Character Options
I
n this document are exposed several classes that
you can choose for your character in a Horizon-
Zero-Dawn-inspired adventure. These contents are
designed to reflect the original flavour that you feel
in game, but with some changes due to the
inevitable porting to a rpg like D&D.
This document is associated with the bestiary
one, where you can find machines and brand new rules
designed specifically for this setting. References here.
Author's Note
Every class in this document is designed for
human characters, but I will try to enlarge the
compatibility to other races, too. Further releases
will deal with more character options and variant
classes.
Table of Contents
Nora ............................................................................................ 3
Background: Brave ................................................................... 3
Barbarian: Path of the Mother ............................................... 3
Spell-less Ranger: Machine Hunter ...................................... 4
Carja ............................................................................................ 5
Background: Member of the Lodge .......................................6
Rogue: Cauldron Seeker ......................................................... 6
Cleric: Sun Domain ..................................................................7
Oseram .......................................................................................8
Variant Class: Oseram Paladin .............................................. 8
Background: Ingenious Crafter ..............................................9
Paladin: Oath of Metal World ................................................. 9
Oseram Spells .........................................................................10
Banuk ....................................................................................... 11
Background: Shaman Adept ................................................ 12
Druid: Circle of The Cut ........................................................12
Banuk Spells ........................................................................... 13
Equipment ............................................................................14
Weapons ................................................................................... 14
Recipes ......................................................................................15
Heavy Weapons .......................................................................17
Friends and Foes ........................................................... 18
Nora NPCs ...............................................................................18
Carja NPCs ..............................................................................19
Banuk NPCs ............................................................................20
Credits .................................................................................... 21
TRIBES | NORA
2
Tribes and History
Following the events of the Faro Plague, the human
population was decimated. This resulted in the loss of their
technological advancement and knowledge, as well as the
regression of their civilization. In order to adapt to the
natural world once again, human societies reshaped
themselves into small groups of people, hoping to survive
in a world ruled by the now-dominant machines.
These new tribes adopted a way of life similar to their
ancient ancestors, hunting and gathering food and
materials. Eventually, tribes grew larger, some even turning
their villages into towns and small cities, and developed an
economy based on resources obtained from machines.
While some tribes are small and humble, others are
bigger, wealthier, and better organized. The Nora are
known as the first machine hunters.
Overview
Compared to the technological and societal advancement
of the Old Ones, the tribes of the 31st century are far less
advanced, resembling ancient indigenous cultures.
Although lacking in the technology developed by their
predecessors, the tribes have evolved into unique societies,
each with their own customs, laws, religions, and
hierarchies.
A few tribes have assumed a sophisticated reputation.
The Carja developed construction technology that allowed
them to build permanent human settlements (such as their
capital city, Meridian) and construct working cranes and
elevators. Agriculture is a major part of their lifestyle, as is
trading and mining. The leader of the Carja is a monarch
called the Sun-King, and they worship the sun as a sort of
divine entity. From an economic and militaristic standpoint
as well, they are considered the most advanced of the
featured tribes. Also considered an advanced tribe are the
Oseram, who are known for their craftsmanship and
metalwork; they have invented powerful weapons
resembling guns and cannons.
Other tribes remain hunter-gatherer societies, foraging
and hunting for food and resources. The Nora tribe is a
prime example, and their technology is developed solely for
the purpose of hunting. They are a reclusive society, with
tribe members rarely leaving Nora territory. Their leaders,
the Matriarchs, are responsible for governing the tribe; they
are also religious leaders and guide the tribe in the worship
of a goddess they call All-Mother. The Banuk are another
reclusive, hunter-gatherer tribe who rarely venture outside
their territory despite being a nomadic society.
Relations between tribes can range from friendly to
hostile: the Carja infamously waged war with the Nora and
Oseram. Later on, the Carja and Oseram became closely
allied. Other tribes prefer an isolationist policy, though
trade may still occur.

Nora
The Nora tribe is a matriarchal human tribe with strong
taboos against the technology of the ancient world and
talking to outcasts.
History
Recently, the Nora were in conflict with the Carja, a rival
tribe that had imprisoned and enslaved their people in the
past. Under the Mad Sun-King Jiran, the Red Raids
claimed the lives of many Nora, but the next Sun-King,
Avad, sought a more peaceful approach, which led to two
years of peace before the recent conflicts broke out. Due to
the ferocity of their defense during the raids, the Carja
came to regard them as brave and fierce warriors, albeit
technologically and socially backwards.
At one point, a Carja scribe by the name of Aman
traveled to the edge of Nora territory to collect what
information he could find on the tribe. He also expressed a
desire to return with a diplomatic expedition, including a
female scribe, who he hoped would be able to gain their
trust easier.
Society
The Nora are based in the mountains and forest. They do
not have much in the way of agriculture, and are primarily
hunter-gatherers. Most of this is done by Braves. They have
developed the ropecaster, which ties down their enemies.
The All-Mother is their patron deity. All the tribe's leaders
are females, essentially grandmothers and great-
grandmothers. To be a mother within the Nora is to take on
sacred significance.
The Nora are very spiritual and practice a number of
rituals. Newborns undergo a naming ritual, where the
Matriarchs decide on a name for the child. Adolescent
members of the tribe undergo a ritual called "the Proving".
Those who pass will be recognized as Braves; the
winners are granted a boon and they may ask for any kind
of reward.
The Nora rarely leave the Sacred Land, and those who do
rarely return. Most are content to live in the relatively
peaceful valley, although increasingly aggressive machines
have posed a serious threat to their home.
Nora Class Options
Here is a list of backgrounds and sub-classes that Nora
tend to choose as a direct derivation of their culture,
though exceptions exist.
Background: Brave
Braves are skilled hunters who provide protection to the
tribe by staving off dangerous machines and hostile
outsiders from the Sacred Lands. Their duties include
hunting for food, escorting parties of gatherers, and
defending the Sacred Lands.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set
Equipment: An insignia of rank, a hunting trap, a trophy
from an animal you killed, a set of Nora clothes, and a belt
pouch containing 10 gp
Feature: Eye of the Mother
You have an established place in the hierarchy of the Nora's
defense. You can requisition simple equipment for
temporary use, and you can gain access to any Brave lodge
in the Sacred Lands, where you can rest in safety and
receive the attention of medics. You are also paid a salary
of 1 gp (or equivalent in metal shards) per week, which
enables you to maintain a poor lifestyle between
adventures.
Barbarian: Path of the Mother
Some Nora benefit from the Mother, glorifying Her through
their rage. Those who choose the Path of the Mother
accept and consecrate themselves to protect the Sacred
Land from any kind of threat.
TRIBES | NORA
3
 Mother's Faith Hit and Slip Away. When you hit a machine with a
Starting when you choose this path at 3rd level, your faith melee weapon attack, you can make the Dash action as
in the Mother becames stronger, you increase the bonus action.
awareness of your power and became able to share this Covering Fire. You can use your action to cover an ally
with your mates. in difficulty with your projectiles. Opportunity attacks
While you're raging, your friends have advantage on against one ally you can see are made with disadvantage.
melee attack rolls against any creature within 5 feet of you Superior Hunter's Defense
that is hostile to you. Your trust in the Mother makes you At 15th level, you gain one of the following features of your
leader of your mates. choice.
Machines' smell Evasion. You can nimbly dodge out of the way of certain
At 6th level, your hunting sensibilities improve. You can area effects, such as a red dragon’s fiery breath or a
track machines while traveling at a fast pace, and you can lightning bolt spell. When you are subjected to an effect
move stealthily while traveling at a normal pace. that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take
only half damage, you instead take no damage if you
Mother's Messenger succeed on the saving throw, and only half damage if you
At 10th level, you gain the ability to cast the animal fail.
messenger spell, but only as a ritual. Stand Against the Tide. When a hostile creature misses
you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to force
Retaliation that creature to repeat the same attack against another
Starting at 14th level, when you take damage from a creature (other than itself) of your choice.
machine that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your Uncanny Dodge. When an attacker that you can see hits
reaction to make a melee weapon attack against that you with an attack, you can use your reaction to halve the
machine. attack’s damage against you.
Spell-less Ranger:
Machine Hunter
Some Nora Braves choose to protect the Sacred Land
living in contact with nature, studying and observing
machines in their natural habitat. As you walk the Machine
Hunter's path, you learn specialized techniques for being
prepared and fighting machines of any size.
Mother's Prey
At 3rd level, you gain one of the following features of your
choice.
Big Guys Slayer. Your ability can wear down even larger
machines. When you hit a machine with a weapon attack,
the machine takes an extra 1d10 damage if it's below its hit
point maximum.
Giant Killer. When a Large or larger machines within 5
feet of you hits or misses you with an attack, you can use
your reaction to attack that machine immediately after its
attack, provided that you can see the machine.
Herd Breaker. Once on each of your turns when you
make a weapon attack, you can make another attack with
the same weapon against a different machine that is within
5 feet of the original target and within range of your
weapon.
Defensive Tactics
At 7th level, you gain one of the following features of your
choice.
Escape the Horde. Opportunity attacks against you are
made with disadvantage.
Multiattack Defense. When a creature hits you with an
attack, you gain a +4 bonus to AC against all subsequent
attacks made by that creature for the rest of the turn.
Steel Will. You have advantage on saving throws against
being frightened.
Improved Movement
At 11th level, you gain one of the following features of your
choice.

TRIBES | NORA
4

Carja
The Carja are an advanced and powerful tribe ruled by a
monarch, Sun-King Avad. They call their nation the
Sundom and their capital city is Meridian. They have a vast
population and more advanced economically and militarily
compared to the other tribes.
History
The Carja originated in the "Savage East". Their first Sun-
King, Araman, discovered the Leaves of the Old Ones from
which he brought to his tribe the knowledge of observing
the Sun, its movement, and solar worship. Furthermore,
the Carja gained from the Leaves the first writing. For
reasons unknown, the Carja were attacked and driven from
their original homeland by hostile tribes that were once
their peaceful neighbors; they were either scared or
envious of the Carja's knowledge. The Carja were forced to
migrate westward in a harsh journey as many families,
including Araman's, perished on the wayside. Their journey
ended when they discovered the Spire and Araman
declared the Spire's mesa lands as their new haven,
naming it Meridian.
Under the reign of the 3rd Sun-King Sadahin, the Carja
expanded their dominion and established the present day
Sundom. Through the next several generations of Sun-
Kings, the Carja continued to expand their domain and
growth all the way to Daybreak until their expansion
ceased after a failed expedition into the Forbidden West
and was strained by their attempts to conquer the Savage
East.
Following a brief peaceful interlude, the Carja under the
reign of the 12th Sun-King Hivas began to re-militarize,
fight with other tribes, and capture slaves. During the reign
of the 13th Sun-King Jiran, the Sundom came under threat
of the machines and the Derangement. Jiran believed that
human sacrifices to the Sun god were necessary to stop the
machines' aggression.
The Carja then began a series of attacks on tribal
settlements and captured tribals to be used in bloody
sacrifices in what became notoriously known as the Red
Raids.
Jiran's atrocities greatly alienated some of his people,
including his son Avad, who eventually turned against his
father and forged an alliance with the Oseram tribe. After
Jiran was killed by his own son, Avad succeeded his father
and became the 14th Sun-King. He proceeded to end the
Red Raids and begin a series of reforms in the Sundom
such as outlawing slavery. However, not all of the Carja
followed the new king, especially those who remained loyal
to Jiran. These dissenters and remnants of Jiran's old
regime fled from Meridian and established their own
kingdom in Sunfall and became known as the Shadow
Carja.
Peace remained between the Carja and the other tribes,
but recently there have been conflicts between the tribes.
Society
The Carja are a patriarchal society. Women are socially
excluded from joining the military and priesthood. The
Carja also have a class system, with nobles, artisans, and
commoners. There are two markets in Meridian, one for
nobles and the other for commoners. At night in Meridian,
most commoners take the elevators to their homes in the
surrounding villages.
The Carja see themselves as separate from other tribes,
and look down on outsiders such as the Nora as primitives.
By the events of the game, Avad has been trying to reform
the Carja's views and policies, such as openly accepting
gender and status, abolishing slavery, and tolerating other
tribes.
TRIBES | CARJA
5
 Tripcaster Master
Carja Class Options When you reach 13th level, you handle the tripcaster with
Here is a list of sub-classes that Carja tend to choose as a skill, so you can increase the tripcaster range by 20 feet
direct derivation of their culture, though exceptions exist. and, using your action, you can position two ropes in the
same turn.
Background: Member of the Lodge Sudden Machine Strike
The Hunters Lodge is a Carja organization dedicated to the At 17th, if you take the Attack action on your turn to target
art of machine hunting. The Lodge is headquartered in a a machine's component, you can make one additional
grand house located in Meridian, where hunters can attack as a bonus action. This attack can benefit from your
submit proof of their hunts and mingle with other hunters. Sneak Attack even if you have already used it this turn, but
Membership is highly exclusive, as the Lodge's rules allow only if the attack is the only you make against the machine
only 14 members at a time. Non-members, however, are this turn.
still permitted to enter the Lodge's House and make use of
the Hunting Grounds.
Skill Proficiencies: Stealth, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' tools
Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: A trophy taken from a fallen machine
(machine core, machine lens or one other lootable item), a
set of mimetic Carja clothes including a hood, and a belt
pouch containing 15 gp
Feature: Machine Knowledge
You have an excellent memory for machines' location and
routines, and you can always recall the general layout of
their paths and organization. In addition, you can call upon
the hospitality of people in the Sundom, and those allied
with your tribe.
Rogue: Cauldron Seeker
You focus your training on skills useful in ancient ruins,
such as Cauldrons, dangerous places, but full of mysteries
and treasures.
Cauldron Seeker Features
Rogue Level Feature
3rd Cauldron Child, Survivalist
9th Second-Story Work
10th Spartan Rage
13th Tripcaster Master
17th Sudden Machine Strike

Survivalist
When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you gain
proficiency in the Nature and Survival skills. Your
proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make
that uses either of those proficiencies.
In addition, you gain proficiency with the Tripcaster.
Cauldron Child
Starting at 3rd level, you reveal an innate talent for hacking
technological instruments and devices. You can improvise
the use of Metal World devices even when they are not
intended for you. You ignore all class, race, and level
requirements on the use of these items.
Second-Story Work
Starting at 9th level, you gain the ability to climb faster than
normal; climbing no longer costs you extra movement.
In addition, when you make a running jump, the distance
you cover increases by a number of feet equal to your
Dexterity modifier.

TRIBES | CARJA
6
Cleric: Sun Domain Domain Spells
The Carja worship the sun as a deity, whose light is the At each indicated cleric level, add the listed spells to your
source of all life. The Carja view sun and shadow as two spells prepared.
halves of nature: to deny one is to deny the other. They Sun Domain
believe that the world of the Old Ones was destroyed by a Cleric Level Spells
demonic entity called the "Buried Shadow," which will one
day bring an end to their society. However, like the rise of 1st bless, burning hands
dawn, society will rise again after the end of the Carja, part 3rd aid, spiritual weapon
of a cycle of death and rebirth.
The religious body of the Carja are the Sun-Priests. 5th daylight, protection from energy
While their duties are not thoroughly explored, it is evident 7th arcane eye, sickening radiance
that they serve closely with the Sun-King in acting out the
sun's will. Entry into the priesthood is restricted to men. 9th flame strike, wall of light
At each indicated cleric level, you add the listed spells to
your spells prepared. Bonus Cantrip
When you choose this domain at 1st level, you gain the light
Sun Domain Features cantrip if you don't already know it.
Cleric Level Feature
Shield the Sun-King
1st
Domain Spells, Bonus Cantrip, Starting at 1st level, you can interpose divine light between
Shield the Sun-King an ally and an attacking enemy. When one ally is attacked
2nd Channel Divinity: Radiant Defense by a creature within 30 feet of you that you can see, you can
use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll,
6th Sun's Blessing causing light to flare the attacker before it hits or misses.
8th Potent Spellcasting An attacker that can't be blinded is immune to this feature.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your
17th Corona of Light Wisdom modifier (a minimum of once). You regain all
expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Channel Divinity: Radiant Defense
Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel Divinity to
cloak your allies in radiant armor.
As an action, you channel blessed energy into an ally that
you can see within 30 feet of you. The first time that ally is
hit by an attack within the next minute, the attacker takes
radiant damage equal to 2d10 + your cleric level.
Sun's Blessing
At 6th level, when a creature within 30 feet of you makes an
attack roll, you can use your reaction to grant that creature
a +10 bonus to the roll, using your Channel Divinity. You
make this choice after you see the roll, but before the DM
says whether the attack hits or misses.
Potent Spellcasting
Starting at 8th level, you add your Wisdom modifier to the
damage you deal with any cleric cantrip.
Corona of Light
Starting at 17th level, you can use your action to activate an
aura of sunlight that lasts for 1 minute or until you dismiss
it using another action. You emit bright light in a 60-foot
radius and dim light 30 feet beyond that. Your enemies in
the bright light have disadvantage on saving throws against
any spell that deals fire or radiant damage.

Author's N
This sub-class isoeste
Light Domain that sentially a soft rework of
The Cleric of the you can find in PHB. the
with a lot of spellsSun will be a powerful supp
buff to allies. and features orien ort
ted to give
The pec
also a niceuspliararkchoice to admit only men, cou
for role-play. ld be

TRIBES | CARJA
7

Oseram
The Oseram are a tribe known for their excellent
metalworkers and craftsmen, and as such, are best known
for their steel and powerful weaponry.
History
During the Red Raids, the Oseram were one of many tribes
that fell victim to the Carja's brutal raids and sacrifices;
however, they were able to put up a fight due to their
armaments. The war with the Carja came to an end when
the Oseram forged an alliance with Avad, the son of the
Mad Sun-King Jiran, and mounted an attack on Meridian
that resulted in the defeat of Jiran.
Thanks to Avad's alliance, the Oseram can often be
found in and around Meridian, and elsewhere in the
deserts of the Sundom. The Oseram home territory is
known as The Claim.
Society
Their armor and arms often look superior to many of the
other tribes, but their forward nature can often come
across as rudeness.
Variant Class: Oseram
Paladin
To better match the idea of a standard paladin in an
Horizon Zero Dawn inspired setting, some changes are
needed. Class features listed below are equivalent to the
standard ones and modify or replace them.
Corruption Sense
This replaces the Divine Sense feature.
As an action, you can open your awareness to detect
corrupted machines within 60 feet of you that are not
TRIBES | OSERAM
8
behind total cover, until the end of your next turn.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to 1 +
your Charisma modifier. When you finish a long rest, you
regain all expended uses.
Fighting Style
Oseram prefer to fight with heavy armors and weapons, so
they rarely choose the Dueling style, that isn't adviced for
them.
Mechanical Smite
This replaces the Divine Smite feature.
Starting at 2nd level, when you hit a creature with a melee
weapon attack, you can expend one paladin spell slot to
deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the
weapon's damage. The extra damage is 2d8 for a 1st-level
spell slot, plus 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st, to a
maximum of 5d8. The damage increases by 1d8 if the
target is a corrupted machine.
Repel Corruption
This replaces the Divine Health feature.
By the 3rd level, you became immune to corruption.
Harvesting Aura
This replaces the Aura of Courage feature.
Starting at 10th level, you and your friendly creatures
within 10 feet of you gain advantage to Investigation checks
to find loot near machine corpses or piles of trash.
Improved Mechanical Smite
This replaces the Improved Divine Smite feature.
By 11th level, whenever you hit a creature with a melee
weapon, the creature takes an extra 1d8 radiant damage. If
you also use your Mechanical Smite with an attack, you
add this damage to the extra damage of you Mechanical
Smite.

Oseram Class Options
Here is a list of sub-classes that Oseram tend to choose as
a direct derivation of their culture, though exceptions exist.
Background: Ingenious Crafter
The Oseram's greatest achievement is their practical
craftsmanship, which many members, can be heard
boasting about. They are the only tribe to forge their own
alloys, which they use over raw machine parts. Their
armors are highly resilient and their weapons are advanced
and powerful despite their lack of ancient knowledge.
Skill Proficiencies: History, Perception
Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools, tinker's
tools
Equipment: A set of well-loved tinker's tools, a blank
book, 1 ounce of ink, an ink pen, a set of traveler's clothes,
and a leather pouch with 10 gp
Feature: Machine Patcher
Provided you have tinker's tools, metal shards, wires and
other materials, you can perform repairs on a dying
machine. When you use this ability, you restore a number
of hit points to the chassis of the machine equal to 5 × your
proficiency modifier. A machine cannot be patched by you
in this way again until after it has been fully repaired in a
cauldron.
Paladin: Oath of Metal World
Oseram paladins who swear this oath can benefit from lore
and remains of humans from metal world. They adorn their
armor and clothing with metal pieces and shards, and
generally prefer heavy weapons.
Tenets of Metal World
The Oath of Metal World revolve around the idea that we
can learn from mistakes made by predecessors, though
without the same knowledge.
Chase Corruption. Seek and destroy corrupted zones
and free people who are subject to corruption.
Duty. Be responsible for your actions and their
consequences, protect those entrusted to your care and
obey those who have just the authority over you.
Protect Your People. Support and defend your land and
its citizens.
Oath of the Metal World Features
Paladin Level Feature
1st Oath Spells
2nd Channel Divinity
7th Warding Arm
15th Punish Corruption
20th Machine Crasher
Oath Spells
You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed in the Oath
of the Metal World Spells table. See the Sacred Oath class
feature for how oath spells work.
Oath of the Metal World Spells
Paladin
Level Spells
3rd burning hands, protection from corruption
5th darkvision, heat metal
9th crusader's mantle, protection from energy
13th fire shield, locate machine
17th flame strike, scrying
Channel Divinity
When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
two Channel Divinity options.
Abjure Corruption. As an action, you present your holy
symbol and speak a command sentence, using your
Channel Divinity. Choose one corrupted machine within 60
feet of you that you can see. That machine must make a
Wisdom saving throw. Corruptors and Deathbringers have
disadvantage on this saving throw.
On a failed save, the machine is restrained for 1 minute
or until it takes any damage.
On a successful save, the machine's speed is halved for 1
minute or until it takes any damage.
Challenge Machines. As a bonus action, you can choose
a machine within 10 feet of you that you can see, using
your Channel Divinity. You gain advantage on attack rolls
against that machine for 1 minute or until it drops to 0 hit
points.
Warding Arm
Starting at 7th level, you and friendly creatures within 10
feet of you have advantage on Dexterity saving throws
against machines' attacks.
Punish Corruption
By 15th level, when you use Challenge Machines on a
corrupted one, you can use your reaction to make a melee
weapon attack against that machine if it's within range.
Machine Crasher
At 20th level, as an action, you can emanate a magnetic
aura. For 1 minute you can attract or repulse metal objects
within 10 feet from you. Whenever a machine starts its
turn in the area, the machine takes 10 radiant damage. If
the machine is a corrupted
In addition, for the duration, you have advantage on
saving throws against attacks from corrupted machines.
Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you
finish a long rest.
TRIBES | OSERAM
9
 Oseram Spells
Locate Machine
4th-level divination
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a little shard from a machine's
chassis, which the spell consumes)
Duration: Concentration up to 1 hour
Describe or name a machine that is familiar to you. You
sense the direction to the machine's location, as long as
that machine is within 1,000 feet of you. If the machine is
moving, you know the direction of its movement.
The spell can locate a specific machine known to you, or
the nearest creature of a specific kind (such as a Watcher
or a Corruptor), so long as you have seen such a creature
up close--within 30 feet--at least once.
This spell can't locate a creature if running water at least
10 feet wide blocks a direct path between you and the
creature.
Protection from Corruption
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a small shard from a corrupted
machine, which the spell consumes)
Duration: Concentration up to 10 minutes
Until the spell ends, one willing creature you touch is
protected against corruption.
The protection grants several benefits. Corrupted
machines, Corruptors and Deathbringers have
disadvantage on attack rolls against the target. The target
also gain resistance to the necrotic damage dealt by
Corrupted Touch.

TRIBES | OSERAM
10

Banuk
The Banuk are a human tribe in Horizon Zero Dawn. The
Banuk are a nomadic tribe, native to the mountains north
of the Sacred Lands. Made up of fearless hunters and
mysterious shamans, they are constantly trying to prove
their worth against increasingly stacked odds, and favor
this over engaging with other tribes.
Society
The Banuk are a nomadic tribe and their simple shelters
are similar to tipis, made of long wooden poles and covered
with painted canvas. Banuk settlements include little more
than tents and fire pits.
Lifestyle
The Banuk's simplistic lifestyle is not due to lack of
intellectual capacity, but because of their views that always
deem any hardship as a challenge of one's ability. As a
result, they prefer to improve the ways they know instead of
devising new ones. When Aram explained the concept of
long term solutions that the Carja are accustomed to, the
Banuk he was traveling with were disdainful of the idea.
Tribespeople live in small, mobile groups of hunters
called weraks. Each is led by a dominant chieftain along
with the counsel of a shaman. Chieftains may be
challenged for control of their werak, initiated by throwing
one's spear at the chieftain's feet. Such challenges involve a
head-to-head competition in which the chieftain and the
challenger race to kill specified machines, marking their
completion by launching a balloon. As an added level of
difficulty, the challenger must launch every balloon first or
be eliminated. Placement in a werak is earned through
completion of a trial which must be faced alone. Passage of
this trial grants one a place in the werak.
Despite living in groups, the Banuk are highly
individualistic and value independence. Each member of
the group must prove that they possess the will to survive
alone.
Culture
The Banuk are notable for their use of colorful dyes for
decoration. They use these pigments for dying their
clothing and objects, and for painting. Their geometric
designs can be observed on the canvas used for shelter, and
on mountainsides. The designs appear to have spiritual
purpose, for either protection or another meaning. The
paintings in Ban-Ur have existed for generations, being
continually repainted; to edit or paint over them is
considered sacrilege.
Banuk society is lead by shamans who often participate
in "medicine hunts" and claim to be able to sense the
presence of nearby machines. These shamans occasionally
have machine parts sewn directly into their skin. Shamans
are typically responsible for stripping parts from machines
brought down by hunters, thanking the machine spirits
before doing so. The most renowned shamans form a
group known as The Conclave which meets yearly in a
sacred location known as Malmstrom.
The tribe has general knowledge of the glyphs left by the
Old Ones, but they prefer to record history in song. Their
oral tradition includes a large volume of hunting tales.
Religion
The Banuk faith revolves around the "Blue Light", the light
seen in machines' eyes. They believe that the Blue Light is
the essence of life and harmony. The Blue Light animates
the machines, its chosen vessels, but struggles to survive in
the hearts of humans. Shamans will often thread machine
cables through their skin in hopes of better containing the
Blue Light in their bodies.
TRIBES | BANUK
11
 The Derangement has been interpreted as the machines
growing angry with humans, causing the Blue Light to fade
from the world.
Banuk Class Options
Here is a list of sub-classes that Banuk tend to choose as a
direct derivation of their culture, though exeptions exist.
Background: Shaman Adept
Shamans are tribal mystics who listen to an interpret the
machines' spirits through their specific songs for the
purpose of gaining insight into both the hunt and more
general revelations. Shamans generally wear large
headpieces made from machine parts, from which long
ribbons and cables hang, obscuring the shamans face. The
most notable feature, however, is the blue cables that
shamans thread through their skin, in an effort to better
contain the Blue Light in their bodies. Despite the frigid
environment of Ban-Ur, shamans generally wear little
clothing on their upper body. Male shamans may go entirely
topless, while female shamans usually cover their chest.
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Nature
Tool Proficiencies: Your choice of an artisan's tools or a
musical instrument
Equipment: A set of artisan's tools or a musical
instrument (one of your choice), a large headpieces made
from machine parts obscuring your face, 5 sticks of
incense, vestments, a set of common clothes, and a belt
pouch containing 15 gp
Feature: Blue Light Divination
The Blue Light guides you to comfortable dwelling in the
wilderness. You can find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate
when out in the wild. This place of rest is secure enough to
conceal you from most natural threats or machines' scent.
Threats that are supernatural, magical, or are actively
seeking you out might do so with difficulty depending on
the nature of the threat (as determined by the DM).
TRIBES | BANUK
12
Moreover, while you are in this safe place, you can sense
hostile machines within 120 feet of you while meditating.
Druid: Circle of The Cut
The Circle of The Cut is made up of shamans who flank
weraks' chieftains. These druids safeguard the knowledge
about machines and are very familiar with the Override
mechanism and handling with them. As a member of this
circle, your magic is influenced by the land where you were
initiated in the circle's mysterious rites: The Cut.
Circle of The Cut Features
Druid Level Feature
2nd Override Master, Natural Recovery
3rd Circle Spells
6th Machine's Ward
10th Land's Stride
20th Machine's Sanctuary
Override Master
When you choose this circle at 2nd level, you learn to
endure damage while making Override action. You gain
advantage on Constitution saving throws whenever you
take damage while you are overriding a machine.
Natural Recovery
Starting at 2nd level, you can regain some of yours magical
energy by sitting in meditation and communing with
nature. During a short rest, you choose expended spell
slots to recover. The spell slots can have a combined level
that is equal to or less than half your druid level (rounded
up), and none of the slots can be 6th level or higher. You
can't use this feature again until you finish a long rest.
For example, when you are a 4th-level druid, you can
recover up to two levels worth of spell slots. You can
recover either a 2nd-level slot or two 1st-level slots.
Circle Spells
Your mystical connection to The Cut infuses you with the
ability to cast certain spells. At 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th level
you gain access to circle spells connected to this land, that
you can see in the list.
Once you gain access to a circle spell, you always have it
prepared, and it doesn't count against the number of spells
you can prepare each day. If you gain access to a spell that
doesn't appear on the druid spell list, the spell is
nonetheless a druid spell for you.
Circle of The Cut Spell
Druid Level Spells
3rd healing lens, pass without trace
5th meld into metal, slow
7th elemental bane, freedom of movement
9th hold machine, relight machine
Machine's Ward
When you reach the 6th level, you and machines overridden
by you are immune to Corrupted Condition.
Land's Stride
Starting at 10th level, moving through nonmagical difficult
terrain costs you no extra movement.
In addition, you have advantage on saving throws against
the result of machine's actions that manipulate terrains,
such as Glinthawk's Freeze Spit, Scorcher's Ignition Boost
or Frostclaw's Ice Spikes.
Machine's Sanctuary
When you reach the 14th level, other machines sense your
connection to nature and become hesitant to attack you.
When a machine attacks you, it must make a Wisdom
saving throw against your druid spell save DC. On a failed
save, the creature must choose a different target, or the
attack automatically misses. On a successful save, the
machine is immune to this effect for 24 hours.
The machine is aware of this effect before it makes its
attack against you. Moreover, machines with the Daemonic
template that are within the range of a Control Tower aren't
affected by this effect, until the Control Tower is active.
Banuk Spells
Healing Lens
2nd-level conjuration
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a machine lens, which the spell
consumes)
Duration: Concentration up to 1 minute
You recall your knowledge to soothe wounded machines
that are within line of sight. You can focus your magic
power on a 5-foot-cube you can see within range through
the lens.
Until the spell ends, whenever a machine you can see
moves into the focused space for the first time on a turn or
starts its turn there, you can restore 1d6 hit points to that
machine (no action required).
As a bonus action on your turn, you can focus your lens
on a space within 30 feet of the previous one.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell
slot of 3rd level or higher, the healing increases by 1d6 for
each slot level above 2nd.
Hold Machine
5th-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 90 feet
Components: V, S, M (a small shard from a machine, that
the spell consumes)
Duration: Concentration up to 1 minute
Choose a machine that you can see within range. The
machine must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be
paralyzed for the duration. At the end of each of its turns,
the machine can make another Wisdom saving throw. On a
success, the spell ends on that machine.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell
slot of 6th level or higher, you can target one additional
machine for each slot level above 5th. The machines must
be within 30 feet of each other when you target them.
Relight Machine
5th-level necromancy
Casting Time: 1 hour
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a machine core of the same type of
the target, which the spell consumes)
Duration: Instantaneous
You relight a dead machine you touch, provided that it has
not been scavenged. The machine relights with 1 hit points
and lasts for 72 hours.
This spells solder superficial rifts, but it doesn't restore
missing parts or components. If the machine is lacking all
components, the spell automatically fails.
Relight a dead machine is an ordeal. The target takes a -4
penalty to all attack rolls, saving throws and ability check.
TRIBES | BANUK
13
 Equipment

I
n this chapter you will find plenty of items,
weapons and materials based on the original
game. Though some items' name include the origin
tribe, each of them is intended to be used and
handled by people from any tribe, provided that
they are proficient with the weapon type.
Weapons
Here is listed a selection of weapons inspired by those
available in the game, with some adjustments.
Banuk Powershot Bow
Weapon (bow), very rare
This rare longbow is a specialized sharpshot bow
enhanced by Bluegleam.
You add 1d6 bonus damage when you hit a target with
elemental arrows.
Carja Sharpshot Bow
Weapon (bow), uncommon
You gain a +2 damage bonus against machines'
components.
Nora Hunter Bow
Weapon (bow), common
This common bow uses the longbow stats if wielded by a
Nora.
Nora Spear
Weapon (spear), common
This common spear is the most used melee weapon among
Nora Braves. At the bottom, there is a slot for an override
module that makes you able to Override machines.
Nora Ropecaster
Weapon (crossbow), uncommon
The Ropecaster is a tool used by hunters to deter and pin
down targets.
When you make an attack with this weapon, you throw
and stick a rope into a machine's chassis, while stick the
other end into the ground. Each new rope limits the
machine's speed to 30 feet until the beginning of your next
turn. You need 3 ropes to immobilize a large machine or
smaller, 5 ropes for huge ones and 7 ropes for gargantuan
ones. When you immobilize a machine, it gains the
restrained condition for 1d4 rounds. You can use your
action to Override a machine while restrained in this way.
The Ropecaster fires only its charges (see Recipes for
crafting).
Oseram Tearblaster
Weapon (crossbow), rare
The Tearblaster is a weapon that fires ranged sonic blast
identical to those used by Longlegs. The Tearblaster's sonic
bursts are well suited to dislodging components from
larger machines or groups of smaller ones.
When you attack a machine with a Tearblaster, the AC
for all components is equal to the whole one and each
attack can deal damage only to one component. The
Tearblaster fires only its charges (see Recipes for crafting).

EQUIPMENT | WEAPONS
14
Weapons
Name Cost Damage Weight Properties
Hunter Bow, Nora 30 gp 1d6 piercing 2 lb. Ammunition (range 150/600), special, two-handed
Ropecaster, Nora 75 gp ─ 5 lb. Ammunition (range 20/80), loading, special, two-handed
Sharpshot Bow, Carja 50 gp 1d8 piercing 3 lb. Ammunition (range 150/600), heavy, special, two-handed
Spear, Nora 2 gp 1d6 piercing 2 lb. Finesse, thrown (range 20/60), versatile (1d8)
Tearblaster, Oseram 200 gp 4d6 thunder 16 lb. Ammunition (range 30/120), heavy, loading, special, two-handed
Tripcaster, Shadow 100 gp ─ 5 lb. Ammunition (range 20/80), loading, special, two-handed

Ammunitions
Name Weapon Cost Weight Recipe
Blast Wire Tripcaster 500 gp 1.5 lb. Metal Shards x8, Wires x4, Blazes x4
Hardpoint Arrow Hunter Bow 25 gp 0.5 lb. Metal shards x10, Ridge-wood x5
Precision Arrow Sharpshot Bow 25 gp 0.5 lb. Metal shards x6, Wires x5, Ridge-wood x10
Tearblaster Charge Tearblaster 500 gp 0.5 lb. Metal Vessel, Echo Shell.

Shadow Tripcaster
Weapon (crossbow), uncommon
When you make an attack with this weapon, you throw and
place two stakes linked with a concealed rope which acts
as trigger for a trap. The rope can be 30 feet long at
maximum and gains a Stealth result equal to your Sleight
of Hand check. Unaware creatures can't see the rope if the
Stealth result is higher than their passive Perception, but it
becomes visible if being alarmed.
The Tripcaster fires only its wires (see Recipes for
crafting).
Author's Note
In this section I'll try to introduce some crafting
recipes for ammunitions and other stuff that
make your adventure more immersive.
Elemental and special ammo can be treated as
additional rules; they can be very useful in a
setting inspired by HZD, but you can introduce
them as exotic stuff even in different ones.
Moreover, wherever you read "Focused
Attack", I refer to the additional rule that appears
in my bestiary compendium (see Credits here).

Recipes
In Horizon Zero Dawn there is a system that allows the
player to modify outfits and weapons, and craft various
items out of the resources looted from defeated machines.
As a DM, you can modify the amount of resource
required to craft a group of 20 ammunitions of that type or
the amount of them, in order to fit your needs.
Ammunition
Around the world you can find artisans and merchants that
sell ammunitions and spare parts for your powerful
weapons, but sometimes you can craft them by yourself
where necessary.
Here you have a list of ammo that you can create by
using machines' parts.
Blast Wire
Weapon (dart), rare
Recipe: Metal Shards x8, Wires x4, Blazes x4.
Compatibility: Tripcaster.
Blast Wires are powerful tools which generate high-
damage explosions when tripped. Thay can tear away
components and armor with ease, producing additional
damage while exposing vulnerable circuitry and other weak
points.
When the trap is triggered, each creature in the area
covered by the wire must make a Dexterity saving throw,
taking 2d10 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much
on a successful one.
Hardpoint Arrow
Weapon (arrow), uncommon
Recipe: Metal shards x10, Ridge-wood x5.
Compatibility: Hunter Bow.
These arrows are an effective and versatile general-
purpose munition, improving upon generic arrows in every
regard. While somewhat more costly to craft, Hardpoint
Arrows are essential for picking off human targets with
headshots and targeting the weak points of stronger
machines from a safe distance.
When you hit a machine with a Focused Attack, you gain
a +1 bonus damage.

EQUIPMENT | RECIPES
15
 Precision Arrow
Weapon (arrow), uncommon
Recipe: Metal shards x6, Wires x5, Ridge-wood x10.
Compatibility: Sharpshot Bow.
These arrows deal great damage and travel the greatest
distance of all arrow types. This ammunition emphasizes
methodical, stealthy tactics and far poorly in close combat
owing to the Sharpshot Bow's slow draw and reload
speeds.
You extend your Sharpshot Bow's range by 30/120 feet,
and you gain a +1 bonus to Focused Attack rolls against
machines.
Tearblaster Charge
Weapon (arrow), rare
Recipe: Metal Vessel, Echo Shell.
Compatibility: Tearblaster.
This charge is the ammunition fired by a Tearblaster.
Following the recipe, you create 5 charges.

Author's Note
The Tearblaster is a powerful weapon. If you
believe that would break the game, you can
modify the recipe or cost in order to fit your
needs.
My tip is to consider it as a nearly-unique
weapon that should not be used as primary, but
only in specific situations.

Tie Rope
Weapon (dart), uncommon
Recipe: Metal Shards x6, Wires x6.
Compatibility: Ropecaster.
Tie Rope is the ammunition fired by a Ropecaster.
Following the recipe, you create 6 ropes.

EQUIPMENT | RECIPES
16
 or reaction to fire it, regardless of the number of attacks
Heavy Weapons you can normally make.
Heavy weapons are machine guns that can be picked up, Two-Handed. This weapon requires two hands to use.
but are difficult to transport. When you wield one, you can't This property is relevant only when you attack with the
crouch or jump, they have a limited amount of weapon, not when you simply hold it.
ammunitions... but they are strong. Dropped by Machines
General rules Deathbringer Gun
These simple rules are common to every heavy weapon Deathbringer Guns are heavy machine guns dropped by
exposed in this section. heavy Eclipse enemies and Deathbringers, capable of
Movement. While a character is wielding a heavy dealing immense impact and tear damage.
weapon, his speed is halved. Heavy weapons can't be
brought in water or underground with an eventual burrow Disc Launcher
speed, they become useless if it happens. A character can Disc Launchers are heavy artillery weapons mounted on
use his halved flying speed while wielding a heavy weapon. the backs of Thunderjaws, capable of doing immense blast
Magazine. Heavy weapons picked up have a limited damage.
amount of ammunitions. The first time that a heavy
weapon is picked up, roll the amount of dice specified in Mine Launcher
the table below to define how many bullets can be shot. If Mine Launchers are heavy projectile weapons mounted on
not specified, each shot of these weapons expends one the backs of Scorchers.
piece of ammunition.
No Reload. Ammunitions for heavy weapons aren't Ravager Cannon
commonly available, so during combats, characters can Ravager Cannons are rapid-fire heavy weapons mounted
shoot only ammos in the magazine. on the backs of Ravagers, capable of doing high impact
Vulnerability. Heavy weapons are not designed to be damage.
wielded, but to stay on the back of large and powerful Special. The Ravager cannon shoots projectiles in a 30-
machines. A character who picks one up must grub it in an foot-cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16
uncomfortable way. While wielding a heavy weapon, any Dexterity saving throw, taking 6d8 fire damage on a failed
melee attack against the wielder has advantage. save, or half as much on a successful one.
Proficiency
It's up to you to decide whether a character has proficiency
with a firearm. Characters in most D&D worlds wouldn't
have such proficiency. As a DM, you can decide that
characters would acquire it after some explorative sessions
or as reward for a quest.
Properties
When one of the characters picks up one heavy weapon,
simply follow the handy rules below.
Burst Fire. A weapon that has the burst fire property
can make a single-target attack, or it can spray a 10-foot-
cube area within normal range with shots. Each creature in
the area must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw
or take the weapon's normal damage. This action uses ten
pieces of ammunition.
Heavy. Creatures that are Small or Tiny have
disadvantage on attack rolls with heavy weapons. A heavy
weapon's size and bulk make it too large for a Small or Tiny
creature to use effectively.
Loading. A weapon that has the charging up property
needs time before firing. Because of the time required to
load this weapon, you can fire only one piece of
ammunition from it when you use an action, bonus action,

Heavy Weapons
Name Damage Ammos Properties
Deathbringer Gun 4d6 piercing 4d10 Ammunition (range 40/160), burst fire, heavy, two-handed
Disc Launcher 6d8 piercing 2d4 Ammunition (range 40/160), heavy, loading, two-handed
Mine Launcher 4d8 bludgeoning 1d4 +2 Ammunition (range 30/120), heavy, loading, two-handed
Ravager Cannon 6d8 fire 1d4 +1 Ammunition (range 30/120), special, heavy, two-handed

EQUIPMENT | HEAVY WEAPONS

17
 Friends and Foes

H
ere you have some NPCs that you can those she trusts, such as Aloy. For matters she is unable to
bump into during the original videogame. understand, she is very trusting of those of great character,
Some of them are allies, some enemies. In such as Aloy and Rost, to handle such issues.
any case, you can introduce them as you Because she is a High Matriarch, it is assumed that
prefer, because they are designed to be Teersa has living children, grandchildren, and great-
used even outside their original role. grandchildren.
Nora NPCs
Here is a list of characters associated with Nora tribe.
Teersa, High Matriarch
Teersa is a High Matriarch of the Nora tribe. She promoted
Aloy to a Seeker so that she could find out what happened
on the day of the Proving. A member of the High
Matriarchs, she attempts to lead the Nora with
compassionate wisdom, and is often at odds with Lansra.
Personality
Teersa is wise, compassionate, and accepting. She is
unafraid to act against the other Matriarchs' wishes if she
feels it is right, such as when she blesses Aloy's name and
later appoints her a Seeker. She often clashes with Lansra
because of her tolerance of outcasts and former outcasts
and her willingness to break tradition. She shows great
caring for Aloy and treats her much like a granddaughter,
personally making her the lantern to use in the Blessing
(which is usually the mother's task).
While Teersa is devout in her belief in All-Mother, she is
willing to accept that there are things beyond her
understanding, as shown when Aloy pointed out the
similarities between All-Mother's mountain and the ruins of
the Metal World. This shows that Teersa, as is
characteristic of her flexible nature, is willing to listen and
even reshape her beliefs based on what is discovered by

Teersa, High Matriarch 1st level (4 slots): divine favor, healing word,
heroism, shield of faith
Medium (humanoid), lawful good
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, magic weapon,
hold person, silence, spiritual weapon
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 72 (13d8 + 13) 3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, crusader's mantle,
Speed 30 feet dispel magic, revivify, spirit guardians, water walk
4th level (3 slots): divination, freedom of movement,
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA guardian of faith, stoneskin
5th level (1 slot): hold monster, mass cure wounds,
7 (-2) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 19 (+4) 12 (+1)
raise dead
Saving Throws Wis +7 Actions
Skills History +4, Medicine +7, Religion +4
Condition Immunities frightened Multiattack. Teersa makes two melee attacks.
Senses passive Perception 17 Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +1, 5 ft., one
Languages Common target. Hit: 5 (1d6 +1) bludgeoning damage.
Challenge 8 (3900 XP)
Reactions
Spellcasting. Teersa is a 9th-level spellcaster. Her
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (save DC 14, +7 to hit Guided Attack (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
with spell attacks). Teersa has the following cleric When Teersa or one creature she can see within 30
spells prepared: feet of her makes an attack roll, Teersa grants a +10
bonus to that roll.
Cantrips (at will): guidance, light, mending,
resistance, spare the dying

FRIENDS & FOES | NORA NPCs

18

Carja NPCs
Here is a list of characters associated with Carja tribe.
Nil
Nil was formerly a Carja soldier who fought for Meridian
during the reign of the Mad Sun-King Jiran. He fought in at
least two significant battles, namely the Battle of the Daunt
and a skirmish at Cinnabar Sands. During the latter battle,
there apparently were no survivors. Nil's role in both these
battles is unclear.
In order to satisfy his bloodlust without retribution, Nil
began hunting bandits. He eventually found a partner, who
met his demise at the hands of the bandits in Devil's Thirst.
Personality
A soldier to the core, Nil takes the typical combative
personality of Carja soldiers much further into the realms
of the sociopathic. A man who describes with a passionate
caress in his voice the joys of war and the spark in the eyes
of a man when he dies, Nil lives for warfare.
"Where th row
skin -- that'se ar head
the place I bpelasose s between armor
ng." and
―Nil
Nil
Medium (humanoid), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 17 (studded leather)
Hit Points 121 (22d8 + 22)
Speed 30 feet
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 20 (+5) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 9 (-1)
Saving Throws Dex +9
Skills Acrobatics +9, Perception +6, Stealth +9,
Survival +6
Condition Immunities frightened
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Common
Challenge 12 (8400 XP)
Human Hunter. Nil has a +2 bonus to damage rolls
against humanoids (already included). Additionally, he
has advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track
them, as well as on Intelligence checks to recall
information about them.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Nil deals an extra 21 (6d6)
damage when he hits a target with a weapon attack
and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the
target is within 5 feet of an ally of Nil that isn't
incapacitated and Nil doesn't have disadvantage on
the attack roll.
He targets bandits due to the thrill he gets from killing
humans, but also because they are disposable. He reasons
that since bandits live dirty lives, that they are not of any
tribe's concern, thus freeing him up to murder as many as
he wants without negative consequences. In Aloy's words,
he's doing the right thing for all of the wrong reasons. He is
very fond of his bow, nicknaming it the "Voice of Our
Teeth".
Actions
Multiattack. Nil makes three attacks or two melee
attacks and a flash grenade one.
Flash Grenade (Recharge 5-6). Nil throws a grenade up
to 60 feet. Each creature within 20 feet of the
grenade's detonation must succeed on a DC 19
Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the
beginning of Nil's next turn.
Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, 5 ft., one
target. Hit 11 (2d4 + 6) slashing damage. If the target
is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17
Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) slashing
damage at the start of each of its turns due to a deep
wound. Each time Nils hits the wounded target with
this attack, the damage dealt by the wound increases
by 7 (2d6). Any creature can take an action to stanch
the wound with a successful DC 13 Wisdom
(Medicine) check. The wound also closes if the target
receives magical healing.
Sharpshot Bow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit,
range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit 11 (1d8 + 6)
piercing damage.
Reactions
Uncanny Dodge. Nil halves the damage that he takes
from an attack that hits him. He must be able to see
the attacker.
FRIENDS & FOES | CARJA NPCs
19
 Banuk NPCs
Here is a list of characters associated with Banuk tribe.
Aratak
Aratak is the chieftain of a werak based in the Banuk
region known as The Cut, in the settlement of Song’s Edge.
His sister Ourea was the werak’s shaman.
Personality
A burly, gruff man of few words, Aratak prefers action to
talking. Ourea described his nature as stoic, stubborn, and
prepared to fight until victory or death if necessary. This
leads him to be somewhat unapproachable. However he is
honorable to a fault, and firmly holds to the Banuk culture
of meritocracy.
Beneath his stoicism, Aratak is fiercely loyal and cares
deeply about his companions, and especially Ourea. He has
never forgiven himself for being unable to prevent her
capture and enslavement, leading to him being
overprotective, straining their relationship.

Aratak Special Equipment. Aratak wields the Aratak's spear, a

Medium (humanoid), lawful neutral
Armor Class 14 (hide armor)
Hit Points 104 (13d8 + 42)
Speed 30 feet
STR DEX CON INT WIS
19 (+4) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 8 (-1)
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +7
Skills History +3, Intimidation +2, Perception +4,
Religion +4
Condition Immunities frightened
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common
Challenge 7 (2900 XP)
Reckless. At the start of its turn, Aratak can gain
advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during
that turn, but attack rolls against him have advantage
until the start of his next turn.
unique lance that deals additional lightning damage.
Werak Tactician. Once per turn, Aratak can deal an
extra N (Nd6) damage to a creature he hits with a
weapon attack if that creature is within 15 feet of a
member of his werak that isn't incapacitated.
Actions
CHA Multiattack. Aratak makes two melee attacks.
Aratak's Spear (Lance). Melee Weapon Attack: +7, 10
ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d12 +4) piercing damage
plus 4 (1d6) lightning damage.
Tearblaster. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5, range
30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (4d6 +2) thunder
damage.
Reactions
Chieftain's Protection. When an attacker Aratak can
see makes an attack roll against a werak companion
within 10 feet of him, Aratak can impose
disadvantage on the attack roll.

FRIENDS & FOES | BANUK NPCs

20
 Version 0.1
1
Last update of this
Credits Special thanks to
document on: 15/0
8/20.
Design: Daniele Vecchio (/u/irondany90) Full Mettle, m y Patrons Joseph
Photoshop: Daniele Vecchio. vS1Ds_LegacKiry,kNH., Jan S., Cali, BrettTH.E.,.,
Game: Guerrilla Games https://www.guerrilla-games.com/ and my top tier Zacick K., Nathan G., Jared M.,
for the original videogame. Aaron, Stephen G h H., Stephanie M.,
Writing: the dedicated people of Horizon Zero Dawn Wikia for their im ., Hendrik and Ro
ber
http://horizonzerodawn.wikia.com/wiki/ and Daniele support. portant and really appreciatet D.
Vecchio.
Tool: GMBinder
Art credit:
Cover image: alphacoders.com
Nora, Carja and Oseram tribes artworks: the amazing
Karakter design studio
Banuk artworks: Luc de Haan
Weapons: Horizon Zero Dawn Wikia
Teersa and Aratak: Horizon Zero Dawn Wikia
CreditPage: PlayStation Europe
If you like this work and you want to support this project,
offer me a beer on Patreon!
Coming next... This is the direct link: https://www.patreon.com/irondany.
This document enhances and expands my compendium
focused on the beautiful world of Horizon Zero Dawn.
Give a look to my socials for more.
Follow me!
Next releases will deal with: Follow my Instagram profile irondanydev and put a like on
my facebook page Irondany - Homebrew Creations for
Updates and fixes of this document; updates, new projects and many other things!
Other class options;
Other items and weapons from the game;
...Everything comes to mind!
In the meanwhile, check my big bestiary
with almost all machines HERE!

CREDIT
21