ana Project Studio is proud to present Authors: Mirko Failoni, Michele Paroli, Matteo Pedroni
Historia, a Dark Fantasy Renaissance Art Directors: Mirko Failoni & Michele Paroli
setting for 5th Edition populated by
anthropomorphic animals, who stand
against hardships and dangers in a
feral and precarious world.
The heroes of Historia will explore
unknown lands, unravel plots and
intrigue and will be reforged by the fires of adventure. Something
ancient has been unearthed in the depths of the Pit, and now all
the Powerful in the world want their share of it!
Historia is born from the collaboration between Mirko
Failoni (concept artist and illustrator for Vampire The
Masquerade, Age of Sigmar, Pathfinder, Wraith The Oblivion,
Lost Citadel, and many others), Michele Paroli (author of
Journey To Ragnarok, founder and lead designer of Mana
Project Studio) and Matteo Pedroni (one of the game
designers of Journey To Ragnarok and upcoming CMON
Zombicide RPG).
The team listed here is just a part of the whole extent of
Quickstarter
professionals who will collaborate on the project.
1
Game Mechanics: Davide C. Milano and Matteo Pedroni
Cover Art: Mirko Failoni
Interior Arts: Mirko Failoni, Roman Kuteynikov,
Fabio Porfidia, Laura Guglielmo, Mauro Alocci
Graphic and Template Layout: Michele Paroli
Historia Logo: Loris De Marco
Proofreading: Ariel Vittori
Adventure “Perilous Deliveries” by Davide C. Milano e
Matteo Pedroni
All the content and graphical elements of this Quickstarter
are preliminary and to be considered only as a proof of con-
cept of what Historia is meant to be.
©2019 Mana Project Studio
All rights reserved. Any reproduction of any material of this
work without the permission of the author is forbidden.
 ana Project Studio is proud to present
Historia, a Dark Fantasy Renaissance
setting for 5th Edition populated by
anthropomorphic animals, who stand
against hardships and dangers in a
feral and precarious world.
The heroes of Historia will explore
unknown lands, unravel plots and
intrigue and will be reforged by the fires of adventure. Something
ancient has been unearthed in the depths of the Pit, and now all
the Powerful in the world want their share of it!
Historia is born from the collaboration between Mirko
Failoni (concept artist and illustrator for Vampire The
Masquerade, Age of Sigmar, Pathfinder, Wraith The Oblivion,
Lost Citadel, and many others), Michele Paroli (author of
Journey To Ragnarok, founder and lead designer of Mana
Project Studio) and Matteo Pedroni (one of the game
designers of Journey To Ragnarok and upcoming CMON
Zombicide RPG).
The team listed here is just a part of the whole extent of
professionals who will collaborate on the project.
1
Authors: Mirko Failoni, Michele Paroli, Matteo Pedroni
Art Directors: Mirko Failoni & Michele Paroli
Game Mechanics: Davide C. Milano and Matteo Pedroni
Cover Art: Mirko Failoni
Interior Arts: Mirko Failoni, Roman Kuteynikov,
Fabio Porfidia, Laura Guglielmo, Mauro Alocci
Graphic and Template Layout: Michele Paroli
Historia Logo: Loris De Marco
Proofreading: Ariel Vittori
Adventure “Perilous Deliveries” by Davide C. Milano e
Matteo Pedroni
All the content and graphical elements of this Quickstarter
are preliminary and to be considered only as a proof of con-
cept of what Historia is meant to be.
©2019 Mana Project Studio
All rights reserved. Any reproduction of any material of this
work without the permission of the author is forbidden.
 Index
The World of Historia 3
Familae: Theri and Avians 8
The Felids 9
Other Species 11
Professions Preview 13
Magus 16
Merchant 18
Mortified 20
Venturer 22
Warrior 24
Fame, Factions and Careers 27
The Brotherhood of the Worms 27
Cartographer 29
Ventura 30
Spy 30
Optional Rules 32
Adventure: Perilous Deliveries 35
Act I: Salso Nero 36
Act II: Hunted 39

The World of Historia

Act III: The Plot 43
Epilogue 44
Appendix 45
Character Sheet 47
5th Edition OGL 48
housands of years ago, long before his- In the world of Historia, the characters play as characters
tory began to be written, even before it from the continent of Vesteria, a land of ancient traditions
was remembered, something happened and stratified culture, delving deep into the political turmoil
in the world of Gea and some of the caused by the discovery of relics of the past.
animal species living on Gea devel- They shall venture in the continent, meeting living leg-
oped anthropomorphic characteristics ends and shaping the politics of the kingdoms, or fighting
such as opposable thumbs and human- corruption and brutal wars in an attempt to survive the day.
like interests, infused with intellect
and able to discover and control the magical essence of their world. VESTERIA
Also called the Western Lands, the continent of Vesteria is
Era after era, age after age, these animals have erected civi- a large peninsula that emerges from the vast central conti-
lizations that dominated the planet with an elaborate social nent. Separated by an imposing mountain chain from the
structure, with at the base a handed down culture, tech- cold and endless White Desert, that grows throughout the
nique, magic, and power. East to the lands of the Khan’s Great Eastern Empire.
And now they have reached their own Renaissance. For these reasons, Vesteria has remained safe from the
Khan’s aim of conquest, developing its own cultural identity.
Today Vesteria is experiencing a flourishing Renaissance:

The World
4 5

The World
art, culture, study, and exploration drive a time of significant
growth and development.
But the pillars on which Vesteria is founded are quite
different. The law of the strongest has always been a guar-
antee of balance in the continent. The search for power by
each contender has driven huge technological develop-
ments: the heavy weapons and armor of the past have been
replaced with more agile equipment, suitable for better war-
fare, that, with the introduction of the Black Powder, has
been brought to a new level.
The control of the elements and the forces of nature
is also a founding gear of Vesteria. Scholars of magic and
alchemy are hired by the great powers to compete in the
best possible way with their enemies. Each institution has
among its ranks Magi and Alchemists, great scholars of
Magna Ars and Magna Scientia, precious advisors who lead
with their knowledge towards the best choices and solving
the highest dilemmas.
But the fate of the inhabitants of Vesteria seems more
than anything else linked to the power of the Faith. Not an
imaginary representation of intangible powers, but a concrete
force that permeates every thing, living or not: the Miracle of
the Faith, made by Saints and Martyrs, of which today only
the ancient bones remain as relics, totally under the control of
the Church of the Bones, a powerful institution that controls
not only the spirits but also the bodies of its subject.
The Church of Bones rules over the Holy Kingdom, one
of the three nations of Vesteria along the Confederation of
the Free Cities and the wild Green Pit.
THE HOLY KINGDOM
Faith is an immense power by itself. It is capable of uniting
people under the banner of ideals, hopes and... fears. But it
is when faith is not only an invisible and ethereal hold but a
power as superior as it is concrete, that whoever holds con-
trol of it holds absolute power. The theocracy of the Holy
Kingdom is based on this foundation. A kingdom without a
king. Where the crown is no longer necessary in the face of
the unassailable power of the Church of Bones, where the
noble vassals of Duchies and the Counties play a dangerous
game: to move the pawns of power among the highest levels
of the ecclesiastical structure in order to bring a member
of his family, or an ally, to the highest level, that of the
un-crowned monarch who sits on the Chair of the Great
Temple of the Sacred Citadel of Nocheburg, who alone
holds the power to decide on the souls and body of the
faithful subjects of the Holy Kingdom: the Keeper of the
Bones, the supreme vertex of the ecclesiastical pyramid of
the Church of Bones. The first lesson that every Keeper of
6 7
THE GREEN PIT THE OSSARIUM
The Green Pit has a history of being disputed between the From the writings of San Mastodonte, which the Temple
neighboring nations, by which it is surrounded in the West still considers apocryphal, the Book of Visions:
and in the East. The Pit is a vast expanse as lush as it is
inhospitable, full of impervious mountains, large ancient “...The Martyr will find the place where the ancient Bones rest.
forests, waterways, and an unpredictable climate. But the He will see the majesty of the past, and the Cataclysm’s ruin,
mountains hide large veins of minerals, the forests have the will see the mortal remains of his ancestors
most majestic trees on the continent, and the waterways and the scars on Earth,
reveal golden secrets. The climate and the difficulties of will see the Mother, who at the last moment
such an impervious territory, however, have prevented the is stretched out towards her Son.
Pit from becoming a completely civilized nation. Only a The Father, devoured by Gea as a sacrifice for our salvation,
few settlements, miles apart, have managed to prosper: the be left in his eternal rest, so that he may continue to protect us.
Great Mining Cities and the Floating City of Salso Nero. From the heights of the shining stars, in his eternal struggle,
The Holy Kingdom and the Confederation have been in from the Day of Wrath, when Gea
conflict since time immemorial to take hold of the resources will take back what belongs to her.
of the Pit, or to prevent the other from appropriating them. Take good care of those who will be clothed with holiness,
But in the Heart of the Pit, naturally defended by the sharp For the ungodly hides even where the whitest light is;
rocks of the Thorn lies the greatest secret of this land, a The Heroes be vigilant and firm in their will,
place containing ancient wisdom and remains able to over- For the darkness of that hour shall also obscure the stars.”
turn any belief in the Cross of Bones and the origin of the
mysterious and powerful Relics, a place where the primor-
dial magic of Vesteria is more powerful than ever, a place
never discovered in millennia, until today: the Ossarium.
the Bones learns is that anything that can ever threaten the
principles and foundations of this system must be destroyed
without a trace.
THE CONFEDERATION
The Confederation of the Free Cities is the westernmost
state of Vesteria, washed by the Great Waters on three of
its sides, and formed by the political conjunction of various
city-states and republics. The Free Cities elect a Confederate
Governor to carry out a policy of balance. Montetorto, where
the Great Alchemical Research Academy is located, Nova
Marina, the city of explorers with its unparalleled merchant
and military fleet, the City of Winds with its magnificent
works of technological ingenuity, are just some of the Great
Confederate Cities that show how Commerce and Culture
are the two pillars of the Confederation: or at least superfi-
cially. The battle for political control extends both externally
towards the other nations of Vesteria, and internally between
the various Confederate capitals. Espionage, treason, cor-
ruption, lies, and greed. These are the real ingredients of the
breeding grounds from which the flourishing Confederation
of the Free Cities of Vesteria sprouts.
The World
 Familiae:
Theri and Avians
ach character in Historia belongs to
an anthropomorphic animal species
with its own characteristics, abili-
ties, and peculiarities. Historia does
not want to be a biology manual,
and various authorial freedoms and
interpretations have been taken to
define categories and references.
Creating a character, a player begins by choosing the Order,
between Theris, the mammals, or Avians, the birds.
Then, the Familia, a grouping of similar Species that share some
common traits, and then they choose the Species, distinct by
unique traits, abilities, and looks.
The Felids
n Vesteria, the Western Lands, the
continent divided between the
Confederation, the Sacred Kingdom
and the Green Pit, one of the largest
Familiae is that of the Felids.
Cats, Lynxes, and Pumas are famous
for their lightning-fast reflexes, agility,
and grace of movement, a strong indi-
vidualism and an ever-watchful eye on their surroundings.
THE FELIDS
What follows is an alpha version of Felids’ stats, that players
will have to follow to create a character belonging to the
Felids Familia.

PLAYABLE FAMILIÆ Ability Score Increased. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.

In Historia players will be able to choose between different Age. Felids reach maturity around the age of 14 and
macro-races, called Familiae: from either the Order of the are immediately considered independent. They have an
Theris, inspired by mammals, or Avians, inspired by birds. average life of 60 years.
The Familiae are divided into different Species, each one Size. Your size is Medium. Height and weight depend on
of which it is widely diversified. the Species.
Claws. You can use your retractable claws to make an
THERIS unarmed strike, you are proficient in it, and it has the
• Canines (Braccoid, Domes, Finesse property.
Hound, Molossus, Primogenes) Darkvision. Felids have an enhanced view in conditions of
• Eulipes (Hedgehog, Mole, Shrew) darkness or dim light. You can see in dim light within 60
• Felids (Cat, Lynx, Puma) feet of you as if it were a bright light, and in darkness as if
• Likays (Coyote, Fox, Wolf ) it were dim light. You can’t discern colors in darkness, only
• Mustades (Badger, Martens, Otter, Skunk, Wolverine) shades of gray.
• Rodents (Beaver, Mouse, Porcupine, Rabbit, Squirrel) Nimble. You have proficiency in Acrobatics
• Rumenses (Deer, Elk, Goat, Sheep, Taurus) and Stealth skills.
• Sautes (Boar, Pig) Stealthy Footstep. If you are not wearing heavy armor
• Urciones (Brown Bear, Racoon) or suffering Disadvantage to Dexterity (Stealth) checks
from other sources, you roll them with Advantage.
AVIANS Superfine Hearing. You have advantage
• Ansers (Duck, Goose, Swan) on Wisdom (Perception) checks .
• Aqueis (Crane, Heron, Ibis, Stork, Pelican Species. There are three Species of Felids: Cats,
• Crobes (Crow, Hoodie, Magpie) Lynxes, and Pumas.
• Picisses (Robin, Sparrow, Woodpecker)
• Rapax (Buzzard, Eagle, Hawk, Vulture) CATS
• Ruspes (Peacock, Pheasant, Rooster) Cats generally populate urban areas, are deeply involved
• Sautes (Boar, Pig) with society and economy and tend to have enough influ-
• Stryges (Barn Owl, Little Owl, Owl, Tawny Owl) ence to alter the local balance of power. Their dexterity
allows them to move quickly and unseen in alleys, roofs and
chambers, and corridors of palaces.
Individualism is the backbone of their society and there-
fore, by analogy, of the whole Confederacy, where they
often hold better positions of power.
They are sometimes divided into small groups, usually
families, guilds or gangs, in a continuous struggle to sup-
plant their rivals, unscrupulous and without a care of their
wrongdoings.
In the climb to profit and success, even the most insignif-
icant one, if they have the right amount of cunning and cyn-
icism, they have the opportunity to overthrow the plutocrats.
This kind of conflict is also found within the wealthi-
est and most numerous families and guilds: they all plot to
obtain a monopoly on resources and influence.
The acute awareness of their surroundings, however,
often translates into neuroses, paranoia, and delusions of
persecution. Very sensitive eyes and ears are everywhere,
and they could also be used as a perfect tool for finding the
most precious commodity: knowledge.
Ability Score Increased. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Size. Cats range from under 4 to over 5 feet tall,
and from 60 to 130 pounds.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Familae

Affable. You have proficiency in Deception
and Persuasion skills.
Associative memory. The sensory and memory skills
of the Cats allow them to always find their way back
to a place they known even after several miles
in unknown territories.
Vertical Reflex: When you fall from a height lower than
60 feet, and you’re not incapacitated, you can make a
Dexterity save with a DC equal to the number of feet
divided by 3, and not suffer damage from falling if you
exceed it, or halve that damage if it fails. If you fall from
over 60 feet, you can make a Dexterity save with DC 18
+1 for every 3 feet beyond the 60th, and halve the damage
from falling if it exceeds it.
Instinct: Vicious. Each cat has more than one vice: laziness,
opulence, gluttony, lying. But every cat also tends to be
selfish, to see itself above the others in order of priority.
LYNXES
They generally live in rural areas: they are independent peo-
ple who love small calm communities and vast open spaces.
They move easily and stealthily in the wooded areas: being
perfect gamekeepers and woodsmen.
Lynxes have a certain predisposition to loneliness and
a disinterest in the affairs of others that many take for
omertà. Forming the bulk of the “mafias” in rural areas of
the Confederation, they solve problems and the humble
find in them protection from the bullying of the power-
ful. However, it is never for free, as many lynxes ask for a
tribute, first, and also practice forms of banditry, not always
under the best of intentions. Their sensitivity is perfect for
orienteering, to identify prey and predators and to follow
tracks in the wildlands.
Ability Score Increased. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Size. Lynxes range from 4 to over 5 feet tall,
and from 90 to 180 pounds.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Adaptation to Cold. Lynxes do not suffer from the harsh
weather conditions of winter or cold places and do not
consider snow-covered terrain difficult.
Keen Eyesight. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
checks based on eyesight. Your darksight extends up to 120 feet.
Sturdy. You have advantage on Constitution saving throws.
Wild Spirits. You have proficiency in the Survival checks.
Instinct: Lynxes usually mind their own business,
whether they are alone or in trusted groups, but if a lynx
is convinced that it needs to own something, there’s no
way to distract it from the goal, and it will commit every
resource to get it.
10
PUMAS
Organized in nomad clans roaming the remains of the
Confederation’s mountain ranges, Pumas form a society
of their own. They are employed both for the mercenary
militias of powerful cities and as muscle for hire in the
“organized crime” of the countryside. The typical Felid
agility, combined with their unique strength makes them
perfect climbers, adepts at hiding and disappearing among
the rocks, perfect as guerrilla fighters.
The mountain clans care little about what happens out-
side their lands and do not easily accept authorities other
than their own.
Besides, competition within the clans is as intense as in
Cats communities, but where their smaller cousins compete
for wealth and power, the Pumas value strength and bravery.
Although many wish to take the mantle of the champion,
sage or chieftain, unfair means of gaining power are not tol-
erated. Pumas rely on their senses, smell above all, to watch
over the valleys from the top of the mountains, making it
almost impossible to enter these places unnoticed by their
stealthy wardens.
Ability Score Increased. Your Strength score increases by 1.
Size. Pumas range from 5 to over 6 feet tall, and from 90
to 180 pounds.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 40 feet, climb 30 feet.
Improved Claws. Your unarmed strikes with the claws deal
1d4 points of slashing damage.
Ferocious. You have proficiency in the Intimidation checks.
Leap. In order to calculate the distance that a Puma can
cover with a jump, multiply 1 feet to double its strength
bonus instead of the normal bonus.
Instinct: Every Puma tends to have to demonstrate its
value and strength in every situation, and to claim its
merits, rights, and achievements.
Other Species
In this section you can find an early version of some Species that
you can use to create your first Historia characters. They have the
Familiæ characteristics integrated to be ready to play. Please note
that we are still playtesting them, and that they may change
before the definitive version of the game.
BARN OWLS
Ability Score Increased. Your Wisdom score increases by 2,
your Charisma score increases by 1.
Size. Barn Owls stand between 4 and 5 feet and have
slender builds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your basic walking speed is 15 feet. Flying 45 feet.
Wings. You can’t stand still in the air and you fall if you use
wings in any other way than flying. You can use wings for sim-
ple interactions with objects but you can’t easily handle them.
Claws. You can use claws as a natural weapon to perform
an unarmed strike while you are flying. If hits, it deals 1d4
+ your Strength bonus slashing damage, unlike the normal
blunt damage of an unarmed strike.
Prehensile Claws. You have developed prehensile claws
with which you interact with objects in a simple way, you
can handle them but can not be competent in the weapons
grip or use tools with two legs at the same time. The char-
acter needs at least one free leg to stand still on the ground extremely silent and does not produce the noise of wings.
or hanging on something. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) tests to be not
Strong Intuition. You have advantage of Wisdom (Intuition) noticed while flying.
check when you need to know if there is something wrong Spectral. You have proficiency in the Intimidate skill.
with a situation. Instinct, Grumpy. Barn Owl always finds anything to laugh
Sunlight Sensitivity. You have disadvantage on attack rolls at, even if it’s just for the sake of discussion, and even if it
and Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when can get them into trouble.
you, the target of the attack, or whatever you are trying to
perceive is in direct sunlight. BROWN BEARS
Superior Darkvision. You have superior vision in dark and Ability Score Increased. Your Strength score increases by 2,
dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet your Constitution score and your Wisdom score increase by 1.
of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it Size. Brown Bears are between 7 and 8 feet tall and weigh
were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only between 300 and 350 pounds. Your size is Medium.
shades of gray. Speed. Your basic walking speed is 30 feet. Climb 20 feet
Rear. Unlike other Avians, you can use your unarmed attack Darkvision. You have good vision in dark and dim condi-
with claws even from the ground. To do it, you have to be tions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it
prone but you don’t have disadvantage to the attack roll. were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You
Screech. Each creature within 6m must pass a TS on can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Charisma with CD 10+ character competence bonus or Claws. You can use claws as a natural weapon to perform
become Stunned for 1 round. This ability cannot be per- an unarmed strike while you are flying. If hits, it deals 1d4
formed again until after completing a long rest. + your Strength bonus slashing damage, unlike the normal
Silent Flight. Unlike the other Avians, your flight is blunt damage of an unarmed strike.
11
Familae
Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when deter-
mining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push,
drag, or lift.
Superfine Smell. You have an advantage over olfact-based
tests of Wisdom (Perception).
Wild Spirit. You have proficiency in the Survival skill.
Thick Skin. You reduce every nonmagical damage of 1, to
the minimun of 1.
Watchful. You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
tests and in your Passive Perception.
Wrestler. You have advantage on the roll made to Grapple
an opponent, and to Strenght checks to maintain the grap-
pling. You also have advantage to shove a creature.
Instinct, Traditionalist. Bears love bears’ stuff. They like to
repeat the same exact thing every day, eat the same things,
see the same places. Few things irritate a brown bear more
than when his routine is broken, and they hate newness.
PIGS
Ability Score Increased. Your Constitution score increases by
2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
Size. Pigs are between 6 and 7 feet tall and weigh between
300 and 400 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your basic walking speed is 30 feet.
Peripheral Vision. You have a peripheral vision developed
up to 310 degrees, so you can’t be caught unprepared by
attacks on your back.
WOLVES
Ability Score Increased. Your Intelligence score increases by
1, and your Strength score increases by 2.
Size. Wolves stand around 6 feet and weight from 150 to
175 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your basic walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. You have good vision in dark and dim condi-
tions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it
were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You
can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Superfine Smell. You have an advantage over olfact-based
tests of Wisdom (Perception).
Wild Spirit. You have proficiency in the Survival skill.
Bite. When you have successfully entered a fight with a
creature you can use your reaction to make a bite attack
on that creature. If hits, it deals 1d4 + your Strength bonus
piercing damage, unlike the normal blunt damage of an
unarmed strike.
Cruel Fame. You have advantage on Charisma (Intimidate)
tests against creatures smaller than you.
Pack Spirit. You can spend your reaction to get Advantage
at the next shot to hit a creature within 1.5m of one of
your allies or give advantage to an ally against an opponent
within 1.5m of you.
Strong Lungs. You do not suffer from exhaustion levels
caused by a lack of rest due to a long march or prolonged
endurance effort.

Poison Resistance. You have the advantage on Saving Throws
against the effects of Poisoning, and you have resistance to
poison-type damage.
Superfine Smell. You have an advantage over olfact-based
tests of Wisdom (Perception).
Gourmet. You always know how to find food, and you can
eat almost anything, finding tasty also what others con-
sider disgusting.
Simple Anatomy. The Wisdom (Medicine) test made on
you, are made with advantage.
Solid build. You take advantage of the evidence not to be
pushed or grasped in the fight.
Instinct, Exceed is better than deficit. Pigs hardly resist
excesses, in any form. Whether it’s ease, food, wealth or
power, when a Pig has a passion he can’t stop pursuing it..
Professions Preview
Instinct, Pack. Wolves always believe in the greater good, the
pack in front of the individual, the ideal in front of the person.
When they find a group to which they belong, they express
their full potential for the good of the group. Although it
often turns into a desire for leadership over the group itself.
rofessions in Historia portray the
growth of the character, how they fend
for themselves, and their place in the
societal order. Professions grant new
features through the levels, forming
the base structure that tells characters
and roles apart during fights, social
encounters, or explorations and can
be combined to offer interesting plot hooks. The characters, gath-
ered by a common goal or a quirk of fate, will take on challenges,
explore hostile lands, get involved with intrigue and plots or
discover truths capable of rocking the world to its core.
ALCHEMIST
The quest for universal truth invariably brings its pursuers
to academic studies and the rigorous practice of Alchemy.
In this, the goals of the Magna Scientia, the Great Science,
are to understand the cosmic laws with which to reshape
nature, bring balance to the humor of the body and heal
wounds and diseases or recreate the essence of life itself. The
great Wonders that Alchemy is capable of creating make
Alchemists a respected group, although its practitioners
often result detached from and alien to the common folk
who cannot grasp their way of life. Once the preparatory
studies have been completed, an Alchemist changes his
name to one assigned to him by their teacher with a par-
ticular alchemical meaning.
• Philosopher: transmuting matter into its various states,
the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone
• Iater: bodily humor and health, the quest
for the Elixir of Long Life
• Vitalist: creator of Homunculus, the quest
for the Soul of the World

12 13

Professions

MAGUS
It takes ten years as the sole apprentice of a Magister to
receive the honors of the Novice and ten more to become
an independent Magus. A Magus studies how to channel
the threads of the world, to conjure incredible effects and
harness the power of true Magic. Magi can specialize in
the study of emotional and mental connections, the balance
of Energy and Force, or how to combine natural elements.
• Secret of Air and Earth
• Secret of Body and Mind
• Secret of Fire and Water
• Secret of Light and Dark
MERCHANT
Commerce is one of the pillars of society, merchants the
first to venture to the East and South, where they met new
civilizations and their exotic goods. Merchants are affable
and yet cunning people, capable of easily sizing up the per-
son they are talking to and putting that new knowledge to
14
good use. There are many kinds of Merchants, ranging from
those who search for ancient artifacts or lost civilizations
to the callous individuals dealing in forbidden goods or the
cunning masterminds who founded empires on trade alone.
• Collector of Heirlooms: blurring the line between
merchant and adventurer, they are constantly on the
lookout for rare artifacts or new trade routes
• Smuggler: tied to the criminal underworld, smugglers
regularly deal with crime barons and often fence
illegal supplies.
• Tycoon: gifted with a preternatural sense for business,
their trade empires have marked their respective ages.
MORTIFIED
A crude and yet extremely powerful form of Magic is that
harnessed by the blood-soaked rituals of the Mortified. It
shares nothing with the study of the principles that bal-
ance the world, like the practice of the Magus, nor does it
deal with alchemical formulae. The emotional trance the
Mortified induce themselves into seems to make the World
bleed Magic, as their ritually scarred bodies lose lifeblood.
Sometimes, they leave the civilized world to lead an
ascetic and solitary life, while others are zealots who dive
headfirst into spreading the gospel of whatever their beliefs
are. Some, even, those blessed few who have attained a
deeper understanding of the world, are seen rousing crowds
and converting others to their cause. Although the Temple
was forced to recognize and integrate them into their own
ranks to better control them, they are seen under the light
of suspicion and worry.
• Ascetic: constantly questing for the stillness of spirit
through flagellation and renouncing the mundane
world.
• Fanatic: turns the pain in a mystic frenzy, bolstering
their own magic.
• Holy One: rouses crowds into a frenzy and is capable
of amplifying the effects of magic on others.
PRIEST
The Temple of the Bone Cross forms Priests tasked with
enforcing the law and spreading the Word. Some special-
ize in the healing arts, to assist the poor and destitute with
their Miracles, others are forged in doctrine and tempered
in dogma to crush heresy and dissent, while others become
prophets of their faith, walking the world in pilgrimage, their
bond with the Divine stronger than even-tempered steel.
• Healer: expert medics, they assist the weak and ill in
the Hospitali or wandering the world.
• Inquisitor: armed branch of the Temple, who strike
down heretics and protect the doctrine from apostates.
• Prophet: one with the divine voices, they bring the
Word to the masses.
SAPPER
The introduction of Black Powder did not revolutionize just
warfare. The destructive power of firearms had to be put
in expert hands to be harnessed, and so the Sappers were
born. Whether artisans or soldiers, Sappers know how to
push their creations to their limits, with some specializing
in using guns and others into constantly refining their craft.
• Fusilier: expert marksman, renowned for their sharp aim
• Destroyer: an expert in the new field of explosives,
controlled detonations, and area of effect ballistics
• Technician: master craftsman, known for their
constant tinkering with weapons and devices
SCOUNDREL
In the alleys of the Confederate cities or on the solitary roads
under the branches of the woods in the Pit, a Scoundrel is
always waiting, ready to ruin somebody’s life. Be it the theft
of an important work of art to be fenced on the black mar-
ket, the mysterious disappearance of a Consul or sensitive
information with which to shame an Ecclesiast, somebody WARRIOR
gave a bag of coin to a Scoundrel to perform the deed. Taking up arms is common in a world where it might seem
to make right even among civilized folks. Whether they
• Thief: sworn to theft and robbery, the thief moves march at the beat of the drum in royal armies, fight for
silently in the shadows coin in mercenary outfits, spill blood for the amusement
• Murderer: a deadly and silent killer of crowds in arenas or defend the Faith, often the sword is
• Spy: affable and capable of infiltrating anywhere to one of the few alternatives to becoming a Priest that a poor
glean precious information family with many children can offer. Or, of course, a quick
route to power.
VENTURER
In the wilderness, far from the cities, one could meet folks • Warlord: trained in the arts of discipline and strategy.
who chose to embrace a hard life, riddled with life-threat- • Gladiator: a blood fighter in the pits, a deadly
ening dangers and without the commodities of civilized opponent in close quarters.
lands. Some chose to live in the great forests, refining their • Paladin: their Faith gives them unique strength and
tracking, trapping and shooting skills, others walk the end- abilities.
less roads of the world, using stories as currency, while many
became pioneers fascinated by unexplored lands.
• Hunter: a peerless tracker, expert in the matters of
traps and ambushes
• Storyteller: a wanderer, searching for stories to tell
• Explorer: a skilled pioneer in uncharted lands
15
Professions
 Magus
Level Proficiency Bonus
1st +2 Secret, Spellcasting
2nd +2 Fundamental Mistery
3rd +2
CLASS FEATURES
As a Magus, you gain the following class features.
HIT POINTS
Hit Dice: 1d6 per magus level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 6 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d6 (o 4) + your Constitution
modifier per merchant level after the 1st
PROFICIENCIES
Armor: none
Weapons: Daggers, darts, slings, small sword,
quarterstaffs, light crossbows
Tools: one artisan tools at choice and one artist tool
at your choice.
Saving Throws: Intelligence, Wisdom
Skills: Choose two between Arcane, History,
Insight, Investigation, Nature, Perception, Performance.
EQUIPMENT
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the
equipment granted by your Venture:
• (a) a little sword, or (b) a quarterstaff
• (a) a component pouch, or (b) an arcane focus
• (a) a diplomat’s pack, or (b) a scholar’s pack
• One artistic tool and one artisan tool at your choice
SPELLCASTING
CANTRIPS
At 1st level, you know three cantrips from the Secret you
chose. You learn additional magus cantrips when you learn
new Secrets, as it’s shown on the Magus table.
ENCHANT POINTS
The Magus table shows how many Enchant Points you have
to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of
these magus spells, you must expend an amount of Enchant
Point equal to the number shown on the Enchant Points
table in order to cast a 1st level spell or higher. You regain all
expended Enchant Points when you finish a long rest, you
also regain a number of Enchant Points equal to 1 + the half
of your Enchant Points total after a short rest.
SECRETS
Choose a Secret, it indicates the sphere of magic knowledge
Features Secrets Known Enchant Point in which you began to improve your ability in the Magna
1 2 Ars. You learn a new Secret at level 5th, 11th, and 17th.
1 6 Secret of the Mind
Metamagic 1 9
SPELLS KNOWN
When you chose this Secret you learn the Cantrips shown
For example, if you know the 1st-level spell detect thoughts in the Secret Spell Known table and when you gain a level
and have 6 Enchant Points, you have to spend 2 Enchant in the chosen Secret, you learn the spells that indicate the
Points to cast the spell. Secret you chose at the correspondent level, as shown in the
Secret Spell Known table.
Spell Level Enchanted Point Cost Cantrip: Eldritch Blast, Friends, Vicious Mockery
1st 2 1st level. Charm person, Command
2nd level. Calm emotions, Detect thoughts
2nd 3 3rd level. Clairvoyance, Sending
3rd 5 4th level. Arcane eye, Confusion
4th 6 5th level. Dominate person, Scrying
5th 7
FUNDAMENTAL MYSTERY: TELEPATHY
When you take the 2nd level in this Secret, you can send
SPELLS KNOWN OF 1ST LEVEL AND HIGHER and receive telepathic messages to a creature who can
You know two 1st-level spells from the Secret you chose. understand you within 60 feet. By spending 1 Enchant
When you gain a level in the chosen Secret, you learn the Point you can establish a telepathic link with a consenting
spells that indicate the Secret you chose at the correspond- person within 60 feet who stays for one hour. You can send
ent level, as shown in the Secret table. and receive thoughts, feelings and with an action see what
the other person see. You use your spells on the person you
SPELLCASTING ABILITY have a bond with as if they were within range of the spell.
Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for your magus
spells, since you learn your spells through dedicated study METAMAGIC
and memorization. You use your Intelligence whenever a At 3rd level, you gain the ability to twist your spells to suit
spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your needs. You gain the following Metamagic options.
your Intelligence modifier when setting the saving throw
DC for a magus spell you cast and when making an attack CAREFUL SPELL
roll with one. When you cast a spell that forces other creatures to make a
• Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus saving throw, you can protect some of those creatures from
+ your Intelligence modifier the spell’s full force. To do so, you spend 1 Enchant Point and
• Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus choose a number of those creatures up to your Intelligence
+ your Intelligence modifier modifier (minimum of one creature). A chosen creature
automatically succeeds on its saving throw against the spell.
RITUAL CASTING
You can cast a magus spell as a ritual if that spell has the SUBTLE SPELL
ritual tag and you have the spell between the ones you know. When you cast a spell, you can spend 1 Enchant Point to
You don’t need to have the spell prepared. cast it without any somatic or verbal components.
SPELLCASTING FOCUS
You can use an arcane focus as a spellcasting focus for your
magus spells.
16
 Merchant
Level Proficiency Bonus Features
1st +2 Secret, Spellcasting
2nd +2 Fundamental Mistery
3rd +2 Metamagic
CLASS FEATURES EFFECTIVE PACKER
As a Merchant, you gain the following class features You perfectly know the art of packing and loading items In
order to calculate the load carried you can ignore up to 10%
HIT POINTS of your carrying capacity if you wear a backpack, just as you
Hit Dice: 1d8 per merchant level are able to arrange the load stowed in a transport vehicle
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier beyond the maximum of its load capacity without adverse
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (o 5) + your Constitution effects. This capacity improves by an additional 10% to the
modifier per merchant level after the 1st 10th level, and by an additional 10% to the 15th level.
PROFICIENCIES RISE AND SHINE
Armor: light armor When you get a 1 on the dice in a skill roll, hit roll or save
Weapons: simple weapons, hand crossbow, shortswords, roll test, you can re-roll the dice and keep the new result,
strip-swords up to a maximum of times a day equal to your Charisma
Tools: one artisan tools at choice. One game set. bonus (min 1).
Saving Throws: Charisma, Wisdom
Skills: Choose four between Deception, History, Insight, THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
Investigation, Nature, Perception, Performance, Persuasion By 2nd level, you have learned to recognize the lifestyle
and Sleight of hand of those in front of you simply by some superficial details.
You gain advantage of the tests of Intelligence (History),
EQUIPMENT Intelligence (Investigation), Wisdom (Intuition) and
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the Wisdom (Perception) to obtain information about the
equipment granted by your Venture: accumulated riches, cultural traditions, known languages,
• (a) a strip-sword, or (b) shortsword, lifestyles, quality of equipment and social rank of a creature
or (c) any simple weapon that you can see, that you can hear or that you’re talking to.
• (a) a diplomat’s pack or (b) an explorer’s pack
• One artisan tool and one game set at your choice JACK OF ALL TRADES
• Padded Tabard and a dagger Starting at 2nd level, you can add half your proficiency
bonus, rounded down, to any ability check you make that
CHARMING SMILE doesn’t already include your proficiency bonus.
You have advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) skill tests
made to obtain discount on the goods you want to buy.. BUSINESS STYLE
At 3rd level, you have defined your way of doing business,
specializing in a Business Style: Rarity Collector, Smuggler
or Tycoon. Your archetype confers privileges on the 3rd
level and again on the 9th, 13th, and 17th level.
18
CONTACTS
Starting from 3rd level, your knowledge network guaran-
tees you at least one contact from your sales network in each
city you visit. Once a day you can use this connection to get
some information you wouldn’t normally have access to or
some kind of advantage.
Ways and conduct are at the discretion of the GM.
To do this, the character must make a roll of Charisma
(Convince) with a CD that varies depending on the type of
information or helps you are looking for:
Information/simple help: CD 10. Information that is
normally secret or in the possession of a few, help such as
advice, simple favors, temporary food, and lodging, etc.
Information/difficult help: CD 15. Information that endan-
gers the whistleblower’s life and of the utmost confidential-
ity, help such as protection or a loan.
Prohibited information that may be of interest to very pow-
erful and dangerous individuals, prohibited objects or illegal
requests for theft or murder.
EXPERTISE
At 3rd level, choose two of your skill proficiencies. Your
proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make
that uses either of the chosen proficiencies. At 10th level,
you can choose another two skill proficiencies to gain this
benefit.
BUSINESS STYLES: RARITIES COLLECTOR
BONUS PROFICIENCIES
When you specialize in the Rarities Collector at 3rd level,
you gain proficiency with medium armor and with the
whip. You also gain proficiency in the Survival skill and in a
new language at your choice.
EXPERT EVALUATOR
For any roll for a test of Intelligence or Wisdom (Intuition)
to determine the property, quality or value of an object, con-
sider any result of 9 or less as a 10.
 Mortified Mortification ends at the end of your next turn if you have
not suffered damage since your last turn.
Proficiency Cantrips Spells Ordeals Mortification If you have any exhaustion levels you can activate
Level Features Ordeals
Bonus Known Known Level Damage Mortification at any time.
Mortification, Scoundel,
1st +2 2 - - - +2
Spellcasting, Unarmored Defense SCOUNDREL
2nd +2 Mortified Calling 2 2 1 1 +2 At any time, you can lose an amount of HP equal to your
3rd +2 Reward Through Pain 2 3 1 1 +2 character level. This can be used to activate Mortification.

CLASS FEATURES
As a Mortified, you gain the following class features
HIT POINTS
Hit Dice: 1d12 per mortified level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 12 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d12 (o 7) + your Constitution
modifier per merchant level after the 1st
PROFICIENCIES
Armor: light armor, shields
Weapons: simple weapons, flail
Tools: none
Saving Throws: Constitution, Charisma
Skills: Chose two between Athletics, Insight, Intimidation,
Nature, Perception, Performance, Persuasion, Religion
and Survival
EQUIPMENT
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the
equipment granted by your Venture:
• (a) a mace, or (b) a warhammer
• (a) an explorer’s pack, or (b) a priest’s pack
• A flail and a copy of the Tome of the Mortification
SPELLCASTING
CANTRIPS
At 2nd level, you know two cantrips from the Mortified
list (for now you can use the Cleric list). You can change
the known cantrips every time you take a Mortified level.
You learn an additional cantrips when you reach the 5th
and the 11th level. You can cast ntrips only while you are in
Mortification.
ORDEALS
The Mortified use their Ordeals as spell slots. The level of
the slot is half of the Mortified level, maximum 5th level.
The amount of Ordeals is shown on the Mortified Table.
You ecover half of your ordalies each time you experience
a level of exhaustion. Recover all of them after a short rest.
SPELLCASTING ABILITY
Constitution is your spellcasting ability for your Mortified
spells, since you learn your spells through stress and the
emotions arisen from your corporal suffering. You use your
Constitution whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting
ability. In addition, you use your Constitution modifier
when setting the saving throw DC for a mortified spell you
cast and when making an attack roll with one.
• Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your
Constitution modifier
• Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your
Constitution modifier
SPELLCASTING FOCUS
You can use your wounds as divine focus for your mortified
spells. You can cast spells only while you are in Mortification.
SPELLS KNOWN OF 1ST LEVEL AND HIGHER
When you reach the 2nd level, you learn two new 1st-level
spells from the Mortified list.
The Spells Known column of the Mortified table shows
when you learn more Mortified spells of your choice of 1st level
and higher. A spell you choose must be o f a level no higher
than what’s shown in the table’s Ordeals Level column for your
level. You can cast spells only while you are in Mortification.
MORTIFICATION
When you lose hit points you can use your reaction to enter
a state of mystical trance.
During Mortification, you gain the following benefits if you
aren’t wearing heavy armor:
• You have advantage on Strength checks and Strength
saving throws.
• You can’t be charmed or frightened.
• When you make a melee weapon attack using Strength,
you gain a bonus to the damage roll that increases
as you gain levels as a Mortified, as shown in the
Mortification Damage column of the Mortified table.
• You have resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing damage.
• You can cast Cantrips and Ordeal Spells.
UNARMORED DEFENSE
While you are not wearing any armor, your Armor Class
equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution
modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.
MORTIFIED CALLING
At 2nd level, you hear the Call to follow to purify yourself in
the path of Mortification. You can choose between Ascetic,
Fanatic, and Holy One. Your archetype confers privileges
on the 2rd level and again on the 6th, 8th, and 17th level.
REWARD THROUGH PAIN
At 3rd level you know that sacrifice and pain lead to success.
When you make a hit or save roll and get 1 as a result,
you may lose half of your current hit points to consider the
roll as a natural 20. The damage is necrotic, ignores resist-
ance and immunity and, as usual, allows you to activate
Mortification.
MORTIFIED CALLING: FANATIC
BONUS PROFICIENCIES
When you choose this Calling you gain proficiency in
medium armor, shields and martial weapons.
RECKLESS ATTACK
When you choose this Calling at 3rd level, you can throw
aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation.
When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide
to attack recklessly. Doing so gives you advantage on melee
weapon attack rolls using Strength during this turn, but attack
rolls against you have advantage until your next turn.
SCARLET FURY
By spending an Ordeal while you are in Mortification, you
can use the bonus action to make an extra attack when you
take the Attack action.

20
 Venturer
Level Proficiency Bonus
1st +2 Keen Senses, Natural Explorer, Valuable Information
2nd +2
3rd +2
CLASS FEATURES
As a Venturer, you gain the following class features
HIT POINTS
Hit Dice: 1d10 per venturer level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (o 6) + your Constitution
modifier per merchant level after the 1st
PROFICIENCIES
Armor: light armor
Weapons: simple weapons, shortswords, saber,
scimitar, longbow
Tools: two artisan tool at your choice, one musical instru-
ment at your choice
Saving Throws: Constitution, Wisdom
Skills: Perception and other two between Acrobatics,
Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Nature, Performance,
Persuasion, Religion, Sleight of Hand and Survival
EQUIPMENT
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the
equipment granted by your Venture:
• (a) a saber, or (b) a shortsword, or (c) any simple weapon
• (a) shortbow, or (b) longboard, and a quiver of 20 arrows
• (a) an explorer’s pack, or (b) an entertainer’s pack
• (a) one artisan tool at your choice, or (b) musical
instrument at your choice
• A padded tabard
KEEN SENSES
Your proficiency bonus in Perception is doubled and you
can make Wisdom (Perception) skill tests as a bonus action.
NATURAL EXPLORER
You are particularly familiar with one type of natural environ-
ment and are adept at traveling and surviving in such regions.
Choose one type of favored terrain: arctic, city, coast, desert,
forest, grassland, mountain or swamp. When you make an
Intelligence or Wisdom check related to your favored terrain,
your proficiency bonus is doubled if you are using a skill that
you’re proficient in. While traveling for an hour or more in
Features
Jack of all Trades, Improvise
Breath of Nature, Journey
your favored terrain, you gain the following benefits:
• Difficult terrain doesn’t slow your group’s travel.
• Your group can’t become lost except by magical means.
• Even when you are engaged in another activity while
traveling (such as foraging, navigating, or tracking),
you remain alert to danger.
• If you are traveling alone, you can move stealthily at a
normal pace.
• When you forage, you find twice as much food as you
normally would.
• While tracking other creatures, you also learn their
exact number, their sizes, and how long ago they
passed through the area.
• You are able to predict the weather with extreme precision.
• You know how to choose the best place to rest safely.
VALUABLE INFORMATION
You are able to get the right information in every environ-
ment where you arrive: to do so you have to pass a test of
Wisdom (Intuition) or Intelligence ( Investigate) with CD
12 and spend an hour of your time in research. If you do, you
get access to any useful information, recent event or interest-
ing curiosity about the area at the discretion of the GM.
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Starting at 2nd level, you can add half your proficiency
bonus, rounded down, to any ability check you make that
doesn’t already include your proficiency bonus.
IMPROVISE
At the 2nd level you know how to improvise after some-
thing has not gone planned, and turn a failure into a suc-
cess. You have a number of Improvise Points equal to your
proficiency bonus + half your Wisdom bonus (minimum 1).
Once during your turn, after you miss with a melee weapon
attack, you can spend one Improvise Point to make another
weapon attack as part of the same action.
Once during your turn, after you miss with a ranged weapon
attack, you can spend one Improvise Point to make another
ranged weapon attack with the same weapon as part of the
same action against a different target, if the weapon doesn’t
have the Loading property.
BREATH OF NATURE
You concentrate on listening to the noises around you, you
tune in to your surroundings and isolate your attention from
any distractions and take a deep breath. You have to remain
concentrate for a minute and make a Wisdom (Survival)
test with CD 15.
If it is successful, the GM must provide you with useful
information about creatures in the area, a prey that you are
hunting down or a place that you are looking for.
If you pass the test of 10 or more, the information obtained
can seem supernatural.
JOURNEY
At 3rd level you understand the way you have to follow to
best discover the world. You can choose between Explorer,
Hunter and Storyteller. Your archetype confers privileges
on the 3rd level and again on the 9th, 13th, and 17th level
JOURNEY: HUNTER
BONUS PROFICIENCIES
When you take this Journey you gain proficiency in medium
armor, shields and martial weapons.
FIGHTING STYLE
You adopt a particular style of fighting as your specialty.
Choose one of the following options. You can’t take a
Fighting Style option more than once, even if you later get
to choose again.
ARCHERY
You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged
weapons. HUNTING STRATEGIES
At 3rd level when you take this Journey, you gain one of the
DUELING following features of your choice:
When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and • Ambusher. Your initiative rolls have advantage. If you
no other weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with are not the first in the initiative order you can spend
that weapon. your reaction to make nn Attack or Hide Action
before anyone else starts its turn, and if you would
GREAT WEAPON FIGHTING normally be surprised at the start of an encounter you
When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you are not surprised but you can use this feature,
make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two • Horde Breaker. Once on each o f your turns when you
hands, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even make a weapon attack, you can make another attack
if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. The weapon must have the two- with the same weapon against a different creature that
handed or versatile property for you to gain this benefit. is within 5 feet of the original target and within range
of your weapon.
TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING • Valuable Strike. The first time you hit a creature with a
When you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add weapon attack, the creature takes an extra 1d8 damage
your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack. if it’s below its hit point maximum.

22 23

Professions
 Warrior ACTION DICE
You have greater control over your actions in combat. You
Level Proficiency Bonus Features have four Action Dice, which are d6s. When you make an
1st +2 Fighting Style, Second Wind attack, you can spend an action die and add it to the roll.
2nd +2 Action dice (4d6) You can do so after making the attack roll.
If you don’t spend an Action Die to increase your attack,
3rd +2 Way of the Warrior
you can spend an Action Die to add it and increase the
damage of the attack.
You gain another Action Die at 10th level and one more at
CLASS FEATURES DEFENSE 20th level.
As a Warrior, you gain the following class features While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC. At 7th level, your Action Dice turn into d8s. At 13th level,
they turn into d10s. At 17th level, they turn into d12s.
HIT POINTS DUELING
Hit Dice: 1d10 per merchant level When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and WAY OF THE WARRIOR
Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier no other weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with At 3rd level, you choose a Way forward in which to develop
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (o 6) + your Constitution that weapon. your warrior abilities and specialize. Choose Gladiator,
modifier per merchant level after the 1st Paladin, or Warlord. The Way you choose grants you features
FIREARMS WIELDER at 3rd level and again at 7th, 10th, 15th, and 18th level.
PROFICIENCIES You gain proficiency in the use of Firearms. You can reload
Armor: All armor, shields a Firearm with a bonus action. WAYS OF THE WARRIOR: WARLORD
Weapons: simple weapons, hand crossbow, shortswords,
strip-swords GREAT WEAPON FIGHTING RALLYING CRY
Tools: one artisan tools at choice. One game set. When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, when
Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two you use your Second Wind, your allies that can hear you in
Skills: Choose two skills from Acrobatics, Athletics, hands, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even 9m regain the half of the Hits Point you have regained.
History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, and Survival if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. The weapon must have the two-
handed or versatile property for you to gain this benefit.
EQUIPMENT
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the PROTECTION
equipment granted by your Venture: When a creature you can see attacks a target other than
• (a) a chainmail, you that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to
or (b) a brigandine and a longbow with 20 arrows impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You must be wield-
• (a) a martial weapon and a shield, ing a shield.
or (b) two martial weapon
• (a) an old pistol, or (b) a light crossbow and 20 bolts, TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING
or (b) two daggers When you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add
• (a) dungeoner’s pack, or (b) an explorer’s pack your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack.

FIGHTING STYLE SECOND WIND

You adopt a particular style of fighting as your specialty.
Choose one of the following options. You can’t take a
Fighting Style option more than once, even if you later get
to choose again.
ARCHERY
You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged
weapons.
You have a limited well of stamina that you can draw on
to protect yourself from harm. On your turn, you can use
a bonus action to regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your
warrior level.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long
rest before you can use it again.

24

Prosperity and Influence
rom the Holy Kingdom to the sea,
everyone seeks their own place in
the world, be it as a craftsman, as a
soldier or as a spy. Skills are becom-
ing increasingly refined, but contacts
and alliances do not always remain
firm - and this is represented by the
mechanics of Fame.
Moreover, by doing business and investing in one’s own con-
tacts, there are many opportunities to enrich oneself and start a
social climb. For this reason, in Historia, there is also a mechanic
dedicated to this theme: the Wealth.
26
THE WEALTH
Redemption, social climbing, and ascent towards wealth are
important themes for Historia explored in the game with
the value of the character’s wealth.
Each character has a value of wealth, represented by
a number: that is the amount of resources that, during a
chapter of the story, the character can have at his disposal to
buy goods, buy off bureaucrats or persuade nobles.
It does not strictly represent a number of coins: they can
be precious stones, ingots of precious material, commercial
agreements - in short, a set of resources to draw on for their
own purposes.
Each character usually starts with a wealth value of 10
and, along the way, there will be many opportunities to
improve their position.
Fame, Factions and Careers
eign the most famous explorer car-
tographer of the coast, the most
ruthless member of the Brotherhood
or the most relentless agent of the
Confederation - even the reputation
itself manages to bring discreet hooks
and possibilities.
Achievements, heroic or infamous
deeds, titles, and recommendations can lead to the character
being known and loved in many environments, and this is rep-
resented by the mechanics of Fame.
In addition to wealth, the exploits made by the char-
acters can generate fame points that the player can use to
increase their reputation in a faction. There are typically
five degrees for each faction, each degree is obtainable after
investing a certain amount of fame and brings variable ben-
efits, different for each faction.
It is possible, for some factions, to invest part of their
wealth to increase their fame - up to a certain point - as well
as the other way around, increasing their wealth through
their fame.
THE FACTIONS
In Vesteria, Factions play a key role as they work tirelessly
to bind the world to their needs. Every Faction follows
its own goals, beliefs and modus operandi, often forming
27
Fame, Factions and Careers
long-lasting rivalries. In particular, old and new feuds have
been christened in blood in the Green Pit since the dis-
covery of something ancient. In Historia, Factions follow a
reputation system that allows characters to discover secret
missions and gain unique rewards. Below is an example of a
Faction, the Brotherhood of the Worms.
EXAMPLE OF FACTION:
THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE WORMS
“How can we win against them, who have the discipline of
Soldiers, but the honor of worms?” - Ermello da Buchebuie
They are known as the Brotherhood of the Worms, in
memory of the taking of Tanafonda, during which they dug
tunnels so deep that they could enter from below into the
center of the enemy garrison, destroying their troops.
“During recruitment, a healer visits the aspiring Worms If
the unit’s commander finds them fit, they take their oath walk-
ing through a door made of two pikes topped with a musket.
Once they are in the Worms, they are bound to the corps for 20
years. Desertion begets only death.”
- Carolino the Wise
The Brotherhood of Worms is a mercenary military organ-
ization, based in a castle built on the eastern edge of the
Holy Kingdom, but forming an independent enclave. Once

called Fort Blizzard, now the nickname that is used even by
the worms themselves is “Worm’s Lair”.
The commander in chief of the Brotherhood is the famous
Torquato da Tanafonda the badger, and the Deputy in com-
mand is Ranieri De Porchis, visionary boar and genius.
Over the years, the village in the valley below the Lair has
thrived as the families of the Worms have moved there. Here
the Academy of Military Geniery was founded, where Ranieri
in addition to working constantly to improve the Black
Powder and its muskets, is a Teacher to the new engineers of
the Brotherhood, as well as a limited number of soldiers from
other armies, for whose training their lords pay handsomely. It
is said that there are places booked for years to come.
Warriors, mercenaries, soldiers: the members of the
company founded by Torquato da Tanafonda are the most
feared threat on the battlefield and on the streets.
Their ferocity is balanced by their effective military
training which is surpassed only by the destructive power
of their muskets. From the mountain slopes of the Worm’s
Lair, soldiers flow together with the money that people
spend to get their services, while on top of the Tower,
Torquato thinks about the next moves.
The “Lieutenant” is the local ambassador who deals with
those who wish to purchase the services of the Worms.
The Worms have about 10,000 soldiers worldwide,
of which about 5000 living in the Lair, with many small
detachments in almost every major city.
28
Special: fame for the Brotherhood of the Worms cannot
be acquired through wealth. With gold you buy worms,
with blood and steel you buy brothers.
GRADE 1 - ARMED
Requirement: 1 fame
New member of the company, the name of the company
precedes you. You can take advantage of an intimidation
or other appropriate check. You can gain advantage again
when your reputation with the Brotherhood increases.
GRADE 2 - LIEUTENANT
Requirement: 5 fame
As a full member of the Brotherhood, you can get a great
deal of equipment with a fair discount: you can get weapons
and armor at half the cost in wealth.
You start to get good pay for your work: add 20 to your
wealth.
GRADE 3 - CAPTAIN
Requirement: 15 fame
You are a recognized agent of the Brotherhood: your actions
can have consequences, for better or for worse.
Thanks to your good name, you can always buy a supply
of ammunition for a firearm for 50 coins.
The Brotherhood also pays well for your loyalty: add 80
to your wealth.
THE CAREERS
Like a faction, each character can try to engage in a personal
project, his or her own Career. Becoming the best blade of
Salso Nero, being considered the best cartographer of the
Holy Kingdom, being referred to as The Dark Hunter, are
all possible outlets more targeted to their personal glory and
once again we refer to the fame mechanic.
In terms of game each character can build their own spe-
cial faction based on the career, often closely related to their
background, in which they can invest fame to represent the
notoriety of the character and their skills in the world, out-
side the factions.
CAREER: CARTOGRAPHER
Exploration is one of the cornerstones of the society of
Vesteria. Whether by land, water or sky, tracing the best
trade routes, opening and marking new passages, or discov-
ering new mineral resources in unexplored territories, it is
part of the vibrant life of the continent’s people.
For this reason, the art of representing accurate and pre-
cise maps is a very renowned career and the best and most
famous cartographers become members of courts, palaces,
and participate in contests held by the local lords, or travel
with the most important commercial enterprises.
GRADE 1 - AMATEUR
Requirement: 1 fame
Acquire the expertise in cartographic tools and you always
have the opportunity to have at hand the necessary to draw
up a map of the surroundings, even with makeshift means.
GRADE 2 - NOVICE
Requirement: 5 fame
You’ve learned some of the tricks of the trade and you know
how not to be found unprepared: you know a good amount of
maps and you can understand where you are in a few minutes
if you can observe the landscape. You’re also starting to have
some success selling your products: add 50 to your wealth.
GRADE 3 - DOTTO
Requirement: 15 fame
Your reputation as a professional is now renowned in a large
area and there are some people who ask you for advice. You
can count on your reputation to enter places that are not
hostile but generally not accessible (ask for an audience
with a nobleman or a famous corsair, for example).
Once per chapter, you can also find a map of a particular
area or building outside the Green Pit for 50 coins, including
contacts, knowledge and your past research. Your notoriety
also makes your work valuable: add 150 to your wealth.
 Ventura IDEAL
y creating a character, each player What follows is a non-definitive preview of a Ventura, or the
has little or big expectations about d6 Ideal
reason why the character is at adventure together with his
his future and his hopes. For this companions. A narrative suggestion that goes beyond the sim- Order. The parasites that want to destroy us
1
reason, more than a background, ple background but that accompanies the development, and the must be kept under watch.
we want to suggest to build a path intentions, of the character throughout his narrative arc. Find Ambition. Chaos takes you to the top
for the future of the character. The 2
the Ventures in their final form in the Historia handbook. if you can go up to its ladder.
Ventura is the kind of story that this
Devotion. It’s a dirty job, but someone
character should see made on himself RISALTO: SCREENING 3
has to do it.
or, as we call it, a Ventura. Specific modules can have ad hoc The best way to avoid being caught is not to be chased: you
designed Ventures and GMs themselves can offer something Yearning. I know where the most precious
are the best when it comes to set someone off your back or 4
more personalized. treasures are, and they will be mine.
your ally. You can spend Inspiration to find an escape in
each situation, a hideout, or a distraction to exploit. To be Family. I am loyal to those
5
CHARACTERISTICS OF A VENTURA able to escape or throw off your opponents, the GM decides who share my blood.
A Ventura is composed of a general description, a Highlight, what kind of test you are going to face. Peace. By playing ahead of time, I can make
6
Descriptors, and a Supply. sure that no blood is spilled for nothing.
ENDOWMENT
THE RISALTO • Choose one between forger’s tools, burglary tools or
The main feature of a Ventura is the Risalto, a special ability camouflage tricks, and you gain proficiency in the BOND
deriving from what the character is, or should be, to activate chosen tool.
in the description of the scenes in which the character man- • You can learn in one day the code of a spy association d6 Bond
ages to be more incisive, the moment when the character is if you get it. 1 I have a debt with an old friend of mine.
in the spotlight and when is, for its own trade or character- • Two sets of clothes, usable as a disguise. A group of wealthy people did me wrong,
istics, more suitable for resolving strong or dramatic actions. • You have one fame point to spend in a faction of 2
and my revenge will be terrible.
If according to the GM the action described by the player is your choice, the one you belong or the one where you
within the possibilities of the Risalto and the player spends infiltrated. My heart belongs to someone,
3
Inspiration for this action, the player can also activate his and I must be his salvation.
unique ability. DESCRIPTOR 4
I had nothing left but my remorse
for what I’ve done.
ENDOWMENT d8 Character trait
My people would be in grave danger
The Ventura assigns to the character a certain amount of 1 I have a plan. I always have a plan. 5
if it weren’t for me.
unique features, be they tools, goods, contacts or even just Tell me it’s not possible.
2 6 Nothing personal, it’s just my job.
an extra interpretation tips. And I’ll prove you wrong.
Money is easy: it is trust that must
DESCRIPTOR 3
be earned with effort. FLAW
Each Ventura has four descriptors: a character trait, an ideal,
a bond and a defect. Each of them represents an aspect of the The risks are the excuses of those d6 Flaw
4
character, that will induce him to look for trouble and, luckily, who lack daring.
I have a weakness for someone
to find glory. They can be chosen randomly from the proposed I have no friends: if I am close to you, 1
5 I should keep an eye on.
tables, or selected by the players and customized as desired. it is because you are a danger.
A character gains Inspiration when he gets into trouble, They can take my friends,
I am friendly with everyone, but “friendly” 2
accepts dangerous challenges, or moves the party to action 6 but they will never take me.
doesn’t mean “friend”.
following his descriptors. There is always a good reason
Insult me ​​and, sooner or later, be sure, 3
7 to neglect a plan.
VENTURA: SPY you will pay for it.
I still consider it appropriate to give my
The sea is vast beyond the horizon and the possible mean- I like to know an environment 4
8 enemies a witty exit.
ing that the term “spy goes to assume” is even wider. From before working on it.
I help my country from the outside because
the ruthless murderer to the unexpected courtier, there are 5
a scandal prevents me from returning.
many ways to act in the shadows - but there are few ways to
save oneself when one is exposed. I let my character takes myself.
6
Too much. Definitely too much.

30

Optional Rules
WOUNDS AND COMBAT
Historia is a dark fantasy, where war is dirty, and wounds
leave their mark. For this reason, some rules regarding
wounds are outlined in a slightly different way.
HIT POINTS
Hit Points represent the number of attacks, stress, and obsta-
cles that the character is able to deal with before he is actually
injured. In principle, the character is not significantly injured
until it has reached zero hit points. Before that, his skills made
it possible to avoid being seriously damaged: it’s possible, as
well as encouraged, to ask the characters how they handled
the formidable attack they had to face - an extra opportunity
to liven up a fight and get inspiration.
32
You can represent having fallen below half of the hit
points as a superficial or minor wound, bruising, shortness
of breath, tearing on clothing or dents on the armor, but as
long as you don’t suffer damage beyond the hit points noth-
ing will affect the character’s abilities.
BEING INJURED AND DEATH
Once you reach zero hit points or in case of particularly
serious blows things get complicated, and the body begins
to show signs of the fight - such damage is represented by
the mechanics of the exhaustion levels in this way:
• If the character suffers an attack that leads to zero
hit points and has no levels of exhaustion, he suffers
a level of exhaustion. This must be considered as a
serious wound, with narrative, aesthetic, or practical
consequences.
• If the character suffers an attack while at zero hit
points, he suffers a level of exhaustion. This must
be considered as a serious wound, with narrative,
aesthetic, or practical consequences.
• If the character suffers a critical strike, in addition to
the normal damage of the attack, it suffers a level of
exhaustion. This must be considered as a serious wound,
with narrative, aesthetic, or practical consequences.
• If the character suffers a critical gunshot attack,
in addition to the normal damage of the attack,
it suffers 1d6 levels of exhaustion. This must be
considered as a serious wound, with narrative,
aesthetic, or practical consequences.
As you can guess, entering into combat can always be a risk,
and finding a firearm pointed at you is an unpleasant situa-
tion that can result in a serious injury or death.
Fighting also leaves its mark: curing a single level of
exhaustion requires a long rest, and the spells that close cer-
tain wounds are rare and expensive.
INSPIRATION
The inspiration is an extremely powerful mechanic to direct
the efforts of players at the table towards building an atmos-
phere and a game environment of a certain peculiarity. By
using it fluently, you get a game with more lively storytell-
ing and more involvement from the players. In Historia, we
want to introduce some special indications.
Remember that inspiration is a resource that you have
or you don’t have, you can’t accumulate it and if you get it
while you already have it, it’s lost, so remember to spend it
when you have it.
GAIN INSPIRATION
In principle, characters gain inspiration when they improve
the game at the table.
The definition is actually a bit vague, but the general
idea is to give positive reinforcement to certain choices and
encourage players to put new ideas into play.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the indications that
we put into practice when we play Historia, and then find a
balance that is functional to your game group.
IMPROVE DESCRIPTIONS
When players describe their actions in a more colorful way
and manage to go beyond the basics of pure mechanics, it’s
the right time to give inspiration. Often players who limit
themselves to just “attacking” or “casting a spell” are cap-
tured, and inspiration provides a mechanic so that better
describing an attack actually makes it more effective.
33
Optional Rules
The frequency with which inspiration is assigned can
vary: we suggest, in the beginning, to grant it frequently
and then gradually raise the bar and improve the quality of
the narrative.
Note: The goal is to improve the game experience. Trying
to grab the spotlight with long descriptions that break the
flow is contrary to all this and should therefore not be
rewarded.
CHARACTER ADHERENCE
Sometimes it can happen that some players tend to avoid
trouble for their characters, even if those troubles seem to be
sewn on their characterization: reward players who raise the
risks due to a justified moment of panic or weakness of their
character with Inspiration - the flaws are the salt of a story.
INSTINCT
Every family tends to have common behaviors and atti-
tudes. When a character follows his Instinct by creating
narratively interesting situations, and that may go beyond
the most immediate plot requirements, reward him with
the assignment of inspiration.
COWARDS...
The characters in a story, especially a dark one, know how
to blow a well-designed plan out of fear, or panic. Assign
inspiration when a player decides to make the character act
on impulse with a nonsensical action and dictated by the
emotions of the moment: the character is hitting one of the
main themes of the game.
...AND HEROES!
Of course, heroic, epic and sacrificial acts must also be
rewarded: vigorously stand up to bandits or sacrifice your-
self to slow down pursuers and make allies flee - make sure
the characters don’t hold back their heroism for the trivial
fear of recklessness.
SPENDING INSPIRATION
Once earned, this inspiration must also be spent: in Historia,
there are several ways to spend Inspiration.
ROLL WITH ADVANTAGE
The classic method to use inspiration is to spend it before
an attack roll, a saving roll or a skill roll in order to gain
advantage to the roll or to cancel a disadvantage. This is how
most Inspirations will be spent.
After spending at least one Inspiration in this way, a
character will be able to spend any subsequent Inspiration
earned in the session in the following ways:
RISALTO (OR PROMINENCE)
When the character is in a situation congenial to his atti-
tudes, or to what must be his path of life, his Ventura comes
into play along with the opportunity to stand out from his
companions and normal situations of play. Spending his
Inspiration the character will be able to activate the special
ability Risalto.
You can use your Risalto once, and it can’t be used again
until the end of a short or long rest.

VITAL RECOVERY
By spending Inspiration, you can spend a hit die, roll it
by adding the Constitution modifier and recover an equal
amount of hit points. From level 5 you can spend and roll
up to two dice, adding the modifier to both, from level 11
to three dice and from level 17 to four dice.
You can spend Inspiration in this way at any time you are
using the action or reaction as part of it.

RESOURCES RECOVERY
Each Profession specifies a special resource that can be
recovered by spending Inspiration. Generally, it is some-
thing that is recovered through a short rest. It is not possible
to spend further Inspiration in this way until the end of a
short or long rest. The complete tables with the resources
that can be recovered by spending Inspiration can be found
in the Historia corebook.

SPECIAL: STORY OVER RULES

A special way of using Inspiration is to manage a series of
very effective actions that the rules cannot define: when a
player proposes an action that is not covered by the rules
which would bring fun to the table without distorting the
core of the game, you can accept it if the player spends an
Inspiration that they already have.
If, for example, the fighter in the group decides to grab
with a whip the arm of the evil soldier who is about to kill
the merchant, you can, at your discretion, accept the action
asking them to spend Inspiration and make an attack roll.
Inspiration can be a very powerful tool in the hands of a
group of players with a bit of practice: use it and have fun!
Adventure: Perilous Deliveries
INTRODUCTION ADVENTURE TO HISTORIA
FOR FIVE 1ST LEVEL CHARACTERS
Written by Davide C. Milano and Matteo Pedroni
INTRODUCTION
This adventure is meant to introduce the feel and themes of
the adventures characters of Historia will live.
The overall plot revolves around the characters deliver-
ing two statuettes to a noble of the Sacred Kingdom visiting
Salso Nero, Goffredo the Grey, on behalf of the city’s pow-
erful Podestà, Paddath the Toad.
Thugs led by Federico Mordicollo attempt to steal
the statuettes, blaming it on the characters, inadvertently
breaking one of them to reveal a Fragment of the Ossuary.
The characters are framed and accused of the slaughter
that happened in the villa they were supposed to deliver the
statues to. Then, they are involved in a brutal fight against
a group of mercenaries from the Brotherhood of Worms.
The group is then saved by Rolando d’Acquascura, the
man behind the entire machination, who offers them his
patronage and a contract for an extended and well-paying
mission in the Confederacy.
STYLE AND GUIDELINES
This adventure is meant to be a showcase of the style and
identity of Historia, so be generous in awarding Inspiration
to give the players the chance to fully experience the poten-
tial of the setting, its narrative sequences mechanics and
variations to combat to make your players feel the conflict-
ing souls of the dark heart of the Renaissance.
Give the players freedom; the module offers an overar-
ching plot-line, but let your players set their plans. If they

35

Perilous Deliveries
wish to meet their client at an upper-class party, rather than
at the market, follow their idea and adapt the plot to change
for the environment.
ADVENTURE SUMMARY
Podestà Paddath summons the characters. Each of them
owes him something, so refusing is not an option.
The characters are contracted to deliver two precious
plaster statuettes of Saint Aceraterio. The artist is unknown.
One of the statues is a fake. It contains an Ossarium
Relic, a powerful item of untold worth and infused with
extraordinary magic.
The delivery must happen in a way that cannot be traced
back to Paddath, and the items must be handed to domina
Agnese Ulpa, a representative of the nobility in the Sacred
Kingdom visiting the local congregation of the Bone
Church in Salso Nero.
Nestor, the famous thief, known as “The Prince” now
under the employment of Paddath, and his team of hares
has been hired to keep an eye over the characters.
The congregation is in an upper-class neighborhood in
the hills around Salso Nero, in one of the villas owned by
the Church.
The characters take the statuettes, but soon they met sus-
picious individuals. Who should they trust?
Federico Mordicollo, a ruthless weasel of the under-
world, “by chance” learns that the true worth of the statues
is what hides within, although he has no idea of what that
means, and attempts to steal them.
Rolando d’Acquascura is also tracking the statuettes.
The Black Master, head of the Confederate spy network, is
tasked with ruining the relationship between Paddath and
the Sacred Kingdom and secure the Relic.
Rolando means to set the characters up for a crime they did
not commit, plotting a murder to blame on them, to prevent
Paddath’s relations with the Sacred Kingdom from improving.
To do so, d’Acquascura impersonates a merchant who
takes part in the fight between the players and Federico
Mordicollo. During the fight, the fake statuette might break
and reveal its content. After being rescued by the characters,
he rewards them with an item.
The characters arrive at the villa, the place where they
are supposed to acquire the package, although they find its
occupant butchered. “Accidentally”, they are blamed for it.
As the other party arrives for the exchange, escorted by a
group of the Brotherhood of Worms, a fight breaks out. The
characters are then rescued by the Black Master who, for the
first time, reveals his identity to the players. He invites them to
join him in the Confederacy as they failed to “repay” Paddath,
36
who has now put a bounty on their heads and escaping from
the grasp of the Sacred Kingdom could be their only hope.
ACT I
Salso Nero
“As I came into sight of Salso Nero, I was struck with awe by
how large and picturesque the Pearl of the Pit was. Built on the
delta of the Aterium river, the city connects more than a hundred
islands with rafts and bridges.
The minor isles were crowded with stilt houses of the most
bizarre shapes, to better adapt to the ever-shifting lay of the
land. Instead, the larger ones hosted the palaces of the more pros-
perous merchants or the government, as the ground was stable
enough to support the weight of such exalted buildings.
The preferred means of transportation between isles was not the
palanquin, as customary in many other cities, but the gondola,
more agile and capable of navigating the dense maze of narrow
piers and crowded walkways.
When I arrived at the Palace of the Podestà, Mastro Paddath, I
was stunned by the magnificence and peculiar appearance of the
gold-storied building, as impressive as the rumors told.
Large sails-like flags gently danced in the breeze, rippling with
the crest of Salso Nero.
Paddath welcomed my trusty Jamyang and me with honor, say-
ing he would have hated to be remembered as an ungenerous
host, and so offered us to stay in his mansion. There he offered
us the best fish I have ever tasted, presented in a crust of smoked
black salt.
However, for the whole night, an unusual disquietude crept into
me, and it was only later that evening I realized Ni-Shung the
Enchantress, whose enigmatic lack of expression left me uneasy,
was its source.”
- Carolino, the Sage from Historia:
of Magi and Brigands, Cowards and Heroes.
READ OR PARAPHRASE THE FOLLOWING
It is a beautiful morning in Salso Nero, the Pearl of the Pit, a
beautiful and yet bizarre city. You see it in front of you at the
first lights of the morning, dawn reflecting on the dark sea and
the black eponymous salt flats.
In spite of the weather, you feel a cold shiver running down
your spine, as the Podestà of Salso NeroPaddath the Toad, has
summoned you, a foreign merchant who rose to power through
not always conventional or legal means. You have been called to
repay a recent debt you owe him, and you all know too well that
nobody can refuse to settle their scores with a Paddath… unless
they wish to see their relatives and loved ones disappear one by
one under mysterious circumstances.
THE MERCHANT AND THE MAGUS
“Paddath came to Salso Nero when he was still young. There are
few closed roads, for those who have no scruples, if they are ready
to bear the burden of their actions on their conscience.
He got into debt up to the goitre in order to build his fortune: he
bought a ship, on which he crammed young, old, women without
any distinction; sold as slaves in the Far Lands, in kingdoms of
which even I never heard the name.
In the pit often the diatribes about who should have the right to a
field or a rivulet flow in blood, with the losers looted by the winners.
It was no different from the taking of Tanafonda by Buchebuie,
which marked the decisive turning point for Paddath: more
than half of the poor people in the great mining city were killed,
or sold into slavery. And he was the buyer.
With the capital he got from it, he paid off all his remaining
debt, and made good use of it, buying at the market, one piece
at a time, Salso Nero’s Saltworks. With the help of Apopi, he
exported that precious salt to the corners of the world, until even
the Khan himself wanted to stock it up.
He became so rich that the nobles of all kingdoms heard about his
palace, built in his own image and decorated with gold.
Paddath did not want to remain a mere merchant, for the wealth
he accumulated by now did not bring him any more pleasure. He
wanted to leave his mark, to have a say in the events of the
world. Politics seemed, to him, as the only way.vThanks to his
influence, he was elected Podestà of Salso Nero for ten years.
But it was still not enough for him. He met the magus Ni-Shung
during one of his trips to the court of Muhur-Khan, and it
was there that he offered her to be part of his court as Grand
Counsellor. She knew that in Salso Nero no one could revoke the
status of Podestà to the toad who had at his service a sorceress
like Ni-Shung.
She accepted, but on one condition: the famous Dark Pearl of
Black Salt, on a scepter worthy of her that would carry it.
Paddath bought the pearl from Rudolfo, another rich merchant
- his rival- for a ship full of gold, still a laughable price for the
uniqueness of the Dark Pearl, black as sin and as big as the skull
of a Rhone.
Some say that Rudolfo was convinced only after his son, kid-
napped by mysterious robbers, was rescued by Paddath, who
paid the impossible ransom. Curious coincidence, of course.”
- Carolino the Wise, from Historia:
of Magi and Brigands, Cowards and Heroes.
37
Perilous Deliveries
HISTORIA’S MOOD
Let the players become familiar with their characters and
bounce ideas, answer any question they might have for you
and then introduce them to the scenario:
• Salso Nero, an exotic town where poor districts
chaotically fade into the mercantile neighbourhood.
• Relations between the Confederacy and the Sacred
Kingdom, respectively to the west and east of the
Green Pit, are often tense. In the southern-most
reaches of the Pit is Salso Nero on the delta of the
Atherium river.
• Unrest in the Sacred Kingdom began when Plautilia
arrived with one of the Bone Relics, ancient relics
of Saints and Martyrs endowed with extraordinary
and mysterious powers. As the Bones are a limited
amount, well known and catalouged by the Bone
Church, it was thought to be impossible.
THE TOAD’S PALACE
The characters arrive at the imposing palace, its golden-in-
laid toad’s head shape dwarfing any other building close by.
It seems the empty and somewhat hungry stare of the crea-
ture of brick and gold is aimed at the seat of the Merchant
Council, perhaps not a coincidence.
Magnificent and opulent, the palace is not built in the
classic Pit architecture style. Once inside, a shrew servant
escorts the characters to the presence of the Podestà, lying
down on a triclinium as two concubines around him cool
him with feather fans. Behind him, the trusted Magus sala-
mander, High Councilor Ni-Shung.
Several guards dressed in the eastern fashion and armed
in their full panoply are stationed within the room, ready to
attack. Slick with scented oils, the toad gives the characters
a task to cancel their debts toward him, should it go accord-
ing to plan.
The task is apparently simple: the characters must
deliver within sundown two painted plaster statuettes of
Saint Aceraterio (a creature similar to an anthropomorphic
rhinoceros without the horn, something even the charac-
ters are not familiar with), to some guests of fox Domina
Agnese Ulpa, in a villa outside of the city, where they will be
given in exchange a letter of credit and their reward.
The Podestà warns the characters their cargo is a pre-
cious work of art, implying without any shadow of a doubt
that anything happening to it would befall its handlers, only
much worse. Paddath does not share further details, claim-
ing the group only needs the address and information on
how to get there. He subtly says that this task is more of a
personal favour, the reason why he requested the characters
rather than trusting the matter to his own people. So, there
is no need to disclose their involvement with him, as the job
requires attention to detail and... discretion.
The characters had, or pretended to have when the
Podestà did them a favour, the necessary qualities to pro-
tect the cargo, move it through the city and deal with
any unforeseen issues that might arise. The toad’s servant
escorts the characters to a storehouse on a canal outside
of the palace, where a small and nondescript wheelbarrow
waits for them. Under a series of rags, cloths and wood are
the two statuettes, altar pieces roughly a foot and a half tall
made of painted and enamelled plaster.
The statues do not seem to be particularly well-made or
from a known workshop. They do not even seem to be from
Rodelia or other exotic ports. Not even a thorough exam
would reveal further details, and the GM should pass onto
the players the idea that this should be of no interest for
them. They shall do as Paddath tells them to do, no ques-
tions asked.
Without them knowing, Paddath has tasked the hare
Nestor, the “Prince of Orphans” and famed thief under the
fruitful employ of the Podestà for a long time, to keep an
eye on them. His fame is, of course, matched only by his
skill in stealth.
Nestor will follow the characters, ready to intervene if
need be, as a number of his henchmen (other young hares)
equal to that of the characters track them closer. Characters
attempting to scan their surroundings to see if they are fol-
lowed can glimpse a few clues here and thereby passing a
DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) check, although it is unlikely
they will surprise the agile killers.
THE ORPHANS
Nestor’s team is ready to intervene should the character do
something they find suspicious:
Should the characters spend too much time looking
at the statues, a hare “stumbles by chance” into the group,
interested in their cargo, bothering them and making it
clear they should move.
If the characters get involved in suspicious activities or
make plans that are dangerous, complicated, or that could
raise suspicions on their cargo, they would be issued a sym-
bolic and accidental warning.
If the characters damage the statues or attempt to betray
Paddath, the hares would lead the characters somewhere far
from prying eyes and try to kill them. As they mention the
imminent arrival of their “boss”, a DC 15 Charisma check
or expense of Inspiration would allow the characters to
make the connection with Nestor. If they survive for three
rounds, they can escape.
38
If the characters manage to escape, the GM should con-
tinue with the scene in [REWARD]. If they fail, Nestor
will bring them to Paddath, where a fate worse than death
waits for them.
PRINCE NESTOR
“In Salso Nero you can find every kind of job, or necessity, know-
ing who to ask.
Nestor grew up in the Orphanage of Salso Nero’s slums.
The rector, a miserable and heartless rat, was used to employ the
smaller puppiesin the saltwork to fill up sacks, and the bigger
ones in the alleys, to empty pockets.
No one was as skilled with this last profession as the young Nestor,
who in the District of the Merchants was picking up bags swollen
with money from the opulent merchants passing through.
From a young age, he was well liked by everyone in the slums
because with the wealth accumulated over the years he did much
for the people and for all the orphans, whom he considered his
brothers and whom he never abandoned.
One day, in the refectory of the orphanage, during supper, the rat
died, suffocating in his own meal. No one ever knew how: for he
was the only one who died that day, even though he ate the same
meal as the others. Not many people mourned him, and they swiftly
decided that Nestor himself should take care of the orphanage.
He willingly accepted, with the sly smile that pups and women loved
so much. That’s why people called him the “Prince of the Orphans”.
From that moment on and over the years Nestor continued to
increase his fame, to the point that the Podestà of Salso Nero,
Paddath, invited him to his mansion.
His name, however, was not yet known outside the city.
Not before the theft of the Holy Amber.
Months after the Ossarium was discovered, scholars of the
Temple, accompanied by the Guardians of Desmònd under the
command of Field Marshal Van Rott, found an amber stone
in which a giant insect, believed to be from the time of the
Ancestors, had remained trapped.
Some said that, thanks to the Miracles of the Blood of the
Mortified, the Church could awaken the Ancestors themselves,
others that the Amber could grant youth and vigor to those who
held it. Nestor did not wonder whether it was truth or rumour,
he knew for certain that Paddath would make a rich animal
whoever brought it to him.
He left alone, at night and in secret from everyone.
He returned, with a bag full of relics, and an amber stone.
The name of Prince Nestor, then, reached even the ear of Femur III.”
- Carolino the Wise, from Historia:
of Magi and Brigands, Cowards and Heroes.
THE STREETS OF THE PEARL
Use the city to define the style of play of both the group
and the individual players and choose how the exchange
pans out asking the players themselves how they want to
do so. By default, the scene is supposed to be played passing
through the city and its Market, to then move to the salt
flats and end on the hills outside of town. If the players
come up with alternative ways to reach the villa, try to adapt
the to the ideas of your players, like leaving the city passing
by the canals to avoid the slums of the docks or the Market.
ACT II
Hunted
A few hours before the encounter between the characters
and the Podestà, in a shady tavern a stranger loses a bet
with a local criminal. Pressed by the thug’s “friends”, the
stranger hands them his coin purse, a “family heirloom”, a
precious brooch with sacred symbols of the Bone Cross,
and tells them a secret. The Toad of Salso Nero has received
39
Perilous Deliveries
a precious cargo from the ship the pilgrim was embarked
on, who happened to have heard where it was headed and
that its security would have been entrusted to amateurs...
The grin of the ruthless weasel, called Federico
Mordicollo, as he learns the secrets of the stranger is the
same the stranger hides under their black hood as soon as
they are let go by the ruffians.
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
After the characters have decided how they want to approach
the delivery, the group is made the target of a gang of thieves.
Profiting off of the first distraction available, a group of five
Bandits [Martens] attempt to steal the statues. Make sure
the bandits act in unison, so they can separate the group and
actually make it to the statues.
The bandits approach the theft in any of the following:
• Sneaking onto the cart through the crowds and
attempting an old fashioned theft before the
characters can realize.
• Simulating an accident to block the road and
channeling the characters in an alley where jumping
on them is easier.
• Using children as a distraction to create a dead end.
• Pretending to be Paddath’s agents sent to help
the group in carting the statues through the most
dangerous neighborhoods of the city.
When a DC is required, use 12.
Feel free to use different approaches! The point of this
section of the adventure is to emphasize how even moving
something from one place to another entails risks.
In the early stages, work to increase suspicion and para-
noia, alternating threats and misunderstandings. Perhaps a
character notices a suspicious-looking figure seizing them,
probably looking for valuables to steal, and then an old man
with a cart full of fruit blocks them to sell them something.
When the players have set on a linear approach, surprise
them with the group of martens under Federico Mordicollo.
If the characters spot the martens, they attack the group.
Make sure the players understand that an actual engagement
in the streets of Salso Nero is a huge risk, not only for the
potential to hurt civilians, but also the integrity of the stat-
uettes. Finding a safer place or trying to lose the pursuers
could be the group’s best solution. Instead, if the martens suc-
ceed in stealing the statues, they escape in a relatively clumsy
way, exposing the theft and giving the group the chance to
chase them. The interest shown by a mere group of bandit for
some plaster statues, enough to risk the wrath of the Podestà,
should be enough to arise suspicion among the players.
MARKET CHASE
Salso Nero is built on a lagoon and the market is held in an
imposing square surrounded on three sides by a large canal.
Its fourth is blocked by habitations, separated by small
pebbled roads. Two bridges connect the square to the other
bank of the canal and the carriages have large side windows
that convert them in moving shop stalls. The place is always
crowded, filled with common folks and merchants looking
to make some fast cash. Usually, there are crates filled with
wares piled up around the carriages.
Whether it is the characters attempting to lose the thugs
or them trying to escape with the statuettes, make sure to
bring the attention of your players on the environment and
the consequences of their actions. From now on, depending
on what seems to be the style that fits the group best, you
can handle the chase in either of two ways:
STORY MODE
If the group seems to be interested more in the narrative
aspect, rather than combat, the characters realize the statues
have been stolen and a DC 13 Narrative Sequence begins.
Simulate the camera focusing on each character, asking
their player how they want to intervene and alter the result
of the chase.
You choose in which order the characters act. Every
character can take one action. If a player asks to go first
because they have a cool or original idea, let them and then
ask the others immediately.
After each player has stated their intentions, assign any
checks they have to roll.
Award Inspiration as per usual; reward players who
create opportunities for other members of the group and
those who bank on them.
Every two successes, one of the bandits surrenders.
When the last one does so, they hand back the stolen stat-
ues, one of which is broken.
Every action the characters take during the chase costs
them 1 HP – representing stress, panic, exhaustion and so on.
COMBAT MODE
For a more classic approach, apply the following to an
actual combat:
• The crowd counts as difficult terrain. Roofs and the
top of carts, instead, do not. By taking the Disengage
Action, the characters can move normally for that turn.
• Climbing onto the roofs requires a DC 12 Strength
(Athletics) check. If they fail, a character suffers 5
points of bludgeoning damage.
• After three dangerous actions have been taken, like
attacking or dashing, the crowd around the characters
40
panics, imposing disadvantage to all actions taken
while within it.
• After three more dangerous action, the crowd scatters.
Those who are still in the crowd must pass a DC 15
Dexterity or Constitution saving throw, suffering 5
points of bludgeoning damage on a failure.
TIPS
If the crowd panics, be descriptive and explicit. Many stum-
ble and fall, others are trampled and many more dive or are
thrown into the canals. It is a chaotic and violent moment
and the characters could attract the attention of the guards,
earning a bounty on their heads or even being thrown in jail
or sentenced to death by the local authorities.
If, instead, the players have aimed for a different sce-
nario, find a way to work a crowded place with an elevated
escape route in their plans, including bottlenecks where a
panicking crowd could wreak havoc.
MORDICOLLO
The weasel leading this group of criminals, Federico
Mordicollo, notorious in the lawless underbelly of Salso
Nero (the characters learn of him by passing a DC 13
Charisma check), intervenes in the most vicious, coward
and malign way possible once the chase is over, attempting
to catch the characters by surprise.
Federico is proud of his catch from the previous night,
bearing on his chest a large and precious medallion etched
with the Bone Cross and other religious symbols. A success-
ful DC 12 Intelligence (Religion or History) check confirms
it is the crest of a noble house from the Sacred Kingdom.
The weasel and his henchmen are unlikely to fight to the
death, being interested only in the cargo, but cannot leave
witnesses, or Paddath would turn them into stew.
If the characters defeat or kill three of the weasels, the
others save Federico Mordicollo attempting to flee or beg-
ging for mercy. If Mordicollo’s valor or pride are questioned,
as he chafes against his condition of mere petty criminal of
the underworld, he would be the only one to directly risk his
life in attacking those who offended him. Whether fleeing
or standing for the honor of a thief, Federico Mordicollo
attempts his last cowardly act by grabbing an old cat mer-
chant and using him as a meat shield.
Should the characters question the weasel about why
he is so interested in the statues or the provenance of his
medallion, Mordicollo starts frothing at the mouth and
after a few seconds falls dead.
A successful DC 12 Wisdom (Medicine) check reveals
he died from poison, a thorough inspection of his mouth
showing a missing teeth.
A needle is completely jammed within his skin, while his
murderer, the old cat merchant, has been impeccable and
invisible in his deed, surely not who he claims to be.
To make the connection, the characters must pass a DC
25 Wisdom (Insight), and even in such an unlikely case
it would be nothing more than a fleeting suspicion, the
shadow of an off feeling.
The Black Master is for sure beyond the group.
The characters might believe a poison capsule sat in the
gap left by the missing tooth and Mordicollo was a spy of
the Sacred Kingdom or something similar, but why would
Nocheburgo be interested in simple statues? That weasel
should be nothing more than a common cut purse, right?
The old cat merchant thanks the characters for rescuing
him and his possessions and gifts them a precious trinket.
Reward Inspiration to the character who showed the most
valor or strategic acumen. A DC 16 Intelligence (History)
reveals to the characters the item comes from the City of
Winds, in the Confederacy of Free Cities of Vesteria, to the
western-most part of the continent.
The item is a fist-sized compass covered in orange metal,
its quadrant suspended on some sort of liquid hidden in the
compartment below the needle.
By passing a DC 12 Intelligence check, the charac-
ters learn it’s worth enough money to live off of for a few
months and pay off some past debt. If the result of the
check is at least 20 they understand that inside the contrap-
tion is a mechanical device, although further investigations
would require proper tools and a workshop. Something the
characters definitely do not have in this afternoon.
The old merchant thanks the characters again and then
fades back in the alleys of Salso Nero.
ROLANDO D’ACQUASCURA
Rolando d’Acquascura, when I met him, said to me:
“To spare the earth from the hell that is war, I am ready to to
sacrifice my superior heavens.”
He was born of a stonecutter, grew up like his father, and his
pups still had turquoise eyes when the war reached him.
He had to leave and fight for lands that did not belong to
him, for a Lord who had no interest in him.
The war ended with a sumptuous feast and a sign of peace for
those who wore silks, but it was only a defeat for those who had
marched in the mud.
He returned, scarred and exhausted, to the small border village
he called a home, where his heart and his family were. He found
nothing but the bitter smell of death and ashes. He learned that
even one blind eye can shed bitter tears as he swore vengeance and
punishment for the infamous, powerful ones who inflicted on him
not quick and violent death, but a life of suffering.
 Now he goes by the name of Black Master, head of the spies of
the Confederation, who wishes only forthe cursed Holy Kingdom,
the Church, and the cruel lords, to be completely defeated.
Rolando knew that there were no saints on any side, but despite
this he preferred the lesser evil, that part that could still be saved.
During the Conspiracy of the Seven he was accused of con-
spiring with the rebels, and for this his name was feared and a
bounty so big it would make anyone rich was set on his head,
where it hangs still.
Over the years, Rolando was accused of terrible conspiracies
and crimes, many of whom he did not commit at all.
But he did not regret it, because he wanted all of the unjust
to fear the name of the Black Master, and in his heart he rejoiced
in knowing that no matter how deep they really dug, they would
always be distracted by the absurd stories about him, and could
never see the knotty roots of his shady plots.”
- Carolino the Wise, from Historia:
of Magus and Brigands, Cowards and Heroes.
THE FATE OF THE STATUETTES
The actions of the characters determine whether the statues
have shattered or not after the fight:
If the characters have exercised caution and moved
accordingly and have spent Inspiration with care, the two
statuettes are still intact, although now the group cannot
shake the feeling they are something more than what
they look. Nestor had to deal with others from the gang
of Mordicollo, watching the group’s back unbeknownst to
the characters, and makes his entrance to check on them. If
they have behaved well so far, he returns to Paddath to warn
him of the leak of information and the attempted theft.
To spare this low, earthly plane from the hell that is war,
I am ready to sacrifice my chance to enter the heavens in a
higher oneHowever, he does not prevent further hares from
pursuing the group.
If the statuettes have been taken by the bandits, they have
both shattered. Nestor is dealing with the rest of Mordicollo’s
group but has lost them. He sends his agents forward as he
returns to Paddath to report on the leak of information and
the theft, asking for reinforcement to the villa although it will
take them time to reach their destination.
If a character investigates the right statuette once it has
shattered, they find its real contents; an Ossuary Relic. A
conical bone, similar to a horn, apparently attached to a
phalanx… although a foot in length. To tell the mysterious
object is a Relic, a character must pass a DC 13 Intelligence
42
(Religion). If the result is at least 18, the characters remem-
ber a rumor about the disappearance of a greyhound who
returned claiming she had found new Relics, something
almost unheard of, and spoken with God. The people made
her Saint, forcing the Church to give in to avoid a schism,
although such novelty is surely not taken with joy by the
ecclesiastic hierarchies. When a character touches the Relic,
read or paraphrase the following:
You see clouds and, for a moment, you are not in Salso
Nero anymore. You see a lush forest in front of your eyes,
different from those you know. You look up to the sky and
a second, scarlet sun seems about to crash on the ground,
ready to engulf the whole horizon. You find yourself rising
up into the sky, so fast you fear you could leave behind life
itself for a new perspective from which to admire the globe.
Then red light. You fall into hell, the forest now a battlefield
carved into the world like a scar. Only death, bones and a
powerful energy. Another, much brighter flash that blinds
you and, all of a sudden, you are back in Salso Nero.
The worth of a Relic is beyond measure, so now the
characters must decide what to do next.
Their discovery is enough for the Sacred Kingdom to
try to steal it, so who knows what other perils loom over
the characters. Handling the question in public would be
unnecessarily dangerous.
One of the options available to the characters is sticking
to their original plan and complete the delivery, now that
they have realized it was not the statuette they were sup-
posed to escort. They could devise a new way to move such
a burden, but it must be clear to the players that possess-
ing such a treasure, now, is more harm than good. In addi-
tion, defying the will of the Podestà means only one thing:
death. Even returning to Paddath could mean something
even worse than that.
The characters could also decide to attempt to escape
with the Relic, earning them a dead or alive bounty. In this
case, after the characters have lived the abject conditions of
being wanted fugitives, you can have the events in the par-
agraph “The Attack of the Worms” happen, adapting them
to the new context where the characters are in now.
The journey to the villa proceeds relatively calm, para-
noia of the characters aside, although it never hurts to keep
them on edge. If, instead, the characters have behaved egre-
giously or their conditions are dire, a charitable GM could
grant them the effects of a short rest or remind them they
can spend Inspiration to heal a hit die.
ACT III
The Plot
The villa, with its characteristic bright red outer walls, rises
on a soft hill on an isle in the middle of the river’s delta.
Protected by short walls separating it from the hamlet
below, it is surrounded by a large garden of medicinal herbs,
with an imposing iron gate a few hundred feet away, look-
ing at the bogs around Salso Nero. From the roofs of the
villa the vista is breath-taking; as the sun sets on the sea,
the salt flats below light up with the last rays of the day in
wonderful, contrasting lights.
To welcome the characters in the Villa of Domina
Agnese’ Ulpa (a fox) is, however, a direr surprise than any of
them could imagine.
As the delegation of the Sacred Kingdom in visit to the
Domina is still heading to its destination, the villa has been
the theater of a slaughter.
The Domina herself, her servants and guards have been
butchered by a mysterious and ruthless assassin.
THE RED VILLA
At the gates, waiting for the characters, there is only one
guard, a cat wearing the yellow and black stripes of the
Brotherhood of Worms that the characters easily recognize
by passing a DC 12 Intelligence (History) check.
(Further information on the Brotherhood of Worms can
be found at page 20)
If the characters arrive at the villa from the road, they
must pass by the gates. They are let in as soon as they say who
they work for, with no hostilities from the guard who allows
them entrance as soon as she identifies each of the characters.
Once inside, a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check
reveals that the guard seems to have left her post.
The beauties of the garden should slow the characters
for a while as they take a narrow pebbled road to the manor
itself. The wind rustling through the tree is the only noise
stirring the otherwise unnatural silence. Once they arrive
there, they find the lavishly decorated door slammed open,
inside the first signs of what happened. Among the halls of
the manor, none have been spared and the walls are splat-
tered with blood. The Domina lies face down in the main
hall, stabbed in the back, as well as a dozen or so corpses of
servants and members of the Brotherhood.
If it has not happened, yet, it is likely that the players
decide to investigate the statuettes. Let them find its con-
tents with ease.
43
Perilous Deliveries
If the characters approach the Domina, the compass the
old cat merchant gave them emits a whistle that gradually
grows in pitch. The needle in the quadrant points exactly at
the corpse of Domina Agnese, a magnetized stone lifting
from her neck, attracted by the compass.
The compass clicks, opening a longitudinal slot on its
quadrant from which comes a flow of pressurized red fluid,
sprayed all around the group. Then, the trinket clatters to
the ground, split in two. Every creature within 20ft of the
compass must pass a DC 18 Dexterity Saving Throw or is
stained by that liquid and its faintly metallic smell. Blood.
The characters are likely to be confused, but everything
that has happened to them during the day seems to be part
of a plan that led them there. As they will attempt to piece
together what has happened so far, reward good intuitions
and try to keep their attention focused without revealing, or
stressing, key details. After all, the sense of alienation and
estrangement are part of the goals behind this module.
Loud voices come from the road outside the manor,
as the Sacred Kingdom emissaries and their Brotherhood
escorts have arrived. The mercenaries seem to be on edge
as they set out to capture the murderous traitors. Evidently,
someone waited for the characters to show up tospring the
trap, and raise the alarm.
THE ATTACK OF THE WORMS
The characters do not have much time to react, as a mer-
cenary squad is heading towards them, definitely not with
the friendliest intentions. The two easiest options could be
either hunkering down in the room with the Domina or
attempting to flee. Both simple, neither risk-free.
Listen to the ideas of your players, but remind them that
surviving an open engagement with mercenaries armed with
firearms, Brotherhood members no less, is extremely unlikely.
The point of this sequence is to pitch the characters
against something they cannot beat in a direct fight.
Nestor’s hares arrive as the situation unfolds and learn
that either the Sacred Kingdom betrayed the Podestà after
attempting to take the cargo from the characters or they
defected and tried to keep the Relic for themselves, perhaps
after discovering the true worth of what they were carrying.
They stay far from the main conflict, long enough to gather
that information and return to Salso Nero.
The delegation of the Sacred Kingdom accuses “Paddath’s
minions” to be traitors; both them and the Worms recog-
nize the pin bearing the Bone Cross as Domina Agnese’s,
revealing how the fox had been loyal to the Kingdom for
a long time, as she worked for them instead of Paddath.
Handing the Relic over would have no effect, they would
take it anyway from the corpses of the group without having
 Appendix
to fear another betrayal.
Make the group use as many resources as possible in
a narrative sequence, whether it is a daring escape or a
holdout, until they come up with a heroic plan or spark of
Epilogue BANDIT
Medium Humanoid (Hare), lawful evil
FEDERICO MORDICOLLO
Medium Humanoid (Stone marten), lawful evil
genius. In that moment, or if the characters are about to lose The Black Master explains the characters that they were
the Ossarium Fragment, Rolando d’Acquascura comes to simply pawns in a much larger game, a feud between cyni- STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
the rescue, the feared Black Master himself. cal exploiters of the common folk. There is nothing good in 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2)
Paddath, who unloaded a dangerous burden on the group Armor Class 12 (leather armor) Armor Class 15 (studded armor)
THE BLACK MASTER ARRIVES hoping they would not be noticed by anyone like him, con- Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2) Hit Points 45 (10d8 + 20)
Whether he jumps in from a large window, appears from sidering them worth nothing. And there is nothing good in Speed 35ft. Speed 30ft.
under a bed or an alley, the Black Master makes his appear- the Sacred Kingdom either, with their certainty everything Senses passive Perception 10 Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +5, Wis +2
ance. Teargas distracts the Worms and prevents them from of this world and the one beyond belongs to them, schem- Languages Common, Pit dialect Skills Athletics +4, Deception +4
using their guns effectively. That the Sacred Kingdom is ing to betray the Podestà hoping he would not notice, and Challenge 1/8 (25 XP) Senses passive Perception 10
his enemy is evident, as he attacks them without giving or Challenge 2 (450 XP)
blame the group instead. He tells them he arrived just Nimble. As a bonus action, the creature can take the Disengage action
expecting mercy; whether friend or foe, now he is a precious in time after having defeated many agents of the Sacred Feint. Once on each of his turns, if the creature moves at least 20
ACTIONS
asset for the characters, who can press the advantage and feet straight towards a target, the target must make a CD11 wisdom
Kingdom scattered about the city and looking for the group. saving throw or the next attack against the target has advantage.
Scimitar. Melee weapon attack: +3 to hit, one target.
counter-attack or take the opportunity to flee. The Confederacy is by no means perfect, but at least the air Hit: 4 (1d6 +1) slashing damage.
Rolando asks the characters to hand the Fragment to there has the taste of freedom. ACTIONS
Light Crossbow. Ranged weapon attack: +3 to hit, , range
him in exchange for their lives, claiming he is their only way If the characters did not perform according to Rolando’s 80ft./320ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage Multiattack. Federico makes two melee attacks with its scimitar.
out of that situation. Otherwise, he could wait for them to expectation, he lets them go with some coin at the first Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
die or even help the Worms in recovering the Relic for him. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
Confederate port but, should they have behaved honour-
Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 40 ft./180ft., one
If the characters accept, Rolando gets them to a boat ably, cunningly and with foresight, he asks them to work BANDIT target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage. Critical hit: 1d6 levels of
hidden between a bramble patch on a bend of the river. As him, impressed by the abilities gifts they showed. Read or Medium Humanoid (Marten), chaotic evil exhaustion. Recharge 6, costs an action.
they leave, a large frigate with Confederation flags comes to paraphrase. REACTIONS
them, ready to take them in. “The item you have been given is not of common make. That STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) Parry. Federico adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that
Bone Fragment could spell doom for a great many souls and, of would hit it. To do so, the captain must see the attacker and be
course, there is always a price to pay or exact. Armor Class 12 (leather armor) wielding a melee weapon.
My proposal entails taking, not paying; I can give you a task Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
Speed 30ft.
of great importance and with handsome reward, enough for all
of us to profit. Power, fortune and glory await for you at the end Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Pit dialect
of this journey: if you wish to have them, accept!”
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
The mission awaiting them is long and fraught with
Shove. Once per turn, if the creature has moved at least 20ft.
perils, but glory lies in wait for the characters of Historia.
against their target, they must pass a DC 11 Strength saving throw
or be knocked prone.
ACTIONS
Scimitar. Melee weapon attack: +3 to hit, one target.
Hit: 4 (1d6 +1) slashing damage.

44 45

Perilous Deliveries
 46
-renaissance-setting-for-5e
and we need your help to bring this project to life!

Click on the link below or scan the QR code to join us!

The Historia crowdfunding campaign is live on Kickstarter,

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manaprojectstudio/historia-dark-fantasy

EXP.
PROF.

Acrobatics (Dex)
Animal Handling (Wis)
Arcana (Int)
Athletics (Str)
Deception (Cha)
History (Int)
Insight (Wis)
Intimidation (Cha)
Investigation (Int)
Medicine (Wis)
Nature (Int)
Perception (Wis)
Performance (Cha)
Persuasion (Cha)
Religion (Int)
Sleight of Hand (Dex)
Stealth (Dex)
47

Survival (Wis)
Professions

Historia Copyright © Mana Project Studio S.r.l., 2019 - 5th Edition Character Sheet - Based on Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, LLC. System Reference Document 5.1 Copyright 2016, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
OPEN GAME LICENSE VERSION 1.0A
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