
someone else. If you are unable to move while
being carried you walk with your head bowed
and arms at your sides.
If you are carrying a character and that character
is struck by an effect from a melee, missile, or
packet attack, you will also take that effect unless
you "drop" the character immediately. If you are
being carried and someone "drops" you then you
role play falling to the ground. If you are being
carried, you must role play an effect with a moan
or grunt even if you are paralyzed or dead to
indicate you have been struck. If you are carrying
someone who role plays an effect, and you do not
know what the effect was, you must drop them.
You may pick up a body after dropping it as soon
as that body stops moving.
Rule of Etiquette
Whenever you are required to role play an effect
you must always do so in a safe manner. If you
must adjust your role play or position slightly to
make the game safer for you or another player we
ask you to do so. You should take care before
moving in crowded areas even if you must play
out the effect in a slightly different manner. You
 Madrigal
are encouraged to take the extra step or two when
playing out an effect if it removes you from an
area that is detrimental to your health such as a
puddle or an area with too many other players.
No Alcohol or Drugs
You cannot consume alcohol or drugs on the
premises of the game unless the drugs are for
medical use and approved by the staff. You
cannot be under the influence of these while on
the premises of the game. Violators will be asked
to leave the game.
Rules Restrictions
As you play the game and wander around the
world, there is a lot you can do to affect the game
environment around you. Conversely, there are
lots of effects that can change how you play the
game, for both good and bad. Other characters
may attempt to inflict unpleasant fates upon you,
and you might attempt to do the same to them.
There are three restrictions on your activities.
The first is an environmental restriction. When
you come across props that represent certain
environments, such as tarp walls representing
solid walls, you must play as if that condition
was real. You cannot move tarp walls, you cannot
walk across black pits, and you cannot enter
areas marked out of game. All of the
environmental restrictions are explained below.
The second is an effect restriction. If an effect
has been inflicted upon you, you must abide by
the restriction of that effect until it is removed. If
you have a Slow effect, you cannot run. If you
have the Maim effect you cannot use the maimed
limb. Effects can be inflicted upon you in a
variety of ways. All effects, and how they are
given to you, are described below.
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The third is a skill restriction. If there is a skill
that specifically allows you to manipulate a prop
or perform some action, you cannot attempt to
perform that action or manipulate that prop
unless you have that skill. You cannot pick up
weapons and try to fight unless you have the skill
to do so. You cannot manipulate traps unless you
have the skill to do, although you can attempt to
avoid them. All skills are listed below.
Prop Restrictions
You are not allowed to bring to an event any prop
that resembles or could be mistaken for common
or unique game items provided by plot without
the express permission of the game staff. You
cannot attempt to duplicate or forge game money,
item props, tags, or logistical documents such as
character or monster cards. Any attempt to use in
game means to create fakes of any items must be
approved by the plot committee.
You are not allowed to break, destroy, or take
apart any prop. If a prop is attached to a wall by a
chain, for example, you cannot attempt to break
or detach that chain in any way. The Destroy
effect does not change the basic structure of a
prop; it just makes the item unusable for any
game related purpose.
Most props have no in game worth. Costuming,
jewelry, weapons, and area props cannot be
moved from the area they are placed in except by
the owner. These props provide no in game
benefit and disallowing their removal ensures
these props are not broken or lost. Props may be
handled but must be put back where they are
found unless they have a sticker.
Small circular stickers indicate special rules
about handling an item. If an item has a red
circle, it cannot be moved at all. It cannot be
 Madrigal
picked up or touched. It will not move. If an item
has a yellow or green sticker, it seems to be
valuable. A small, yellow, circular sticker means
the prop may be taken but it must be turned in at
checkout. A small green circular sticker means
you can take the prop and hold on to it. Special
items may also have a red sticker with a rune or
number on it. These stickers indicate that
characters may not pick up or touch the item
unless they have a skill or ability that allows
them to manipulate objects marked by that
symbol or number.
Some game effects will enhance an object such
as a weapon or a piece of armor. When an item
has been enhanced by a game effect, an effect
sticker will be placed upon it so long as the
enhancement is in place. Items with effect
stickers are treated as though they were yellow
sticker items. If you have an effect sticker upon
your weapon, that prop can be stolen from you.
You should bring back up props if you want to
use item enhancements.
Environment
Games take place at a site, usually a campground.
This site defines the boundaries of the game.
During game play, a player may attempt to enter
any area within the game boundaries unless the
area is marked with one or more of the out of
game signs defined below. These special areas
are marked with a hexagon that is yellow or
hazard orange. The hexagon gives information so
the game play does not need to be interrupted.
Any area marked out of game is referred to as a
"ruin" during the game. It is assumed that these
areas are collapsed and ruined piles of rubble that
have no real interior that could be entered.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
Out of Game Areas
Areas that are out of game are marked by the
yellow or hazard orange hexagon with text
marking it as Ruins or Out of Game. This
indicates that the area is out of game. You may
not enter it.
Special Areas
Areas with special restrictions or rules will be
marked by the yellow or hazard orange hexagon
with game information printed on it. This
hexagon will have game information written
upon it that will describe the circumstances that
make the area special.
Gates
Portals ringed with strings of decorative light are
magical portals. These portals lead to other
places. Some lead to other places in this world,
some lead to places beyond this world. If a portal
is ringed with lights and they are not lit then you
cannot go through that portal.
The areas beyond gates are often marked with
yellow hexagons, so you should always look
around after going through a gate. Gates have a
disorienting effect to compensate for the time it
takes to spot and read a yellow hexagon.
White gates are open portals. If the lights are on,
anyone may step through the gate. White gates
will always appear in ruined areas.
Colored gates are special. Only spirits, ancestors,
or certain staff characters may bring you through
a gate with colored lights. If there is no spirit,
you cannot enter the gate. Some colored gates are
free standing, with no actual area on the other
side. If you enter such a gate at the request of a
spirit then you will become a spirit yourself. You
will not be affected by any attacks and you must
reply "Spirit" to any attack that strikes you. You
 Madrigal

cannot use any game skills or converse with any

one else. You are visible to others, but you cannot
converse with them and you can only enter an
area indicated by the spirit guide who leads you.
You must follow the spirit guide until you exit
through another gate and assume your normal
form once again.

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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
 Madrigal
Chapter Two
Core Rules
Effects
During the course of the game, you can be the
subject of a wide variety of attacks. Each attack
will attempt to inflict an effect upon you. Some
effects can benefit you, but your enemies will try
to inflict unpleasant effects upon you. When we
discuss attacks, we must talk about how they are
delivered and what each type of attack does.
Traits
A trait is a label that is given to a character, an
attack, a defense, or an item. Traits help describe
the flavor of game effects and define how
abilities interact with each other. There are four
types of traits. A character trait is any trait that
is somehow given to a character. An attack trait
is added to an attack verbal and defines the flavor
of that attack. A defense trait is added to a
defense call. An item trait is added to a tagged
item and gives that trait to anyone carrying that
item.
An attack trait tells you which defenses can be
used against it. A character or item trait can be
used to determine if certain effects worked
against you. If you had the “Undead” trait, for
example, then an attack that caused "5 Damage to
Undead" would be effective against you. A
defense trait is generally used for flavor, but it is
possible to have skills or abilities that can be
used only if a defense with an appropriate trait is
used.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
A character's race is always considered a trait.
Characters with no explicit race have the Human
trait. If you have a sub-race then both your sub-
race and your general race will be considered to
be traits. So a Wood Elf has the Elf trait as well
as the Wood Elf trait.
Verbals
A verbal is a short phrase that is called out before
an ability is used to explain the effect of that
attack. Each verbal can have an effect to be
inflicted and a trait of that attack. The trait tells
how the effect is inflicted upon you so you may
role play the effects and perhaps use a defense to
negate the attack if it strikes you. A verbal is an
out of game phrase. You must call your verbal
even if you are affected by Silence. You must
suffer the effect of an attack even if you are
unconscious or could not hear an in game phrase.
Verbals for melee attacks are called out as you
swing your weapon. Verbals for missile and
packet attacks are called out before you release
the projectile from your hand. You call out a
phrase that takes the form of <effect> by <trait>.
For example, a poison that makes you helpless
would use the verbal "Paralyze by Poison" and a
bolt of fire that causes 5 points of damage would
use "5 Damage by Fire" as the verbal.
 Madrigal

If you hear a verbal, your character knows
instinctively what happened. The verbal not only
tells you the effect out of game, but it represents
the effects of the attack in game. You never have
to play it dumb. The verbal "4 Damage by Fire"
might represent a roar of flame. The verbal
"Maim by Lightning" might represent a flash of
light. The verbal "Paralyze by Fear" might
represent the hairs rising on the back of your
neck. However you imagine it, the verbal tells
you what happened both in and out of game.
Verbals should not be confused with incantations.
Incantations are magical words that are used to
cast a spell. These are in game magical phrases
that are required for all but the most powerful
mages to cast magic. Spells usually have
incantations, but they also end with a verbal.
Remember that there are two rules that apply to
all called attacks.
• You must finish the verbal for a called attack
before launching a packet or missile attack. You
call out the verbal as you swing a melee attack. If
there is an incantation, which is an in game
phrase associated with an attack, then that must
be clearly spoken before the verbal. This is true
for melee, missile and packet attacks.
• All called hits must be acknowledged through
role playing. Many skills are consumed only if
the recipient calls out a defense or role-plays the
effects of the attack. If you don't role play the
effect, the attacker may assume that you were not
struck and the skill not used.
Attack Delivery
Each ability must be delivered to its target in
some way. These deliveries are the physical
action needed to determine whether an ability has
been successfully used on an opponent. There are
a few different ways to deliver game effects, and
these are described below.
It is always up to the defender to make the final
decision whether an ability has struck or affected
them, and thus whether the ability has been
delivered. It is important that players do not
abuse this honor system. If a player does not
count legal hits, the game breaks down.
Individuals that are reported for not counting hits
will be reviewed and if necessary asked to leave
the game.
Vitality
Vitality is a count of how much damage you can
take before you collapse. As you take damage,
your Vitality points are exhausted. These points
can never drop below zero. Healing refreshes
Vitality, and these points are also refreshed at the
beginning of each event. If your Vitality ever
reaches zero you will collapse and become
unconscious. Unconscious characters that are
taken down by uncalled melee or missile hits are
stable. Characters taken down by any other kind
of damage, from called melee or missile hits,
from firearms, from traps, from packets, or from
anything with a verbal become unstable.
If you fall unconscious but you are stable, you
will remain unconscious for five minutes. If
someone hits you with an attack for called
damage you will become unstable. If an attack
inflicts some other effect upon you you will be
unconscious and have that effect upon you. If
healing raises your Vitality above 0 then you will
become conscious. A death strike successfully
delivered to your torso will kill you. Otherwise
you will get up at 1 point of Vitality after five
minutes have elapsed.
If you are unconscious and you are unstable, you
are dying from blood loss and shock. You will

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 Madrigal
linger for one minute before dying. A Stabilize
effect will change your condition to stable. If an
attack inflicts some other effect upon you, you
will be unconscious, unstable, and have that
effect upon you. If healing raises your Vitality
above 0 then you will become conscious. A death
strike successfully delivered to your torso will
kill you. If someone begins to use First Aid on
you, your count will be suspended until they stop
the First Aid. If they call Stabilize you become
stable and start your five minute count. If they do
not finish the First Aid, your one minute death
count will continue where it was before they
started using the skill.
When you die, all active effects on your person
end unless an Imbue or Inflict effect specifically
says otherwise on the effect card. Your remains
will linger for five minutes before you change to
a spirit of the dead and begin to walk to the gate
of death. Only effects with "to Spirit" or with "to
Dead" traits will affect a spirit of the dead.
In Madrigal, each character has a number of
Vitality points equal to the average of the Earth
attribute and the Void attribute. Vitality is always
rounded down. Although Vitality is based off of
two attributes, they are totally separate statistics.
Exhausting Earth or Void points does not affect
Vitality and taking damage does not reduce Earth
or Void. Only a permanent change to Earth or
Void will cause your maximum Vitality to
change.
Unconscious
You are incapacitated and must collapse to the
ground. You must close your eyes and you cannot
move or speak while you are unconscious. You
cannot use game skills unless a skill explicitly
explains that it can be used while unconscious.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
Rule of Etiquette
Players who are unconscious close to combat
may open their eyes to watch for out of game
danger if the battle moves too close. It is
important for players to be able to protect
themselves during these times. If you open your
eyes for safety reasons then we ask that anything
you see during that time remain outside the
normal knowledge of the game.
Death
There are four ways you can die in this game.
First, you can be knocked unconscious and
unstable and remain that way for a full minute.
This is referred to as "bleeding out" and is
described above. Second, you can be killed if
someone delivers a successful death strike to
your torso. Third, You will be killed by an attack
with a Death effect that you cannot negate.
Finally, special areas might cause your death if
you have a mishap.
Death Strike
A death strike is used to kill an unconscious or
immobile victim. You must touch a weapon to the
torso of the victim while saying "Death strike
one, death strike two, death strike three". This
verbal must be spoken clearly and at a normal
speaking pace. You do not need to have skill with
the weapon to inflict a death strike.
To inflict a death strike, the victim must be
immobile. The victim can be unconscious or
immobile because of a game effect, but you
cannot inflict a death strike on a body until it
comes to rest after an attack, nor can you inflict a
death strike on a helpless but struggling victim. If
the victim can move, the victim can prevent a
death strike. First you must render the victim
unconscious or immobile, and then you may
inflict a death strike.
 Madrigal
To interrupt a death strike, you must strike the
person attempting to deliver the death strike with
a melee, missile or packet attack. You may also
interrupt the death strike by striking the weapon
used to perform the death strike with a weapon of
your own. You do not have to force the weapon
away. A death strike that is interrupted is
canceled and has no effect.
The "Death" Effect
Any effect that successfully inflicts a Death
effect kills you immediately. Of all the various
game effects, only the Death effect will kill you
outright. The Death effect may be nullified by an
appropriate defense.
Mishaps
There might be large scale traps, challenges, and
mishaps in special areas that can cause you to
perish if you are unfortunate enough to stumble
into them. Closing walls, deep pits, and other
deadly traps might kill you outright. These areas
will be marked or made clear to you during the
course of the game.
Spirits of the Dead
After 5 minutes of death, a dead character
becomes a spirit of the dead. Because of the
influence of the Realm of Death, the spirit and
everything that spirit still carries is drawn to
Death. The spirit will even pick up its own
weapons if they are within reach unless someone
else possesses them. When you rise as a spirit
you must proceed directly to the gate of Death.
You must walk with your head bowed and your
arms at your side. You cannot interact with any
other character unless they use an ability that
allows you to do so. You cannot drop items. You
cannot use any game ability. If someone tries to
communicate with you, or tries to use a game
effect on you that does not specifically work on
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
Spirits, ignore the attempt, reply "Spirit" and
continue on your way.
While you are a spirit of the dead, there are very
few effects that will work on you. The only
effects that will work are effects with "to Spirit"
or "to Dead" in the verbal. These are Bane effects
specifically designed to affect spirits. The most
common is a "Speak to Dead" effect. This
instance of the "Speak" effect will allow you to
converse quietly with the character who used the
effect. You cannot stray from your path or use
any game skill. You are not compelled to
communicate, but you may do so. Other effects
might include "Imbue to Spirit" and "Inflict to
Spirit." If the description on the effect card states
that it works on a spirit of the dead then you must
follow the instructions given therein. Although
dying removes all active effects upon you, you
may use innate defenses to protect you against
effects even if you are a spirit.
Final Death
If the spirit is too weak to return from the Realm
of Death, then the character passes beyond this
world and is said to have taken a final death.
Final death means that you can no longer play the
character in question, and adds an air of danger to
the game by threatening your in game persona.
Attack Effects
The effect describes what an ability actually
does. The effect is the first part of any verbal.
Some effects target items rather than characters.
All effects used in the game are described below.
Although these effects are given a duration,
removing these effects will end them.
Many attacks last until you rest for five minutes.
You must be sitting, lying, or kneeling to rest.
You cannot walk or run. You cannot use any
game skills while you are resting. Effects that
 Madrigal
require rest will not end until you rest for five
uninterrupted minutes. You are also resting if you
are dead, unconscious, stunned or paralyzed.
Paralyzed characters are considered resting even
if they are standing. You cannot refresh attributes
or skills while you are resting.
Agony
You are wracked with pain. You cannot attack or
use most game skills. You may run, defend
yourself by blocking with weapon skills and can
use called defenses. Agony lasts for 10 seconds.
Cure...
The Cure effect removes effects on the target. A
Cure <Effect> will remove all instances of that
specific effect. A Cure <Trait> will remove every
active effect with the appropriate trait except
Imbue and Inflict unless the Imbue or Inflict card
specifically says otherwise. Cure will never
restore Vitality. Cure is a beneficial effect.
Travis, for example, has been affected by the
following attacks: Slow by Disease, Slow by
Will, and Drain by Will. A Cure Slow will
remove both the Slow by Disease and the Slow
by Will since they are both Slow effects. A Cure
Will would remove both the Slow by Will and the
Drain by Will since they both have the Will trait.
If a "Cure Maim" effect references a specific
limb, the effect will only remove Maim effects on
that limb. If the Cure Maim effect does not
specify a limb, it will cure all Maim effects active
upon the target. If an ability or skill allows you to
use the "Cure Maim" effect on a specific limb,
you cannot use that ability as a general "Cure
Maim" effect.
A "Cure Death" effect will restore a dead target
to life and leave them with 1 Vitality unless that
target has transformed to a Spirit of the dead.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
Once a character has transformed to a Spirit of
the dead, only the rare "Cure Death to Spirit"
effect can restore them to life, and only if it is
used before the Spirit reaches its destination.
A "Cure <Name> Trait" effect will remove a trait
given to you by an Inflict, Imbue, or other effect
that is temporary. It has no effect on a permanent
trait granted by race, skill, or the like.
Damage
This effect removes Vitality points as described
in the section on Vitality. Unlike typical effects,
Damage is instantaneous. It removes Vitality
points and then the effect ends. You cannot
remove or dispel damage. Vitality points must be
restored though healing.
Death
An attack with this effect kills you. You fall
down dead, as if you had been struck with a
death strike. All temporary effects upon you end
when you are killed except for Imbue and Inflict
effects that are not specifically removed by death.
Death lasts for 5 minutes, after which you will
rise as a spirit and travel to the Realm of Death.
This process is described in greater detail in the
Spirits of the Dead section.
Cure Death and certain special abilities can affect
you while you are dead. Some strengthen your
spirit so it is not weakened by the presence of
Death. Some might even restore you to life.
Others might cause unpleasant effects. All of
these will be handled using an Imbue or Inflict
effect. In these cases you will be given an effect
card that explains the results of the Imbue or
Inflict effect.
Destroy...
This effect is unique in that it is inflicted upon an
item rather than a character. Because of this, the
 Madrigal
item becomes the target for the attack. Melee
attacks affect the item struck, while missile and
packet attacks affect one item that will be named
in the verbal. This item becomes unusable until
someone with the appropriate skill spends one
minute of time to fix it. The item is not
destroyed, just damaged and in need of repair
before it can be used. The prop must still be
carried, for it represents the broken item. The
skill varies with the type of item.
In Madrigal, weapons are repaired by the
Weaponsmith skill. Armor is repaired by the
Armorsmith skill. Other items are repaired by
various other skills. Some items, such as potions,
cannot be repaired and are lost forever. Some
characters with unusual forms, such as
constructs, may be affected by Destroy if it is
inflicted upon them directly by saying "Destroy
Body." When an item with a tag is affected by a
Destroy, the tag is either marked or destroyed.
Items without tags or safety stickers (such as
clothing, belts, pouches, and the like) cannot be
affected by Destroy. If armor is destroyed all the
points are exhausted until it is repaired.
Diagnose
This effect is used to determine if the recipient is
inflicted with a specific effect, trait, or game
condition. You may use Diagnose to determine
the presence of any effect or trait mentioned in
Chapter 2 with the exception of Imbue or Inflict
effects. You may also use Diagnose to determine
if the recipient is currently Stable, Unstable,
Dead, or Damaged. Touch the recipient with a
packet and say "Diagnose" followed by the
effect, trait or game condition. The recipient says
"Yes" if they are afflicted with the named effect
or an effect with the named trait, or if they suffer
the game condition. Otherwise they say "No."
Travis, for example, is lying on the ground
unstable and has been inflicted by a Slow by
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Disease and a Paralyze by Magic. Another player
leans over, touches him with a packet and says
"Diagnose Stable." Travis says "No." She says
"Diagnose Unstable" and Travis says "Yes." She
uses a Heal effect on Travis but he still doesn't
move. Puzzled, she says "Diagnose Stun." Travis
says "No." She says "Diagnose Paralyze." Travis
says "Yes." She has the ability to Cure Poison, so
she says "Diagnose Poison." Travis says "No."
She decides to wait until the Paralyze wears off.
If someone uses "Diagnose Damage" on you, you
may choose, for the sake of expediency, to
include in your reply the current number of
Vitality points that have been removed by
Damage. If, for example, you have taken two
damage that has not been healed and someone
uses "Diagnose Damage" on you, you may reply
with a simple "Yes" or you may reply with a
"Yes, two." The choice of how to respond is up to
you.
Disarm...
You must drop everything in the hand indicated
by the verbal. You can pick up items immediately
after they have come to rest. You may pick up an
item as soon as it stops moving. The verbal will
contain either "Disarm right hand" or "Disarm
left hand." If you are holding a fragile or
breakable prop, including an air gun, you may
put it down rather than drop it, but in this case
you cannot pick it up for a full five seconds.
Delivering this effect with a melee attack requires
you to strike that weapon while calling the
Disarm effect. You do not need to specify a hand.
The hand that is holding the weapon will be
affected. A melee delivered Disarm will not
affect a shield unless the "Disarm Shield" verbal
is used. You cannot disarm a shield unless a skill
or ability specifically allows the use of "Disarm
Shield."
 Madrigal
Disengage
To initiate this ability either take a step back or
plant your feet for 3 seconds. Gesture at any
number of opponents with a your weapons. You
cannot move towards any target. Everyone who
is attacking you and everyone indicated by the
gesture of your weapon must move back out of
weapon range so that you cannot cross extended
weapons. Targets that are rooted or cannot move
back may cross their arms and lean away from
the effect instead of backing up. Once the
distance has been increased and the space
indicated by the Disengage has been cleared by
all targets (or everyone has crossed their arms
and leaned away) the effect ends. Disengage will
not force a target into a dangerous area. A target
may choose to cross arms and lean back rather
than stepping back into an area that will cause
them some detrimental effect. Disengage is not a
melee delivered attack and cannot be negated by
defenses that stop melee attacks.
Drain
For a simple Drain effect, you cannot run or use
any game skill, including weapon and shield
skills. If the verbal is followed by a skill or
ability name then you cannot use that particular
skill. Drain can also be used to prevent entire
skill headers. If a header is drained, you cannot
use any skill that falls under that header. Drain
can be used in this manner to suppress racial
abilities and empowered named items. If an item
is named after a Drain effect then no abilities
from that item can be used until the Drain ends.
Only simple Drain effects prevent you from
running. The Drain effect will last until you rest
for five minutes.
Expose...
The Expose effect is followed by one trait. If you
have that trait and are subjected to this effect, you
must cry out, revealing the fact that you have the
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trait and revealing your position. You must cry
out as loudly as the Expose effect was called.
Although you may cry out softly if the Expose
was called softly, you still must make every effort
to ensure that you are revealed to the person who
called the effect. The Expose effect is audible and
you must cry out even if you are unconscious or
under the effects of a Stun, Paralyze, or other
disabling effect. Only a Silence will prevent you
from crying out, and even then you must role
play crying out even though you make no noise.
You are not affected if you are Dead or have the
Spirit defense unless the Expose effect targets
those specific traits. This effect is one of the few
that will commonly be delivered by voice.
Frenzy
This effect causes you to attack the closest
creature to you, regardless of recognition or
consequence. You may attack with any standard
skill that is not beneficial, though you are not
forced to use consumable skills in this attack. If
you are affected by a Repel effect, or if you are
not affecting the creature in question, or if you
cannot find a way to reach the creature for 10
seconds you will move on to the next closest
creature. If someone else attacks you and that
creature is more convenient than your current
target then that creature will become your new
target. The effect ends when you are rendered
dead or unconscious.
Grant...
You gain a temporary enhancement to your
abilities. There are four types of Grant effects as
indicated by the verbal. Each type of Grant effect
gives a different enhancement. All types of the
Grant effect last until the end of the event, or
until the granted ability is used up. If you have
temporary imbues, boons or abilities that mimic a
Grant effect that are not technically Grant effects
they do not stack with similar Grant effects. Only
 Madrigal
effects with an Imbue card that explicitly states
that it will stack with Grant effects will do
so. Grant is a beneficial effect.
... Armor
This type of Grant effect adds additional armor
points to your base armor, whether those armor
points are granted by physical armor or a skill.
These points are refreshed when your base armor
is refreshed. If no number is indicated then this
effect boosts your armor points by 1. The effect
might indicate a higher number in the verbal such
as "Grant 2 Armor" to indicate that a greater
number of armor points have been granted. A
successful Destroy Armor effect destroys the
armor points and completely ends this type of
Grant effect. You may only have one Grant
Armor effect active upon you, though you may
choose which Grant effect to keep if someone
uses an additional Grant Armor effect upon you.
... Protection
This type of Grant effect adds additional
protection points that negate points of damage.
These protection points work in a manner similar
to armor, negating the indicated amount of
damage regardless of the source. The number of
points is indicated after the "Grant" in the verbal,
and if no number is indicated then the ability
grants a single protection point. Protection points
are always lost after armor points. Protection
points cannot be refreshed or renewed. Once they
are used to negate damage the effect ends. You
may only have one Grant Protection effect active
upon you, though you may choose which Grant
effect to keep if someone uses an additional
Grant Protection effect upon you.
... Attribute
This type of Grant effect adds to the total of one
numeric attribute. Any points added with this
effect are available immediately for use. Effects
which refresh that attribute also refresh these
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additional points. These extra points can be used
in the same manner as regular attribute points. A
successful Waste effect that reduces the boosted
attribute also completely ends this type of Grant
effect. If the attribute indicated is Vitality then
Heal effects work normally. Vitality calculations
and other secondary attribute calculations are not
affected by points added by the Grant effect to
another attribute used in that calculation. You
may only modify a specific attribute with one
Grant Attribute effect, though you may choose
which Grant effect to keep if someone uses an
additional Grant Attribute effect that modifies the
same attribute. You may have additional Grant
Attribute effects upon you so long as each
modifies a different attribute.
... Defense
This type of Grant effect gives you one called
defense that can be used on attacks indicated by
the defense verbal. This type of Grant effect
starts with the Grant verbal, which may include a
trait, and ends with the verbal that describes the
defense. You may use the indicated defense
against an appropriate attack once during the
event. Once this defense is used the Grant effect
ends. If the defense portion includes a trait then
you must call out that trait when you use the
defense. The defense portion of the verbal
indicates the types of attacks it can be used
against by either indicating a trait or an attack
type. If there is no indication then the defense
may be used against any melee, missile or packet
attack.
A "Grant Defense by Shadow, Avoid by Shadow"
would give you one defense against any weapon
or packet attack. You would call out "Avoid by
Shadow" when you used the ability.
A "Grant Defense, Resist Poison" would give you
one defense against any attack with the Poison
 Madrigal
trait. You would call out "Resist" when you used
the ability.
A "Grant Defense by Divine, Parry melee" would
give you one defense against any melee attack.
You would call out "Parry" when you used this
ability.
You cannot have more than one Grant Defense
effect upon you that protects against the same
trait unless the skill or ability explicitly makes an
exception. If receive another Grant Defense
effect that protects against a trait for which you
already have a granted defense you choose which
to keep. You cannot, for example, have a Shield
Magic defense and a Resist Magic defense both
from Grant effects. You would have to choose
between them. Likewise, if you had a Resist
Poison effect you could not receive an additional
Grant Defense that gave you another defense
against the Poison trait. You gain only one
defense per trait. Defenses that have no trait and
work on melee, missile, or packet attacks
likewise do not stack. You may only have one
such effect from a Grant Defense effect.
Heal...
This effect restores one point of Vitality. If the
effect is followed by a number, then it restores
Vitality equal to the indicated number. Otherwise
it restores one point. If you are unconscious with
no Vitality then healing will restore one or more
Vitality points and you will wake immediately
unless some other effect is preventing you from
doing so. Heal is a beneficial effect.
Imbue...
This effect can be used in one of two ways. If the
Imbue effect is followed by a trait, then you will
gain that trait for the remainder of the event.
Otherwise, this effect is some enhancement or
extra ability that is described on an effect card
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that is given to you after the effect is used upon
you. An Imbue effect with no trait will not take
effect until you have read the effect card. Imbue
will usually give you some ability that can be
used during the current event, although the effect
card might describe some effect that lasts beyond
the current event. Imbue is a beneficial effect.
Imbue effect cards can have a wide variety of
long term plot effects. Examples include granting
a defense against certain types of attack,
strengthening the spirit of a dead character, and
similar exceptional abilities. Defenses can be
used to negate Imbue attacks if those defenses
will stop an attack with the appropriate trait.
If a player can use an Imbue effect, that ability
will always have some in game action that must
be accomplished before you can use the ability.
You might need to gather and mix components.
You might need to construct some item from
strange parts. These actions earn you the effect
card needed to use this effect. You can never use
an Imbue ability without the appropriate effect
card to represent the properly prepared
components.
Inflict...
This effect can be used in one of two ways. If the
Inflict effect is followed by a trait, then you will
gain that trait for the remainder of the event.
Otherwise, this effect is some affliction or
detrimental effect that is described on an effect
card that is given to you after the effect is used
upon you. An Inflict effect with no trait will not
take effect until you have read the effect card, so
a character engaged in combat may not be
affected by Inflict effects described on Inflict
cards immediately; they have time to retrieve the
effect card and read it when it is convenient and
unobtrusive to do so. Unconscious or dead
characters must read the card immediately. Inflict
cards will give you some unusual detriment that
 Madrigal
will have an effect and a duration described on
the effect card.
Inflict effect cards can have a wide variety of
long term plot effects. Examples include causing
death after a certain amount of time, causing you
to transform into some type of creature, inflicting
you with a disease that cannot be healed
normally, weakening the spirit of a dead
character, and similar exceptional abilities.
Defenses can be used to negate Inflict attacks if
those defenses will stop an attack with the
appropriate trait.
If a player can use an Inflict effect, that ability
will always have some in game action that must
be accomplished before you can use it. You might
need to gather and mix components. You might
need to construct some item from strange parts.
These actions earn you the effect card needed to
use the ability. A player can never use an Inflict
ability without an effect card to represent the
properly prepared components.
Maim
One limb becomes useless. An arm must hang at
your side and cannot be used for any game
ability. A leg becomes unusable. You must go
down on one knee - you cannot hop. You may
crawl using your other limbs. A Maim effect will
last for the duration of the event. If a Maim effect
is delivered by a melee or missile attack, the limb
struck will be affected. If a Maim effect delivered
by a melee or missile attack strikes the torso then
the Maim effect is ignored. If a Maim effect is
delivered by a packet, the attacker can include
the limb in the verbal. For example, a caster
might call out "Maim Right Leg by Fire." If the
limb is not specified, then the subject may choose
one limb that is not already affected by a Maim.
Maim only works on arms and legs.
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Paralyze
You must stand frozen. You cannot move, but
you are aware of what is happening around you.
If you are rendered unconscious, or if someone
tries to change your pose, you will collapse to the
ground. Paralyze will last until you rest for five
minutes. You are resting while you are paralyzed
even if you are standing.
Refresh...
Refresh is always followed by either an attribute
or a skill that has a limited number of uses. You
recover one or more uses of the named skill or
one or more points of the named attribute.
Refresh will never raise you above your
maximum attribute or give you more uses of a
skill than you would have at the start of an event.
If you do not have the named skill then Refresh
to that skill has no effect. As a default, Refresh
restores one point or use of a skill. If a number is
placed before the attribute or skill name then you
will restore more attribute or uses of a skill.
Skills that require attributes cannot be restored
directly and are unaffected by a Refresh effect.
Refresh is a beneficial effect.
Refresh can also be used to restore abilities of an
empowered item. If the item has a unique name
and Refresh is followed by that name then the
abilities of the item are restored.
Repair...
You restore one item that has been rendered
unusable by a Destroy effect. For an item you are
touching you need not specify a target in the
verbal. For other types of abilities you specify a
target after the Repair verbal. Repair may also be
used to refresh armor points from physical armor.
In this case you use the "Repair Armor" verbal.
Repair is a beneficial effect.
 Madrigal
Repel
This effect prevents you from using game skills
on the attacker. You will also attempt to stay 10
feet away from the attacker unless doing so
would endanger you. If this is the case you may
move to a safer position even if it takes you
within 10 feet, so long as you then attempt once
again to stay 10 feet away from the attacker. You
cannot use game skills on the attacker in any
case. The Repel effect will last until you rest for
five minutes unless the attacker strikes you with a
melee attack that does not cause a Repel effect. If
the attacker strikes you with a melee attack using
an effect that is not Repel then this effect ends
immediately.
The attacker is not immune to the attacks of a
character affected by the Repel. That character is
free to launch attacks at other creatures so the
attacker should be careful to stay clear of other
potential targets and avoid attacks launched at
other characters.
Root
You cannot move your right foot from its spot.
You may pivot on that foot, and you may move
your left foot. A Root effect will last until you
rest for five minutes.
Silence
You cannot talk or make any in game verbal
noise. You cannot use game skills that require
incantations. If you are affected by an Expose
effect you must mime crying out but you do not
make any actual noise. You must still use out of
game phrases as normal. A Silence effect will last
until you rest for five minutes.
Slam
Some great force knocks you back and off your
feet. When you are struck with this effect you
role play an extremely forceful blow or blast. You
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may take up to three steps backwards and fall
down. The steps backward are optional. The
effect ends when your chest or back touches the
ground. If falling to the ground is an issue due to
ground quality, crowding or health you may opt
to instead take your steps, drop to a knee and
place both hands palm down on the ground as
shake your head for three seconds.
Some Slam effects are so powerful they knock
you back through a shield. If you hear "Shield
Slam" it works even if it strikes your shield. This
attack can be blocked by a weapon and would
count as a strike to the limb holding the shield.
Slow
You cannot run. You may only walk at a normal
pace. The Slow effect will last until you rest for
five minutes.
Stabilize
If you are at 0 Vitality and unstable this effect
makes you stable. You start your 5 minute count.
Otherwise you call "No Effect." Stabilize is a
beneficial effect.
Stricken
You are unaffected by any beneficial effect unless
it removes the Stricken effect from you. Call "No
Effect" to any other beneficial effect used on you.
There is one exception; if someone uses First Aid
on you then the Stabilize effect will work. Only a
"Cure Stricken" effect or a Cure effect applied to
the trait of this attack will remove this effect. An
effect that removes the Stricken effect from you
will not remove other effects. Stricken does not
work on items you carry or wear and items may
be affected by Repair or Imbue effects. The
Stricken effect will last until you rest for five
minutes.
 Madrigal
If, for example, you have a Stricken by Poison
and a Paralyze by Poison effect upon you a Cure
Poison effect will remove the Stricken effect but
it won't also remove the Cure Paralyze effect. A
second Cure Poison would be needed to remove
the Paralyze by Poison effect.
Stun
You are knocked unconscious. Stun will last until
you rest for five minutes. You are resting while
you are stunned. Another character may take a
full minute of role play to revive you and end this
effect.
Speak
This effect allows you to converse with a creature
or being that cannot otherwise communicate with
you. It is usually used with the Bane trait,
allowing you to speak with specific types of
creatures. The subject is under no obligation or
compulsion to speak with you, but it may do so if
it wishes. The Speak effect will last until a
participant uses another game skill or until a
participant move out of reasonable conversation
range.
Waste...
Waste is always followed by either an attribute or
a skill that has a limited number of uses. You lose
one or more uses of the named skill or one or
more points of the named attribute. Waste has no
effect if you have no attribute points or skill uses
left. If you do not have the named skill then
Waste to that skill has no effect. As a default,
Waste removes one point or use of a skill. If a
number is placed before the attribute or skill
name then you will lose more attribute points or
uses of the skill. Skills that require attributes
cannot be wasted directly and are unaffected by a
Waste effect.
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Wasted attribute points and skill uses can be
refreshed. A Cure Waste effect will restore points
or skill uses lost to Waste effects unless they have
already been refreshed or restored by some other
means. Once a wasted attribute or skill use has
been refreshed a Cure Waste effect will have no
effect on you. Attributes and skills lost to a Waste
effect are always refreshed before points lost
through normal use.
Waste can also be used to remove abilities of an
empowered item. If the item has a unique name
and Waste is followed by that name then any
charged abilities of the item are removed as if
they had been used.
Weakness
Your ability to strike with melee attacks is
severely weakened. You cannot deliver any called
effects with your melee attacks. Weakness does
not affect uncalled strikes or any other weapon
skill. The Weakness effect will last until you rest
for five minutes.
Attack Traits
Most attacks include a descriptive trait. This trait
is indicated by the second part of the verbal. The
trait of an attack adds flavor to the attack and
determines whether certain defenses can be used
to negate the attack. If an attack is "5 Damage by
Fire" then the trait of the attack would be Fire.
The "by Weapon" trait is dropped from the verbal
of normal melee attacks to reduce noise. Any
melee or missile attack with no trait is assumed
to have the "Weapon" trait.
Most attack traits allow you to role play the
effect. You may step back or cry out in reaction
to the attack. If you are surprised by an attack,
however, you cannot add additional role play to
the effect. For example, if you were hit by a
 Madrigal
"Stun by Force" from a visible enemy then you
could add the role play of crying out or
staggering back. But if someone sneaks up
behind you and calls out "Stun" with a melee
attack then you should just go down. If someone
sneaks up and surprises you with a spell that you
honestly did not see coming, you should not cry
out to warn your friends.
Elemental Traits
These include Air, Cold, Earth, Fire, Ice,
Lightning, Water, and Wind. The effect is caused
by elemental power. Abilities that work against
Elemental effects will work against effects with
any of these traits. You may role play an
Elemental effect by crying out or stepping
backwards as the effect is inflicted.
Mental Traits
These include Awe, Confusion, Despair, Fear,
Inspiration, Madness, Trance, and Will. The
effect is caused by some mental or emotional
reaction. Abilities that work against Mental
effects will work against effects with any of these
traits. You may role play a Mental effect by
crying out or stepping backwards as the effect is
inflicted.
Metabolic Traits
These include Aging, Air, Cold, Disease, Poison,
Radiation, and Sleep. The effect is caused by a
Metabolic reaction. Abilities that work against
Metabolic effects will work against effects with
any of these traits. You may role play a Metabolic
effect by crying out or stepping backwards as the
effect is inflicted.
Physical Traits
These include Crystal, Earth, Force, Ice, Silver,
Thorns, Weapon, Web, and Wind. The effect is
caused by a Physical force. Abilities that work
against Physical effects will work against effects
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with any of these traits. You may role play a
Physical effect by crying out or stepping
backwards as the effect is inflicted.
Special Traits
All traits not included above are Special traits.
These can include, but are not limited to, Acid,
Blessing, Curse, Light, Magic, Malediction, and
Shadow. These traits are not included in any
general trait, so abilities must specifically include
them. Special attacks allow no additional role
playing; you will suffer the effect of a Special
attack immediately.
Bane
This is a unique attack trait that works against
another specific trait, and targets only those
creatures that have that trait. Instead of saying
"by" you would say "to" and state the trait that is
targeted. An attack that stated "10 Damage to
Undead" would be an example of an attack with
the Bane trait, and the attack would only affect
creatures with the Undead trait. If you somehow
lose the trait that a Bane effect targets while
under that effect, then the effect ends
immediately. So, if you had a “to Dead” effect
upon you and you were brought back to life then
the “to Dead” effect would end. Remember that
the race of a character is always considered to be
a trait of that character. Bane attacks allow no
additional role playing; you will suffer the effect
of a Special attack immediately.
Some effects may have both a normal trait and a
bane trait. In this case the attack affects only
those targeted by the Bane affect but it may be
resisted by defenses that work against the normal
trait. An attack that stated "Paralyze by Fear to
Elf" would only affect characters with the Elf
trait but it could be negated by a Resist Fear
defense.
 Madrigal
Self
This trait indicates that the effect works only on
the person using it. Instead of saying "by" you
would say "to Self" after the effect. This indicates
that you are the only target of the called effect.
Defenses
These abilities allow you to negate abilities used
against you. Although there are a large number of
possible defenses that can be used against
specific causes and effects, all defenses can be
summarized as one of the following types.
Shield
You negate the first attack of the appropriate type
that strikes you. You must call "Shield" when the
defense is used.
Avoid, Parry, Resist
You choose one attack of the appropriate type to
negate when it strikes you. You can allow an
attack to affect you and negate a later attack.
Although different verbals are used to indicate
the nature of your defense and to add flavor to
the game, all of these defenses work the same
way. You must call out the defense when it is
used.
Purge
You may negate an attack after it has affected
you. You must spend three seconds to role play
this defense as you shake off the effect, during
which time you must remain relatively still. You
cannot use game skills while role playing the
purge. This defense cannot be used if you are
unconscious or dead unless the skill specifically
allows you to purge the effect that has put you
into that state.
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No Effect
You are unaffected by the attack in question. This
indicates a defense that is not consumable. The
attack does not affect you, nor will it ever affect
you.
Reduce
You are affected by the attack in question, but the
effect has been mitigated or lessened. The actual
reduction is determined by the skill or ability that
allows you to use this defense. You must role
play the new effect appropriately.
Reflect
You choose one melee, missile, or packet attack
of the appropriate type to rebound back at the
attacker when it strikes you. Call this defense to
negate the effects of the attack. If your attack is
reflected then you must take the attack as if your
melee, missile or packet had struck you. The
attack retains all of the original traits so it might
not actually affect you. You may use defenses to
negate the attack, including using Reflect to
bounce it back on the original target.
Spirit
You are insubstantial and are unaffected by most
attacks. You call "Spirit" to any attack that you
negate for this reason. You cannot use game
abilities unless specifically allowed to do so. You
cannot speak or converse with other characters
unless they use an ability that allows you to do
so. If someone tries to talk with you, you may
call "Spirit" to inform them that you cannot
speak. You cannot drop any items. No one may
search you, nor can items that you carry be
removed from your person. Nothing can be
thrown over you. You cannot rest while in spirit
form, and effects that last until you rest will not
be removed. You cannot block doorways or
portals. If someone tries to move through a portal
that you are blocking then your insubstantial
 Madrigal
form will be repositioned so you are no longer
blocking that area.
Characters who have died and are traveling to the
Realm of Death are spirits. If you gain the Spirit
trait because you have died and you have become
a Spirit of the Dead then you also gain the Dead
trait. Effects with the trait "to Spirit" affect all
spirits, while effects with the trait "to Dead"
affect only spirits of the dead. You must walk
with your head bowed and your hands at your
side.
Some abilities allow a living character to become
a spirit for a time, but these abilities usually have
special restrictions or will not be absolute in their
protection. You might gain a trait and become
vulnerable to attacks with that trait even though
you are a spirit. Some of these skills last until
you move. In these cases you cannot move or
speak without ending the effect. If you turn into a
spirit in a place which blocks a portal or doorway
then you are forced to move to allow someone
through. Since this can end the effect you must
be careful to use these types of skills so as to not
block confined areas.
Defense Traits
A defense might have a trait associated with it.
The verbal should include the defense and the
trait with a "by" between them. This can be done
to add flavor to an ability, to differentiate two
similar skills, or to allow other skills to key off
certain defenses.
Chained Defense
A chained defense has an effect that is called
immediately after the defense. The verbal should
include the defense and the additional effect with
an "and" between them. If the additional effect is
an attack then that attack must be launched
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
immediately as the defense is called. Using the
additional effect could be optional or required. If
the additional effect affects the character using
the chained defense then the ability must use the
Self trait and character must role play that effect
as if they had been struck by it.
Example: A Fire based attack strikes a Fire
Elemental. The creature calls out "Resist and
Heal to Self" to indicate that the attack was
negated and the creature was healed by using the
defense.
Example: A strong creature can tear out of some
physical effects but it takes damage doing so. The
creature is struck by the appropriate attack, role
plays for 3 seconds, calls out "Purge and 2
Damage to Self" and then role plays the damage
effect.
Example: A character has an ability that
simulates a Riposte. The character is struck by a
successful melee attack, calls out "Parry and 3
Damage," and immediately swings at the person
who attacked her.
Example: A creature has an ability that can reflect
attacks with the Magic trait back at the attacker.
The creature is struck by a "Paralyze by Magic."
The character calls "Resist and Paralyze by
Magic" and throws a packet back at the attacker.
Armor
Armor provides points of protection that act as a
buffer against damage effects. Armor points are
removed by damage in a manner similar to
Vitality. Armor points are lost before Vitality
points. The method by which exhausted armor
points are restored varies depending on the type
of armor you are using and the skills and abilities
of the Accelerant game you are playing.
 Madrigal

You may only have one base type of armor active

at a time. If you try to restore or activate or wear Armor Coverage
one type of armor while you have active points Breast and Back 40%
from another type of armor, the armor type with Shoulders 5% each
the lower number of active armor points will be Forearms 5% each
exhausted. If there is a tie, then the new armor Hip and Groin 10%
points will be immediately exhausted. Exhausted Thighs 5% each
armor points are gone and must be restored just Lower Leg 5% each
as if they were exhausted by Damage. Open Helm 5%
Face 5%
Travis, for example, is wearing a 2 point of suit
of armor. He role plays and activates a skill that Coverage Bonuses
gives him 3 points of armor. The armor points Armor Looks Real +10%
from the suit of armor are exhausted and he has 3 Armor Looks Good +10%
armor points from his skill. If he wants to use the
armor points from his suit of armor later, he will Armor Points for Light Coverage
have to have the armor suit repaired. 100% or more 3
75% 2
In Madrigal, all characters may wear up to two 50% 1
points of physical armor. You must be skilled in
the use of armor to effectively wear any more Armor Points for Heavy Coverage
than two points. You may wear a prop worth 75% or more 4
more points without this skill, but the protection 60% 3
it will provide will be limited by your armor skill. 45% 2
The maximum any character can wear for armor 30% 1
is 4 points. A character with the Armorsmith skill
can restore physical armor. The armorsmith must
role play for one minute at a forge to fix the suit Using Weapons
of armor. Melee attacks require special hand held padded
weapons to deliver an attack. Missile attacks use
In Madrigal, armor is awarded points based on its special thrown weapons, projectile weapons such
type and its coverage. Armor is divided into light as bows and crossbows, and streamer packets that
armor and heavy armor. The weapon marshal represent arrows and bolts. If a weapon is
evaluates armor. To be evaluated as heavy armor, designed as a thrown weapon or projectile, it
the armor must look heavy. Thick, stiff, cannot be used in melee combat. Melee weapons
articulated leather, chain mail, scale mail, and cannot be thrown. You must have both hands on a
plate armor are usually evaluated as heavy armor. two handed weapon in order to use it in combat
The more the appearance of the armor adds to the unless some game ability specifically states
atmosphere of the game, the more likely it will be otherwise. These padded weapons have a strict
evaluated in the heavy category. Points awarded set of creation rules and must pass a safety
for armor are based on the type of armor and the inspection at each and every event where you
body coverage it provides. The values for armor intend to use them.
coverage are given below.

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 Madrigal
To add to the atmosphere of role playing, we
expect our players to role play in combat.
Although we allow light weapons for safety and
comfort, we ask that players keep the pace of
their swings in line with what a heavier weapon
might require. Melee swings that are entirely
generated by snapping or rotating the wrist or
forearm are discouraged. Although you are
expected to role play full weapon swings where
the weapon moves at least 45 degrees, the actual
contact cannot be too hard. A tap from a weapon
is sufficient to deliver an attack. Melee attacks
that are blocked by another weapon or shield
wielded by a character with the appropriate skill
to do so are not counted. Attacks to the head, the
hands, or the groin are illegal and are not
counted. You may only throw one thrown
weapon at a time, although you may fire a
projectile weapon such as a crossbow from each
hand if you are skilled in using that weapon in
both hands.
Any strike that has no verbal causes 1 point of
damage. These are known as "uncalled strikes"
because they have no verbal. Uncalled strikes
will cause someone to fall unconscious if they
remove all Vitality, but the victim will remain
stable. A character taken down by called strikes
will fall unconscious and be unstable as well.
If you are unskilled with a melee weapon you
cannot make attacks with that weapon. If
someone strikes that weapon or you try to parry
with that weapon, you must either take the blow
or the weapon is ripped from your hand. If you
do not take the blow, you must drop the weapon
as if you had been affected by the Disarm effect.
You may hold only one weapon or shield in your
hand during combat. If you are holding more
than one item in a hand, and a melee attack
strikes one of those items, then you will take the
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
blow or be disarmed of both items as if you were
unskilled in their use.
Many skills work only on limb hits. A limb hit is
a strike to the arm or leg. A torso hit includes the
chest from the belt up to the top of the chest. Any
hit to the leg or buttock is a leg hit. Any hit to the
arm or to the outer shoulder is an arm hit. Hits
that come down on the shoulder or that come
down between the shoulder and the neck are also
arm hits. Neck hits are illegal.
The Flurry Rule
A flurry is a series of melee blows swung at an
opponent with little or no pause. You can make
no more than three consecutive attempts to strike
a single opponent without a pause. Only after you
have taken a step back and paused for a full
second will your strikes be counted once again.
The Proximity Rule
You must maintain a safe distance from any
active opponent. If you can reach out and touch
the torso of an opponent with your hand then you
are too close and you must back away. If there is
a significant difference in the reach of two
opponents, the opponent with the shorter reach
may approach close enough so that they can
strike their opponent with their weapon so long
as they cannot touch the torso of the opponent.
Claws and Natural Weaponry
Some characters have the ability to use claws or
natural weaponry instead of, or in addition to,
weapons. These weapon props are red, though
some plot creatures may have props that are
constructed to appear to be part of that creature.
Claws are considered to be melee weapons and
can be used to block melee attacks. Claws are not
affected by Disarm. Destroy effects delivered to
such weaponry will cause a Maim effect to the
limb using the weapon.
 Madrigal
Claws and natural weaponry are not bladed
weapons, and cannot be used with skills or
effects that require bladed weapons. If you are
holding a claw that is struck by a melee or
missile attack, and you cannot legally block with
the claw due to some game effect, you will be
affected by the attack since you cannot drop the
claw in response to the strike.
Using Packet Attacks
A packet is a small bean bag filled with bird seed
that represents some sort of mystical, psychic, or
supernatural ranged attack form. Packets have
strict construction guidelines. You call a verbal
and throw a packet at a target to deliver the
attack. If the packet hits the target, or any direct
possession of the target, then the effect is
delivered to the target. You cannot throw packets
too hard. If you are winding up to throw the
packet then you are throwing too hard.
Packets are not solid objects and cannot be
affected by Disarm or Destroy, but they are a
visible, in game effect. If someone is carrying
packets and you see the packets, you can assume
they have some sort of aura that makes you
realize they are capable of something special.
Because of this, you cannot carry or throw
packets unless you have the power to use them
for something.
If a packet clearly strikes a target and they do not
acknowledge the hit through role playing or by
negating it with a defense, the attributes or their
equivalent are not exhausted. If the packet
misses, or you cannot tell whether the packet hit,
then attributes or resources are exhausted
normally.
To deliver a packet attack, the arm that is
delivering the packet must be free and the hand
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
empty except for the packet itself. A free arm
cannot have props tucked under it or tied to it
other than armor. You cannot deliver packet
attacks if you cannot use game skills, or if the
arm is affected by something that prevents its use
such as a Maim effect or shackles. Some packet
based skills have additional requirements as well.
Packet attacks cannot be used while you are
being hit. Melee, missile and packet attacks will
interrupt your verbal if they land while you are
speaking it. The ability is not used up and
attributes or their equivalent are not wasted, but
the ability is interrupted and you must begin the
verbal again. Some creatures may have the ability
to use packet attacks even while they are being
hit. They will indicate this by saying "Innate"
before the packet verbal when they make the
attack.
Rule of Etiquette
In order to encourage the use of good costuming
and add a little more realism, we have the
Costume Rule. If a packet attack clearly misses a
target and passes by the body, yet that packet hits
a cloak or costuming piece after it has gone past,
the defender can call out "costume." This rule
cannot be used if the costuming is in front of the
defender or if the packet has not already passed
the body. The rule is in place to encourage
cloaks, back banners, and some directed
character costuming such as wings without
adding an unacceptable disadvantage to the
character in combat.
Traps
Traps are devices or substances set to deliver an
effect to anyone who disturbs them or attempts to
get past them. Anyone can avoid a trap, but no
one can attempt to manipulate a trap by moving
it, disarming it, or affecting the individual
 Madrigal
components unless they have a skill that allows
them to do so.
Most traps will cause an effect to the person who
set them off. If someone manages to trigger a trap
with a thrown object, then the object will take the
affect instead. If the trap affects the entire room
or corridor, then this trick will not provide much
help. Some traps will work multiple times, while
some will work once. If an item is causing a trap
to go off continuously then anyone who touches
the item will take the effect.
If a trap is set in a small box, chest, or other
enclosed area no larger than 3 feet in any
dimension then setting it off will destroy
everything inside the area. Coins, items, paper,
and everything else inside will be destroyed and
cannot be removed from the box. If any living
creature has somehow crawled into an enclosed
area no more than 3 feet in any dimension with a
trap and the trap goes off then that fool will be
killed instantly. There are four types of traps.
Snap Trap
These traps make a snap sound when they go off.
They are represented by mousetraps, party
poppers, and snaps. These traps cause 2 Damage
to whoever sets them off.
Buzzer Trap
These traps make an electronic sound of some
kind when they are set off. Sounds used for these
traps include beepers, buzzers, and electronic
sound effects like the moaning of a rigged
welcome mat you might find at Halloween.
These traps cause 5 Damage to whoever sets
them off.
Verbal Trap
When these traps are set off and you will hear a
trap sound and a voice will call out a verbal
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
associated with them. Whoever set the trap off
must take the effect of that verbal. If no verbal is
present, then the sound determines the type of
trap as described above.
Gas Trap
As a magical trap, but the verbal will begin with
the words "To the Room..." Everybody in the
room will take the effect. This trap only works in
an enclosed room with normal doorways and
corridors leaving it. The trap will affect you if
any part of you is within the room when the trap
goes off.
Contact Poison
This attack is represented by petroleum jelly. If
you touch the jelly with bare skin, you will take
an effect of "5 Damage by Poison." A character
with the appropriate skill may apply such a
substance directly from the vial it was created in.
Once applied to a surface, the jelly cannot be
scraped off onto another object. Only a character
with an appropriate skill may wipe the substance
off a surface with a cloth or cloth like substance,
but the contact poison is destroyed in the process.
An item with contact poison is considered a Red
Sticker item. The fumes and burning of the
poison are overwhelming, even to a character
who is immune to it. The object cannot be moved
from its place or handled until the poison is
removed by a character with the appropriate skill
to do so.
Shackles
Shackles are a prop that binds the wrists or legs
of a character. An in game lock is affixed to each
prop to represent the locking mechanism of that
prop. The prop must be loose enough to remain
comfortable and, for safety, the player must be
 Madrigal
able to easily remove the prop if an out of game
need arises.
Shackles can only be placed on a helpless or
willing character if the lock is open. You place
the shackle prop on the helpless or willing target
and close the lock. Shackles placed on the arm
restrict movement and make it impossible to use
any skill that requires that the arms must be free,
including using weapons, using packet attacks,
and using First Aid. You may use a skill that
allows you to attempt to open a game lock on
your own shackles. Shackles placed on the legs
make it impossible to run and restrict movement
to the extent of the shackles. A prop placed on the
ankles must be constructed to allow the player to
stand and walk slowly.
Shackles can be removed by opening the lock or
by using an appropriate skill to remove them.
Each game will have a skill assigned to destroy
and remove shackles by taking a minute and
using the appropriate props and role playing.
Skills that allow a character to slip out of bonds
are possible as well.
Advanced Rules
There are times when unusual circumstances will
warrant strange attacks. These strange attacks are
detailed below, but the general idea is
summarized here so the player will not have to
memorize the various and sundry individual
details. If someone clearly gestures at you or
indicates you somehow and calls out or whispers
an effect, then that effect will be delivered to you
unless you can use a defense to somehow negate
it. The individual types are detailed below.
Gesture
Someone points at you with a hand or a weapon
and calls out the verbal. If the effect has a
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
duration that is not instantaneous, then instead of
the normal duration, the effect lasts so long as
they point at you.
Gaze
Someone who has met your gaze for a full three
seconds calls out or whispers "By my gaze"
followed by an effect. A vampire might whisper
"By my gaze - Paralyze by Will." Other creatures
might cause fear or other effects.
Affliction
Someone delivers an effect to your immobile or
unconscious form by touching a weapon or
packet to your torso and stating "Affliction One,
Affliction Two, Affliction Three" clearly and
slowly followed by a verbal. This works like a
Death Strike and can be interrupted in the same
manner as a Death Strike. The verbal may be a
standard effect, or it may deliver an Inflict effect
in which case the player will give you an effect
card.
Name
Someone calls out "By your name" and states
your name, part of your name, or some
pseudonym that you used and calls out a verbal.
The attack is delivered to you if they use a name
you used to refer to yourself.
Permanent
Someone precedes an attack verbal with
"Permanent" and calls out the verbal. The effect
will last for the remainder of the event. Ignore the
standard duration of the effect. Permanent effects
may not be removed by resting, but may still be
removed by the Cure effect. Effects that already
have a permanent duration, such as Damage and
Death, are unaffected by the Permanent trait.
 Madrigal
Quick
Someone precedes an attack verbal with "Quick"
and calls out the verbal. The effect will last until
you rest for 10 seconds. Ignore the standard
duration of the effect. Quick effects may still be
removed by the Cure effect. Quick can only be
used with effects that last until you rest for five
minutes or effects that last the rest of the event.
Room
Someone calls out "To the room" and an effect
and everyone in that room will be affected by it.
Doorways and gates act as room dividers. This
delivery is commonly used for traps and
performances. The attack only works in an
enclosed room with normal doorways and
corridors leaving it. The attack will affect you if
any part of you is within the room when the
verbal is called.
Voice
Someone calls out "By my voice" and an effect
and everyone who hears it will be affected by it.
You cannot defend against Voice attacks by
intentionally obscuring the sound of the verbal
with loud noise or by plugging your ears. This
type of attack never sets off Shield defenses.
Double and Triple Attacks
One single delivery causes multiple attacks to
affect the target. "Double" causes two of the
specified attack to be delivered, while "Triple"
causes three attacks to be delivered. Each attack
requires a separate defense.
Example: A wizard calls out "Triple 10 Damage
by Fire" and throws a packet that hits you. You
must take three "10 Damage by Fire" attacks.
"Resist Fire" would negate one of these attacks
and you would still take two attacks. You may
use multiple defenses against these attacks.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
Chained Effects
Two effects can be chained in one attack. The
verbal should name the effects with an "and"
between them. If both effects have the same trait
then the trait is called only at the end of the
attack. If both effects have different traits then a
trait is called for each effect. A defense that
negates one of the effects or one of the traits if
they are different would only affect that portion
of the attack. In the case where both effects have
the same trait, however, a defense that negated
the appropriate trait would negate all effects. The
attack is still considered a single melee, missile,
or packet attack so a defense that negates a hit
from a specific delivery such as melee, missile,
or packet will negate the entire attack.
Example: A spider calls out "Drain and Slow by
Poison" and hits a player with a packet. The
defense "Resist Poison" would negate the entire
attack. The defense "Resist Slow" would negate
the Slow effect, but the character would still be
affected by the Drain effect. If the character had
both "Resist Slow" and "Resist Drain" defenses
then both could be used to negate the effects of
the attack.
Example: A wraith calls out "Paralyze by Fear
and 2 Damage" and hits the player with a melee
attack. The defense "Resist Fear" would negate
the Paralyze effect. The defense "Resist Weapon"
would negate the Damage effect. A skill that
negates one melee strike would negate the entire
attack.
Modifiers
Some skills might increase the effectiveness of
another skill or ability. You might have the ability
to increase a Damage or Healing effect, or add
the Double delivery to an attack. No game skill,
including numeric effects such as Damage, Heal,
 Madrigal

or armor, can be modified more than once unless

the skill specifically makes an exception. Even
skills that already have the Double effect in their
description cannot accept additional modifiers.
Modifiers don't stack. You choose one modifier
for a particular attack and use only that modifier.
Only skills that specifically say "This modifier
stacks with..." are exceptions to this rule.

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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
 Madrigal
Chapter Three
Characters
As you build your character, you will assign
character points to build up your attributes and
your skills. You have five attributes that
determine your capabilities and limitations, and
your skills measure the knowledge you have
amassed that affects the play of the game. You
start with 20 character points to build a character,
and you will gain more character points as you
play the game and your character progresses.
Traits
Each character has traits that they automatically
gain. You have the Living trait unless you are
dead. Your race is also a trait you possess. If your
race has variety then you have both your general
race as a trait and your specific race as well. Each
skill header that you purchase is also a trait. A
character who has purchased the Rogue header,
for example, has the Rogue trait. A character who
has not yet spent 50 character points to improve
gains the Initiate trait. A character who has spent
at least 50 character points gains the Experienced
trait. A character who has spent at least 100
character points gains both the Experienced and
the Accomplished trait.
Attributes
Each character has five attributes. These
attributes are not meant to measure the
capabilities of you as the player, nor will they
limit your natural abilities. These are only a limit
to the game skills you can use. If you do not
purchase a high Water, which represents your
29
Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
mobility, it in no way decreases your chance to
actually jump out of the way of an attack, but it
does limit how many game skills you could use
before that resource was exhausted.
The five attributes are Air, Earth, Fire, Water, and
Void. Air represents your mind and cognizance.
Earth represents your physique and stamina. Fire
represents the strength of your passion. Water
represents your mobility. Void is your ability to
focus your inner resources. Each attribute begins
at 2. You may raise any attribute by spending
character points. You will exhaust attribute points
to use certain skills. Certain game effects can
refresh exhausted attribute points, and these
points are refreshed at the beginning of each
event you attend.
Void is a unique attribute in that you can exhaust
a Void point to refresh your Air, Earth, Fire, and
Water. This makes Void the most important
attribute for maintaining a high level of power
over the course of an event. Using Void to refresh
your attributes does not refresh your Vitality.
Refreshing your attributes with Void takes 5
minutes of role playing. You cannot use game
skills or leave the general area during this time. If
this procedure is interrupted, the Void remains
unspent, the attributes are not refreshed, and you
must start again. Each character should have their
own personal way of refreshing their attributes
with Void. You might meditate, stretch, practice
drills or maneuvers, pray or chant, or a variety of
 Madrigal
other activities. You might do a combination of
these things.
Spending Void to use skills, use abilities, or cast
spells does not take 5 minutes and does not
refresh your other attributes.
You can spend character points to raise
Attributes. You must spend a number of character
points equal to the new attribute value to raise it
one point. If an attribute is 3, you can raise it to 4
by spending 4 character points. If an attribute is
4, it would cost 5 character points to raise it to 5
and another 6 character points to raise it by
another point to 6.
Races
The Gifted Races that have settled in the northern
continent of Aerune are varied by culture and by
the distinction of physical race. There are many
variations even within each race, and many of the
races have adopted certain physical
characteristics due to magical influences that
distinguish them and separate them from others
of their ilk. The Gifted Races are described in
chapter 7.
Skills
The measure of your knowledge and training are
defined by skills. To simulate various levels of
skills, there are certain activities that the game
does not allow you to attempt if you do not have
the skill for it. If a skill exists for a certain type of
activity or to manipulate a certain type of prop,
then you may not attempt that action unless you
have that skill or a specific ability that allows you
to do so.
Skills are divided under headers. These headers
represent basic training necessary to use the skills
that fall under that header. Each header gives you
the name of the skill set as a trait. A character
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
with the "Warrior Skills" header would have the
Warrior trait. You cannot purchase a skill under a
header unless you have purchased the header
first. Open skills are all the skills that do not have
a header. Anyone may purchase open skills.
Some skills have additional requirements that
must be met before the skill is purchased, and
these are described in the description of the skill.
Some skills can be purchased multiple times,
with each additional purchase increasing the
effectiveness of the skill. These skills are marked
with an asterisk. You must pay the cost of the
skill each time you purchase it. Some skills will
limit the number of times you may purchase
them. This limit will be in the description.
Once you have begun to play a character, you
will accumulate more character points and may
attempt to gain additional skills. You can
purchase any skill from this book, but skills that
are not listed in this book are called hidden skills.
You cannot purchase hidden skills unless you
have received training in that skill by someone
who has already purchased the skill. If you are
purchasing another level of a hidden skill you
already know you still need a teacher and that
teacher must have purchased the hidden skill a
number of times no less than the level you are
trying to obtain.
Special skills might exhaust attribute points.
Although many skills will exhaust a single point
from one of your attributes, certain skills may
exhaust more than one point or even exhaust
points from more than one attribute. These points
are removed temporarily from the attribute in
question. You may not use a skill if it would
exhaust an attribute point that you do not have.
Information Skills
Some skills allow you to pursue answers to
questions between events. These skills are called
 Madrigal

information skills. Each information skill has a you might get a written response between events,
number of in game sources that research the you might get a verbal or written response at the
question and provide what answers they can. opening of an event before it starts, or a contact
Your question is answered from their perspective might come to find you in game to deliver some
and in the best manner they can pursue it. In piece of knowledge related to your question. If
order to use an information skill you must you are seeking answers to difficult or obscure
maintain a good relation with these sources. questions you may have to use the skill more
than once to pursue the answers.
Using your sources you make a request for
knowledge. You submit the question you are
pursuing among your sources to plot between
events. The question must be appropriate for your
sources and one that your sources could pursue.
The best way to submit questions is to email the
question as plain text in the body of the message
to plot. Give plot at least two weeks before an
event or your answer will likely be delayed.

The use of some information skills costs money

which is submitted at check in of the next event.
If the skill requires the use of money you can pay
2 silvers for a normal question, 5 silvers for a
hard or delicate question, and 10 silvers (1 gold)
for an obscure or dangerous question. More
money than this is generally wasted, though a
contact may come to you to tell you that pursuing
some obscure or dangerous piece of information
would be expensive. The description of the
information skill will tell you if it requires this
payment to use it.

You are not guaranteed an answer, and it may

take more than one event to receive a response.
Submitting a question that is not appropriate for
your sources dramatically reduces your chance to
get an answer that is meaningful.

If you submit a new question before you get an

answer, then the old question will be forgotten
and the sources will begin to instead pursue the
new question. Asking certain questions to
inappropriate sources might cause trouble for
you. Your answer will come in one of three ways;

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 Madrigal
Open Skills
Small Weapon 0
All characters can use any type of small weapon.
Archery 1
You are skilled in the use of bows and
crossbows.
Craftsman 1
You have some craft that allows you to make a
living. Crafts provide money at the beginning of
each event. They also allow you sell props for in
game money. Without this skill you must arrange
to obtain goods through a Merchant before you
can sell them for in game money. You can always
try to sell tagged items if you obtain them.
Diagnose 1
You touch a recipient with a packet and use
Diagnose on any Elemental, Metabolic, or
Physical trait. You may also use Diagnose on any
effect except Imbue and Inflict. You can use this
skill as often as you like.
First Aid 1
This skill takes one minute of role playing to
perform. You administer medicines and bandage
wounds to prevent someone from dying of blood
loss. This skill may also be used to repair a Maim
effect. You must have both arms free to use this
skill. When you begin to use this skill, you must
call "First Aid" and role play the use of the skill.
If used to repair a Maimed limb, you must use
the "Cure Maim <limb>" verbal when the one
minute of role playing is complete. If used to
make an unstable character stable you must say
"Stabilize" when you have finished. This skill
can be used for either effect, but you cannot
perform both effects at the same time.
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Although the skill requires the use of both arms,
you may use this skill on your own arm if the
other arm can be used and you could otherwise
use this skill.
Melee Weapon 1*
You are skilled in the use of one class of weapon
that must be chosen when the skill is purchased.
Some exotic weapon types are not included in
these groups. You may purchase this skill once
for each type of weapon you wish to learn. The
weapon types are Blades, Axes, Hammers,
Staves, Spears, Polearms, and Clubs. The ability
to use Polearms does not include Glaives.
Thrown Weapon 1
You are skilled in the use of thrown weapons.
Acrobat Skills 5
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
Celerity 3
Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Daring 3
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Confusion or Fear.
 Madrigal
Death Defying 3
Once per event you can recover from grievous
injury. If you are lying either stable or unstable
with no Vitality you may make a miraculous
recovery by spending one point of Earth to call
"Heal to Self."
Duck For Cover 4
You may exhaust 3 points of Water to negate any
one missile or packet attack. You must call out
"Avoid" when you use this skill.
Escape Artist 2
You exhaust one point of Water to purge one
Paralyze, Root, or Slow effect with a Physical
trait. You may also exhaust 2 points of Water and
spend three seconds of role playing to slip
shackle props off your body and end that effect.
Evasive 5
You have an exceptional ability to evade damage.
The armor points you gain from Celerity are
increased to 3.
Juggler's Dexterity 4
If you physically catch an arrow or a thrown
weapon with only your hands you may call
"Avoid" to negate its effect. You cannot be
carrying anything in the hand you use to catch
the projectile or wearing any kind of extended
glove.
Limber 4
You exhaust one point of Earth to resist any
single effect caused by a physical challenge such
as stepping off a platform into something nasty,
mistakenly touching a web or other dangerous
surface, or brushing up against something you
shouldn't. This skill lets you resist one effect
detailed on a yellow triangle. You cannot use this
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
skill to resist any effect delivered by an actual
player, a trap, or contact poison. The skill can be
used only so long as you immediately remove
yourself from the surface or challenge by going
back the way you came. You cannot linger in
place after using this skill or you will take the
effect.
Spinning Strike 2
You may exhaust a point of Air to call "2
Damage" with a staff or one handed club up to
two times. You exhaust the attribute the first time
you throw using this effect. One use is consumed
if the strike lands and the opponent
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
it with a defense. You need not use the strikes
consecutively. Uncalled strikes and other skills
may be used between uses of this skill. Twice per
event you may spin around or cartwheel right
after you have made a successful attack using this
skill. If you spin all the way around or cartwheel
that strike is not counted as consumed. Any
remaining strikes are lost when the event ends or
when you refresh attributes.
Staggering Strike 4
You use your speed to build momentum and
deliver a strike to stagger an opponent, leaving
them weak. You exhaust 2 points of Earth to call
out "Weakness" and strike at an opponent with a
staff or a one handed club. The attribute cost is
exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
Tumbling 4
When using the Duck For Cover skill you may
exhaust an additional point of Water to negate
any one melee attack. You must call out "Avoid"
when you use this skill.
 Madrigal
Alchemist Skills 2
You have been trained to evoke magic using
magical elixirs and substances mixed from
components that have been naturally infused with
arcane power. You gather these components by
searching for them and trading others for
component they might have gathered. You
maintain an alchemy lab that is purified and
prepared for you to mix your elixirs and
catalysts.
You may prepare an alchemical flask and an
alchemy lab. An alchemy lab is a special place
where you can prepare certain alchemical
substances. It is decorated with bottles and
mixing tools. It must be set up in an area that is at
least 1' by 2'. The lab cannot be moved during an
event; the lab requires the area to undergo
extensive purification processes.
An alchemical flask is a special prop that allows
you to use certain alchemical skills. You must
prepare your own alchemical flask. The flask
must be at least 6" tall and at least 3" wide. It
cannot be made of glass or another substance that
can be broken into sharp bits. The flask is
decorated with alchemical runes and symbols.
The flask is a yellow tagged item. If it is stolen
then the prop is returned to you and you may
prepare a new one between events. Your flask is
enchanted to hold multiple elixirs or catalysts.
You may store them in your flask without worry
that they may mix or become unstable. You may
store up to 10 measures of elixir or catalyst at any
one time in your flask.
You may use Alchemy to create simple elixirs
directly into your flask, and you may use the
Elixir Transference skill to add existing elixirs to
your flask. Once an elixir is added to your flask
you may administer it from your flask more
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
easily than a bottled elixir. The nature of bottled
elixirs requires time and light for them to work.
Opening the potion bottle in the presence of light
starts the alchemical reaction. Once the elixir is
consumed it takes some small amount of time for
it to work its magic. The light and time required
to take out and read the potion tag represent these
processes. You can store simple elixirs in your
flask and administer them more quickly without
needing light. You simply touch a packet to the
opening of your flask, touch the packet to the
recipient, and call out the verbal for the potion.
Pouring forth elixirs from your flask requires at
least one free hand and freedom of motion, but it
is not a game skill and can be used while under
the effects of Drain. The process is interrupted if
you are struck by an attack while you are trying
to administer an elixir.
Many alchemical processes require Alkahest, a
universal solvent used to mix otherwise inert
ingredients into many alchemical substances.
Alkahest is relatively easy to make, but it takes
time and a small amount of money to create it.
The easiest way to create Alkahest is to spend
time between events to create it and store the
substance in your Alchemy lab for your own
personal use. Your alchemy lab stored up to 20
measures of Alkahest. Alkahest stored in your lab
bubbles and froths and radiates power through all
your alchemical instruments. It cannot be stolen
or used by another alchemist. Even if your lab is
somehow destroyed the essence remains in the
purified area and can be remixed if you manage
to somehow restore your lab. Alkahest can also
be bottled so any alchemist can use it at any lab
but this process requires you to use a formula to
create it like any catalyst. Bottled Alkahest is
often traded and sold.
Several alchemists may share a lab if space is an
issue or if they desire to pool their resources to
make the area look extra cool. If a lab is shared
 Madrigal
then each alchemist has their own pool of
Alkahest that permeates the lab. The alchemists
cannot share Alkahest but they may all use the
lab set up for their alchemy skills.
Alchemy 2*
This skill allows you to understand alchemical
formulas and use them to create catalysts, elixirs,
and venom. The skill can be purchased up to 4
times. As your level in Alchemy increases, you
can create more and more difficult substances.
Each substance requires money and alchemical
components to create. You may make 5 bottled
substances per event. You can create 2 elixirs in
your alchemical flask in the time it takes to create
one bottled elixir, though you must still consume
components for each elixir. The substances and
the process are more fully described in the
Alchemy section.
Caustic Reaction 3
You can prepare volatile acids and store them in
your alchemical flask. You can pour them forth
later and hurl them at your enemies. To use this
skill you must spend at least one minute role
playing the preparation at your alchemical lab.
You consume one measure of Alkahest to add
two measures of acid to your alchemical flask.
You can add no more than two measures of acid
at any one time to your flask. You can pour forth
the acidic substance by touching a packet to the
opening of your flask and immediately throwing
it at an enemy, calling out "2 Damage by Acid."
Each attack consumes one measure of acid. You
may return to your lab when both measures of
acid are used and consume another measure of
Alkahest to create two more measures of acid.
Craft Alkahest 2
You spend time between events creating Alkahest
and storing it in your Alchemy lab. You spend 1
silver for every 10 measures of Alkahest you
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
create. Alkahest created with this skill is stored
directly in your lab. It cannot be moved, stolen,
or used by another alchemist. A standard lab can
hold up to 20 measures of Alkahest. You pay the
silver at check in and your character card is
stamped once for every 10 doses you create. You
must have this skill stamped to use your lab's
Alkahest.
Elixir Transference 1
You may transfer bottled potions to your flask so
you may more easily administer them. Potions
with an Imbue or Inflict effect cannot be stored in
your flask. They are too complex to be stored in
such a way. Potions with a standard effect are
called simple elixirs and they may be stored in
your flask. You spend one minute and consume
one measure of Alkahest preparing a simple elixir
to place it into your alchemical flask. During that
time read the potion tag. The potion expiration
does not change. You will turn in the tag at check
out after the effect is used or the potion expires.
If the potion has a side effect then you suffer that
effect as you work with the potion. The potion is
stored without the side effect. If the potion has an
Imbue of Inflict effect it is destroyed when you
start this process and read the tag.
Enhance Alchemical Flask 2*
You are more skilled at creating and maintaining
your alchemical flask. You may purchase this
skill two times. Each level of this skill increases
the capacity of your alchemical flask by 5
measures up to a limit of 20 measures.
Enhance Alchemy Lab 2*
You are more skilled at crafting and maintaining
your alchemy lab. You may purchase this skill
two times. Each level of this skill increase the
capacity of your alchemy lab by 10 measures of
Alkahest up to a limit of 40 measures.
 Madrigal
Learn Formula 1
You may memorize a special Alchemy formula
so you no longer need the formula to create
substances. The alchemy formula must explain
that you can learn it for this skill to work. You
may spend time between events learning one
formula. You consume one use of the formula.
The formula is added to your formula list. You
may now make one dose of the substance per
event without needing the formula or consuming
uses of a formula. You may learn one additional
formula or to learn to make one additional dose
of a substance each event. You must consume a
use of a special formula each time you use this
skill.
Oil of Acid Resistance 1
You prepare a substance that can be applied to
your clothing or armor to protect you from acid.
You may spend one minute and consume one
measure of Alkahest preparing this substance to
place it into your alchemical flask. Touch a
packet to the opening of your alchemy flask,
touch the packet to your armor and call "Grant
'Shield Acid' by Alchemy" to apply the oil. You
may only have one oil active at any time.
Oil of Fire Resistance 1
You prepare a substance that can be applied to
your clothing or armor to protect you from fire.
You may spend one minute and consume one
measure of Alkahest preparing this substance to
place it into your alchemical flask. Touch a
packet to the opening of your alchemy flask,
touch the packet to your armor and call "Grant
'Shield Fire' by Alchemy" to apply the oil. You
may only have one oil active at any time.
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Oil of Iron Skin 2
You prepare a substance that can be applied to
your clothing or armor to protect you from
weapons. You may spend one minute and
consume one measure of Alkahest preparing this
substance to place it into your alchemical flask.
Touch a packet to the opening of your alchemy
flask, touch the packet to your armor and call
"Grant 'Shield Weapon' by Alchemy" to apply the
oil. You may only have one oil active at any time.
Oil of Lightning Resistance 1
You prepare a substance that can be applied to
your clothing or armor to protect you from
lightning. You may spend one minute and
consume one measure of Alkahest preparing this
substance to place it into your alchemical flask.
Touch a packet to the opening of your alchemy
flask, touch the packet to your armor and call
"Grant 'Shield Lightning' by Alchemy" to apply
the oil. You may only have one oil active at any
time.
Oil of Stickiness 1
You prepare a substance that can be applied to
your weapon to protect you from disarms. You
may spend one minute and consume one measure
of Alkahest preparing this substance to place it
into your alchemical flask. Touch a packet to the
opening of your alchemy flask, touch the packet
to your weapon and call "Imbue by Alchemy" to
apply the oil. You must call "Shield" to negate
the next attack with the Disarm effect that strikes
you. The protection lasts so long as you carry
your alchemy flask and do not put down the
weapon, but once it negates an attack it is
consumed. The oil fades at the end of the event if
it is not used. You may only have one oil active at
any time.
 Madrigal
Quicken Reaction 2
Your alchemy lab is empowered to quicken the
alchemical reactions used to create substances.
You may create up to 8 substances per event
instead of the usual 5.
Web Dissolution 1
You can prepare a solvent that dissolves webs
and store it in your alchemical flask. You can
pour this substance forth later to free people from
effects with the Web trait. You may spend one
minute and consume one measure of Alkahest
preparing this substance to place it into your
alchemical flask. You can create only one
measure of solvent at a time. Touch a packet to
the opening of your alchemical flask, touch a
recipient and call out "Cure Web by Magic" to
destroy the web.
Web Patch 2
Once per event you may throw a substance from
your alchemical flask that quickly forms into
sticky webs. You may spend one minute and
consume two measures of Alkahest preparing this
substance to place it into your alchemical flask.
You can create only one measure of web at a
time. You can cast forth the substance by
touching a packet to the opening of your
alchemical flask and immediately throwing it at
an enemy, calling out "Quick Root by Web."
Archer Skills 3
The Crucial Shot 1
You exhaust one point of Air to make a critical
strike firing a bow or crossbow. You call "5
Damage" and fire the weapon. The attribute cost
is exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
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A Disarming Shot 4
You are capable of precise shots that knock
weapons and items from the hands of your
targets. You exhaust a point of Water, call out
"Disarm <limb>" and fire an arrow. If it hits the
target, the target takes the effect of a Disarm.
Duck For Cover 4
You may exhaust 3 points of Water to negate any
one missile or packet attack. You must call out
"Avoid" when you use this skill.
From Ash To Iron 5
You may exhaust a point of Earth to strengthen
your bow so it can be used as a parrying device.
You must role play polishing and working with
the bow for at least one minute to strengthen the
bow. If the bow prop has been approved by staff
as a parrying weapon you may block melee
attacks with the bow as if it was a melee weapon.
Using it in such a manner snaps the string and
makes it unable to fire arrows until you spend at
least 3 seconds to "restring" the bow. You may
not under any circumstance strike an opponent
with your bow prop. The strengthening of the
bow lasts until the event ends or until you refresh
your attributes.
Knowing Nature's Bounty 2
This skill allows you to live in the wild. So long
as you do not maintain the trappings of civilized
lands, and your clothing and accessories appear
as though they were scavenged out of ruins, you
do not have to pay monetary or food maintenance
costs. You cannot use this skill if you end an
event with a condition that prevents the use of
game skills.
 Madrigal
Last Line of Defense 2
If you are armed with a bow you have
strengthened using the skill From Ash To Iron,
you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to negate any
melee attack that strikes one of your limbs.
Missile attacks cannot be negated, nor can attacks
that strike the torso. This causes your bow to be
"unstrung" as described in the skill From Ash To
Iron. You must call out "Parry" when you use this
skill.
Shooting the Nerve 2
You may exhaust a point of Air to make a nerve
strike with a bow or crossbow shot. You call out
"Agony" and fire the weapon. The attribute cost
is exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
The Serpent's Touch 2
This skill allows you to apply and use blade
venoms on any bladed weapon. The skill can be
used on melee weapons or thrown weapons or
even projectile weapons that are bladed. You call
out the effect of the poison when you make an
attack. The poison is used up only if the strike
lands and the opponent acknowledges it through
role playing or negates it with a defense.
Threatening Aim 4
You carry your bow with such confidence and
intensity that you can ward off foes simply by
threatening them with your aim. Nock an arrow
and point at an opponent with the index finger of
your bow hand as you aim the bow at them.
Exhaust a point of Fire and call out "By My
Gesture, Repel by Fear" to warn them away from
you. You may maintain the gesture until you
make an attack or change targets. If you make an
attack you must pull the bow back and point it
upwards to show the effect has ended.
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The Wind's Edge 1
If you have strengthened your bow using the skill
From Ash To Iron you may use a small weapon
or a medium weapon in your other hand during
melee combat provided you have the skill to use
such a weapon.
Assassin Skills 5
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
The Backup Blade 2
This skill allows you to use a dagger in your off
hand.
Cheap Shot 2
In a pinch you can capitalize on an opponent who
is weakened by an Agony effect. If the opponent
is struck by an Agony and they are role playing
its effect you may deliver one attack using the
skill A Knife in the Back even if you are not
behind them. You are very good at slipping an
attack into someplace vital while the opponent is
distracted by pain. You may only use this skill if
you actually see an Agony effect strike an
opponent and if the opponent acknowledges the
hit through role play. You may only use this skill
once for any particular Agony effect. Once the
opponent purges the Agony, stops the role play,
or attacks another character you lose the
opportunity to use this skill.
A Crippling Blow 1
You may attempt to make a crippling attack with
a melee weapon against a foe's limb. You call out
"Maim" and strike a limb. If the blow lands you
 Madrigal
exhaust a point of Earth and the opponent will
suffer the effects of a Maim on that limb. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
A Knife in the Back 1
You may exhaust a point of Water to make a
melee attack from behind that causes devastating
damage. You must be behind an opponent and be
able to see both shoulder blades. The attack
causes "5 Damage" and can be made with any
melee weapon. The attribute cost is exhausted
only if the strike lands and the opponent
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
it with a defense.
Striking the Nerve 2
You may exhaust a point of Air to make a nerve
strike with a melee weapon. You call out
"Agony" and strike with the weapon. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
The Serpent's Touch 2
This skill allows you to apply and use blade
venoms on any bladed weapon. The skill can be
used on melee weapons or thrown weapons or
even projectile weapons that are bladed. You call
out the effect of the poison when you make an
attack. The poison is used up only if the strike
lands and the opponent acknowledges it through
role playing or negates it with a defense.
Throat Slit 4
If you are behind your opponent you deliver a
slice in a manner that prevents the opponent from
calling out. You must be behind an opponent and
be able to see both shoulder blades. Exhaust a
point of Fire, call "Silence" and strike with the
weapon. The attribute cost is exhausted only if
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
the strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
(You do not strike at the throat; the name of the
skill is for flavor only.)
The Walls Have Ears 3
You have learned how to use the darker side of
society to dig up rumors and information that
people may have learned in the course of
"normal" business. If you spread some money
around you often hear rumors or tales about the
things other groups have seen and jobs they
might have been hired for. This is an information
skill that requires you to spread around money to
loosen lips. You submit a question between
events as described in the Information Skills
section above. If the question is appropriate for
this dangerous element you may receive
knowledge appropriate to your question.
Waylay 1
This skill represents a crack on the back of the
head of a victim to knock the victim out. You
must be behind an opponent and exhaust a point
of Air to use this skill. This skill cannot be used
while running; your feet must be still when you
use the skill. You call out "Stun" and tap that
opponent on the back of the shoulder with a
melee weapon. The attribute cost is exhausted
only if the strike lands and the opponent
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
it with a defense.
Beastmaster Skills 2
You draw strength and magical power from your
affinity with natural beasts. You manifest powers
by drawing on your own bestial nature. All spells
purchased under this header are devotion spells.
Armed as the Hunter 2
This skill allows you to grow and retract claws in
both hands that you may attack and parry with.
 Madrigal

You may fight with a claw in each hand at the
same time, but you may not fight with claws and
other weapons or a shield. You may use one
medium claw and one short claw. The time it
takes to prepare the claws or put them away is the
time it takes to grow or retract the claws.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
Combat Anticipation 4
You are skilled at protecting vulnerable areas and
twisting with blows to quickly recover from
debilitating strikes. You may purge one Agony or
Maim effect by role playing a painful recovery
for 3 seconds and exhausting a point of Air. You
must call out "Purge" when you use this skill.

Celerity 3 Heart of the Lion 1

Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest based on Fear.
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play Knowing Nature's Bounty 2
This skill allows you to live in the wild. So long
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
as you do not maintain the trappings of civilized
are already protected by armor points, and these
lands, and your clothing and accessories appear
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
primitive, you do not have to pay monetary or
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
food maintenance costs. You cannot use this skill
These armor points last until the end of the event
if you end an event with a condition that prevents
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
the use of game skills.

Claw Frenzy 2
You exhaust two points of Earth to make a Nature's Renewal 1
Three times per event if you are in the wilderness
critical strike with a claw. You call "5 Damage"
where no buildings are visible you may reduce
and strike with the claw. The attribute cost is
the resting time to use Void to refresh your
exhausted only if the strike lands and the
attributes. You need rest only one minute to
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
refresh attributes when you use this skill.
negates it with a defense.

Claws Like Lightning 2 No Escaping the Hunt 3

You exhaust 1 point of Water to hamstring your
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
prey with your claws. You call "Slow" and strike
Damage" with your claws up to two times. You
with the weapon. The attribute cost is exhausted
exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
only if the strike lands and the opponent
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
it with a defense.
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used

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 Madrigal
Resilience 3
You are tough. So long as you are conscious you
may spend 3 seconds of role playing - wiping
blood from your face, shaking your head clear, or
similar actions - to shrug off your wounds. You
exhaust a point of Water and call out "Heal 2 to
Self" to Heal 2 of your Vitality. This ability will
not heal effects other than damage.
The Sphere of Weald 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Weald sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
Strength of the Wild 2
You may call on the strength of the natural world
one time per event for each point of Void you
possess, dramatically reducing the time it takes
you to recovery from ill effects. If you are in the
wilderness where no buildings are visible you
may rest for 1 minute to remove one effect that
would normally require 5 minutes of rest to
remove. You do not spend Void to use this skill;
your Void is simply the limit to how many times
this skill can be used.
Berserker Skills 4
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
Celerity 3
Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
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are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Critical Strike 2
You exhaust two points of Earth to make a
critical strike with a melee weapon. You call "5
Damage" and strike with the weapon. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
Crushing the Shield 1
Once per event you exhaust two points of Water
to send an opponent with a shield reeling. Using
a sword, axe, or hammer that is two handed,
strike an opponent's shield calling "Shield Slam"
to knock them down. This throws you off balance
as well. You must step back after using this skill
and you cannot advance on that opponent for 3
seconds.
A Flurry of Strikes 2
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
Damage" with a melee attack up to two times.
You exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
Heart of the Lion 1
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Fear.
 Madrigal
Just That Tough 2
You may exhaust 2 points of Earth to resist one
melee attack that strikes one of your limbs.
Knowing Nature's Bounty 2
This skill allows you to live in the wild. So long
as you do not maintain the trappings of civilized
lands, and your clothing and accessories appear
as though they were scavenged out of ruins, you
do not have to pay monetary or food maintenance
costs. You cannot use this skill if you end an
event with a condition that prevents the use of
game skills.
Mindless Rage 4
Choose one opponent. You fill yourself with such
rage and focus that you shrug off Mental attacks
from that opponent. Point at the opponent with
your weapon, exhaust 2 points of Fire and call
out "Imbue by Rage" to activate this ability. You
call "No Effect" to negate further attacks with a
Mental trait from that opponent. Existing effects
are not negated. The effect ends if you lose
consciousness, the opponent leaves your field of
vision, or you become unsure which opponent is
the target of the rage, If you activate this skill on
a new opponent the previous effect ends.
Resilience 3
You are tough. So long as you are conscious you
may spend 3 seconds of role playing - wiping
blood from your face, shaking your head clear, or
similar actions - to shrug off your wounds. You
exhaust a point of Water and call out "Heal 2 to
Self" to Heal 2 of your Vitality. This ability will
not heal effects other than damage.
Strength of the Bear 2
You may exhaust 2 points of Water to rip free
from effects with a Physical trait that are in some
way restricting your movement. Role play for 3
seconds to call out "Purge" and end one Slow,
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Root, Paralyze or Repel effect with a Physical
trait.
Strike of Fury 3
You exhaust 3 points of Earth to make a furious
strike while wielding a two handed sword, axe or
hammer. Call "10 Damage" and strike with the
weapon. The attribute cost is exhausted only if
the strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
Got No Time to Bleed 4
Prerequisite: Just That Tough
If you are using a two handed weapon you may
exhaust 3 points of Earth to resist one melee
strike to the torso.
The Will To Live 3
This skill allows you to survive if you are struck
by an attack that inflicts the Death effect. Instead
of being struck dead, you may exhaust 2 points of
Fire and collapse in an unstable state with no
Vitality. This skill does not work against a Death
Strike, nor will it protect you if you die from
bleed out. You may use this skill even if you are
unconscious.
Druid Skills 3
You are devoted to the Pale and call upon one of
the aspects of the Pale for guidance. You follow
the Green Man, the Gray Man, or one of the
forgotten Pale spirits. You derive magical power
from your faith in that aspect, and you are
rewarded with divine powers. You have the
Druidic trait and all spells purchased under this
header are divine spells. You cannot choose this
header if you have a header that gives you the
Devout or Shamanic trait.
Aura of Healing 4
Prerequisite: Sphere of Legacy
 Madrigal
You can call upon your faith to heal wounds. You
may touch a packet to an ally and call out "Heal
by Faith" up to 4 times. You are considered to be
casting when you use this ability. You cannot
have weapons in your hand unless you have a
skill that allows you to cast while holding a
weapon, and you can be interrupted by an attack.
This ability may be refreshed by spending one
minute in an area consecrated to your patron. The
area must be marked with an Information tag
stating it is so empowered. You may refresh this
ability an unlimited amount of times so long as
you can visit a consecrated area.
Divine Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Karma for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Karma are used to cast divine spells.
You may exhaust a point of Karma in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
divine spells. You cannot exhaust a point of
Karma in place of a point of Void.
Knowing Nature's Bounty 2
This skill allows you to live in the wild. So long
as you do not maintain the trappings of civilized
lands, and your clothing and accessories appear
primitive, you do not have to pay monetary or
food maintenance costs. You cannot use this skill
if you end an event with a condition that prevents
the use of game skills.
Nature's Embrace 2
When you are violently struck down you are
sustained by the wilderness around you. If you
fall unstable in the wilderness you may exhaust a
point of Fire as you fall to immediately become
stable. This skill can be used only if you are in
the woods and no buildings are within line of
sight.
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Nature's Whisper 2
You enter natural lands and attempt to commune
with nature to gain guidance and knowledge. You
may pursue knowledge about the happenings in
the forests and wild lands you inhabit. This is an
information skill that does not require you to pay
money. You submit a question between events as
described in the Information Skills section above.
If the question is appropriate for the spirits of
nature you may receive knowledge appropriate to
your question.
The Sphere of Legacy 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Legacy sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Wayfare 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Wayfare sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Weald 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Weald sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
Tree Meld 4
You can meld with a tree of significant size to
become a spirit and protect you from attacks.
Touch a large tree with both hands, exhaust 2
points of Water, and say "Imbue by Magic" to
activate this ability. The tree must be large
enough around that your hands cannot touch
thumbs and finger tips when wrapped around the
trunk. So long as you do not move you gain the
Spirit defense and become immune to most
attacks. You gain the Plant trait and the Spirit
trait. Any attack that is not beneficial that is "to
Plant" or "to Spirit" will affect you and knock
you out of Spirit form. Otherwise you will stay in
spirit form until you choose to move.
 Madrigal
The Weald's Blessing 2
This skill allows you to hold and use any blunt
wooden weapon while you are casting spells,
overriding the restriction that casting requires
both hands to be empty. You must have a skill
with the weapon in question to use this ability.
Duelist Skills 4
Always Prepared to Fight 3
When you are about to engage in a formal duel
that has been accepted by all participants, you
may exhaust a point of Fire to temporarily refresh
your Attribute points. The conditions of the duel
must be agreed upon by all parties and cause
blood to be drawn. There can be no one else on
your side. You must fight alone, although you are
free to duel multiple opponents. When the duel
has finished, your Attributes go back to what they
were right after you spent Fire to activate this
ability. If the duel is interrupted or someone steps
in on either side who was not one of the
participants then the duel ends and your
Attributes reset. During the duel you may not use
beneficial effects on others. Beneficial effects
you use on yourself end when the duel ends
unless they are Heal or Cure effects. Vitality is
not affected by the start or end of this ability.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
The Backup Blade 2
This skill allows you to use a dagger in your off
hand.
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Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. You cannot
use a larger shield with this skill.
Celerity 3
Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
The Clumsy Shield 2
If you are in a formal duel where you have used
Always Prepared to Fight you may, once per
duel, use an opponent's shield against them. If
you are not using a full sized shield and your
opponent is using such a shield you may avoid
one attack from the opponent by using their own
shield against them. You call out "Avoid" to
negate the attack.
Combat Anticipation 4
You are skilled at protecting vulnerable areas and
twisting with blows to quickly recover from
debilitating strikes. You may purge one Agony or
Maim effect by role playing a painful recovery
for 3 seconds and exhausting a point of Air. You
must call out "Purge" when you use this skill.
A Crippling Blow 1
You may attempt to make a crippling attack with
a melee weapon against a foe's limb. You call out
"Maim" and strike a limb. If the blow lands you
exhaust a point of Earth and the opponent will
suffer the effects of a Maim on that limb. The
 Madrigal
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
A Desperate Defense 2
If you are wielding a melee weapon you are
skilled with, you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to
negate any melee attack that strikes one of your
limbs. Ranged attacks cannot be negated, nor can
attacks that strike the torso. You must call out
"Parry" when you use this skill.
Flashing Blades 2
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
Damage" with a sword up to two times. You
exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
Heart of the Lion 1
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Fear.
The Main Gauche 2
Prerequisite: The Backup Blade
This skill allows you to use a medium sized blade
in your off hand.
Mastering the Deadly Stroke 2
You exhaust 2 points of Earth to make a critical
strike with a sword. You call "5 Damage" and
strike with the sword. The attribute cost is
exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
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A Sword's Shadow 2
Prerequisite: The Main Gauche
This skill allows you to use any one handed blade
in your off hand.
Unanswered 5
One should not give insult to a duelist and back
away when confronted with the prospect of a
duel. Although you might expect attitude from
someone young and cocky, an insult from
someone with experience is a grave matter. If you
are insulted and you challenge someone to a duel
to clear your name or your honor you hold the
expectation that they would step up to duel you
or arrange for a second to step in for them. If they
refuse you and besmirch your honor you may
gather at least 3 other Duelists who also have this
skill and condemn such a person for their lack of
honor and courage. You must have good reason
to accuse another character in such a manner.
Choose one Duelist as the accuser in this inquiry.
Each additional Duelist who has heard the
evidence and supports this act touches the
accuser, exhausts a point of Fire, and calls out
"Imbue by Will" to show they have empowered
the accuser. If you are the accuser and you are
empowered by three other Duelists you can
confront the errant cur and reveal their base acts.
You must confront them with a short declaration
of why they are condemned. It's all about the
panache with which you accuse them. Exhaust 3
points of Fire, point at the character, and call out
"By My Gesture, Inflict Coward to
Accomplished" to show they are unworthy.
If someone has been unjustly persecuted, or a
person declared cowardly has shown proper
remorse, you may also use this skill to exonerate
them. You gather three other Duelists who must
agree with you and empower you in the manner
described above. If you are so empowered by a
council who have discussed the situation and
 Madrigal
agree the person should be forgiven you may
touch the person so marked with the blade of
your sword, exhaust 3 points of Fire, and call out
"Cure Coward by Inspiration" to remove the trait.
It is rumored that Duelist masters can cause those
so condemned to break ranks, step aside from
battle, or fall prey to weakness. The abuse of this
skill, both in its use and in the redemption of
someone another duelist has condemned, has on
more than one occasion caused arguments
between schools and dueling masters to turn
violent.
Witty Repartee 2
Once in a duel where you have used Always
Prepared to Fight you may call out your Witty
Repartee incantation to refresh one point of Air,
Earth, Fire, or Water if you have used that
attribute in this duel. The incantation must be
submitted to and approved by plot, but you can
have more than one incantation so you can pick
an appropriate retort. The incantation must take
at least 3 seconds to deliver, and you must deliver
it with a flourish.
With a Twist of the Wrist 3
You may exhaust 2 points of Water to strike an
opponent's weapon with a sword and rip it free
from an opponent's hand. You must call out
"Disarm" when you hit the weapon. This attack is
treated as a limb hit in that it may be negated
with a Parry.
Gladiator Skills 5
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
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Blood in the Pit 1
Once per event if you are unstable and you are
about to die because your one minute death count
is expiring you may choose to become stable
instead. You receive the effect of a Stabilize.
Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. You cannot
use a larger shield with this skill.
Combat Anticipation 4
You are skilled at protecting vulnerable areas and
twisting with blows to quickly recover from
debilitating strikes. You may purge one Agony or
Maim effect by role playing a painful recovery
for 3 seconds and exhausting a point of Air. You
must call out "Purge" when you use this skill.
A Crippling Blow 1
You may attempt to make a crippling attack with
a melee attack against a foe's limb. You call out
"Maim" and strike a limb. If the blow lands you
spend a point of Earth and the opponent will
suffer the effects of a Maim on that limb. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
Critical Strike 2
You exhaust 2 points of Earth to make a critical
strike with a melee weapon. You call "5 Damage"
and strike with the weapon. The attribute cost is
exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
A Desperate Defense 2
If you are wielding a melee weapon you are
skilled with, you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to
negate any melee attack that strikes one of your
limbs. Ranged attacks cannot be negated, nor can
 Madrigal
attacks that strike the torso. You must call out
"Parry" when you use this skill.
Double Glaive 2
You have the ability to use a double glaive in
combat. This weapon is a shafted weapon with a
blade on both ends. It has a minimum length of
48" and a maximum length of 64". A double
glaive is constructed in a manner similar to a
staff, except it has a blade at both ends. Each
blade must be at least 1/3 of it's entire length. The
double glaive can be held in the middle, and you
can choke up and hold the bladed portion if you
have gauntlets to protect your hands. You can
also block with the double glaive with one hand
although you can not attack while using the
weapon in this fashion, and if you have a skill
that allows you to use two weapons you can use a
weapon in your other hand so long as it is
medium length or less.
A Flurry of Strikes 2
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
Damage" with a melee attack up to two times.
You exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
Great Glaive 2
Prerequisite: Double Glaive
You can use a great glaive. This two handed
weapon is a double bladed polearm. The weapon
has a minimum length of 60" and can be no more
than 72" long. Each end has a polearm blade and
full 5/8" padding that covers at least 1/3 of the
total length of the blade. The middle section of
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
the great glaive must also be padded, although
you can use 3/8” padding for the grip of the staff
so long as the full 5/8” is used for the striking
surfaces. The great glaive can be held in the
middle, and you can choke up and hold the
bladed portion if you have gauntlets to protect
your hands. The great glaive cannot be used in
one hand.
Heart of the Lion 1
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Fear.
I Know That Tactic 5
You exhaust 3 points of Fire to avoid any one
melee attack. You become wary of any melee
attack that delivers that specific effect. You can
now avoid any melee attack with that same
effect, regardless of the attack trait, by exhausting
1 point of Fire. You call out "Avoid by Guard"
when negating a melee attack with this ability.
Once this ability is activated you cannot use it on
a different effect; it is locked onto that effect until
the event ends or you refresh attributes with Void.
You can use this skill to avoid a Damage effect,
but it locks onto the exact amount of Damage
you avoided and it cannot be used on melee
attacks that do a different amount of damage.
A Little Something Extra 2
This skill allows you to use a small melee
weapon in your off hand.
Resilience 3
You are tough. So long as you are conscious you
may spend 3 seconds of role playing - wiping
blood from your face, shaking your head clear, or
similar actions - to shrug off your wounds. You
exhaust a point of Water and call out "Heal 2 to
Self" to Heal 2 of your Vitality. This ability will
not heal effects other than damage.
 Madrigal
Rile Up the Crowd 3
You have developed a unique way to excite the
crowd and restore your ability to fight. You
choose a unique pose and slogan that go together
and take at least 3 seconds to perform. One time
you can do this move to Refresh 1 point of Air,
Earth, Fire or Water. If you have the Resilience
skill you can choose to pay its cost and use that
skill in the same 3 second time as part of your
role play. This skill refreshes when you use Void
to refresh your attributes.
A Second Weapon 2
Prerequisites: A Little Something Extra
This skill allows you to use a medium sized
melee weapon in your off hand.
The Twin Threat 2
Prerequisite: A Second Weapon
This skill allows you to use any one handed
melee weapon in your off hand.
Herald Skills 3
You are the voice and heart for a group of
individuals called a Company. A Company is a
group of people that form for some common
purpose. Many companies are military, and some
form to support a personage of noble bearing.
Through years of excellence and faithful service
the Heralds of the land have gained their own
magic that allows them to inspire others and give
strength to members of their Company. Heralds
also pick up skills that help groups function. You
act as organizer and standard bearer for the
Company. You have contacts in the Guild of
Heralds that help you with your duties. By
registering your Company name, its goals, and its
colors with the Guild of Heralds you help to
build the legend and the reputation necessary to
power your magic. The Guild of Heralds
maintains a strict neutrality in its dealings. It is
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said that heralds exist on the fringes of society
that help spread tales for companies that worship
the dark gods but the College of Heralds has
never verified or acknowledged such individual
heralds.
Many of the Herald skills allow you to support a
group of individuals called a Company. In order
to do this you must spread tales of their deeds
and their goals to empower the magic in their
name. You may become an official Herald for
only one Company at a time. It is for this group
that you work your magic. When you help to
form a new Company you must approve the
Company name with plot. The Company name
will become a trait for members of your group.
To avoid confusion, the name cannot have one of
the standard traits in its title. Plot may decide that
a proposed name is too close to an existing
Company or group, that the name is too close to a
common trait, or that the name does not fit with
the flavor of the game. If a name is rejected then
the Guild of Heralds rejects the name. The Guild
must often reject Company names for various
reasons.
Although the official title for a Company is often
preceded by "The Company of..." when officially
introducing the group, the trait need not be
lengthened to include this formality to keep
verbals brief. You must create and maintain a
standard that displays the colors of the Company
in order to use standard magic. This standard
must be large enough to be visible on the
battlefield among the waves of violent chaos. If
another Herald feels your standard in inadequate
they may file grievance with the Guild of
Heralds. If you do not belong to the Guild of
Heralds you are drained of your ability to use any
Herald skill and you lose the Herald trait.
Heralds wear scarves or other pieces of costume
that prominently display a checkered pattern.
 Madrigal
This pattern is often black and white, though
sometimes a Herald will use the colors of the
Company in this pattern. Many honorable folk
will refrain from attacking Heralds unless they
take an active part in combat. Heralds also
traditionally conduct parlays while displaying the
checkered scarf as a makeshift flag and it is
considered dishonorable to attack a Herald acting
in that capacity. It can also get you in trouble
with the Guild of Heralds and that makes your
own Herald's life more difficult.
There is a chapter of the Guild of Heralds in
Locksmoor that specifically supports Heralds
among the Druids and Barbarians and wilder
folk. These Heralds carry on the storytelling
traditions of their ancestors. Some carry banners
decorated with fur and bone. They call their
groups Circles rather than a Companies. They
call themselves Skalds or Ghost Talkers. The
Guild of Heralds welcomes them and they share a
common magic despite the difference in culture.
As a show of solidarity the wilder folk also carry
a checkered pattern when traveling outside the
lands where they are known, although for them it
is usually a long strip that is folded and hung off
their belt.
Aid Station 2
If you are carrying your battle standard with the
colors of your company prominently displayed
you may summon energies that restore health and
vigor to your Company and their allies. Call out
"Imbue by <Company Name>" and exhaust a
point of Water. So long as you are holding your
battle standard you may deliver two healing
effects by packet. You must call out "Heal by
Magic" for each, but you need Imbue the power
only when it is first used. This magic ends when
those two effects are used, when you drop the
banner, when you use Void to refresh attributes,
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
and at the end of the event. You may only have
one of these abilities active at any time.
Banner of Courage 2
If you are carrying your battle standard with the
colors of your company prominently displayed
you may exhaust a point of Fire to cry out "By
My Voice, Cure Fear to <Company Name>" and
give them courage.
Banner of Respite 2
If you are carrying your battle standard with the
colors of your company prominently displayed
you may exhaust a point of Air to cry out "By My
Voice, Stabilize to <Company Name>" and
prevent them from bleeding out.
Banner of Healing 4
If you are carrying your battle standard with the
colors of your company prominently displayed
you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to cry out "By
My Voice, Heal 2 to <Company Name>" to heal
their wounds.
Carry the Fallen Banner 2
You may take up the banner for another
Company and become their Herald by
temporarily setting aside your own Company
trait. You can only become the Herald for one
Company at any time. Gather in a circle with the
banner of another company and at least 3
members of that company. Concentrate or role
play for one minute to draw on the magic of that
company and their banner. Take up the banner,
touch at least three willing members of that
company and say "Imbue to <Company Name>"
to draw magic from each of them. When the
ritual is complete you lose your own Company
trait and replace it with the trait of the new
Company. You are now part of the new Company
and may use your skills to empower this
Company. You can no longer use your skills to
 Madrigal
empower your old Company; that magic is
temporarily suppressed. You may spend a full
minute of concentration to end this effect and
restore your own Company trait.
Battlefield First Aid 1
The time required for you to use First Aid to
stabilize or cure a Maim effect is reduced to 30
seconds.
Courier 2
Between events you may pay 1 silver to attempt
to send letters to other characters in the world.
You may pay the cost and you may send an
electronic copy of the physical letter to plot
between events. You may also turn in a physical
prop to plot if the physical presentation has some
significance. You must know where the letter
must be sent. You need not attempt to deliver the
letter yourself; the Guild of Heralds sends it
along to it proper place. There is always a chance
that a letter will be intercepted if you send it
someplace dangerous or if someone is attempting
to foil your attempts. If you believe this is the
case you may increase the amount you pay for
the delivery to help ensure its safety though
someone attempting to foil your attempts might
likewise have the ability to pay more to intercept
the letter.
Ears of the Company 3
You are the eyes and ears of your Company, and
you are constantly gathering information with
other Companies and trading knowledge with
other members of the Guild of Heralds. If you
spread some money around you often hear
rumors or tales about the things other groups
have seen and jobs they might have been hired
for. This is an information skill that requires you
to spread around some money to loosen lips. You
submit a question between events as described in
the Information Skills section above. If the
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question is appropriate for the Guild of Heralds
and the Companies they might belong to you may
receive knowledge appropriate to your question.
Initiation 3
You can empower an initiation ritual so that up to
14 members can be mystically linked to your
Company. Your company must perform a ritual
of initiation in your presence. The ritual must be
at least one minute long but most are longer and
most are elaborate. You empower the initiation to
induct new members into the group, consuming
one True Void for each member initiated into the
group. The Herald must turn in these True Void
by the end of the event. When the initiation is
complete you touch the new group member and
call out "Imbue <Company Name> by Magic" to
give the member the name of the Company as a
trait permanently. You may get Imbue tags at
check in or when you turn in the True void.
You may also use this skill to remove your
Company trait from an individual who is
currently in the Company. You must touch a
willing or helpless character and call out "Inflict
by Magic" to leave them with an Inflict card that
removes the Company trait from them
permanently. This also requires and consumes
one True Void which must be turned in by the
end of the event.
Heraldic Eloquence 3*
You may purchase this skill up to three times.
This skill gives you 1 point of Eloquence for
each time it is purchased. These points are
refreshed when you refresh Attributes with Void.
These points of Eloquence are used with Herald
skills. You may exhaust a point of Eloquence in
place of a point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when
using Herald skills. You cannot exhaust a point of
Eloquence in place of a point of Void.
 Madrigal
The Herald's Nod 1
If you see someone wearing the checkered
pattern you may exhaust a point of Air and
gesture to them to call out "By My Gesture,
Expose Herald by Magic." This is usually done
only if there is some question as to the validity of
the individual in question. If you do this in court
to a prominent Herald you might be considered a
buffoon or fool, but using the skill on the road or
in times of danger is certainly warranted. The
person must be clearly displaying the checkered
pattern and in decent view.
Now You See It, Now You Don't 2
This skill allows you to exhaust one point of Air
to hide one item for five minutes on your person.
The item cannot be in plain sight. If you are
searched you do not have to reveal the presence
of the item. If the item is actually spotted by
someone, however, this skill fails. The skill will
work for five minutes even if you are killed
during that time.
Strength of the Company 3
You may exhaust one point of Air, Earth, Fire, or
Water to refresh that same attribute to someone in
your Company. Exhaust the attribute and touch
the recipient to call out "Refresh <Attribute> to
<Company Name>" to restore their strength. You
may either be inspired or inspirational; once you
purchase this skill you cannot be refreshed by it.
If you are using this skill on a member of your
Company who has the Initiate trait and you have
diagnosed them with the Initiate trait earlier in
the event you may call out "Refresh 2
<Attribute> to <Company Name>" to strengthen
them. You may use this skill to gauge the strength
of willing Company members. You may touch a
willing subject to diagnose the Initiate trait, the
Experienced trait, or the Accomplished trait.
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Tale of Restoration 1
Your tales inspire those who listen to them and
the entertainment can soothe their wounds. Once
per event you may spend at least one minute
telling an entertaining story about your Company
to any in a room who would listen. When you are
finished you bow or indicate somehow that the
story is complete. If the crowd reacts with
laughter or applause you may call out "To the
Room, Heal By Inspiration" to offer your
audience respite from their wounds.
Tale of Encouragement 4
Your tales inspire those who listen to them and
the entertainment can give them hope and
strength and ease their fatigue. Once per event
you may spend at least one minute telling an
entertaining story about your Company to any in
a room who would listen. When you are finished
you bow or indicate somehow that the story is
complete. Choose one of Air, Earth, Fire or
Water. If the crowd reacts with laughter or
applause you may call out "To the Room, Refresh
<Attribute> By Inspiration" to strengthen your
audience. You cannot use this skill to refresh
Void.
Highborn Skills 2
The flow of social activities in the High Courts of
the various kingdoms have a magic of their own.
You not only are well versed in the political and
social interplay of those courts, but you have the
conviction that to be Gifted is to be civilized and
rise above those who think the Gifted Races
nothing more than animals. This conviction gives
you strength of will and the ability to draw on the
magic that flows between the Courts of the
civilized lands. You cannot use any Highborn
skill if you have the Uncivilized trait.
 Madrigal
Barbarians cannot take this header. Some few
Liendrel elves remember the splendor of the
Faerie Court and can access the passion for
civilized ways that this header requires. You
would not even dream of taking this header with
the Beastmaster header. Once you take this
header you will find yourself utterly incapable of
fighting with claws of any kind. Some Druids
from Locksmoor and Rangers carry themselves
with the dignity of the Highborn but they would
not use the Scavenger skill or dress in a manner
that was uncivilized.
To be Highborn and to draw magic from these
skills is to embrace civilization; its art and culture
and all that is wonderful and uplifting about the
ascent of the Gifted Races into civilization. There
is nothing wrong with hard work, dirt under the
fingernails and adventurous behavior so long as
one cleans themselves up. One must maintain
one's self above the baser instincts. You cannot
use Highborn skills unless you act and dress in a
civilized and dignified manner. You cannot dress
to use Scavenger and expect to use any of these
skills. The Gifted Races have risen above that.
Being in the Know 2
You are quite in at the various social circles
within the kingdoms. As such you are able to find
out tidbits of knowledge related to politics and
nobility. If you spread some money around you
often hear rumors or tales about the things other
civilized folk have seen and events they might
have attended. This is an information skill that
requires you to spread around some money to
loosen lips. You submit a question between
events as described in the Information Skills
section above. If the question is appropriate for
the social circles you might travel in you may
receive knowledge appropriate to your question.
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Courier 2
Between events you may pay 1 silver to attempt
to send letters to other characters in the world.
You may pay the cost and you may send an
electronic copy of the physical letter to plot
between events. You may also turn in a physical
prop to plot if the physical presentation has some
significance. You must know where the letter
must be sent. You need not attempt to deliver the
letter yourself; the Guild of Heralds sends it
along to it proper place. There is always a chance
that a letter will be intercepted if you send it
someplace dangerous or if someone is attempting
to foil your attempts. If you believe this is the
case you may increase the amount you pay for
the delivery to help ensure its safety though
someone attempting to foil your attempts might
likewise have the ability to pay more to intercept
the letter.
Dressed to Kill 4
You are confident and light on your feet when
you are dressed in a civilized manner. You may
spend 1 point of Air and rest for one minute
dressing, checking yourself in the mirror, or
resting and cleaning yourself up to give yourself
2 armor points. These armor points can also be
refreshed by resting and adjusting your look for 1
minute. Choose how you role play your resting
time. You cannot use this skill if you are wearing
any other type of armor, and these points are lost
if you put on or activate any other armor or
ability that gives you armor points. These armor
points last until the end of the event or until you
refresh attributes with Void.
Enough of That 4
You may keep people quiet if they are talking out
of turn. Exhaust a point of Fire, throw a packet,
and call out "Enough of That, Silence by Awe" to
keep someone from speaking out of turn.
 Madrigal
A Gilded Carriage 5
If you have received a formal invitation to a
function and you have dressed specifically for
that function you may spend 2 points of Earth to
travel to that function as a spirit. Once you are
dressed and prepared with the invitation in hand
you activate this skill at your dwelling to become
a spirit and gain the Spirit defense. You gain the
Spirit trait and the Chimera trait and become
immune to most attacks. Attacks with the "to
Spirit" or the "to Chimera" traits affect you and
effects that are not beneficial will knock you out
of spirit form and end this effect. You must travel
directly to the function. You cannot tarry once
you use this skill on other concerns. The skill
ends when you reach your destination and enter
the function.
I Question Your Bearing 3
If you see someone claiming a noble title you
may exhaust a point of Air and gesture to them to
call out "By My Gesture, Expose Highborn by
Awe." This is usually done only if there is some
question as to the validity of the individual in
question. Not all nobles are Highborn, but you
will at least know that the individual does not
share the same passion for the civilized lands that
many of the noble folk do. If you do this in court
to a prominent noble you might be considered a
buffoon or fool, but using the skill on the road or
in times of danger is certainly warranted.
On Your Way 2
Exhaust a point of Air, throw a packet, and call
out "On your way, Repel by Awe" to send some
bothersome creature away from you.
A Sharp Tongue 3
If you are affected by an attack with a Mental
trait you can shake it off if you are given the
chance to interact with the attacker, either by
engaging in some kind of conversation to focus
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or by haranguing them. You must spend at least
10 seconds saying something appropriately witty
to activate this skill. If you are unsure or
unsatisfied with your retort you will lack the
confidence to use this skill. If your verbal banter
is pleasing, and let's face it you will know if it
isn't, then you may choose a Mental trait and
exhaust a point of Water to call out "Purge
<trait>" and end that effect.
Showing Proper Appreciation 1
Twice per event you may show your appreciation
for an exceptional performance if you are
impressed by that performer and the performance
evokes some sort of beneficial magical effect. To
use this skill you thank the performer while
complimenting them on the performance. If they
are willing to receive your praise you may touch
them and choose either Air, Earth, Fire, or Water.
Call out "Refresh <attribute> by Inspiration" to
reward their art.
With Noble Bearing 3
Your decorum is such that the base acts of Frenzy
and effects based on Fear are against your very
nature. If you are struck by a Frenzy effect or an
attack with the Fear trait you may exhaust a point
of Fire and call out "Resist" to negate the attack.
You, Sir, Are a Cur 4
In the unfortunate event that another Highborn
that has demonstrated skills under this header
proves to be barbaric, uncivilized, or utterly
without honor in some civilized manner you may
gather at least 3 other Highborn characters who
also have this skill and condemn that Highborn
for their lack of civility. You must have good
reason to accuse another Highborn in such a
manner. Acts of war and even acts of treachery
are understandable so long as they are not petty
or uninspired. Choose one Highborn as the
accuser in this inquiry. Each additional Highborn
 Madrigal
who has heard the evidence and supports this act
touches the accuser, exhausts a point of Fire, and
calls out "Imbue by Will" to show they have
empowered the accuser. If you are the accuser
and you are empowered by three other Highborn
you can confront the errant Highborn and reveal
their base acts. You must confront them with a
short declaration of why they are condemned. It's
all about the panache with which you accuse
them. Exhaust 3 points of Fire, point at the
Highborn, and call out "By My Gesture, Inflict
Uncivilized to Highborn" to show they are
unworthy.
If a Highborn has been unjustly persecuted, or a
Highborn declared uncivilized has shown proper
remorse, you may also use this skill to exonerate
them. You gather three other Highborn who must
agree with you and empower you in the manner
described above. If you are so empowered by a
council who have discussed the situation and
agree the Highborn should be forgiven you may
touch a Highborn so marked, exhaust 3 points of
Fire, and call out "Cure Uncivilized to Highborn"
to remove the trait.
Mystic Skills 3
Break Trance 2
You have some method of snapping people out of
effects with the Trance trait. You may role play
for 3 seconds and touch a packet to a recipient to
call out "Cure Trance by Will."
Celerity 3
Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
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are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Calming the Inner Self 2
You have developed a sense of inner calm that
allows you to exhaust a point of Air to negate one
attack with the Frenzy or Weakness effect. You
must call out "Resist" when you use this skill.
Chi Strike 2
You exhaust 2 points of Air to make a critical
strike with a staff. You call "5 Damage" and
strike with the staff. The attribute cost is
exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
Combat Anticipation 4
You are skilled at protecting vulnerable areas and
twisting with blows to quickly recover from
debilitating strikes. You may purge one Agony or
Maim effect by role playing a painful recovery
for 3 seconds and exhausting a point of Air. You
must call out "Purge" when you use this skill.
Empathic Healing 4
You can channel the essence of life, transferring
your life force to another without drawing blood
or cutting flesh. Take 1 point of damage as life
force passes out of you and touch a packet to a
recipient to call out "Heal by Will and 1 Damage
to Self." If this removes your last point of Vitality
you fall unstable, hovering at the brink of death.
Fortress of Iron Will 5
You may protect yourself from harm by gathering
your Chi and using it to ward off all danger. You
exhaust 3 points of Air, press your palms
 Madrigal
together, and become motionless. So long as you
do not move you gain the Spirit defense. Only
game effects that specifically include "to Spirit"
in the verbal will work on you. Any attack that is
not beneficial with "to Spirit" in the verbal that
strikes you will immediately end this ability.
Mental Fortitude 4
Due to your mental discipline, you may exhaust a
point of Air to resist one attack based on a Mental
trait. You must call out "Resist" when you use
this skill.
Setting the Blade Aside 5
You may exhaust 2 points of Fire to strike an
opponent's weapon with a staff and rip it free
from an opponent's hand. You must call out
"Disarm" when you hit the weapon. This attack is
treated as a limb hit in that it may be negated
with a Parry.
Spinning Staff 2
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
Damage" with a staff up to two times. You
exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
A Spirit's Harmony 3
When you are slain, your spirit is in such
harmony with the world that you do not have to
become a spirit after 5 minutes. You may wait for
up to an additional 5 minutes to become a spirit,
although you may choose to become a spirit at
any time after the 5 minutes has passed. You may
linger in hopes that someone Imbue your body
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with life or retrieve a needed item before it fades
with you.
Staff of the Arcane 3
This skill allows you to hold and use any staff
while you are casting spells, overriding the
restriction that casting requires both hands to be
empty. You must have a skill with the weapon in
question to use this ability.
The Will To Live 3
This skill allows you to survive if you are struck
by an attack that inflicts the Death effect. Instead
of being struck dead, you may exhaust 2 points of
Fire and collapse in an unstable state with no
Vitality. This skill does not work against a Death
Strike, nor will it protect you if you die from
bleed out. You may use this skill even if you are
unconscious.
Paladin Skills 5
You have been touched by creation, and have
received power and clarify by a single instant of
inspiration where the enormity of the Tapestry
itself was revealed to you. You may choose to
walk the Path of Light and draw power from the
weave, or to walk the Path of Shadow and draw
power from the shadowed places between the
strands of creation.
When you as a Paladin draw on Light, you draw
on the manifestation of all the strands of the
Tapestry and the pattern of that weave. Light
draws strength from the integrity of the Tapestry,
and it is strongest supporting clarity and
dedication of purpose. It is the visual
manifestation of Creation itself. Using Light
strengthens the Tapestry. It is said that it weakens
corruption. You may not purchase skills of
Shadow.
 Madrigal
When you as Paladin draw on Shadow, you slip
into the space between the strands of the
Tapestry. You draw on all those places that are
undefined, vague, or lack purpose. Shadow is the
visual manifestation of the spaces between the
weave, where mystery is strong and reality lacks
form. Is is said that much of the Realm of
Shadow was corrupted by the Foul, and that
sometimes Paladins of Shadow who draw too
deeply from that Shadow also become corrupt
and go mad. These unfortunate individuals fall
and become Paladins of Darkness, blighted and
mad individuals who feed on the corruption of
the Tapestry and draw power from it. You may
not purchase skills of Light.
If a Paladin of Shadow ever ends an event with
the Malediction trait they must alert plot in
writing with the circumstances of their affliction
within two weeks of the end of the event.
Armored for War 2*
This skill allows you to wear more than 2 points
of armor. Each time the skill is bought, the
amount of points you may wear is increased by 1
up to a maximum of 4. You must have a proper
armor prop to use this skill.
Armored with Light 3
Paladin of Light
Prerequisite: Armored for War 2
Once per event if you are wearing an armor prop
worth 4 points of armor that is also articulated or
has prominent shoulder pauldrons you may
imbue your armor with the power of radiance.
Call out "Armor me in Radiance! Imbue by
Light" to activate the power. Radiant light
envelops your form. You shrug off the next 3
called melee, missile or packet attacks that strike
you, taking only a point of uncalled damage from
each. Call "Reduce by Light" to each attack.
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Armored with Shadow 3
Paladin of Shadow
Prerequisite: Armored For War 2
Once per event if you are wearing an armor prop
worth 4 points of armor that is also articulated or
has prominent shoulder pauldrons you may
imbue your armor with the power of penumbra.
Call out "Armor me in Twilight! Imbue by
Shadow" to activate the power. Deepest Shadow
envelops your form. You shrug off the next 3
called melee, missile, or packet attacks that strike
you, taking only a point of uncalled damage from
each. Call "Reduce by Shadow" to each attack.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler in combat.
Combat Anticipation 4
You are skilled at protecting vulnerable areas and
twisting with blows to quickly recover from
debilitating strikes. You may purge one Agony or
Maim effect by role playing a painful recovery
for 3 seconds and exhausting a point of Air. You
must call out "Purge" when you use this skill.
Darkness, My Enemy 3
You are strengthened against creatures of
darkness. If an enemy uses an attack or defense
with the "by Malediction" or "by Darkness" trait
you are empowered with two strikes that can be
used against that enemy. Paladins of Light call
out "2 Damage by Light" with each strike.
Paladins of Shadow call out "2 Damage by
Shadow" with each strike. If the enemy leaves
your field of vision or you become unsure which
enemy called on that dark power then the effect
ends. You may choose to activate this skill any
 Madrigal
time an enemy calls an attack or defense with one
of those traits but if you are already empowered
with strikes those are lost when you reactivate
this skill.
A Desperate Defense 2
If you are wielding a melee weapon you are
skilled with, you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to
negate any melee attack that strikes one of your
limbs. Ranged attacks cannot be negated, nor can
attacks that strike the torso. You must call out
"Parry" when you use this skill.
Healing Touch 4
You can imbue your touch with the healing
power of creation. You can cast spells with
beneficial effects by touching a recipient even if
you have a weapon or shield in your other hand.
You may also channel your power to heal others.
Spend a point of Water and touch a recipient with
a packet. Paladins of Light call out "Heal by
Light." Paladins of Shadow call out "Heal by
Shadow." Attempts to deliver beneficial effects
and healing will be disrupted by incoming attacks
that strike you in the same manner as spells.
Heart of the Lion 1
You spend one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Fear.
Heart of Radiance 1
Paladin of Light
You spend one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Darkness, Disease, Despair or
Malediction. Call "Resist by Light" to negate the
attack.
Heart of Gloom 1
Paladin of Shadow
You spend one point of Fire to avoid one attack
based on Cold, Confusion, Darkness or
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Malediction. Call "Avoid by Shadow" to negate
the attack.
Radiant Strike 2
Paladin of Light
You exhaust 2 points of Earth to make a strike of
pure light with a melee attack. You call "5
Damage by Light" and strike with the attack. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
Reveal the Darkness 2
You spend one point of Air to reveal creatures of
darkness. Paladins of Light call out "By My
Voice, Expose Malediction by Light." Paladins of
Shadow call out "By My Voice, Expose
Malediction by Shadow." If you suspect that
infernal power is attempting to manipulate the
Tapestry you may expose the Demon trait instead
of the Malediction trait.
Searing Light 1
Paladin of Light
You may exhaust a point of Air to surround a
melee attack with searing light. You call out
"Agony by Light" and strike with the attack. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
Shadow's Grasp 1
Paladin of Shadow
You may surround a melee attack with seething
shadow and use it to weaken your foe. Exhaust 1
point of Air to call out "Quick Weakness by
Shadow" or exhaust 2 points of Air to call out
"Weakness by Shadow" and strike with the
attack. The attribute cost is exhausted only if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
 Madrigal
Shield 2
Prerequisite: Buckler
This skill allows you to use a full sized shield.
You cannot throw packet delivered effects while
you have a full sized shield in your hand.
Umbral Strike 2
Prerequisite: Paladin of Shadow
You exhaust 2 points of Earth to make a strike of
deepest shadow with a melee attack. You call "5
Damage by Shadow" and strike with the attack.
The attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike
lands and the opponent acknowledges it through
role playing or negates it with a defense.
The Will To Live 3
This skill allows you to survive if you are struck
by an attack that inflicts the Death effect. Instead
of being struck dead, you may exhaust 2 points of
Fire and collapse in an unstable state with no
Vitality. This skill does not work against a Death
Strike, nor will it protect you if you die from
bleed out. You may use this skill even if you are
unconscious.
Priest Skills 3
You are a priest of one of the Gods that allow
followers. You follow the White Court, the Black
Court, or one of the forbidden gods. You derive
magical power from your faith in that god, and
you are rewarded with divine powers. You have
the Devout trait and all spells purchased under
this header are divine spells. You cannot choose
this header if you have a header that gives you
the Druidic or Shamanic trait.
Aura of Healing 4
Prerequisite: Sphere of Legacy
You can call upon your faith to heal wounds. You
may touch a packet to an ally and call out "Heal
by Faith" up to 4 times. You are considered to be
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casting when you use this ability. You cannot
have weapons in your hand unless you have a
skill that allows you to cast while holding a
weapon, and you can be interrupted by an attack.
This ability may be refreshed by spending one
minute in an area consecrated to your patron. The
area must be marked with an Information tag
stating it is so empowered. You may refresh this
ability an unlimited amount of times so long as
you can visit a consecrated area.
Blessings of the Saints
 4
Between events you may summon the power of
the Saints and attempt to commune with the
saints to ask for their blessings in some task that
lies ahead. If you have this skill and use it as part
of your post event letter, you might receive boons
and blessing from the saints of that place related
to the task that you submit. This skill does not
guarantee response. You do not specify the type
of blessing; that is at the discretion of the saints.
You cannot use this skill if you end an event with
a condition that prevents the use of game skills.
There may be places of divine power where you
may invoke the aid of the saints of the Pyre
during the game if you visit that place at the
correct specific time. In this case you must spend
a point of Air and role play asking the saints for
aid. You then leave a scroll with your request at
that place or with the spirit that appears. If the
saints choose to honor your request you will
either receive some help from a spirit at that time
or receive a visitation later during the event.
Divine Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Karma for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Karma are used to cast divine spells.
You may exhaust a point of Karma in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
 Madrigal
divine spells. You cannot exhaust a point of
Karma in place of a point of Void.
Divine Sphere 3*
Choose one sphere available to priests of the god
you worship. This skill allows you to learn spells
from that one sphere. These spells are purchased
and used like skills. You may purchase this skill
once for each sphere available to priests of your
god.
Divine Empowerment Varies
This skill gives you an ability from your patron.
The effects vary depending on the nature of your
patron. The cost for this ability varies.
Wisdom of the Saints 3
You may call upon the wisdom of the Saints of
your god, asking for guidance from them. You
sequester yourself in prayer and meditation and
call to them for their aid as sources of wisdom.
You may pursue knowledge about religious
matters in a temple or other holy place. This is an
information skill that does not require you to pay
money. You submit a question between events as
described in the Information Skills section above.
If the question is appropriate for the spirits of
nature you may receive knowledge appropriate to
your question
Ranger Skills 5
You are a warrior and a woodsman, adept at
combat and survival. Rangers are particularly
adept at using spears. You are self sufficient and
skilled at survival in the wilderness.
Animal Companion 5
Your understanding of beasts allows you to form
a mystical link with another character who is a
Shoathri. Once per event you may concentrate
with a willing Shoathri character for one minute
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and call "Imbue Companion by Nature" to form
this link. You may only link with one Shoathri in
this manner, and that Shoathri cannot already
have the Companion trait. So long as they are in
beast form you draw strength from them. You can
touch a packet to this companion and call out
"Stabilize to Beast" if they are down. You can
exhaust a point of Fire and touch your companion
with a packet to call out "Heal 2 to Beast." If you
are familiar with their racial skills you may use
them as if you also had them, although you must
pay any costs, abide by any restrictions, and obey
limits to the number of times they may be used
when using them. You may also touch a willing
or helpless Shoathri and call out "Diagnose
Companion" to see if they are linked with this
skill. This ability lasts until the end of the event.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
Break Trance 2
You have some method of snapping people out of
effects with the Trance trait. You may role play
for 3 seconds and touch a packet to a recipient to
call out "Cure Trance by Will."
Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. You cannot
use a larger shield with this skill.
A Desperate Defense 2
If you are wielding a melee weapon you are
skilled with, you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to
negate any melee attack that strikes one of your
limbs. Ranged attacks cannot be negated, nor can
attacks that strike the torso. You must call out
"Parry" when you use this skill.
 Madrigal
A Flurry of Strikes 2
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
Damage" with a melee attack up to two times.
You exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
Forego the Forge 3
You can strengthen furs and use them as leather
armor. You can wear furs or leather as your prop
for armor. You are familiar enough with this
armor to maintain it during combat so you can
repair it yourself. You may spend one minute of
role play to repair up to two points of your own
leather armor. You need not remove the armor,
but you must rest while you are using this skill.
Fortitude of the Wild
4
You spend two points of Water to resist one
attack based on Poison.
Enmity 4
There is an enemy you have a particular skill or
passion for hunting. Choose one of the following
foes: Aneketh, Beast, Demon, Eurvein, Fae,
Hobgoblin, Human, Insect, Reptile, Troll, or
Undead. You may exhaust a point of Earth to call
"5 Damage to <Foe>." You may only purchase
this skill once.
Healing Herbs 2
You can use natural herbs and plants to heal
wounds. The use of this skill requires a medicine
pouch prop. This pouch must be at least big
enough to hold a packet. You spend a minute
gathering plants and herbs into your pouch in a
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wild place where there are no buildings in sight.
At the end of the minute you spend a point of
Water to activate this skill. Once activated, you
may take a packet out of your medicine pouch
and touch the packet to someone to use a "Heal
by Magic" on that person. You may only have
one use of this skill active at any one time and
each use requires one minute of role play as you
gather what you need from the woods.
Herbal Remedy 3
You can use natural herbs and plants to heal
poisons. The use of this skill requires a medicine
pouch prop. This pouch must be at least big
enough to hold a packet. You spend a minute
gathering plants and herbs into your pouch in a
wild place where there are no buildings in sight.
At the end of the minute you spend 2 points of
Water to activate this skill. Once activated, you
may take a packet out of your medicine pouch
and touch the packet to someone to use a "Cure
Poison by Magic" on that person. You may only
have one use of this skill active at any one time
and each use requires one minute of role play as
you gather what you need from the woods.
Knowing Nature's Bounty 2
This skill allows you to live in the wild. So long
as you do not maintain the trappings of civilized
lands, and your clothing and accessories appear
as though they were scavenged out of ruins, you
do not have to pay monetary or food maintenance
costs. You cannot use this skill if you end an
event with a condition that prevents the use of
game skills.
A Little Something Extra 2
This skill allows you to use a small melee
weapon in your off hand.
 Madrigal
Nature's Embrace 2
When you are violently struck down you are
sustained by the wilderness around you. If you
fall unstable in the wilderness you may exhaust a
point of Fire as you fall to immediately become
stable. This skill can be used only if you are in
the woods and no buildings are within line of
sight.
Reveal the Prey 4
Prerequisite: Enmity
Those you are trained to hunt are revealed to you.
You may use this skill to expose an enemy you
have selected as your prey with Enmity. Exhaust
a point of Air to call out "By My Voice, Expose
<Foe> by Nature" to reveal all enemies. You may
only expose enemies you have selected with the
Enmity skill.
A Second Weapon 2
Prerequisite: A Little Something Extra
This skill allows you to use a medium sized
melee weapon in your off hand.
Setting the Limb 4
You have learned to quickly set maimed limbs.
You must have one free and functioning hand to
use this skill. You touch the recipient on the
maimed limb with a packet, exhaust a point of
Fire and call out "Cure Maim" to fix the limb.
Taking Up the Chase 4
You may mark an opponent and then track them.
You spend a point of Air, call out "Inflict Hunted
by Nature" and strike an opponent with a melee
or packet attack. The opponent gains the Hunted
trait. You may later call out "By My Voice,
Expose Hunted by Nature" to reveal their
presence. Once you have successfully marked an
opponent you may later expose them one time at
no additional Air cost. Each additional use of this
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skill to expose the target costs an additional point
of Air.
Woodcraft Weaponry 2
Prerequisite: A Second Weapon
You are adept at fighting with a weapon in each
hand and you are particularly adept at fighting
with spears. You may use a full length one
handed weapon in your off hand. If you are using
a spear in your off hand you can use a full length
weapon in your primary hand.
Rogue Skills 4
A Cloak of Shadow 4
You may protect yourself from harm by drawing
a dark, hooded cloak about you and melding with
the shadows. You are empowered to seek shelter
someplace between the shadows, becoming
insubstantial to the real world so long as you do
not move. The skill cannot be used during the
day or at any time that you can see daylight or
something illuminated directly or indirectly by
daylight. Exhaust 2 points of Air, gather your
cloak around you and call out "Imbue by
Shadow" to become a spirit. So long as you do
not move you gain the Spirit defense. You gain
the Shadow trait and the Spirit trait. Any attack
that is "to Shadow" or "to Spirit" will affect you
and, if they are not beneficial, knock you out of
Spirit form. Otherwise you will stay in spirit
form until you choose to move or dawn comes.
Better Lucky Than Good 1
Once per event if you are unstable and you are
about to die because your one minute death count
is expiring you may choose to become stable
instead. You receive the effect of a Stabilize.
 Madrigal
Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. You cannot
use a larger shield with this skill.
Elusive 5
You may enter a defensive state where you dodge
and weave around attacks through sheer
determination and focus. Spend a minute of
concentration to activate this skill and empower
your elusive state. While you remain in this
defensive state you may exhaust 2 points of Fire
and call "Avoid" to negate any melee, missile or
packet attack that strikes you. This defensive
state ends if you become unconscious, make a
melee, missile, or packet attack, or use any effect
that is not beneficial.
Escape Artist 2
You exhaust one point of Water to purge one
Paralyze, Root, or Slow effect with a Physical
trait. You may also exhaust 2 points of Water and
spend three seconds of role playing to slip
shackle props off your body and end that effect.
Finding the True Worth 1
This skill allows you to examine an item to
determine the value of that item and to use
valued items as currency at check out. Each tag
has the monetary value marked with a code. A
character with this skill gets an Evaluate sheet
that explains how to decipher that code. The
value will not take into account any magical
properties of the item. Only the quality and
materials of the construction of the item are
considered when using this skill. You role play
examining the item as you decipher the code and
determine the actual value of the item. You
cannot allow anyone else to use your Evaluate
sheet, and you cannot decode the runes, even if
you remember how to do this, unless you have
this skill. Although you would normally find a
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buyer for such items during the game, a character
with this skill may trade in items for actual game
money at the end of the event.
Lockpicking 1
This skill allows you to attempt to pick game
locks. You can attempt to pick locks that are
opened by keys and to open combination locks.
For locks with keys, you must use tools and
actually open the lock. Only locks approved by
the staff will be allowed in the game. For
combination locks, each will be marked on the
back with a special code. Characters with the
Lockpicking skill will be given the code
translation. This code will tell you what the first
two numbers of the three number code is. You
will have to play with the lock to determine what
the third number is to open the lock.
Manipulate Traps 1
This skill allows you to attempt to arm or disarm
traps. Without this skill you can avoid traps, but
you cannot attempt to manipulate them without
setting them off. In order to disarm a trap you
must actually use tools to prevent the mechanical
trigger from setting off the part that makes noise
and causes damage to you.
Now You See It, Now You Don't 2
This skill allows you to exhaust one point of Air
to hide one item for five minutes on your person.
The item cannot be in plain sight. If you are
searched you do not have to reveal the presence
of the item. If the item is actually spotted by
someone, however, this skill fails. The skill will
work for five minutes even if you are killed
during that time.
Scavenger 2
This skill allows you to spend time between
events scraping to gather the money and food you
need to sustain yourself. So long as you do not
 Madrigal
maintain the trappings of the rich, and your
clothing and accessories appear worn, you do not
have to pay monetary or food maintenance costs.
If you spend the entire time between events away
from civilized lands you cannot use this skill.
You cannot use this skill if you end an event with
a condition that prevents the use of game skills.
The Skeleton Key 5
If, after at least a minute of trying to pick a lock,
you cannot get it open you may spend 3 points of
Earth to force the tumblers and open the lock.
You must call out "Inflict by Inspiration" and you
can open the box, door, or latch the lock is
attached to as if the lock was opened. This will
only open one lock, and it will not affect traps in
any way.
Waylay 1
This skill represents a crack on the back of the
head of a victim to knock the victim out. You
must be behind an opponent and exhaust a point
of Air to use this skill. This skill cannot be used
while running; your feet must be still when you
use the skill. You call out "Stun" and tap that
opponent on the back of the shoulder with a
melee attack. The attribute cost is exhausted only
if the strike lands and the opponent
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
it with a defense.
The Walls Have Ears 3
You have learned how to use the darker side of
society to dig up rumors and information that
people may have learned in the course of
"normal" business. If you spread some money
around you often hear rumors or tales about the
things other groups have seen and jobs they
might have been hired for. This is an information
skill that requires you to spread around money to
loosen lips. You submit a question between
events as described in the Information Skills
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section above. If the question is appropriate for
this dangerous element you may receive
knowledge appropriate to your question.
Wary of the Trap 2
You can exhaust a point of Water to avoid the
effect of one trap. You must call out "Avoid"
when the trap is triggered to use this skill. The
trap does not affect you or your possessions, but
it will still have secondary effects such as
destroying containers and possibly affecting your
companions.
Runesmith Skills 2
Armored for War 2*
This skill allows you to wear more than 2 points
of armor. Each time the skill is bought, the
amount of points you may wear is increased by 1
up to a maximum of 4. You must have a proper
armor prop to use this skill.
Armorsmith 1
This skill takes 1 minute to perform and requires
at the very minimum an anvil with various tool
props. No prop may be sharp or deemed
dangerous by the staff. The time is spent patching
up the armor. The skill will reset all armor points
that have been exhausted by damage or ruined by
a Destroy effect.
Boneworking 1
This skill allows you to create and repair bone
weapons. A Boneworker must agree to create a
weapon before you can bring it into game. No
bone weapon may be used during an event until it
is brought to a Boneworker to be maintained. The
weapon is considered to be Destroyed at the
beginning of each event. Repairing or a bone
weapon takes 1 minute to perform and requires at
the very minimum an anvil with various tool
 Madrigal
props. No prop may be sharp or deemed
dangerous by the staff. The time is spent
repairing the weapon. The skill will fix a bone
weapon that has been affected by a Destroy
effect, restoring it to working order.
Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. You cannot
use a larger shield with this skill.
Carry the Forge 3
Prerequisite: Armorsmith
You are empowered to reach into the hottest
forge and carry with you its very essence. Spend
one minute firing the forge and hammering metal
to summon this power. Call out "By the Forge,
Imbue by Magic" to draw that essence into your
hands and arms and hammer. Three times you
may repair armor away from the forge if you
spend one minute to do so. You must take a
hammer with you and use it to make the repairs.
The armor need not be removed and you do not
need a forge prop to use this skill. The repair is
interrupted if the recipient moves in some
significant way, engages in combat, or if you are
struck by a melee, missile, or packet attack that is
not beneficial. If you are interrupted you do not
exhaust a repair but you must start the repair
from the beginning. You may refresh these
repairs as often as you would like by spending a
minute at your forge.
In the Fires of Battle 5
Prerequisite: Armorsmith
You may wield a hammer prop to fix armor
during the chaos of battle. You spend 3 seconds
to role play the hammering, exhaust a point of
Earth and say "Repair Armor by Earth" to fix the
suit of armor. The armor need not be removed
and you do not need a forge prop to use this skill.
The repair is interrupted if the recipient moves in
some significant way, engages in combat, or if
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you are struck by a melee, missile, or packet
attack that is not beneficial. If you are interrupted
you do not exhaust the point of Earth but you
must start the repair from the beginning.
Learn Runestone 1
You may memorize a special runestone so you no
longer need the runestone to create runes. The
runestone must explain that you can learn it for
this skill to work. You may spend time between
events learning one runestone. You consume one
use of the runestone. The runestone is added to
your runestone list. You may now make one rune
per event without needing the runestone or
consuming uses of a runestone. You may learn
one additional runestone or to learn an additional
use of a runestone you already know each event.
You must consume a use of a runestone each time
you use this skill.
Master of Runic Power 4
Prerequisite: Runeweaving 4
Once per event you may absorb the power of an
armor, flesh, or weapon rune you created as you
use it. The rune is consumed but you gain the
power to use the rune one additional time. This
empowerment does not count towards your rune
restrictions. It fades at the end of the event.
Master of Runic Stamina 1*
Prerequisite: Runeweaving
Your mastery allows you to activate additional
runes before you must rest. You may purchase tis
skill up to 2 times, and for each level of this skill
you may use up to one additional rune instead of
the normal limit of three before resting. You must
abide by other rune restrictions.
One With the Blade 4
Prerequisite: Weaponsmith
 Madrigal
Your feel for weapons makes it difficult to
remove them from your hands. You may exhaust
a point of Air to resist one Disarm effect.
Runeweaving 3*
This skill allows you to carve magical runes that
cause some one time effect. You can imbue
weapons and armor with special abilities by
carving runes into them. You may protect portals
by carving runes above them. The skill can be
purchased multiple times. As your level in the
skill increases, you can carve more difficult
runes. The substances and the process is more
fully described in the Runes section below.
A Steel Shell 3
Prerequisite: Armored For War 2
If you are wearing an armor prop worth 4 points
of armor that is also articulated or has prominent
shoulder pauldrons you may exhaust a point of
Fire and call out "Resist" to negate one melee
attack with the Agony, Damage, or Maim effect.
This skill can only be used once per armor reset.
Once your armor is fixed and the points refreshed
the skill can be used an additional time before a
new armor refresh is required.
True Elemental Heart 3
Once per event you may etch a rune onto your
weapon or armor if you are at your forge and
have the runestone for that rune. You do not need
True Elements. You use attributes to empower the
rune instead. Only you may use this rune. The
power of this special rune fades at the end of the
event. The attribute cost for etching this rune is
the same as the cost in True Elements.
Weaponsmith 1
This skill takes 1 minute to perform and requires
at the very minimum an anvil with various tool
props. No prop may be sharp or deemed
dangerous by the staff. The time is spent
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repairing the weapon. The skill will fix a weapon
that has been affected by a Destroy effect,
restoring it to working order.
This skill may also be used to remove shackles
from a character if you take 1 minute with your
props to role play the removal. Removal in this
fashion destroys the shackles.
The Will To Live 3
This skill allows you to survive if you are struck
by an attack that inflicts the Death effect. Instead
of being struck dead, you may exhaust 2 points of
Fire and collapse in an unstable state with no
Vitality. This skill does not work against a Death
Strike, nor will it protect you if you die from
bleed out. You may use this skill even if you are
unconscious.
Shaman Skills 3
You are sensitive to the spirits of the world
around you. You can perceive the spirits that
infest everything in the world, and you can
communicate with them. You have learned to call
on their aid and that is how you cast your magic.
The spirits you see are all connected to the
tapestry of fate. You see spirits of the past with
Gloaming, spirits of the present with Wayfare,
and spirits of the future with Legacy. You see
spirits of the dead and can call to ancestors for
aid. Most shamans do not listen for spirits tainted
by Malediction so they are not driven mad by
their dark whispers. You have the Shamanic trait
and all spells purchased under this header are
divine spells. You cannot choose this header if
you have a header that gives you the Devout or
the Druidic trait.
Break Trance 2
You have some method of snapping people out of
effects with the Trance trait. You may role play
 Madrigal
for 3 seconds and touch a packet to a recipient to
call out "Cure Trance by Will."
Divine Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Karma for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Karma are used to cast divine spells.
You may exhaust a point of Karma in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
divine spells. You cannot exhaust a point of
Karma in place of a point of Void.
Circle of Bones 4
Prerequisite: Sphere of Gloaming
You may spend at least one minute creating and
empowering a circle of bones and skulls at least
5' in diameter. This circle may not be moved.
While you are in this circle you may spend one
minute calling to the spirits to bind one to you.
This willing spirit empowers you to heal wounds.
You may touch a packet to an ally and call out
"Heal by Gloaming" up to 4 times before the
spirit departs. You are considered to be casting
when you use this ability. You cannot have
weapons in your hand unless you have a skill that
allows you to cast while holding a weapon, and
you can be interrupted by an attack. You may
summon another spirit to refresh this ability by
spending one minute in your Circle of Bones.
You may refresh this ability an unlimited amount
of times so long as you can return to your circle.
If your circle is disturbed then you must spend an
addition minute purifying and reforming the
circle.
Death's Fearful Grin 5
You empower a sacred skull to call forth terror in
your enemies. You may spend a minute of role
playing to empower a skull prop with the power
of Gloaming. The prop may be part of a staff or
even affixed to your armor so long as it appears
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as bone and it is the size of a human skull or
larger if it is the skull of an animal or beast. So
long as you touch this skull you may cast any
spell with the Fear effect without an incantation.
Knowing Nature's Bounty 2
This skill allows you to live in the wild. So long
as you do not maintain the trappings of civilized
lands, and your clothing and accessories appear
as though they were scavenged out of ruins, you
do not have to pay monetary or food maintenance
costs. You cannot use this skill if you end an
event with a condition that prevents the use of
game skills.
Sacred Weapon of Bone 3
This skill allows you to hold and use any blunt
weapon made from bone while you are casting
spells, overriding the restriction that casting
requires both hands to be empty. You must have a
skill with the weapon in question to use this
ability. Only blunt weapons made from bone can
be used in this manner. Bone weapons cannot be
brought into game unless special means are used
to create and maintain them.
The Sphere of Gloaming 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Gloaming sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Legacy 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Legacy sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Wayfare 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Wayfare sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
 Madrigal
To Speak With Ancestors 3
You may call upon the wisdom of your ancestors
and the spirits of the past, present, and future,
asking for guidance from them. You sequester
yourself in trance and meditation and call to them
for their aid as sources of wisdom. You may
pursue knowledge about shamanic matters in a
graveyard or other sacred place. This is an
information skill that does not require you to pay
money. You submit a question between events as
described in the Information Skills section above.
If the question is appropriate for the spirits of
nature you may receive knowledge appropriate to
your question
The Will To Live 3
This skill allows you to survive if you are struck
by an attack that inflicts the Death effect. Instead
of being struck dead, you may exhaust 2 points of
Fire and collapse in an unstable state with no
Vitality. This skill does not work against a Death
Strike, nor will it protect you if you die from
bleed out.
Sorcerer Skills 3
Characters with the Sorcerer header gain the
Arcane trait. All spells purchased under this
header are arcane spells
Arcane Fury 5
You create an Arcane Sanctum where you focus
your magical power. The sanctum must have at
the minimum a large circle on the floor decorated
with runes and arcane symbols. It is set up at the
beginning of the event and it cannot be moved
during an event. You gain a single point of
Arcane that can be used in place of Air, Earth,
Fire, or Water when casting an arcane spell that
does not have an Imbue, an Inflict, or a beneficial
effect. This single point of Arcane can be
refreshed by spending one minute concentrating
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within the circle in your Arcane Sanctum. Arcane
casters can share this circle, pooling their talents
to decorate and maintain this sanctum.
Arcane Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Arcane for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Arcane are used to cast arcane spells.
You may exhaust a point of Arcane in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
arcane spells. You cannot exhaust a point of
Arcane Power in place of a point of Void.
The Sphere of Chimera 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Chimera sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Gloaming 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Gloaming sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Primal 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Primal sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
Staff of the Arcane 3
This skill allows you to hold and use any staff
while you are casting spells, overriding the
restriction that casting requires both hands to be
empty. You must have a skill with the weapon in
question to use this ability.
Stormdancer Skills 5
You channel the power of storms within you.
Many of those who practice your art dwell in the
mountains above Locksmoor or high in the
 Madrigal
Griffon Peaks. You do not cast spells. Instead you
channel the raw arcane power of the storms
themselves. Your powers are not spells, and most
require no incantations. You can use your powers
while holding a weapon in your off hand.
Celerity 3
Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Duck For Cover 4
You may exhaust 3 points of Water to negate any
one missile or packet attack. You must call out
"Avoid" when you use this skill.
Fear No Storm 1
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one effect
with the Air, Lightning or Thunder trait. Call
"Resist" when you use this ability.
The Fury of the Storm 2
You summon forth a maelstrom of lightning to
hurl at your foes. You may only have one of these
active at any time. You call out "Imbue by
Storms" and exhaust two points of Air. You may
hurl ten bolts of lightning each causing 2 points
of damage. You call "2 Damage by Lightning"
and throw a packet when you use one of these
bolts. This ability ends when those ten attacks are
used, when you use Void to refresh attributes, and
at the end of the event. You cannot hurl bolts of
lightning while you are being hit. Any successful
attack interrupts your use of this skill.
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Lightning Aura 3
When using your The Fury of the Storm skill you
may channel your bolts of lightning through a
weapon you are skilled with instead of hurling
them as bolts. Two bolts are used for each strike
used in this manner. The bolts are used only if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
Of Wind and Steel 2
If you are wielding a melee weapon you are
skilled with, you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to
negate any melee attack that strikes one of your
limbs. Ranged attacks cannot be negated, nor can
attacks that strike the torso. You must call out
"Parry by Air" when you use this skill.
Spirit of Storms 2
You exhaust one point of Fire to purge one
Paralyze, Root, or Slow effect with a Physical
trait. Call "Purge by Air" when you use this
ability.
Storm Child 1
You are empowered when the rain and thunder
move across the sky. If it is actually raining hard
enough that droplets fall from the leaves and
buildings and you are outside in the rain then
your bolts from The Fury of the Storm do "3
Damage by Lightning" while it rains on you. If
you actually hear the sound of thunder then your
next 3 bolts will do "4 Damage by Lightning"
outdoors or not. While additional thunder might
refresh this ability, it does not actually stack. You
cannot have more than 3 bolts so empowered at
any one time. If you actually hear thunder you
may also use the Unleash the Storm's Fury skill
one additional time per event.
 Madrigal

Thunderclap 2 Lightning" as loud as possible. Lightning and

You may exhaust a point of Earth to make a
lightning strike with a melee or packet attack.
You call out "Agony by Thunder" and strike with
the melee attack or throw the packet. If you
attempt the Thunderclap with a melee attack the
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
Torn by the Hurricane 5
Your passion for the storm calls winds to tear the
weapon from an opponent's hand. You exhaust a
point of Fire, call out "Disarm <hand> by Wind"
and throw a packet at an opponent. If it hits the
target, the target takes the effect of a Disarm.
rain come raining from the heavens, striking
friend and foe alike. If any of the Stormdancers
are struck during the incantation the summoning
becomes dangerously unstable. The person so
struck must stop the others from completing the
ritual. If the others stop the danger passes and
you may all start the incantation again from the
beginning. If the incantation is called out while
the ritual is unstable then the storm backlashes,
and the Stormdancer who was struck calls out
"By My Voice, 10 Damage to Stormdancer" as
the storm lashes out wildly. If any of the
Stormdancers fall after the ritual begins then the
skill fails and the attempt is exhausted for the
event.

Unleash the Storm's Fury 3 Whirlwind Step 2

Your passion for the storm calls winds to protect
Once per event, you act with at least two other
you. If you are fighting with a melee weapon,
Stormdancers who also have this skill,
you may exhaust one point of Fire to spin all the
summoning the full fury of the storm and calling
way around and call out "Disengage by Air" as
lightning down from the skies all around you.
described in the effects section.
You must gather outdoors under the open sky in a
circle with your arms raised to the sky. Choose
one Stormdancer as the summoner of the storm.
Each additional Stormdancer touches the
Templar Skills 5
You have been trained by the church of one of the
summoner, exhausts a point of Air, and calls out
gods to evoke divine magic in your weapons.
"Imbue by Storms" to show they have
Templars are followers of the White Court, the
empowered the summoner. When the summoner
Black Court, or one of the forbidden gods. You
is empowered you either clasp hands or dance in
have the Devout trait and all spells purchased
the circle while calling out the incantation of this
under this header are divine spells. You cannot
power in unison.
choose this header if you have a header that gives
you the Druidic or Shamanic trait.
We call the rain to cloak the sky
We call the wind to tear the land
Although you practice divine magic and cast
We call the thunder to sound the cry
spells, you do not cast forth bolts of divine power
We call the lightning to strike its brand
when using Templar spells. Instead you channel
Unleash the storm's fury!
divine energies through your weapons. Your
weapons must be decorated with religious
If you complete the entire incantation then the
glyphs. You must spend one minute attuning a
summoner exhausts 3 points of Air and calls out
weapon to your divine energies. You may have
"By My Voice, Agony and 2 Damage by
one weapon so attuned, although if you have the

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ability to use a second weapon in your off hand
you may attune one additional weapon for that
purpose. You cannot attune to a weapon unless
you have the skill to use it in combat. While you
are attuned to a weapon you can no longer use
packets to deliver any type of spell. Instead you
deliver divine spells with weapon strikes. All
divine spells are bound to your weapon whether
they are purchased under this skill set or not. To
use Imbue effects upon yourself you must touch
your attuned weapon to your forehead. You may
not deliver Imbue or Inflict effects to other
people while your weapon is so attuned, nor may
you use any power on others that come from
spells with an Imbue effect. You may spend one
minute de-attuning your weapon and unbinding
your magical energies to restore your ability to
deliver spells from other skill sets by packet.
You call out the incantation of the spell to
activate it. If you are struck by an attack during
an incantation that spell is interrupted. If you are
interrupted you do not exhaust attributes but you
must start the incantation over to activate the
spell. Once activated it is stored in one of your
weapons. If you have two attuned weapons you
can deliver an active spell with either weapon,
though you cannot have more than one spell
active at one time.
You may swing your weapon and call out the
verbal for the spell. The attributes are exhausted
only if the strike lands and the opponent
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
it with a defense. If you have an active spell you
may cancel that spell and activate a new spell by
calling out the new incantation. This does not
exhaust attributes or Karma of the previous spell.
If you are disarmed or lose your attuned weapon
the spell fades. You do not exhaust the attributes
but you must call out the incantation again. The
spell also fades when the event ends or if you use
Void to refresh attributes.
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Armor of Faith 2
You may call on divine power to protect yourself
with an aura that will turn aside weapon blows.
Exhaust 2 points of Earth and call out "I evoke
the Armor of Faith" to activate this ability. Once
active you may call out "Resist by Divine" to
negate one melee attack that strikes your limbs.
Only one Armor of Faith can be active upon you
at any one time. This armor lasts until the end of
the event or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
Buckler of Faith 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. If your
buckler is decorated with religious glyphs and
imagery you may cast and channel divine magic
through a main hand weapon while using it.
Divine Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Karma for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Karma are used to cast divine spells.
You may exhaust a point of Karma in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
spells. You cannot exhaust a point of Karma in
place of a point of Void.
Divine Sphere 3*
Choose one sphere available to priests of the god
you worship. This skill allows you to learn spells
from that one sphere. These spells are purchased
and used like skills. You may purchase this skill
once for each sphere available to priests of your
god.
 Madrigal
Divine Retribution 3
Once per event you may exhaust 3 points of Fire
to negate one melee, missile or packet attack that
strikes you. You cannot use this skill to negate a
beneficial effect or an Imbue or Inflict effect.
Your weapon is immediately empowered with
divine energy that allows you to swing the same
effect back at the person who struck you. This
effect will remain on your blade until you strike
the attacker and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
Any situation that would cause an activated spell
to fade also causes your retribution to fade,
including using another retribution. You must call
out "Resist by Divine" when the attack strikes
you. The verbal when swinging the effect back at
the opponent is the same as the original attack.
You can only resist and return one effect if you
are hit by a Double or Triple attack. Many White
Templars will activate a new spell or let the
retribution fade rather than using Malediction,
Poison, or similar effects back on the attacker.
Heart of the Lion 1
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Fear.
Shield of Faith 2
Prerequisite: Buckler of Faith
This skill allows you to use a full sized shield. If
your shield is decorated with religious glyphs and
imagery you may cast and channel divine magic
through a main hand weapon while using it. You
cannot throw packet delivered effects while you
have a full sized shield in your hand.
Storm the Temple 5
Templars are often called on to destroy enemy
temples and are skilled at such assaults. You may
summon your divine energy to weaken the
defenses of a temple or another place of divine
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power. Exhaust 3 points of Fire and cry out "By
My Voice, Drain Aura of Healing by Divine" to
prevent enemies from using healing that is
refreshed in the temple.
Troubadour Skills 2
Your passion for music allows you to manifest
magic when you perform. All spells purchased
under this header are devotion spells. Spells
purchased under this header do not use normal
incantations. Each spell must have a unique
musical incantation that is at least four times as
long as a normal spell. Your songs require 16
syllables plus an additional 8 syllables for each
character point of cost. This song replaces the
normal incantation of the spell. This song must
be in period and it must include the Sphere and
some form of the name. It must be submitted and
approved by plot in the same manner as custom
spell incantations.
In addition to your spells, many of your skills
require a performance before you can use them.
Although most Troubadours perform music, any
performance art will work in this context. When a
skill requires a performance, it requires you to
present some kind of art to a live audience. The
presentation must take at least one minute, and
the audience must respond with applause. When
the applause comes, you have fulfilled the
condition of the performance and you may use
your skill as appropriate.
Act of Passion 1
Your performance charges you with the passion
to give a little more of yourself off the stage.
Once per event you may empower this skill with
a performance, as described above. Once
empowered, you gain 3 points of Passion. These
points may be spent on any skill or spell in place
of attribute points. You may spend them one at a
time or all at once as you see fit. These extra
 Madrigal

points cannot be refreshed and fade at the end of Break Trance 2

the event.
Awakening the Young Heart 2
The less experienced are said to be blessed by the
fates and more easily inspired and renewed. You
may role play for a minute with a character to
determine if they can be affected by this skill. At
the end of that time you may touch a willing and
conscious recipient with a packet to Diagnose the
Initiate trait. If the recipient has the Initiate trait
you may inspire them with a performance to
refresh a point a Void. After a performance you
exhaust a point of Water, touch the recipient with
a packet and call out "Refresh Void to Initiate."
You must explain to the recipient that they may
only be affected by this skill once per event.
Aria of Courage 4
Your songs bolster courage and give aid to
faltering spirit. You plant your feet, exhaust two
points of Fire and begin to sing. So long as you
sing and do not move your feet you may touch a
packet to a recipient and call out "Cure Fear by
Inspiration" as part of the song you have
prepared. You may not interrupt the song to say
the verbal and you must have at least 8 words
between each use of the verbal. The song is
interrupted if you are struck by any hostile melee,
missile or packet strike.
If two troubadours both have this skill they may
work in tandem so long as both are in arm's reach
and obey the restrictions of the skill. One may
sing a verse while the other harmonizes by
singing the "Cure Fear by Inspiration" verbal.
The second troubadour may cure a person each
time they sing that verbal in harmony with their
partner and need not wait between uses of the
skill. In this case each troubadour need only
exhaust a single point of Fire.
You have some method of snapping people out of
effects with the Trance trait. You may role play
for 3 seconds and touch a packet to a recipient to
call out "Cure Trance by Will."
Bringing Music to the Hearth 4
Your performance carries magical power and can
heal those who listen. To use this ability you
must deliver a performance to a live audience, as
described above. After a successful performance
you may spend two points of Fire to call out "By
My Voice, Heal by Magic."
Chorus of Harmonic Focus 2
One time per event you use the magic of shared
performance to empower yourself with harmonic
magic. Prepare a musical performance with at
least 2 others who have this skill. The
performance must be at least one minute in
length though most are longer. Each performer
must have a part that compliments the others
involved. If you perform your piece and the
audience applauds then you may refresh 2 points
of Harmony from Song of the Arcanum and you
are empowered with harmonic focus. You may
expend this focus to touch cast one beneficial
spell without an incantation. You need only touch
the recipient with a packet and say the verbal to
cast the spell. You cannot be empowered with
more than one focus at a time. If you do not use it
the harmonic focus fades at the end of the event.
If someone with this skill has already used it they
may still help you with your chorus but they can
only benefit from this effect once per event. If
you cannot find 2 others with this skill you may
substitute one or two other people who are
willing to perform with you. Exhaust a point of
Air or Song of the Arcanum for each person
without this skill that you include. If you already
have two others involved who have this skill you

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 Madrigal
may freely include others without cost if they are
only involved to add to the quality or scope of the
performance.
Entertainer 2
You are skilled at entertaining so that you may
earn a living performing between events. If you
use this skill between events, you do not have to
pay monetary or food maintenance costs. You
cannot use this skill if you end an event with a
condition that prevents the use of game skills.
Legend Lore 3
You know many of the bards and storytellers that
travel the merchant's road, spreading tales and
gathering bits of news and lore. You may
research the legends and stories of the land to
look for information on a particular subject or
item. The more legendary the information is, the
more information this skill will return. If you
spread some money around you often hear
rumors or tales about the things other traveling
troubadours have seen and legends they might
have heard. This is an information skill that
requires you to spread around some money to
loosen lips. You submit a question between
events as described in the Information Skills
section above. If the question is appropriate for
the troubadours that travel the merchant's road
you may receive knowledge appropriate to your
question.
Musical Focus 1
Your performance charges you so that you may
shake off effects based on Despair, Fear or Will.
To use this ability you must empower it with a
performance, as described above. Once
empowered you may use this ability one time to
purge all effects based on Despair, Fear or Will.
You must call out "Purge Despair" or "Purge
Fear" or "Purge Will" as appropriate when this
ability is used. Once the ability is used, it cannot
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be used again until you have completed another
performance. The performance must have
occurred during the current event.
Raise Banners With Song 1
Your song can be used with a Herald's banner to
inspire a Company. To inspire a Company with
music you must either be a permanent member of
that Company or you must be accepted by the
Company with the aid and approval of their
Herald. If you are not a permanent part of a
Company you may activate this skill by giving a
performance with a Herald and as many members
of the company as possible in attendance. At the
end of the performance, if the Herald gives you
approval, you are Affiliated with the company.
You may only be Affiliated to one company at a
time. Activating this skill with another
performance replaces an existing Affiliation. You
may also end an Affiliation by resting for one
minute if that is your intent.
Once you are Affiliated with a Company you
may use this skill in two ways. First, you may
substitute the trait of any "By My Voice"
delivered effect with the company name. If you
successfully use a "By My Voice" delivered skill
you may change the trait in the verbal to "to
<Company Name>" so it only affects members of
the Company. Second, you may exhaust a point
of Fire or Song of the Arcanum and sing an
incantation with at least 24 syllables that you
create to inspire the Herald of the Company. At
the end of the song you may touch the Herald and
call out "Refresh Eloquence by Inspiration" to
refresh the Eloquence of the Herald. You cannot
inspire yourself with the second use of this skill.
If you are a permanent member of a Company
and you find the need to act as the troubadour for
a different company then you may use this ability
to become Affiliated to one other company.
While you are so Affiliated your ties and
 Madrigal
Affiliation to your normal Company are
suppressed and you cannot use this skill with
your normal Company until you rest to end your
temporary Affiliation.
Slander 1
You may, between events, submit to plot small
snippets of your lyrics or art that somehow
slander or trash talk some corporate, social, or
political figure. You are publicly attempting to
cause the figure to lose face. This could cause a
drop in reputation, cause an increase in those
who challenge the figure, or cause others to
investigate the movements of that figure more
carefully. This skill will make life more difficult
for the target, but it is common knowledge who is
doing the slander so most powerful figures will
attempt to return the favor - usually in the form
of armed thugs with little concern about the time
of day or night.
Song of the Arcanum 2*
You gather magical power by singing, and this
allows you to cast all sorts of spells more easily.
Each level of this skill gives you 1 point of
Harmony that can be exhausted instead of Air,
Earth, Fire, or Water when casting spells. You
can use these points of Harmony for devotion
spells learned as a Troubadour, but you can also
use these Harmony points to cast arcane and
divine spells so long as you use song to invoke
that magic. Spells cast using Harmony points do
not use normal incantations. Each spell must
have a unique musical incantation that is at least
four times as long as a normal spell. Your songs
require 16 syllables plus an additional 8 syllables
for each character point of spell cost. This song
replaces the normal incantation of the spell.
Music and lyrics for arcane and divine spells
must be submitted and approved before you use
this skill to cast them. All Harmony points are
refreshed when you use Void to refresh attributes.
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The Sphere of Legacy 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Legacy sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills except that the incantations are
longer and must have a musical or performance
component.
The Sphere of Wayfare 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Wayfare sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills except that the incantations are
longer and must have a musical or performance
component.
Warlock Skills 5
Although you practice arcane magic and cast
spells, and you gain the Arcane trait, you do not
cast forth bolts of arcane power when using
Warlock spells. Instead you channel magical
energies through your weapons. Your weapons
must be decorated with arcane runes. You must
spend one minute attuning a weapon to your
magical energies. You may have one weapon so
attuned, although if you have the ability to use a
second weapon in your off hand you may attune
one additional weapon for that purpose. You
cannot attune to a weapon unless you have the
skill to use it in combat. While you are attuned to
a weapon you can no longer use packets to
deliver any type of spell. Instead you deliver
arcane spells with weapon strikes. All arcane
spells are bound to your weapon whether they are
purchased under this skill set or not. To use
Imbue effects upon yourself you must touch your
attuned weapon to your forehead. You may not
deliver Imbue or Inflict effects to other people
while your weapon is so attuned, nor may you
use any power on others that come from spells
with an Imbue effect. You may spend one minute
de-attuning your weapon and unbinding your
 Madrigal
magical energies to restore your ability to deliver
spells from other skill sets by packet.
You call out the incantation of the spell to
activate it. If you are struck by an attack during
an incantation that spell is interrupted. If you are
interrupted you do not exhaust attributes but you
must start the incantation over to activate the
spell. Once activated it is stored in one of your
weapons. If you have two attuned weapons you
can deliver an active spell with either weapon,
though you cannot have more than one spell
active at one time.
You may swing your weapon and call out the
verbal for the spell. The attributes are exhausted
only if the strike lands and the opponent
acknowledges it through role playing or negates
it with a defense. If you have an active spell you
may cancel that spell and activate a new spell by
calling out the new incantation. This does not
exhaust attributes or Arcane of the previous spell.
If you are disarmed or lose your attuned weapon
the spell fades. You do not exhaust the attributes
but you must call out the incantation again.
Arcane Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Arcane for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Arcane are used to cast arcane spells.
You may exhaust a point of Arcane in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
arcane spells. You cannot exhaust a point of
Arcane Power in place of a point of Void.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
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The Sphere of Gloaming 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Gloaming sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Primal 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Primal sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
The Sphere of Wayfare 3
This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Wayfare sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.
With the Arcane Blade 5
If you are wielding an attuned melee weapon you
may use an empowered blade to parry packet
attacks. You may exhaust 3 points of Fire to
negate any packet attack that strikes you. If the
packet actually hits the blade or striking surface
of your weapon you may reduce this cost to 1
point of Fire. You must call out "Parry by Magic"
when you use this skill.
Warrior Skills 4
Armored for War 2*
This skill allows you to wear more than 2 points
of armor. Each time the skill is bought, the
amount of points you may wear is increased by 1
up to a maximum of 4. You must have a proper
armor prop to use this skill.
Back to Guard 2
If you are fighting with a melee weapon, you
may exhaust one point of Water to call out
"Disengage" as described in the effects section.
 Madrigal
Battlefield Repair 1*
You spend free time gathering together scraps of
armor repairing materials and learning the
intricacies of your own armor. Once per event
you can rest and role play fixing your armor for
at least one minute to repair it and refresh your
armor points. You need not remove the armor. If
this rest and role play is interrupted then the
armor points are not refreshed but the skill is not
used up. You must simply start again from the
beginning when you get the chance. You may
repair your own armor once for each time you
purchase this skill.
Buckler 2
This skill allows you to use a buckler. You cannot
use a larger shield with this skill.
Celerity 3
Your quick wits and reflexes protect you from
damage. You may spend 1 point of Air and rest
for one minute to give yourself 2 armor points.
These armor points can also be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Combat Anticipation 4
You are skilled at protecting vulnerable areas and
twisting with blows to quickly recover from
debilitating strikes. You may purge one Agony or
Maim effect by role playing a painful recovery
for 3 seconds and exhausting a point of Air. You
must call out "Purge" when you use this skill.
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A Crippling Blow 1
You may attempt to make a crippling attack with
a melee attack against a foe's limb. You call out
"Maim" and strike a limb. If the blow lands you
spend a point of Earth and the opponent will
suffer the effects of a Maim on that limb. The
attribute cost is exhausted only if the strike lands
and the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense.
Critical Strike 2
You exhaust 2 points of Earth to make a critical
strike with a melee attack. You call "5 Damage"
and strike with the attack. The attribute cost is
exhausted only if the strike lands and the
opponent acknowledges it through role playing or
negates it with a defense.
A Desperate Defense 2
If you are wielding a melee weapon you are
skilled with, you may exhaust 2 points of Earth to
negate any melee attack that strikes one of your
limbs. Ranged attacks cannot be negated, nor can
attacks that strike the torso. You must call out
"Parry" when you use this skill.
A Flurry of Strikes 2
You may exhaust a point of Water to call "2
Damage" with a melee attack up to two times.
You exhaust the attribute the first time you swing
using this effect. One use is consumed if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
You need not use the strikes consecutively.
Uncalled strikes and other skills may be used
between uses of this skill. Any remaining strikes
are lost when the event ends or when you refresh
attributes.
Heart of the Lion 1
You exhaust one point of Fire to resist one attack
based on Fear.
 Madrigal
A Little Something Extra 2
This skill allows you to use a small melee
weapon in your off hand.
Reinforced Armaments 1
Twice per event you may resist a Destroy effect
that would destroy your buckler or shield. If you
are not using a buckler or shield you may resist a
Destroy effect that would destroy a weapon you
are wielding.
Resilience 3
You are tough. So long as you are conscious you
may spend 3 seconds of role playing - wiping
blood from your face, shaking your head clear, or
similar actions - to shrug off your wounds. You
exhaust a point of Water and call out "Heal 2 to
Self" to Heal 2 of your Vitality. This ability will
not heal effects other than damage.
A Second Weapon 2
Prerequisites: A Little Something Extra
This skill allows you to use a medium sized
melee weapon in your off hand.
Shield 2
Prerequisite: Buckler
This skill allows you to use a full sized shield.
You cannot throw packet delivered effects while
you have a full sized shield in your hand.
Steel Over Sorcery 2
Once per event call out "Resist" to negate one
packet attack that strikes your weapon, buckler or
shield. If you have no skills that allow you to cast
spells or use packet delivered Heal effects you
may refresh this skill once per event when your
armor is refreshed.
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A Steel Shell 3
Prerequisite: Armored For War 2
If you are wearing an armor prop worth 4 points
of armor that is also articulated or has prominent
shoulder pauldrons you may exhaust a point of
Fire and call out "Resist" to negate one melee
attack with the Agony, Damage, or Maim effect.
This skill can only be used once per armor reset.
Once your armor is fixed and the points refreshed
the skill can be used an additional time before a
new armor refresh is required.
The Twin Threat 2
Prerequisite: A Second Weapon
This skill allows you to use any one handed
melee weapon in your off hand.
The Will To Live 3
This skill allows you to survive if you are struck
by an attack that inflicts the Death effect. Instead
of being struck dead, you may exhaust 2 points of
Fire and collapse in an unstable state with no
Vitality. This skill does not work against a Death
Strike, nor will it protect you if you die from
bleed out. You may use this skill even if you are
unconscious.
Wizard Skills 3
Characters with the Wizard header gain the
Arcane trait. All spells purchased under this
header are arcane spells
Arcane Fury 5
You create an Arcane Sanctum where you focus
your magical power. The sanctum must have at
the minimum a large circle on the floor decorated
with runes and arcane symbols. It is set up at the
beginning of the event and it cannot be moved
during an event. You gain a single point of
Arcane that can be used in place of Air, Earth,
Fire, or Water when casting an arcane spell that
 Madrigal

does not have an Imbue, an Inflict, or a beneficial

effect. This single point of Arcane can be
refreshed by spending one minute concentrating
within the circle in your Arcane Sanctum. Arcane
casters can share this circle, pooling their talents
to decorate and maintain this sanctum.

Arcane Power 3*
This skill gives you 1 point of Arcane for each
time it is purchased. These points are refreshed
when you refresh Attributes with Void. These
points of Arcane are used to cast arcane spells.
You may exhaust a point of Arcane in place of a
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water when casting
arcane spells. You cannot exhaust a point of
Arcane Power in place of a point of Void.

The Sphere of Primal 3

This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Primal sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.

The Sphere of Sovereign 3

This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Sovereign sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.

The Sphere of Wayfare 3

This skill allows you to learn spells from the
Wayfare sphere. These spells are purchased and
used like skills.

Staff of the Arcane 3

This skill allows you to hold and use any staff
while you are casting spells, overriding the
restriction that casting requires both hands to be
empty. You must have a skill with the weapon in
question to use this ability.

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 Madrigal
Chapter Four
Magic
Arcane is the magical energy that flows from
place to place. Mystery and wonder cause Arcane
to gather, while rational and logical thought
disperse it. A mage learns to shape Arcane
through creativity and imagination. Casting spells
is the process of using Arcane to cause some
effect to occur.
Mages speak of another realm of magic called the
Arcanum from which all Arcane flows. This
realm is divided into seven spheres, and so
Arcane is divided into seven spheres. Different
types of mages learn to manipulate Arcane from
different spheres. The spheres are Chimera,
Gloaming, Legacy, Primal, Sovereign, Wayfare,
and Weald. In addition, the most depraved casters
use magic from the forbidden sphere of
Malediction to enslave and eat away at the very
spirit. It is a crime to use spells of Malediction by
decree of the Inquisition of the High Church and
by the College of Wizardry.
Gaining Magic
Certain skill headers allow you to purchase
specific spheres of magic. When you purchase a
sphere of magic, you can purchase any of the
spells available under that sphere. Each spell is
purchased and used like a skill.
Using Magic
Magical spells all allow you to summon a
tremendous amount of power, but they have
limitations. Spells require a good deal of
concentration to invoke. Both hands must be
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empty and both arms must be free to move to cast
spells. While certain skills might allow you to
hold a weapon in your off hand while casting, the
hand and arm delivering the spell must be free.
You cannot invoke spells while you are being
struck by an attack that damages you. You cannot
deliver spells with an arm that cannot use game
skills. You must be able to speak to cast a spell
unless you may cast that spell without an
incantation. Furthermore, spells that are delivered
by packet have all of the restrictions of that
attack form.
Casting a spell requires you to recite a short
phrase, called an incantation, before calling out
the verbal. Only after both are completed can you
throw the packet. The incantation is an in game
phrase, and if an effect prevents you from
speaking you normally cannot cast a spell. If you
are damaged or rendered unable to cast the spell
during the incantation or the verbal, the spell is
ruined. You do not exhaust attributes (or the
equivalent) if a spell is interrupted.
Although mages create their own incantations
when they learn a spell, they cannot simply make
up incantations as they see fit. An incantation
must be personalized, and it must be approved as
part of the learning process. The incantation
should contain the sphere of the spell and also
some form of the name. The name does not have
to be incanted exactly, but the incantation should
indicate at least part of the name. Priest
characters must include the name of their patron
in the Incantation instead of the sphere of the
 Madrigal
spell. An incantation must have a number of
syllables equal to twice the cost of the spell plus
4. If a spell costs 2 character points, for example,
the incantation length will be at least 8 syllables.
It has been observed that powerful casters can
use spells without incantations. This arch-magic
comes when a mage is so skilled that they may
set reality aside and bind Arcane with sheer force
of will. Without the time required to speak the
incantation, this magic is quick and therefore
deadly. If you wish this level of mastery, you
must find the knowledge and skill during the
course of the game.
Spells of Chimera
The Displaced Image 3
You create an illusionary image that blurs your
true location. You may only have one of these
spells active at any time, and you cannot cast this
spell on others. You speak the incantation, call
out "Imbue by Chimera" and exhaust two points
of Water. This spell gives you the Chimera trait
while it is active. Although your form appears as
it normally would, the first melee, missile or
packet that strikes you will miss you and this
ability will be consumed. You must call out
"Shield" to indicate that the attack has been
negated. This spell needs no effect card because
it cannot be cast on others. This spell ends when
it is used, when you use Void to refresh attributes,
and at the end of the event.
Dreams of Another 5
Once per event you may call out the dreams,
perceptions, and passions of another willing
character who is familiar with this spell and
understands its effect. Both you and the willing
recipient of the spell must be fully refreshed and
no attributes except Void can be spent when you
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use this ability. You speak the incantation,
concentrate for one minute, and say "Imbue by
Chimera" to activate the spell. When the spell is
activated you switch character cards and both of
you gain the Chimera trait. You gain all the skills
and attributes of the recipient, and they gain all
your skills and attributes. Racial skills and traits,
manifest headers, Imbues, Inflicts, and active
effects remain unchanged. Any ability that ends
when you refresh attributes with Void ends when
you use this ability. While active you cannot
refresh attributes using Void and you are
unaffected by Refresh effects. If there is a skill
on the card that is unfamiliar to you it cannot be
used. If there is a skill with an additional
restriction on how many times it can be used
during an event it cannot be used. You may end
the effect by spending one minute of
concentration with the willing recipient and
calling out "Imbue by Chimera" to swap
character cards. When the effect ends the
attributes of both characters are fully exhausted
as well as any effect granted by one of the
swapped skills. Otherwise the effect lasts until
the end of the event. It is common for characters
under this effect to demonstrate quirks and
passions of the personality of the character they
have swapped with.
Hallucinatory Terrain 1
The terrain around the recipient seems to warp
and twist making quick movement impossible.
You exhaust a point of Earth, cry out "Slow by
Confusion" and throw a packet at an opponent. If
it hits the target, the target takes the effect of
Slow.
The Illusion Exposed 1
You cause creatures created or masked by
illusion to cry out. You exhaust a point of Air,
and cry out "By my Voice, Expose Chimera by
Magic." As with any Expose effect, any character
 Madrigal
with the Chimera trait must respond as loudly as
you cried out.
A Mask of Fright 1
You insert yourself within the target's deepest
fears, preventing them from attacking you. You
exhaust a point of Fire, call out "Repel by Fear"
and throw a packet at an opponent. If it hits the
target, the target takes the effect of Repel.
A Moment of Clarity 4
You invoke Chimera to give a recipient a moment
of focused clarity where you reveal for the
briefest moment the true nature of the world.
Exhaust 1 point of Fire, throw a packet at the
recipient, and call out "Cure Mental by Magic" to
clear their mind of falsehoods.
Send Dreams 1
You conjure dreams and send them forth into the
Dream Realm to find their way to others. If you
use this skill between events you may prepare a
description of the dream to be sent to a specific
recipient you know by name. This description is
not a letter, but instead must be written as one
might experience a dream. This dream is sent,
along with the name and description of the
recipient, to plot. A spirit of the Dream Realm
attempts to visit the recipient and deliver the
dream to them. You may send one dream between
events.
There are certain characters who, though
powerful magic or natural gifts, attract energies
and spirits of the Dream Realm. If you convince
these characters to help, you can cast this spell
during an event. Prepare a physical manifestation
of your dream on parchment. You must include
the name and description of the recipient at the
top of the dream and a description of the dream
underneath. The parchment and writing must be
of reasonable quality. Exhaust a point of Air and
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cast this spell in the presence of a willing
character so infused with the Dream Realm. You
may hand the manifestation of the dream to them
to complete the spell. In time the dream will be
sent forth into the Dream Realm and find its way
to the recipient.
There may be creatures and effects that can block
or intercept attempts to Send Dreams.
The Shattered Mirror 4
You shatter the perceptions and passions of an
opponent leaving them unable to act. Exhaust 2
points of Air and speak the incantation to throw a
packet at an enemy and call out "Drain by
Confusion."
The Tearing of the Dream 1
You call magic power to rip at illusions and those
masked by them. You exhaust a point of Fire, call
out "10 Damage to Chimera" and throw a packet
at an opponent. If it hits the target, and the target
has the Chimera trait, the target takes 10 points of
damage.
An Undead Visage 2
You create an illusionary visage that makes you
appear as an undead. You must obtain a mask that
covers your face and appears to be an undead,
and plot must approve this mask when you
purchase the spell. You must use that particular
mask anytime you cast this spell. The spell is cast
in solitude, and it cannot be cast if you are aware
of anyone watching you. You must exhaust a
point of Air, speak the incantation, say "Imbue by
Magic" and put on the mask. The act of preparing
and putting on the mask represents masking your
face with illusion. You gain the Chimera trait
while this spell is in effect. You may end the
effect when you choose to, but you must once
again find solitude and take the time to remove
the mask to unshape the Arcane. You cannot use
 Madrigal
Void until the spell ends. The spell ends at the
end of the event.
The Unweaving 2
Mindless creatures and characters who throw
themselves into mindless states remove
themselves from the passions of the Dream
Realm, but they also become vulnerable to the
pure essence of Chimera. When a creature calls
No Effect to at least two attacks, each with a
different Mental trait, you may use Chimera to
unravel their physical form. Exhaust a point of
Earth, speak the incantation and call out "2
Damage by Chimera" to unravel the form of that
creature. If the spell strikes the creature and it
does not negate the effect with a defense you may
continue the unraveling by casting the spell on
the same creature two more times with no
attribute cost and no incantation. These extra
spells cannot be renewed like the original
casting; the effect ends after the third casting. If
you lose sight of the creature or become unsure
of which creature was immune the effect ends.
The World Is an Illusion 5
You call on the power of Chimera to step to the
very edge of the Realm of Dreams. You are
empowered to seek shelter someplace in between
realms, becoming insubstantial to the real world
so long as you do not move. Exhaust 2 points of
Earth, speak the incantation and call out "Imbue
by Chimera" to prepare the way. You gain the
Chimera trait and the ability to instantly step into
the Realm of Dreams. Once empowered you may
act normally until you need to step from this
realm. At that point you may call out "Imbue by
Chimera" and clasp your hands in front of you to
turn to spirit. So long as you do not move you
gain the Spirit defense. You retain the Chimera
trait and also gain the Spirit trait. Any attack that
is "to Chimera" or "to Spirit" will affect you and,
if it is not beneficial, knock you out of Spirit
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form. Otherwise you will stay in spirit form until
you choose to move. If you are empowered by
this spell the effect will end when you use it to
take spirit form, you refresh attributes with Void,
or when the event ends.
Spells of Gloaming
Contagion 3
You can take a disease effect from someone and
twist its power to deliver it to another foe.
Exhaust a point of Water, touch the target and call
out "Cure Disease by Gloaming" to draw the
disease from their veins and twist it into the
power of gloaming. You are empowered to cast
that disease forth by hurling two bolts to spread
the contagion. You must call "2 Damage by
Disease" and throw a packet when you use one of
these bolts, but you need speak the incantation of
the spell only when it is first cast. This spell ends
when those two attacks are used, when you use
Void to refresh attributes, and at the end of the
event. You cannot use this spell if you do not
have a diseased target to draw the disease from.
Dance of Undeath 2
You may force an undead creature to be rooted to
the spot. If you believe the target to be undead,
you may exhaust a point of Air, call out "Root to
Undead" and throw a packet at the target. If it
hits the target, and the target has the undead trait,
the target takes the effect of Root.
The Dread Gaze 2
You invoke mind-numbing fear within the target,
causing them to freeze in their tracks. You
exhaust two points of Fire, call out "Paralyze by
Fear" and throw a packet at an opponent. If it hits
the target, the target takes the effect of Paralyze.
 Madrigal
Eternal Rest 4
You call on the power of Gloaming to destroy an
undead abomination, sending it to its final rest.
Exhaust 3 points of Fire, speak the incantation,
throw a packet at the undead creature and call out
"Death to Undead" to destroy it.
Life Steal 3
You steal life essence from a target and store it
within yourself to restore at a later time. You
exhaust a point of Earth and speak the incantation
to throw a packet and call out "2 Damage by
Aging." If the target is affected by the damage
you store the life force and can return it them
later by touching them and calling "Heal 2 by
Gloaming." Once you have the life force you
may choose to exhaust another point of Earth and
call "Heal 2 to Self" to consume the life force
yourself. You can, of course, use this spell on an
enemy and choose to never return the energy.
You can only store the life force of one person.
That life force is lost, and the ability to heal with
it, when the event ends, if you use this spell
again, of when you refresh attributes with Void.
A Mask of Fright 1
You insert yourself within the target's deepest
fears, preventing them from attacking you. You
exhaust a point of Fire, call out "Repel by Fear"
and throw a packet at an opponent. If it hits the
target, the target takes the effect of Repel.
Proscribe Undead 1
You threaten undead with eternal torment greater
than what they already know. You exhaust a point
of Fire, call out "Repel to Undead" and throw a
packet at a target. If it hits the target, and the
target has the undead trait, the target takes the
effect of Repel.
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The Undead's Torment 1
You may cause any undead to cry out in anguish.
You exhaust a point of Air and cry out "By my
Voice, Expose Undead by Will" as loud as you
wish. Anyone who hears the cry and has the
Undead trait must also cry out.
With the Tongue of the Grave 1
You are granted the ability to converse with a
spirit of the dead. You exhaust a point of Air, call
out "Speak to Dead" and throw a packet at a
spirit. If it hits the target, the target may speak
with you if it wishes to. This spell does not force
the spirit to speak, nor will it prevent the spirit
from continuing on it's journey. The attribute cost
is exhausted only if the subject acknowledges the
use of the spell through role playing or negates it
with a defense.
A Withered Limb 2
You infect a limb with vile taint. You must
exhaust a point of Earth, call out "Maim <limb>
by Disease" and throw a packet. If it hits the
target, the target takes the effect of Maim. First
Aid will be useful against this spell if it is used to
cure the Maim effect.
Wrack the Flesh 1
You force writhing pain upon the target. You
exhaust a point of Air, call out "Agony by
Disease" and throw a packet at an opponent. If it
hits the target, the target takes the effect of
Agony.
Spells of Legacy
A Blessing of Health 1
You summon energies that restore health and
vigor to their targets. You speak the incantation,
call out "Imbue by Magic" and exhaust a point of
 Madrigal
Earth. You may deliver two healing effects by
packet. You must call out "Heal by Magic" for
each, but you need speak the incantation of the
spell only when it is first cast. This spell ends
when those two effects are used, when you use
Void to refresh attributes, and at the end of the
event. You may only have one of these spells
active at any time, and you cannot cast this spell
on others. You may, of course, use the healing
effect on others. Invoking each healing effect is
considered to be casting. You cannot have
weapons in your hand unless you have a skill that
allows you to cast while holding a weapon, and
you can be interrupted by an attack.
Divining Sight 5
Many beings are touched by the strands of Fate
as they move from place to place. You attempt to
find those strands and read them, gaining visions
about an area you might visit. When a character
comes forth to lead you someplace out of town or
through a gate you may attempt to look at the
strands of Fate that might cling to them. Exhaust
2 points of Air, touch a willing subject, and call
out "Speak with Fate" to whisper a question to
the individual. Sometimes the strands of Fate will
be empowered and spirits will enter the
individual and whisper some bit of knowledge
about what you might face. Your question must
be short, and the whispers will generally be no
more than a sentence or two in return. The person
so touched might remember details about the
place and elaborate after the spirits have left
them. Some powerful casters can ward areas
against this kind of divination, and some
questions may fall on deaf ears and simply fail.
The Gift of Life 5
You can bring someone back from death but
manipulating Fate leaves both of you weak from
the effort. Exhaust 4 points of Fire, touch a
person who is dead, and call out "Cure Death and
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Drain by Fate" to bring them back to life. You
also take a Drain effect when you use this spell,
calling out "Drain to Self" immediately
thereafter.
Purity of Form 4
Your magic purifies the blood and flesh of the
recipient, cleansing their form. You exhaust a
point of Water, call out "Cure Metabolic by
Magic" and throw a packet at a target. If it hits
the target, the target takes the Cure effect and all
metabolic effects are removed from them unless,
of course, they are affected by a Stricken effect.
The Smile of Good Fortune 2
You call the blessings of Fate down upon you to
prevent your unstable form from dying. You may
only have one of these spells active at any time,
and you cannot cast this spell on others. You
speak the incantation, call out "Imbue by Magic"
and exhaust 2 points of Fire. While the spell is
active, if you are unstable for a minute and about
to die due to blood loss the spell will cause you
to become stable rather than dying. This spell
needs no effect card because it cannot be cast on
others. This spell ends when it is used, when you
use Void to refresh attributes, and at the end of
the event.
The Soothing Touch 2
This spell empowers you with the ability to
stabilize bleeding characters simply by touching
them. You may only have one of these spells
active at any time, and you cannot cast this spell
on others. You speak the incantation, call out
"Imbue by Magic" and exhaust a point of Water.
You may stabilize any number of people by
touching them with a packet and calling out
"Stabilize." This spell needs no effect card
because it cannot be cast on others. This spell
ends when you use Void to refresh attributes, and
at the end of the event. Invoking each stabilize
 Madrigal
effect is considered to be casting. You cannot
have weapons in your hand unless you have a
skill that allows you to cast while holding a
weapon, and you can be interrupted by an attack.
To Walk Death's Realm 5
Once per event you attempt to manipulate Fate
by giving your blessing to a Spirit of the Dead
who has begun the journey to the Gate of Death.
To cast this spell, the caster must prepare at some
time before the spell is needed a written request
to the keeper of the Gate of Death that the spirit
be returned safely. The request must be rolled or
neatly folded and sealed with wax or ribbon.
Exhaust one point each of Air, Earth, Fire, and
Water, touch a willing spirit of the dead traveling
to the Gate, and call out "Imbue to Spirit" and
hand them the scroll. You must prepare the scroll
and use this spell before they are called into the
Gate. Instruct the spirit that they must read the
scroll to the keeper of the Gate if requested to do
so, and their passion in this reading may affect
the decision of the Keeper. If nothing removes
the spell and the request pleases the keeper, the
spirit will be allowed to negate the effects of one
draw if they wish to do so and take a second
draw to replace it from the Deck of Fate. The
spirit will have to abide by the results of the
second draw if they choose to do this regardless
of the result of the first draw.
Spells of Malediction
All Hope Gone 3
You strike such devastation to the spirit that the
very will to act is destroyed. You exhaust 1 point
of Fire, call out "Drain by Despair" and throw a
packet at an opponent. If it hits the target, the
target takes the effect of Drain.
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Corrupted Flesh 1
Your corrupted power sustained the Strength of
undead. You speak the incantation, call out
"Imbue by Malediction" and exhaust a point of
Earth. You may deliver two healing effects to
undead by packet. You must call out "Heal 2 to
Undead" for each, but you need speak the
incantation of the spell only when it is first cast.
This spell ends when those two effects are used,
when you use Void to refresh attributes, and at
the end of the event. You may only have one of
these spells active at any time, and you cannot
cast this spell on others. You may, of course, use
the healing effect on others. Invoking each
healing effect is considered to be casting. You
cannot have weapons in your hand unless you
have a skill that allows you to cast while holding
a weapon, and you can be interrupted by an
attack.
Dance Macabre 4
You may force a spirit of the dead or an undead
creature to be rooted to the spot. If you believe
the target to undead, you may exhaust a point of
Air, call out "Root to Undead" and throw a
packet at the target. If it hits the target, and the
target has the undead trait, the target takes the
effect of Root. If you believe the target to be a
spirit of the dead, then you may exhaust a point
of Air, call out "Root to Dead" and throw a
packet at the target. If it hits the target, and the
target is a spirit of the dead, the target takes the
effect of Root. Some say that the purpose of this
application is to trap the dead spirit while some
more horrible magic is performed.
Heart of Corruption 4
You corrupt the essence of the target and form a
link of corruption to their spirit. The corruption
continues to stream towards the linked character
until that link is broken. Exhaust two points of
Water, throw a packet at the target, and call out
 Madrigal
"2 Damage by Malediction" to form the link. If
the packet strikes the opponent and they
acknowledge it with role play the link is formed.
You may continue to throw "2 Damage by
Malediction" at them at no additional cost. The
effect ends only if one of the attacks is negated
by a called defense, you lose consciousness, you
refresh attributes with Void, or you cannot
determine who exactly you have been hitting. If
you miss the target and hit someone else who did
not move to intercept your attack the link is
broken and the effect ends. If someone else
moved to block or intercept the packet you may
choose to either continue to attack the original
target or change the link to the new target and
start throwing corruption at them.
Maleficent Destruction 5
Your annihilate the unfortunate target with a
wave of corruption. Exhaust 3 points of Earth,
throwing a packet at the target and call out
"Death by Malediction" to snuff out their life like
a candle.
Proscribe Undead 2
You threaten undead with eternal torment greater
than what they already know. You exhaust a point
of Fire, call out "Repel to Undead" and throw a
packet at a target. If it hits the target, and the
target has the undead trait, the target takes the
effect of Repel.
Rage of the Undead 5
You inflict such corruption upon a dead body and
spirit that it rises as an undead and attacks any
creature that is not obviously undead or a spirit.
You prepare a scroll with intricate designs of
blood red circles and runes. You may request an
Inflict card at the beginning of the event, and this
card must be attached to the bottom of the scroll.
You exhaust a point of Void, touch the scroll to
the torso of the dead individual and say “Inflict to
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Dead” to use this spell. Place the scroll into the
hand of the victim, and they will be compelled to
read it. The body will rise as an angry undead.
The undead will have only Earth to use in its
rampage, and the undead will also be forced to
avoid you as it remembers the torment you have
inflicted upon it.
The Severing 5
You tear the lingering tether between a spirit and
a dead body, causing the body to immediately
fade and become a spirit of the dead. Once per
event you may prepare a Scroll of Maleficence
and defy the will of Death to sever a spirit from a
dead body. The scroll must proclaim the
corruption of this spirit. You may request an
Inflict card at the beginning of the event, and this
card must be attached to the bottom of the scroll.
You exhaust a point of Void, touch the scroll to
the torso of the dead individual and say “Inflict to
Dead” to use this spell. Place the scroll into the
hand of the victim, and they will be compelled to
read it. The spell severs the link between body
and spirit, causing the victim to become a spirit
of the dead and ending any hope of saving that
life.
A Spirit's Torture 3
You may inflict terrible torment upon the very
spirit of the target. You exhaust a point of Fire,
call out "Agony to Spirit" and throw a packet at
an opponent. If it hits the target, and the target
has the spirit trait, the target takes the effect of
Agony. A practitioner of Malediction may find all
sorts of twisted uses for the spell. Some use it to
coerce spirits into obeying them, while others use
it on spirits of the dead for the pleasure of
inflicting further punishment to the spirit.
Spells of Primal
 Madrigal
The Drowning Foe 1
You summon up the essence of water to choke
your foe. You exhaust a point of Water, call out
"Agony by Water" and throw a packet at an
opponent. If it hits the target, the target takes the
effect of a Agony.
Engulf 3
You call forth the very Earth to engulf and entrap
your foes. You exhaust two points of Earth, call
out "Paralyze by Earth" and throw a packet at an
opponent. If it hits the target, the target takes the
effect of a Paralyze.
The Fire's Spark 1
You may summon forth a red light so long as you
have a cylume stick as the prop for that light. The
light does not exhaust any attribute. It lasts as
long as the cylume stick lasts. The light may be
set aside or passed to another character, but it
cannot be thrown. The light is a red cylume stick,
and it cannot be broken open or disguised to
appear as another type of prop or effect. It is said
that some casters are able to study ways to create
brighter or different colored light.
The Heart of the Inferno 4
You summon forth a whirlpool of magical fire to
hurl at your foes. You may only have one of these
spells active at any time, and you cannot cast this
spell on others. You speak the incantation, call
out "Imbue by Fire" and exhaust two points of
Fire. You may hurl ten bolts of flame each
causing 2 points of damage. You must call "2
Damage by Fire" and throw a packet when you
use one of these bolts, but you need speak the
incantation of the spell only when it is first cast.
This spell needs no effect card because it cannot
be cast on others. This spell ends when those ten
attacks are used, when you use Void to refresh
attributes, and at the end of the event.
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Whenever you use this effect on someone else,
even if you are only invoking it, you are
considered to be casting. You cannot have
weapons in your hand unless you have a skill that
allows you to cast while holding a weapon, and
you can be interrupted by an attack. Attributes
are exhausted when a spell is first cast. Because
of this, a priest of Wyrlok cannot use Blood Lust
with the Heart of the Inferno because by the time
the packet is thrown the attributes are already
exhausted.
Roots Run Deep 1
You call upon the very Earth to entrap a foe,
rooting them to the ground. You exhaust a point
of Earth, call out "Root by Earth" and throw a
packet at a target. If it hits the target, the target
takes the Root effect.
Warding Off the Elements 3
You call on Primal magic to protect you from the
elements. You may only have one of these spells
active at any time, and you cannot cast this spell
on others. You speak the incantation, call out
"Imbue by Magic" and exhaust a point of Earth.
You may negate any attack with an elemental
trait. You must call "Resist" when you use this
spell. This spell needs no effect card because it
cannot be cast on others. This spell ends when it
is used, when you use Void to refresh attributes,
and at the end of the event.
Winter's Breath 1
You evoke a bolt of ice to destroy a foe. You
exhaust a point of Air, call out "5 Damage by
Ice" and throw a packet at a target. If it hits the
target, the target takes the 5 points of Ice damage.
Spells of Sovereign
 Madrigal
A Command to Step Aside 1
You call forth magic to send away an antagonist.
You exhaust a point of Air, call out "Repel by
Will" and throw a packet at an opponent. If it hits
the target, the target takes the effect of Repel.
Disarm 1
By overriding the functions of the brain, you
prevent the opponent from using one hand. You
exhaust a point of Water, call out "Disarm
<hand> by Will" and throw a packet at an
opponent. If it hits the target, the target takes the
effect of a Disarm.
Fortified Will 3
You call forth magic to weave a mystical shield
of will to protect your mind. You may only have
one of these spells active at any time, and you
cannot cast this spell on others. You speak the
incantation, call out "Imbue by Sovereign" and
exhaust one point of Air. This protection will
negate the first attack that affects you that has a
Mental trait. You must call out "Shield" to
indicate that the attack has been negated. This
spell needs no effect card because it cannot be
cast on others. This spell ends when it is used,
when you use Void to refresh attributes, and at
the end of the event.
Free the Mind 3
You free the recipient of all effects based on
mind traits. Exhaust 1 point of Air, call out "Cure
Mental by Magic" and throw a packet at an
target. If it hits the target, all effects on the target
with a Mental trait are negated.
Imprison 5
You imprison an opponent in magical bonds. You
exhaust 2 points of Earth, call out "Paralyze by
Force" and throw a packet at an opponent. If it
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hits the target, the target takes the effect of
Paralyze.
Struck Silent 2
You may take control of the mind and prevent a
foe from speaking, yelling, or making any type of
verbal noise. You exhaust a point of Air, call out
"Silence by Will" and throw a packet at an
opponent. If it hits the target, the target takes the
effect of Silence.
The Swift Hand of Vengeance 5
You call forth magic to end the victim's life. You
exhaust 3 points of Fire, call out "Death by
Magic" and throw a packet at an opponent. If it
hits the target, the target takes the effect of Death.
The Unseen Hand 5
Many beings are touched by the strands of
Sovereign as they make deals and receive orders
by someone with more purpose. You attempt to
find those strands and read them, gaining visions
from enemies about who might be ultimately
responsible for their actions. When an enemy has
been defeated and you feel that there might be
some complex act behind their actions you may,
once per event, attempt to find strands that reveal
those plans. Exhaust 3 points of Water, touch a
helpless, unconscious, or dead subject, and call
out "Speak with Sovereign" to whisper "Who is
responsible for this?" to that individual. This is a
difficult power to use because mindless creatures
and minions that have not dealt directly with the
enemy you seek will lack the strands of magic
you wish to read. This skill is better used on
more intelligent foes who are more likely to have
an understanding of the plans in motion and thus
more likely to be touched by the strand of
Sovereign you must read. Clueless minions might
not respond, or they might call out "No Effect"
and waste your use. For some enemies the
strands of Sovereign will be empowered and
 Madrigal
spirits will enter the individual and whisper some
bit of knowledge to you about who might be
leading, hiring, or empowering your enemies.
Some powerful casters can ward minions against
this kind of divination and sometimes the strands
of Sovereign necessary for this divination are
simply not present to read.
Spells of Wayfare
The Broken Path 3
The path beneath the recipient becomes unstable
and treacherous. You exhaust a point of Water,
cry out "Slow by Magic" and throw a packet at
an opponent. If it hits the target, the target takes
the effect of Slow.
A Command to Step Aside 1
You call forth magics to send away an antagonist.
You exhaust a point of Air, call out "Repel by
Will" and throw a packet at an opponent. If it hits
the target, the target takes the effect of Repel.
The Clear Road 1
You free someone from a Root effect. You
exhaust a point of Fire, call out "Cure Root by
Magic" and throw a packet at a target. If it hits
the target, the target takes the Cure Root effect.
Freedom of Movement 5
You can free your charges from physical
bindings, ailments, and afflictions that might
hamper or prevent their movement or action.
Exhaust 1 point of Water, throw a packet at the
recipient, and call out "Cure Physical by Magic"
to free the target from all types of physical effects
including those delivered with the Weapon trait
such as Maim, Agony, and even Stun.
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On Your Feet Again 1
You cure one maimed limb. You exhaust a point
of Fire, call out "Cure Maim <limb> by Magic"
and throw a packet at a target. If it hits the target,
the target takes the Cure Maim <limb> effect.
This spell will work on one maimed limb.
Seven Mile Step 4
You can slip into the spirit realm and travel for a
short distance safely before you are forced back
into the real world. The spell requires a small
gold or yellow ring to represent a portal. The ring
is a throwing weapon that is 6" across, although
the prop for the "ring" can also be a disk or a ball.
Mark the ring with a red circle to show that
others cannot touch your ring. Exhaust 2 points
of Water, throw your ring at some safe
destination, and call out "Imbue by Wayfare" to
take spirit form and travel to the place where the
ring came to rest. You gain the Spirit defense
while you travel. Any effect with the "to Spirit"
trait that is not beneficial will knock you out of
spirit form and end this effect where ever you
were struck. So long as a throng of characters
engaged in combat do not bar your way you will
travel as directly and quickly to that ring as
possible. Upon arriving call out "Imbue to Spirit"
to step back into this world to end the effect. If
there are too many combatants in your way you
may pause until a safe opening appears for you to
continue. While traveling you cannot attempt to
interfere with any actions by blocking or catching
attacks. If the ring passes through any kind of
Gate then this spell fails, and you cannot pass
through a gate while you are in spirit form. Once
you invoke the spell and throw the ring you are
bound to get to the ring as directly and quickly as
possible. If you cannot find the ring or cannot
reach the ring within 5 minutes then your spirit is
lost to the spirit realm. Your life is forfeit and you
become a Spirit of the Dead and must travel to
the Gate of Death. The ring you use for this spell
 Madrigal
must be yellow or gold, decorated with a unique
marking, and marked with a red circle to prevent
other characters from moving it.
The Soothing Touch 2
This spell gives you the ability to cause bleeding
characters to become stable simply by touching
them. You may only have one of these spells
active at any time, and you cannot cast this spell
on others. You speak the incantation, call out
"Imbue by Magic" and exhaust a point of Water.
You may stabilize any number of people by
touching them with a packet and calling out
"Stabilize." This spell needs no effect card
because it cannot be cast on others. This spell
ends when you use Void to refresh attributes, and
at the end of the event.
Mystical Protection 3
You weave mystical energy to protect your form
with unseen armor. You may only have one of
these spells active at any time, and you cannot
cast this spell on others. You rest for a minute,
speak the incantation, call out "Imbue by Magic"
and exhaust a point of Air. You gain two points of
armor. These armor points can be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Wizard's Light 1
You may summon forth a green light so long as
you have a cylume stick as the prop for that light.
The light does not exhaust any attribute. It lasts
as long as the cylume stick lasts. The light may
be set aside or passed to another character, but it
cannot be thrown. The light is a green cylume
stick, and it cannot be broken open or disguised
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to appear as another type of prop or effect. It is
said that some casters are able to study ways to
create brighter or different colored light.
Spells of Weald
Barkskin 3
You mark your face with at least three bark-like
stripes to gain the toughness of oak and protect
your form with armor. You may only have one of
these spells active at any time, and you cannot
cast this spell on others. You rest for a minute,
speak the incantation, call out "Imbue by Magic"
and exhaust a point of Water. You gain two points
of armor. These armor points can be refreshed by
resting for 1 minute. Choose how you role play
your resting time. You cannot use this spell if you
are already protected by armor points, and these
points are lost if you put on or activate any other
armor or ability that gives you armor points.
These armor points last until the end of the event
or until you refresh attributes with Void.
Bounty of the Wood 3
Once per event you may bless a feast in a wild or
sacred place and provide magical nourishment
for all involved. At the start of the event you may
get a number of bounty tags equal to the total of
your Earth and Air attributes. After the feast has
lasted for at least one minute exhaust 1 point of
Water to bless the participants of a meal. Touch
each in turn and call out "Imbue by Magic" to
give them the nourishment tag. The food and
drink will be enchanted with such nourishment
that the next standard maintenance cost of all
involved will be waived. Each participant must
receive an Imbue tag. If the blessing and card is
not received, the maintenance is not waived.
 Madrigal
Claw Shape 1
You will your body to assume it's primal shape,
growing claws. You exhaust a point of Fire and
prepare your legal claw props. The process takes
time, and while you are getting out your claws
your body is busy growing them. You may use
these claws as if you had the skill Armed as the
Hunter. The claws last until the event ends or
until you refresh your attributes.
Draw Forth the Serpent 4
You can draw a poison effect from someone and
change its nature to envenom your own claws.
Exhaust 1 points of Water, touch the target and
call out "Cure Poison by Magic" to draw the
poison from their veins and change it into a
venom. You are empowered to envenom your
claws, calling "2 Damage by Poison" for each of
the two swings. You need not use these strikes
immediately; you can save them to use later but
they fade if you refresh attributes with Void, use
this spell again, or when the event ends. The claw
venom is only used if you strike an opponent and
they acknowledge the hit through role play or
negate the attack with a defense. You cannot use
this spell if you do not have a poisoned target.
Driving Off the Predator 1
You use the power of Weald to drive an animal
away from you. You exhaust a point of Fire, call
out "Repel to Beast" and throw a packet at an
opponent. If it hits the target, and the target has
the Beast trait, then the target takes the effect of
Repel.
Roots Run Deep 1
You call upon the very Earth to entrap a foe,
rooting them to the ground. You exhaust a point
of Earth, call out "Root by Earth" and throw a
packet at a target. If it hits the target, the target
takes the Root effect.
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The Running River 1
You free someone from a Root effect. You
exhaust a point of Water, call out "Cure Root by
Magic" and throw a packet at a target. If it hits
the target, the target takes the Cure Root effect.
The Storm's Anger 2
You evoke a bolt of lightning to destroy a foe.
You exhaust a point of Air, call out "5 Damage
by Lightning" and throw a packet at a target. If it
hits the target, the target takes the 5 points of
lightning damage.
A Whispering of Leaves 1
You are granted the ability to converse with one
animated plant. You exhaust a point of Air, call
out "Speak to Plant" and throw a packet at an
animated plant. If it hits the target, and the target
has the Plant trait, the target may speak with you
if it wishes to. This spell does not force the
creature to speak, nor will it prevent the creature
from taking action. The attribute cost is
exhausted only if the subject acknowledges the
use of the spell through role playing or negates it
with a defense.
With the Tongue of the Wild 1
You are granted the ability to converse with one
animal. You exhaust a point of Air, call out
"Speak to Beast" and throw a packet at an
animal. If it hits the target, and the target has the
Beast trait, the target may speak with you if it
wishes to. This spell does not force the animal to
speak, nor will it prevent the animal from taking
an action. The attribute cost is exhausted only if
the subject acknowledges the use of the spell
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
 Madrigal

Chapter Five
Runes
To create a rune, you must have the Runecarving any more runes until you rest. Portal runes
skill and you must obtain a runestone for that invoke themselves, and do not count towards this
rune. The runestone lists the true elements and limit.
carries the magic needed to empower the creation
process. The runestone also lists the level of
Runecarving required to use it. Each runestone
Weapon Runes
These runes are etched onto weapons. You cannot
has a number of charges. Making a rune will
etch runes onto claws or natural weaponry. The
consume one charge of the runestone. The
person intending to use the rune must be wielding
runestone will be destroyed when all charges are
the weapon and must have the skill to do so.
consumed.
Weapon runes that enhance a strike will only
enhance a strike from the weapon they are etched
Runecarving takes a lot of time to prepare. You
upon. When a rune is etched onto a weapon that
submit an Runecarving Sheet with the required
weapon is marked with a round yellow sticker
true elements at check out to create runes
decorated with a stylized glyph. The runesmith
between events. At the start of the next event you
may obtain round yellow stickers at any office
present the runestones at check in and you are
supplies store. Mark the weapon with the sticker,
given your rune. Runes will last approximately
call out Imbue by Runecarving, and hand the
one year before the magic fades so the must be
effect card to the owner of the weapon. Weapons
carved into a surface before they are lost.
so etched can be stolen and are treated as yellow
tagged items so long as the rune remains on the
Carving any rune takes one minute of role
weapon.
playing. The runesmith must have and use props
to represent the forge where they work their
magic. These props are not marked with stickers. Armor Runes
They are useless to other characters and cannot These runes are etched onto armor. The runes can
be stolen. The props for a forge require at the be etched onto a piece of armor rather than a
very least a small table and tools. The props whole suit. The person intending to use the rune
represent a very heavy workshop and cannot be must be wearing the piece of armor to use the
moved during an event. rune. It does not matter if the armor has any
armor points left. As long as the prop is worn, the
Once carved, a rune cannot be moved to another runes can be used. The person wearing the armor
surface. carries the effect card until the effect of the rune
ends. If the Armor is removed and put on another
You may not invoke more than three runes character the runes upon are destroyed.
without resting for five minutes. You may use
any other skills or ability, but you may not invoke

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 Madrigal
Portal Runes
These runes are etched onto portals. They must
be placed at the edge of the doorway or opening,
and an official effect sign must be hung in the
portal in a clearly visible spot. The effect sign
will describe the effects of the rune. The prop for
a portal rune requires a plaque of runes at least 6"
in length. Carving a portal rune requires one
minute of role playing. During this time the rune
plaque is hung on the portal and an information
card is hung so it is clearly visible in the portal.
The rune is active so long as the information sign
is hung in the portal. Anyone who passes through
the portal will invoke the rune, even if they did
not entirely pass through. You may protect other
characters from a portal rune you have carved in
two ways. You may deactivate your portal rune,
or you may carve the essence of others into the
rune, allowing them to pass through the portal
unharmed.
You deactivate your portal rune by spending at
least three seconds of role playing tracing the
runes on the plaque with your finger or with a
runeweaving tool. During this time you take
down the information sign in the doorway or
opening. At this point the rune is deactivated and
anyone may pass through the portal. You may
activate the portal rune by spending three
seconds of role playing to trace the runes of the
plaque and hang the information card. Once this
is done the rune is once again activated.
You attune other characters to the portal rune by
carving their essence into the rune. You take one
minute to role play the carving and write their
character name on the back of the information
card. Attuned characters may spend three seconds
tracing the runes on the plaque with their fingers
to pass through the portal without invoking the
portal rune. Attuning others to your portal rune
takes one minute of role playing, during which
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time you and the character to be attuned must be
touching the plaque. You may attune more than
one character at a time so long as all affected
characters are touching the plaque. After the role
playing is complete you write the name of each
character on the back of the information card.
You tell them that they are attuned to the rune.
The process of attunement is ruined if interrupted
and must be started over. If anyone involved
breaks contact with the plaque then the
attunement attempt ends unsuccessfully. A
runesmith is always attuned to their own portal
rune. The process of attunement cannot be
reversed.
Each portal rune requires a separate rune plaque.
Attuned characters must spend three seconds
tracing runes on each plaque if there is more than
one rune on the portal. If an attuned character
spends three seconds tracing the runes they must
pass through the portal before they move from
the plaque. If they leave arm's reach of the plaque
then they must retrace the runes when they
return.
Flesh Runes
These runes are burned onto the flesh. They are
painful, but when the rune is invoked it slowly
fades leaving no scar. Many runesmiths find the
use of Flesh runes distasteful, and disdain other
runesmiths who use them. A flesh rune must be
exposed and visible when it is invoked or it will
not work. The runesmith draws the rune onto the
target with some type of water soluble makeup
and puts the sticker onto the character's card.
When a recipient receives a flesh rune they also
gain the "Flesh" trait for the remainder of that
event. Flesh runes must be at least 1" in any
direction. After the rune is invoked, the person
with the rune must wipe it off at their earliest
convenience. Another flesh rune cannot be added
until all faded runes are removed.
 Madrigal
Level 1 Runes
Armor Rune of Heat Tolerance
This armor is attuned to the forge and does not
need to be removed to be repaired.
Armor Rune of Protection
This rune increases the protective value of one
piece of physical armor by 1 full point, and this
point acts as though it were a normal point of
armor. It may be fixed or refreshed when your
regular armor points are restored. The point can
exceed limits for skill, prop, or even type of
armor, but your total armor points cannot exceed
4. The rune will fail if the recipient has any other
enhancement to their armor points. This rune
fades at the end of the event.
Flesh Rune of Healing
Inflict Flesh by Rune. Consume this rune to
increase one of your Heal effects by 2. If the
effect was delivered by touch you may use this
effect one additional time. You may not use more
than 3 runes without resting. This rune fades
when it is invoked and at the end of the event.
Portal Rune of Alarm
This rune will raise an alarm if a character passes
through the portal while the rune is active. Any
character who passes through the portal with an
active Rune of Alarm must represent the rune by
yelling "Rune of Alarm! Rune of Alarm! Rune of
Alarm" as loud as they can. This noise represents
the alarm of the rune, so the player must yell this
even if the character is under the effects of
Silence or cannot speak. This rune fades at the
end of the event.
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Portal Rune of Fire
This rune delivers fire damage to anyone who
steps through the portal while the rune is active.
Any person passing through the portal will
invoke the rune and take "5 Damage by Fire."
Anyone standing in the portal will invoke the
rune once per second. A creature who is healed
by fire will not invoke the rune. This rune lasts
until the end of the event.
Weapon Rune of Fire
Call "5 Damage by Fire" and strike with this
weapon. The rune is consumed only if the strike
lands and the opponent acknowledges it through
role playing or negates it with a defense. You
may not use more than 3 runes without resting.
This rune fades when it is invoked and at the end
of the event.
Level 2 Runes
Armor Rune of Forging
You may invoke this rune by calling out "Rune of
Forging" as you raise your hands high above your
head for three seconds. At the end of that time, all
physical armor points are refreshed. Your hands
do not need to be empty, but you cannot be
moving your feet or using game skills while your
armor refits. This rune fades when it is invoked
and at the end of the event.
Flesh Rune of Luck
Inflict Flesh by Rune. When you have been
Unstable too long and are about to die consume
this rune. You become Stable and begin your 5
minute count. This rune fades when it is invoked
and at the end of the event.
Flesh Rune of Spellcasting
Inflict Flesh by Rune. You may consume this
rune instead of an attribute point when casting a
 Madrigal

spell, regardless of the type of spell. You may not
use more than 3 runes without resting. This rune
fades when it is invoked and at the end of the
event.
Weapon Rune of Venom
You may apply a venom to this weapon and use
the weapon freely without using the venom. This
rune is consumed when the venom is consumed.
Level 3 Runes
Armor Rune of Countermagic
The character wearing a piece of armor with this
rune may negate one attack with the Magic trait
by calling out "Resist" after they are struck. The
target may choose which attack they will negate.
This rune fades when it is invoked and at the end
of the event.
Flesh Rune of Greater Healing
Inflict Flesh by Rune. When this rune is
consumed, your next 3 Heal effects are increased
by 4. If the effect was delivered by touch you
may use this effect one additional time. You may
not use more than 3 runes without resting. This
rune fades when it is invoked and at the end of
the event.
Weapon Rune of the Iron Grip
Consume this rune when someone tries to use a
Disarm effect on this weapon. You may call out
"Resist by Magic" to negate the effect.
fades when it is invoked and at the end of the
event.
Level 4 Runes
Portal Rune of Cancellation
This rune is carved on a portal to erase one other
rune. After one minute of runecarving, the
runesmith may remove one portal rune from that
portal. The Rune of Cancellation and the target
Rune are destroyed. The runesmith removes the
rune and any information signs and places them
on the ground next to the doorway.
Portal Rune of Forbiddance
This rune will prevent anyone from passing
through the portal while the Rune of Forbiddance
is active. This rune fades at the end of the event.
Weapon Rune of Channeling
Consume this rune to activate one channeled
apell without needing an incantation. You call out
"Runeweave" and the verbal instead.
Weapon Rune of Slaying
Call "Death by Magic" and strike with this
weapon. The rune is consumed only if the strike
lands and the opponent acknowledges it through
role playing or negates it with a defense. You
may not use more than 3 runes without resting.
This rune fades when it is invoked and at the end
of the event.

Weapon Rune of Sharpening

Activate this rune to increase your next two
called damage effects with a Physical trait by 3.
One use is consumed only if the strike lands and
the opponent acknowledges it through role
playing or negates it with a defense. You may not
use more than 3 runes without resting. This rune

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 Madrigal
Chapter Six
Alchemy
Alchemists have the ability to create substances
by finding and mixing natural components that
have been infused with arcane. Components are
gathered during game and mixed between events
into elixirs, catalysts, and venom.
Using Alchemy
Alchemy comes in small vials containing rolled
up effect tags. You cannot open a substance until
it is used. You cannot take the tag out of the vial
and read it unless you have used the substance. If
you want to know what the substance is, then the
substance must be identified by the outer runes.
If it has no runes, it cannot be identified.
If you use a substance improperly, like drinking a
venom or smearing an elixir on a blade, the
substance is destroyed with no effect. If you
drink an elixir and read the tag you must accept
the effect, although you could negate it if you had
an appropriate defense.
Some substances might have been created
improperly, or created with tainted components.
Some of these substances will have side effects.
If a potion has a section labeled "Side Effect:"
then whoever imbibes the potion will also take
the additional effects described in this section.
Components
Alchemical components can be found in all sorts
of places. Some grow wild and can be obtained
by searching the woods. Others might be found
underground. Characters may gather and trade
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components. Gathered components last until the
end of the year. When the Night of Dreams
comes to an end the magical properties of all
components fade. Components must be turned in
at the end of the year.
To create a substance, you must have the
Alchemy skill and you must obtain an alchemical
formula for that substance. The formula lists the
components and carries the magic needed to
empower the creation process. The formula also
lists the level of Alchemy required to use it. You
must have a game skill to copy or memorize a
formula. Each formula has a number of charges.
Making a substance will consume one charge of
the formula. The formula will be destroyed when
all charges are consumed.
Alchemy takes a lot of time to prepare. You
submit an Alchemy Sheet with the required
components at check out to create substances
between events. You may create 5 substances per
event. At the start of the next event you present
the formulas at check in and you are given your
substances. Substances will last approximately
one year before the magic fades.
Complex elixirs have an Imbue or Inflict effect.
Simple elixirs have a standard verbal and you
may mix then directly into your alchemy flask.
You may deliver elixirs from your flask by
touching the recipient with a packet. Using them
in this manner does not require light and the
recipient is not disoriented because they have no
tag to read. Two flask elixirs count as one
 Madrigal
substance when you are determining how many
substances you can make between events, though
you must still use components and formula
charges for each.
Elixirs
These magical potions cause some strange effect
upon the person who drinks them. Elixirs are
given out in sealed containers. To use an elixir,
you must open the container, drink the potion,
and read the effect card. The nature of alchemical
elixirs requires time and light for them to work.
Opening the potion bottle in the presence of light
starts the alchemical reaction. Once the elixir is
consumed it takes some small amount of time for
it to work its magic. The light and time required
to take out and read the potion tag represent these
processes. When you use a substance, you must
stop and read the tag. All of the tag. You might
think it is an Elixir of Healing, and the runes
might even say it's an Elixir of Healing, but it
might have a side effect so it will not take effect
until you read the whole description. In game, the
potion will cause disorientation that is
represented by the time it takes to read the effect
card. Once the container is opened, the elixir
must be consumed. You may feed an elixir to a
willing or unconscious individual instead of
drinking it yourself. In this case you must open
the potion, role play feeding it to them, and hand
them the effect card.
Venom
Venoms are toxic substances applied to blades.
They are illegal in most civilized lands. Venom is
delivered with a melee attack. You must have a
special skill to apply and use venom. Attempting
to apply a venom without this skill destroys the
venom. Alchemists can learn to create these
substances, but it takes special training to know
how to employ them.
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Using a skill to apply a venom takes 5 seconds of
role playing. You have the "Venom" trait while
you carry a weapon with a venom applied. The
expiration date of a venom assumes it is not yet
applied to a blade. Once applied, a venom is
delivered on the next blow with that weapon, and
applied venom that goes unused fades at the end
of the event. A blade venom is used up only if the
strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role playing or negates it with a defense.
A venom is destroyed if its weapon is affected by
a Destroy, someone mistakenly swings the
weapon and does not call out the venom effect, or
if you leave the weapon unattended.
Catalysts
These substances are magical oils and powders
with magical properties that perform some other
function. Some of these substances are used to
make other types of items, like traps, and others
will transform or enhance items they are applied
to. Each catalyst has its own purpose and use, but
all catalysts take one minute of role playing by an
alchemist who could make the substance to use.
Level 1 Substances
You must have an Alchemy skill of 1 to use
formulas to create these substances.
Elixir of Bravery
The effect of this elixir is Grant "Shield Fear" by
Magic.
Elixir of Minor Healing
The effect of this elixir is "Heal 2 by Magic."
Elixir of Splinting
The effect of this elixir is "Cure Maim by
Magic."
 Madrigal
Elixir of Striding
The effect of this elixir is "Cure Root by Magic."
Intoxicant
You become intoxicated. You feel good and as
you take more doses you are less and less likely
to retain good judgement. If you imbibe a
number of doses equal to your Earth you are
likely to become a little wild or overly emotional.
If you exceed your Earth you are likely to pass
out for a time. Real danger tends to awaken and
sober you quickly.
Preservative Catalyst
This oil is bottled with a component to preserve
that component indefinitely. The component is
bottled and will not fade at the end of the year.
Scorpion Sting Venom
An oily black paste that smells like mint. This
venom strikes for "Agony by Poison" if you have
the skill to apply and use blade venom.
Snake Bite Venom
A green paste with a musky smell. This venom
strikes for "5 Damage by Poison" if you have the
skill to apply and use blade venom.
Level 2 Substances
You must have an Alchemy skill of 2 to use
formulas to create these substances.
Alkahest Catalyst
This catalyst restores 5 measures of Alkahest to
your lab. You must have enough free space to
hold these measures. If you do not then extra
measures are lost when you use this catalyst.
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Blue Lightning Venom
A blue paste that crystallizes in a cracked pattern
when applied to a blade. This venom strikes for
"Quick Paralyze by Poison" if you have the skill
to apply and use blade venom.
Elixir of Good Health
The effect of this elixir is "Cure Disease by
Magic."
Elixir of Iron Limbs
The effect of this elixir is Grant "Shield Maim"
by Magic.
Elixir of Moderate Healing
The effect of this elixir is "Heal 5 by Magic."
Elixir of Pain Resistance
The effect of this elixir is Grant "Shield Agony"
by Magic.
Elixir of Antidotes
The effect of this elixir is "Cure Poison by
Magic."
Level 3 Substances
You must have an Alchemy skill of 3 to use
formulas to create these substances.
Amber Prison Venom
A golden paste that crystallizes in an amber sheen
when applied to a blade. This venom strikes for
"Paralyze by Poison" if you have the skill to
apply and use blade venom.
Elixir of Greater Healing
The effect of this elixir is "Heal 10 by Magic."
 Madrigal

Elixir of Courage
The effect of this elixir is "Imbue by Magic." You
may call out “Shield” to negate the next two
attacks with the Fear trait that strike you. This
counts as a Grant effect and cannot stack or be
stacked with another Grant effect that targets the
Fear trait.
Elixir of Anti-venom
The effect of this elixir is Grant "Shield Poison"
by Magic.
Elixir of Elemental Purity
The effect of this elixir is "Cure Elemental by
Magic."
Red Fury Venom
A blood red paste that appears wet even when it
is applied. This venom strikes for "Frenzy by
Poison" if you have the skill to apply and use
blade venom.
Elixir of Stone Skin
The effect of this elixir is Grant "Resist Damage"
by Magic.
Golden Touch Catalyst
This magical liquid can be applied to a small
metal object between events to turn that object
into gold. The object can be no larger than a
dagger, and objects so affected will become
valuable ornamental items but will lose all game
functions and magical enchantments. The item
becomes solid gold and can be sold in game for
one piece of gold. Some magical items will resist
this enchantment. The Golden Touch is turned in
with the item at the end of the event when you
wish to use it.

Level 4 Substances
You must have an Alchemy skill of 4 to use
formulas to create these substances.

Doom of Kings Venom

A sparkly white powder that adheres to metal.
This venom strikes for "Death by Poison" if you
have the skill to apply and use blade venom.

Elixir of Supreme Healing

The effect of this elixir is "Heal 20 by Magic."

Elixir of Life
Administer this elixir to a dead body. The effect
of this elixir is "Cure Death by Magic."

Elixir of Clarity
The effect of this elixir is "Cure Mental by
Magic."

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 Madrigal
Chapter Seven
Races of Aerune
The lands of Aerune are home to a variety of
distinct races. These people that populate Aerune
are known as the Gifted Races. There is a great
variation in the culture and physical distinction of
these races. Some races have distinct variations
or cultures. You gain your general race and your
specific racial variant as a trait. A Leindrel elf,
for example, has both the Elf trait and the
Leindrel trait. Some races are given additional
traits in their description.
Each race has racial skills that they may
purchase. If the racial skill does not have a cost
listed then members of that race get it for free.
You need not purchase your racial skills but some
members of your race might fully expect you to
be able to use your racial skills and might find it
odd if you cannot use them. You are required to
abide by your racial make up requirements at all
appropriate times. If you cannot consistently
wear racial make up for whatever reason then we
have included races that don't have racial
requirements, and others that may change into a
form with heavy make up requirements and back
again for players that might want a race that
allows for that. Races that transform in this
manner cannot use their racial skills unless they
are so transformed.
This section has a summary of the races that are
allowed for player characters and a list of their
racial skills. A more complete description of the
culture of each races and information about races
that are not allowed to players follows.
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Humans
Willful and determined, humans are the most
numerous of the races. They tend to be highly
adaptable and creative. There are six major
Human kingdoms, and other Human cultures
outside these kingdoms, each with it's own
unique set of viewpoints and strengths. Humans
has no racial requirements. All humans have the
following racial skill in common.
Determination
You are determined to succeed where others
might back down. Once per event when one of
your skills or spells is negated by a called
defense you may choose to use this skill instead
of exhausting attributes for that ability.
Energetic 1
Humans are an energetic folk filled with passion
and impatience. Once per event you may reduce
the resting time to use Void to refresh your
attributes. You need rest only one minute to
refresh attributes when you use this skill.
In addition to these skills, each kingdom and
culture has an additional skill that distinguishes it
from other humans.
The Six Kingdoms
 Madrigal
Avanlei
You are from the Kingdom of Avanlei, a land that
stands with strong will against the shadow and
despair of the Malekyrg kingdom.
Vigilant 1
Your people live in the Shadow of the Malekyrg
elves, ever watchful for their treachery. Two
times per event you may use this skill in place of
a point of Air when paying for a skill, spell, or
ability. This skill does not refresh with Void.
Locksmoor
You are from the Kingdom of Locksmoor, and
your ancestors broke from the corrupted
barbarian Blood Tribes and embraced druidic
ways. Your people are the only kingdom that
remembers the old ways of the Pale, and you are
guarded against attempts to deny your belief.
Faithful 1
You cling to the old ways with a fierce
determination that makes it difficult to sway you
from your path. Two times per event you may use
this skill in place of a point of Fire when paying
for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does not
refresh with Void.
Naporea
You are from the Kingdom of Naporea, a land
that both lost its noble purpose and regained its
heritage. Though your folk are proud and quick
to anger, your politics and passions are volatile
and you must be prepared to respond to threat
and insult.
Cunning 1
Politics and fierce pride have made you quick
witted and adaptable. Two times per event you
may use this skill in place of a point of Air when
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paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does
not refresh with Void.
Mhurkiel
You are from the Kingdom of Mhurkiel, where
you have risen from humble beginnings to seek a
greater destiny. Your land exists under the
watchful and powerful eye of your mysterious
Queen, and although the common folk suffer
under the Slave Lords of that land the people find
ways to exist and prosper.
Defiant 1
Your people are hardened by the constant threat
of enslavement or physical punishment from
cruel Slave Lords. Two times per event you may
use this skill in place of a point of Earth when
paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does
not refresh with Void.
Rhoemurg
You are from the Kingdom of Rhoemurg, a
hardened northern land blessed with the gift for
warfare and fortitude to fight the endless war
against the corrupted Blood Tribes to the north.
Steadfast 1
Your people are hardened by the constant war
against the Blood Tribes. Two times per event
you may use this skill in place of a point of Earth
when paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill
does not refresh with Void.
Trechele
You are from the Kingdom of Trechele, the heart
of civilization blessed with fortunate bounty that
allows culture and art to flourish.
 Madrigal
Passionate 1
Your people are surrounded by the finest artisans,
crafts folk, and culture to inspire your passion.
Two times per event you may use this skill in
place of a point of Fire when paying for a skill,
spell, or ability. This skill does not refresh with
Void.
The Wanderers
The Barbarians
You are one of the barbarian folk living on the
edge of the realm in the wilderness and
mountains outside the kingdom. Your
Durable 3
You gain one additional Vitality point.
The Gypsies
You are one of the Gypsy folk, constantly
wandering the land and calling no place home for
long. Your constant wandering has made you
The Gypsy Curse 2
You call forth a curse against someone who has
offended or attacked you or another Gypsy. Once
per event, throw a packet, call out "By My Gypsy
Blood, I Curse You With..." and choose either
"Silence by Magic" or "Weakness by Magic" to
curse an enemy of your folk.
The Elves
Reclusive and magical, much has been written
and speculated about the elves. It is rare for them
to walk the civilized lands, and many humans go
through their lives without ever seeing one of the
fair folk. All elves have pointed ears revealing
their Fey heritage. There are four realms of elves
in Aerune, though players cannot play one of the
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dark Malekyrg elves. All elves have the Fae trait
and share one racial skill.
Acuity of the Elves
You have a keen and quick mind. Your senses are
sharp. Two times per event you may use this skill
in place of a point of Air when paying for a skill,
spell, or ability. This skill does not refresh with
Void.
The Eluviar
You are an elf from the Kingom of Eluviar, also
called the Shining Lands. Your people have
aligned themselves with Light and hold
themselves to the ideals of Erionth, the elven
hero of old. You may purchase the following
skills.
Heart of Light 2
Twice per event you may change any one of your
skills or spells to use the Light trait. Replace the
normal trait of the effect with Light. If you are
using a Damage or Heal effect that already has
the Light trait you may exhaust one use of this
skill to add 3 to the effect.
Remember the Light 2
The light of the Seely Court flows in your veins.
Once per event you may activate this ability. The
next 2 Heal effects that are used upon you or that
you use upon another person are increased by 2.
If the Heal effects are yours you must call out the
increased Heal total in your verbal. If you have
during this event performed some art in front of
an audience for at least one minute then the
power of this skill is increased. Instead increase
the next 3 Heal effects by 2.
The Kh'rewyn
You are one of the Kh'rewyn elves who followed
Queen Delphestra into the heart of the Great Web
 Madrigal
to reclaim that ancient place from corruption.
Your kin cultivate the Twisted Garden as a
physical and spiritual fortress against assault. You
have embraced the Cinereal Thorn to protect you
from the corruption of the Great Web. Your kin
are constantly besieged, if not by the servants of
the corrupted Spider Lord trying to take the Great
Web and destroy your folk, then by the politics
and looming threat of the Kingdom of Malekyrg.
Only the constant vigil of your kin at the edge of
the Twisted Garden staves off disaster. You may
purchase the following skills.
The Cinereal Embrace 3
You have embraced the Cinereal Thorn, the
silvery vine that grows to form the Twisted
Garden. So long as you wear at least 3 feet of
gray and silver vine as part of your costume you
will not gain the Flesh or Blood trait from effects
that inflict those traits upon you, including Flesh
runes. You may also exhaust 2 points of Earth to
resist any attack with the Blood or Malediction
trait.
Caress of the Thorn 1
Twice per event you may take a point of damage
instead of exhausting an attribute point when
using a skill or spell. If you are not wearing at
least 3 feet of gray and silver vine as part of your
costume you will gain the Flesh trait for the rest
of the event.
The Liendrel
You are an elf among the Liendrel tribes. You are
wild and reclusive, more likely to hear the voice
of the animal lords than civilized man. You may
purchase the following skills.
The Forest Lord 3
Once per event if you are in the wilderness where
you can see no buildings you can use any
Beastmaster, Druid or Ranger skill with which
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you are familiar. You need not pay the attribute
cost of this ability, but the skill will fade from
you within 10 seconds.
Remember the Wood 2
The nature of the Seely Court flows in your
veins. Once per event you may activate this
ability. The next 2 Heal effects that are used upon
you or that you use upon another person are
increased by 2. If the Heal effects are yours you
must call out the increased Heal total in your
verbal. If you have during this event performed
some art for at least one minute in the wilderness
where you could see no buildings then the power
of this skill is increased whether you had an
audience for it or not. Instead increase the next 3
Heal effects by 2.
The Eurvein
You are kin to the elements themselves,
embracing your elemental nature to find strength
and balance. You form seethes with elemental
power and many of your folk were once masters
of the forge when you worked your power at
heart of the world. You have been driven from
the ancient halls under the world by the undead
of the Ebon Throne, and now their master Lord
Wickford sits on a throne in the heart of those
ancient halls. All Eurvein share one racial skill.
Born of the Elements
Twice per event you may resist any attack with
an Elemental trait that strikes you. You may
refresh one use of this skill by consuming one
True Element that matches your elemental focus.
True elements so consumed are destroyed and
must be turned in at check out.
 Madrigal
The Eurvein of Air
You have embraced wind and sky as your
elemental focus. Your skin is veined with the
white and gray of clouds and mist, tinged with
pale light blue, with clear or silver highlights of
crystal. Some Eurvein have white hair or light
gray hair. The crystal in your skin is clear or
silver; you may affix a unique pattern of clear
crystals to your face or use silver glitter over
your colored veins. You may purchase two skills.
Embrace the Wind 1
You have seething elemental Air coursing
through you veins. Two times per event you may
use this skill in place of a point of Air when
paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does
not refresh with Void.
The Wind's Fearsome Touch 2
You can manifest fearsome winds to force your
enemies away from you. Two times per event you
may throw a packet at an opponent to call out
"Slam by Wind" to knock your enemies down.
The Eurvein of Earth
You have embraced stone and metal as your
elemental focus. Your skin is veined with either
the earthen colors of stone, or the dark gray and
metallic colors of metal with deep silver
highlights of crystal. Some Eurvein even have
gray hair or black hair streaked with silver. The
crystal in your skin is deep silver; you may affix
a unique pattern of crystals to you face or use
silver glitter over your colored veins. You may
purchase two skills.
Embrace the Earth 1
You have seething elemental Earth coursing
through you veins. Two times per event you may
use this skill in place of a point of Earth when
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paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does
not refresh with Void.
Like the Mountain 2
You can turn your form iron hard, rooting
yourself like the mountain. Twice per event you
raise one foot and stomp it down into a wide
stance as you call out "Imbue by Earth." So long
as you do not move your feet you can call
"Shield by Earth" to negate the next 4 called
attacks with a Physical or Elemental trait. You
may choose to negate an uncalled attack if you
must but this uses one of your 4 defenses. This
ability ends when you move your feet or you
have negated 4 attacks.
The Eurvein of Fire
You have embraced flame and ash as your
elemental focus. Your skin is veined with either
the red and orange and yellow of flame, or the
black and gray of ash with deep red highlights of
crystal. Some Eurvein even have fiery red hair or
ashen gray hair. The crystal in your skin is deep
red; you may affix a unique pattern of crystals to
you face or use dark red glitter over your colored
veins. You may purchase two skills.
Embrace the Fire 1
You have seething elemental Fire coursing
through you veins. Two times per event you may
use this skill in place of a point of Fire when
paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does
not refresh with Void.
The Fire's Seething Touch 2
You can manifest raw elemental fire and cast it
forth to destroy an enemy before you. Once per
event raise one foot and stomp it down into a
wide stance as you call out "Imbue by Fire." So
long as you do not move your feet you can throw
a packet or swing a weapon and call "2 Damage
by Fire" up to 10 times to burn your opponents.
 Madrigal
This ability ends when you move your feet or
you have used all 10 attacks.
The Eurvein of Water
You have embraced the waters of the sea, lakes,
and rivers as your elemental focus. Your skin is
veined with the deep blues and greens of the sea,
with deep blue highlights of crystal. Some
Eurvein even have blue hair or green hair
streaked with seaweed. The crystal in your skin is
deep blue; you may affix a unique pattern of
crystals to you face or use blue glitter over your
colored veins. You may purchase two skills.
Embrace the Water 1
You have seething elemental Water coursing
through you veins. Two times per event you may
use this skill in place of a point of Water when
paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does
not refresh with Void.
The Water's Tidal Rush 2
You can manifest all the power of the sea and tide
to hold back a host. Once per event raise one foot
and stomp it down into a wide stance as you call
out "Imbue by Water." So long as you do not
move your feet you can throw a packet and call
"Repel by Water" or "Repel by Ice" up to 10
times to force opponents away from you. This
ability ends when you move your feet or you
have thrown all 10 attacks.
The Aneketh
You come from the outcast people that live in the
mountainous badlands to the north of the world.
Once an enslaved house of a lost desert realm,
your people still remember when they were noble
and free. You cling to your freedom fiercely, and
are adept at surviving in the harsh northern
badlands. Your people once bore the physical
signs of their enslavement, etched into their faces
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as deep lines and wrinkles. In recent times,
however, many of your folk have changed, taking
the noble appearance of your Court of the Sun
from the time when you were free. Both the
Aneketh of Sun and the Aneketh of Dust share
the following two skills.
Grace of the Aneketh
Your people are graceful and quick. Two times
per event you may use this skill in place of a
point of Water when paying for a skill, spell, or
ability. This skill does not refresh with Void.
Fortitude of a Harsh Land 2
You have chosen the badlands of the north
because they are not unlike your homeland, full
of venomous beasts and toxic plants. You are
resistant to such threads. Once per event you may
call "Resist" to negate one attack with the Poison
trait.
The Aneketh of Sun
You are one of the Aneketh that has regained the
noble bearing and visage of your people and your
house. Your skin has a subtle golden sheen with
golden sparkles, and your lips and eyes are
etched in metallic gold. Woman have eyes that
are lined in black.
Vapors of Clarity 2
You have been trained to gather the components
to create a poison that seethes with mind altering
vapors. You apply this clear substance over your
golden hue, and the vapors help keep your mind
clear. Once per event you may call "Purge Mental
by Poison" to clear your mind.
The Aneketh of Dust
You are one of the Aneketh that has retained the
appearance of your outcast and cursed people.
You skin is tan and deeply wrinkled with darker
 Madrigal
brown lines. Your eyes are circled with darker
brown the bleeds into your wrinkles. You are a
reminder of the shame and suffering your house
and people have endured, and it is common for
the low Aneketh to hide their faces in wrappings.
You may purchase the following skill.
Sting of Dust 2
You react poorly to the vapors of the Aneketh of
the Sun. You instead have been trained to gather
the components to create a nasty venom and you
can apply it in active combat. Once per event you
may call "Agony by Poison" with any bladed
weapon. The liquid nature of the venom allows
you to use it instantly without stopping to apply
it. Once applied the venom is only consumed if
the strike lands and the opponent acknowledges it
through role play or negated it with a defense.
The Ghul
You have spent time in the Lands of the Dead to
the south, and your horrific existence is the price
you have paid for escaping from that dread place.
Although you have escaped the undead lords of
that dark land, the land itself has bled your very
life force and corrupted your spirit. You are one
the the Ghul, neither living nor dead. During the
day you appear to be human, but when night falls
you take the appearance of an undead with dark
rings around your eyes and blackened lips. Some
Ghul become white or gray and have rotting skin.
You have the Undead trait. During the day you
are weak; your Vitality is reduced by 1. At night
you become stronger. At the end or your
transformation your Vitality is instead increased
by 1 and the two point difference is restored to
you. Perhaps the worst thing about Ghuls is that
they sometimes fall into a mindless rage in the
presence of the Foul. You may purchase the
following skills, but you can only use them while
you are transformed.
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Corrupted Rage
If you are struck by an effect with the
Malediction trait you may choose to call out
"Reduce to Frenzy" to negate the attack and
allow the Malediction to cast you into a mindless
rage.
Manifest Claws 4
You grow and retract claws in both hands. You
may attack and parry with these claws. You may
fight with a claw in each hand at the same time,
but you may not fight with claws and other
weapons or a shield. You may use one medium
claw and one short claw. The time it takes to
prepare the claws or put them away is the time it
takes to grow or retract the claws. If you
purchase Armed as the Hunter or a similar ability
that normally gives you claws your claws are
enhanced. You may use two full length long
claws. The maximum length for these claws is
the same as the length of a one handed sword.
Not Truly Alive 2
Twice per night your undead form casts off an
effect that would weaken the living. You may
spent 3 seconds of role playing and call out
"Purge Metabolic" to end an effect that might
hamper a creature that is truly living.
The Korred
This race is young in Aerune, having left the
Realm of the Fey only a century ago. They left
the Fey realm to escape the sorrow of the war and
hatred between the Seely and the Unseely court.
The Korred were one of the Fey races who had
members on both courts, and they fled that realm
rather than letting that hatred set them against
each other. The Korred now dwell in the
Whisperhaunt wood. You have pointed ears and
horns protruding from your forehead. Your kin
wear their hair wild and tend to wear earthy
 Madrigal
tones. You have the Fae trait. You role play the
effects of Intoxicant as if your Earth was 3 points
higher. You may purchase the following skills.
A Korred's Passion
Your people are full of passion and joy. Two
times per event you may use this skill in place of
a point of Fire when paying for a skill, spell, or
ability. This skill does not refresh with Void.
The Merciful Vine 1
Whenever you drink an Intoxicant elixir or any
substance with an Intoxicant effect you are also
healed one point of Vitality. Once per event you
may, if you have imbibed enough Intoxicant to
role play a drunken stupor, choose to refresh one
point of Air, Earth, Fire, or Water.
That Pain Is Nothing 2
When you wake after a night when you where
affected by an Intoxicant at least once, role play
being grumpy with a slight headache. Once
during that day before you sleep again you may
call out "Bah! Resist" in an unimpressed tone to
negate one Agony effect.
The Shoathri
You are one of the rare folk who have been
inhabited by an animal spirit that can manifest
within you. You were once human, but you are
marked by one of the Animal Lords, and you can
manifest the physical features and mental
characteristics of an animal spirit. You bear a
blood red mark on your face that appears in both
your human and animal form. Choose the Animal
Lord who has touched you to determine your
appearance.
You may appear as a humans with the blood red
mark, but strong emotions that tap into your
primal being can cause you to become more
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animal like. This emotion could be anger, fear,
passion, or the desire to hunt. A Shoathri so
affected will grow agitated and feel the need to
be alone. You will transform during this restless
and animalistic state, taking the physical and
mental characteristics of your animal spirit. You
have the Beast trait while you are in your animal
form. Shoathri racial skills can be used only in
their animal form. All Shoathri may purchase the
following skill.
Manifest Claws 4
You grow and retract claws in both hands. You
may attack and parry with these claws. You may
fight with a claw in each hand at the same time,
but you may not fight with claws and other
weapons or a shield. You may use one medium
claw and one short claw. The time it takes to
prepare the claws or put them away is the time it
takes to grow or retract the claws. If you
purchase Armed as the Hunter or a similar ability
that normally gives you claws your claws are
enhanced. You may use two full length long
claws. The maximum length for these claws is
the same as the length of a one handed sword.
Boar
Tlorulo is the boar spirit. Characters who choose
this spirit will take the facial characteristics of a
boar when they change. They will have a
blackened boar-like nose and protruding lower
tusks. Many have the full, flattened nose, and the
eyebrows are often darkened and made larger.
The character might snort. Those taken by
Tlorulo become aggressive and more easily
provoked to anger. They also will tend to be more
stubborn, and tend to have more difficulty using
finesse in situations where a straightforward
approach might work. You may purchase the
following skills.
 Madrigal
Tlorulo's Will
The boar is full of determination. Two times per
event you may use this skill in place of a point of
Fire when paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This
skill does not refresh with Void.
Wild Fortitude 3
You gain one additional Vitality point.
Cat
Bayastri is the cat spirit. Characters who choose
this spirit will take the facial characteristics of a
hunting cat when they change. They will have a
cat-like nose, whiskers, and cat-like stripes.
Some grow fangs. When they have changed they
will tend to move with as much smoothness as
possible. Purring and slurring R’s is not
uncommon. Shoathri taken by Bayastri tend to be
extremely curious. They tend to enjoy the hunt,
even going so far as to prolong it for pleasure.
You may purchase the following skills.
Bayastri's Grace
The cat is graceful and quick. Two times per
event you may use this skill in place of a point of
Water when paying for a skill, spell, or ability.
This skill does not refresh with Void.
Curiosity Kills 4
Once per event you may choose to be curious...
or to be lazy. If you choose to be lazy, stretch out
in some warm place and take twice as long, a full
10 minutes, to refresh your attributes using Void.
You gain one extra point of Vitality for the rest of
the event. If you choose to be curious you must
be entering a gate or some other mysterious and
remote area where you have no idea what to
expect. You gain the ability to negate any one
melee, missile or packet attack by calling
"Avoid" but only while you are through the gate
or within that area. Your curiousity, and this
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ability, is lost when you return to familiar
territory.
Crow
Choenta is the crow spirit. Shoathri in the form of
Choenta will grow prominent black feathered
eyebrows and their faces will become marked
with a pattern called crow’s feet. The marks
consist of three thick black lines extending from
each eye. One extends out toward the ear, one
extends down on the cheek, and the last extends
diagonally between the two. Some Shoathri also
have darkened feathered hair or black feathered
sideburns when they take the form of Choenta.
When changed, these Shoathri tend to cause all
types of mischief. They will switch small items
to cause confusion. They will attempt to trick
their enemies. Some might even try to trick their
companions. If forced to fight many use traps and
ambushes rather than straight combat. You may
purchase the following skills.
Choenta's Acuity
The crow is clever and observant. Two times per
event you may use this skill in place of a point of
Air when paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This
skill does not refresh with Void.
Taking Flight 2
You are difficult to trap. Once per event you may
role play for 3 seconds and call out "Purge" to
escape one Paralyze, Root, or Slow effect.
Rat
Skaleen is the rat spirit. Characters who choose
this spirit will gain a rat-like tail, a round black
nose, whiskers, and gray or brown rat-like facial
features when they change. Some have
pronounced front teeth. The character will tend to
move lower to the ground with quick nervous
motions. The character will tend to gather to
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themselves as many small valuables as possible
when taken by Skaleen. The character will also
tend to prefer stealth to outward aggression if
possible. You may purchase the following skills.
Skaleen's Acuity
The rat is clever and observant. Two times per
event you may use this skill in place of a point of
Air when paying for a skill, spell, or ability. This
skill does not refresh with Void.
I Have Eaten Worse 2
You are used to unsanitary conditions. Once per
event you may role play for 3 seconds and call
out "Purge" to escape one Metabolic effect.
Wolf
Urugar is the wolf spirit. Characters who choose
this spirit will gain the facial characteristics of a
wolf when they change. They will have a wolf-
like nose, and gray and white wolf-like
coloration. Many have ears that are larger and
pointed. Some have fangs. The character might
snarl, and howls are not uncommon to express
emotion, especially when the moon is showing.
Shoathri taken by Urugar become more
concerned with survival and loyalty to the pack.
They will respond to threats with violence, and
will become very protective of their friends. They
tend to have an instinct to attack if anyone seems
like a threat to them or their companions. You
may purchase the following skills.
Urugar's Will
The wolf is known for stamina. Two times per
event you may use this skill in place of a point of
Earth when paying for a skill, spell, or ability.
This skill does not refresh with Void.
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Strength of the Pack 2
You are stronger when you are with your pack.
Once per event you may use this skill to lend
strength to yourself or another. You may howl
like a wolf and either call out "Heal 2 to Self" or
touch another character to call out either "Heal 4
to Beast" or "Cure Physical to Beast" and give
them the pack's strength.
The Trolls
You are a Troll that has wandered down from one
of the mountain clans that dwell high above
Locksmoor. Since the humans have opened the
borders there have been many more travelers for
your folk to trade with, raid for loot, and just
bully into a good fight. You have large over sized
lower tusks protruding out and large horns. The
horns of your people vary wildly in size but you
pick on your kin who were cursed with smaller
horns. The best horns are large horns that curve
and sweep back off the forehead. You are a great
drinking companion once someone gets to know
you, but the travelers seem somewhat touchy and
ill tempered around your folk. They seem to think
your clans folk are overly violent, but they are
lucky the Iron Trolls don't come down for a
brawl. The skin of your Stone Troll kin is slate
gray and black. The Mountain Trolls, on the other
hand, are tan and brown. If any troll ever
purchased the Highborn header a thousand of
your brethren would storm down from the
mountains and drag the drunken sot away to be
kicked and beaten until the rampant violence had
restored them to their senses. There are probably
other skills you would pick on a troll for learning
but sometimes your kin do things like that just to
be stubborn. All trolls may purchase the
following skills.
Troll's Might
You're tough. You love to fight. No one is
surprised that you can call extra strength when
 Madrigal
you need it. Two times per event you may use
this skill in place of a point of Earth when paying
for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does not
refresh with Void.
Troll's Strength 3
You call upon untapped reserves of strength to
tear free from or shake off physical effects. Once
per event role play a roar and call out "Purge" to
end any effect with a Physical trait.
Mountain Trolls
Your coloration is tan and brown. Your male kin
often have facial hair. Mountain Trolls can
purchase the following skill.
Troll's Toughness 3
You gain one additional Vitality point. Yeah,
you're just that tough.
Stone Trolls
Your coloration is slate gray and black. Your
male kin often have facial hair, and many have
unkept black or gray hair. Stone Trolls can
purchase the following skill.
Stone-like Hide 3
Your hide increases the protective value of any
armor you wear or armor effect you use by one,
regardless of prop or limitation. Yeah, if you
aren't wearing any armor this skill will act as a
single point of armor that can be refreshed by
taking a minute to drink something strong, but
come on what kind of troll are you if you can't
find some kind of decent armor protection to
soak up strikes?
The Wayward
You are one of the Wayward, the folk that have
come to this realm through the Crimson Gate,
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leaving their lives and memories behind them.
You are trapped in this realm without knowledge
of your former home, unable to pass through the
Gate to return to your place of origin. You know
your own name, the name of your race, and the
skills you learned in your previous life. You
cannot remember anything of your previous
realm or your life there.
It has not been long since you have come through
the Gate. Although you instinctually remember
your race and your skills, your memories are
gone except for vague visions of a few details.
You may choose 1 to 3 indistinct memories you
keep from your previous life. If another player is
playing one of the Wayward you may also choose
to remember some kind of tie to them. They seem
familiar, but why you do not know. In this place
where you have been cast adrift can you afford to
forego any connection to your previous life?
Otherwise your history is only what you have
encountered in this realm. You have heard tales
of kinsfolk who have found relics or keepsakes
from beyond the Gate that have restored bits of
their memory, but what precious memories you
have are fleeting at best.
The Vorace
vor-ACE
You are one of the Wayward, the folk that have
come to this realm through the Crimson Gate,
leaving their lives and memories behind them.
You are trapped in this realm without knowledge
of your former home, unable to pass through the
Gate to return to your place of origin. You know
you are one of the Vorace, and you kin were
sometimes called the shadow bound. You skin is
jet black and your hair is black, gray, or white.
You face is marked with a pattern of deep purple
crystals. Your pattern is distinct from your kin.
Although rare, some of your kin have a pattern or
weave of glittering purple lines rather than
 Madrigal
distinct crystals. You sustain yourself with
normal food, but you also have a craving for the
life force of other creatures. Many of your kin
have chosen to set this desire aside, never to feed
on the life force of another creature, but the
desire is always there, in the back of your mind,
hungering.
Your desire for life force is dangerous, and an
Vorace under the effect of a Frenzy who takes
down a friend or foe will attempt to deliver a
death strike to the unfortunate victim before
moving on to another foe.
Deathwatch
Once per event when you see an attack with the
Death effect strike another creature and that
creature role plays the effect without negating it
with a defense you may choose one attribute; Air,
Earth, Fire or Water. Refresh 2 points of that
attribute by calling out "Refresh 2 <Attribute> by
Gloaming."
Manifest Claws 4
You grow and retract claws in both hands. You
may attack and parry with these claws. You may
fight with a claw in each hand at the same time,
but you may not fight with claws and other
weapons or a shield. You may use one medium
claw and one short claw. The time it takes to
prepare the claws or put them away is the time it
takes to grow or retract the claws. If you
purchase Armed as the Hunter or a similar ability
that normally gives you claws your claws are
enhanced. You may use two full length long
claws. The maximum length for these claws is
the same as the length of a one handed sword.
Souldrinker 4
You may feed on the spirit of dying creatures,
consuming their life force to increase your
strength. Call out "I consume your spirit" before
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you deliver a death strike. If you successfully
complete the death strike and the creature does
not call "No Effect" because it is already dead
you call out "Heal to Self" to feed on the life
force of the creature. You must be careful using
this ability on creatures of the Foul; sometimes
they will inflict traits on Vorace foolish enough to
feed on their spirits.
The Shiven
SHEE-ven
You are one of the Wayward, the folk that have
come to this realm through the Crimson Gate,
leaving their lives and memories behind them.
You are trapped in this realm without knowledge
of your former home, unable to pass through the
Gate to return to your place of origin. You know
you are one of the Shiven, divided in spirit and
form. One side of your body is tenebrous, forever
changed in spirit and hue. Choose one side of
your body that will be your tenebrous side. This
tenebrous side has a different hue; blood red,
midnight blue, or rarely jet black. The edge of
your tenebrous side is a precise line down the
center of your face and your body. Your
tenebrous hand is clawed, so you must wear the
vestigial remnant of a claw on one hand.
Your spirit is stronger when it is linked to another
being. You can link to another willing member of
the Gifted Races, drawing strength from their
spirit. This calms you and makes you more
serene. Without this link you are more abrupt,
more angry, and slightly more prone to make rash
and violent decisions. To many it may seem like
you are simply in a bad mood. Many Shiven link
with only one other individual for life. Others are
more free spirited, and link with different
individuals at different times of the year. The
person you link to becomes your Patron. You can
not link to someone who is already a Patron, and
you can only be linked to one person at a time.
 Madrigal
Once per event you may role play for one minute
and call out "Imbue Soulbound by Will" to link
with a willing recipient. You also gain the
Soulbound trait. This person becomes your
Patron and this link lasts for the rest of the event.
You may choose one aspect of that person's
personality to adopt as a result of the link, but
this role playing effect is not required. If either
person linked by the Soulbound trait dies their
final time while this link is in place then the
shadow of the Tower falls on the other
unfortunate individual. When they learn of the
death they know some piece of their spirit is
missing and that their next trip through the Gate
of Death will be their last. If you end an event
linked to another character you may begin the
next event still linked to that character if both of
you agree on this before game starts. If you are
not linked to anyone your Vitality is decreased by
one.
Strength of the Shiven
You draw on the spirit of your Patron for
strength. Once per event choose one attribute;
Air, Earth, Fire or Water. You may refresh 2
points of that attribute by calling out "Refresh 2
<Attribute> to Self."
One Bound, Twice Strong 2
While you are soulbound your will is
strengthened. Twice per event if you are linked
you may call out "Resist by Soulbound" to negate
one attack with a Mental trait.
Bound in Soul, Bound in Health 1
You may sacrifice some of your life force to heal
your Patron. Touch your patron with a packet and
call out "Heal to Soulbound and 1 Damage to
Self" to heal them.
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Your Spirit is Safe 3
Your link is stronger than death. Once per event
if you are linked you may touch a packet to your
Patron and call out "Cure Death to Soulbound" to
restore them to life.
The Embrech
EM-brek
You are one of the Wayward, the folk that have
come to this realm through the Crimson Gate,
leaving their lives and memories behind them.
You are trapped in this realm without knowledge
of your former home, unable to pass through the
Gate to return to your place of origin. You know
you are one of the Embrech, a noble folk bound
in spirit to an Ethereal Court you cannot quite
remember. You know you are bound to this Court
in word and spirit, and your kin are crowned and
blooded with a regal nature. Your skin is
bleached white and your hair devoid of color,
gray or white or black. You have a pattern of
black lines upon your face that bind your spirit to
the Court. Many of your kin decorate their hair
with a stripe of bright color, and the women
sometimes wear color on their lips to contrast
your stark white features.
Although the line pattern on the faces of your kin
are distinctive, all of them go from the hair line
to the eyes and down to the bottom of your face.
Some of you kin have patterns on other parts of
their bodies. The chin usually has a swirl pattern
that connects with the rest. You know this pattern
marks your spirit and binds you to the Ethereal
Court. You can feel the tendril of spiritual energy
extend from your form back to the Crimson Gate.
Dreams of the Court
You still dream about the Ethereal Court and
carry a passion and noble bearing despite your
forced exile. Two times per event you may use
this skill in place of a point of Fire when paying
 Madrigal
for a skill, spell, or ability. This skill does not
refresh with Void.
The Ethereal Dance 5
You may entrust your spirit to the Ethereal Court,
leaving your true essence in the care of that Court
to protect you from death. Mark this skill and 15
character points of skills and attributes on your
character card when you check in. You cannot
choose skills unless you also choose any
prerequisites those skills might require. You may
go to the Crimson Gate and role play for one
minute to release your spirit into the Gate to
travel to the Ethereal Court. You lose all skills,
attributes and abilities except the 15 character
points worth of skills you have marked on your
card. Your Vitality remains unchanged, even if
your attributes are lower. While your spirit is in
the care of the Ethereal Court you do not travel to
the Gate of Death if you are slain. Instead, you
travel to the Crimson Gate up to 3 times to
reform. It takes 5 minutes to reform at the Gate.
During this time you are a Spirit of the Dead and
must abide by the restrictions of such a state. You
may return to the Gate at any time and spend one
minute to call your spirit back from the Ethereal
Court and restore your skills and attributes. Upon
your third death you are too weak to reform
without your full spirit and while reforming your
spirit and thus your skills are restored. You can
no longer send away your spirit if you have
reformed a third time. So long as you have not
reformed at the Crimson Gate a third time you
may send your spirit to the Ethereal Court or call
it back as often as you wish. If you die with the
Malediction trait, or gain the Malediction trait
while you are reforming you do not reform at the
Crimson Gate. Your link to the Ethereal Court is
cut and you go to the Gate of Death instead.
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My Life Belongs to the Court 3
You spirit belongs to the Ethereal Court. Once
per event if you are struck by a Death effect you
may call out "Reduce to 5 Damage" to negate the
effect and instead take 5 points of damage.
The Zhuriel
You are one of the Wayward, the folk that have
come to this realm through the Crimson Gate,
leaving their lives and memories behind them.
You are trapped in this realm without knowledge
of your former home, unable to pass through the
Gate to return to your place of origin. You know
you are one of the Zhuriel, and despite your loss
of memories violence and action still brings you
a sense of joy. You have a wild nature, and it is
reflected in your visual appearance. Your face is
covered with blue swirl patterns, like traditional
Celtic or Norse spiral decoration. Many of your
kin have blue lips. You hair is wild, or maybe you
are completely shaven, and your kin wear many
piercings on their body. It is not uncommon for
the Zhuriel to have multiple piercings on their
ears and lips. Some of your kin wear ritual scars
to commemorate important victories.
You and all your kin are bound to crystal
weapons. You brought yours with you through
the Crimson Gate and you guard against its theft
and destruction. The type of the weapon is
entirely up to you but you only get one. Don't
lose it. Whatever weapon you choose you must
start game with the skill to use it, even if you
must choose a crystal dagger because you have
no weapon skills.
You crystal weapon is blue with white diamonds
or white with blue diamonds. If your weapon is
affected by a Destroy effect you also take 20
points of damage. Call out "20 Damage to Self"
if the weapon is affected by a Destroy effect.
 Madrigal

Crystal Violence
If you name your weapon and talk to it really
nicely it will empower you. Each event you gain
2 points which may be spent in place of Air,
Earth, Fire, or Water when using a skill or ability
involving your weapon, but only if you spend
some time explaining to your weapon what is
going on. Otherwise it gets upset and you get
nothing.

It's All In the Head 3

You are immune to Madness effects no matter
what anyone else thinks. Or maybe you are
already there. In addition once per event if you
are holding your weapon you may negate one
attack with a Mental trait and take a Frenzy effect
instead. The weapon gets upset if people try to
mess with your head. Call out "Resist and Frenzy
to Self" to negate the attack.

A Matter of Pride 2
Once per event if you are holding your weapon
call out "Resist" to negate an attack with the
Agony effect. After all the piercing and scarring
your weapon would lose complete respect for
you if you show that kind of weakness.

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 Madrigal
Cultures and
Kingdoms
The races have settled the lands of Aerune. The
The Gifted Races that have settled in the northern
continent of Aerune are varied by culture and by
the distinction of physical race. There are many
variations even within each race, and many of the
races have adopted certain physical
characteristics due to magical influences that
distinguish them and separate them from others
of their ilk. What follows are the races and racial
variants that are allowed as player characters.
The Five Kingdoms
At the Heart of Aerune lies the Five Kingdoms.
These human kingdoms each have their own
government and sometimes war with each other,
but the kingdoms have a pact to unite against the
Malekyrg Elves and the invasions of the Blood
Tribes.
Avanlei
The kingdom of Avanlei derives its beauty from
its natural forests and the gardens built around
the cities. The kingdom is the smallest of the Five
Kingdoms, built into a series of vales between
the Griffin Peaks and Whisperhaunt in the
northeast of the Five Kingdoms. The people of
Avanlei have built and maintain ancient walled
gardens in the sloping hills of the vale, and grow
fruits and spices that are traded all over the Five
Kingdoms. Avanlei is the only kingdom to
maintain contact with the reclusive elven
kingdom of Eluviar, and some whisper that the
royal family of Lirannon has the favor of the
Seely Court. Whatever the case, Avanlei borders
the elven kingdom of Malekyr and the kingdom
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is the first line of defense when those dark folk
come forth for war.
The royal family of Lirannon is small, and
maintains only enough knights to satisfy the
warriors of the immediate family. The family
members are known as bards and storytellers.
The King, Kylar Lirannon is a bard and warrior
and rules the kingdom with wisdom and the love
of his people. His line is derived from Aradach,
and he is devout to that god.
The Galanar family provides the best knights of
Avanlei, fiercely loyal and well trained. The
Galanar also has an order devoted to Aradach and
those priests travel the lands of Avanlei bringing
restorative magic to its people. The magical
knowledge of Avanlei comes from the mysterious
Morbhain family. They are strange and do not
dwell in the court, but instead are said to dwell in
Whisperhaunt until one of their family is needed
for advice or for magical power. The Morbhain
are said to have Faerie blood, and some claim
they are the last remnants of the lost kingdom of
sorcery, Diardha.
The royal family of Lirannon wears blue with a
white lion rampant. The family Galanar wears the
same blue with a white swan. The Morbhain wear
no colors, but instead carry magical light that
glows blue on their staves or in blue lanterns.
Mhurkiel
To the southeast lies the kingdom of Mhurkiel,
called the Kingdom of Sin. It is the only kingdom
that allows slavery, and the Queen forbids the
open worship of any god within its borders.
Where Trechele could be said to suffer from
excess, the court of Mhurkiel is openly decadent,
and the contrast between the rich and the poor is
great. While the queen attends to a lavish and
darkened court, her people toil outside her palace
to feed themselves. Where Trechele encourages
 Madrigal
freedom, Mhurkiel stifles it. Art must meet the
approval of the Queen’s people or it is destroyed.
Those who commit crimes or who cannot support
themselves are quickly pressed into slavery. The
Queen does not tolerate any race but humans, and
those who show characteristics of other races are
pressed into slavery as well.
The other kingdoms resent and sometimes openly
challenge the policies of Mhurkiel, and the king
of Avanlei has a particular hate for the Queen.
The ancient pact binds them, however, and more
than once the deadly elite troops of Mhurkiel
have arrived to rescue the northern kingdoms
from the ravages of the Blood Tribes or the elven
kingdom of Malekyrg. The other kingdoms also
fear the sorcery of the Queen, for it is said that
she holds many of the secrets lost when Diardha
was destroyed. How the Queen has obtained
these is unknown, but the fact that she appears
young after 180 years lends credence to the
rumor.
The royal family is House Chartys, and the pale
Queen Khelaine Chartys keeps her elite guard
close to her. The royal family has the blood of
Arcalia, and it is said that those with the power of
that blood sometimes see into the past and the
future. The Queen’s art at diplomacy is as
effective as her magic, and her moods can
quickly turn from delight to rage. The power of
Khelaine’s magic has not been questioned since
she turned it against Selarno troops in a short
skirmish some 60 years ago.
The Thalik family serves as the Queen’s elite
guard and they deal with difficult missions that
require subtlety and swift execution. The Thalik
family has some of the most skilled assassins in
Aerune. They carry out the Queen’s wishes
wherever her gaze may fall or her wishes take
them. The loyalty of the Thalik is not questioned,
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and they have proven loyal through pain and
death.
The Melekite family serves as both the common
fighting force and keepers of the peace. They also
bring slaves into Mhurkiel, and are not particular
about where they obtain those slaves. There is
great hatred for the Melekite within the other
kingdoms, but the power of the Queen keeps
most problems in check. The Melekite take a
perverse pleasure in that hatred, and they are
capable and paranoid as a rule.
The secretive family of Xerberes also serves the
Queen. The family is a collection of priests and
sorcerers. The priests rarely speak of their faith,
and the sorcerers do not contribute to the College
in Trechele, nor do they share knowledge outside
their family. The Xerberes have very capable
wizards, but some whisper that they practice and
experiment on live subjects.
The Queen wears a black badge with a white
Unicorn rearing to the left. The Thalik wear no
badge except in the most formal situations, and
then they are allowed to wear the badge of the
Queen. The Melekite wear a black badge with a
sword wrapped with a chain. The Xerberes do not
wear badges or colors, but they all wear
necklaces or rings with an eyeball and many have
tattoos of eyes.
Rhoemurg
The northernmost of the Five Kingdoms,
Rhoemurg has long winters and a sturdy people.
The kingdom is closest to the Blood Tribes and
many times bears the brunt of their raids. The
royal family of Rhoemurg, House Vlariev, has
true blood and claims a lineage to Myrkorim. The
king of the land, Ossek Vlariev, was a general
and knight and a veteran of many battles. His
house controls the armies of Rhoemurg and most
of his knights come from his own family.
 Madrigal
Two additional families serve the royal line. The
Bjurik family handles matters magical, and
gathers and schools the sorcerers of Rhoemurg.
The family is small, but the wizard Verrekan is
said to be very powerful and fiercely loyal to the
Vlariev line. The Ovorn have a dark reputation.
They swore fealty to the Vlariev only a century
ago, leaving the kingdom of Selarno to do so.
The Ovorn are well versed in Selarnian practices
and philosophies, and rumor has it that they deal
with problems that need to go away quietly. The
Ovorn keep a strict eye on the movements of
merchants and traders and control the taverns of
Rhoemurg.
The people of Rhoemurg have been called bland
and dour, but the truth is that the harsh winters
and constant fear of raids make the people very
practical. Many of the luxuries of the southern
kingdoms are largely unavailable in Rhoemurg,
and when they are brought there they are
expensive. The Rhoemurg tend to scoff at bright
dyes, sugars, spices, and other fineries.
Rhoemurg is unequalled in distilling hard liquor
and the kingdom has some of the best smiths
outside of the Eurvein.
Even the royal house wears a sensible gray and
dark green. The symbol of House Vlariev is a
gray bear rearing on a dark green field. The
Bjurik use a gray crescent moon with three white
stars in its confines on a field of dark green. The
Ovorn wear a gray dagger, point down, wrapped
with a serpent on the green of Vlariev.
Selarno
This kingdom is a collection of merchant houses
ruled by the iron fist and constant vigil of the
notorious and ruthless House Selarno. The king,
Nachael Selarno, and his house are the only royal
family that does not have true blood, and he is
called a mercenary king because of it. House
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Selarno took over in a bloody coup almost a
quarter century ago, slaughtering the entire royal
family of Naporea that had ruled by true blood
for centuries.
King Nachael Selarno rules with ruthless
intelligence, planning, and power. He is a firm
believer of pragmatic solutions rather than moral
dilemmas, and the other four great merchant
houses rule underneath him. Hidden among the
citizens of Selarno are those who called
themselves loyalists and wish the return of the
Naporea family. Some claim that the youngest
daughter of Reggario Naporea survived the coup
and that the blood of Naporea lives on. House
Selarno denies this, and squelches anyone within
its borders who foster such lies. Some loyalists
still blame the family Ovorn for leaving the
kingdom and attribute the success of the coup to
their defection.
The Noro family has long had the largest
vineyards in Aerune, and their wines are the most
widely tasted. The Trechele have some of the
more expensive and finer wines, but the Noro
wines are by far the most widely distributed. It is
said that the Noro also deal in other substances
forsaken by all the kingdoms save Mhurkiel.
The Berellen family controls the shipping of the
southern harbor and owns the most caravans that
make the dangerous journey to the north. The
Berellen family is often hiring guards to protect
their merchant wagons against the Blood Tribes
and other dangers. There are some merchants
from other kingdoms that wonder what makes the
merchant trails more dangerous – the Blood
Tribes or the Berellen who are paring down their
competition.
The Stefolare are best known as the largest
patrons of the arts outside of Trechele, but their
real money comes from their wools and cottons
 Madrigal
and cloth dyes. Even the artists of Trechele prefer
the cloth of Stefolare, for the color and texture is
the best of the north, and some claim they use
magic in its weaving. The Stefolare also deal in
leather and a great number of crafted goods. The
Stefolare consider themselves the protector and
savior of the craftsman, but that protection often
comes unwanted, and often comes at a price.
The Einedes are known for their well trained
mercenary guards and soldiers. Many lords go to
the Einedes to supplement their own troops in
war, and it has been said that not a war passes
which does not see the blades of the Einedes
blooded. It is said that the Einedes secretly deal
in other human services, including slavery into
Mhurkiel. It is also said that the Einedes are
extremely loyal to Selarno. The crown might not
be his except for the Einedes family. Not
inconsequentially, Einedes became a great family
because of the rise of Selarno.
The royal Selarno family wears a gray hawk,
wings out, screaming towards the east on a field
of dark wine or purple. The Noro wear a gray
ram’s head on a purple field, and that symbol also
adorns their wine. The Berellen wear the talon of
a hawk raised and holding a scroll, all gray on
purple. The Stefolare wear two gray masks of the
theatre, one happy and one sad, on purple. The
Einedes wear a gray dagger crossed with a gray
lightning bolt, dagger pointing southeast,
lightning pointing southwest, on a purple field.
Trechele
This large and prosperous kingdom rests in the
southwestern corner of Aerune. The combination
of mild weather, successful war campaigns, and
great distance from both the Blood Tribes and the
Malekyrg Elves has made this kingdom the
richest in goods, money, and culture of all the
Five Kingdoms. The royal family is a great
patron of the arts, and the court in the capital of
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Aviogne is known for its intrigue and excess.
Even warfare and combat are treated as an art,
and the duelists of the court and the streets of
Trechele are respected for their skill with blade
and tongue. If there is a place with a true
appreciation of the arts, it is Roechere and the
court of House Mercenes.
The rise of Trechele started at the end of
Adrienne’s March, a seventy three year war with
the kingdom of Kordova. After too many years of
bloody conflict between Adrienne Mercenes and
Herenan Kordova, the war ended with Trechele
victory. The Kordova family, who themselves
had true blood going back to Sereness, swore
fealty to House Mercenes and the Queen was
married to the son of Adrienne just one year
before the king died of old age. The kingdom is
divided in two halves. The people of northern
Trechele have fair hair and fair skin as a rule,
while the people from the Barony of Kordova are
dark haired and have skin that is of deeper hue.
The King of Trechele, Petrieve Mercenes, moves
through his court with a grace and confidence
matched by no man or woman. He is unmarried,
which makes him a target for many enterprising
young women. House Mercenes has many
knights and many artisans in its ranks. The House
Kordova serves Mercenes and provide almost as
many knights to the king. There are still
prejudices between the Kordova provinces and
the rest of Trechele, and many of the knights of
the house tend to stay closer to the borders and
further from the court. House Mercenes is also
served by the Aquitaire family, well known for its
skill in sorcery, and the family of Rouen who are
known for their devout worship of Aradach.
The Rouen family is also known as the religious
center of the Five Kingdoms. The priests of
Aradach, sovereign to the gods, advise the
various temples on conduct and religious
 Madrigal
doctrine. The Rouen family also maintains the
Inquistion, a religious organization that watches
for the worship of forbidden gods in the Five
Kingdoms. The Inquistion acts on the authority
of Mercenes and has the backing of many of the
other houses of the Five Kingdoms. Their
influence, and thus the influence of House
Rouen, is considerable.
The royal House Mercenes wears a gold crown
above a gold griffon on a red field. House
Aquitaire wears a gold sun surrounded separated
from its own rays on the royal red. House Rouen
wears a gold ring encircling a white flame on a
red field. Kordova still wears it’s dark maroon,
it’s symbol a gray gauntlet curled into a fist.
The Barbarians
At the fringes of the kingdom uncivilized peoples
still dwell. Some are too reverent to embrace
civilization, preferring instead the simple beauty
of nature and the whispers of the spirits of old.
Others are too wild for civilized lands, and prey
upon the civilized people in raids and in war.
The Winter Tribes
These Barbarians dwell to the west of the Five
kingdoms, between Urgroth’s Bones and the
Grayfang Forest. The Winter Tribes have
forsaken the ways of the civilized families and
still follow the old ways and talk to the spirits of
the land. Although there are numerous small
tribes of Barbarians, two great tribes are known
to exist and some seek the wisdom of their
shamans.
Members of the White Crow tribe are the
descendents of the shaman known as Ghost
Whisper, a legendary shaman who first called on
his ancestors for aid and wisdom. The White
Crow have many seers and shamans and teach
those who are trusted with the secrets of their
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dances. The warriors of the White Crow protect
the tribe and fight against the Blood Tribes. Like
most of the Winter Tribes, the White Crow are
reverent and have forsaken blood magic and
necromancy. The leaders of the tribe are a council
of shamans, and the current Speaker is a woman
named Yanuala.
Once known as the Ebon Snake, the Stone Snake
tribe are hunters and warriors who travel the
plains near Blackthorn. The tribe is known for its
warriors and shamans who hunt undead. The
Ebon Snake was nearly destroyed by the vampire
named Shranoki, and only the heroics of the great
hero Stonebones saved the tribe. The Stone
Snake thrived under his leadership, and now the
tribe is known for its restorative magic and its
hatred of necromancy.
Some minor tribes exist as part of the Winter
Tribes as well, but these tribes are not well
known. The Shakek is a tribe that dwells in the
frigid passes and vales of the highest peaks of the
Bones of Nalgeth, moving down the mountain in
the winter and back up in the summer. They live
in perpetual winter and combat the Wendigo of
the mountains. The Vaurelis are the legendary
daughters of the goddess Arcalia, and this tribe of
warrior woman is rumored to dwell in a hidden
valley somewhere in the Bones of Nalgeth. Some
even claim that the Silver Elk tribe, long thought
to have been destroyed, live somewhere in the
sacred plains and protect the spirits of that place
still.
The Blood Tribes
No player character can be part of the Blood
Tribes, at least to start. Any character from this
area is assumed to be running from them and no
character will be allowed to wear the mark of any
of the Blood Tribes unless they gain that mark
during the course of the game. The Blood Tribes
are included here so that the player understands
 Madrigal

the threat and impact these tribes have had on
Aerune.
It is said that the impact the Blood Tribes have
had on the history of Aerune is unequalled, even
by the Malekyrg elves. The constant threat of
their ruthless and merciless raids has always
tempered the civilized lands. While the Malekyrg
may retire and wait for many years without
interacting with its human neighbors, the Blood
Tribes are always ready to strike.
The Burnt Skull tribe is fewer in number, but in
some ways more ruthless. They make no noise
when they fight, and they paint a black skull over
their face to show their dedication to their dark
god. Many are skilled in killing by stealth, and
there have been whole villages destroyed mostly
in their sleep by this vicious tribe. The warriors
of the Burnt Skull believe that if they kill a
sleeping opponent they can feed off their dreams
and steal their power.

The Barbarians of the Blood Tribe revel in

The Gypsies
Homeless wanderers, the gypsies have learned to
destruction and claim to gain strength in the
stay on the move and form loyal families to
deaths of their enemies. They worship dark gods
survive outside the protection of the knights of
forbidden in the Five Kingdoms, and all members
the Five Realms. The gypsies are spread
of the Blood Tribes wear the black symbol of
throughout the land in many families, but all the
their god on their face. The Blood Tribes take no
gypsies call the Gypsy King their only liege, and
prisoners, and they expect and accept no quarter.
bring grievances to him. In this way are the
gypsy families connected.
The Blood Scream tribe is known for their blood
curdling war screams. They paint their faces with
The gypsies tell tales of their first Gypsy King, a
enlarged mouths, either jagged like one might
swordsman and bard named Korianth. It was
carve a Jack O’Lantern or stylized with large
three hundred year before when they crowned
teeth and a jeering snarl. The Blood Scream tribe
him. It was a time when slavery was still legal in
occupies the western territories of the Blood
the kingdom of Rhoemurg. The kingdom had
Tribes and is often at odds with the Highlanders.
fallen on hard times. It’s war with Trechele over
The Blood Scream tribe rarely uses stealth once it
the gold mines of Rouven had drained the
enters combat and they kill their enemies and
resources of Rhoemurg, and when the Shadow
steal their strength by eating their hearts.
Wolves came howling from the north the king
was hard pressed to stop them. The King of
The Shadow Wolf is much more likely to be
Rhoemurg, Bholin Vlariev used slaves to produce
active at night, and their sacrifices are done to the
the goods needed for the war on both fronts.
moon. Some claim that there are members of this
Mhurkiel purses grew heavy with Rhoemurg coin
tribe who can take on the features of the wolf and
and many slaves were brought north.
tear apart their enemies. The Shadow Wolf can
move silently, but more often they howl when the
The people of Rhoemurg suffered at that time.
hunt begins, using terror to give them an edge.
The war drained much from the kingdom, and
The Shadow Wolf tribe is marked with a black,
many people were hungry. The need for slaves
vertical stripe over their left eye and a black wolf
drove the king to the prisons, not realizing that
paw on the face.
once honest men were enslaved for stealing
bread. Worse, the slavers of Mhurkiel drew upon

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 Madrigal
the villages of Rhoemurg for the demands of the
king. So were a great many people of Rhoemurg
enslaved, and the wanderers who would be
gypsies were hit the hardest.
Amidst this rose a man and wanderer who fought
for those enslaved. He defied the king and freed
many of the slaves, gathering them to himself
and organizing them to free their kin. The gypsies
rose in rebellion and stormed the castle of
Vlariev and demanded that the people of
Rhoemurg be set free. The king came forth and
seeing the spirit of the wanderers, declared
slavery to be ended in his kingdom for all time.
So were pens opened and all those who hungered
were given food and weapons and came like a
wave upon the Shadow Wolves and sent them
home.
King Vlariev abandoned the mines to Trechele
and the gypsies made Korianth their king. He
told them they should not have a king and offered
them freedom instead. Instead the gypsies took
both, and the Gypsy King was born to settle
disputes and to gather all the gypsies to him
when the gypsies are wronged.
All the gypsy families pay tribute to their king,
and the title passes from gypsy to gypsy, some
Kings and some Queens, so the gypsies might
have a place to bring grievances against them.
The Gypsy King holds power still, and all the
gypsies in all the kingdom rise at his anger and
make that anger their own. To this day those who
incur the Gypsy wrath and are marked as Gypsy
enemies suffer much until they makes amends –
such is the Gypsies tradition.
The Elves
Reclusive and magical, much has been written
and speculated about the elves. It is rare for them
to walk the civilized lands, and many humans go
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through their lives without ever seeing one of the
fair folk. All elves have pointed ears revealing
their Fey heritage. There are three groups of elves
in Aerune, though players must come from the
Eluviar or the Leindrel. You must have an Air of
at least 3 if you wish to play one of these types of
elf.
The Eluviar
These elves are dedicated to creation and forsake
the dark ways of their northern cousins. In
ancient times, the great elven hero, Erionth, led
these people out of the lands of the Malekyrg and
towards the land that would become Eluviar, or
the Shining Land. The Eluviar remember the dark
ways of the Malekyrg and have set their minds
against it. The elves are steeped in music and
other arts and prepare themselves so that they
might oppose their dark cousins when war comes
once again. Each of the Eluviar are marked with
light that appears as a white mark or tattoo upon
their face.
Many of the Eluviar who are descended from
Erionth or his guard have the white, gray, or
silver hair of those people. The Eluviar are all
taught an least one art to center them and balance
the training they receive in war. Erionth
proclaimed that his elves would learn to create as
well as destroy, and each elf practices an art.
Those who do not are considered closer to the
Malekyrg and are frowned upon and watched
with suspicion.
The Leindrel
Called the Wild Elves by the humans, these elves
came to the forests long ago and dwell deep
within them still. The Leindrel Elves have a great
affinity towards the animals of the forest, and
each clan follows the path of one of these animal
spirits. Each elf is marked with the symbol of
their animal spirit as described in the religion
 Madrigal
section, except that their marks are forest green
rather than blood red.
The Leindrel are suspicious of humans and
civilization, but neither do they trust the
Malekyrg. They are friendly with the Eluviar, but
they reject the more civilized ways of the Eluviar.
There are a great many small tribes of Leindrel
elves, each with their own leader and their own
animal spirit. Some of the more prominent tribes
include the Grey Thorn, the Morning Hawk, the
Moon Guard, and the Black Ash.
The Malekyrg
Although not available as a player character
option, the Malekyrg elves are included here so
players know of these dark folk. These elves
worship Azerial and occasionally spill from their
homeland to wreak havoc on the human
kingdoms and tribes. All Malekyrg elves wear a
mark to signify their dedication to the god and
their lineage, a black, eight-pointed star,
somewhere on their face. These elves are
descendents of the Unseely who were banished
from the Fey realm in times long passed.
The Eurvein
This ancient race dwells deep beneath the ground
in halls and tunnels carved from the stone of
mountains and only the most adventurous come
forth. The Eurvein are contemplative and slow to
act as a rule. They tend to be patient and have
long attention spans. Some believe that they are
humorless and lack passion, but the truth is that
they are more careful about letting passion rise
within them. Once it does it burns longer and
some say with more fervor than the other races. It
is said that the Eurvein smiths are unequaled in
their craft, and that they have a great attention to
detail. The Eurvein first learned Rune magic and
introduced it to the outside world.
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Each group of Eurvein is called a root, and each
root shares the same group of tunnels and halls
hollowed out of a mountain or a set of hills if the
stone is particularly good. The Eurvein have a
gender, and it is said the Eurvein procreate in a
manner where they lock into an embrace for
many hours and the essence of each of the
Eurvein meld together and create new life. The
mother carries that life and when the child is
ready, the mother senses it and travels to the
deepest cave of the root. The child is born from
the hardest stone of that deepest tunnel. The
largest roots in Aerune are the Boerule root in the
mountains above Mhurkiel, and Aerkome root
overlooking Trechele, the Aurei root in the
western mountains above the Winter Tribes, and
the Mal’Kharad root in the northern mountains
between the Blood Tribes and the Highlanders.
The Eurvein as a rule love gemstones and use
them in their art. The Eurvein wear elaborate
jewelry and head dresses of beads and gems.
They tend to wear loose robes of intricate design,
although the warriors do wear loose clothing.
Most of the Eurvein disdain armor made from
leather and prefer the metals of the earth instead.
The Eurvein find wearing the remains of other
living creatures to be curious and somewhat
barbaric, and instead wear cottons and wools and
metals and even clothing and armor woven of
living roots.
The Eurvein have patterned stripes on their faces
that run down their forehead, over one side of
their face, and down their neck like a stripe made
up of many pebble like circles. They call these
markings veins. Sometimes the vein runs down
the side of the face near the ear and over the
cheek, and others have a vein over the eye and
down past the side of the mouth. The vein of an
Eurvein is not solid color, but is made up of
many round, pebble-like marks of gray or brown
or even black. Some veins have a sparkle to them
 Madrigal
like quartz, while others are a flat color. Some of
the Eurvein have hair that is dark stone gray. You
must have an Earth of 3 and an Air of 3 to play
one of the Eurvein.
The Outcasts
The Aneketh
In the years during the War of the Gate, when the
Reavers waged war on Aerune and the Crimson
Gate was still active, the Aneketh slipped out of
the gate and fled their Reaver masters to search
for freedom in this world. The Aneketh had been
long enslaved by the Reavers in their own world,
and the refugees fled into the mountains and
tasted freedom for the first time. The Aneketh
aided the Five Kingdoms and aided even the
Malekyrg against the Reavers, and in the end
their aid helped to end the war and drive the
Reavers back through the Gate.
Although seven generations have passed, The
Aneketh still remember the tales of their dark
homeworld and the slavery they endured under
the yoke of the Reavers. They watch the Gate to
this day, fearful and full of hatred. The Aneketh
are quiet and keep to themselves, but the chiefs
teach their children to hate slavery and savor
their freedom. There are still not many Aneketh,
and they are constantly moving to keep ahead of
the Blood Tribes.
The Aneketh wear simple clothing with drab
colors as a rule. Most of their armor is made from
wrapped strips of leather, and when they can
construct metal armor it tends to be ornate. The
Aneketh appear to have wrinkled faces with
yellow highlights. The lines of the face should be
traced in a wide yellow and then a thin and
darker brown so that each wrinkle has a yellow
tinge to it. Even the young Aneketh are wrinkled
in this manner. The Aneketh have a single family
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called Uthdrasil that dwells in the mountains near
the Gate.
The Ghul
In the south there lies the ruined and dead
kingdom of Onhur where the last Pharoah still
rules over subjects killed many centuries ago.
The undead denizens of Onhur are said to fear
the light of the Sun, and they hide during the day.
Humans are taken to that place to labor as slaves
and to feed the Vampire lords. When a human has
lived too long in the dead land of Onhur they are
tainted by the essence of that place. Elves seem
to be immune to this taint, but a human becomes
a Ghul. Ghuls appear as a normal human during
the day, though the sunlight causes them
discomfort and hurts their eyes. At night the skin
around the eyes darkens and the lips blacken and
the taint of the Ghul is revealed. Many shun the
Ghul, fearful that the curse will be passed.
The taint of the Ghul is indeed a curse. A Ghul is
affected by spells that target undead. They are
considered to have the undead trait, even though
they live and breathe. The sun is painful to them,
and they wear hoods and masks during the day to
protect against it. The Ghul cannot have an heir
once the taint has taken hold of them. Worse of
all, some Ghuls have degenerated into true
undead, and become ravenous beasts who have
lost compassion and reason. Any player who
wishes to play a Ghul must be prepared to come,
at any time, to a violent and terrible end.
Korred
This race is young in Aerune, having left the
Realm of the Fey only a century ago. The Korred
left the Fey realm to escape the sorrow of the war
and hatred between the Seely and the Unseely
court. The Korred were one of the Fey races who
had members on both courts, and they fled that
realm rather than letting that hatred set them
 Madrigal
against each other. The Korred now dwell in the
Whisperhaunt wood.
The Korred have vowed to set the sorrow of the
Fey behind them. They are known for their wild
celebrations and sometimes forget that in this
realm their actions can have consequences. The
Korred can drink a great deal of alcohol.
Although their judgement becomes impaired like
a human, their reflexes and physical prowess do
not. This can cause all sorts of problems when
the Korred drink heavily.
You must have a Fire of 3 to play a Korred. The
Korred have pointed ears and horns protruding
from their foreheads. The Korred wear their hair
wild and tend to wear earthy tones.
Shoathri
These rare folk are humans who have been
inhabited by an animal spirit that can manifest
within them. Although the Leindrel elves often
have animal guardians, they found that some
humans became infused with the power of the
spirit and are changed. The elves themselves do
not experience this, but the humans can
sometimes manifest the physical features and
mental characteristics of an animal spirit. Each
character is given a blood red mark on their face
that appears in both their human and animal
form. A character chooses one of the described
animal spirits when they are created.
The Shoathri appear as humans with the blood
red mark most of the time, but strong emotions
that tap into their primal being can cause them to
become more animal like. This emotion could be
anger, fear, passion, or the desire to hunt. A
Shoathri so affected will grow agitated and feel
the need to be alone. The Shoathri will spend
time alone in a restless state and at this time it is
dangerous to interrupt the Shoathri. They tend to
be violent and unreasonable if disturbed. They
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will transform and take the physical and mental
characteristics of the one animal spirit chosen
during character creation. During this time the
player applies makeup to look like that animal
spirit. The character is fully intelligent and may
use all skills and tactics, but the role playing
should change to match the way this spirit would
act and react. After the source of emotion has
passed the Shoathri will go off alone to rest and
the player may remove their “features” at this
time. The animal makeup for this race can be
elaborate, but it cannot be a full mask. The
character must have some human facial features
showing.
Bayastri is the cat spirit. Characters who choose
this spirit will take the facial characteristics of a
hunting cat when they change. They will have a
cat-like nose, whiskers, and cat-like stripes.
Some grow fangs. When they have changed they
will tend to move with as much smoothness as
possible. Purring and slurring R’s is not
uncommon. Shoathri taken by Bayastri tend to be
extremely curious. They tend to enjoy the hunt,
even going so far as to prolong it for pleasure.
Choenta is the crow spirit. Shoathri in the form of
Choenta will grow prominent black feathered
eyebrows and their faces will become marked
with a pattern called crow’s feet. The marks
consist of three thick black lines extending from
each eye. One extends out toward the ear, one
extends down on the cheek, and the last extends
diagonally between the two. Some Shoathri also
have darkened feathered hair or black feathered
sideburns when they take the form of Choenta.
When changed, these Shoathri tend to cause all
types of mischief. They will switch small items
to cause confusion. They will attempt trick their
enemies. Some might even try to trick their
companions. If forced to fight many use traps and
ambushes rather than straight combat.
 Madrigal

Skaleen is the rat spirit. Characters who choose

this spirit will gain a rat-like tail, a round black
nose, whiskers, and gray or brown rat-like facial
features when they change. Some have
pronounced front teeth. The character will tend to
move lower to the ground with quick nervous
motions. The character will tend to gather to
themselves as many small valuables as possible
when taken by Skaleen. The character will also
tend to prefer stealth to outward aggression if
possible.

Tlorulo is the boar spirit. Characters who choose

this spirit will take the facial characteristics of a
boar when they change. They will have a
blackened boar-like nose and protruding lower
tusks. Many have the full, flattened nose, and the
eyebrows are often darkened and made larger.
The character might snort. Those taken by
Tlorulo become aggressive and more easily
provoked to anger. They also will tend to be more
stubborn, and tend to have more difficulty using
finesse in situations where a straightforward
approach might work.

Urugar is the wolf spirit. Characters who choose

this spirit will gain the facial characteristics of a
wolf when they change. They will have a wolf-
like nose, and gray and white wolf-like
coloration. Many have ears that are larger and
pointed. Some have fangs. The character might
snarl, and howls are not uncommon to express
emotion, especially when the moon is showing.
Shoathri taken by Urugar become more
concerned with survival and loyalty to the pack.
They will respond to threats with violence, and
will become very protective of their friends. They
tend to have an instinct to attack if anyone seems
like a threat to them or their companions.

It is said that there are other animal spirits, but

Shoathri of these spirits are not known and they
are not allowed as player characters.

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 Madrigal
Chapter Eight
Mythos of Aerune
There are many divine and spiritual paths in the
realm of Aerune. The gods of the White Court are
the most powerful and prevalent, warring with
the forbidden gods of the Black Court. There are
those who follow the old gods, the great Pale
spirits of the Green Man or the Gray Man. Some
folk are empowered to see the spirits of the past,
present, and future and they become Shamans.
Other follow Forbidden Gods that walk with no
others. Some gods accept no worshippers at all,.
The White Court
The most powerful and prevalent mythos of
Aerune consists of the gods of the White Court.
These gods recognize the potential of the Gifted
Races, and they seek to guide them so that the
Gifted Races will flourish. The High Church
recognizes only these gods as truly divine. The
other gods are either blasphemous, such as the
Black Court, or spiritual paths that lack true
divinity, such as the Pale and the Shamanic
traditions. The High Church is tolerant of those
ancient spiritual paths that are not forbidden, but
it actively searches out and destroys the
blasphemous religions of the Black Court and the
Forbidden Gods.
The White Courts consists of gods that seek to
foster the purpose and spiritual strength of the
Gifted Races of Aerune. It is said that these gods
dwell in the heavenly gardens of Auralis and
recognize the god Aradach as their sovereign
lord. These gods are called the Ordained and
these are the only gods recognized by the Church
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and the Inquisition. Decrying these gods is
blasphemy and carries with it a punishment of
death for any who do not repent. The Inquisition
has been tasked to hunt and destroy the
blasphemous gods and the dark knowledge that
supports and empowers them.
The High Church supports and lends aid to all
worshippers of the White Court. Those
worshippers who wish to be fully embraced by
the church seek favor so they may become
Ordained and thus be recognized by the High
Church. Priests and Templars act as the spiritual
advisors for the High Church, and although many
expect the Templars to focus on more militant
matters this is not always the case. Some
worshippers never become Ordained, and even
Priests and Templars may be devout without
becoming Ordained and entering into the service
of the High Church. Some priests so fully
embrace the ideals of their god that they become
High Priests and their divine powers grow. The
church will sometimes promote their most devout
to positions of higher responsibility, granting the
title of Prelate, then Archprelate, then Patriarch
or Matriarch. There is only one High Patriarch or
Matriarch for each god, and High Patriarch or
Matriarch of Aradach acts as the spiritual voice
for the entire church.
Aradach
The Sovereign Lord
Sovereign, Honor, Volition, Justice
 Madrigal
“While it is difficult to follow the path of good
and righteousness with an unerring step, it is
harder still to lead others down that path.”
Souls can be lost without guidance, and Aradach
provides that guidance through inspiration and
his servants. He is the patron of those who would
guide others as sovereign rulers, and he is also
the god of truth. As ruler of the gods, Aradach
must settle disputes and his word is not
questioned. Though few would challenge his
wisdom, it is certain that the unquestioned
support of Myrkorim provides additional
incentive to follow his judgement. Aradach has
ruled than none of the gifted races should pay
twice for one crime, and thus when one pays for
their crimes with their life they are seen from that
point forward as innocent in the eyes of the
Ordained.
The servants of Aradach acts as advisors to rulers
and leaders and, when the need arises, act as
leaders themselves. They are expected to act as
the impartial judge, and many go to the priests to
settle disputes. The servants of Aradach watch for
those who are leaders and provide support and
guidance to them. His priests loathe deceit, but
there is no greater sin than betrayal in the eyes of
Aradach.
Symbol
A gray sword wrapped with knotwork or a cord
woven of black and white. Sometimes the cord is
tied to the pommel of the sword. The sword is
usually pointed up. Priests usually wear white,
gray, or black.
Spheres
Legacy, Sovereign, Wayfare
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Sovereign Will 4
Once per event you may deny a foe by calling
"Resist by Divine" to negate one melee, missile
or packet attack.
With Clear Judgement 3
You may dispel powers that bend the will of the
victim so that all those about you may act of their
own free will. Exhaust a point of Fire and cry out
“By my voice, Cure Mental by Magic” and all
who hear your commanding voice shall be free of
any effect based on Mental traits.
Myrkorim
The Lord of Six Blades
Protection, Vigilance, War
“Whether you raise a sword against me, or watch
the war and do nothing, you serve the darkness in
either case.”
A war rages across Auralis and Oeruin, and
Myrkorim is always ready to fight it. He prefers a
clean, honorable fight, but he knows the other
side fights dirty. Myrkorim has never been bested
in personal combat, and the other gods admit,
perhaps begrudgingly, that it is Myrkorim’s
personal prowess and sense of tactics that has
kept the host of Oeruin at bay for so long.
The servants of Myrkorim are expected to train
themselves and prepare others for the war. His
priests will almost always have combat related
skills and be ready for battle, or they will have a
good reason why not. Myrkorim does not
advocate violence for the sake of violence, but he
knows that victory is paid for with blood.
Beset from both sides by the Black Court and the
Forbidden Gods, Myrkorim has continued the
war with a stoic determination. He has visited
divine inspiration on the smiths of his church to
create six divine blades to help his followers in
 Madrigal
times of need; A great sword called Cleave, a
broad sword called Defender, a polearm called
Whirlwind, a long axe called Sunder, a spear
called Impale and a great axe called Headsplitter.
It is said that the devout might seek one of these
weapons in times of great need.
Symbol
An iron fist. Sometimes a gray gauntlet is used
instead. Priests often wear blood red trimmed
with dark gray.
Spheres
Primal, Sovereign, Wayfare
Blood That Is Spilt 3
You may use this skill 6 times per event, once for
each blade that Myrkorim sent into the world.
You add 3 points to any one called damage effect
from one of your skills that would normally
cause 3 or more points of damage. This ability
works with melee, missile or packet attacks, but
the damage effect must come from one of your
skills, spells or abilities. You cannot enhance an
effect granted to you by an item, rune, elixir, or
some boon from another.
Call On the Six 3
Once per event you may call on one of the Six
Blades to aid you in combat. You must call out
the name of the blade you wish to invoke when
you use this power. If you cannot remember the
name of the blade you cannot use this power.
Once you have used the power of one of the six
you cannot call upon that particular blade for the
rest of the year. This power resets on the Night of
Dreams and after that you may once again call on
the power of any of the six blades.
Cleave - If you strike an opponent with a called
damage effect and that opponent role plays the
effect you may called out "Cleave" and swing the
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same effect once at another opponent who is
within weapon reach. You must make the second
attack immediately and the ability is used up only
if you strike that opponent and they role play the
effect or negate it with a defense.
Defender - Call out "Parry by Divine" to negate
one melee, missile or packet attack that strikes
you.
Whirlwind - Plant your left foot and call out
"Whirlwind" to activate this ability. You may
make up to 3 strikes with a weapon, calling "2
Damage" for each. This ability ends when you
use all 3 attacks or move your left foot.
Sunder - Strike an opponent's weapon and call
out "Sunder! Destroy" to destroy an opponent's
weapon. This ability is used only if you strike the
weapon and it is destroyed or the opponent
negates the strike with a defense.
Impale - Call out "Impale! 5 Damage and Agony"
and strike an opponent. This ability is used up
only if you strike the opponent and they role play
the effect or negate it with a defense.
Headsplitter - If you are using a two handed
weapon call out "Headspliter! 10 Damage" and
strike an opponent. This ability is used up only if
you strike the opponent and they role play the
effect or negate it with a defense.
Naveril
Lord of the Four Winds
Bounty, Inspiration, Art, Travel, Freedom
“One cannot feed a belly or a soul with virtue
alone.”
The Lord of Bounty nourishes both the body and
the spirit. He is the patron of material and
spiritual wealth, and both merchants and artists
 Madrigal

pay him homage. Naveril promotes the concept
of charity and the concept that hard work is
rewarded. The god does not believe in decadence,
has no patience for those who are lazy or whose
greed harms others. Passionate to a fault, he
inspires passion, and is sometimes seen as the
patron of romantic love. It is said that in the
darkest moment of the War of Tears, when
Myrkorim faltered and Azerial rose above him,
that it was the music of Naveril that empowered
his spirit and turned the tide of the dark host. He
is the god of creative energy, and those who are
seeking to create call him for inspiration.
the church and High Court when he was heard to
say "With our beloved sister Elshea in exile
someone has to pick up the slack."
Symbol
Traditionalists use a gold chalice tipped to the
right with gold coins spilling from the chalice.
Many traveling priests use a tipped chalice of
gold backed by a compass mark. Priests often
wear green trimmed with gold.
Spheres
Legacy, Wayfare, Weald

The priests of Naveril forego the traditional

temples, providing instead inns and taverns that Following the Four Winds 3
You gain inspiration from the travels of your
are warm, comfortable, and provide the
lord, calling on the wisdom that Naveril gains as
priesthood with a good living. Although those
he travels the four corners of the world. Once per
who are in need can find help, the priests do not
event you may call on the wisdom of one of the
engage in handouts and instead would try to find
four winds. You may choose one of the following
work for those who are down on their luck. These
powers to invoke when you use this skill.
taverns are filled with music and act to support
the arts. The priests of Naveril sometimes travel
With the East Wind comes the smell of the sea
to inspire passion in others, while pursuing their
and the promise of Spring. The world awakens
own excellence in some form of art. Still others
and is renewed. Call out "I call upon the East
are reserved and reclusive, devoted to their arts.
Wind" and touch a recipient with a packet to
exhaust this skill and call out "Refresh 2 Fire by
In recent times Naveril has left Auralis to travel
Inspiration."
to the four corners of the world. Many of his
priests have been inspired to do the same,
With the North Wind comes the threat of winter,
traveling about to view for themselves the plight
a time when folk must save what they have for
and condition of the common folk. Naveril has
the coming slumber. When you prepare to refresh
come to encompass travel and wanderlust as a
attributes with Void choose one attribute: Air,
result, and he has gathered many new priests who
Earth, Fire, or Water with up to 2 unused points
act as wandering mendicants aiding those in
remaining. Call out "I call on the North Wind" to
need. This turns of events has not been without
exhaust this skill and save those unused attribute
problems. The priests are not entirely free of
points. After you refresh you will have those two
mischief, most notably in Mhurkiel where
extra attribute points in addition to your newly
Naveril priests have been sneaking into that
refreshed attributes. The points last until they are
kingdom and liberating slaves. Rumors speak of
used, you use Void to refresh attributes, or the
a Freehold at the edge of that kingdom that has
event ends.
become a haven for those freed by the priests of
Naveril. The High Patriarch of Naveril shocked

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 Madrigal
With the South Wind comes the hot breezes of
summer, when the world is warm and well
nourished. You are likewise well nourished. Call
out "Resist. So I am nourished by the South
Wind" to resist one Drain effect.
With the West Wind comes the hint of Autumn,
when it is time to work on the harvest. It is your
time to work as well. Choose a skill that can be
used only a limited number of times per event
where you have exhausted all of those uses
except, of course, for this skill. Call out "I call on
the West Wind" to use that skill an additional
time this event.
Wit of the Scoundrel 3
Once per weekend, you may exhaust 1 point of
Air to perform any skill from the Rogue or
Troubadour headers. You must also pay any
attribute costs for the skill in question. If the skill
could normally be used any time, you must
choose a target upon which it will be used. You
will only be able to use that skill upon the chosen
target once. If you have already spent at least 30
character points on the Rogue and Troubadour
headers, including the headers themselves, then
you may use this ability to perform any skill
listed in this book that is not a mythos skill or
racial skill using the costs and guidelines listed
above.
Sereness
Princess of Dreams and Hearth
Dreams, Hope, Courage, Hearth
“Remain pure of spirit, for you must walk the
landscape of your soul each night.”
As the goddess of dreams, Sereness is
responsible for inspiring the gifted to follow their
dreams in the waking world and for protecting
the dreams of the sleeping. When her sister,
Khelvaan, was forced to retreat across the
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Dreamscape, Sereness was given the task of
maintaining that realm against her. The
Dreamscape remains divided between the
Goddess of Dreams and the Princess of
Nightmares. Sereness inspires people to conquer
their fears and gives them the courage to create
and protect in spite of their fears. She has no
patience or love for apathy, jealousy, and envy.
She encourages people to find and follow their
own dreams, not become obsessed with the
accomplishments of others. She is also the
goddess of the Hearth, and she is invoked to
protect children and homes against invaders.
The priests of Sereness work tirelessly to inspire
and fortify the Gifted Races and are occasionally
called to the Dreamscape to serve the goddess
and the Ordained. They work to inspire courage
and to protect the homes of the faithful. Each
night the Goddess visits upon each sanctified
home protection, through her priests, from
violence and theft during the late night hours.
With the war waged on two fronts, and Myrkorim
tirelessly fighting both the Black Court and the
Forbidden Gods, it has fallen more to Sereness
and her servants to protect the homes and lands
of the faithful. As goddess of the Hearth she
lends courage to her priests so they may lead by
example. Her priests work to raise the spirits and
the hopes of the faithful.
The priests of Sereness have grown wary in
recent times of the Vesperan church. The priests
of Vespera are also steeped in Chimera and wield
similar magic, allowing them to perform similar
tasks. Many expect the priests of Sereness to take
a less active role in the church, acting instead to
guard homes and temples. This does not sit well
with the priests of Sereness who are inspired to
take an active role in the War of Dreams and the
fight against the evils of the waking world. It is
also said that the priests of Vespera sometimes
 Madrigal
walk the Dreamscape using their own Chimera
magic, a fact that the priests of Sereness are not
comfortable with. The High Patriarch of Sereness
has put forth an edict that no one shall travel the
Dreaming unless they travel with a priest of
Sereness as an advisor and guide. The church will
not have the War of Dreams against Khelvaan
endangered. Though this edict has hampered the
Vesperan church, it has also set the church at
odds with the Sorcerers and Shamans steeped in
Chimera magic who sometimes walk in the
Dreamscape. There have already been rumors of
skirmishes within the Dreaming. In a strange turn
of events the servants of Khelvaan are likewise
concerned by the presence of the Vesperan
church in the Dreamscape.
Symbol
A dream catcher with a blue feather. Some
decorate the dream catcher or the feather with
stars. Priests often wear dark blue with silver or
gray trim. Some wear stars on some small piece
as decoration.
Spheres
Chimera, Legacy, Wayfare
The Hearth's Good Fortune 2
You may protect a hearth from harm during the
late evening. If any of the Gifted Races sleep
within a building and call it home, you may
empower that dwelling with the protection of
Sereness. You may empower the dwelling at any
time, but the protection only lasts from 2:00 am
to 10:00 am. If you empower the dwelling during
the time of protection you call out "Imbue by
Sereness" and hang a Dreamcatcher in a
prominent place on the doorway along with a
Safe Hearth information card. Both must be
visible. If the dwelling is not lit the Dreamcatcher
must be marked with a light of some kind. If
someone who stays within that dwelling is
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familiar with this ability then you may use this
ability at any time during the day and empower
that individual to activate the power sometime
after 2:00 am. In this case you must touch the
Dreamcatcher to empower it and set it aside with
the Information Card someplace safe. The person
you so empowered will be able to call "Imbue by
Sereness" and hang the Dreamcatcher and the
Information Card on the doorway after 2:00 am
to activate the blessing. The person who activated
the blessing is also responsible for making sure
that the Dreamcatcher is taken down in the
morning before 10:00 am. Either way all effects
of this ability last only one night and end at 10:00
am. Each day you will need to visit each dwelling
once again to bless it.
When the blessing is in effect, from 2:00 am to
10:00 am, those who are staying in an area
without bath facilities may touch the
Dreamcatcher during the time when this ability is
active and travel to the facilities in spirit form.
While in spirit form you must press your palms
together and keep your head bowed. You must
return the same way. You do not reform, nor can
you linger or wander off a straight path to the
bath area and back, until you return to the cabin
and touch the Dreamcatcher once again. This
ability will not work during the time when the
Blessing is not in effect - you are on your own.
You cannot role play while traveling back and
forth to the bathroom. If an attack strikes you you
reply "Spirit."
The Blessed Hearth 1
Every hearth that you protect is sacred to you.
Five times per day, once for each White Court
god, you may refresh your Aura of Healing in
any hearth that has been blessed with The
Hearth's Good Fortune. This skill refreshes once
per day when you sleep for the evening.
 Madrigal
Hope and Courage 1
Three times per event you may either resist or
cure effects with the Despair or Fear trait. You
may exhaust one use of this skill and call out
"Resist by Dream" to negate one attack with the
Despair or Fear trait that strikes you. Alternately
you may exhaust one use of this skill to call out
"Cure Despair by Dream" or "Cure Fear by
Dream" to bolster one of the faithful.
Walking the Dreamscape 2
Twice per event while you are in the Dreamscape
you may refresh your Attributes to renew your
strength. Call out "Sereness lend me strength in
this place of dreams! Imbue by Dream" to refresh
your Air, Earth, Fire, and Water attributes.
Vespera
The Lady of Mystery
Secrets, Knowledge, Mystery, Magic
"Have the persistence to reveal the mysteries
around you, and the wisdom to know which
secrets to keep."
Vespera is the Lady of Mystery, the goddess of
both secrets and knowledge. Her priests both
reveal secrets that might endanger the Church,
and they guard the secrets of forbidden arts that
might corrupt the spirit. Her servants are often
trained in intrigue and act as spies and hidden
agents who watch the common, merchant, noble
folk of the land. Priests of Vespera tend the
Veiled Library, a hidden place that holds the dark
knowledge that presents a danger to the followers
of the White Court. For many years the Lady of
Mystery traveled outside Auralis gathering dark
knowledge, but it is said she has returned from
her sojourn and her church has once again joined
the White Court. Priests of the Vesperan church
acted to save many folk during the War of the
Maw, including the eldest lord of House Rouen
who became a supporter of the church.
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The priests of Vespera are often distrusted, for it
is their task to gather knowledge for the High
Church, even knowledge some would rather keep
hidden. Especially knowledge some would rather
keep hidden. While many of these priests as
seekers of knowledge and truths travel noble
courts and gutters alike to observe what goes on
there, some are tasked with finding deeper secrets
and these act as scouts and spies. It is said that no
secret is safe from the followers of Vespera, and
thus no secret is safe from the High Church. The
High Patriarch of Vespera whispers directly to the
High Patriarch of Aradach, imparting whatever
knowledge that position requires.
Vespera is the patron of arcane magic, an aspect
which many mages resent. In the aftermath of the
fall and betrayal of the Archmage Wickford, the
High Church has been watchful of the arcane
guilds. Although the High Church claims arcane
magic is the providence of Vespera, many mages
objected to the interference and questioning of
the church. The Vesperan church claims it is their
divine right to question a source of magic and
that only guilds that practiced the forbidden arts
would object to their council. The noble guilds
compromised by accepting an advisor from the
church onto their council, but many of the
smaller guilds and guilds who lacked noble
influence were disbanded. Most notably, the
Seven Veils Guild, known for their masked
mages, simply disappeared when the church
came to question them.
One aspect of the church that has made it popular
is that Vespera as the patron of secrets has
become a champion of unrequited and forbidden
love. Many priests of Vespera join the church
when their love for another is spurned. This
aspect has made the church popular among
young lovers, especially those who object to the
common practice of arranged marriages among
 Madrigal
the Kingdoms. It is not uncommon for the
Vesperan church to act as advisors or arbitrators
in matters of the heart, especially when such
matters will interfere with noble tradition.
Symbol
A white expressionless mask shaped like the face
of one of the Gifted Races. Priests usually wear
dark gray trimmed with silver, although some
trim their gray with purple.
Spheres
Chimera, Legacy, Wayfare
Secrets That We Keep 4
You may gather at least 3 other Vesperan priests
who also have this skill to prepare a Writ of
Secrets. Prepare a writ that describes some secret,
memory or forbidden knowledge. Have each
priest who will support you read the writ and, if
they support this act, exhaust a point of Air to
sign the writ. Attach an Inflict card to the writ
when three others have signed it. Touch a willing
or helpless victim, exhaust 3 points of Air, and
call out "Inflict by Divine" to lock their
memories into the scroll. The recipient will lose
all memory of the subject outlined on the scroll,
the memories locked away by divine power into
the words on the scroll. The recipient is forced to
carry the scroll. The recipient knows that they
carry the scroll, but will not remember the
information locked in the scroll. The scroll
cannot be opened, unrolled, or destroyed unless
the divine power is somehow removed. This
power cannot remove actual skills, spells, or
abilities. The recipient gains the Reticent trait and
only effects "to Reticent" can affect this divine
power. It is unclear what happens if the recipient
under this effect suffers a final death. Some say
the secret is lost beyond the Gate of Death. Some
say the scroll passes back into the realm of the
living at the time of death. Vesperan priests often
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perform the last rites on unfortunate individuals
who bear the Writ of Secrets.
Secrets Revealed 1
You may unlock the secrets of the church, briefly
restoring the memories of someone carrying
forbidden knowledge. Touch a willing or helpless
recipient with a packet and call out "Silence and
Imbue to Reticent" to allow them to remember
and whisper that knowledge to you. They will
remember the information locked away on the
scroll, but they are unable to speak unless it is
whispering to you while this effect is in place.
The effect lasts so long as you continue to touch
the person with a packet.
The Black Court
The Black Court dwells in the Labyrinth of
Oeruin, forever exiled from the gardens of
Auralis. The Black Court look on the world with
disdain, and see it only as way to satisfy their
appetites and to bring them the power to fuel
their hatred and spite. The Gifted Races are as
puppets and slaves to them, and the Black Court
recognizes no potential or glory other than their
own.
Azerial
The Tyrant, the Lord of Oeruin
“The Gifted Races have not the heart nor the
stomach to reach their true potential. Only those
with the strength and vision to rule can lead them
from chaos to excellence.”
It takes will and power to build, and those with
weak wills and lack of vision threaten the
progress of the world. It is the responsibility and
right of the strongest to lead the flock to
greatness. Each person has their part to play, and
Azerial’s part is to be the lord and ruler of all. He
 Madrigal
is the Lord of Oeruin, the Tyrant, and the
Dominator. He leads the Dark Gods with an iron
will and an unyielding grip. He plans the day
when he will once more rule supreme among all
the Lords of Aerune, and will not rest until all
pay homage to him.
The servants of Azerial are rulers or advisors to
rulers who lead through force and power. His
servants support slavery, and those who have
prejudices and see other castes or races as
inferior pay homage to the Tyrant. His priests
consider their inferiors disposable, and they
follow their superiors with great fervor until they
can, one day, prove themselves to be greater by
eliminating or discrediting those above them who
show weakness.
Symbol
A black, scarred crown encircled with a blood red
chain. Priests wear black with red trim.
Spheres
Legacy, Primal, Sovereign
The Mark of Servitude 3
You may mark a helpless victim as a servant and
visit pain upon them if they do not appease you.
If you have marked a victim with a Mark of
Servitude, you may inflict Agony on that victim
by calling out to them “By my voice, Agony to
Enslaved.” You may use this any time you
recognize an individual marked by you or
another, and they will take the Agony effect.
You may exhaust a point of Fire to deliver a
Mark of Servitude to a helpless or willing target.
You may request an Inflict card at the beginning
of the event, and this card is given to the target
when you use this ability. You must use the
Affliction delivery as described in the rules by
touching a weapon or packet to the target and
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saying “Affliction One, Affliction Two, Affliction
Three, Inflict by Azerial.” The target is marked
and gains the Enslaved trait until it is somehow
removed. Even death will not removed the mark,
although if the spirit goes to the realm of death
and is weakened then the effect will likely be
removed by those servants encountered beyond.
Khelvaan
Princess of Nightmares
“Everyone, deep down, fears something.”
The Princess of Nightmares is the goddess of
terror, and she reveals the fears of the Gifted
Races and feeds off despair and horror. She has
been charged with weakening the servants of
Auralis by inflicting such doubt and fear that they
fail to act against the Lords of Oeruin. She is
loyal to Azerial and, like the Tyrant, she knows
the world is in need of true guidance, which the
gods of Auralis are unable or unwilling to
provide. She also controls the dark side of the
Dreamscape, and her creations roam its borders
urging and coaxing sleeping spirits away from
the Realm of Sereness.
The servants of Khelvaan serve their lady by
inspiring terror and fear and doubt to prevent
would be heroes from opposing the other
servants of the Black Court. They are sometimes
brought into the Dreamscape to serve their lady
or to accomplish some dark mission that the gods
of the Black Court consider important. The
priests of Khelvaan gain the Sphere of Chimera
as their divine sphere.
Symbol
A silver mirror framed in obsidian. Priests wear
many colors, but decorate themselves with shiny
or gem like materials.
 Madrigal
Spheres
Chimera, Gloaming, Wayfare
Walking the Dreamscape 2
Twice per event while you are in the Dreamscape
you may refresh your Attributes to renew your
strength. Call out "Khelvaan grant me strength in
this place of nightmare! Imbue by Nightmare" to
refresh your Air, Earth, Fire, and Water attributes.
The Nightmare Realm 2
While you are in the Dreamscape, you may
exhaust a point of Fire to duplicate the priest
power of any other god or goddess. You may
only gain one other power in this manner. If you
use this ability again, the previous use ends. The
power ends when you leave the Dreamscape and
at the end of the event.
Murthean
The Voracious Prince
“The world is for the taking, and only those with
the proper appetites will be driven to take what
they wish.”
Murthean is the ever-hungry, a dark god who
believes that it is the appetites of the Gifted
Races that drive them to greatness. It is only by
seeking indulgence that the gifted races may find
absolution. Only the desire for what is around
them will drive them to change the world, and it
does not matter if that change is for better or
worse. To Murthean the passion of a soul is a lie,
and it is greed that drives all of the Gifted. The
greatest show of strength is to pursue those
desires and hungers, even if it causes one’s own
destruction.
The servants of Murthean seek to reach their
potential by fulfilling their own decadent desires.
Many are willing to kill or steal for wealth. They
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seek the finest clothes, and richest foods, and the
most exquisite wines and poisons. Second best
simply won’t do. Many will attempt to reach a
level of heightened experience with poisons and
drink and attempt to create art. Some succeed at
first, but most succumb to their decadence.
Murthean has many unwitting servants, who
serve him without realizing they spread his
influence. Murthean has few priests, and those
that consciously serve him tempt others down
paths of excess.
Symbol
Green glowing eyes within ever hungry, ever
consuming black flames. Priests wear dark green
and black.
Spheres
Gloaming, Malediction, Wayfare
Insatiable Thirst 2
Your divine hunger allows you to derive extra
sustenance from magical elixirs. All alchemical
elixirs give you a Heal effect, restoring one point
of Vitality, in addition to the normal effect of the
substance.
Only the Finest 1
Whenever you pay extra maintenance, you gain 2
extra points of Vitality for the event instead of the
normal 1 extra point.
Wyrlok
Prince of the Beasts
“Every being has locked deep inside a primal,
savage hunter waiting to be set free.”
The Prince of the Beasts is the merciless hunter,
and his favorite prey is the Gifted. Wyrlok does
not hunt for food or for survival – he hunts for
enjoyment. He is brutal and enjoys cruelty and
 Madrigal
slaughter, but does not always kill his prey.
Sometimes he will twist their forms and their
minds into rampaging beasts or fill them with a
frenzied desire to kill. Wyrlok is the progenitor of
lycanthropes and all sorts of twisted races bent on
slaughter and destruction. Wyrlok hates the
animal spirits and takes particular pleasure in
killing the Shoathri.
The servants of Wyrlok are few and far between.
They are almost always violently brutal, and hunt
for fun. A few carry more reputable facades and
stalk victims in another guise. Those priests who
serve him gain the sphere of Weald as their
divine sphere.
Symbol
A brown disk with a blood red, open talon or
claw striking downward. Priests tend to wear
brown or black furs that are often stained with
blood.
Spheres
Gloaming, Weald, Wayfare
Blood Lust 3
If you use any skill with the damage effect and
the opponent drops from it, you need not exhaust
any attributes for using the skill.
Xerelos
The Black Jester
“Wisdom is in the tongue and heart of the fool
who laughs at the tragedy around him. Life is a
comedy of errors, the blackest humor, for in the
end, what else can we do but look on it and
laugh?”
The Jester holds a special place in the Black
Court. He is able to say things in the court none
of the other gods would dare say in the Black
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Court of Azerial. Xerelos has a biting, sarcastic
wit, and he sees the world as a dark joke. He has
little concern with the courts unless he can gain
some advantage or twisted amusement from
some aspect of the war. He is the god of madness,
he is the god of disease and deformity, and he is
particularly fond of visiting these torments on the
Gifted and laughing at their expense.
The servants of Xerelos are often deformed or
have broken spirits. Some are mad. Many delight
in the pain of others, if only to forget their own
pain for a time. The priests entertain themselves
at the expense of others, even delivering pain and
death to satisfy their sardonic tastes. Jesters must
be particularly careful of using dark humor lest
they be accused of serving Xerelos and put to the
sword.
Symbol
A skull, quartered and painted black and white
like a Harlequin. Sometimes a skull is portrayed
with a jester’s cap. Priests wear any number of
dark colors in patterns and patches and twisted
designs in a fashion similar to a jester only
darker.
Spheres
Gloaming, Malediction, Wayfare
Ill Fortune of Others 3
Watch when you affect one of the Gifted Races
with a Slow, Agony, Drain, or Root effect. If that
individual is taken down by someone else before
you break line of sight and while the effect is
upon them, you may laugh or make a biting
remark right after they drop to refresh those
attributes exhausted by your attack. If you break
line of sight, fail to role play immediately after
the victim drops, or the effect appears to end you
exhaust the attributes normally.
 Madrigal
The Forbidden
Elshea
The Huntress
“It is my divine right and duty to hunt those who
are undeserving of the Gifts. None shall deny my
birthright nor my divine sight.”
The Huntress stalks the edges of the shadows
seeking those who are unworthy of the Gifts. She
knows she is alone, but she will not set aside her
birthright or her divine sight. Her worship is
illegal; her priests are cast out, persecuted, and
hunted themselves. Many have left the
priesthood, disillusioned or dissuaded by a life of
hardship and secrecy. Those that remain carry on
her work or pray to her for strength in their own
path of vengeance or hunting, always staying one
step ahead of the Inquisition and the agents of the
Goddess of Mystery.
The priests of Elshea are not well liked,
especially among the noble classes. They have
been known to incite dangerous rebellion when
they find a ruler unjust. They are vigilantes who
step in when law can or will not do so. Those
criminals who are found innocent must still
watch their backs if there are those who would
testify against them. Elshea accepts neither the
purification of the soul through the rite of
resurrection, nor does she accept the sanctity of
the spirit in Death. Her priests are sure to keep an
eye out for those who have not turned from their
wicked ways, whether or not they visited the
Gate of Death.
The secret church of Elshea has no love for the
Church of Vespera and considers all who worship
her thoroughly evil and corrupt. It was the church
of Vespera that brought the charge that the writ of
Elshea breaks the sanctity of Fate by twisting the
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death process. The followers of Elshea refused to
set aside the divine right of Elshea by outlawing
her writs, and many find the Vesperan Writ of
Secrets far more appalling. In the ensuing
intrigue the church of Elshea went against the
orders of the High Patriarch and started open
warfare by destroying several churches of
Vespera and slaying the priests there, using their
writs to exact justice upon them. The church has
been outlawed, and the worship forbidden.
In recent years the worship of Elshea has
attracted a darker sort. Those who hunt for glory
or money have come to invoke the huntress,
much to the disgust of those who consider
themselves true priests of Elshea. These bounty
hunters and bandits have further tarnished the
name of the Huntress. In many places the priest
of Elshea have turned dangerously violent,
vigilantes of the worse sort. It is said that priests
of Elshea support the Kordova Rebellion and aid
the rebellious nobles in that conflict.
There are tales from the west, among the Winter
Tribes, that the Huntress stalks evil with the Cat
Lord Bayustri. The barbarians sing tales of that
hunt and the destruction they have wrought on
the evils of the world. It is thought that many
Elshean worshippers have found refuge among
the Winter Tribe barbarians. Still others have
entered Mhurkiel and hide their worship among a
people who have outlawed religion.
Symbol
A tiger’s eye. Sometimes the eye is set into a disk
with tiger stripes. Sometimes a Tiger eye
gemstone is used. Priests often wear black with
some amount of tiger striped material like a
headband or a belt.
Spheres
Gloaming, Legacy, Wayfare
 Madrigal
Strike of the Huntress 5
Once per event you make a deadly strike with a
melee or missile attack. Call out "Death by
Magic" and make your attack. This skill is used
up only if you strike your target and the effect is
acknowledged through role play or negated by a
defense. This is the case for arrow attacks as
well. The huntress strikes true, and an arrow that
misses or is blocked will not cause this skill to be
used.
Vengeance of the Righteous 4
If purification of death is not enough for a
particularly vile individual, you may condemn
them for their crimes and deliver them to Death
to be judged more harshly. Once per event you
may prepare a Writ of Condemnation that names
the individual and lists their crimes. You may
request an Inflict card at the beginning of the
event, and this card must be attached to the
bottom of the Writ. You must touch a blade to the
torso of a dead individual who has not yet turned
to spirit and say “Inflict to Dead” to use this skill.
Place the writ into the hand of the guilty, and
they will be compelled to deliver the writ to those
who await them beyond Death’s door. This
condemnation must have the passion to convince
the servants of Death to judge this individual
harshly. This skill cannot be used on spirits who
have risen to walk to Death's door.
The Nylachia
The Obsidian Host
Lord of the Obsidian Heart
Foul, Malediction, Undead
"The Obsidian Heart resonates throughout the
Foul like the drums of war that call those who are
worthy to war against the undeserving."
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When the lord of the Obsidian Heart ascended he
took for himself the Foul and all of Malediction
as his providence. As he stepped into the divine
realm his essence became a host of dark spirits
and corruptors rather than a single divine being.
His essence manifests throughout the lands like
grasping talons. Although many dark spirits carry
his divine shadow, the Lord of the Obsidian
Heart is the power behind them all. Each
corruptor and dark spirit are a set of eyes and ears
bringing dark knowledge to their lord.
The host of the Foul is called the Nylachia, each
one a part of him. His divine voice is sometimes
called Nylachim. He has taken this name for
himself, and it is intoned by his worshippers to
call his favor and bring him power. The Nylachia
are like a darkness across the heavens and the
earth, gnawing at the Tapestry where ever they
can. The Lord of the Obsidian Heart binds them
all. Everything they see, he sees. Everything they
corrupt brings him power. Wherever his will is
greatest, there the Heart can be heard beating
with the power of the Foul.
It is said that the heroes of the War of the Gate
prophesied the coming of the Nylachia. Whispers
say they knew the name he would take. They
prepared three Orders to war with him. Although
they disappeared and faded from history, those
that remember bear the power of the Orders to
honor their sacrifice.
In the War of the Gate the heroes of Shadowfane
took up the call of the Orders and destroyed the
champions of the Nylchia. Although gates of
Obsidian manifested throughout the lands, there
was no voice to call forth the dark host that
hungered behind them. The Orders destroyed
each Champion in turn. In the years to follow the
Lord of the Obsidian Heart has endeavored to
raise new champions among his followers. Three
individuals have risen above all others to serve
 Madrigal
the Nylachia; The Lich King Wickford, the
Banshee Queen, and the Wraith King. The
memory of the heroes has been honored by
maintaining a Knight for each the three Orders,
and each Knight has been gifted by a Gelid
Serpent with a symbol of power to remember
their Order. The Knight of Purification fights the
Lich King, destroying his corruption of the
elements. The Knight of Absolution combats the
Banshee Queen, unbinding those souls she twists
with regret and despair. The Knight of
Forbiddance hunts the Wraithlords, barring them
from corrupting sacred places and creatures.
Each Knight uses the power of the regalia of the
Order, but when that power is spent the Knight
passes the title and the regalia to another who is
worthy.
With the ascension of the Obsidian Heart and its
call to the Nylachia, the Foul has grown in
power. Those abominations corrupted by the Foul
wield greater weapons of corruption and despair.
Even the mindless undead are a threat to the
knights of the realms, and their desire to destroy
has been tempered with a dark cunning. The three
Foul Regents have called forth new types of
undead, and all creatures of the Foul have been
blessed by the Nylachia. Many undead grow in
rage when more than three of the living are
attacking them, and this makes them stronger.
The Gifted must constantly guard against the
creatures of the Foul, for destroying even one has
become more difficult.
The Nylachia war with White Court. The battle is
tireless, and the High Church combats the Host
and those followers where ever they appear. The
priests of the Black Court also destroy the
followers of Nylachim. The Lord of the Obsidian
Heart has a particular hatred for Murthean, for
the first champion to rise in favor was the Ghoul
King, called the Insatiable, but with his insatiable
hunger he was lured to serve the Voracious
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Prince. Xerelos revels in the increased power of
Malediction, stealing away that foul essence and
cursing the followers of the Nylachia with
madness and corruption. Those who still secretly
follow the Huntress also seek to destroy the
Nylachia. Despite this, many of the Blood Tribes
have united under the strength of Nylachim, and
is it said that a full third of the Malekyrg have
risen to the call of the First King.
Symbol
A black heart, cracked by strands of deep purple.
The Unaligned
Ciarda, Fainche, & Sciath
Three Sisters of Fate
“Each step, each breath, each stroke of the blade
or of the pen changes the weave of the Tapestry,
and forever affects the world.”
Three sisters share the power of the goddess of
fate. They appear as three hideous old crones,
Ciarda, Fainche, and Sciath. When Arcalia fell in
the War of Tears, her power was passed to her
three children. They have taken up the tapestry of
their mother. One weaves the present, one
watches the past for loosened threads, and one
prepares the loom for the future. They often
switch positions so they remain attentive to their
task. All things are recorded in the Tapestry, and
only the three sisters may look upon it in its
entirety.
The sisters have no priests, though seers and
historians sometimes call upon them for aid.
Those who desire to serve them travel to
chronicle the events of the day. Many who are
inspired by the sisters will travel into danger for
the chance to witness history in the making.
 Madrigal
Symbol
Three silver needles intersecting at their midpoint
and pointing east, southeast, and south.
Sometimes a scroll is behind them, and
sometimes a watching eye is placed in front of
the intersection.
Nielus
The Lord of the Dead
“All things must die.”
Grim and foreboding, Nielus takes no sides in the
war. He is the god of the dead, and he oversees
the spirits of the dead. He takes those who have
died from age or natural illness, but he will allow
those who have died from the hand of another of
the Gifted to return to life if their spirit and will
is strong enough. Gates to the Realm of death
draw the spirits of the dead, and they appear in
many places where violent or suspicious death is
common. As a result, there are many gates to the
Realm of Death in the land of Aerune. Nielus
calls none of the Gifted Races his servants. He is
served by beings called the Reapers. The Reapers
carry out the business of their lord, act as his
voice and, if need be, act as his hand.
The Elemental Lords
Arasha, Lady of Air
Karakesh, Lady of Fire
Qualash, Lord of Water
Urgroth, Lord of Earth
“Gentle and fierce, eternal and ever-changing,
the seething elements make up the essence of the
world and the Elemental Lords are every bit as
chaotic as their namesakes.”
Wild, fickle, chaotic, and temperamental, the
Elemental Lords have inherited the power of the
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fallen god of the primal elements, Khormed. The
Elemental Lords were born when the Prince of
Elements could no longer contain the conflicting
elements within himself, and he was destroyed
from the effort of creating his successors. The
Elemental Lords grew in power quickly, and
without the guidance or teaching of the older lord
they became wild and untamed. They often argue
among themselves, and take no part in the war
unless it will bring benefit to them. The lords
have a delicate balance of power between them,
and it is common for one of them to aid the
enemy of another to prevent the sibling from
gaining too much power. The elemental servants
of these lords are constantly at war. The
Elemental Lords have no priests among the
Gifted Races, and they pay little attention to the
cults who follow them unless their own war spills
into this realm.
The Pale
The natural world is full of free spirits. They
dwell all around us, in everything this is not
bound by the hands of the Gifted. They dwell in
the trees, the earth, the rivers and the wind. The
veil that separates this world from the spirit
world is called the Pale, and there are still those
druids and elves which follow ancient ways,
ways long since discarded by the more civilized
folk of the Kingdoms. It is said, too, that the
Ancestor Spirits of the Barbarian Tribes and the
Animal Lords of the Shoathri also dwell within
the Spirit world beyond the Pale. Of the six
Kingdoms, only the lords of Locksmoor still
venerate these ancient ways.
The druids have learned to listen and watch
around them to track the spirits of the Pale.
Rather than inspiring the spirits to appear to them
with song and dance and history, the druids
intrigue the spirits by finding them and calling
out to them directly. They watch the heavens and
 Madrigal
world around them until they instinctively know
where and when the Pale is thinnest. The druids
spend much of their time bargaining with the
natural spirits for aid, and in return they agree to
keep the land wild and free.
The barbarian shamans instead use art and
sometimes dance to inspire the spirits of the Pale.
Their spells are sometimes chanted or sung, and
the spirits are moved to help them. The ancestors
of the barbarians watch over them and enlist the
aid of the spirits of the Pale to help their tribes. In
the sacred grounds of their tribes the most
powerful shamans can even call their own
ancestors to give them guidance or aid. The
shamans remain reverent to the spirits, the land,
and their ancestors.
Those shamans and druids who can hear beyond
the Pale guard the sanctity and freedom of the
land around them. Spirits of the Pale cannot
abide having their freedom destroyed. Fences and
walls and borders drive them from the land.
Pollution of the earth or air destroys them. The
druids and shamans must seek free and wild
lands to teach their craft for the spirits are not
present in the civilized lands unless one already
knows how to call them forth.The Pale
The Druids, aged protectors of the ancient world,
call primarily to two Aspects of the Pale, the
Green Man and the Grey Man.
The Green Man is the embodiment of the Spring
and Summer months, of cool, replenishing rains
and warm summer days. His is the realm of
courage and preservation, and followers of the
Green Man are willing to work with all races,
cultures, and religions toward their goals, except
those who have cast aside their gifts and fallen to
corruption.
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The Grey Man holds the Fall and Winter months,
a natural balance to his brother and the
unyielding harshness of the natural world. His is
the court of Truth and Destruction, and woe are
those who seek to reach beyond their place in
nature and transgress into his world. Followers of
the Grey Man tend to be wrathful and dire, full of
grim prognostications and uneasy tidings. They
embrace only the wildness of nature, and their
mercy is thin for any who dare to trangress into
their lands in number.
There are deep and lasting rumors of a Third, lost
Brother, of the Pale, but, aside from some of the
Elves, little is known of who this mysterious
figure might be, and where he might have gone.
In recent times there has been a resurgence of
these ancient ways. There are whispers of an
awakening, where the legendary White Spring
has been found and empowered. There have been
whispers that there are those who pursue
knowledge of the ancient holidays. With this
awakening the Druids and Rangers of the Pale
have found inspiration. Druids and Rangers who
do not have the Devout or Shamanic trait may
embrace the Green or the Gray. A Ranger who
does so gains the Druidic trait and cannot
purchase Devout or Shamanic headers or skills.
You can only truly embrace one of these paths.
There are rumors that there is a third path, but if
this is true it is lost and it cannot be embraced in
the same manner.
Gifts of the Green
Prerequisite: Druid or Ranger
Pale Encampment 2
You may protect an emcampment from harm
during the late evening. If there is a tent where a
follower of the Pale sleeps you may empower
that dwelling with the protection of the Green.
 Madrigal

You may empower the tent at any time, but the

protection only lasts from 2:00 am to 10:00 am.
If you empower the tent during the time of
protection you call out "Imbue by Weald" and
hang an image of the Green Man in a prominent
place on the doorway along with a Safe Hearth
information card. Both must be visible. The
Green Man image must be marked with a light of
some kind. If someone who stays within that tent
is familiar with this ability then you may use this
ability at any time during the day and empower
that individual to activate the power sometime
after 2:00 am. In this case you must touch the
Green Man to empower it and set it aside with
the Information Card someplace safe. The person
you so empowered will be able to call "Imbue by
Weald" and hang the Green Man and the
Information Card on the doorway after 2:00 am
to activate the blessing. The person who activated
the blessing is also responsible for making sure
that the Green Man is taken down in the morning
before 10:00 am. Either way all effects of this
ability last only one night and end at 10:00 am.
Each day you will need to visit each tent once
again to bless it. This ability only works on tents
in the woods and will not work on permanent
structures. For the convenience of players we
allow this to work on encampments within sight
of buildings, but you must have trees all around
you.
You cannot use this ability if you have the
Undead, Malediction, or Foul trait, or if you are
under the effects of a Frenzy. The use of this
ability comes with roleplaying effects. Those
who grant this ability and those affected by this
ability expect that you will use it wisely. If you
use it when rage is warranted or deserved, it is
likely that there will be in game consequences as
a result.
Gifts of the Gray
Prerequisite: Druid or Ranger
The Blackest Wood 3
This skill allows you to apply and use blade
venoms on claws or any wooden weapon. You
call out the effect of the poison when you make
an attack. The poison is used up only if the strike
lands and the opponent acknowledges it through
role playing or negates it with a defense.
Feeding the Fury 1
You may strengthen one of the blessed Pale
Hunters. Exhaust a point of Earth and throw a
packet to call out "Heal 10 to Pale Hunter" or
exhaust a point of Fire and throw a packet to call
out "Refresh 10 Fury to Pale Hunter" to
strengthen the Pale Hunter.

Calm the Grey Fury 
 2

If you feel a group is undeserving of the Grey
Man's wrath, you may exhaust two points of Fire
to calm a Pale Hunter who has been enraged. You
must spend three seconds trying to calm the
creature through role playing. After three seconds
you may point at the Pale Hunter and call out
"By My Gesture, Cure Frenzy to Pale Hunter" as
a gesture effect. The Pale Hunter will be calmed,
though it can be enraged immediately thereafter
if the condition that caused its anger still exists or
happens again.

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 Madrigal

Chapter Nine
Core Rules
Fighting Props

Combat is resolved with a staged system that

uses props for weapons and spells. In order to
1 - Choose Your Weapon
First, you have to figure out what type of weapon
ensure that these props are safe, certain
you are making and determine the length and
guidelines on their construction are necessary.
construction requirements. The various weapon
Weapons and packets must be checked at each
types are explained below. Two handed weapons
and every event where they might be used. You
are marked with a “*” in the length table. Each
are responsible for the safety of any prop you
type requires its own skill, but anyone can use
swing or throw in combat, so you should check
small weapons under 24” in length.
them yourself during the course of an event.

Every player, both PC and NPC, is responsible Blades

for bringing their own weapons and packets. We These weapons represent daggers and all types
will try to have weapons and packets to rent at of swords. A bladed weapon has a striking
our events, but we can make no guarantees about surface that covers at least 2/3 of its entire length.
the availability of these props. We reserve the The weapon may have a cross guard or hand
right to fail any weapon or packet we deem guard, but the guard must be made entirely of
unsafe. It is not uncommon for weapons to fail or pipe foam or the equivalent.
break, so you should try to bring a backup
Weapon Lengths
weapon and materials to repair your props.
Type Minimum” Maximum”
Dagger 18” 24”
Weapon Construction Short Sword
Long Sword
25”
37”
36”
46”
Constructing a weapon requires time and
patience, but it is not that hard once you have Great Sword* 50” 64”

practiced a bit. We describe the steps to create the

various weapons below, and include the details
along the way. One problem with weapon
materials is that they vary wildly, even within the
same brand name. If you follow the suggestions,
it is remotely possible that a weapon could fail
because of a strange inconsistency in the core or
foam.
Axes
These weapons represent hatchets and all types
of axes. An axe needs padding that covers at least
1/2 of its entire length. The striking surface is a
head of open celled foam at least 8" in length that
extends at least 4" from the shaft, and looks like
an axe blade.

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 Madrigal

Weapon Lengths also fight with a medium weapon in your other

Type Minimum” Maximum” hand while blocking. The great glaive is a two
Hatchet 18” 24” handed weapon. You cannot use it with one hand.
Short Axe 25” 36”
Long Axe 37” 46” Weapon Lengths
Great Axe* 50” 64” Type Minimum” Maximum”
War Glaive* 48” 64"

Hammers Great Glaive* 60" 72"

These weapons represent maces, hammers, and

all types of smashing weapons with metal heads. Staves
A hammer needs padding that covers at least 1/2 Staves have a striking surface on both sides of
of its entire length. The striking surface is a head the weapon. Each striking surface covers at least
of open celled foam at least 6" long that extends 1/3 its entire length. The middle section of the
at least 4" from the shaft, although this could be staff must also be padded, although you can use
2" on both sides for a mace. 3/8” padding for the grip of the staff so long as
the full 5/8” is used for the striking surfaces.
Weapon Lengths
Because both ends of the staff are striking
Type Minimum” Maximum”
surfaces, the middle of the staff is aluminum and
Blackjack 18” 24”
each end has PVC or CPVC. The staff has a
Short Hammer 25” 36”
thrusting tip on both ends.
Long Hammer 37” 46”
Maul* 50” 64” Weapon Lengths
Type Minimum” Maximum”

Glaives Staff* 48” 64”

Glaives and shafted weapons that have a blade on

both sides of the weapon. Each striking surface
covers at least 1/3 its entire length, and the blade
itself must be at least 18". The middle section of
the glaive must also be padded, although you can
use 3/8” padding for the grip of the staff so long
as the full 5/8” is used for the striking surfaces.
Because both ends of the glaives are striking
surfaces, the middle of the staff is aluminum and
each end has PVC or CPVC. The glaive has a
thrusting tip on both ends. All glaives are two
handed weapons. You can choke up to one end
and grasp the blade of a glaive only if you are
wearing thick gauntlets. If you are skilled with a
war glaive you can hold the weapon along the
shaft and block attacks with one hand. You
cannot attack while using a war glaive used in
this fashion. If you have the proper skill to can
Spears
The spear is the only long weapon that may be
used one handed. A spear can only be used to
stab an opponent. It cannot be used to swing. A
spear must have padding that covers down the
striking end at least 1/2 of its entire length. You
cannot fight a spear and another weapon if that
weapon is longer than 36”. If you are using a
spear one handed you may not thrust at any target
above the arm pit of the opponent.
Weapon Lengths
Type Minimum” Maximum”
Spear 48” 64”

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 Madrigal

Polearms Medium Claw 37” 42”

Long Claw 37" 46"
Covering all types of longer pole weapons,
polearms have the advantage of reach . A
polearm must have padding that covers down the Thrown Weapons
striking end at least 1/2 of its entire length. The These weapons represent daggers, darts, and
striking surface must cover at least 12", and must javelins. These weapons must be at least 2” in
include additional padding of open celled foam length, but larger thrown weapons such as
that extends at least 1" from the shaft or another javelins are allowed if the staff deems them safe.
layer of pipe foam cut in half. Larger thrown weapons may be weighted with
birdseed, but at least 5/8” of foam must be
Weapon Lengths between the birdseed and the surface.
Type Minimum” Maximum”
Polearm* 60” 72”
Weapon Lengths
Size Minimum” Maximum”
Clubs Dagger 4” 12”
These weapons represent weapons made entirely Dart 2” 12”
from wood. A club needs padding that covers at Javelin 8” 36”
least 1/2 of its entire length. The striking surface
is at least 6" long. It may be open celled foam
that extends at least 1" from the shaft,or it could Bows
be an additional layer of pipe foam. These weapons use thrown type projectiles and a
prop for the bow made from padded PVC. The
Weapon Lengths arrows are round, open cell foam and tape
Type Minimum” Maximum” projectiles with an 8” streamer. You must draw
Blackjack 18” 24” the arrow prop, touch it to the bow, and draw it
Short Club 25” 36” back to your ear. You may then throw it to
Long Club 37” 46” represent the arrow.
Great Club* 50” 64”

Weapon Lengths
Claws Size Minimum” Maximum”
These weapons represent some kind of natural Bow 36” 48”
weaponry. A claw needs padding that covers at Arrow 2” + 8” 2” + 8”
least 2/3 of its entire length. The striking surface
is the padded area of the weapon above the grip.
Claws are not affected by Fumble effects. If a Crossbows
claw is affected by a Destroy effect, the character These weapons use thrown type projectiles and a
will take a Maim effect to the limb holding the prop for the crossbow made from padded PVC.
claw. The bolts are round, open cell foam and tape
projectiles with an 8” streamer. You must draw
Weapon Lengths the bolt prop, touch it to the crossbow, and draw
Type Minimum” Maximum” it back to your ear. You may then throw it to
Short Claw 25” 36” represent the bolt. The crossbow must have a

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 Madrigal

length between 18” and 36” and a bow width
between 18” and 24”. We also allow NERF type
crossbows if they meet the size requirements and
the crossbow and bolts are painted so they are not
brightly colored.
Weapon Lengths
Size Minimum” Maximum”
Crossbow 18” by 18” 36” by 24”
Bolt 2” + 8” 2” + 8”
Shields
Shields are defensive props used to block weapon
blows. They cannot be used to strike another
player. They are constructed from light wood or
plastic, and all exposed edges must be protected
with 5/8" thick foam piping. Most shields use a
handle and an arm strap, but light shields might
only have a single handle.
A buckler is a small shield that cannot be more
that 24" at its longest dimension. A full sized
shield cannot be more that 36" at its longest
dimension.
Shield Maximum Dimensions
Size Maximum Dimension
Buckler 24”
Shield 36”
2 - Create the Core
Next you must create the weapon core. For
thrown weapons you skip this step. Your core
materials depend on the length of the weapon,
which you determined in step one. The weapon
core will need to be 4” shorter than the overall
length of the weapon. Each end must be capped
with a coin or strapping tape so there is no hole at
the end. Each pipe insulation overlap will need to
be 1” and the foam thrusting tip must be 2” in
length. The core materials we allow are described
below.
3/4” PVC
This common core can be used for one handed
weapons and is used with aluminum to make two
handed weapons. You will want to find schedule
20 PVC pipe with a thin wall. There are schedule
40 pipes with thicker walls that are too heavy to
make good weapons. This core can also be bent
into bows by applying very hot water, or
softening it if you are good with the heat of a
stove or gas burner.
1/2” PVC
This core is too whippy to use for longer
weapons, but weapons as long as 36" might be
safe with a 1/2" core. This material is not good
for any other type of weapon.
3/4” CPVC
This core can be used for one handed weapons
and is used with aluminum to make two handed
weapons. You will want to find schedule 20
CPVC pipe with a thin wall. There are schedule
40 pipes with thicker walls that are too heavy to
make good weapons. This core can also be bent
into bows by applying very hot water, or
softening it if you are good with the heat of a
stove or gas burner. CPVC has more whip than
PVC, but it can be used for weapons up to 42" in
length. Some types of CPVC might be stiff
enough for slightly longer weapons, but you will
have to watch the whip closely or the weapon
will likely fail inspection. CPVC can be used
with aluminum in two handed weapons as well.
Aluminum
This material has no give, so it cannot be used for
one handed weapons. The purpose of aluminum
is to give two handed weapons less whip. Two
handed weapons use a 7/8" galvanized aluminum
and 3/4" CPVC core. The cores should be picked

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 Madrigal
so the CPVC fits snugly into the aluminum. They
should overlap about three inches and be secured
together with an adhesive like Plumber's Goop or
with a good amount of strapping tape wrapped
around the seam. I would suggest both the
adhesive and a small amount of strapping tape.
Suggested lengths for long weapons are as
follows.
72” weapons should have 48” of aluminum and
23” of CPVC. With 3” of overlap you have a core
that is 68” long. This leaves you room for the
required 1” overlap of pipe foam on each end and
a 2” thrusting tip.
64” weapons are a little shorter, so you can use a
little more CPVC. You should use 36” of
aluminum and 27” of CPVC. With 3” of overlap
this gives you a core that is 60” long. This leaves
you room for the required 1” overlap of pipe
foam on each end and a 2” thrusting tip.
The staff should have aluminum in the middle of
the weapon with CPVC on either side where the
striking ends are. You will have to cut the core a
full 6” shorter to give room for 1” of overlap and
2” of thrusting tip on both sides. The staff should
use the ratio of half its length as aluminum in the
middle and one fourth as CPVC on each side.
Two handed weapons of different lengths should
use similar ratios so they are not too whippy but
have give at the striking end.
.505 Ultralight
The core this refers to is actually called spiral
wound fiberglass tubing and can be purchased
from a company called Into the Wind. Intended
to be used as a kite pole, the core is light,
durable, and has give. One handed weapons use
the .505 diameter pole that sells for under $5.00.
If you wish to order it, the part number is 4409.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
.610 Ultralight
This core is a thicker version of the spiral wound
fiberglass tubing that is purchased from the
company called Into the Wind. It is almost twice
as expensive as .505, but it is needed if you
intend to make ultralight two handed weapons.
Ultralight two handed weapons require extra
padding down one side of blade consisting of 1"
of open cell foam or an extra layer of 5/8" pipe
foam.
Because ultralight weapons are so light, we are
especially careful to insure that those using these
weapons role play their swings properly. Though
we allow the use of these cores, this is considered
a privilege and players who perpetually swing
from the wrist and machine gun will lose this
privilege. Role Play your swings.
3 - Pad the Striking Area
Next you will have to add the padding to the
striking surface of the weapon. The padding
should be 5/8” pipe insulation. Weapons have
traditionally used 5/8" green Climatube 80 pipe
insulation, but the parent company has
discontinued that foam. Suitable replacement
foam can be found through McMaster-Carr at
732-329-3200 or online at
www.mcmastercarr.com. Search for polyethylene
pipe insulation. The product numbers for un-slit
foam that fits various cores are below:
Ultralight .410 and .505 core Part
#4530K161
Ultralight .610 core Part
#4530K162
Ultralight .750 core
3/4" CPVC
3/4" PVC Part
#4530K163
1" PVC and 7/8" Aluminum Part
#4530K165
 Madrigal
All wall thicknesses are _ inch which will last
longer and provide more safety padding than the
Climatube 5/8".
For shield edges, use part #4734K151 which is a
slit, self sealing foam that is easy to apply around
the edges of a shield.
The pipe foam should fit snugly over the pipe
without rattling. If the foam is too big, you may
add a strip of weather insulation to the core or
use strapping tape to pad out the core at three or
four points. We prefer to use weapons with a
diameter of around 2”, but we allow a wedge to
be removed from the pipe foam to be so long as
the diameter of the weapon is no less than 1 and
3/4”. We reserve the right to restrict such
weapons if this proves to be problematic.
The pipe insulation must extend past the end of
every core by at least 1” and the resulting hole
must be filled with a rolled up bit of pipe
insulation. Use strapping tape to hold in the filler.
Once the basic padding is added, you may add
extra padding to two handed weapons using
another layer of pipe insulation cut in half to fit
over the foam. You may also use a narrow strip of
open cell foam. Weapon heads are also made
from open cell foam. Attach the extra padding
with strapping tape to prepare it for the final
layer of duct or kite tape.
It is suggested that two handed weapons,
particularly staves, cover the grip area or at least
most of the grip area with a thin walled pipe
insulation to protect against accidental contact
with the grip. This is not required unless a player
is reported to hit opponents frequently with the
grip of the weapon.
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4 - Add Cross Guards
Cross guards and hand guards may be added to
blades using pipe insulation or similar materials.
All guards must have give and be deemed safe by
the staff. We discourage cross guards on other
types of weapons, but if the player can show us
an example of a medieval weapon with a similar
feature we might consider it if the cross guard is
deemed safe. Other weapons may have a small
hand guard if it only protects that hand.
5 - Add the Pommel
If the weapon is a blade it will need a pommel.
Pipe insulation must extend past both ends of the
core by at least 1” and the resulting hole must be
filled with a rolled up bit of pipe insulation. Use
strapping tape to hold in the filler.
6 – Add a Thrusting Tip
The tip of the striking surface must have a
thrusting tip. This tip is 2” of open cell foam.
Longer thrusting tips tend to bend. Cut the foam
to cover the tip. Once the tip is in place, use duct
tape or kite tape to cover the tip. Take a length of
tape and place it so it goes across the end of the
tip and down both sides, attaching the tip to the
weapon. If the tip is round, use a razor to cut the
corners so the tape conforms to the tip. Now add
another piece of tape so it goes across the end
and down the exposed sides of the foam tip. Use
a razor to cut the corners so the tape overlaps
slightly and conforms to the tip. Finally, poke
many tiny holes all over the tip so the air can
escape and the tip can contract and expand freely.
If the weapon uses other open cell foam, you
might find that when the foam compresses that
the tape wrinkles as it sticks to itself. You can
prevent this by covering the open cell foam with
plastic wrap used for food storage before taping
over the foam.
 Madrigal

7 - Cover with Tape

You may now cover the entire weapon with duct
tape. Kite tape is also allowed. The tape should
run down the length of the weapon and have a
slight overlap. It should not be wrapped in a
spiral around the blade. Even duct tape varies in
weight and thickness, so you should look for a
thinner, light tape. The majority of the weapon
should be black or gray where there is metal, and
black or brown where there is wood. Bright
colors are not allowed as the primary color of the
weapon, though decorations are allowed.

Packets
Packets are small bean bags that are thrown to
represent magical attacks or special powers. They
should be made of stretchable fabric and filled
with birdseed. You should use only small
birdseed with no larger or sharper seeds. A square
of fabric is pulled around the birdseed and its
corners are gathered together to form a “tail” and
closed up with strapping tape. You may also sew
a packet shut. Sealing the packet with rubber
bands or other types of tape will be allowed on a
case by case basis, and the packet should have
give in any case. Packets with any other material
inside will not be allowed.

The head of the packet should be between 1 and

1.5 inches in diameter, and the tail behind the
tape should not be longer than 3 inches. The
fabric must be stretchable and cannot be pulled
so tight that it no longer has give. You should be
able to squeeze the center of the packet and
almost touch your fingers together.

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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
 Madrigal
Chapter Ten
Player Logistics
Communicating with the Madrigal staff is a
necessary and important step in playing the
Madrigal game. These are the most common
logistical questions and the answers explain how
the logistical process is handled.
Can I Play Madrigal?
You must be 18 or older to play Madrigal. You
must also be familiar with at least the first two
chapters of the core rulebook so you will have
some idea how to respond to the various game
effects we use. Players who arrive without any
knowledge of the rulebook will be taken aside
until they have some familiarity of the rules, so
you should read through this material before you
arrive. Why waste valuable playing time doing
this?
How Do I Register For Events?
In order to register for events you must have an
active membership. You must tell us you are
attending an event and pay for that event in
advance. Until you pay or contact us to make
special arrangements we can reserve a space, but
only so long as the event doesn't sell out. If the
event fills up then those players who have paid
for the event are given space over those players
who have registered but have not paid.
You can inform us you intend to play by sending
email to madrigal@larp.com. You can send
payments to the following address.
Madrigal Registration
170 Salem Street
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Lawrence, MA 01843
Why Should I Pre-register For
Events?
We have a limited amount of space and often sell
out events. If you are pre-registered, then you are
guaranteed a place at the event. Those who pre-
register are also more likely to be targeted by
plot. If we don’t know you are coming we can’t
plan to include you in plots. No creation skill or
information skill requests will be prepared unless
you pre-register for the event.
How Do I Check In?
When you arrive at the campsite, you should
proceed to the check-in area that will be marked
with signs. The check-in staff will check to see if
you are a current member. If not, you will have to
sign a waiver and, if necessary, bring your
membership up to date. If you are pre-registered,
you will receive a character card and any items
created using game skills. You will receive any
yellow tagged items you turned in at the end of a
previous event. You will also get a cabin
assignment.
If you are not pre-registered, then the check-in
staff will check to see if there is room at the event
for you. If there is, you will pay at the door and
get your character card and yellow tagged items.
If not, the check-in staff will be glad to check to
see if there is room for staff players if you wish
to participate in that manner. If you are not pre-
 Madrigal
registered we will not prepare your creation items
for the event.
Parking occurs in the first wooded lot before you
get to the site proper. If you arrive before the
start of game and have a lot of gear to move, you
are more than welcome to pull up into the site,
but you should move your car to the lot by 8pm
on Weekend Events or 7pm on Adventure Nights.
No staff or player is allowed to park beyond the
yellow rope. Do not drive anywhere but the dirt
roads on the site. Drive slowly. Parking and
driving is prohibited at all times down the South
Village Road.
What If I Show Up After Game
Starts?
Game starts at 9pm on Fridays of Weekend
Events, and at 7pm on Wednesday Adventure
Nights. Once game starts it is the staff’s goal to
prevent the game flow from being interrupted for
any reason. It is for this reason that we strongly
suggest that you arrive before game starts. If this
is impossible, we ask that you come to the game
in costume so you don't disrupt the flow of the
game. It is our goal to move you into the ongoing
game as smoothly as possible. To this end you
will be asked to move into your cabin in game.
Players who arrive late enter game in costume as
spirits and proceed to the gate within the Mage's
Guild. There they ring the bell and await a staff
person to appear and check them in. This way
you are never interrupting the flow of the game
for other players as you arrive. You should make
every attempt to enter and leave the game area as
your character during game play. When you have
checked in there is a cart to help you move your
things to the area where you will be staying.
When traveling as a Spirit you should walk
slowly with your head tilted down and hands
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
folded. If you are spoken to or attacked you
should simply reply “Spirit” and continue
walking. You are In Game at all times, except
while you are in the bathrooms.
How Do I Check Out?
At the end of the event there is a check out area
in the same place where check in took place. You
may turn in your character card, make
submissions, and register for future events at that
time. All yellow marked items must be turned in
at check out.
What Happens During a First
Event?
At the beginning of your first event you are
encouraged to attend the new player orientation.
This is an in game orientation and there is no out
of game rule preventing you from leaving the
orientation, but players who attend this
orientation will likely have an easier time playing
their first event.
What Is Maintenance?
Maintenance is a payment that represents the in
game cost of living. The payment is one silver
piece, although this cost may vary due to in game
events. The cost is paid at the beginning of every
event, and those who fail to pay this cost will
find themselves weaker by one Void point to
represent the effects of starvation and exposure to
the elements. This reduction is cumulative for
each event this cost is not paid. Recovering
requires you to pay all previous costs. If your
Void is ever reduced to 0 because of Starvation
you will perish and you must visit the Gate of
Death when you enter game on the event that this
has happened.
High maintenance is paying more money for
maintenance. You are paying for a richer,
healthier, and more secure lifestyle. High
 Madrigal
maintenance usually costs 4 silvers at the
beginning of an event rather than 1 silver. You
gain one extra Vitality point for that entire event.
Skills that pay for maintenance costs also reduce
the cost of high maintenance, reducing it to 3
silvers. Game effects and campaign conditions
may change the cost of high maintenance.
How Do I Use Creation Skills?
Creation skill uses are submitted after the end of
an event either at check out or later via the
internet. There are check out sheets for creation
skills and there is a submission form on the web
site, although an email with the appropriate
information will do. The items you create are
available at the beginning of the next event for
which you pre-register. You must show any
required tags and submit required materials
whenever you make an item, or when you receive
items if you submitted the request using the
internet. There may also be opportunities to use
creation skills at special times during the course
of the game if you have the skill and the required
materials are available. If you do make a creation
skill request at the end of an event, we highly
suggest that you follow up the request with an
email.
How Do I Use Knowledge Skills?
Knowledge skills are submitted as questions
pertaining to the appropriate skill after the end of
an event, either at check out or later via the
internet. There is a submission form on the web
site, although an email with the appropriate
information will do. You must submit any
necessary money when you submit the question,
or during the next event for which you pre-
register if you submitted it over the internet.
There is no guarantee that you will receive an
answer at the next event, or at all, depending on
the question and other in game considerations. If
the answer does come, it will come during an
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
event through a character who will seek you out
in game. We highly suggest that you mention
these submissions in your summary letter.
In order to best handle logistics in a timely and
efficient fashion, players must submit creation
and knowledge skills at least one week before
any event. The submission for an Adventure
Night must be in before the end of the previous
Wednesday, and the submission for an Adventure
Weekend must be in before the end of the
previous Friday.
How Do I Get More CPs?
Players earn character points by playing the game
and helping out in various ways. Character points
can be applied to any of your characters, but no
character may receive more than 15 character
points in a year. Character points can be used to
buy new skills and to raise attributes. There are a
number of ways to gain character points.
- Each Adventure Weekend you attend as a player
or a staff earns you one character point.
Adventure Nights are just for fun and give you
no character points.
- If you submit a summary letter after an
Adventure Weekend or an Adventure Night you
gain 1/2 character points from it. Summary letters
must be submitted within one week of an
Adventure Night and within two weeks of an
Adventure Weekend to gain this award.
- Staying after an event to help clean up extra
areas will gain you 1/4 character points or 1/2
character points if there is a lot of work that
needs to be done. You must be given a task by the
clean up staff to gain this award.
- Participating in a related game as a staff will
also gain you character points that can be applied
to Madrigal character. You can only earn points
 Madrigal
from staffing, submitting a summary letter, and
clean up for that game, up to a maximum of 2
character points for each event you attend. There
is still a maximum to the number of points that
can be applied to your character.
- Sometimes the staff posts lists of props they
need to the mailing list. They will often offer CP
awards for players who create these props.
Monetary costs for the materials for these props
are reimbursed. Players cannot get CPs for cash
donations, only for donations of time.
- There may be ways to gain character points
within the game itself. Characters who gain
character points in game are said to gain
Inspiration. Inspiration awards are rare, and you
might play for years without seeing them.
- Players may gain character point awards by
helping out in other ways. Arrangements must be
made on a case by case basis.
We make no guarantees about the value of
character points. This award is transient, since
your character could die at any time. Character
points are meant only to add to the flavor of the
game. The real reward for playing Madrigal is the
time you have spent at the game.
How Do I Write a Summary Letter?
One of the tools of communication Madrigal uses
is the summary letter. All players are encouraged
to submit summary letters after each event they
attend. Summary letters also earn you character
points if they are submitted within a certain time
after the event. To earn character point awards, a
summary letter must be submitted within one
week of an adventure night and within two weeks
of an adventure weekend.
The best way to submit a summary letter is
through the forms on this website. If you have
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
trouble submitting the forms, you can submit the
summary letter by sending an email to
madrigal@larp.com. Embed it right in the body
of the message so there are no formatting or
attachment problems. Although players without
internet access can mail us summary letters, we
prefer if they are submitted on the internet as this
makes it easier for us to distribute the
information to the appropriate staff.
For players who attended as a character, the
subject of your letter should say "Summary
Letter:" and the name of your character and the
date of the event. You should answer the
following questions:
- Which plots were you involved with during the
event?
- Which plots or staff characters do you want to
see more of?
- What goals or unfinished business does your
character have?
- What actions did you take towards those goals?
- Do you have any other comments about the
game?
- What in game comments, rumors, gossip, or
advice on survival or plot might be overheard
from your character?
Our goal is to use the answers to these questions
to run a more enjoyable game. You should try to
answer the questions with brevity, and follow up
the answers with any in game commentary you
wish to include. We enjoy in game journals and
views and commentary and try to read it all, but
this should be included after the answers to these
questions.
In game comments, rumors, and gossip will be
considered for inclusion in the "Talk of the
Town" section of the web page. These comments
will not be attributed to you unless you
specifically state otherwise. We won't post
 Madrigal

comments that are insulting or embarrassing to

another character, although the Slander skill
could be used for this purpose.

How Do I Submit a Character

History?
A character history can be submitted to
madrigal@larp.com. We prefer internet
submissions because the information is easier for
us to distribute to the appropriate staff. Players
without internet access can submit a character
history through regular mail.

When writing a character history, you want to

include your motivations and the characters that
have affected you in the past. Include where you
are from and why you have some to Shadowfane.
Try to keep in mind the following.
- Submit a history that takes into account that
your starting character is not very experienced
and has limited resources. Avoid writing a history
where you accomplish great and heroic deeds.
Save that for the actual game-play.
- Do not write magical items or special skills into
your history.
- Do not have the gods appear or contact you
directly.
- Do not include elements or magical effects in
your character history that would be impossible
to represent during the actual game.
- Do not introduce a great destiny or prophecy
that involves your character unless it comes from
a source that could be unreliable.
- Do not include statistics for characters from
your history, and do not include characters that
accomplish deeds that are impossible without a
very high set of statistics or skills.

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 Madrigal
Chapter Eleven
Staff Logistics
Staff players are players who participate in the
game under the direction of the plot persons who
run the events. Staff players are given roles to
help maintain the atmosphere and plot of the
game. The term “Staff” includes all plot staff as
well as NPC, or non-player character, staff
members. “Plot Staff” members are those
players who attend regular weekly meetings and
have additional responsibilities including, but not
limited to, producing and executing plot and
logistics. “NPC Staff “ members, or NPCs, are
those players who attend events and are assigned
to a Plot Staff member for roles.
Can I Play Madrigal?
You must be 18 or older to play Madrigal. You
must also be familiar with at least the first two
chapters of the core rulebook so you will have
some idea how to respond to the various game
effects we use. Players who arrive without any
knowledge of the rulebook will be taken aside
until they have some familiarity of the rules, so
you should read through this material before you
arrive.
How Do I Register For Events?
You must be 18 or older to play Madrigal. You
must also be familiar with at least the first two
chapters of the core rulebook so you will have
some idea how to respond to the various game
effects we use. Players who arrive without any
knowledge of the rulebook will be taken aside
until they have some familiarity of the rules, so
you should read through this material before you
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
arrive. Why waste valuable playing time doing
this?
You can inform us you intend to play by sending
email to madrigal@larp.com. You can send
payments to the following address.
Madrigal Registration
170 Salem Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
Why Should I Pre-register For
Events?
Staff members who pre-register are more likely
to get good roles. We have, in the past, filled our
staff sleeping areas and pre-registering
guarantees you sleeping space.
How Do I Check In?
When you arrive at the campsite, those with an
up to date membership and insurance waiver can
proceed directly to the Staff Camp. If you do not
have an up to date membership, you should
proceed to the check-in area that will be marked
with signs. You will have to sign a waiver and
bring your account up to date. Once you reach
the Staff Camp you will be given a sleeping
assignment.
If you are not pre-registered, then the check-in
staff will check to see if there is room at the event
for you. If there is, you are welcome to
participate. If not, you can play as a staff but you
 Madrigal
will have to commute to the game or provide
your own sleeping arrangements by tenting.
Parking occurs in the first wooded lot before you
get to the site proper. If you arrive before the
start of game and have a lot of gear to move, you
are more than welcome to pull up into the site,
but you should move your car to the lot by 8pm
on Weekend Events or 7pm on Adventure Nights.
No staff or player is allowed to park beyond the
yellow rope. Do not drive anywhere but the dirt
roads on the site. Drive slowly. Parking and
driving is prohibited at all times down the South
Village Road.
Out of Game Staff opening at Monster Camp is
mandatory for all staff. It occurs at Staff Camp at
8:30pm on Friday night. Out Of Game opening
is mandatory for staff as well as players. Out of
Game opening occurs at 9pm at the Temple of
Naveril.
What If I Show Up After Game
Starts?
Games starts at 9pm on Fridays of Weekend
Events, and at 7pm on Wednesday Adventure
Nights. We cannot accept new staff players once
game has begun. Unfortunately we do not have
the resources to properly debrief and instruct new
staff players once the game begins. Once game
starts it is our goal to prevent the game flow from
being interrupted for any reason. It is for this
reason that we strongly suggest that you arrive
before game starts. If this is impossible, we ask
that you come to the game in costume so you
don't disrupt the flow of the game. It is our goal
to move you into the ongoing game as smoothly
as possible. To this end you will be asked to
move into your cabin in game.
Staff players who arrive late enter game in
costume as spirits and proceed to the Staff Camp.
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Staff, who are pre-approved to do so, may enter
game as a farmer and proceed to the Staff Camp.
This way you are never interrupting the flow of
the game for other players as you arrive. When
you have checked in there is a cart to help you
move your things to the area you will be staying.
When traveling as a Spirit you should walk
slowly with your head tilted down and hands
folded. If you are spoken to or attacked you
should simply reply “Spirit” and continue
walking. You are In Game at all times, except
while using designated OOG staff areas or the
bathroom facilities.
You should make every attempt to enter and
leave the game area as a character during game
play. Many of our staff develop simple
characters such as a local farmer or caravan
guard to help move around, off or onto the site
when not cast in a role. If you get killed, you
may walk to the parking lot instead of death.
Simply becoming a spirit and walking off the site
is not acceptable.
How Do I Check Out?
At the end of the event you should check out at
the Staff Camp.
What Happens During a First
Event?
At the beginning of your first event you will
attend the new player orientation with an
assigned role. This is an in game orientation and
your role will be to attend the orientation and
return to the Staff Camp when it is done. There
may be special instructions for you during this
time.
How Do I Write a Summary Letter?
One of the tools of communication Madrigal uses
is the summary letter. All players are encouraged
 Madrigal
to submit summary letters after each event they
attend. Summary letters also earn you character
points if they are submitted within a certain time
after the event. To earn character point awards, a
summary letter must be submitted within one
week of an adventure night and within two weeks
of an adventure weekend.
The best way to submit a summary letter is
through the forms on the Madrigal website. If
you have trouble submitting the forms, you can
submit the summary letter by sending an email to
madrigal@larp.com. Embed it right in the body
of the message so there are no formatting or
attachment problems. Although players without
Internet access can mail us summary letters, we
prefer if they are submitted on the internet as this
makes it easier for us to distribute the
information to the appropriate staff.
For players who attended as staff, the subject of
your letter should say "Summary Letter: Staff"
and the date of the event. You should answer the
following questions:
- Which plots were you involved with during the
event?
- Which plots or staff characters do you want to
see more of?
- What goals or unfinished business do your staff
characters have?
- What actions did those characters take towards
those goals?
- Did you get enjoyable roles?
- Did you feel you contributed to the enjoyment
of the PCs?
- Do you have any other comments about the
game?
- What in game comments, rumors, gossip, or
advice on survival or plot might be overheard
from any of your staff characters?
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Our goal is to use the answers to these questions
to run a more enjoyable game. You should try to
answer the questions with brevity, and follow up
the answers with any in game commentary you
wish to include. We enjoy in game journals and
views and commentary and try to read it all, but
this should be included after the answers to these
questions.
In game comments, rumors, and gossip will be
considered for inclusion in the "Talk of the
Town" section of the web page. These comments
will not be attributed to you unless you
specifically state otherwise. We won't post
comments that are insulting or embarrassing to
another character, although the Slander skill
could be used for this purpose.
What Should I Bring to the Game?
Because our game system is predominately
human, we rely heavily on costume and character
behavioral changes to distinguish characters.
Playing several dominant characters within a
weekend event becomes a challenge to both the
Plot and NPC staff. We recommend bringing
your own distinct costuming if possible. We do
have a costuming section at monster camp that
contains cloaks, hats, shirts and robes. You are
always welcome to ask the monster desk if they
can outfit you appropriately for a role.
Staff are expected to provide the basic weapons
that they will be using during the weekend.
Although Madrigal will provide special weapons
for special roles, it is left to the players to provide
the weapons they will feel comfortable using for
the majority of their roles.
Staff are expected to provide the basic costume
elements for themselves that will be used during
the weekend. This includes one all black outfit
and all weather shoes. We recommend wearing
sturdy hiking boots or combat boots that have
 Madrigal

mid to high ankle support. We also recommend Please be courteous and patient as the monster
bringing black gloves, a black mantle and any desk shift is probably the most complicated and
black fleece pullovers you may have during the stressful job.
colder months. You should also bring lots of
black socks. We do not allow clothing with The Staff Camp desk, or monster desk, will
designs or decals. We recommend leaving all assign you roles if you have any available time.
expensive watches and jewelry at home. Monster desk will also provide you with stats,
treasure, costuming and any props you may
Other items to bring include the following: require. Feel free to ask any questions to the
Black shoes WITH ankle support person at monster desk. If that person cannot
Weapons (and shields) immediately give you an answer, they will at
Spell Packets (there can never be enough) least know how to obtain one.
Black clothing
Extra socks Monster Camp is located within the same
Gloves building as Death to ease the strain of the job. As
Toilet paper a courtesy to our players we request the
Toiletries minimum amount of noise at any given time.
Towel Since a player must come extremely close to
Bug spray Staff Camp to approach the Gate of Death, once
Sleeping bag and Pillow that bell rings it is too late to be quiet for the
Blanket player. We recommend that you utilize your
Water (many small water bottles seem to work assigned housing as a lounge to relax and
better than the gallons) unwind. Please be courteous to players who may
Food be walking around your buildings and keep noise
Small Flashlight with colored light filter cover to a non-intrusive level.
Did I mention socks?
Most often you will find your roles varied and
These items are good to bring if you have them: challenging at Madrigal, but once in a while you
Belts may become bored or frustrated. Since the plot
Pouches staff will be single mindedly focused on the event
Costuming and timeline it is often extremely difficult for us
Elf ears to detect any problems that may be concerning
Horns our staff. Please let the monster desk know
Props immediately if any problems or concerns arise so
Makeup that we can guarantee the best experience for all
Makeup remover our staff. Our goal is to provide an exciting and
challenging role-playing experience while you
What Happens at Staff Camp? staff a Madrigal event. Your desires may change
Plot Staff shares the responsibility of the Staff over time as well, you may want a heavy fighting
Camp desk shifts for the weekend events. There role to begin with and then wish to switch to an
will be one member of Plot Staff assigned to the intense role-playing role, or vice versa. The
desk at a time. Many of these shifts will have monster desk is designed to handle all your needs
one or more staff members who are in training. to make your weekend with us pleasurable. We

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 Madrigal
have designed a staff questionnaire to help us
find the roles you will most enjoy. At your first
Madrigal weekend the monster desk will give
you the questionnaire to fill out. This allows us
to assign you to roles appropriate to your desires.
At some point you may be asked to either grab
something out of the props trailer or you may
need costuming for an upcoming role. Only the
active monster desk person and certain Plot Staff
members are allowed to enter the trailer or the
back rooms. We have an astounding amount of
props, lighting and costuming in a very small
area. Feel free to ask the monster desk to retrieve
or place your objects back into the correct
position. When utilizing costuming for a specific
role, the monster desk person can retrieve
costume pieces for you. Once your role is
finished you should return the pieces promptly to
the desk. This way the maximum amount of staff
can use the costuming to the best of our abilities.
If you are interested in becoming a monster desk
person and taking one shift during weekend
events, please inform a campaign staff person.
She will have additional information. As always
if you do not understand or have questions about
anything at all, feel free to ask the monster desk.
What Is Expected of Staff?
At Madrigal you are expected to be in game at all
times when you are outside the bathrooms and
staff areas. We try to maintain a serious
atmosphere. Characters who are portrayed with
silly or out of game characteristics will not be
tolerated. We try to give every character a
purpose within the game world. Every encounter,
whether you’re playing a Black Sun Barbarian or
a Fire Toad, will have a set of goals and usual
behavior.
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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.
We want the staff to have fun and to provide fun
for the players. Everything you do in game can
have profound impact on the game. It is your job
to populate this world and maintain an
atmosphere that provides a suspension of
disbelief and provides the players with fun. Stay
in game and in costume at all times. Don’t push
masks up on your head. Don’t talk to other staff
in an out of game manner while you are outside
staff areas. It is your job to watch the signs from
the players. Are they bored? Are they frustrated?
Are they having fun? Try to keep the story that is
being told in the forefront of your mind. Ask
yourself if you would find this fun as a player.
There is a very fine line between an encounter
that is challenging or frustrating.
Try to remember that having the stats to crush a
group of players is not always the correct
response. More often it is the threat of violence
that thrills the player than the actual thrashing
they may eventually receive. It is your cool head
and restraint when appropriate that makes
Madrigal so fun to play.
One of the greatest challenges at a live action
event is the interaction between players and staff.
There will be a time where you believe you see a
player incorrectly react to a combat or role-
playing encounter. Do not argue about rules or
accuse players of cheating. Arguing about hits or
rules on the field is inappropriate. Madrigal
maintains an in game atmosphere at all times.
Bring up the problem to plot staff immediately
following the encounter, once you have returned
to Monster Camp. In addition, you should do
your best to defer to the players benefit at all
times, even if you believe the player is incorrect.
Players at Madrigal are in game at all times, so
thanking the players in an out of game manner
after fights or other encounters is inappropriate.
There is time for that after the event. Stay in
 Madrigal

game. As quickly and quietly as you can, exit the

encounter in the appropriate manner. This is
extremely important as the players may be
morning the loss of a loved one or may be
attempting to resolve a highly stressful situation.
If you are killed as your role, stay down for the
full five minutes. Many creatures that serve
darkness will only remain down for one minute.
Try to remember to ask your staff leader for
every encounter what the down time is since it is
easy for us to forget what the count should be for
blood tribes, undead, and other minions of
darkness. Once your down time is up, rise
slowly with your weapons tucked under your arm
or hanging loosely by your sides, keep your head
bowed and walk in a slow manner to your
regrouping encounter point or Monster Camp.

You may learn things in monster camp or while

playing a role that the players have yet to
discover. All staff are required to keep what is
learned as a staff character secret. We ask all staff
to be cautious while in monster camp because the
person next to you may play Madrigal as a
character at some point. We are gracious to all
our players who volunteer to staff Madrigal on
occasion and we would not want them to unduly
learn a big game secret and spoil their fun. As
well, there is a great companionship felt by all at
the end of every event when the game ends and
the players wish to express their heartfelt thanks
for your wonderful performances. Please be
reasonably modest and let the players have their
moment in the spotlight. Remember that
anything a player learns out of game they know
in game. So even though you might want to give
them the behind the scenes story about the Hyena
raid, please refrain where possible.

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Copyright 1999-2007 by Chimera Entertainment, Inc.