Chasing

Adventure v0.8

A Fast-Paced Fantasy Game

Powered By The Apocalypse

Have Feedback?
Twitter @PrimarchSpencer
Reddit /u/PrimarchtheMage
Discord https://discord.gg/w7eAnj6
Table of Contents In the Full Version
Introduction 27 Paladin Tables and Generators
1 About 29 Ranger 49 Adventures
2 Getting Started 31 Thief 49 Outlines
33 Wizard 49 Friends
Playing the Game
Game Master 50 Locations
5 How to Play
37 Principles and Moves 51 Enemies
6 Adventure Moves
38 Play Order 52 Magic Items
6 Chase Moves
39 The First Session 53 Magic Item Generator
7 Peripheral Moves
8 Favor Moves 40 Ominous Forces Advanced Play
9 Tags 41 Example Ominous Forces 56 The Genre
9 Followers 42 Additional Insight and 56 Optional Rules
Advice
10 Items 57 Handling PvP
44 NPCs
11 Treasures 58 Example PvP
44 NPC Creation
11 Magic Items 60 Examining the Adventure
45 Example NPCs Moves
12 Assets
46 GM Reference 62 Writing New Moves
Playbooks 46 Play Order 63 Artifacts
14 Barbarian
48 Change Log 64 Making a Playbook
16 Bard
66 Unfinished Monk
18 Cleric 48 Credits Playbook
21 Druid 67 Traps
48 Influences
23 Fighter 67 Puzzles
25 Immolator 68 Blank Playbook
Introduction

3
About
Chasing Adventure is a fast-paced action-
focused tabletop roleplaying game about
daring adventurers in a fantasy setting.
This game started as a refinement of Dungeon
World but has since evolved into its own
game, inspired by Apocalypse World, Worlds of
Adventure, One Shot World, Blades in the Dark,
and many more.
Action and drama, tension and payoff, victory
and tragedy are what this game is about. It is
designed to hit the ground running and only
stop when you need to catch your breath. This
game is not about resource management,
survivalism, or mundane tasks.
If this is your first time playing a tabletop
roleplaying game, here is how this one works:
One person plays as the Game Master (GM).
Their role is to describe and portray the world
and characters (NPCs) in it, how they act and
react to the other players. They have access to
the Game Master chapter to help them.
The others take the role as a Player, each
playing a single adventurer, or Player Character
(PC). Their role is to face down dangers and
drive the story forward with their pursuits.
They have access to the Adventure, Chase
and Peripheral moves, and they each choose
a Playbook for their character (such as the
Barbarian) that gives them access to new
moves.
The GM and Players work together to tell an
exciting story. Like a conversation the GM
and Players go back and forth, with the GM
describing a situation and asking what one
or more PCs do. The Player then describes
their PCs action. Sometimes a PC might do
something that triggers a Move. Do what the
move says, rolling if called for, and continue the
conversation based on what that move directs.
If you’re used to games like Dungeons and If you’ve played Dungeon World before, here
Dragons or Pathfinder, here is what’s different are the main differences between the two.
about this kind of system: • Advantage and Disadvantage have
This game starts and ends with the fiction. replaced most instances of +1/-1 modifiers
When acting as either a PC or the GM, • No Load, Rations, or (mostly) Ammo
focus on the narrative, describe what your • CON has been removed as a stat
character does cinematically as if they were
in an adventure movie. Don’t just look at • Background replaces Race and Alignment
your playbook and pick something, instead • Moves and Playbooks have been remade
and improved
describe in detail what your character tries to
do and how they pursue it. • HP and Damage have been replaced with
Conditions
Sometimes it will be very clear as to ‘what
happens next’ without needing to roll dice or • Wealth is an abstract replacement for coins
do anything else. That’s great! Keep describing • You can gain or lose Favor with each other
things back and forth and pushing the fiction and NPCs.
forward. Rolls aren’t always needed.
Sometimes, it won’t be clear, or maybe you’ll
have a gut feeling to roll. That probably means
there is a Move being triggered. Follow the
procedure of the move, rolling if necessary,
and let that move inform the narrative going
forward. Whenever a roll is made, it will always
have an effect on the fiction.
Either way, (usually) the GM describes what
happens as a result of the PC’s pursuit and
how things have changed because of it. Often,
they should finish the description with a new
question, such as ‘what do you do?’
The GM doesn’t roll dice, they simply describe
what happens in the world, what the NPCs
do, what changes in the environment, and so
on. NPCs don’t roll to do things like players
do, instead the PCs rolls and moves affect
both their own success and the successes of
affected NPCs.
There is no specified turn order, and distance
isn’t measured or numbered. Abstract
maps and pictures are perfectly fine to use
supplementally, but the game is primarily
meant to be played through shared
imagination, even during a fight.
1
Getting Started
You Need:
• Two or more people, one GM and one PC.
Three to five people are recommended.
• Copies of the Playbooks and GM Sheet
• Two or more Six-Sided Dice (called ‘d6’)
• Writing Utensils (Pencils Recommended)
• Some Paper (Optional)
Talk About The Game
What ideas do you have for the game? What
do you want to see in it, and what don’t you
want to see? What Safety Tools do you want to
use? Talk honestly and kindly with each other,
listen respectfully, and make sure everyone has
a voice. This discussion is not restricted to the
start of the game, feel free to revisit it in the
future.
Make Characters Together
Each player chooses a playbook and starts
filling it in (see Create a Character to the right).
Meanwhile, the GM reviews and familiarizes
themselves with the GM Playbook and GM
Section, and comes up with any ideas they’d
like to include.
Ask and Answer
While playbooks are being filled in, talk about
the characters and the world, using the Ask,
Answer and Favor sections as prompts for
interconnected ideas.
Players, ask the group questions from your
playbook’s Ask section, usually one question
at a time going around the group, and answer
them together. These questions should give
depth to the relationships between the PCs.
Then look at the Answer section and answer
aloud the questions that interest you.
These questions should give depth to your
relationship with the world and NPCs.
Then look at who you initially Favor, and • A description of the background
choose which PC that is based on what’s been
• A special ability, often a new move or an
established.
upgrade to an existing move, that is unique
GM, while this is happening pay close to it
attention, ask questions, add ideas, and use
• An item or piece of equipment that, while
what happens as a foundation for the coming
not unique in general, you can’t otherwise
adventure. Take as many notes as you want.
start with
Everyone is encouraged to ask any followup
• A drive, which acts as a small flexible goal
questions that might occur to them, to better
or quirk that you are encouraged to portray
flesh out the idea and add more interesting
and pursue. See the End of Session and
details.
Epiphany moves under Peripheral Moves in
the Playing the Game chapter
Create the Adventure
The GM can spend a few minutes writing up an
adventure starter and creating NPCs as needed
Choose Stats. Two stats are specified
using the procedure in the Game Master
according to your background.
chapter.
Stats are most commonly used in your
The Opening Scene playbook’s Starting Moves and the Adventure
The GM will open the first scene in the middle Moves in the Playing the Game chapter.
of the action. Describe something exciting
When you roll dice, you will be rolling both d6s
and/or dangerous happening, focus part of
and adding them together along with a stat.
that danger on one of the PCs specifically, ask
Sometimes you’ll roll more than two dice and
them what they do, and build from there!
take the highest or lowest two as the result.
Creating Characters
Choose Equipment. Items are fairly simple
Choose Your Playbook. It’s recommended, but in this game, and often can do what you’d
not necessary, that each PC choose a different expect. See the Tags and Items sections of the
playbook. Playing the Game chapter.
The paragraph below each playbook’s title
describes what the playbook is about. The
Starting Moves on the second page are core Check Starting Moves. Some playbooks have
to how it plays, and the Background section choices within their starting moves, such as the
shows three ‘flavors’ of the playbook. Barbarian’s Herculean Appetites or the Druid’s
Shapeshift. Make those choices now.
Choose Your Background. Each background
consists of the following:
• Two specified starting stats, written in
brackets next to the background title
2
Responsibility and Safety
Safety Means Fun
Chasing Adventure can be a very fast-paced
game, and it can be difficult or awkward to
stop in the middle of an action scene. That’s
why it’s very important to talk abut what
content is and isn’t fun beforehand, and to
use tools that make it easier to deal with
issues that may arise during play. Safety is
always more important than any move or dice
roll. Visit this link for more tools: http://bit.ly/
ttrpgsafetytoolkit
The GM is Responsible For:
• Managing Game Flow and Spotlight
• Describing the World to the Players
• Unleashing Consequences
• Following the Principles and Moves
• Knowing the GM Section
The PCs are Responsible For:
• Knowing the Basic, Chase, Peripheral and
Playbook moves
• Taking Exciting Risks
• Engaging With the World and Each Other
• Being Generous With the Spotlight
Everyone Is Equally Responsible For:
• Having Fun
• Speaking Up When There is an Issue
• Respecting and Understanding Each Other
• Ensuring a Safe Space
• Organizing and Scheduling
• Asking Each Other Interesting Questions
No One Is Solely Responsible For the Story
The story is created when the PCs actions, the
GM’s descriptions and consequences, and dice
all collide together in a radiant explosion.
You are all players, and you are all finding out
the story together.
Lines and Veils are used to set boundaries
on content in a game. Lines are hard limits
on content, things that the GM or the players
don’t want to engage in. Setting up a line
means that content won’t show up in the
game at all. Veils are soft limits, things that are
okay ‘behind a curtain’ or when they ‘cut to
black’. Setting up a veil means that the content
might be in the game, but not spotlighted or
described in great detail. Lines and Veils can be
adjusted as needed throughout the game.
Script Change Ratings are used to set tone
and boundaries for your game. Using film
ratings (or your own), you can outline what
audience you’re playing for (e.g. PG-13 vs R). The
rating also addresses what content players do
and don’t want to see. Make sure to balance
and respect everyone’s wishes. Ratings can be
adjusted as needed throughout the game.
The Open Door is the assurance that someone
can leave or take a break from the game
for their own safety and well-being without
being judged. State this at the beginning and
periodically throughout the game.
Emotions and stress from the game can Bleed
over into post-game life. This can affect the
enjoyment of the game, as well as out-of-
game relationships between players if not
worked through. Being open and honest
about where the game beings and ends, and
being conscious of which feelings belong to
the player and which are just bleed, helps to
mitigate the effects.
Debriefing as a group is a great way to reflect
on the game, identify possible issues, highlight
the fun things to continue, and work through
potential bleed. Debriefing can happen right
after the game or in the days following it.
X, N, and O Cards are check-in tools. They can
be used by tapping physical cards, typing the
letter into chat, or using hand signals. Before
the game beings, remind everyone that they
are available and how to use them.
The X Card can be used at any point if a
participant is uncomfortable with the content
happening in-game. When the X Card is used,
the group can change, rewind or skip the
content.
The N Card can be used at any point if a
participant feels like they are headed towards
an X. When the N card is used, the group can
change the content or have the scene ‘fade to
black’.
The O Card can be used at any point if a
participant wants to continue with the
content. They can also regularly be prompted
by asking ‘O?’ out loud or in chat to check-in if
everyone is still okay.
Script Change Toolbox is a set of cinema-
themed tool words that can be used to adjust
play and content. They can be used by tapping
cards, typing the letter in chat, or by using
hand signals.
Rewind can be used when something
happened in play that makes a participant
uncomfortable. When Rewind is used, be clear
about what content is being adjusted, rewind
to a point before it happened, and play starts
again.
Fast Forward can be used when a participant
would like to skip past uncomfortable content
or to the next part of the fiction. When it is
used, skip forward to a new spot in the fiction
that everyone agrees upon.
Pause can be used when things are too
intense, but you still want to continue playing
the scene. When used, you can take a break
and/or discuss the content as needed. After
that, you can Resume, Rewind or Fast Forward.
3
 Playing
the Game

4
How to Play
Most of the time, the Players and GM go back
and forth in a conversation, describing actions,
reactions, consequences and emotions of their
characters and (for the GM) the world. The
GM presents the fictional situation the player
character(s) find themselves in, they respond,
sometimes moves are triggered, and repeat.
When a PC does something that triggers
a move (act despite an imminent threat or
obstacle, openly fight an enemy up close, etc.)
follow the procedure of the move. Once the
move has resolved, then resume building the
narrative as informed by the move.
When you roll, you do so with two six-sided
dice (2d6), add them together with a stat.
Roll+STR means you add your STR to the result.
When your total result is a 6 or lower, if the
move says what happens then do that. If it
says ‘in addition to whatever the GM says’ or
doesn’t say anything, then the GM will say
what happens. This often includes negative
consequences, see the Principle and Moves
section of the Game Master chapter for more
details.
When you have Advantage or Disadvantage
on a roll, you roll an extra d6 and take the two
highest (Advantage) or lowest (Disadvantage)
as the result. Advantage and Disadvantage
cancel each other out, and multiple sources of
Advantage and Disadvantage can stack (roll an
extra d6 per source, always keep two).
Some effects let you gain Advantage/
Disadvantage Forward, this means that it only
affects your next roll. Similarly, Advantage/
Disadvantage Ongoing means it affects all of
your future rolls until the situation causing
it changes. Advantage/Disadvantage is not
situational, it is only granted by moves.
When you inflict a condition, the GM will mark
a condition on the NPC(s) affected. Once all
conditions are marked, they are defeated.
When you receive a condition, choose one of
your stats and write in what the condition is
(you choose). While you have that condition,
you have Disadvantage on all rolls with it. Each
stat may only have one condition at a time.
Some especially dangerous enemies inflict
multiple conditions at once.
When you roll using a stat that has a
condition, gain 1 XP.
If you have armor, you can choose to mark it
instead of a condition, it will refresh when you
Settle In. Piercing attacks ignore most armor.
Armor from worn equipment (eg Chainmail)
only works against physical harm, while other
armor might only work for other sources
of conditions. This armor might even get
damaged or broken during your adventures,
but can be repaired.
Conditions can be healed when you Settle In,
when you use items like Supplies, or through
some abilities that certain playbooks can use.
Example Conditions:
STR - Weakened, Nauseous
DEX - Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
WIS - Confused, Exhausted, Blinded
INT - Dazed, Forgetful, Concussed
CHA - Scarred, Grumpy
The Spotlight is a term referring to who the
fiction is focusing on at the moment. Whoever
‘has the spotlight’ is the person/are the people
whose actions we are following and seeing the
consequences of. In a typical scene, the GM
guides the spotlight and switches it between
PCs frequently. It’s everyone’s job at the table
to share the spotlight generously with each
other.
Consequences described by the GM can be
any number of things, taking harm, destroyed
equipment, a difficult choice, a tough situation.
Make sure to describe the consequences
dynamically; the ogre doesn’t just deal
damage, he slams you into the ground with an
earthshaking roar and starts grasping for the
nearest boulder to throw.
Coming up with vivid descriptions, especially
on the fly, can be difficult. Feel free to ask each
other for ideas and input. The Players have final
say over describing their PCs actions, and the
GM has final say over the world and NPCs.
Example of Play and Spotlight Change:
GM: You follow the trail of destruction past
cracked boulders and splintered trees, to
finally see the source of the carnage. An
enormous ogre stands hunched in a clearing,
sniffing the air as if searching for something. It
hasn’t yet noticed you, what do you do?
Player: I charge immediately, drawing my
sword and hoping to get in close before the
ogre notices.
GM: The ogre smells you coming and starts
turning towards you, roaring in territorial rage.
Let’s see if you reach it first, roll to Defy with
DEX.
Player: (rolls) a four, uh oh.
GM: It grabs you with a hand as big as your
torso, picking you up and throwing you into a
tree to the side. You suffer two conditions and
are momentarily dazed.
Player: I’m going to absorb a condition with
my chainmail armor and take Stunned as a
DEX condition. I may roll worse, but at least I’ll
get some XP doing so.
GM: Sounds good. Meanwhile, the Ogre turns,
fixing its bloodshot eyes on the Wizard in the
distance, and lumbers forwards, roaring and
picking up speed. Wizard, what do you do? 5
Adventure Moves
These are the ‘core’ moves, used most often in the game.
Defy
When you act despite an imminent threat or obstacle,
tell us how you do it. Then roll....
• +STR if you endure or power through it
• +DEX if you act with speed or finesse
• +INT if you employ quick or out-of-the-box thinking
• +WIS if you rely on mental fortitude or sharp senses
• +CHA if you use charm, subterfuge or social grace
On a 10+ the threat doesn’t come to bear. On a 7-9 it only
abates if you make costly sacrifice or ugly choice, the GM
will tell you what.
Engage
When you openly fight an enemy up close, roll+STR. On
a 7+ you and your enemy trade blows, usually inflicting a
condition on each other. On a 10+ you either avoid their
attack, inflict an extra condition, or take something from
them, your choice.
Let Fly
When you attack from afar, roll+DEX. On a 10+ you have
a clear shot and inflict a condition. On a 7-9 you inflict a
condition but are either put in a dangerous position or
gain Disadvantage Forward, your choice.
Ponder
When you consider what you know about a subject, ask
the GM one question about it, say how you might know
the answer, and roll+INT. On a 10+ the GM will tell you the
detailed, useful truth. On a 7-9 they will tell you a vague,
twisted, or incomplete truth. Either way, you and your allies
roll with Advantage when first acting on this information.
Some example questions are below:
• Where might ___________ be located?
• What could have caused ___________?
• What might be the best way to ___________?
• What have I heard or read about this person/creature?
Cooperate or Sabotage
When you act alongside one of your companions, they
either roll with Advantage or Disadvantage. Either way, you
are both exposed to any costs or consequences associated
with their move. One can be assisted or hindered by
multiple people, gaining a new source of Advantage/
Disadvantage per person.
Examine
When you closely investigate a charged situation, ask
the GM one question about it and roll+WIS. On a 7-9, the
GM answers your question truthfully. On a 10+ the GM also
answers related followup questions. You and your allies
roll with Advantage when first acting on this information.
Some example questions are below:
• Who/what else is hidden?
• How can I gain the upper hand?
• What would happen here if I ___________?
• Who is really in control here?
Scrutinize
When you have an intimate or prying conversation with
someone, roll+WIS. On a 10+ hold 2, on a 7-9 hold 1. During
this conversation you can spend hold 1-for-1 to ask their
player any question about this person’s thoughts, feelings
or motivations. If you have their Favor, gain +1 Hold, even on
a 6-. Some example questions are below:
• How might I get you to ____________?
• How do you feel about ____________?
• How can I gain your Favor?
• What is your goal?
Compel
When you use favor, payment, promises or threats to get
someone to do something, say what you want them to do
(or not to do) and roll+CHA. If they Favor you, you may use
up their Favor to gain +2 to the roll.
For NPCs, on a 10+ they’ll do what you want. On a 7-9
they’ll only do it if you also Favor them afterwards.
For PCs, on a 7-9 choose one below, on a 10+ both, and on
a 6-, they may instead immediately ask you two questions
as if they Scrutinized you.
• If they do it, you will Favor them.
• If they don’t do it, they have Disadvantage Forward
and you no longer Favor them.
Push Yourself
When you put all of your effort into one act, you may take
a condition of your choice (bypassing armor) to roll with
Advantage. The condition does not affect this roll.
Settle In
When you settle in to rest as a group, the GM advances
the Ominous Forces. Then if anyone has 5 or more XP they
Level Up (it is possible to level up multiple times at once
with enough XP). When you’ve finished resting and resume
your adventuring, remove all your conditions and refresh
your undamaged armor.
Chase Moves
It wouldn’t be ‘Chasing Adventure’ without moves for
chases, would it?
Start the Chase
When you enter a chase, either in pursuit or escape, you
and the GM each start with 0 Hold. If multiple PCs are
participating in the chase, they all share Hold.
Gain the Edge
When you try to gain the momentum in a chase, say
how much Hold you want and roll...
• +STR if you create or destroy physical obstacles
• +DEX if you run, hide or maneuver
• +INT if you distract or lure them
• +WIS if you keep your eyes and ears peeled
• +CHA if you disguise yourself or try to talk them down
On a 7+ you gain that number of Hold. On a 7-9, so does
the GM. On a 6- the GM gains that Hold, in addition
whatever else they say. Until someone has 3 or more hold,
the GM will describe the chase continuing onwards.
It’s Over
When either party in a chase has 3+ Hold , the chase
comes to an end. Whoever has the most Hold succeeds in
escaping or catching the other party. If both parties have
the same amount, the PCs win the chase (just barely). The
losing party can spend Hold 1-for-1 to:
• Learn something of the other party (where they will
go, who leads them, how to escape them now, etc.)
• Have the chase end somewhere advantageous for
them (reinforcements, a trap or lair, etc.)
• Gain Advantage Forward (PCs only)
• Inflict Disadvantage Forward on the PCs (GM only)
Avalanche
When you navigate an imminent environmental danger
(trap, rockslide, wildfire, etc.), use the Chase Moves as
normal, but with the following changes:
• When you Gain the Edge using knowledge or out-of-
the-box thinking, roll+INT.
• When you lose a chase against something dangerous,
each participating PC takes a condition per Hold you
are short. If you Crumble as a result of this, treat it as a
normal Crumble and decide your fate.
Player Note: Bid an amount of Hold that feels
appropriate to the chase. If you want to end it quickly,
then bid 2 or 3. If the chase is more long-term or
extended, bid just 1.
6
Peripheral Moves
These moves, while still important, aren’t often used as
frequently as the Adventure moves.
End of Session
At the end of each session, as a group answer the
following:
• Did we discover something new and important about
the world or characters?
• Did we newly visit or significantly alter a memorable
location?
• Did we overcome a notable obstacle, enemy, or
challenge?
For any “yes” answer, everyone marks 1 XP.
Additionally, mark 1 XP if you accomplished your Drive.
Level Up
When you have 5 or more XP after Settling In, reduce
your XP by 5 and choose one of the following:
You can always take these options:
• Increase a stat of your choice from +0 to +1.
• Take an Advanced Move from your class.
• Acquire an Asset (see page 12)
• Remove a locked condition. (see Crumble on this
page)
• Change playbooks.
You can take these options only once each:
• Increase a stat of your choice from +1 to +2.
• Increase a stat of your choice from +1 to +2.
• Take a Starting or Advanced move from another class.
• Take a Starting or Advanced move from another class.
Once you reach level 10, you can also take these options:
• Take an Advanced Move (Level 10+) from your class
• Increase a stat of your choice from +2 to +3.
• Retire to safety.
Navigate
When you venture out in lengthy pursuit of a quarry,
roll+Nothing. If you already know the location of your
quarry, roll with Advantage. On a 10+ the GM chooses one,
on a 7-9 the GM chooses two. On a 6-, all three.
• You are exhausted or distracted, each of you takes a
condition.
• You are noticed, by your quarry or by someone else,
and they act accordingly.
• You are impeded. A significant obstacle stands
between you and your quarry.
Connect I’m Back!
When you declare you know an NPC who could help and When you explain your absence from the last session,
go looking for them, roll+CHA. On a 10+, they could do say what happened and roll …
what you need and they aren’t hard to find. On a 7-9, they • +STR if you fought an enemy or escaped
could do what you need, but the GM will choose one. imprisonment.
• They have a grudge against you or aren’t entirely • +DEX if you did something secret, stole something, or
willing to trust you. evaded something.
• They’re already caught up in some sort of trouble. • +INT if you learned ancient knowledge or invented
• They’re far away, hiding, trapped, or hard to find. something.
• +WIS if you discovered a scandalous secret or had a
Epiphany divine encounter.
When you have a change of heart, say what is behind it • +CHA if you made an ally, learned about a culture, or
and write a new Drive. purchased something of interest or value.
On a 10+, you had a prosperous leave; take Advantage
Penny For Your Thoughts Forward and gain 1 XP. On a 7-9, you attracted trouble or
When you Examine by asking around for rumors caused unintended consequences, the GM will say.
and information, you may spend 1 Wealth to roll with
Advantage.
The Briefcase
When you Compel someone accepting of bribes, Offering
1 Wealth gives you Advantage, and offering 2 Wealth lets
you automatically succeed as if you had rolled a 10+.
Pursue a Goal
When you want to accomplish a complex task or long-
term project, tell the GM what you hope to achieve. They’ll
tell you the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goal.
Player Note: You can represent goals through clocks
- circles divided into segments, with each segment
corresponding to a step.
GM Note: Each step is a requirement, cost, or risk between
the player and their goal. For simple goals, give them up
to 4 steps; for complex goals, give them up to 8 steps. If
it’s simpler than 4 steps it might not need this move at all.
Crumble
When you mark your last condition (other than armor),
your life is untenable.
When your life is untenable, be it from conditions or
otherwise, you’re out of the action for a while. Say how
and choose one from the list below:
• Lock in a condition of your choice. It can’t be removed
except through a Level Up. You still gain XP from it.
• Change to a new playbook
• Die
If you’re not dead, remove all conditions that aren’t Locked.
The GM will say when you’re back in the action.
7
Favor Moves
Favor represents feelings of gratitude, honor, responsibility,
or debt between a PC and either an NPC or another PC.
Favor is inherently a positive feeling, even if your PC isn’t
necessarily a good person they want to act in the interests
of someone they favor.

When you Favor someone, or someone Favors you, write

down their name and the details on the Favor section of
your character sheet. Two people can Favor each other
mutually, and you can Favor as many different people as
you’d like.

While someone Favors you, they might treat you

especially kindly, go out of their way to make you feel
appreciated, or similar.

Reciprocate
When you accomplish a significant task for someone,
choose two if you favor them, or one if you don’t:
• Gain 1 XP.
• You no longer Favor them
• They Favor you.
• You get to ask them two questions as if you had
Scrutinized them.

Refuse
When you deny the request of, or take action against,
someone you Favor, roll+nothing. On a 10+, choose one.
On a 7-9 choose two:
• Someone no longer Favors you (GM will say who)
• It will cost you
• It’ll come back to bite you
• You have Disadvantage Forward against them

Antagonize
When you insult, injure or disappoint someone who
Favors you, they no longer do.

Appease
When you would Favor someone you already Favor,
choose one:
• Heal them of one condition, describe how you do so.
• Gain Advantage Forward to aid them or accomplish
something for them.

8
Tags
Tags are short descriptors of an item that help define
what it can and can’t do. Like with items, this list is not
exhaustive or cumpulsory, and can be easily modified.
Area: It hits or effects everything in an area.
Armor: Provides n armor that can be used up instead of
taking conditions from physical harm. n-Armor doesn’t
stack, while +n Armor does.
Awkward: It’s unwieldy and tough to use. The GM might
invoke the consequences on a 6- roll or when appropriate.
Clumsy: It’s incredibly unwieldy to use. The GM might
invoke the consequences on a 6- roll or when appropriate.
Additonally, you have Disadvantage on DEX rolls while
using it.
Dangerous: Unsafe; take the proper precautions when
using it or the GM may freely invoke the consequences.
Distinctive: It has an obvious and unique sound,
appearance or impression when used.
Fiery: It painfully burns, sears, and causes things to catch
fire. Hot to the touch.
Forceful: It inflicts powerful, crushing blows that knock
targets back and down.
Heavy: It requires two hands to wield properly.
Infinite: Too many to keep count. Throw one away, and you
have another one.
Messy: It harms foes in a particularly destructive way,
ripping people and things apart.
Piercing: It ignores armor.
Reload: You have to take time to reload it between uses.
Slow: It takes a while to use - at least a minute, if not more.
Unbreakable: It can’t be broken or destroyed by normal
means.
Valuable: It always counts as leverage to Parley.
Vicious: It harms foes in an especially cruel way, inflicting
agonising, bloody wounds.
Range Tags
Someone using a weapon outside of its normal range may
need to first use another move such as Defy Danger to do
so, or may not be able to at all.
Intimate: It’s useful when you’re closer than arm’s reach.
Close: It’s useful at arm’s reach, or up to a few feet away.
Near: You need to be able to see the whites of their eyes.
Far: You need to be within shouting distance.
Followers
During your adventures, through play, assets or a move,
you might gain a trusted companion - humanoid, beast, or
monster - that travels with you. Give it a name , describe it,
and work with the GM to create it.
Each Follower has a Want, Moves, Conditions, and Armor,
just like any other NPC. Leave this part to the GM; they’ll tell
you what you should know when the need arises.
Choose one or two Qualities they have, or make new ones.
• Meek: Accepts their lowly lot; will agree to do
degrading and unreasonable tasks without the need
to Command.
• Warrior: They count as +1 Armor when they help you
fight, and you don’t have to Command them to fight
unless the opposition is terrifying or overwhelming.
• Organised: Follows plans well, works well in a
group. Once they agree to a plan, you don’t need to
Command them as long as the plan doesn’t go awry.
• Healer: When they tend to wounds with Supplies or
Medicine, they can treat two patients with 1 use.
• Educated (___________): They’re learned about a
particular subject. When they help you Ponder it,
they’ll also give you an interesting (but not necessarily
useful) piece of information.
• Cunning: Clever and observant. When they help you
Examine, treat a 7-9 as a 10+.
• Charming: They are desirable or have a way with
words. When they help you Compel someone who
Favors you, you can gain the bonus from their Favor
without using it up.
The GM will also assign them a number of Costs equal to
their Qualities, choosing from these or making new ones:
• Brutality: They have an instinct or outright desire for
savage unnecessary violence.
• Independence: They may follow you for convenience
or mutual gain, but they are not truly loyal to you.
• Riches: They demand regular coins, gems or other
valuables.
• Ego: They want frequent and regular credit for heroics,
regardless of whether or not they truly contributed.
• Principles: They have a code, belief or boundary that
they expect you to adhere to.
• Safety: They expect you to protect them from any
danger, or ideally there to be no danger at all.
• Errands: They frequently need you to assist them with
tasks, some menial, some dangerous, some both
• Unstable: They can sometimes be a danger to you, and
you have to be prepared to put up with that.
The GM will give them a few Descriptors, too, befitting of
who or what they are. Here are some examples
• Athletic: Good at running, climbing, jumping, etc.
• Cautious: Careful and methodical; avoids acting rashly.
• Devious: Deceitful, treacherous, thieving.
• Stealthy: Avoids detection; often gets the drop on foes.
• Beautiful: Draws admiration and attention; makes an
impression.
• Terrifying: Its presence and appearance invoke fear.
• Group: A team, gang, or mob, with all the strengths
and drawbacks of greater numbers.
• Ferocious: Merciless, violent, and aggressive.
• (In)Famous: They’re well-known, for good or for ill.
• Stubborn: Tough, hard-working, and willing to put up
with discomfort.
• Self-Sufficient: Can easily navigate and live off the
land.
• Faithful: Dedicated to a religion, belief, or cause.
Follower Moves
Endeavor
When your Companion does a dangerous task alone,
they do it to the best of their ability, but are taken out of
the action (trapped, injured, distracted, etc.). The GM will
say how.
Assist
When your Companion (or another NPC) works
alongside you, it counts as them Cooperating with you;
you roll with Advantage, but they are also exposed to the
costs or consequences of your move.
Command
When you order or expect your Follower to do something
contrary to their instincts or costs, roll+CHA. On a 10+,
they do it now, as well as one could expect. On a 7-9, the
GM chooses one.
• The experience endangers; they do it but are out of
the action for some time.
• They complain loudly, now or later, and demand
compensation or your Favor.
• It takes them longer than expected, is done shoddily,
or will cost you later.
9
Items
Here are a few common pieces of weaponry, gear, and
services. These lists aren’t exhaustive or compulsory, and
variants upon these items are likely to exist. Their prices
may also vary depending on location, haggling, and similar
factors. For example, you might have a Rusty Sword which
might easily break on a 6- in combat. Or you might have
a Masterwork Bow which has Piercing in addition to its
other tags.
Common Weapons
Sling: Near, Awkward, Reload, 0 Wealth
Ragged Bow: Near, Reload, 1 Wealth
Fine Bow: Near/Far, Reload, 2 Wealth
Crossbow: Near, Distinctive, Reload, 1 Wealth
Unarmed: Intimate
Brass Knuckles, Cestus: Intimate, 1 Wealth
Dagger/Knife/Dirk: Intimate/Close/Near, 1 Wealth
Many/Hidden Knives: Intimate/Near, Infinite, 2 Wealth
Club/Shillelagh: Close, 0 Wealth
Staff/Pike: Close, 1 Wealth
Sword/Axe/Mace: Intimate/Close, 1 Wealth
Greatsword/Glaive/Halberd: Close, Heavy, Forceful, 2
Wealth
Spiked Chiain/Whip: Close, Vicious, Awkward, 1 Wealth
Rapier: Close, Piercing, 2 Wealth
Spear: Close/Near, 1 Wealth
Double-Bladed Staff: Close, Awkward, 1 Wealth
Nunchaku/Setsukon: Intimate/Close, Awkward, 1 Wealth
Common Armor
Common Equipment
Adventuring Gear: 5 Uses, 2 Wealth
A collection of useful mundane items such as chalk, poles,
spikes, ropes, etc. When you rummage through your
adventuring gear for some useful mundane item and mark
off a use, you find what you need.
Supplies: 3 Uses, Slow, 1 Wealth
Food, water, bandages, anything that can offer relief. When
you have a few minutes, you can mark off a use of Supplies
to remove 1 condition on yourself or another.
Medicine: 2 Uses, Slow, 2 Wealth
These might be poultices to heal wounds, herbal
supplements to calm nerves, or otherwise. When you
take a few minutes to prepare and use these, remove 2
conditions or 1 other affliction from yourself or another.
Healing Potion: 2 Wealth
When you drink an entire potion, immediately remove 3
conditions from yourself.
Bag of Books: 5 Uses, 1 Wealth
When your bag of books contains just the right book for
the subject you’re Pondering (your choice), consult the
book and mark off a use to roll with Advantage.
Pipeleaf: 3 Uses, 2 Wealth
When you offer to share pipeleaf with someone, and they
accept, mark off a use and gain their Favor.
Flask of Whiskey: 2 Uses, 1 Wealth
When you down a draught, mark off a use to roll with
Advantage to act boldly or face down terror.
Example Poisons
Oil of Taggit: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
Must be consumed. The target falls into a light sleep.
Bloodweed: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
Requires contact. Until they are cured, the first time
the target hurts someone each scene, they inflict no
conditions.
Goldenroot: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
Must be consumed. The target treats the next person they
see as a trusted ally, until proved otherwise.
Serpent’s Tears: Dangerous, 2 Wealth
Requires contact. The target takes 1 extra condition when
hurt until they are cured.
Services And Expenses
1 Wealth: Most services and expenditures. Repair of most
damaged equipment. Healing from a chirurgeon. A
week’s stay at a peasant’s inn. A night of song, dance, and
companionship. A custom item from a blacksmith or other
professional (in addition to its base price). A hired killer. A
guide through perilous terrain. Most hirelings.
2 Wealth: Exceptional and exotic services and
expenditures. Magical healing from a priest or alchemist. A
week’s stay at a noble’s inn. A small festival. A professional
assassin. A guide through dangerous, life-threatening
lands.
Anything of greater cost or value is typically a long-term
investment, such as ownership of a house, caravan,
business, or ship.

Worn armor like these only mitigate conditions from Trap Kit: Dangerous, Slow, 1 Wealth
physical harm. Other sources of conditions (social strain, A bear trap, tripwire rig, bag of caltrops or marbles, or
pushing yourself, etc) might be mitigated through the similar. When you take the time to set it up in advance, it
Advanced Moves of certain playbooks. becomes a hazard you’ll want to steer clear of.

Leather/Chainmail/Gambeson: 1-Armor, 2 Wealth Enchanted Arrows (3 Uses, 2 Wealth)

Scale/Plate: 2-Armor, Clumsy, 3 Wealth
Shield: +1 Armor, 1 Wealth
While heroes are assumed to have as many ordinary
arrows as they need, these arrows are expensive and
exceptionally accurate.
When you Let Fly using Enchanted Arrows, on a 7-9 you
may spend 1 Use instead of either of the other choices.

10
Treasures
Sometimes inbetween saving worlds and
slaying dragons, adventurers may search for
treasure in vaults, caches or their enemies’
bodies. In order to determine what they
find, roll 1d6 + the conditions of the NPC on
the following table. The adventurers can
only search once as appropriate, if they are
searching a bunch of goblin bodies then roll
once including the Group or Horde modifiers.
Treasure shouldn’t be too hidden from the
players, nor should they need to Examine
to find treasure unless it has been carefully
hidden away.
3 Nothing of significance
4 Valuables worth 1 Wealth
5 A map or clue that leads to...(reroll)
6 A piece of useful equipment
7 Important evidence or information
8 Valuables Worth 2 Wealth
9 A Healing Potion
10 A Magic Item
11 A Magic Item and...(reroll)
Magic Items
These unique and significant items typically
have a name, a description, and an effect. Here
are the most common effects and examples.
In Chasing Adventure, magic items are never
merely purchased. They are rare and unique,
and can only be found through adventures.
Create a simple effect. Usually minor trinkets
often used to add descriptive flair, but can
powerful if used creatively.
Child’s Play
A plain yellow scarf. “I can’t see you, you can’t see me!”
When you place the scarf over someone’s eyes as
a blindfold, they turn invisible until the blindfold is
removed.
Augment an existing move. Alter an existing
move, strengthening them or giving them a
new facet.
Sneakers of Swiftness
These smelly shoes have a strange striped checkmark
across them.
When you wear these sneakers, you Start the Chase
with 1 Hold instead of 0.
Bestow a new move. Give a whole new move
their user, one that may or may not be related
to their existing moves.
Archfiend Contract
Long ago a powerful wizard sealed twelve powerful
demons into an ancient contract, only to be released
once fulfilling its terms. Until then, just speak the
demon’s name from the contract and say what you
wish for them to do.
When you summon and command a demon from the
contract, roll+WIS. On a 7+ the demon does what you
asked. On a 10+ choose one. On a 7-9 choose two:
• The demon demands something of you in return,
and will not act until you fulfil it.
• The demon is released from the contract after this.
• The demon follows the letter of your command,
but definitely not the spirit.
Empower multiple new moves. These moves
are often related to each other or directly lead
into each other.
Ring of Temptation
A piece of seemingly simple jewellry, this metal ring
stokes the greed of all who see it.
When you flaunt the ring in front of someone new,
roll+CHA. On a 10+ choose two, on a 7-9 choose one:
• They’ll try to take it, now or later, and leave
themself vulnerable when doing so
• You can ask their player one question as if you
Scrutinized them.
• They Favor you for as long as you have the ring.
When you part with the ring, willingly or not, roll+WIS.
On a 10+ you have managed to resist temptation. On
a 9 or lower you mark 1 XP if you get the ring back,
another 1 XP if it’s by force or subterfuge. On a 6- you
also take and lock a Condition due to your obsession.
This condition can only be removed by getting the ring
back.
Limited Use. Some magic items may have a
limited number of uses before they expire or
break.
Frozen Lightning
A chunk of nevermelting ice, with a spark brightly
glowing from its core.
When you Let Fly by throwing the Frozen Lightning,
the ice explodes into a blast of electricity, destroying it
and granting your attack the Area, Distinctive, Forceful
and Piercing tags.
Orb of Ley Resonance
A fist-sized cerulean orb swirling with thick white mist.
When you metitate on the orb’s energies, you can
sense the location of the nearest place of great magical
power.
When you shatter the orb, a magical cascade effect is
noticed by magically attuned entities. The energy that
lingers is sufficient to use as a place of great magical
power for about a week.
Artifacts. These are exceptionally significant
items that have their own XP and separate
Advancement. See the Advanced Play chapter
for more information.
11
Assets
Assets are special things your character has - a trusted
companion, a gang, a hideout, a unique weapon. Here are
the ways you could go about acquiring an Asset:
Through Play
Assets are prescriptive; you can get them because the
fiction demands it. A mere hireling might become a
trusted Follower, for example, or you might work to restore
an old Keep. Keep in mind it also possible to lose an Asset
this way, even one you achieved through Advancement.
Through Advancement
Assets are also descriptive; when you Level Up and choose
to get an Asset, it happens - maybe not now, but soon, at
the next opportunity.
Asking the GM
Talk with the GM at the start of the session or game; they
might be interested in giving you an Asset or two, or they
might tell you to Pursue a Goal first.
Example Assets
Make sure to talk to your GM and work together to ensure
you’re both happy with your Asset. These are merely
examples, so feel free to make changes or create entirely
new ones!
Storied Past
You have a complex history; take an additional
Background of your choice from your Playbook. You gain
its equipment, abilities and drive. You can only gain 1
XP per session from fulfilling drives, even if you fulfilled
multiple in the same session.
Reputation
You have a reputation - positive or negative - that precedes
you, for good or for ill. Tell us what you’ve done to deserve
it. Fame and infamy are a double-edged sword; you
can never predict if it will bring you positive or negative
attention, but those who deeply respect it Favor you.
When you meet someone for the first time who’s heard
of you, tell the GM something they’ve heard of you. Then
the GM will tell you something else they’ve heard of you.
Follower
You have a trusted companion - humanoid, beast, or
monster - that travels with you. See Followers on page 9.
Assistant
A faithful butler, snide secretary, or reluctant-yet-helpful
family member assists you. Unlike an Apprentice or
Follower, they don’t normally go where you go. Instead,
Assistants work off-screen to accomplish goals in multiple
places at once. Assistants don’t have stats and don’t make
moves, but they can carry out orders on the behalf of the
character using the character’s stats.
Once per session, when you declare that your Assistant
was already working on something, choose the most
appropriate stat as if using the I’m Back move and roll. On
a 7+ they have accomplished a minor task or made good
progress on a larger task, but on a 7-9 some trouble or
consequence has found either you or your assistant, you
choose which.
Organization
You have a membership with a guild, clan, religion, or
similar organisation. This membership will often allow you
access to items, people, services, and locations that would
normally be off-limits.
When you Connect with a fellow member of your
organization, roll with Advantage.
Occupied
You have a business or some other reliable source of
income. At the start of each session, gain 1 Wealth
Hideout
You have a headquarters, secret lair, or safe haven that
you call your own - a decrepit library, perhaps, or an
abandoned keep. Detail it, and choose 2 features:
• It is carefully hidden, concealed from prying eyes.
• It is laden with traps and secret passageways.
• It has secured walls, windows, and doors.
• A week’s worth of food and water.
• A workshop and tools.
• A library of old books and tomes.
• 5 uses each of Adventuring Gear and Supplies.
• A handful of skilled assistants or associates.
When you utilise your Hideout’s features,​roll with
Advantage.
When you Level Up, you may instead choose to add two
more features to your Hideout.
Connections
Be it amongst street urchins, traveling merchants, or
wealthy nobles, you know people, and people know you.
When you put out word to your old friends and
associates about something you want or need, roll+CHA.
On a 10+, someone has it, just for you. On a 7-9, you’ll have
to settle for something close or it comes with strings
attached, your call.
Signature Weapon
You have a weapon or other piece of equipment that has
been custom-tailored for you. Work with the GM to create
it.
First choose the most appropriate base for your weapon.
• Small and personal: Intimate.
• Medium and handy: Close.
• Large or two-handed: Close, Heavy, Forceful.
• Ranged: Near, Reload or Near, Reload, Distinctive.
Then choose two enhancements it has.
• It ignores armor
• It provides you with +1 armor
• It is Unbreakable.
• It has an extra range.
• It’s Messy.
• It’s Vicious.
• It’s not Heavy.
• It loses Reload or Distinctive.
• It glows in the presence of ___________ (a specific
type of creature; goblins, mages, etc.).
Apprentice
Your Apprentice is a secondary character - a plucky sibling,
perhaps, or an orphan kid you caught picking your pocket.
Like a regular character they have a Playbook and can use
all the Basic and Peripheral moves, but they don’t start
with a Background, only get one starting move from their
playbook, and their stats are +1, +0, +0, +0, -1. Your main
character share XP with their Apprentice.
When you Level Up, you can choose to have your
Apprentice Level Up instead. When they level up, they
cannot increase their stats, and may take a Starting Move
from their Playbook instead of an Advanced Move.
When you die, you can choose to have your Apprentice
take your place; if so, their stats and moves automatically
improve to that of a fully fledged adventurer.
12
Playbooks

13
Barbarian Background
Outsider (+2 STR, +1 INT)
Choose one Ask Who here...

...has been harmed or endangered by my pursuits?

You hail from the far reaches of the world in search of—what? Glory? ...am I distrustful or wary of?
Treasure? Spilt blood? They call you barbarian. Uncivilized. You know better. You and your people are from a far off land and have
...wants to hear stories of my homeland?
Their world of nobles and laws is fleeting. You will tread their jeweled thrones a fundamentally different way of life and of looking
under your boot, and you will show them what might and fear truly mean.
For you know what is best in life, and you will take it. at things.

When you Ponder knowledge rare in these regions, Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Gorm, Fafnir, Haepha, Qua, Thra-raxes, Sillius,

roll with Advantage if you can say how it might be
known in your homeland.
What is the token of your homeland, and why did you
bring it with you?
The Glorious, The Foesmasher, The Gluttonous
Equipment: Trap Kit (Dangerous, Slow). In what ways do you eschew the laws of these lands?
What is your most vivid memory from your homeland?
Look
Drive: Teach someone about your culture or traditions.

Favor
As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc

Savage (+2 STR, +1 CHA) Initially, you Favor the PC who is teaching you their ways

Drive You hail from stranger, more terrifying lands than I Favor...
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move most folk can imagine, and your time there made
Name Details
you strong.

Armor When you Defy fear or a magical compulsion, roll

with Advantage.
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor

Equipment: 3 Throwing Axes (Close/Near) I Am Favored By...

Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Drive: Provoke danger to prove your prowess. Name Details

STR DEX
Survivor (+2 STR, +1 WIS)
You weathered a great calamity, something that
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
resulted in the downfall of your family, your empire,
or your livelihood. Yet you have carried on. Equipment
When your life is untenable, in addition to the You start with:
INT WIS normal Crumble options you can choose to Look
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)
• A token of your homeland
death in the eyes and spit in its face. If all five
• The equipment from your Background
conditions are marked you immediately remove up
to three not-locked ones. If your life was untenable
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted Choose one:
otherwise, you avoid or survive anyways through
• Axe (Intimate/Close) and Shield (+1 Armor)
superhuman feat or sheer force of will. Once you
• Greatsword (Close, Heavy, Forceful)
choose this option, you cannot choose it again until

CHA LEVEL
you reach a level that is a multiple of 5 (5, 10, 15 etc).
Choose two:
Starts at 1 Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses) • Chainmail Armor (1 Armor)
• 2 Wealth

XP
Drive: Take back something you lost. • Medicine (2 Uses, Slow)
Scarred, Grumpy
• Pipeleaf (3 uses)
Starts at 0
• A Healing Potion

14
Starting Moves You get all of these
Ugly Truth
When you smash through social etiquette to call
something what it really is, roll+CHA. On a 7+, name
Rampage
someone here who now agrees with and Favors you.
When you Engage, on a 10+ if you choose to inflict an extra On a 10+ you also have Advantage Forward when
condition, you instead inflict two extra. doing something about it.
Not to Be Trifled With
Any intelligent, mortal creatures who sees you knows
instinctively that you are a force to be reckoned
with and treats you appropriately. When you fight a
group or horde of foes at once, they don’t inflict extra
conditions to you.

Herculean Appetites Berserker A Good Day to Die

Others may content themselves with just a taste of wine, or
dominion over a servant or two, but you want more.
Choose two:
• Pure Destruction
• Power Over Others
• Mortal Pleasures
• Conquest
• Riches and Property
• Fame and Glory
When you sate an appetite, heal yourself of 1 condition.
When you Push Yourself in pursuit of an appetite, gain
two sources of Advantage instead of one.
Formidable
You are best known for two terrible proficiencies. Choose:
• Unencumbered, Unharmed: Your body and clothes
count as 1-armor as long as you aren’t restrained,
wearing armor, or wielding a shield.
• Musclebound: When you wield a weapon, it becomes
Forceful and Messy.
• Immovable Object: The Forceful and Messy tags have
no effect on you.
• Unstoppable Force: You have advantage when
Defying a moving danger (traps, swinging weapons,
etc)
• Eye for Weakness: At any time you can ask the GM
‘Who or what here is weak or vulnerable?” and they
will tell you honestly without the need to Examine.
• Walking Weapon: Your limbs and body are as
formidable as the sharpest sword or heaviest hammer.
You can fight and harm any opponent unarmed.
When you level up, you may gain another proficiency
instead of another benefit, up to a maximum of four
proficiencies.
When you Rampage, you also Pierce your enemy’s
armor.
Is That All You’ve Got?
When you deliberately take the full brunt of an
attack, suffer conditions as normal and ignore your
own armor, then pick two:
• Your enemy leaves themselves open and exposed.
• You learn one of your enemy’s weaknesses
• Your infuriate or terrify your enemy.
Samson
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you Push Yourself to break free of a restraint,
physical or mental, you automatically succeed and are
free.
Basking In Victory
When you Settle In, if you have sated at least one of
your appetites since last rest, gain +1 Armor until you
next Settle In.
Seasoned Wanderer
When you arrive someplace new, tell everyone about
one important local tradition, ritual, or similar, as well
as how you came to learn this.
Khan of Khans
When you pay a follower’s cost with gratuitous
fulfillment of one of your appetites, they Favor you.
Usurper
While you are proven superior to someone in a
position of power, you have Advantage Ongoing
towards their followers, underlings, and hangers-on.
Ancestral Visions
When you perform a sacrificial ritual to consult
While you have four conditions marked, you have
Advantage Ongoing on all rolls.
Unyielding
You ignore the penalty from STR conditions.
Acquired Taste
Gain another Herculean Appetite.
More! Always More!
When you satiate an appetite to the extreme
(destroying something unique and significant, gaining
enormous fame, riches, power, etc), choose two.
• Mark 1 XP.
• Heal yourself of an additional condition.
• Learn of an opportunity to pursue another
appetite
• Exchange one appetite for another.
The Great Destroyer
When you Engage, on a 12+, choose something
physical your target has (a weapon, their position, a
limb); they lose it.
Sticks and Stones
You can use any Armor against any source of
conditions. For example, Armor from worn items can
now be used against conditions from social situations.
Pushing Yourself still bypasses armor.

Advanced Moves When you level up you may

choose to learn one of these
What Are You Waiting For?
When you cry out a challenge to your enemies,
name one among them. For now, they will ignore your
companions and treat you as the most obvious threat
to be dealt with.
your ancestral spirits (or gods, or your totem, etc),
name what you sacrifice and roll+WIS. On a 7+, the
spirits tell you of a great opportunity to fulfill an
appetite, On a 10+ they are especially pleased, and
also grant you a boon, gift or insight proportional to
the sacrifice and relevant to your goals.

15
Bard Background Choose one

Historian (+2 INT, +1 WIS)

Ask Who here...

...has entrusted me with a secret?

The songs to inspire peasantry and royals alike—to soothe the savage beast
or drive men to a frenzy—have to come from somewhere. Enter the bard. A
mere minstrel can retell a thing, but it takes a true bard to live it. Someone’s
got to be there, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with the soon-to-be-heroes.
Who better than you to write the tale of your own heroism?
...is enamored with me?
You rarely leave your home; instead spending your
...thinks my songs and tales are of little value?
time collecting obscure folk wisdom and songs from
books.

When you use Bardic Knowledge, after the GM tells Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Baldric, Astrafel, Meredda, Kosil, Amaryllis, Lily,

you something interesting you can ask one follow-
up question which the GM will answer honestly.
What kind of art do you specialize in?

Additionally, when you heal with arcane art, you Who trained you in the arts you know?
a laughing name, a musical name, a catchy name
heal two conditions instead of one. What event recently shook the status quo?

Look Equipment: Bag of Books (5 Uses)

As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc
Drive: Write something down at the most Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you are writing a story about

inopportune moment
I Favor...
Drive Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move
Wandering Minstrel (+2 CHA, +1 DEX)

Armor
You roam the land in search of stories of heroism to
share, and earn your keep telling your stories and
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor singing your songs in taverns and inns.
I Am Favored By...
Your Arcane Art has 4 uses instead of 3.
Name Details
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Additionally, when you curse a foe with Arcane Art
their armor is removed entirely for the scene.
STR DEX
Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)

Drive: Share a short poem, song or tale about an

Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned adventure that you personally witnessed.
Equipment
You start with:
• 1 Wealth
INT WIS Folk Hero (+2 DEX, +1 STR) • An artistic tool or instrument of significant value
• The equipment from your Background
You’re a dashing rogue, adept at swordplay as well
as magic. With a quick smile and an even quicker
Choose one:
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted blade, you’re one of the finest duelists in the land! • Leather Armor (1-Armor)
When you Engage with your rapier or a similar • Ostentatious Clothes (Valuable)
weapon one-on-one, you roll with +DEX instead of
Choose two:
CHA LEVEL
+STR.
• A Sword (Intimate/Close)
Starts at 1 Equipment: Rapier (Close, Piercing) • A Hand Crossbow (Near, Distinctive, Reload)
• An Extra 1 Wealth to your Name
XP
Drive: Share a passionate moment with another, and/
• Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
Scarred, Grumpy or provoke conflict with between two parties.
Starts at 0 • Pipeleaf (3 uses)

16
Starting Moves You get all of these
Speak Softly
When you Scrutinize someone by speaking openly and
honestly with them, you can roll+CHA instead of +WIS, and
may ask an additional question, even on a 6-. If you ask this
extra question, they will ask you one in return. You may lie,
but if you do you can’t use this move on them again and
you lose their Favor forever.
Arcane Art
You start with 3 Art. When you invoke your potent magical
effects through your artistry, spend 1 Art and choose from
below:
• Wield your art like a weapon (Near, Distinctive,
Piercing) until the end of the scene.
• Curse a foe, reducing their Armor by 2 until the end of
the scene.
• Heal an ally of a condition (including yourself).
When you Let Fly using your art, you roll +CHA instead of
+DEX
When you Settle In, reset your Art to 3.
Bardic Knowledge
When you first encounter someone or something
that you’ve heard tales, songs, or legends about (your
call), tell the GM something interesting you’ve heard
about it. The GM will tell you what else you’ve heard that
complicates things.
Gracious Performance
When you perform your chosen art - any act of expression
or culture - or put its product before an Intelligent
audience, roll+CHA. On a 10+, Hold 3. On a 7-9, Hold 1.
Spend Hold 1-for-1 to name an NPC in the audience and
choose one.
• This person must see me.
• This person must give me a gift.
• This person Favors me.
On a 6-, you suffer no harm or lost opportunity; you simply
perform very well.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Showstopper
When you make a showy, dramatic entrance into
a tense situation, describe your grand entrance and
roll+CHA. On a 7+, everyone stops to watch and listen
until you finish your opening speech. On a 10+, your
speech culminates into one bold, decisive action;
you roll with Advantage on that move and ignore the
penalty from conditions.
Scholarly Insight
Name a subject (Spells and Magicks, Unusual Beasts,
Gods and Their Servants, Grand Histories, etc.). When
you Ponder this subject, you treat any result of a 6- as
a 7-9.
Elder Arts
When you weave magic into the shape of your
chosen art, choose one of the effects below.
• Instill a powerful emotion
• Lull into a deep and infectious slumber.
• Stun or entrance.
Then, roll+CHA. On a 7+, the effect manifests in full,
affecting any number of Intelligent creatures you wish
for as long as you continue to perform your chosen
art. On a 10+, it will linger even after your performance
ends, if only for a while.
Well-Traveled
When you return somewhere you’ve visited before
(your call), tell the GM when you were last here; they’ll
tell you how it’s changed since then. When you next
Connect there, you treat any result of a 6- as a 7-9.
Unflinching
You have +1 Armor against conditions caused by social
situations or mental strain.
Encouraging Words
When you Settle In, one ally of your choice (except
yourself) gains +1 Armor until you next Settle In.
Wide Audience
When you use Gracious Performance or Elder Arts,
you can also affect non-Intelligent creatures such as
undead, animals, plants, and constructs.
Slippery
When you Gain The Edge by being a dashing rogue
(swing on a chandelier, charm someone for help,
jump out of a window, etc), roll with Advantage.
Throw Down the Gauntlet
When you demand a formal duel in response to an
insult, your opponent may use a substitute or propose
conditions, but they cannot decline.
While you are in a formal duel, you have +1 Armor
against your opponent and your attacks ignore their
armor.
Close-Up
When you Engage while wielding your art like a
weapon, roll+CHA instead of +STR.
Steeped in Lore
When you spend downtime (hours or days) sifting
through rumours and information in a library,
watering-hole, or other scholarly or social nexus,
roll+INT. On a 10+ choose three. On a 7-9 choose two.
• You learn of a valuable treasure.
• You learn of a dangerous enemy or group.
• You learn something useful about an area’s
history, layout, or politics.
• Your research went unnoticed by your enemies.
For each one you choose, the GM might ask you “how
did you learn this?” Tell them the truth.
Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better
When you spend some quality time with another PC,
erase any shared moves and choose to share a move
with them or they share a move with you. Whoever
gains the move can use it a number of times equal to
your CHA.
Air of Honesty
When you Scrutinize someone who Favors you, you
may use up their Favor for a +2 to the roll, similar to
Compel.
When you use up someone’s Favor when Compelling
or Scrutinizing them, on a 6- you retain their Favor in
addition to whatever the GM says.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
Eldritch Tones
When you use Gracious Performance, you gain +1
Hold, even on a 6-.
When you use Elder Arts, on a 12+, the effects will
persist until your next performance.
Buckle Thy Swash
When you Defy in a 1-on-1 fight, on a 7+ you also
disarm, trip, or otherwise outmaneauver your enemy.
Bachelor of Arts
When you Settle In, gain 2 additional Art.
17
Cleric Background Choose one

Missionary (+2 WIS, +1 CHA)

Ask Who here...

...do i think needs my guidance?

These lands are a godless mess. They’re lousy with the walking dead, beasts
of all sorts, and the vast unnatural spaces between safe and temple-blessed
civilizations. That’s why it falls to you to proselytize with sword and mace and
spell, to cleave deep into the witless heart of the wilds and plant the seed of
divinity there. God lives at the edge of a blade. Show the world who is lord.
...has consorted with an enemy of my deity?
You were sent out into the world to teach about your
...knows a secret about me or my faith?
deity and guide people in following them.
When you Compel someone about your deity, you
may ask the GM ‘What is their largest doubt or fear?’ Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Durga, Lenore, Penrose, Drummond, Freya, Sara,

and they will answer truthfully. If you address this as
part of your Compel, roll with Advantage.
Who else serves your deity, how do you differ from them?
What is the greatest sacrifice you’ve made for your faith?
an old name, a sorrowful name, a common name
Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses) What promise has your deity given to you?

Look Drive: Bring relief to a suffering creature, plant or

As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc

spirit.
Favor Initially, you Favor your deity and the PC you received a
vision regarding

I Favor...
Drive Warpriest (+2 WIS, +1 STR)
Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move Your faith has been tempered on the battlefield and
you are seasoned in fighting the enemies of your

Armor domain.

Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor When you Defy in order to use an Invocation, roll
with Advantage. I Am Favored By... Initially, your Deity Favors you.

Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Equipment: Healing Potion Name Details

STR DEX Drive: Harm another to prove the superiority of your

faith.

Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned Acolyte (+2 WIS, +1 INT)

Equipment
You spent years studying the ancient histories of your
You start with:
deity, as well as other religions and deities.
• Chainmail (1-Armor)
INT WIS When you Ponder religions or deities, roll with • A symbol of your faith
Advantage. • The equipment from your Background

Equipment: Bag of Books (5 Uses) Choose one:

Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted
Drive: Uncover a secret long forgotten, or endanger • Staff (Close, Heavy)
yourself by prying for more information. • Warhammer (Close, Forceful)

Choose two:
CHA LEVEL • A Shield (+1 Armor)
Starts at 1 • Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
• 1 Wealth
Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0
• Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
• Pipeleaf (3 uses)

18
Starting Moves You get all of these
Divine Agent
You serve and worship a deity who grants you power. Give
your god a name (maybe Helferth, Sucellus or Zorica):
Then, define your deity’s domains by filling in each answer:
• What they Control (the sun, the seas, the skies, etc)
• What they Represent (love, death, war, wind, etc)
• Who Worships them (dwarves, nobles, wizards, etc)
• Their Enemies (demons, undead, heretics, etc)
• Their Demands (sacrifices, secrets, victory, etc)
Favored Servant
While your deity Favors you, their domains react obviously
to your presence (sunrays silhouette you, nobles bow
before you, demons hiss and flee, etc.).
When you ask your deity how to gain their Favor, they
will impose a task upon you related to their Demands.
When you complete it, mark 1 XP and gain their Favor.
Invocation
When you call upon your deity’s power, choose an
Invocation you know and roll+WIS, with Advantage if your
deity Favors you. On a 10+, your deity’s power flows through
you and the effect comes to pass,. On a 7-9 the effect
comes to pass but you must choose one.
• The invocation’s Risk comes to pass.
• You draw unwanted attention from your deity’s
enemies
• You lose your deity’s Favor.
You start with 2 Invocations known.
When you Level Up, you can choose to Learn a New
Invocation instead of another benefit. If you do, you also
regain your deity’s Favor if you don’t have it.
When one Invocation is ongoing, you can’t use another.
You can end an ongoing Invocation whenever you wish.
Thaumaturgy
When you petition your deity to perform a miracle that
pertains to their domains, tell the GM what you desire.
Miracles are always possible, but the GM will give you 1 to
4 of the following requirements (separated by “ANDs” and
“ORs”):
• It’s going to take days/weeks/months.
• First you must ________.
• You’ll need help from ________.
• It will require ________.
• The effect will be unreliable or limited.
• You and your allies will risk danger from ________.
• You’ll have to disenchant ________ to do it.
Miracle examples: Raise someone from the dead; call down an unnatural storm of acid rain and soul-clouds; restore someone’s missing limb; unravel the assorted dangers, threats, and grim portents of a front; summon a divine envoy.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Inquisitor
When you Examine or Scrutinize in order to find
Cloistered Wisdom your deity’s enemies, roll with Advantage.
When you Ponder or Examine something pertaining
to your deity’s domains, you may roll +WIS instead of Beseech
+INT. When you Compel your deity to grant you a boon or
guidance related to their domains, you may use up
their favor to automatically succeed as if you had rolled
Thy Will Be Done
a 10+.
While your deity Favors you, so do all of their
worshippers.
Miracle Worker
When you use Thaumaturgy, you may ignore or veto
Lead the Flock
When you preach to a mob, roll+CHA. On a 10+, hold 3. one requirement of your choice.
On a 7-9, hold 1. At any time you may spend your hold,
1-for-1, to have the mob:
• Bring people forward and deliver them to you.
• Bring forward all their precious things.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
• Unite and fight for you.
• Work together in a collaborative act Greatest Invocation (requires Greater Invocation)
• Go quietly back to their lives. Gain the Greater benefit of two invocations you know.
Do Unto Others Apotheosis
When you aid your deity’s worshippers or harm their When you take this move and spend some time
enemies, you gain your deity’s Favor. establishing a unique and potent connection to
your deity, choose a feature associated with them
Greater Invocation (rending claws, wings of sapphire feathers, an all-
Gain the Greater benefit of an invocation you know. seeing third eye, etc). In recognition of your devotion
and faith, your deity bestows this gift upon you.
My Faith is My Shield
You have +1 Armor against your deity’s enemies. Anathema requires My Faith is My Shield
You inflict an extra condition (with both weapons and
Rebuke invocations) when you harm your deity’s enemies.
When you slay those enemies, their bodies are
When you command an entity pertaining to
disintegrated by holy wrath.
your deity’s domains, roll+WIS. On a 10+, they act
according to both the letter and the spirit of your
command. On a 7-9, only one; the GM will say which.
Divine Intervention
When you would Crumble while your deity Favors
you, your deity intervenes, saves you (a sudden gust of
wind, a lucky slip, a burst of light, etc.), and no longer
Favors you. If you have all five conditions marked, clear
one.
Interfaith Studies
When you encounter a faith or deity that you
learned about (your choice), ask the GM about three
of their domains and they will tell you truthfully.
Peaceful
No one who recognizes your position will attack you
directly and unprovoked, unless they are an enemy of
your deity.
19
Cleric Invocations
Cure Wounds
An ally you touch is either healed of 1 condition or
cured of a mortal poison or disease.
Risk: The cure is temporary, ignore any penalties from
the condition/poison/disease for the scene.
Greater: They either heal an extra condition or gain
Advantage Forward.
Divine Wrath
The awesome power of your deity harms an enemy
(Forceful, Distinctive, Piercing)
Risk: It isn’t Piercing
Greater: On a 12+, they are also left momentarily
stunned and helpless.
Divine Ward (Ongoing)
An ally gains Advantage Ongoing to Defy, or is
protected from something pertaining to your deity’s
domains.
Risk: They only gain Advantage Forward., or the
protection is temporary.
Greater: On a 12+, all your allies are affected.
Contact Spirits
You can speak with the recently departed, or with a
soul of your choosing; its spirit is pulled back through
the planes, just close enough to speak to you and
answer any one question you ask to the best of its
ability.
Risk: The spirit is not bound to tell the truth or aid you.
Greater: On a 12+, you can ask it any number of
questions you desire; it will answer them as best it can.
Dismissal
Choose an otherworldly entity or spirit you can see; it is
banished from this world or back to whatever tethers
it here.
Risk: It can choose to remain if it takes two conditions
(Piercing).
Greater: On a 12+, weaker entities are utterly destroyed.
Stronger spirits are permanently banished from this
place, with whatever tethers them here destroyed.
Bestow Curse
A foe you touch has their armor reduced to 0 or is
struck by some supernatural disease, by blindness, or
by some other affliction for a few minutes.
Risk: You also suffer the effects of the curse.
Greater: On a 12+, the effect is permanent.
Cause Fear (Ongoing)
Name an individual or a type of mortal creature. They
are filled with dread, causing them to recoil and back
away; the weak and cowardly among them must
outright flee.
Risk: Many more or fewer creatures than you expected
are affected.
Greater: On a 12+, even the mighty and strong-willed
must flee.
Illuminate (Ongoing)
A magical light is projected from a point you choose,
piercing darkness, illusions, and other falsehoods or
trickery.
Risk: The enemies of your deity can sense the
disturbance caused by your divine magic for miles
around.
Greater: The light is blinding to all who look upon it,
and enemies of your deity can’t bear to get near it.
Sanctuary (Ongoing)
As you cast this spell, you walk the perimeter of an
area, consecrating it to your deity. As long as you stay
within this area, you are alerted whenever someone
acts with malice within it (including entering with
harmful intent).
Risk: The barrier is flawed; enemies of your deity
can still enter, undetected and unhindered by your
sanctuary.
Greater: On a 12+, none can enter the sanctuary
without your express knowledge and consent.
Bless
For the remainder of this scene, an ally gains +1 armor
or inflicts an extra condition the next time they hurt
someone.
Risk: An enemy gains the same effect.
Greater: The ally gets both the armor and condition, or
all nearby allies are affected (in the same way).
Speak in Tongues (Ongoing)
You can clearly speak with and understand any
sentient creature.
Risk: Only one sentient creature can understand and
speak with you (that couldn’t normally).
Greater: Nearby allies can also affected.
Freedom of Movement (Ongoing)
A physical obstacle, hazard, or dangerous environment
of your choosing no longer poses any threat to you.
You don’t need to Defy this threat.
Risk: It is still a threat, but you have Advantage
Ongoing to Defy it or similar.
Greater: The effect extends to nearby allies as well.
Empower (Ongoing)
Your deity has given you the ability to go beyond your
limitations. Choose one of your stats. While the spell is
ongoing, it is treated as +3 and ignores penalties from
conditions.
Risk: Once the effect ends, you suffer a condition of
your choice from exhaustion.
Greater: You can use this invocation on others. The
person who is empowered is the one who would suffer
the Risk.
Messenger
A message you speak is delivered to a person of your
choosing, no matter where they are.
Risk: The message is delivered in a vague or difficult to
interpret way.
Greater: When they receive the message, they can also
respond in kind.
Provision
You miraculously have just the mundane item you
need, as if you had spent 1 use of Adventuring Gear.
Risk: You don’t have exactly what you need, but
something similar.
Greater: The item is of superb quality, gain Advantage
Forward the first time you use it.
20
Druid Background Choose one

Earthbound (+2 WIS, +1 STR)

Ask Who here...

...have the spirits told me is in grave danger?

You are of the sacred spaces; you are born of soil and wear the marks of her ...has shown me a benefit of civilization?
spirits on your skin. You may have had a life before, maybe you were a city Your soul feels a close kinship with the deep places
...has tempted nature’s wrath?
dweller, but not now. You’ve given up that static shape. Listen to your allies
of the world. Worms and mushrooms are your family,
pray to their carved stone gods and polish their silver shells. Their gods are
children, their steel is false protection. You wear the pelts of the earth itself. and lightless tunnels your hallways.

You can clearly sense your surroundings, even when Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Hycarax, Elana, Weylan, Rose, Rehgar, Sigrial,

blinded or in pitch dark.
Equipment: Medicine (2 Uses, Slow)
an animal name, a elemental name, a nickname
Drive: Hide or bury something
What sickness spreads across the land?
Who are the most dangerous enemies of the wild?
What wondrous natural feature is nearby?

Look As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc

Fangborn (+2 WIS, +1 DEX) Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you shared a secret rite with

You are bound to a specific animal above all others. I Favor...

Drive Your Tell reflects this animal, and you always possess
Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move its Instinct even when not shapeshifted.

In addition to the two you start with, you can

Armor shapeshift into your bound animal and you roll with
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor Advantage to do so.
I Am Favored By...
Equipment: Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
Name Details
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order
Drive: Alienate or push someone away
STR DEX
Spirit-touched (+2 WIS, +1 CHA)

Equipment
Once you were of the ‘civilized’ world, but that all
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
changed when you were marked by the spirits as
nature’s servant and given her gifts. You start with:
Natural creatures Favor you by default. • Leather Armor (1-Armor)
INT WIS • Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
Equipment: Pipeleaf (3 Uses) • The Equipment from your background
Drive: Restore something to a healthy state
Choose one:
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted • Sling (Near, Awkward, Reload) & Knife (Intimate/Near)
• Shillelagh (Close) and Shield (+1 Armor)

Attuned Creatures See the Shapeshift

Starting Move
• Staff (Close, Heavy)

CHA LEVEL Starts at 1

Animal Instinct
Choose one:
• Healing Potion
• Bag of Books (5 Uses)

Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0

• Trap Kit (Dangerous, Slow)

21
Starting Moves You get all of these
At One With The World
You can speak with and understand animals, as well as
closely study them and Compel them as if they were
people. You also have no need to eat or drink.
Communion
When you spend some time in a place, connecting with
nearby creatures and spirits, roll+WIS. You will be granted
a vision of significance to you, your allies, or the spirits
around you. On a 10+, the vision will be clear and helpful to
you. On a 7-9, the vision is unclear and murky. On a 6-, in
addition to whatever the GM says, the vision is upsetting,
frightening, or traumatic; take disadvantage forward.
Shapeshift
When you call upon the wilds to change your shape,
choose one of your attuned creatures and roll+WIS. On a
10+, you transform quickly and without issue. On a 7-9, you
still transform, but you are put in a spot or draw unwanted
attention.
While in an animal shape, you gain any innate abilities
and weaknesses of the form; claws, wings, gills, and so on.
You also gain the Instinct of your new form; this primal
urge is something innate to each creature and becomes a
part of you while you are shifted.
When you try to change shape without having fulfilled
your Instinct (including shifting back to normal), roll+WIS.
On a 10+ you succeed and all is well. On a 7-9 you succeed,
but won’t be able to transform back into that creature
until you reattune with it by fulfilling its Instinct. On a 6-
the GM says what will happen, perhaps you lose yourself in
your animal form and run away or turn on your allies.
You begin play with two Attuned Creatures.
When you Level Up, you may choose to add two more
Attuned Creatures to your list instead of another benefit.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Environmentalist
When you call upon nature to aid you against a foe,
name a suitable part of your surroundings (deep roots,
rocky cliffs, flowing wind, etc.) and roll+WIS. On a 7+
your foe is temporarily hampered or trapped. On a 10+
you also inflict a condition.
Instinct examples: smash and tear, fly free and without care, prey upon the weak and isolated, consume and devour, skulk and ambush, weave webs and victimise the foolish, assault and challenge the brave or strong.
Predator and Prey
Whenever you Examine, in addition to your normal
Eye of the Tiger
When you mark an animal with blood, mud, or dirt,
question you may ask ‘What are my animal instincts
you can see through its eyes as if they were your own,
telling me?’ even on a 6-. no matter what distance separates you, and you can
can shapeshift into its species. Only one animal may
Rules of Nature be marked in this way at a time.
When you take the shape of a creature both
dangerous and fearsome, your attacks Pierce armor.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
Barkskin
Elemental Mastery (requires Environmentalist)
While your feet touch the ground, you have +2 Armor When you call upon primal elemental spirits (fire,
against physical injuries. water, air, etc) to aid you, roll+WIS. On a 7+, they act
on your behalf. On a 10+ choose one, on a 7-9 both.
To Speak With the World Itself • The effort drains you, mark a condition
When you partake in Communion, whatever the • They cause significant collateral damage.
result, you may ask any one question about the vision
you received. The spirits will answer you to the best of Weather Weaver
their knowledge and ability.
When you call upon the spirits to create a strong
weather phenomenon, roll+WIS. On a 10+ choose two,
The Bridge Between Worlds on a 7-9 choose one.
You see the patterns that make up the fabric of the
• The phenomenon appears immediately and lasts
world. You can now apply your Shapeshifter and
as long as you desire
At One With the World moves to inanimate natural
objects (plants and rocks) as well as pure elements • Nearby land is not permanently altered
(fire, water, air, and earth). Work with the GM to define • None of your allies, wildlife or innocents are
the qualities, limitations, and Instinct of such forms. directly harmed
You learn one such Attuned transformation now.
More Beast Than Man
Shed When you Shapeshift, gain Advantage Forward to
When you shapeshift after fulfilling your current pursue your shape’s Instinct.
shape’s Instinct, heal yourself of one condition.
Red of Tooth and Claw (requires Rules of Nature)
Call of the Wild When you take the form of a creature both
dangerous and fearsome, your attacks are Brutal
When you openly cry to the natural beasts for aid,
and gain one of the following tags: Messy, Forceful or
choose a type of animal and roll+WIS. On a 7+ they
Vicious.
arrive to help you, on a 10+, choose one, and on a 7-9,
choose two:
• They terrify, intimidate or distract an enemy
• They arrive immediately, without delay
• They cause no collateral damage
Balance
When you inflict a condition, gain 1 Balance.
When you touch someone and channel the spirits of
life, you may spend Balance. For each 2 Balance spent,
heal 1 condition.
When you Settle In or otherwise rest, lose all Balance.
Earthly Disciple
When you Compel an animal or spirit, you may roll
+WIS instead of +CHA.
When you Ponder animals, nature, or the balance of
life, you may roll +WIS instead of +INT.
22
Fighter Background Choose one

Champion (+2 STR, +1 CHA)

Ask Who here...

...thinks I’ll cause more trouble than I’m worth?

It’s a thankless job—living day to day by your armor and the skill of your arm. ...have I saved from certain doom?
While your traveling companions might moan about their wounds around a Gladiator, hero, warlord - you’ve been at least one of
campfire in the wilderness, you bear your scars with pride. Your friends may ...am I suspicious of?
these things, if not more, and it’s taught you where
carry blades of forged steel but, fighter, you are steel. Let every danger smash
itself to dust on you. In the end, you’ll be the last one standing. the battle truly lies; in the hearts and eyes of the
crowd.
Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Hawk, Finnegan, Cadeus, Lenna, Brianne, Tas,

When you enter a fight or deliver a killing blow, you
become the center of attention.
What is your biggest regret?
What do you do when not fighting?
a humble name, an ancient name, a royal name
Equipment: 2 Wealth What important battle recently occured?

Look Drive: Ensure someone will never forget your power

As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you’ve fought back-to-back with

Veteran (+2 STR, +1 WIS)

I Favor...
Drive Whether on the front lines or ‘peaceful’ patrols, you’ve
Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move learned to always trust your gut.

Whenever you’d like, you may ask the GM “What

Armor gives me a bad feeling about this?” They will answer
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor truthfully, though not necessarily in full detail.
I Am Favored By...
Equipment: Supplies (3 uses)
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Name Details
Drive: Teach someone a lesson
STR DEX
Knight (+2 STR, +1 DEX)
Whether for a monarch, a cause or a principle, you
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
fought to uphold and protect others. Equipment
When you taunt or aggravate someone in a fight, You start with:
spend 1 Momentum to redirect harm from an ally to • A Signature Weapon (see Assets on page 12)
INT WIS yourself. • Scale Armor (2-Armor, Clumsy)
• The equipment from your Background
Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)

Drive: Refuse help, an advantage, or a boon because Choose two:

Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted
of honor • Crossbow (Near, Distinctive, Reload)
• Hidden Knives (Intimate/Near, Infinite)
• Spear (Close/Near)

LEVEL
• Shield (+1 Armor)
CHA
• A Healing Potion
Starts at 1
• Medicine (2 Uses)
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)
Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0
• Pipeleaf (3 Uses)

23
Starting Moves You get all of these Quarterback Narsil
When you forcefully grab or tackle a foe, roll + STR. Your signature weapon gains 1 additional
Battle Momentum On a 7+ you do it, unless they large or strong they’re enhancement, 3 in total.
disabled while you hold them. On a 7-9 they struggle
You understand the back and forth rhythm of a fight
better than most. When suffer or inflict a physical
for a bit at first, inflicting a condition in the process. Steel Gaze
condition during a fight, gain 1 Momentum. During When you enter combat, roll+CHA. On a 10+, Hold 2.
a fight, you may spend the amount of Momentum in Riddle of Steel On a 7-9, Hold 1. During the fight you can spend your
brackets for the following: Crossing blades with someone counts as intimate and Hold, 1-for-1 to make eye contact with an NPC present,
prying conversation for the purposes of Scrutinizing who freezes or flinches and can’t act until you break it
• (3) Restore 1 of your Armor
them. When you Scrutinize someone you’re fighting, off. On a 6-, your enemies immediately identify you as
• (3) Inflict an extra condition on an attack roll with Advantage. their biggest threat
• (2) Gain Advantage Forward to Engage or Let Fly
You can have a maximum of 5 Momentum, and at the end Percussive Counterspell
of a fight it resets to 0. Knot Expert When you interrupt a spell or magical effect using
When you tie up someone whom you have grappled, force, roll+STR. On a 10+ you successfully interrupt it.
Armed and Ready or disabled, using rope, chains, manacles or similar, it On a 7-9 the spell is reduced or rebounded in some
You ignore the Clumsy tag on armor you’re wearing. is always quick and never dangerous. way, the GM will say how.
When you’re up close and personal with a wizard or
Amateur Smith spellcaster, you automatically inflict a condition on
Particular Set of Skills them whenever they cast a spell.
When you Settle In, you can repair a single item of
When you Compel with threats of violence, roll with
damaged or destroyed equipment.
Advantage.

Demolitionist Battleborn
When you Defy in battle, you may spend 1 Momentum
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you want to destroy an object, be it a building, to roll with Advantage.
magical artifact, or obstacle, tell the GM what it is. It Expert Smith (replaces Apprentice Smith)
is always possible, but the GM will give you 1 to 4 of the
following requirements (separated by “ANDs” and “ORs”);
Basic Training When you rest, you can repair all damaged or
You’ve gotten used to the tireless marches, late destroyed equipment, and change the assets of your
• It’s going to take hours/days/weeks. nights, early mornings and backbreaking labor. You signature weapon from one to another.
• First you must ________. are unaffected by all but the most extreme forms of
• You’ll need help from ________. exhaustion. When you Settle In, you can stay up all Master Stroke
• You’ll need to use ________. night on watch without feeling tired. When you roll a 12+ on Engage, you can inflict an
• It will be easy/difficult to repair extra condition and avoid their attack.
• You and your allies will risk danger from ________. Eye For Danger
When you Scrutinize a dangerous NPC, the GM will I’ll Take That (requires Like Water Upon Rocks)
• You’ll have to use up/wear out ________ to do it. also reveal to you an ability or tactic they can use. When you completely avoid a blow from a melee
weapon, you may spend 2 Momentum to steal that
On No You Don’t
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
weapon for yourself.
choose to learn one of these When you stop someone from leaving your reach,
roll with Advantage. Andúril (requires Narsil)
Like Water Upon Rocks Your signature weapon gains 1 additional
When you harm someone, you may spend 2 Battle-Scarred enhancement, 4 in total.
Momentum to destroy a weapon or disable a form of You have +1 Armor against conditions from physical
attack. harm. Battle Master
When you enter a fight, gain 2 Momentum. Your
Field Medic I Aim to Misbehave maximum Momentum is now 7.
When you heal someone with Supplies or Medicine, When you use Demolitionist, you may ignore or veto
you or your patient (your choice) refreshes 1 armor. one requirement of your choice.

Grudge Match
When you attack someone in public, such as in a
street or ballroom, no one will intervene as long as it’s
just you two until someone is killed.

Demolitionist examples: starting a cave-in, breaking a wall down, blowing up a building, shattering a renowned sword, dropping a magical ring into a volcano 24
Immolator Background Choose one

Chosen of the Sun (+2 CHA, +1 WIS)

Ask Who here...

...has been burned by my flames?

You found power through a path wrought in fire and pain. You made a ...is enamored with me?
sacrifice, then and there, freely given, for powers beyond the ken of mere You received your fire when the great Sun chose you
mortals. And it feels so, so good. You’re the wildcard now. The uncaged flame, ...is trying to control me?
to accomplish its shining will, and gave you a portion
burning with passion and leaving ruin in your wake. Live fast, die young, and
make sure you’re not the one who’s gotta pick up all the pieces. of its power.

You have the Invocation move from the Cleric Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Omen, Leoric, Agar, Ignis, Prynne, Solomon, Isil,

playbook, know one Invocation, and cannot gain
or lose the Sun’s Favor. You cannot learn more
What happened the last time your flames truly got out of
control?
an unhinged name, a bold name, a weird name invocations when you advance. What did you sacrifice to gain your fire?
While in direct sunlight, you have Advantage to use What forboding vision did the flames show you?
Look your Invocation, as if you had the Sun’s Favor.

Favor
As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc
Equipment: Shield (+1 Armor) Initially, you Favor the PC who is least impressed by you

Drive
Drive: Bring to light a secret or scheme
I Favor...
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move
Name Details
Heart of the Phoenix (+2 CHA, +1 STR)

Armor You acquired your fire when you died and were
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor reborn. You may have ‘died’ several times since then,
but it doesn’t seem to stick with you.
I Am Favored By...
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order When you Crumble, replace ‘Die’ with ‘Die for now,
Name Details
but return to life when we next Settle In.’
STR DEX
Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)

Drive: Reveal your deathless nature to someone new.

Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned

Practiced Enlightenment (+2 CHA, +1 DEX) Equipment

You start with:
You connected with your fire through a long season
INT WIS of dangerous training and sweltering meditation,
• 1 Wealth
• A Bundle of Torches (5 Uses)
and you have the scars to prove it.
• The equipment from your Background
You have +1 Armor against fire, even if it’s magical.
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted This armor cannot be ignored or Pierced. Choose one:
• Leather Armor (1-Armor)
Equipment: Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
• Flame Resistant Clothes
Drive: Correct someone’s recklessness
CHA LEVEL Starts at 1
Choose two:
• Sword (Intimate/Close)
• Dirk (Intimate)

Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0

• 1 Wealth
• Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)

25
Starting Moves You get all of these
Firebrand
You can manipulate fire in a variety of cosmetic ways
such as: dimming, flaring, sparking, changing color, and
creating shapes and images in the flames. You can also use
existing sources of fire as a weapon (near, vicious). Choose
one trait of your fire now:
• Conjured: You can create your own fire rather than
relying on something burning.
• Controlled: You deal reduced collateral damage, allies
(including NPCs) have +1 Armor against your fire.
• Malleable: Your fire gains the Intimate and Close tags.
• Expansive: Your fire gains the Area tag.
• Long-Reaching: Your fire gains the Far tag.
When you fight using fire as a weapon, roll+CHA. On a 7+
hurt your foe, on a 7-9 choose two, on a 10+ choose one.
• You cause unintended collateral damage.
• You draw unwanted attention.
• Take -1 Ongoing to Firebrand until you next Settle In.
From The Ashes
When you burn a sacrifice and stare deeply into the
flames, ask the GM one question about it or that which
is associated with it (owners, loved ones, history, etc.)
and roll+CHA. On a 7+ you see a vision in the flames that
answers your question, the GM will describe it. On a 10+
the vision is clear and obvious. On a 7-9 the vision is vague,
shadowy, or metaphorical.
Mesmeric
When you have time and privacy with someone and you
impose your fiery will upon them, roll+CHA. On a 10+, hold
2. On a 7-9, hold 1. They can spend your hold, 1-for-1, by:
• Giving you something they think you want.
• Doing something you tell them to do.
• Fighting to protect you.
• Favoring you.
If they’re an NPC, they can’t act out against you until your
Hold is spent. If they’re a PC, you can spend your Hold,
1-for-1, to:
• Distract them with the thought of you, forcing them
to Defy it if they want to act.
• Inspire them with the thought of you, giving them +1
Forward.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Agni Kai
When you Defy to protect yourself or another from
fire or heat, roll with Advantage.
Mushu
You have an animal companion (see Followers on
page 9). This companion has an additional descriptor:
Affinity for Fire: This follower cannot be harmed by
fire or heat, even of a magical nature.
Smokestep
When you obscure yourself with a cloud of smoke,
ash or cinders, you can instantly transport yourself
anywhere within the cloud, or to another nearby cloud.
Everburning
When you imbue an object with a portion of your
fire, it will burn with a dim, heatless flame without
being consumed. For each one you choose below, take
an ongoing -1 to Firebrand.
• The flame is not heatless, the object burns foes
when used as a weapon.
• The flame is bright, and will illuminate shadows,
uncover illusions and reveal invisibility.
• The flame remains connected to you, you can see
and hear everything near the object.
Objects do not need to be flammable to be imbued
this way. You may take your portion back at any time
by touching the object.
Signal Flare
When you shoot a burst of fire high into the air, you
do it. It hovers above you for minutes for everyone
within miles to see. Anyone who has seen you use your
fire knows that it is yours.
Infernal Weapon
Your fire gains an additional trait.
Burning Hearts
When you gaze intensely into someone’s eyes, you
may ask their player “what is your deepest desire?”
They’ll answer with the truth, even if the character
does not know or would otherwise keep this hidden.
Don’t Blink
When you stand your ground before a creature of
fire, such as an elemental or a dragon, roll+CHA. On a
10+ you have earned its begrudging respect and it will
not attack you (for now). On a 7-9 it won’t attack you
for now but it grows impatient. The GM will tell you
what to do to be spared its wrath.
From Hell’s Heart
Whenever you manipulate fire, you may bring forth
the black fires of hell itself. This hellfire gives off no
heat and Pierces armor, scorching the soul itself. Those
creatures without souls are left unharmed.
Twice as Bright, Half as Long
While channeling your fire, you may treat one of your
missed rolls as a 7-9, or a 7-9 as a 10+. Tell the GM what
you’ve lost to make this come to pass; (an emotion, a
memory, etc). It’s gone forever, right now.
Eye for Destruction
At any time, ask the GM “What here is flammable?”
They will answer truthfully.
Impressive Scars
You ignore the penalty from CHA conditions.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
Blades of Chaos (requires Infernal Weapon)
Your fire gains an additional trait, and has the Messy
and Forceful tags when wielded as a weapon.
By Fire Be Purged
When you burn away a magical enchantment,
compulsion or curse, roll+CHA. On a 10+ it is destroyed.
On a 7-9 choose one:
• The effect is only cleaned partially or temporarily.
• The cleansing has left its mark on its subject (they
suffer a condition)
• The cleansing draws unwanted attention from the
true source of the magic.
Watch the World Burn
When you channel the flames and call down a
firestorm, tell the GM what you’re sacrificing and
roll+CHA. The sky open ups and fire pours like rain
within an area proportionate to your sacrifice;
everyone and everything in the area is severely hurt
(2 conditions). On a 10+, you can extinguish the storm
with a little effort. On a 7-9, the fires rage out of control,
spreading and dusting where they are carried by wind
and weather. On a 6-, something cruel, intelligent, and
hungry comes with the storm.
Dragon of the West (requires Agni Kai)
When you Defy fire or heat, on a 12+ choose one:
• You turn the attack back on itself (if applicable)
• You restore your own flame from theirs (any -1s to
Firebrand are removed)
26
Paladin Background
Pilgrim (+2 CHA, +1 WIS)
Choose one Ask Who here...

...is keeping something from me?

Hell awaits. An eternity of torment in fire or ice or whatever best suits the sins ...did I once defy my vows to help?
of the damned throngs of this world. All that stands between the pits of that You overcame incredible odds to find your strength,
grim torture and salvation is you. Only you. Yours is the gift of righteousness ...helped me when I was desperate?
but you still trust and treasure those you care for.
and virtue—of justice, of Vision, too. So guide these fools, paladin. Take up
your holy cause and bring salvation to the wastrel world. Vae victis.
When you restore someone with Healing Hands, you
can choose two additional effects. Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Thaddeus, Augustine, Regulus, Octavia, Brom,

Equipment: Healing Potion What corruptable authority rules over these lands?
By what significant act earned you your authority?
Kyra, a peasant’s name, a traditional name, a reborn name Drive: Endanger yourself to protect or help someone
Who suffered when you erred in judgement?

Look Hero (+2 STR, +1 CHA)

As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc
You are dauntless in your noble pursuits, and you will
Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you once considered an enemy

stop at nothing to see them done. I Favor...

Drive When you accomplish a notable deed in pursuit of Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move
a Virtue or Quest, gain Advantage Forward.

Armor Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)

Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor Drive: Lead another to act despite fear or doubt.
I Am Favored By...

Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Judge (+2 WIS, +1 DEX) Name Details

STR DEX Whether through lawful appointment or public

respect, you are the open hand of redemption, and
the clenched fist of punishment.

Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned When a Paladin move asks you to roll +CHA, or
when you Compel with honest terms, you may roll
Equipment
+WIS instead. You start with:
• A symbol of your authority
Equipment: Crossbow (Near, Distinctive, Reload)
INT WIS • Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
Drive: Judge a helpless enemy, either denying them • Scale Armor (2-Armor, Clumsy)
mercy or setting them free. • The equipment from your Background

Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted

Choose one:
• Halberd (Close, Heavy, Forceful)
• Sword (Intimate/Close)

CHA LEVEL Choose two:

Starts at 1 • Shield (+1 Armor)
• 1 Wealth
Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0
• A Healing Potion
• Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)

27
Starting Moves You get all of these
Devout Virtue
You adhere to a strict moral code that grants you power
beyond that wielded by normal folk. Choose two of the
following vows:
• Justice: Suffer not a crime unpunished. When you
question a defeated, captured, or willing individual,
you can stare into their eyes to know if they are lying
or not.
• Mercy: Let no innocent creature suffer in your
presence. Whenever you heal someone else, you are
also healed of one condition.
• Courage: Refuse to let those who have power abuse
it. As long as you physically stand in defense of
another, they will not be targeted or harmed.
• Purity: Abstain from mortal pleasures and finery. You
are immune to all mortal poisons and diseases.
• Loyalty: Remain true to your word and to your allies.
When you speak the truth, none can doubt you. They
might deny what you say, but in their hearts they
recognise the truth and conviction of your words.
• Penitence: Do not needlessly kill intelligent
creatures. When trying to prevent a conflict, roll with
Advantage.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Judge, Jury
When you use I Am the Law, on a 12+, all three choices
occur.
Inspiring Bravery
When you charge headfirst into danger, you and
those who join you each gain Advantage forward. Healthy Distrust
Whenever you Defy dark, corrupt, or chaotic magic
wielded by your foes, treat any result of a 6- as a 7-9.
Rotten Stench
Whenever you Examine regarding outlaws or evil
creatures, roll with Advantage. Virtuous
Take another vow from Devout Virtue.
Quest
When you dedicate yourself to a mission through Last Stand
prayer, meditation, ritual cleansing, etc., state what When you mark your fourth condition, refresh all of
you set out to do (such as discover the truth about your Armor.
someone or something, or slay a blight on the land).
The GM will give you a blessing (a voice that transcends
language, an invulnerability to bladed weapons, etc);
stay true to your goal, and this blessing remains yours.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
When you complete your Quest, gain 1 XP and lose
the blessing.
Absolute Authority
When you roll a 12+ to Command, your follower
transcends their moment of fear and doubt and carry
Booming Timbre out your order with particular effectiveness.
When you raise your voice, it carries far and cuts
through even the cacaphony of battle. You also have Hunting the Grail (requires Quest)
Advantage when Commanding a Follower. When you Quest, receive two Blessings instead of one.

I Am The Law Back To The Abyss Smite Evil

When you give an NPC an order based on your authority,
roll+CHA. On a 7+ they either flee, attack, or follow your
order. On a 7-9 choose one, on a 10+ choose two:
• If they do anything other than follow your order, gain
Advantage Forward with them.
• They reveal a piece of relevant information to you
(unwittingly or otherwise) .
• They cannot flee.
Armed and Ready
You ignore the Clumsy tag on armor you’re wearing.
Healing Hands
When you treat someone with Supplies or Medicine,
mark off a use of as normal and choose one additional
effect:
• Ignore the Slow tag
• The patient gains Advantage Forward
• Heal one disease (Medicine only)
Chains of Faith
Whenever you fail to act in accordance to one of your
Devout Virtues, depending on the severity of your actions,
you may lose access to that vow and its associated benefits
until you atone for your misdeeds. The GM will tell you
what you must do.
You inflict an extra condition when you harm undead,
demons or similar foul horrors, and your attacks can
fully affect incorporeal creatures.
Divine Favor
Your virtuous acts have earned you favor by a deity.
Gain access to the Cleric’s Divine Agent and Invocation
moves. Learn 1 Invocation now and gain your deity’s
Favor. You cannot learn Invocations when you
regularly Level Up. When you go above and beyond in
following a vow, gain your Deity’s favor.
Ride For Ruin!
When you give an inspiring speech to your allies
before facing a dire threat, roll+CHA. On a 7+, each
ally takes 2 Inspiration, and on a 7-9, the GM gains 2
Fear. On a 6-, the GM gains 3 Fear. During the battle,
each ally can spend their Inspiration 1-for-1, to:
• Act fearlessly against terrifying foes or odds.
• Gain +1 armor
• Make their attack ignore armor
During the battle, the GM can spend Fear to:
• Have an ally roll with disadvantage
• Have an enemy inflict an additional condition on
an attack
Divine Spirit (requires Divine Favor)
Learn another Cleric Invocation.
When you condemn an outlaw or evil creature for
their misdeeds, your weapon is engulfed in a searing,
magical light. Your attacks against them inflict an
extra condition.
Executioner (requires Judge, Jury)
When you use I Am The Law and your target chooses
to attack, you may immediately and automatically
inflict a condition on them, bypassing armor.
There Are No Chains On Me
When you go out of your way to act against one of
your Devout Virtues, instead of losing access to its
ability you alter and change the virtue and ability to
a new one that fits how you acted. It is up to you how
‘virtuous’ this new ability is at all.
When you change playbooks, you can keep these
altered Virtues if you wish.
Once you have altered a virtue you may no longer
take any more paladin moves as Advancements.
28
Ranger Background Choose one

Raised By Wolves (+2 DEX, +1 CHA)

Ask Choose one

...did I guide out of a perilous situation?

Guide. Hunter. Creature of the wilds. You are these things and more. Your ...is being hunted?
time in the wilderness may have been solitary until now, but the call of some You’ve lived with the critters and creatures of nature
greater thing—call it fate if you like—has cast your lot with these folk. Brave, ...is trying to ‘civilize’ me?
just as much, if not more, than your own kind.
they may be. But only you know the secrets of the spaces between. Without
you, they’d be lost. Blaze a trail through the blood and dark, strider.

Answer
You can speak with and understand animals and
other wild things, and you begin play with a trusted Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Throndir, Jonah, Ysolt, Dianna, Celion, Eloise,

animal companion (see Followers on page 9).
What perilous landscape have you yet to traverse?

Gendrig, an animal name, a posh name, a nickname

Equipment: Medicine (2 Uses, Slow) What treacherous foe once escaped you?

Drive: Learn something new of nearby wildlife What was destroyed the last time you made a mistake?

Look As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc Favor Initially, you Favor the PC you want to teach your ways to

Warden (+2 DEX, +1 WIS)

I Favor...
Drive You are a protector of the great wilderness, and have
Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move learned to always take precautions.

When you Flashback, spend 1 less Prep.

Armor Equipment: Trap Kit (Slow, Dangerous)
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor
Drive: Alienate or endanger yourself for nature’s sake I Am Favored By...

Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Name Details

Hunter (+2 WIS, +1 STR)

STR DEX
You have devoted yourself to hunting the unnatural
things that skulk around in the darkness of the wilds.
Your intuition helps you instantly react to any danger,
Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
at any time. Equipment
You are never caught off-guard or surprised. You You start with:
always act first, even if someone gets the drop on you. • Leather Armor (1-Armor)
INT WIS Equipment: Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)
• Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)
• The equipment from your Background
Drive: Stop or pursue a dangerous threat
Choose one:
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted
• A Pair of keen-edged Axes (Intimate/Close, Vicious
when used together).
• A Spear (Close/Near) and Shield (+1 Armor)
• A Fine Bow (Near/Far, Reload)
CHA LEVEL Starts at 1 Choose two:
• Healing Potion

Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0

• Bag of Books (5 Uses)
• Enchanted Arrows (3 Uses)
• Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
• Supplies (3 Uses, Slow)
29
Starting Moves You get all of these
Bestiary Knowledge
You are learned about the natural world. When you
Ponder the wilds and its creatures or monsters, you roll
with Advantage.
When you first encounter a beast or monster with which
you are familiar (your call), you may ask the GM any one
question about it, and they’ll tell you the truth.
Citizen of the Wild
When you Navigate as a guide, roll+WIS instead of
+nothing, and after the GM makes their choices you can
veto one of them.
Ready For Anything
You are always prepared for the unexpected. Start with 4
Prep. You can spend Prep 1-for-1 to:
• Ignore armor on an attack
• Roll with Advantage when Defying a threat
When you Settle In, reset Prep to 4.
Flashback
When you declare how you prepared for something in
advance, spend Prep as determined by the GM using the
guideline below:
• 1 Prep - Ordinary action, easy opportunity, no rolls
required, a short time ago
• 2 Prep - Complex action, unlikely opportunity, one roll
required, some time ago
• 3 Prep - Elaborate action, special opportunity, several
rolls required, a long time ago
When you roll as part of a flashback, the GM may choose
to cost extra Prep as an alternative consequence. If you’re
already at 0 Prep, take an appropriate condition.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Keep Them Busy
When you assault and harass a foe to provoke, lure
or confuse them, roll+DEX. On a 10+, choose 2. On a
7-9, choose 1.
• An ally gains Advantage Forward against them
• You avoid their counterattack
• You force them to move where you want them
You Activated My...
When you set up a Trap Kit into a trap, you and your
allies can maneuver within and around it without
any danger. Additionally, gain Advantage against any
target while it is caught in a trap that you set.
Scout Ahead
When you go off on your own to explore a dangerous
Trackless Strider
You know the lay of the land. When you move with
area, roll+DEX. On a 7+, you make it back safely; the care and calm, you make no noise and leave no trace
of your passage. You have Advantage on Gain the Edge
GM will describe what you encountered. On a 10+,
choose three. On a 7-9, choose two: in the wilderness.
• Ask the GM one question as if you rolled a 7-9 on
Athelas
Examine (you can choose this multiple times)
When you search for makeshift or foraged medicine
• You bring something interesting or useful back
and treat someone with it, roll+WIS. On a 7+, you are
• Gain 1 Prep due to preparations made there.
able to heal them of one condition (Slow). On a 10+ you
• You got away clean, rousing no suspicion. also gain 1 use of Medicine from the surplus.
On a 6-, you can choose one above and one below, or
come back empty-handed: Know Your Enemy
• You make it back, but trouble is hot on your heels. When you Ponder creatures, monsters or the wild,
• You’re missing in action; details to be revealed roll with WIS.
Favored Quarry
When you declare a specific type of enemy (goblins, One Shot, One Kill
When you attack from ambush, roll with Advantage
mages, ghosts, etc) to be your Favored Quarry, say
how their kind wronged you and what revenge you or outright harm them, the GM will say which.
plan to unleash in return. Until you get your revenge in
full you cannot declare another Favored Quarry. Your Backup Plans
Favored Quarry: Your Prep resets to 6 instead of 4.
• can never take you by surprise
• and is always treated as a creature and monster
for the purposes of moves
Prepared For Battle
• takes an extra condition from all of your attacks
When you enter a battle, gain 1 Prep.
Big Game Hunter
There is always some creature or monster nearby that Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
needs to be dealt with. Whenever you like, tell the
GM there is a monster nearby. Then answer one of Knowledge Is Power
the two questions on each point below. The GM will When you Ponder or Examine a creature or monster,
answer the other questions in secret. on a 12+ gain 1 Prep.
• How big is it? / How many are there?
Ready For Everything
• Where is its lair? / What are its defenses?
You may spend 1 Prep to gain Advantage on any roll,
• What can it do? / What valuables might it have?
not just Defy.
When you show authorities proof that the monster is
dealt with, gain Wealth equal to your WIS.
Grisly Trophy
When you slay a dangerous creature, you may
Animal Whisperer
When you approach a dangerous animal carefully,
impart some of its power into a trophy (horn, claw,
skull, etc). The GM will give you one nonmagical move
presenting yourself as no threat, roll+WIS. On a 10+
the creature had; while you wear this trophy, you may
it watches you carefully, but will not attack unless
perform that move by Defying the trophy’s influence.
provoked. On a 7-9 you must offer it something it
You may only wear and benefit from one trophy at a
wants (food, prey, territory).
time, but you can give them to your allies to use if you
so wish.
Tools of the Trade
When you know of a specific weapon, tool, or
substance that will aid in the slaying of a creature,
you can carefully unpack your arsenal and start
searching. If it’s relatively cheap (1 Wealth) and
common, you have it; if it’s expensive, rare, or unique,
you must spend 2 Prep to have it on you.
30
Thief Background Choose one

Criminal (+2 DEX, +1 STR)

Ask Who here...

...knows where I stashed some loot?

You count your coins and smile to yourself—this is the thrill above all. Without ...is planning something alongside me?
you, every one of your companions would have been dissected by a flying You’ve lead what is easily described as a “colorful”
guillotine or poisoned straight to death by some ancient needle trap. So let ...thinks I’m the scum of the earth?
life. And just when you think your past is truly behind
them complain about your misdeeds. When you’re done with all this you’ll
toast their heroes’ graves. From your castle. Full of gold. You rogue. you, it regularly rears its ugly head.

When you Ponder or Examine the underworld or Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Dominic, Kieran, Lila, Scars, Riley, Raven, Marlow,

criminal activities, roll with Advantage.
What valuable treasure are you after?

Felix, a sly name, a grimy name, a bitter name

Equipment: Two doses of your Poison (see Poisoner) What group wants to see you behind bars?

Drive: Take an especially unlikely and dangerous risk Who is your greatest rival?

Look As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc

Treasure Hunter (+2 DEX, +1 WIS) Favor Initially, you Favor the PC who got you out of a tough spot.

You fancy yourself a delver of lost treasure. Usually, I Favor...

Drive you come up empty-handed. But those other times
Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move (rare as they might be) make it all worthwhile.

When you Defy Traps, roll with Advantage.

Armor Additionally, when you Examine, no matter the
Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor outcome you may also ask, “Is there treasure here that
I don’t know about?” I Am Favored By...

Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses) Name Details

STR DEX Drive: Increase your wealth at someone else’s expense

Trickster (+2 CHA, +1 DEX)

Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned
Deceptions, half-truths and scams are your speciality. Equipment
You might be more comfortable in another’s skin
You start with:
than your own.
• 2 Wealth
INT WIS When Defying to pass yourself off as someone else, • A Treasure (Valuable)
roll with Advantage. • Leather Armor (1-armor)
• The equipment from your Background
Equipment: A Disguise Kit (5 Uses, costs 2 Wealth).
Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted Spend 1 use to make yourself look like a totally Choose one:
different person. • Wicked Knife (Intimate, Vicious)
• Rapier (Close, Piercing)
Drive: Get someone to act on false information
• Fine Bow (Near/Far, Reload)
CHA LEVEL Starts at 1 Choose two:
• Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses)
Scarred, Grumpy XP Starts at 0
• Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
• A Poison of Your Choice
• Hidden Knives (Intimate/Near, Infinite)
• Trap Kit (Dangerous, Slow)
31
Starting Moves You get all of these
Poisoner
You’ve mastered the care and use of a poison. Choose a
poison from the list below; that poison is not dangerous for
you to use, and when you have time, material, and safety to
brew, you can make more of it.
• Oil of Taggit: Must be consumed. The target falls into a
light sleep.
• Bloodweed: Requires contact. Until they are cured, the
first time the target hurts someone each scene they
inflict no conditions.
• Goldenroot: Must be consumed. The target treats the
next person they see as a trusted ally, until proved
otherwise.
• Serpent’s Tears: Requires contact. The target takes 1
extra condition when hurt until they are cured.
Danger Sense
When you’re certain something’s wrong and you scan
your surroundings, ask the GM “Is there a trap or ambush
here? If so, where would it come from?” They will answer
honestly, and you roll with Advantage to thwart the trap or
ambush before it can be brought to bear.
Tricks of the Trade
When you set about to steal something or break into
something locked and secure, roll+DEX. On a 7+, you do it.
On a 10+, choose 2. On a 7-9, choose 1.
• You work quickly, without much time or effort.
• You work quietly, discreetly, drawing little notice.
• You work cleanly, without cost or leaving a trail.
Dirty Fighting
When you have Advantage on Engage, you may roll+DEX
instead of STR.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Impeccable Grace
When you Defy using DEX, you can treat a 6- as a
7-9. On a 7-9, you can choose to have something or
someone else, maybe your equipment but certainly
not you personally, suffer the consequences instead.
Trust Me
As long as you show a friendly face, anyone not
already actively hostile towards you will treat you as
a friend, until proven otherwise. Anything you say will
be accepted as open honesty unless hard evidence is
given to the contrary.
Deep Pockets Lair
You gain a Hideout with two additional features (see
Once per session, you can pull out something from
Assets on page 12).
your pockets that you forgot about until just now, as if
you had used Adventuring Gear. When you conceal a
small object on your person, no one can find it unless Tall Tales
you are bound, stripped, and thoroughly searched. You When you tell an outrageous or grandiose lie or
can conceal up to DEX items this way. falsehood that nobody in their right mind would
believe, roll+CHA. On a 7+, everyone believes you
Poison Master anyway, at least until they see or hear something that
When you have time to gather materials and a safe convinces them otherwise. On a 7-9, they’ll be fooled,
place to brew, you can create up to three doses of but not for long.
any poison. Describe the effects you’d like your poison You can’t tell Tall Tales to people who are actively
to have, and the GM will give you one or more of the hostile or suspicious towards you. Other PCs are always
following caveats: suspicious of you, because you’re the Thief.
• You’ll need ________ to make it.
• It will only work under specific circumstances. Honorless
• The best you can manage is a weaker version. When Refuse, roll+CHA instead of +nothing.
• It’ll take a while for the effects to manifest.
• It’ll have obvious or undesirable side effects.
• It’s Dangerous for anyone to handle - even you
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
Rooftop Routes
When you Gain the Edge in a Chase using quick
Underdog
maneuvers or shortcuts, roll with Advantage. When you Push Yourself, you instead gain two
sources of Advantage instead of one (for each source
of Advantage roll an extra d6, always take the highest
Ace Up Your Sleeve two)
When you take a game of chance into your own
hands, roll+DEX. On a 7+, you decide the outcome of
the game. On a 7-9 the GM chooses one:
Evasion
When you Defy, on a 12+, you transcend the threat. You
• Your opponent later realises that you cheated not only do what you set out to do, but the GM will
• Someone outside the game gets suspicious or offer you a better outcome, a moment of true beauty,
takes offense. You’re not welcome here anymore. or a show of unearthly grace.
Case The Joint Lurker
When you scout out a location with the intention of You have Advantage when Defying to move or act
breaking in and stealing something, ask the GM as quietly, and you’ll generally go unnoticed by NPCs
many of the following questions as you like: unless you are in a hostile area or draw attention to
• What is my best way in and out? yourself. Whenever you look around for a hiding
• What’s the greatest danger here? place, the GM will tell you where the best place is.
• What’s out of place here?
• Where do they keep the valuables?
You and your allies roll with Advantage when acting
on the answers.
Poison Expert
Gain mastery over two more poisons from Poisoner.
The Smoulder
You always look good. Even if you’re wet, dirty, beat-up,
or otherwise disheveled, you still look damn good.
When you use your impeccable good-looks and
considerable charms to Compel someone, you may
treat them as if they Favor you, but then they’ll ask you
to do something for them afterwards.
32
Wizard Background
Sage (+2 WIS, +1 STR)
Choose one Ask Who here...

...wants to learn the secret of my powers?

You’ve spent so very long poring over those tomes of yours. For what? For ...follows my advice without question?
power. What else is there? The power to boil a man’s blood in his veins. To call Whether it be due to birth, circumstance, or utter
the thundering sky and the churning earth. To shrug off the rules the world ...believes my powers are evil?
enigma, magic is as natural as breath to you.
holds so dear. Let them cast their fearful whispers and sidelong glances. Who
among them can hurl fireballs from their eyes? Yeah. Didn’t think so.
Your SPELL stat is WIS.

Whenever you’d like, ask the GM “what here is

Answer Now or while adventuring

Name Examples: Starlight, Galadir, Mortimer, Xeno, Draft, Steburis,

an alliterative name, an alien name, a punny name
Look
As much detail as you’d like, be it species, features, etc
magical?” They will tell you truth. What does your magic prevent you from experiencing?
What magical enigma do you search for answers about?
Equipment: A Weapon Worth 1 Wealth (You Choose)
What dark omen do you foresee in ghastly dreams?
Drive: Alienate or enamor someone due to your
unusual nature
Scholar (+2 INT, +1 WIS)
Favor Initially, you Favor the PC who joined you in a Ritual.

I Favor...
Drive You’ve earned your power through sleepless years of
study, effort, and exploitation. Name Details
Based on Background, see the Epiphany peripheral move

Your SPELL stat is INT.

Armor You get twice as many uses out of Bags of Books.

Based on your equipment and abilities, fill in the circles when you use armor When you Ponder using a Book or Bag of Books,
the GM will always give you a second interesting (but I Am Favored By...
not necessarily useful) piece of information about the
Choose your Background, then in write the rest as +1, 0, -1 in any order Name Details
subject of your interests.
STR DEX Equipment: Adventuring Gear (5 Uses)

Drive: Uncover mysterious, ancient or magical secrets.

Weakened, Nautious Dizzy, Shaky, Stunned

Sorcerer (+2 CHA, +1 DEX)

Equipment
You start with:
You learned your magic from something - or
• 1 Wealth
INT WIS someone - else. Who are they? What do you owe
• Bag of Books (5 Uses)
them? The GM will tell you their agenda. • Spellcasting Tools or Oddments
Your SPELL stat is CHA. • The equipment from your Background

Dazed, Forgetful Confused, Exhausted When you break the token of your patron’s blessing, Choose one:
your patron appears immediately before you to • Leather Amor (1-Armor)
bargain. Tell it what you want and it’ll tell you what • Peculiar Robes and a Healing Potion
it wants in return. If you give it what it wants in both
CHA LEVEL word and spirit, then the token of your patron’s Choose two:
Starts at 1 blessing will be renewed. • Staff (Close, Heavy)
• Medicine (2 Uses)
XP
Equipment: Flask of Whiskey (2 Uses) and a token of
Scarred, Grumpy • Firecrackers (Distinctive, 3 Uses)
your patron’s blessing (what does it look like?)
Starts at 0 • Crossbow (Near, Distinctive, Reload)
Drive: Advance your patron’s agenda, or deflect or • 1 Wealth
evade an inquiry into your doings • Pipeleaf (3 Uses)
33
Starting Moves You get all of these
Cast a Spell
When you harness your magical talents, ​choose a spell
you know and roll+SPELL. On a 10+, you successfully evoke
the spell and its effects come to pass. On a 7-9, the spell is
still successful, but choose one consequence from the list
below.
• The spell’s Risk comes to pass.
• The spell’s magic drains you. You take -1 Ongoing to
Cast a Spell for the rest of the session.
• Using it puts you in danger or draws unwanted
attention, the GM will say how.
While one spell is ongoing, you can’t use another. You can
end an ongoing spell whenever you wish.
You start with 2 spells known. When you Level Up, you can
choose to Learn a New Spell instead of another benefit.
If you gained this move without a Wizard Background, choose a Background
that best fits the source of your magic and use its SPELL stat.
Prestidigitation
You have the power to easily invoke minor magical
cantrips without penalty. Slowly moving small objects,
creating minor obvious illusions, generating mild heat and
sources of light, and other similar feats are all easily within
your power without having to roll.
Ritual
When you want to achieve a powerful magical effect, ​
tell the GM what you’re trying to achieve. Ritual effects
are always possible, but the GM will give you 1 to 4 of the
Following conditions (separated by “ANDs” and “ORs”):
• It’s going to take days/weeks/months.
• First you must ________.
• You’ll need help from ________.
• It will require ________.
• The effect will be unreliable or limited.
• You and your allies will risk danger from ________.
• You’ll have to disenchant ________ to do it.
When you perform a Ritual while accessing a source of
great magical power​, you may ignore one requirement of
your choice.
Advanced Moves When you level up you may
choose to learn one of these
Ritual Master
When trying to perform a ritual, after the GM tells you
the requirements you can choose one of them and
veto it.
Ritual examples: Teleporting to a distant location; communicating between the planes; locating or viewing items, creatures, or places from afar, imbuing an object with magical power.
Counterspell
When you attempt to counter a spell as it is being
cast, roll+SPELL. On a 10+, the spell is successfully
countered. On a 7-9 choose one.
• The spell is countered, but you are left vulnerable.
• The spell is countered, but the unraveled magic
causes some collateral damage or side effects.
• The spell is only partially countered, a weaker
version manifests instead.
Wisdom of the Ages
When another PC comes to you for advice and you
honestly tell them what you think is best, they gain
Advantage forward to do as you suggest.
When you give sound advice to a receptive NPC,
roll+CHA. On a 7+, they follow your advice to the best
of their ability, and on a 10+ they also appreciate your
advice enough to Favor you.
Showoff
When you attempt to wow an audience with a
display of your powers, roll+SPELL. On a 10+, choose 2.
On a 7-9, choose 1.
• You have their full and undivided attention.
• You draw a large and interested crowd.
• You instill fear, admiration, or both in those that
watch.
Logical Deduction
You may Examine and Scrutinze with INT instead of
WIS, and you may Ponder with WIS instead of INT.
Arcane Ward
You have +1 Armor against spells and magical effects
Equivalent Exchange
When you Push Yourself by using your own blood as
part of casting a spell, you automatically succeed as if
you had rolled a 10 (including modifiers).
Dispel Magic
When you spend time unravelling an ongoing magical
effect, roll+SPELL. On a 10+ choose 2. On a 7-9 choose 1.
• The dispel is permanent.
• A weaker version of the magic doesn’t linger.
• The unravelled magic doesn’t lash out harmfully
Familiar
You have a magical companion (see Followers on
page 9). This companion has an additional descriptor:
Magical: You may use your familiar in place of yourself
for the purposes of spell effects and requirements
(touch, sight, range, etc.)
Sanctum
When you have time, arcane materials, and a safe
space, you can create your own place of power for the
Ritual move. Describe to the GM what kind of power it
is and how you’re binding it to this place. In return, the
GM will tell you one kind of creature that will have an
interest in your workings.
Mastermind
Whenever you Examine or Scrutinize, on a 7+ you can
ask an additional question.
Floo Network
When you Connect with someone of a magical
nature, roll with Advantage. Furthermore, on a 7-9 you
choose instead of the GM.
Advanced Moves (lvl 10+)
Even Further Beyond
Choose a single spell. It always has its Greater effect
by default. Furthermore, if the Greater effect would
be invoked on this spell then its effects increase even
more so, the GM will say how.
Classical Mastery (cannot learn Wild Mastery)
Whenever you Cast a Spell, on a 12+ the spell’s Greater
effect is invoked.
Wild Mastery (cannot learn Classical Mastery)
When you Cast a Spell, on a 10+ you may treat it as a
7-9 to invoke the spell’s Greater effect.
Assimilation (requires Dispel Magic or Counterspell)
When you Dispel Magic or Counterspell, on a 12+
you absorb and store the magical effect for later. The
magic can be released like Casting a Spell, after which
the stored magic dissipates.
When you release stored magic immediately after
absorbing it, such as at the one who tried to cast it
at you, roll with Advantage. You can only have one
magical effect stored at a time.
34
Wizard Spells
Sleep
Up to 3 foes you can see fall asleep. Only creatures
capable of sleeping are affected, and they will awake if
disturbed (loud noises, jostling, pain, etc).
Risk: The effect is fleeting and they will awaken soon.
Greater: The spell effects another 2 targets
Fireball
You evoke a mighty ball of flame that envelops your
target and everyone near it, hurting them (Fiery, Area).
Risk: The blast effects either much more or much less
than anticipated, the GM will say.
Greater: The fireball inflicts an extra condition.
Darkness (Ongoing)
An area you designate is blanketed by supernatural
darkness and shadow while the spell is ongoing.
Torches, lanterns, and other mundane lights within the
area are also snuffed out.
Risk: Something is summoned with the darkness; the
GM will say.
Greater: Even magical lights cannot pierce the
darkness.
Entangle (Ongoing)
You cause a close group of creatures to become
ensnared by roots, webs, or magical bindings. Until you
release them, they cannot move across distances.
Risk: The spell stops them, but only for a few moments.
Greater: The snare also deals hurts them via thorns,
choking, poison, etc.
Conjure Guardian (Ongoing)
You conjure a being of magical force (see Followers
on page 9). By default it is a Warrior with the Brutality
cost, looks like a ghostly humanoid, and will attack
your enemies relentlessly. Choose two:
• Adaptable: Takes the form and adaptations of a
previously-encountered creature (wings, many
arms, etc)
• Skilled: It gains another Quality (can choose
multiple times)
• Disciplined: It will follow your commands
intelligently.
The construct persists until it is destroyed or dismissed,
or until you conjure another.
Risk: The construct gains another cost.
Greater: You can make an additional choice.
Mirror Image
You conjure an illusory duplicate of yourself that
mimics your actions. This illusion counts as +1 Armor
against physical harm and cannot be Pierced, but can
be bypassed through Area attacks. You can only have
one mirror image at a time.
Risk: The illusion is flawed and can also be bypassed
with Piercing attacks.
Greater: The Mirror Image is only destroyed on a 1-2.
Invisibility
You or an ally you touch becomes undetectable by
sight for the scene or until they attack.
Risk: Either one creature can still see them clear as
day, or anyone scrutinous enough can still pierce the
illusion; the GM will say.
Greater: The effect gains the Ongoing tag, lasting for as
long as you maintain it, even while attacking.
Immunity (Ongoing)
Name one specific source of harm, such as burning,
cutting, lightning, poisonous gas, or mundane
projectiles; for as long as this spell is ongoing, you
are immune to harm from that source (as well as any
secondary effects; choking smoke, hypothermia, etc).
Risk: You gain +1 Armor against it but are not immune.
Greater: This effect also spreads to nearby allies.
Polymorph (Ongoing)
Your touch transforms a willing creature into another
mundane creature; work with the GM to determine
the strengths, adaptations, and major weaknesses of
the creature’s new form.
Risk: The creature’s mind will be altered too, or the
form has an unintended and unforeseen quality - the
GM will say.
Greater: The change can be made permanent,
although only one such permanent polymorph can
exist at a time.
Charm
A creature you touch is bewitched into treating you as
a trusted friend for about an hour, and they Favor you
for as long as the spell lasts. Once the spell ends, they
know full well the effects of your magic.
Risk: The entranced creature, though your friend, still
doesn’t Favor you deep down.
Greater: You may gain Advantage Ongoing towards
them while the spell is active, or have them not
remember the effects of your magic when the spell
ends.
Magic Missile (Ongoing)
You shoot forth bolts of pure magical energy. (Near,
Distinctive, Piercing). While this is Ongoing, you can Let
Fly by rolling+SPELL instead of +DEX.
Risk: The missiles aren’t Piercing.
Greater: Your missiles gain the Far and Forceful tags.
Spellblade (Ongoing)
You conjure a weapon of pure magic, describe it and
give it one or two range tags and Piercing.
Risk: The weapon’s magic is unstable, and doesn’t
have Piercing.
Greater: The weapon also has 2 traits from the
Signature Weapon enhancements.
Visions Through Time
As you cast this spell, you gaze into a reflective surface
to see into the depths of time. The GM will reveal the
details of an Ominous Force to you - a bleak event that
will come to pass without your intervention - as well as
something useful about how you could interfere with
the danger’s outcome.
Risk: You receive two pieces of information; one true,
the other false. The GM will not tell you which is which.
Greater: You and your allies gain advantage the first
time you try to influence the danger’s outcome.
Mind Meld
You form a telepathic bond with a creature you
touch, allowing you to share thoughts, emotions, and
memories. You can only maintain one such connection
at a time, and may dismiss it whenever you like.
Risk: When one of you suffers conditions so does the
other.
Greater: You can also share vision and other senses
through the link.
Forcecage (Ongoing)
A single foe is held in an unbreakable cage of
transparent magical force. While the spell is ongoing,
the caged creature cannot be harmed and can hear
your thoughts, and you cannot leave sight of the cage.
Risk: You cannot take action (besides dismissing the
forcecage) while the spell is ongoing.
Greater: The cage is large enough to encompass those
within a few paces of the target.
35
Game Master

36
Principles and Moves
The Game Master is an important role, and can
be a whole lot of fun! Most of your time will be
spent describing a situation to one or more
PCs, usually followed by “What do you do?”.
‘Fire!’ the Inquisitor shrieks, and a volley of arrows fly
towards you. What do you do?
The volcano explodes in fire as Mallum Bloodscale flies
out of it, smoke trailing from his scaled wings. He’s
heading straight towards the village. What do you do?
Your head sears in pain as the Gilded Empress starts
sifting through your memories, searching for one in
particular. What do you do?
After the PC’s answer, and moves are resolved,
you describe how the situation has changed.
Sometimes that includes what bad things
happened as a result of a previous roll or
action. This culminates in you presenting
the new situation to your players and again
asking ‘What do you do?’ Sometimes it’s to the
same player, and sometimes you switch the
perspective (spotlight) to a different player.
The GM is encouraged to follow the Principles
and Moves as much as possible when playing
the game. The Principles describe the mindset
to aim for when GMing this game, while the
Moves are specific types of consequences and
situations that might happen to the PC’s.
GM Principles
When describing situations and consequences,
the GM is encouraged to follow these:
• Encourage Exciting Risks
• Bring NPCs To Life
• Think Dangerously
• Leave Things Open
• Ask, Then Gloss Over the Boring Stuff
Encourage Exciting Risks means gently
pushing your players to do things that aren’t
quite safe, but are awesome or important
enough to try anyways. Often the best time
to do this is when players ask you questions
about the world or what they can do.
“The Jade Goliath is only weak to its own beam attack.
You’ll have to provoke one and redirect it back.”
Portray a Lively World means describing your
characters, environments, and actions in vivid,
dynamic language. A yeti doesn’t just swing its
claws, it roars, grabs its victim, and drags them
towards its frozen lair. The Acid Fens don’t just
bubble corrosively, the air burns your nostrils as
a cloud of colorful insects dart away.
Think Dangerously means don’t be afraid of
hurting or breaking things. This could be your
characters, or an important treasure, or the
Adventurers themselves. If the PCs manage to
kill Darthoridan the Eternal in the first session,
then great! What happens next? How does
that ripple across future events? Similarly, if the
Ranger fails to dodge a troll’s club, then they
tget harmed and might be knocked down.
Leave Things Open means that if the PC’s ask
questions, offer ideas, or hope that something
is a certain way, always consider the idea
before deciding. When you prepare your ideas,
make sure they are mutable and easy to adapt
to future ideas. This could be for the PCs ideas,
or your own future ones.
Ask, Then Gloss Over the Boring Stuff means
don’t go minute-by-minute. If the players are
taking a weeklong journey, maybe say ‘a week
passes and you get there’. If they are spending
some time buying stuff in town, just have them
spend their Wealth and move on. Always check
with your players before skipping forwards, as
it might not be boring for them or they may
have something exciting planned.
GM Moves
• Hit the Ground Running
• Inflict Conditions
• Throw Them Around
• Change the Environment
• Foreshadow an Ominous Force
• Set Up an Immediate Danger
• Make Them Choose
• Take Something Away
• Have It Backfire
• Sometimes, Give Them What They Want
• Introduce Something New
• Slow Down for a Bit
• Ask Them
As the GM, you ‘make a move’ to change the
situation when...
...the players look to you to see what happens
...the players ignore a clear threat
...the players roll a 6- on most moves
...a move results in being exposed, vulnerable,
or similar.
Often when in a scene you first make Soft
Moves. Describe the coming danger(s) to the
player and ask ‘What Do You Do?’ If the players
fail (or roll poorly when trying) to thwart the
soft move, then you make a Hard Move.
Hard moves are the irrevocable consequences
from a situation - damage dealt, broken gear,
dead allies, etc. Bad stuff happens on a hard
move, sometimes more than one!
After making a Hard Move, you might use that
to pivot into another Soft Move for the next
‘What Do You Do?’ ‘Hardness’ and ‘Softness’ of
a move are hugely situational, make sure to do
what feels appropriate within the fiction and
soft moves you already made.
37

Hit The Ground Running means jump straight
into the action. It’s typically used when
everyone looks to you to describe a new scene,
after some time has passed, or if they are
about to start a chase. Often this is used in
tandem with another move.
Inflict Conditions means just that, hurting
the Adventurers. This should never just be a
condition, always describe the damage in the
fiction as well. A poisoned blade might cause
nausea, or a dragon might rip someone’s arm
off. Conditions should be appropriate to the
situation, and be sure to telegraph severe
damage in advance.
Throw Them Around means things like
knocking them down, tying them up, tossing
them through a window, or, when appropriate,
pitching them off a cliff.
Change The Environment could mean
collapsing the tunnel around them, setting
the building on fire, magically teleporting
them. Maybe this is moving them to a new
environment, maybe it is altering or destroying
the existing one.
Foreshadow an Ominous Force means
describing the effect that an Ominous Force is
working towards, or has already accomplished.
Maybe it’s already happened, maybe the PCs
still have a chance to thwart it.
Set Up an Immediate Danger is often the most
common soft move. You describe something
about to happen right here and now, but
hasn’t happened yet. Can the PCs stop it?
Make Them Choose means putting your PC’s
desires in conflict. Do they want to save their
prized sword or protect their companion? Do
they attack the dragon’s lair or protect the king
from political assassination?
Take Something Away means it’s gone. Maybe
that something can be taken back, maybe it
can’t be. Either way, they’re going to miss it.
Have It Backfire means they did it in word and
deed, but not in spirit. The adventurers aren’t
incompetent, so this backfiring is likely due to
freak accident, unforeseeable consequence, or
the frightening power of an enemy.
Introduce Something New could be a new
challenger appearing, but it could also be
an ally, treasure, or new factor that changes
everything already going on.
Sometimes, Give Them What They Want
means that when you can’t think of any
interesting or appropriate consequences, or
when you feel they’ve earned it, just say yes.
Slow Down For a Bit means that sometimes
it’s nice to stop and smell the roses. Just
describe the area without threats, peaceful
towns, laughter-filled campfires, and friendly
faces. Maybe even give the PC’s the reigns for a
bit. These treasured times make the challenges
ahead more bearable.
Ask Them means asking a player a question
about the world and letting them answer
it. Surely the Druid can tell you about how
treants are born? Maybe the Thief knows about
the local thieves guild? This does not replace
Ponder or Examine, but can let a player answer
the result of such a roll. Try not to use this for
immediate situations (‘What do you see?’)
but instead for general world (“What does
Leonoth’s wizard familiar look like?”)
Play Order
GM Makes a Move
Hard or Soft, Following Principles, to set up the situation
End with ‘What Do You Do?’
Player(s) describe their response
What does it look like?
Is a move triggered? If so, is a roll involved?
If there is no move, go back to the top.
If there is no roll, follow the move then go back to the top.
If there is a roll, then roll what the move says.
They can Cooperate, Sabotage, and/or Push Themselves.
If the stat rolled has a condition, then they take -1 to the
roll but gain 1 XP.
Was a 10+ Rolled?
Follow the success results of the move, then return to top.
Was a 7-9 Rolled?
Follow the effect
Suffer choices or consequences given by the move
Return to top.
Was a 6- Rolled?
If the move says what happens, follow that.
If it doesn’t say anything, or says ‘In addition to what the
GM says’, then the GM makes a Hard Move
Return to top
Was a condition inflicted?
PCs and NPCs can absorb conditions from physical harm
using Armor from their worn items, as long as it isn’t
Piercing.
Some PCs might have an ability that provides Armor
against other sources of conditions.
Check if they Crumble
Return to top
38
The First Session
Getting Started
At the start of the first session everyone
should talk about the game, create characters
together, and ask questions to each other.
While the players create their PCs, you can
come up with ideas and ask them leading
questions to build an exciting shared starting
premise. See page 2 for more details on this
process.
Your PCs start off already knowing each other
and ready to adventure together. This allows
you to easily Hit the Ground Running when
you’re ready to start.
Then spend a few minutes creating what you
need for just this session. For a typical 3-4 hour
session with 1 hour already spent on previous
steps, this likely means a couple NPCs, some
notes on environments and obstacles, and
general ideas. Then open the scene in the
middle of the action, set a situation up for
one of the PCs specifically, and ask ‘What do
you do?’. This begins the conversation that is
Chasing Adventure.
Planning a Campaign
During or after a session, take notes on what
happened during it for you to refer to later.
Then spend some time, maybe hours or maybe
days, thinking about the session and coming
up with ideas for the future of the PCs.
When you feel ready, write down these ideas
freeform. Then, take them and structure them
into Ominous Forces (see the next page). Make
sure to Leave Things Open and not to expect
something specific from the PCs.
As The GM
You are not responsible for everyone’s fun.
This is a collaborative game, and everyone is
equally responsible for being mature, kind and
respectful of each other.
You are not the author. This is a shared
narrative, and if you go in with a ‘plot’ then the
game will make that difficult and not fun. Lean
into the unexpected, let yourself be surprised!
You are not infalliable, so don’t sweat the small
stuff. If you make a mistake, or have trouble
coming up with ideas, that’s okay. Feel free to
ask for help from your fellow players or others.
You are there to have fun too! Collaborative is a
two-way street, so feel free to inject your ideas
into the world or suggesting an idea to a PC
(after asking if they are okay with that).
Your NPCs are not the adventurers. They can be
awesome, some can be around frequently, but
their most memorable moments should be
how they interact with the PCs.
Leading Questions
When asking a question, prompt your PCs
imagination by adding your own ideas in the
form of evocative yet vague qualifiers and
adjectives (leads). This should help your PCs
give exciting answers quickly while still having
authority over what to say. Sometimes a PC
will give an answer that contradicts your initial
lead, that’s okay, follow that answer anyways as
they likely prefer it.
What weapon have you heard the Obsidian
Knight wields?
What terrifying weapon have you heard the
Obsidian Knight wields?
You can also add extra leads as a follow-up
question that you can ask alongside the first or
after it’s been answered.
What ancient, terrifying weapon have you
heard the Obsidian Knight wields? What
horrific fate is said to befall those slain with it?
Remember to encourage your PCs to ask you
questions in return. They likely won’t be as
leading, but it’s still great!
Here are some example questions, flavored
to each playbook, that will help build your
opening scene.
Example Session One Questions
These questions are a bit more open-ended
than usual, since they are intended to help the
PCs also build the starting scenario.
Barbarian - Which appetite do you pursue
here? How do you intend to sate it?
Bard - What rumor or legend is said about this
place?
Fighter – What dangerous enemy do you hope
to fight here?
Ranger – What important figure went missing
here recently?
Wizard – What dangerous magic is afoot?
Cleric – What are your deity’s enemies planning
here?
Immolator – What calamity previously
happened here?
Thief – What treasure are you here to acquire?
Paladin – What heinous criminal once took
refuge here?
Druid – How is nature here twisted and
corrupted?
39
Ominous Forces
There are a great many entities, organizations,
and more that seek to change the world for
the worse, perhaps even end it altogether. They
are all represented by Ominous Forces.
Ominous Forces is how the GM organizes
longer-term threats, dangers, or unwanted
change. They advance only when the PCs
Settle In. The PCs will likely be running around
trying to stop, delay or otherwise deal with the
Ominous Forces happening.
Ominous Forces can be almost anything, from
a naturally-spreading plague, an invading
army, an important person changing for the
worse. Always make an Ominous Force about
something the PC’s care about, so they’ll care
about its outcome. If your Fighter is a patriotic
soldier for his kingdom, maybe there’s a force
about it falling apart.
To Create an Ominous Force, answer the
following:
What terrible thing will ultimately happen if
the Adventurers don’t intervene?
Write that down as the Culmination.
What notable events will happen leading to
the Culmination? Write those down in order
below as the Advancement.
How much time will pass between each
event? Use the guidelines below to write the
numbers down next to each event. When the
number is reached, the corresponding event
happens.
1. quick to unfold, a singular act, the only
possible result of the previous event
2. takes some time to happen, moderately
complex acts, fairly obvious based on
previous event
3. takes a lot of time, series of intricate acts, Remember that If it’s only on Settle In or not.
implausible based on previous event Emphasize that if the players go off and do
4. takes ages to occur, bafflingly complex another thing without resting then come back
acts, absurdly unlikely based on previous to stop a non-immediate threat, then their
event reward is that not enough time has advanced
for it to advance.
What notable characters does this relate to?
Write them down here. This includes both PCs
and NPCs. Imminent Perils
An Imminent Peril is a version of an Ominous
What interesting questions can be explored Force that takes place over a short amount of
through this? Write the questions down time, maybe a single session. An Imminent
now. This could be how the PCs will act in a Peril may represent a quickly rising danger,
situation, or information they might discover or itself be a single event in an Ominous
through play. Force. You can create them like a normal
Ominous Force, except that instead of just
foreshadowing it as a GM move you can
Lastly, give it a snazzy title.
advance its events directly as well.
Managing Ominous Forces
Whenever the PC’s Settle In, advance each
Ominous Force by one. This rewards the PCs
attempts to accomplish as much as possible
before Settling In and resting.
If the PC’s have thwarted a force enough for its
events to no longer make sense, then do one of
two things:
• Adapt the force. Rewrite future events to
take the PC’s actions into account. The
force does not advance this time.
• Remove the Force entirely. If it doesn’t
make sense for the Culmination to happen
again, or if it’s no longer interesting, then
remove it.
Between sessions, go through each Ominous
Force, make sure it’s still relevant, and add or
remove Characters or Questions as you see fit.
You can also add more Ominous Forces if you
want to add more pressure to the PCs efforts.
40
Example Ominous Forces
If the Lord of the Rings was a Chasing
Adventure campaign, this might be how some
of its Ominous Forces were organized at the
start of each Lord of the Rings movie.
The Hunt for the One Ring
Culmination: Sauron regains his full power
Advancement
(0/1) The Nazgul are dispatched to hunt the One Ring.
(0/2) The Nazgul find the ringbearer, kill them, and take
the Ring.
(0/2) The Nazgul return to Mordor and present the Ring to
Sauron.
Notable Characters:
Frodo the Ringbearer Sam Gamgee
The Nazgul Gollum
Questions:
How long will it take for Frodo to be corrupted by the ring?
What will it take for Sam to abandon his friend?
How long can the PCs escape the pursuit of the Nazgul?
Will Gollum manage to take the Ring for himself?
The White Wizard
Culmination: The Kingdom of Rohan is destroyed
Advancement
(0/1) Saruman the White creates a superior breed of orc -
Uruk-hai.
(0/1) Grim Wormtongue, the king’s advisor, joins Saruman.
(0/2) King Theoden is enfeebled by magic.
(0/2) Outer towns and villages of Rohan are attacked by
orcs and incited Dunlendings.
(0/1) Eomer, the last hope of resistance against Saruman, is
banished from Rohan alongside those loyal to him.
(0/2) Saruman raises an Uruk-hai army to destroy Rohan.
(0/1) The Uruk-hai army swarms across Rohan and destroys
it utterly.
Notable Characters:
Saruman the White Gandalf the Grey/White
King Theoden Grima Wormtongue
Eomer
Questions:
Will the PCs be able to cleanse King Theoden of his
enfeeblement?
Who else sees Wormtongue for who he really is?
What vulnerability of his fortress is Saruman blind to?
How can the kingdom of Rohan defeat the Uruk-hai army?
The Siege of Gondor
Culmination: Minas Tirith is captured by Sauron’s forces
Advancement
(0/1) Osgiliath is attacked by orcs and Nazgul, Faramir and
his forces defend it with heavy casualties.
(0/1) More orcs attack from the river, and this time Faramir
is forced to retreat from Osgiliath.
(0/2) Sauron builds up his armies in Osgiliath and Mordor
(0/1) Faramir tries to retake Osgiliath, but is brutally
defeated
(0/1) Denethor, mad with grief, burns himself alive with his
son.
(0/1) Sauron’s armies assault Minas Tirith
(0/1) Gondor is defeated, and Minas Tirith taken.
Notable Characters:
Peregrin (Pippin) Took Gandalf the White
Captain Faramir The Witch King of Angmar
Denethor II, Steward of Gondor (0/3) The houses fall to infighting, bandits, starvation, or
Questions:
How will the PCs finally convince Denethor to light the
beacons of Gondor?
How can the Witch King be defeated?
Will Gandalf survive his confrontation with the Witch King?
What will Pippin do during his time in Gondor?
Additionally, here is a fully custom Ominous
Force about a more complex situation than is
present in the Lord of the Rings.
The Kingdom Crumbles
Culmination: The Kingdom Descends Into Lawless Anarchy
Advancement
(0/1) The Crown Prince dies in a tragic accident.
(0/1) Noble houses accuse each other even during the
funeral.
(0/2) The Queen’s heartbreak causes her to become terribly
sick. With no heir, the kingdom is at risk.
(0/2) The Queen passes away. The noble houses vye to take
the throne.
(0/2) A house war breaks out. Old grudges are unleashed
and new ones are forged. Alliances are frail as each house
works against all others.
(0/3)The houses armies are now in tatters due the fighting,
and they can barely protect their own borders. Bandits,
monsters, and worse now roam the kingdom openly. Each
settlement can only rely on itself.
each other. Most soldiers abandon their posts and join the
looting.
(0/1) The palace is burned to the ground, all treasures
stolen, and the last vestiges of order dies with it.
Notable Characters:
Hawke the Fighter Dalton the Soldier
Queen Margaret Baron Krauss
General Tallus Lady Fren
Questions:
Was the Prince’s death really an accident? Was the queen’s
really a sickness?
Will the PC’s vye for power themselves?
Which houses will try to ally with the PCs?
41
Additional Insight and Advice
Managing the Spotlight
The Spotlight’ refers to who the fiction is
focusing on in the moment - who is in the
camera and the focus of the scene. During a
fast-paced scene, managing it in a way that
feels fluid can be difficult. Consider moving the
spotlight to another player when the situation
changes in an interesting way, such as:
• After a PC does something awesome,
move the spotlight to another PC and ask
them how they take advantage of this
opportunity.
• After a PC gets into trouble, focus on
another PC and ask them how (or if) they
help them out of it.
Additionally, sometimes your PCs may be
clambering over each other to all speak or act
at once. Make sure to take your time with the
spotlight to make sure everyone, including
your NPCs, have their time in the spotlight.
Fictional Positioning
Fictional Positioning is a term that can
be summarized as ‘what makes sense to
potentially happen in the fiction’. It can usually
be simplified into two parts:
• How effective will it be if it goes well?
• How bad will it be if it goes wrong?
If either of these boil down to ‘nothing much’,
then a move shouldn’t trigger like it normally
would, as that would put the mechanics of the
move into conflict with the fiction (and the
fiction wins).
• Swinging a normal sword against a
dragon’s tougher-than-steel hide can’t
reasonably harm the dragon. Engage
doesn’t trigger, it just doesn’t work.
• Shooting someone with an arrow when
they are tied up, unconcious, and a few
feet away isn’t risky in any way, so Let Fly
doesn’t trigger. It just happens.
These are both examples of fictional
positioning in action. Of course, fictional
positioning can be changed by your GM moves
or by the PCs actions in the game.
• The Dragonbane Sabre can cut through
even the toughest dragon hide, so a PC
wielding it can Engage a dragon.
• Shooting a tied up, unconscious demon
is a whole ‘nother matter. Besides, are
demons ever really unconscious? It might
be a trick..roll to Let Fly.
When you Set Up an Immediate Danger,
usually in the middle of a fight, you are
establishing the fictional position of the PCs -
how bad it will be if it goes wrong.
Offering Interesting Costs and Choices
Costs and choices are a core part of Chasing
Adventure; when a PC Pushes Themselves they
pay the cost of a condition for the benefit of
Advantage. Over the course of the game, PCs
will pay costs and make choices both big and
small, obvious and subtle.
Coming up with Costs that are big enough to
hurt, while small enough to not feel punitive or
obvious takes practice. Every PC has different
priorities and thresholds for what costs, and
types of costs, they are willing to pay. Pay
attention and remember how they feel about
each cost.
The most interesting choice is one the PC
struggles to choose. Typically this happens
when two things they want (or don’t want, or a
mix of both) are put in front of them and they
have to select one. This is excellent potential
for dramatic character-defining moments and
memorable scenes.
Choices can be between two desires of the
same PC, or they can be between two separate
PC desires. Maybe the Paladin is making the
choice between saving his close Thief friend
from execution or or keeping to his lifelong
vow of Justice.
When coming up with a cost or choice, the
first thing that comes to mind is often the best
thing - don’t overthink it. You can also write
down some ideas for interesting costs and
choices between sessions.
On the rare occasion where a PC manages to
bypass a choice and get both things they want,
celebrate it!
Example Costs
Lose or destroy a weapon or possession
Inflict collateral damage
Suffer a condition
Lose favor with someone important
Assist an enemy with their goals
Make things more difficult in the long run
It takes a lot of time (when time is of essence)
You are separated from your allies
Fighting Dangerously
GMing in general takes time and practice to
become skilled at, and that includes managing
fights and threats.
Foreshadow threats before they occur. A
wizard doesn’t just suddenly cast fireball, they
start chanting eldritch tongues as flames
gather in their palms. A tower shouldn’t
unexpectedly collapse, it cracks, shudders,
42
groans and shakes first. Small threats might
not need much forewarning, but the larger a
threat is the more likely it is appropriate.
Portray NPCs believably. That ogre isn’t
just a ruthless killing machine, it’s probably
hunting for food or defending its territory. Most
creatures won’t fight mindlessly to the death,
but flee or surrender. If a creature is capable of
emotions, imbue its actions with the emotions
its feeling. If it isn’t capable of emotion, then
portray its cold otherness instead.
When appropriate, hit hard. PCs are made
to be easy to hurt but tough to kill, the
Crumble move is designed so that a PC can
only really die when their player allows it.
When a PC faces off against a foe established
as dangerous, it detracts from the fiction if
they don’t actually do anything dangerous.
Instead of just vanishing like a normal ghost,
the legendary Shadow Thief might first slip
an etheral dagger between your ribs with one
hand while picking your pocket with the other.
Don’t wait for the PCs to act. While a 6- roll is
the most obvious time to make a GM move,
the most frequent opportunity is usually when
the players look to you to see what happens.
Additionally, if the PCs ignore a clear threat
then you should follow through on that threat
even if neither of the above happen.
Difficulty sometimes means more rolls.
Particularly dangerous acts might first require
dealing with multiple hazards to get into the
appropriate position. Charging an archer to
Engage them may require first dealing with
the arrows they fire at you. Getting under a
dragon might mean getting through both
their flame breath and their claws. When
someone Defys a danger like this, be clear on
what they do and don’t Defy. Once a threat
is dealt with by a PC, it is usually assumed to
remain dealt with until the situation changes.
When No Move Fits
Sometimes a PC does something risky without
obviously triggering a move.
Pleaing before the tyrant Queen without using
favor, payment, promises or threats does not
trigger Compel.
without having an intimate or prying
conversation with them does not trigger
Scrutinize.
Stabbing someone from the shadows is not
engaging someone ‘openly’, so it’s does not
trigger Engage.
When situations like these occur, you have two
recourses:
• If this is something particularly risky, then
have them Defy the dangers that would
come with failing. Even if they succeed, it
just means nothing bad happened, they
still might not get exactly what they want.
• Make a GM move or two in the form of just
saying what happens, since everyone is
likely looking to you anyways to find out.
Not all moves are bad for the PCs, maybe it
makes the most sense to ‘Sometimes, Give
Them What They Want’.
In both situations, there are fewer limits on
the stakes and consequences; anything could
happen!
Running a Chase
Chases are a core part of many stories,
especially action, but they can come in a few
different forms:
1. Most chases take place over a short
amount of time with high tension. See the
Fast and Furious, the opening of Men in
Black, and many more.
2. Some chases take place over a long time
and/or distance. For example, near the
beginning of the Lord of the Rings, part of
the fellowship are chasing a group of uruk-
hai that captured their friends.
3. Some chases can be low tension, without
much in terms of stakes or danger. The
chase at the start of Aladdin is used to
introduce the titular character, but he’s
never.
Chases aren’t so different from any other
scenes. You still describe the situation, make
moves as appropriate, and often end with
‘what do you do?’. Additionally, the PCs still
have access to all of their normal Adventure,
Peripheral and Playbook moves. They aren’t
restricted to just the Chase Moves. That said,
if a PC acts intending to gain an advantage in
the chase, then they’re usually trying to Gain
the Edge over a normally appicable move.
More Resources
These have been written for different games
that require a similar mindset and practices to
Chasing Adventure.
• Beginner’s Guide to Dungeon World -
http://eotvrpg.ru/gallery/dungeon_world_
guide_pdf_version_1_2.pdf
• Jeremy Strandberg’s Framework for GMing
Dungeon World - https://spoutinglore.
blogspot.com/2020/01/my-framework-for-
gming-dungeon-world.html
• Magpie Games’ Picking the Right GM
Move - https://www.magpiegames.
com/2016/03/17/picking-the-right-gm-
move-in-pbta-part-one/
• Apocalypse World: Crossing the Line -
https://mightyatom.blogspot.com/2010/10/
apocalypse-world-crossing-line.html
43
NPCs
NPCs are the primary method that you as a
GM will interact with the PCs and contribute to
the narrative. NPCs do not have stats like a PC
does, they don’t roll to act, you simply say what
they do as part of making a GM move.
When making an NPC, write their name down
either first or last. Feel free to ask the PCs for
ideas as well. Then below the name, write the
following down.
Then write down a brief description of them,
usually a single sentence, that summarizes
them.
While there are assuredly creatures in all
worlds that don’t have a strong desire, they
tend to stay in the background of the narrative.
Therefore, the core thing that makes an NPC
interesting is their Want. What is their instinct,
drive, ideal or longing? This is the core that
drives them to do what they do, and will
inform how they act in the moment.
The next thing that brings an NPC to life is
their list of Methods. What do they do that is
especially notable or compelling? Write them
down in a list, usually 2-4. During the game you
can refer to this list for how they will pursue
their Want, and use them to frame your GM
moves.
Since NPCs don’t roll, they don’t suffer ongoing
penalties for Conditions, so it acts more like
hit points for them. If your NPC is not a skilled
combatant, then that’s usually all you need.
They would just be defeated when they take
1 Condition. However, if they are formidable
in combat then they would need to take 3
Conditions, modified by How tough they are
(see NPC Creation on the right).
When time passes, such as when the PCs
Settle In, feel free to restore some conditions to
your wounded (but still alive) NPCs if it makes
sense to.
Unlike PCs (usually), some NPCs can inflict
multiple conditions at a time when they inflict
harm. Write down how many conditions they
inflict on an attack, as well as any special tags
or properties they might have.
Armor for NPCs works the same way as it does
for PCs - it protects from physical harm. NPCs
rarely suffer conditions any other way.
Multiple NPCs
When fighting a group of creatures, instead of
tracking each one individually, treat the whole
group as a single stronger monster. When
multiple NPCs fight together, treat them as
one NPC using Group or Horde toughness.
When a group of different NPCs fight
together, count the highest stat among them
(Conditions, Armor, Tags, etc) as the group’s
stat.
When a group or horde of creatures all hurt
the same person together, they inflict +1
(group) or +2 (horde) conditions.
NPC Creation
1. What’s Their Name?
If you’re not sure then come back to this
later, or ask the PCs.
2. Who Are They? What Do They Look Like?
Write this freeform summary down under
their name.
3. What do they want?
Write this down by starting with ‘Wants...’
4. What notable things can they do?
Write each Method down separately. In
play, refer to this if you’re not sure how to
describe a certain GM move.
5. Can they fight?
If not, they’re usually defeated when they
take 1 condition, and you’re done.
If so, then start with 3 conditions and
continue onward.
6. How tough are they?
- Fight as a Group (3-6): -1 conditions alone,
+2 conditions in a group
- Fight as a Horde (7-20): -2 conditions
alone, +1 conditions in a group, +3
conditions in a horde
- Particularly tough in a fight: +1 condition
- Central to an Ominous Force: +1 condition
7. How harmful are they?
- Can tear or bypass armor: Piercing
- Particularly deadly in a fight: +1 Condition
inflicted. Write it down as ‘Inflicts 2’.
- Can hurt multiple targets at once: Area
- Have unrelenting strength: Forceful
- Fight in a unique or loud way: Distinctive
- Can easily tear things apart: Messy
- Inflicts harm in a unique way: Another tag
that seems appropriate (see Page 9)
8. How well protected are they?
- Cloth or flesh: 0 Armor
- Leathers or chainmail: 1 Armor
- Plate or bone: 2 Armor
- Defensive skills, magic, or special traits: +1
Armor 44
Example NPCs
Wealthy Merchant
Used to letting her wealth do the talking for
her, she is nevertheless a skilled haggler and
can spot a good deal from a mile way.
Wants to grow her fortune.
• understand something’s value at a glance
• offer beneficial bribes or deals
• hire someone to handle something
The King of Knives
Having long ago learned the cost of mercy, he
built his struggling nation into a hegemony.
Wants to ruthlessly enforce his will.
• Obtain and use secrets and leverage
• Convince with his silver tongue
• Employ use of elite assassins
Grizzly Bear
Filled with territorial rage, this enormous
beast will devour anyone it encounters.
Wants to kill and devour
3 Conditions, 0 Armor
Teeth and Claws (Forceful, Piercing, Messy)
• unleash a terrifying roar
• climb a large tree
• chase any who run
Death Knight
Once a champion of justice, this fallen warrior
now serves darker masters for selfish goals.
Wants to bring death and destruction
4 Conditions, 3 Armor
Cursed greatsword (Inflicts 2, Forceful)
• unleash dark magic
• raise an undead slave
Goblin Horde Example Wants
Nasty creatures that hide in caves, attack
passersby, and pull vicious tricks. Wants revenge no matter the cost
Wants to cause pain and laugh at it Wants money, and lots of it
6/4/1 Conditions, 1 Armor Wants true freedom
Rusty knives and ragged bows
Wants to fight for the clan
• Steal or destroy things
• Rapidly retreat through tiny crevaces Wants a glorious death
Wants to take to the skies
Shadow Thief
Wants to rebuild a broken relationship
The spirit of a legendary outlaw who died long
ago in a betrayal even they have forgotten. Wants to spread the word of their god
Wants to steal treasure from the living Wants to learn more about the world
4 Conditions, 1 Armor
Wants to destroy all magic
Ethereal knives (Piercing)
• Pass through solid matter
• Vanish into mist Example Methods
Take a hostage
Primordial Dragon
When her wrath is inflamed, she has burned Leave a trail of destruction
entire empires to ashes. Summon unearthly horrors
Wants to destroy all who enrage her.
Set things ablaze
5 Conditions, 3 Armor
Enormous teeth and claws (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Teleport short distances
Forceful, Messy) Change faces
Incinerating fire (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Fiery, Area)
Offer a blessing, with great cost
• Summon natural disasters
• Devour someone whole Reveal another backup plan
• Demand extreme tribute Devour metal
Enchant someone via touch
The Solemn
These elite guards wear masks of sandstone. Dive from the skies
Wants to judge and execute the law. Hide in unexpected places
4/4 Conditions, 1 Armor Burrow to safety
Dual Scimitars (1 Condition)
Possess the weakminded
• Unleash a display of psychic power
• Detect a lie Make a binding deal
Lunge with terrifying speed
45
GM Reference
Play Order
GM Makes a Move
Hard or Soft, Following Principles, to set up the situation
End with ‘What Do You Do?’
Player(s) describe their response
What does it look like?
Is a move triggered? If so, is a roll involved?
If there is no move, go back to the top.
If there is no roll, follow the move then go back to the top.
If there is a roll, then roll what the move says.
They can Cooperate, Sabotage, and/or Push Themselves.
If the stat rolled has a condition, then they take -1 to the
roll but gain 1 XP.
Was a 10+ Rolled?
Follow the success results of the move, then return to top.
Was a 7-9 Rolled?
Follow the effect
Suffer choices or consequences given by the move
Return to top.
Was a 6- Rolled?
If the move says what happens, follow that.
If it doesn’t say anything, or says ‘In addition to what the
GM says’, then the GM makes a Hard Move
Return to top
Was a condition inflicted?
PCs and NPCs can absorb conditions from physical harm
using Armor from their worn items, as long as it isn’t
Piercing.
Some PCs might have an ability that provides Armor
against other sources of conditions.
Check if they Crumble
Return to top
Principles + Moves
Principles
• Encourage Exciting Risks
• Bring NPCs To Life
• Think Dangerously
• Leave Things Open
• Ask, Then Gloss Over the Boring Stuff
Moves
• Hit the Ground Running
• Inflict Conditions
• Throw Them Around
• Change the Environment
• Foreshadow an Ominous Force
• Set Up an Immediate Danger
• Make Them Choose
• Take Something Away
• Have It Backfire
• Sometimes, Give Them What They Want
• Introduce Something New
• Slow Down for a Bit
• Ask Them
Multiple NPCs
When fighting a group of creatures, instead of
tracking each one individually, treat the whole
group as a single stronger monster. When
multiple NPCs fight together, treat them as
one NPC using Group or Horde toughness.
When a group of different NPCs fight
together, count the highest stat among them
(Conditions, Armor, Tags, etc) as the group’s
stat.
When a group or horde of creatures all hurt
the same person together, they inflict +1
(group) or +2 (horde) conditions.
NPC Creation
1. What’s Their Name?
2. Who Are They? What Do They Look Like?
Write this freeform summary down under
their name.
3. What do they want?
Write this down by starting with ‘Wants...’
4. What notable things can they do?
Write each Method down separately. In
play, refer to this if you’re not sure how to
describe a certain GM move.
5. Can they fight?
If not, they’re usually defeated when they
take 1 condition, and you’re done.
If so, then start with 3 conditions and
continue onward.
6. How tough are they?
- Fight as a Group (3-6): -1 conditions alone,
+2 conditions in a group
- Fight as a Horde (7-20): -2 conditions
alone, +1 conditions in a group, +3
conditions in a horde
- Particularly tough in a fight: +1 condition
- Central to an Ominous Force: +1 condition
7. How harmful are they?
- Can tear or bypass armor: Piercing
- Particularly deadly in a fight: +1 Condition
inflicted. Write it down as ‘Inflicts 2’.
- Can hurt multiple targets at once: Area
- Have unrelenting strength: Forceful
- Fight in a unique or loud way: Distinctive
- Can easily tear things apart: Messy
- Inflicts harm in a unique way: Another tag
that seems appropriate (see Page 9)
8. How well protected are they?
- Cloth or flesh: 0 Armor
- Leathers or chainmail: 1 Armor
- Plate or bone: 2 Armor
- Defensive skills, magic, or special traits: +1
Armor
46
Example NPCs
Wealthy Merchant
Used to letting her wealth do the talking for
her, she is nevertheless a skilled haggler and
can spot a good deal from a mile way.
Wants to grow her fortune.
• understand something’s value at a glance
• offer beneficial bribes or deals
• hire someone to handle something
The King of Knives
Having long ago learned the cost of mercy, he
built his struggling nation into a hegemony.
Wants to ruthlessly enforce his will.
• Obtain and use secrets and leverage
• Convince with his silver tongue
• Employ use of elite assassins
Grizzly Bear
Filled with territorial rage, this enormous
beast will devour anyone it encounters.
Wants to kill and devour
3 Conditions, 0 Armor
Teeth and Claws (Forceful, Piercing, Messy)
• unleash a terrifying roar
• climb a large tree
• chase any who run
Death Knight
Once a champion of justice, this fallen warrior
now serves darker masters for selfish goals.
Wants to bring death and destruction
4 Conditions, 3 Armor
Cursed greatsword (Inflicts 2, Forceful)
• unleash dark magic
• raise an undead slave
Example Wants
Goblin Horde
Wants revenge no matter the cost
Nasty creatures that hide in caves, attack
passersby, and pull vicious tricks. Wants money, and lots of it
Wants to cause pain and laugh at it Wants true freedom
6/4/1 Conditions, 1 Armor
Wants to fight for the clan
Rusty knives and ragged bows
• Steal or destroy things Wants a glorious death
• Rapidly retreat through tiny crevaces Wants to take to the skies
Wants to rebuild a broken relationship
Shadow Thief
Wants to spread the word of their god
The spirit of a legendary outlaw who died long
ago in a betrayal even they have forgotten. Wants to learn more about the world
Wants to steal treasure from the living Wants to destroy all magic
4 Conditions, 1 Armor
Ethereal knives (Piercing)
• Pass through solid matter Example Methods
• Vanish into mist Take a hostage
Leave a trail of destruction
Primordial Dragon
When her wrath is inflamed, she has burned Summon unearthly horrors
entire empires to ashes. Set things ablaze
Wants to destroy all who enrage her.
Teleport short distances
5 Conditions, 3 Armor
Enormous teeth and claws (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Change faces
Forceful, Messy) Offer a blessing, with great cost
Incinerating fire (Inflicts 2, Piercing, Fiery, Area)
Reveal another backup plan
• Summon natural disasters
• Devour someone whole Devour metal
• Demand extreme tribute Enchant someone via touch
Dive from the skies
The Solemn
These elite guards wear masks of sandstone. Hide in unexpected places
Wants to judge and execute the law. Burrow to safety
4/4 Conditions, 1 Armor Possess the weakminded
Dual Scimitars (1 Condition)
Make a binding deal
• Unleash a display of psychic power
• Detect a lie Lunge with terrifying speed
47
Change Log
Version 0.8
• Started Change Log
• Ensured Table of Contents is interactable
• Reworded Pipeleaf, increased Wealth cost
• Reduced the effect of healing potion
• Rearranged page so Tags section is before
Items
• Reworked example Items
• Removed mistaken text under Play Order
that says the PCs gain XP on a 6-
• Slightly reworded NPC creation rules,
ensured that all example NPCs followed
the latest version of those rules
• Slightly reworded Ponder and Examine,
added example questions to them both
• Reworked Assets, removed some of the
more boring ones, added more depth to a
few of them.
• Created Optional Rules section.
• Created Handling PvP section.
• Added Refuse to the Favor moves.
• Reworded Crumble to ‘when you mark
your last condition (other than armor)’
instead of ‘when you mark your fifth
condition’.
• Changed conditions to cause disadvantage
with that stat instead of a -1 penalty to it.
• Added Avalanche move for environmental
chases!
• Greatly expanded GM section
• Added Advanced Play section
Credits Influences
Chasing Adventure is distributed under a Stars Without Number by Kevin Crawford
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0
International license. Blades in the Dark by John Harper
Dungeon World by Sage Latorra and Adam
Thanks To
Koebel
My amazing wife, Marisssa, without her
support and feedback this game would be half Apocalype World by D. Vincent Baker and
of what it is.
Meguey Baker
The original testers, Rick and Dominic. We Worlds of Adventure by Yoghai Gal and
started with a hack and ended up here. Cameron Burns
Playtesters Jordan, Gabriel and Indigo Oneshot World by Yochai Gal
Stonetop by Jeremy Strandberg
The Dungeon World Discord and Subreddit
Masks by Magpie Games
communities, whose feedback and insight
have been invaluable.
Urban Shadows by Magpie Games
Reddit users lichkicker1, the_imagesmith and
DaftPrince for creating a few of the example
magic items.
Most importantly, thank you to Jesus Christ,
my God and savior. Thank you for dying for my
sake, for forgiving my sins and saving my life.
Thank you for making me a better person.
48