THE HARBINGERS

ROLEPLAYING GAME

A Free-Form Open Roleplaying Game System

Usable In Any Setting
 CREDITS
THE HARBINGERS ROLEPLAYING GAME

10th Edition – Version 1.0

© 2001-2021 Jansan Korbril & The Harbingers Development Team

All rights reserved. Original material (systems, characters, etc.) is copyright Jansan Korbril & The Harbingers
Development Team.

Copying or plagiarizing original material is against the law.

All existing copyrighted and/or non-original products, companies, or organizations mentioned within are not
contested for ownership in anyway and are included only for respectful reference.

This is a game and a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, places, or events, excluding
those mentioned only for reference and context, is purely coincidental.

This book is intended for mature audiences and for entertainment only.

AUTHORS/EDITORS
Samantha Asher, Justin Deeb, Jansan Korbril, R. Young

DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Samantha Asher, Justin Deeb, Eddie Fraguada, Jansan Korbril, Cyd Laluz, Victor Laluz, Cole Rawlins, David
Tapanes, R. Young

ARTWORK
Josh Deeb, Nick Parkinson, “Suechan”, David Tapanes, “Mori” W., Shade Williams

CONTRIBUTORS
Josh Deeb, Jenn Engle, Reagan "Gren" Haslam, Nick Parkinson, Brianna Stauffer

GAME TESTING
Josh Deeb, Justin Deeb, Jenn Engle, Eddie Fraguada, Reagan "Gren" Haslam, Jansan Korbril, Cyd Laluz,
Victor Laluz, Ashley Ogle, Jennifer A. Patti, Nick Parkinson, Cole Rawlins, John Shikiya, Brianna Stauffer, A. T.,
David Tapanes, Mori W., Shade Williams

SPECIAL THANKS
Keith Parkinson, Grant Pearsall, Darrell "Smooth Slayer" Stotz, Ryan Volker

&

All the creators, writers, designers, and artists that work on roleplaying games!
Keep on creating!
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE HARBINGERS ROLEPLAYING GAME

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Game Rules

Chapter 2 – Game Mastering

Chapter 3 – Character Creation

Chapter 4 – Characteristics

Chapter 5 – Equipment

Appendix

Glossary

Index
INTRODUCTION
 Introduction
WELCOME TO THE HARBINGERS
INTRODUCTION TO THE GAME
Welcome to The Harbingers Roleplaying Game. The
Harbingers Roleplaying Game is designed to give
people a chance to play a roleplaying game in a
variety of Settings by providing versatile rules and
game system options. Default Setting suggestions are
provided, but the only limit is the players’ imaginations.
Play in the world of a favorite video game, novel, or
movie. Create your own worlds and stories in any type
of genre or setting. The Harbingers Roleplaying Game
can be used for almost anything with very little
adaptation.
For those unfamiliar with the basics of roleplaying
games, they may wish to continue reading this
introduction as it may prove informative. Otherwise,
they can probably skip to the first chapter.
ROLEPLAYING BASICS
This section is designed for people who have never
played roleplaying games before. If they have played
others before, this will probably be all review and they
should just skip over these paragraphs.
Roleplaying games, or RPGs for short, are unique to
almost any other kind of game. Their content is almost
entirely the imagination of the game players. It is akin
to a book or movie in which the player has control – to
an even greater extent than a video game. Instead of
playing, reading, or watching a predefined character
and following what they decide to do, the player takes
the helm and makes their own character and dictates
what they do, with others playing their own
protagonists and one person narrating the story.
Role-play means to act out or play a role. A role is a
character assigned, or assumed. A character is a
person. Therefore, you essentially "play as" a different
person for the game. In other words, you control a
character.
Of course, this does not mean you run around and do
things your character does. Instead, you simply say in
words what your character does or says. The majority
of the people in the game will be Players who will
control a character.
The fictitious characters that Players role-play are
5
commonly called Player Characters, or PCs. In other
words, they play the protagonists of the story. But,
they are only one part of the equation.
Because the Players need to know the environment
and situation their characters are in, as well as a
person who help dictates the actions of people not
controlled by the Players (often referred to as NPCs,
or Non-Player Characters) another important player of
this game is needed. This person is considered the
narrator and the referee, and is called the Game
Master, or GM.
GMs control everything else in the world, except the
direct actions of the player characters. This role,
however, has more responsibility. In return, it is also
very fun and allows a broad base of creativity in
creating stories and plots. The Game Master is the
story teller for the characters.
In books and movies, the writer decides what happens
to the principle characters. In RPGs, the Characters
can attempt what they like, but success depends on
the character’s abilities and good old luck. Life is full of
chances, and just because someone tries to jump a
large gap in a bridge doesn’t automatically mean they
can make it.
This is where the rules come in. This book will instruct
Game Masters and Players alike in how to play The
Harbingers Roleplaying Game.
LIMITS & SAFETY TOOLS
Roleplaying intense scenarios based on adult content
or horror can be uncomfortable for some Players. It is
both the responsibility of the Game Master and fellow
Players to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable
while playing the game – after all, it's important
everyone has fun.
To promote this, it's important for Game Masters to
have conversations with Players one-on-one on
elements they shouldn't include. The Game Master
can then outline these rules for the table so every
Player is aware of subjects to avoid.
Another option are safety tools. There are a variety of
safety tools online: X-Card systems such as the one
developed by John Stavropoulos and Lines and Veils
style systems like those created by Emily Care Boss
 Introduction

and Ron Edwards. The very common Fade To Black is

also of great use for this.

X-Card like systems give a card with an X (and in

some variations, a card with an O as well). Players
can tap the X to indicate they would like to stop a
scene or skip past descriptive unpleasantness. The O
card, if employed, can indicate it's okay to continue.

Lines and Veils are set up at the start of the game.

Lines are hard-lines that Players or the Game Masters
don't want to reference at all – these could be
phobias, certain kinds of violence, or other extreme
scenarios. Veils are much the same, but are allowed
to be mentioned – just done in the background or not
in detail.

Fade To Black is a perfect way to deal with scenes of

torture, sexual activity, or extreme, disturbing violence.
Much like a movie, the figurative camera pans away or
the screen fades to block to imply the activities
occurred, but the details are spared, relying on implied
results. This allows for mature content without making
others uncomfortable.

SESSION ZERO
The concept of Session Zero in tabletop roleplaying
games is generally a prelude with the Game Master
and each Player. This can be on-on-one, in smaller
groups, or just a preliminary planning session for the
entire group. This is useful for a number of factors:

• Getting comfortable with playing.

• Bringing up any concerns or roleplaying limits.
• Establishing the Player's character.
• Tying the character into the Story.

The details of Session Zero can vary between different

groups and Game Masters, and Session Zeros are not
always necessary. However, they can be a great tool
for both the group and for the Story!

6
 Introduction

ROLEPLAYING GAME ESSENTIALS

SELECTING ROLES
Generally when playing a roleplaying game, one
person runs the game, and the others are the Players.
The game runner is called many different things in
different games. In The Harbingers Roleplaying
Game, the game runner is called the Game Master.
The Game Master is the narrator, referee, storyteller,
and owner of the characters not controlled by the
other game players. They have the last word in
disputes of rules and outcomes of actions.
The other participants, who create characters to play
in the story and the Setting, are called Players. The
gameplay is about them and their actions in the Game
Master’s plot.
SETTING THE STAGE
One of the most important things to decide on before
starting up any kind of roleplaying game is the Setting.
This includes the general state of the world or worlds
available, the levels of technology available, and any
important governments, organizations, people, or
places. The Game Master is the master of the Setting
and all of its inhabitants.
for all non-player character and providing the Players
the information needed to make decisions during the
game.
CHARACTER CREATION
For Players, creating a character is one of the first
steps towards being able to play a roleplaying game.
Player Characters are the main characters of the
game. All of the Players need their own character and
should use the character sheet available in the
Appendix. Get an idea of the character desired,
consider the Setting, and then develop the basics that
help describe the character. There are sample pre-
made characters later in the Appendix that Players
can take as-is or use as guidelines.
When creating a character from scratch, start with the
character’s personal appearance, information, and
background before doing anything else. After that, set
all of the game statistics for your character. To finish
up, you purchase equipment. More information on this
can be found in Chapter 3: Character Creation.

The Harbingers Roleplaying Game offers a variety of

sample Settings in the chapter on Game Mastering.
The Players and Game Master are free to use one of
the offered Settings as they see fit, or perhaps just use
the Harbingers rules for a completely different custom-
designed Setting.

STORY CREATION
Stories are the plot and key elements of the game
world that Players will experience. In different games,
the Story can be called anything from a campaign to a
plot. The Game Master is responsible for creating the
Story, and separating it into Chapters. Chapters are
often called adventures, missions, or quests in
different games, and are composed of Scenes (like a
show) and Encounters (critical time sensitive events).

How the Game Master wants to organize the Story

and Chapters largely depends on the overall arcing
story line and Setting. Game Masters are responsible

7
CHAPTER ONE
Game Rules
 Chapter 1
ROLEPLAYING GAME ESSENTIALS
GAMING MATERIALS
There are not many materials required to play a
roleplaying game. There is no expensive hardware to
buy - it's a game featured by imagination. What is
required for an average game of The Harbingers is as
follows:
• The Harbingers Roleplaying Game rule book
is the most important tool. This book provides
all the core rules needed for play.
• Character sheets, included with this book, are
ideal for keeping track of character
information. Each Player should have one with
their character’s information recorded on it –
digitally or physically. The Game Master
should have written materials for Non-Player
Characters prepared for the game ahead of
time and is responsible for keeping track of
them.
• Polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12) are
used to determine the results of actions in the
game. One is usually enough for each person,
but more is better. This is especially true for
the Game Master.
• Mobile devices, laptops, pencils, and/or pens
are useful for recording notes and adjusting
character information. In addition to the writing
instruments, scrap paper and graph paper are
great for note taking, maps, or pictures.
• A map with squares or hexagons marked on it
and markers/miniatures for PCs and NPCs
are helpful tools in Encounters and when
character placing may be important.
Roleplaying game maps can be bought or
made without much trouble. Character
miniatures could be anything, from board
game pieces, plastic soldiers, to pewter
miniatures. Virtual tabletops can also be used.
• The Game Master should have Story and
Chapter notes, as well as notes about the
NPCs involved in the current plot lines and
those Players may want to interact with. The
Game Master should have written materials
for NPCs prepared for the game ahead of
time.
9
GAME ROLES
There are two roles when playing The Harbingers
Roleplaying Game, just as with any roleplaying game.
They are the Players, who make their own characters
and play in the story. And the Game Master, who
controls the ebb and flow of the game, acting as
narrator, story teller, and rules arbiter.
Most people will be Players. There can be an infinite
number of Players, though it can get unwieldy with a
large group. The maximum amount usually
recommended is 6-8. 4-5 is generally considered an
average group size, but it can be played with 2-3 or
even 1-1 with one Player and one Game Master.
Generally only one person is the Game Master. Co-Op
Game Masters are possible, but not very common.
PLAYING ENVIRONMENT
Traditionally, roleplaying games are played with a
group of people face-to-face. Each player would have
various dice, the character sheets, the books, and
perhaps a small map for battles and for helping in
verbal descriptions of places and objects.
In the modern world, however, the internet is here to
make things a little easier. While gaming online and
gaming offline are slightly different experiences, online
gaming allows players who normally may not be able
to get together physically to play together via an online
gaming room.
The hardest part of this can be finding an acceptable
medium to play RPGs in. While you can use programs
like Google Meet or Discord, there are programs and
services explicitly for RPGS. They have a map, a chat
interface, and the ability to roll dice of various sides. A
fantastic example of a quality free web-based program
would be Roll20, which can be accessed at
www.roll20.net.
Whether your gaming group decides to play online or
offline doesn’t really matter. It is interesting to try it
both ways, but either way the rules still work.
 Chapter 1
SETTING & STORY
The Setting is the world in which the Players play and
the Game Masters create. Players and Game Masters
are welcome to use a popular Setting or create their
own. These rules in this book are flexible enough to
apply to almost any custom world. When creating or
choosing equipment for new characters, the details of
the Setting are very important.
Choosing the Setting also includes the Game Master
designing a narrative compromised of Stories and
Chapters. There are Setting examples in the Game
Mastering chapter of this book.
SCENES & ENCOUNTERS
Scenes are any series of continuous action or
interactions in a single area (no different than a
movie, game, show, play, etc), while Encounters refer
to tense or critical moments where every second
counts. A game session will be comprised of many
different Scenes for each Chapter, and Encounters
may be possible during certain Scenes.
For example, a daring exploration through a dark
temple would be a single Scene as a whole, while an
Encounter would occur should the group be trapped in
a room that is filling with water. Scenes and
Encounters are how the Story is told.
CREATING CHARACTERS
All the Players will need to make characters that fit
into the Setting and Story the Game Master is
creating. Each player gets one character, and will
control them and make all of their decisions.
The Game Master may outline some requirements or
limitations on character creation depending on the
kind of Story and Setting that the group is playing.
Make certain all of the characters fit into the overall
feel of the game, or it can cause conflict.
Later chapters walk through the exact process of
creating a character. As long as the character fits into
the game Setting, the only limit is imagination!
FLOW OF PLAY
The Game Master sets the stage for the game and
acts as storyteller and referee. The Players take their
characters through the Game Master’s Story, but
ultimately are the ones who write the path of the
protagonists. The game rules provided here help
10
answer questions of chance, skill, and luck.
Generally speaking, the Game Master orchestrates
the game by setting up Scenes for characters, starting
with an opening. The Game Master should have a plot
of some sort laid out as well. However, it is up to the
characters to drive that plot forward.
People very new to roleplaying games may be
confused as to what a typical session sounds and
looks like. An example of play is included below.
Example
The Game Master has set up an exciting Story of
cyberpunk intrigue for her Players. Their characters
are private contractors hired to help the government in
a major dying city that is losing control to corrupt
mega corporations.
The most recent Chapter has the government offering
a large sum of money to the Player characters to
infiltrate and gather information on highly illegal
genetic research being conducted by the BioTrend
Corporation. BioTrend is large, powerful, and holds
both political influence and the ability to buy off nearly
anyone.
The current Scene has the characters breaking into
one of the main labs of BioTrend. The team includes
Ego, a wisecracking gang member, Calvin, a talented
scientist, and Emily, an antagonistic bouncer.
Calvin joined as a scientific consultant to put his
scientific knowledge to good, rather than being a
pawn of the mega corporations. In regards to
BioTrend, he used to work for this particular
corporation and knows how insidious it is. For him,
this is also a personal mission, as he isn’t that
interested in money.
Ego joined up to make some quick cash and for the
adrenaline rush. While he likes his teammates, his
main interest in working with the government in the
first place was the thrill. The fact he would earn a
pardon for his previous criminal activity is a nice
bonus, too.
Emily has a bad temper and a violent streak. After
being fired from yet-another bouncer job for severely
injuring a customer, she decided to put her personal
flaws to work for her in a new career. The government
is desperate enough to overlook her transgressions.
 Chapter 1
GAME MASTER: Okay, the group sneaks down the
hall and into the far door, Ego first. Ego, the laboratory
seems empty. There are lab tables and computers all
along the far wall. The tables are covered with
intricate laboratory equipment that only really looks
familiar to Calvin. The floors and walls are pristine,
and there is no other way out other than the door you
came in.
EGO’S PLAYER: “I got you guys in. Calvin, what are
we looking for?” By the way, Ego has his submachine
gun out. Wish I had gotten a sound suppressor.
EMILY’S PLAYER: I’m going to stand guard by the
door. Watching and listening.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: Good idea, Emily. Okay, Ego and
I start searching the computers.
GAME MASTER: Looks like there isn’t too much
difference between them. Each one is password
protected.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: Well Calvin has some hacking
skills. He's going to take a crack at it.
GAME MASTER: Okay, you can make a Skill Roll with
your Skill. Difficulty is increased by +2 since you’re
working with next to nothing here, so you'll need a 7.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: And, let’s see what I roll here…. A
7!
GAME MASTER: Good enough, so you’re fine. Within
minutes, you find a hole in the security system.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: Excellent. I’m looking for the files
we need. I inform the others I’m in.
GAME MASTER: Emily, since you're actively on
watch, I'll need a Skill Roll.
EMILY’S PLAYER: It’s never that easy, is it? Here
goes. Nice! A 10.
GAME MASTER: That’s a Critical Success. You hear
some noise in the hall, and are able to steal a glance
unseen.
A security guard is approaching the doorway, in full
dull-blue ballistic security armor. The guard also has a
11
submachine gun.
EMILY’S PLAYER: I look over to the guys. “Trouble!”
Keeping quiet, Emily is going to prepare to jump the
target when they reach the door.
EGO’S PLAYER: I’m going to ready my own SMG.
Ego is locked and loaded. If her attack fails, I’m going
to open up, noise be damned.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: I’ll keep searching. We have to
get out of here quickly if this goes downhill.
GAME MASTER: Gotcha. Okay Emily, you crouch by
the door and get ready to clobber the guard. Time to
do some rolls.
EMILY’S PLAYER: Hope this works.
GAME MASTER: The guard pokes the submachine
gun through the doorway, peering through. Emily
reaches over and grabs the weapon, tugging forward.
The armored figure staggers in, caught off guard.
Emily, you can act.
EMILY’S PLAYER: Bonus. I spring up from a crouch
and send the guard an elbow to the face. I’m going for
a knockout blow. My Skill Roll total is 9.
GAME MASTER: Don't bother to roll Damage. The
guard never saw it coming. Looks like she's going for
a nap.
Emily smashes her elbow into the guard’s helmet,
cracking the face plate and sending it flying off. The
woman underneath the mask falls back and crashes
into the lab table nearby. She’s out like a light.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: Nice work!
GAME MASTER: Unfortunately, after she finishes
slumping to the ground, you hear the sound of running
footsteps. A lot of them. Encounter time.
EGO’S PLAYER: Uh-oh.
CALVIN’S PLAYER: You have to hold them off. I need
more time.
EMILY’S PLAYER: Roger that. Time to get this party
started.
 Chapter 1
CHARACTER STATISTICS
CHARACTERISTICS
Characters, both PCs and NPCs, need guidelines for
the game to determine state of being, natural abilities,
learned skills, and how they can react to certain
situations. For example, a super strong but
unintelligent person will have an excellent chance of
breaking a door down, but will likely flounder when
trying to answer a scientific question or figuring out a
puzzle.
The following section describes the elements of
characters in The Harbingers Roleplaying Game.
Collectively, these are called Characteristics and
cement in the rules what the character is in vision.
HEALTH
Health is a character's general well-being and
condition. Losing Health from injuries, accidents, or
fighting may cause the character to become
Incapacitated or even die.
Health starts at 10. Health also has a Threshold value,
which is 50% of the creature's Health, rounded down.
If a creature runs out of Health, they are Incapacitated.
If they run out of Threshold, they perish. Both restore
while resting, but Health is easier to restore than
Threshold by methods other than rest.
ABILITY
Ability is a character's stamina, focus, and vigor. Ability
is used to activate Techniques – the special, active
powers, abilities, or maneuvers a character has.
Characters have 10 Ability to start with. Ability, like
Health, is restored on rest.
SKILLS
Skills represent a collection of a character’s formal
and informal training as well as general aptitude and
natural gifts in certain fields. Skills can give
advantages in the sciences, combat, or a multitude of
other fields.
Skills make Skill Rolls easier. They allow a reroll when
making a Skill Roll, effectively making the roll 2d10
instead of 1d10, taking the better.
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TRAITS
Traits encompass specific positive and negative
features of a character. Traits can be special training,
inherent gifts, weaknesses to a species, or
supernatural gifts. There are many different kinds of
Traits, and it is easy to add more.
Traits that grant benefits are called Advantages. They
cost differing amounts of Experience, reflecting
training or a natural gift the character has. Advantages
can include things like uncanny luck, ambidexterity,
weapon specialization, superior strength, animal
magnetism, or a photographic memory.
Some Traits give Experience instead of costing it.
These are called Disadvantages. These Traits may be
a weakness, a personal challenge, or a physical or
mental condition the character lives with. The granted
Experience represents time dedicated elsewhere in
return or adapting to compensate for this Trait.
Examples of Disadvantages would include things like
a bad temper, addiction, missing limb, poor memory,
cowardice, common misfortune, or frailty.
TECHNIQUES
Techniques are a character’s repertoire of special
moves, abilities, or unique talents. These can include
things like magic spells, signature moves,
superhuman feats, or just displays of great skill.
Techniques are limited by Ability. Ability refreshes after
resting, and can also be restored by Traits or other
Techniques.
 Chapter 1
SKILL ROLLS
SKILL ROLL OVERVIEW
The Skill Roll is the core system for determining if
something a character does is successful in The
Harbingers Roleplaying Game. The Skill Roll is
essentially a die roll that represents the active party –
be it a character, the environment, or an object. The
Skill Roll can represent ability, luck, talent, training,
and a multitude of other factors.
Whenever outcome is uncertain, such as jumping
across a pit, striking someone with a weapon, or
convincing someone to see a point of view, a Skill Roll
is called for. Many actions do not have guaranteed
success, and this mechanic gives the game the
variable needed.
SKILL ROLL BASICS
To make a Skill Roll, the Player or GM uses a 1d10,
or, a ten-sided die. If an appropriate Skill is
possessed, an additional roll is granted. If more than
one Skill Roll die is rolled, the best result is kept.
Certain Traits, Conditions, Techniques, and equipment
may also affect this. A Success means the action was
completed as desired, and a Failure means the
desired outcome was not achieved.
Depending on the Skill Roll, the goal is to match or
beat the target Difficulty. Difficulty is a base of 5.
However, it can be modified by certain situations or
effects, such as Traits. The maximum Difficulty is 10,
and the minimum Difficulty is 1.
No matter the Difficulty, a roll of 1 is always a Failure
regardless of end result and a roll of 10 is always a
Success. Critical Failures and Critical Successes can
also occur, adding additional effects to the Skill Roll.
SKILL ROLL DIFFICULTY
All Skill Rolls have a Difficulty. Difficulty is the target
number of any Skill Roll. Certain situational events,
Traits, or other factors may modify the Difficulty. The
GM determines most situational effects.
The target number for Difficulty is base 5 on 1d10 –
when there is any question, or if a Technique or
situation doesn't dictate the Difficulty, it is always 5.
Difficulties can be modified, however. Difficulties lower
than 5 are scaled down in challenge, and Difficulties
above 5 scale up.
13
Difficulties are determined by the complexity of the
task, the current situation, and any other factors like
not having appropriate tools.
Examples of situations that could lower Difficulties:
• Task requires minimal/no skill
• High grade equipment/facilities
• Low risk or minimal/no danger
Examples of situations that could increase Difficulties:
• Task requires training/high skill
• Inferior/no equipment/facilities
• High risk/dangerous act
If a character meets or exceeds the Difficulty target in
a Skill Roll, they have succeeded in the attempted
action. If they fail, they were unsuccessful. Generally
the degree of success or failure doesn't have any
mechanical effect unless a Critical Success or Critical
Failure occurs, but can be used for narrative flavor.
Example
Clarice is trying to leap between two building rooftops
while being chased by corporate security. The GM
informs her the target is 6 – an increased Difficulty of
+1. Clarice's Athletics Skill gives her an extra d10.
Clarice rolls 2d10, getting an 6, and an 8. The 8 is
highest – and more than enough to make it to the
other rooftop. The GM tells her she manages to catch
the lip of the rooftop and haul herself over. She can
keep running!
Example
Lewis is cooking up a fancy meal for his fellow party
members while they are on the road chasing a bounty.
He has a Skill to help and a bonus from a high quality
skillet, which lowers the Difficulty by 1. Lewis' player
states he's cooking up some roast boar, and the GM
increases the Difficulty by +2 due to the recipe
complexity and limited kitchen – for a total of 7,
reduced to 6 by the skillet.
Lewis' Player rolls 2d10, getting a 6 and a 9. This is a
Success and it's a filling meal, but since he did so well
(but not a Critical Success) the GM adds a bit of
narrative flare stating that Lewis has cooked a
fantastic meal! Everyone gives Lewis a hearty thank
 Chapter 1
you after wolfing down the delicious food.
Example
Teresa is in an archery contest with Swordmistress
Iris. The Difficulty to hit the target on the outside is 6,
the middle is 7, the inside is 8, and the bullseye is 9.
Iris rolls a modified Skill Roll with an 8 – she
succeeded and hit the middle section of the target.
Teresa rolls and her best is a 7. She also succeeded,
but only hit the outside. Swordmistress Iris had the
better shot – she wins the contest.
Example
Carena is trying to ram her muscle car into Marco's
sports car. Given the high speed situation, the GM
sets the Difficulty at 7. Carena's Skill Roll is a total of 7
– that matches and succeeds! Carena's vehicle slams
into Marco and he loses control, spinning out and
slamming into a guard rail.
SKILL ROLL & SKILLS
Skills augment the amount of dice used in Skill Rolls.
By default, a single 1d10 is used in a Skill Roll.
However, applying an appropriate Skill allows a reroll,
and the best result of the two is applied.
In addition to this, however, certain Traits, Techniques,
and equipment can modify how Skill Rolls operate as
well. As an example, a Trait that grants another 1d10
roll for a Skill. Or perhaps a craftsman has a special
set of well-made tools that reduces Difficulty a in
related tasks by 1 when using them.
Remember that regardless of adjustments to the Skill
Roll, a 1 is always a Failure and a 10 is always a
Success. It is also much easier to get a Critical
Success and much harder to get a Critical Failure with
a high Skill.
Example
Mallack, the business tycoon, is trying to convince
another businessman to invest some money in his
corporation. Mallack needs to make a Skill Roll to do
so. Mallack is an expert in Persuasion, granting him
an addition 1d10 to all Skill Rolls where Persuasion
applies. Mallack is a very personable individual.
Mallack is also giving the presentation with charts and
a presentation with relevant facts. The GM informs
Mallack's Player that this gives Mallack an additional
bonus: reducing the Difficulty by 1.
This businessman is a hard one to convince, though
14
he's heard Mallack out since he's open-minded about
investments. The GM uses an extremely high
Difficulty as the base, an 8. This is reduced to 7
thanks to Mallack's preparations and visual aids.
Mallack lays out a convincing argument for investing
in his corporation during the visual-aid laden
presentation, and then the GM has him roll 2d10.
Mallack rolls a 4 and a 9. The 9 beats the 8 Difficulty.
The businessman is convinced!
Mallack is elated to hear that the businessman will
invest in Mallack’s company. They start hashing out a
contract.
SUCCESS/FAILURE
When a Skill Roll is successful, the attempted activity
is considered successful. The character makes the
jump, the axe hits, the computer is hacked, or the
engine is repaired.
When a Skill Roll is failed, the attempted activity is
considered a failure as well. They are detected while
sneaking, their shot goes wide, the car misses the
turn, or they fail to figure out the formula.
Success and Failure are often obvious. However,
when it isn't, the Game Master is the final determiner
of what exactly happens.
Players may try anything, but what ultimately results is
generally the call of the Game Master. Trying the
impossible and succeeding might not equal the
success envisioned, but it should be the “best case” of
what is actually possible.
OPPOSING SUCCESS/FAILURE
In some circumstances, it is possible for Skill Rolls to
be opposed by two active actors at the same time and
have both users succeed/fail. In this case, it is the
GM's decision what the exact effect is.
Example
Edgar and Matthew are participating in the Golden
Skillet cooking competition. Edgar is the better cook,
but Matthew is determined to beat him. Edgar makes
a Cooking Skill Roll with a final result of 9. Matthew
also makes a Skill Roll, getting a 9 as well.
Both dishes are submitted for the award. After the
judges deliberate, they conclude that it's impossible to
choose. In a rare tie, the Golden Skillet awards both
 Chapter 1
participants the cash prize value as per the rules.
Example
Venora the pirate is dueling with famed dwarven
privateer, Sir Canderwell. Bertrand, Venora's first
mate, has just dropped the treasure map and it rolls
between them. The GM has them both make Skill
Rolls. They both get a total of 8 – neither has beaten
the other, so they are both pulling on the map, causing
to tear neatly into two parts.
CRITICAL FAILURES AND
SUCCESSES
Skills Rolls can be done so perfectly well or fail so
completely that they become Critical Success or
Critical Failures. Critical Failures and Critical
Successes are there to represent that not every action
is just pass or fail.
Critical Successes and Critical Failures occur on 10's
and 1's. However, a Critical Failure cannot occur at all
if the character can only fail on a 1, and a Critical
Success cannot occur if the character can only
succeed on a 10. In those cases, the 1 and 10 are
normal Failures and Successes.
A Critical Success occurs when a 10 is rolled and is
not necessary for Success. Critical Successes are
always beneficial and include generally one notable
effect granted by the GM.
A Critical Failure occurs when a 1 is rolled and it is not
necessary for Failure. Critical Failures are always
detrimental and include generally one notable effect
granted by the GM.
Critical Successes means the normal success of the
Skill Roll is applied, but success was above and
beyond what was expected. Critical Failures are the
other side of that coin: in addition to failing, things go
very wrong. The exact details are completely left up to
the GM, allowing them complete narrative freedom,
but this book provides some common examples and
general parameters to use as a guide.
CRITICAL EFFECTS
A Critical Success and Critical Failure’s effects can
vary as the GM decides. The only limits are the GM's
imagination.
Example Success include knocking down an opponent
during an attack, completing a crafting project in half
15
the projected time, or intimidating someone so
successfully they let an additional unknown piece of
information slip. The degree of the effect can vary
based on the situation.
Example Failures include having a firearm jam,
dropping an item while failing to climb, or accidentally
using up extra supplies during a failed repair attempt.
The degree of the effect can vary based on the
situation.
Below are some examples. Additional examples can
be found in the Skills section and have more ideas for
GMs to consider.
Example
Natasha, a special operations agent, is trying to pick a
lock in a warehouse. Natasha is an expert in
lockpicking from her Skills. The lock is of average
quality and uses Base Difficulty (5), and her normal
tools provide no bonus.
Natasha rolls 2d10 for her Skill Roll. She gets a 9, and
a 10! That's a Critical Success as her highest is a 10!
The GM rules her time was cut in half, which is good
news, considering the watchman patrolling the docks
is just turning the corner.
Example
Torsen the spaceport officer is preparing to shoot
Yorla the smuggler with his laser pistol. He makes a
combat Skill Roll to attack and rolls a 10! This earns
him a Critical Success.
Torsen is a crackshot and got the jump, and Yorla is a
mediocre fighter. The GM rules that the laser shot
slices right through Yorla’s right eye and into the brain,
killing her outright and ending the fight.
Example
Johnny the street racer is trying to leap from a train
onto a sports car driven by his friend nearby. Johnny
is proficient in Athletic Skill Rolls giving him an extra
1d10. The GM determines that Johnny’s task is near
impossible and gives him a Difficulty of 9. Johnny is
going to have to get seriously lucky and roll a 9 or 10
to succeed.
Johnny bites the bullet and rolls 2d10. Johnny rolls
two 1s! Johnny is in serious trouble. That’s a Critical
Failure.
The GM rules that Johnny missed the car completely.
 Chapter 1
Johnny hits the ground rolling, reducing his Health to
0 and knocking him out. He also breaks his leg which
gives him a Condition increasing the Difficulty of all
Skill Rolls involving that leg until he gets the injury
treated.
OPPOSED CRITICALS
Sometimes opposed Critical can occur. This resolves
differently depending on the types of Criticals accrued.
If one participant has a Critical Success and the other
a Critical Failure, the effects will stack into a combined
effect. Something bad happens with the failure,
something good with the success. This is a dramatic
victory for the Critical Success roller, and a
catastrophic failure for the Critical Failure roller.
If both participants succeed with Critical Successes or
Critical Failures, it is a tie. Ties are up to GM
discretion.
Example
Dolores the gangster is getting ready to ambush a
police officer actively searching for her from his
position behind his open car door he's using for cover.
Trying to remain out of sight, she makes a Skill Roll to
sneak up and rolls a 10. The officer tries a Skill Roll to
discover Dolores' hiding place, rolling a 1.
That's a Critical Success and Critical Failure as those
were 1s and 10s. The GM states that not only does
the officer not notice Dolores, she can freely ambush
him without needing to roll a Skill Roll to attack. She
does so, firing a short burst from her Tommy Gun The
bullets tear into the officer's shoulder and arm as he
staggers back, completely off guard and badly
wounded!
Example
Olga the knight and Keisuke the samurai are facing off
on a roof, both trying to get the nearby Crown of
Stars. Neither able to score a win, they both make a
break and run for the crown.
The GM calls for Skill Rolls at Base Difficulty to
determine who acts first, and both roll a natural 10!
They both got a Critical Success!
With a Critical Success tie, the GM describes an epic
tug-of-war that essentially resolves in no progress:
Keisuke kicks the back of Olga's leg to drop her to one
knee, ripping the Crown from her hands before she
reaches a hand out to his leg and trips him, grabbing
16
at it again. They'll have to go at it again to see if there
is any progress either way.
Example
Allen is trying to outrun CJ through an alley. Both have
a 5 Difficulty. Allen and CJ both make a Skill Roll, and
both roll a 1, earning Critical Failures.
The GM describes both of the stumbling through the
alley: CJ hip-checks a dumpster by accident, and
stumbles, falling on her face. Luckily for her, Allen
slips some on something gross and slick and careens
into some trash cans outside an Italian restaurant,
landing a pile of old rotten food. As he struggles to get
up, CJ catches up to him, slips as well, and lands hard
on him. They both take 1 Damage.
They both got hurt, fell, and are flat on their backs in
this filthy alley. No one is technically on top, and both
failed.
ASSISTING OTHERS
If two or more people are assisting someone
attempting a Skill Roll, they may increase the chance
of success. Each person helping can attempt their
own Skill Roll and all Skill Rolls are made at the same
time – each applying their best value. As long as one
Success is rolled, the action is Successful.
As many people can help as would be useful in the
situation. In a case-by-case basis, the GM decides
how many cooks in the kitchen are too many. In
addition, while Critical Success chance can increase,
having a lot of untrained people bumbling around
could result in a better chance of Critical Failures.
Critical effects occur regardless of Success or Failure
of the task, meaning you can still succeed in making
the cake, but one of the cooks could come out with a
Critical Failure burned hand.
Example
Natalie the mechanic is working on a muscle car,
repairing a heavily damaged engine, an extraordinarily
difficult task with a Difficulty of 9. She is an expert in
an applicable Skill, so while she can roll 2d10, she
can only succeed on a 9 or 10.
However, Hugo, her fry-cook friend who is rather
handy, has stopped by to help. Hugo has some
mechanical experience as well, so he can also roll
2d10. Hugo can attempt to roll as well, also
succeeding on a 9 or 10. Even if Natalie fails, if Hugo
succeeds, the task is successful.
 Chapter 1
Example
Chan-ri, Renuka, and Zelig are setting up a bear trap.
It has a Difficulty of 5, nothing too special, but Chan-ri
wants to make sure it gets done.
Chan-ri rolls an 8, more than enough. However her
friends are still applying any effects from any potential
Critical Successes or Critical Failures.
Renuka gets a Critical Success on her Skill Roll with a
10. The GM states that Renuka's help makes the trap
especially difficult to spot in the underbrush (secretly
increasing the Difficulty to spot it).
Zelig however, rolls a 1 – that's a Critical Failure. The
trap was successful set, but the GM says that Zelig
cut his hand pretty badly during the setup and using it
will impose a +1 Difficulty on all tasks until they rest
and treat the wound.
SKILL ROLLS IN GAMEPLAY
There are no restrictions to attempted actions in The
Harbingers Roleplaying Game. Creative players will
think of plenty of things to do, and the GM must
determine what happens when that occurs.
However, some common example actions are
provided below. This list is by no means exhaustive.
The possibilities are endless.
AMBUSH
If a character attacks from a hidden position, or
attacks a character completely off-guard, they can
gain an upper hand. This is commonly used to
knockout or kill someone surprised and may gain a
bonus to Damage or outright eliminate the target at
GM discretion.
ATTACK
Attacking unarmed or with an object/weapon is a basic
combat Action, and is a common action taken in
games with heavy conflict. Weapons and objects have
their own Damage ratings, but basic unarmed
Damage is 1d4. Using a ranged weapon against an
adjacent target generally incurs a +1 Difficulty, while
reloading can cause an Interruption.
BARTER
In most Settings, bargaining or trying to persuade
merchants or clerks to grant a deal is something
Players may commonly attempt. While the GM may
decide the final price savings, a common result will
17
likely be about 10% off, with perhaps up to 50% off on
a Critical Success (or maybe they lucked out for a
special sale!).
BURGLARY
Burglary, breaking and entering, picking locks, and
disarming security measures or traps are common
activities, especially for characters who engage in
illegal activities. Successful Skill Rolls will disarm the
lock, trap, or alarm in question. Depending on the
quality of the security, it may take a Critical Failure or
a regular Failure to create a negative effect. In other
cases, it may just use up time – time for a security
guard to come around on their patrol or a camera to
pan back to them. In any case, a Critical Failure will
almost certainly create a disaster of some sort.
CRAFT
Creating items requires a Skill Roll, but it also requires
materials, tools, time, and sometimes special facilities.
It can takes minutes, hours, days, weeks, or more to
create an item depending on the type. Skill Rolls are
made for activity periods for lengthy projects (ex: a 2
hour session to cut and measure wood for building a
rowboat would be one Skill Roll). Failure can mean
minimal or no progress, while a Critical Failure could
result in used up materials or damaging/ruining parts
of the item.
DAMAGE OBJECT
This Action lets a character deal Damage to an item.
Striking a held item is as difficult as striking the
wielder, like a normal combat Skill Roll. Success
means Damage is done to the item, rather than the
possessor. The GM may determine one attack is
enough to break the object, or may require more than
one.
DETECT LIES/INTENT
Characters will require Skill Rolls to successful see
through deceit. In this case, the target Difficulty may
even be kept secret. If this fails, it is best for the GM to
say the character is unsure, rather than specify
anything specific – since the character is likely to
assume a failure on a low Skill Roll even if the target is
hidden, this may be too telling if intent is to be properly
shielded. Even on a success, it is unlikely a character
will learn specifics, but they can determine that
“something” is off or the target in question is shifty in
some manner.
DISARM
A disarm action is done with a normal combat Skill
 Chapter 1
Roll. On success, the target is disarmed, and the
attacker decides where the weapon ends up within a
reasonable distance, including at the attacker's feet.
DRIVE/PILOT/RIDE
Normally, assuming a character has the basic
operational knowledge, driving a vehicle or riding a
properly domesticated animal requires no Skill Roll. If
they are untrained and totally unfamiliar, the GM may
require a basic Skill Roll to understand basic
operation/how to get the animal to move. Outside of
that, a Skill Roll is generally only required when
attempting a complicated maneuver, a trick, racing, or
when chasing/fleeing someone or something.
ESCAPING/BREAKING FREE
Breaking a grapples or grabs, and wiggling out or
untying ropes and bonds is common in dangerous
Stories. A successful Skill Roll is normally necessary
to escape a grapple or a binding. Escaping from being
tied up or locked in chains in most cases will involve
multiple rounds or multiple Skill Rolls.
GRAB ITEM
To grab onto an item from an opponent or unwilling
source, a normal combat Skill Roll is made. If the
attacker succeeds, the item is grabbed. To actually
take it away from the user will require another Skill
Roll.
GRAPPLE/WRESTLE
To grapple, a combat Skill Roll must be made. If the
attacker succeeds, the defender can’t move until they
escape, but they can still do almost anything else.
KNOCKDOWN
This action represents an attempt to knockdown,
hinder, or otherwise off-balance a character. When a
character is knocked down, they cannot spend move
or benefit from an Interruption during an Encounter
until they spend an Action to get up.
KNOCKOUT
Sometimes characters will wish to pull their punches
and avoid killing someone in a fight. Most weapons
are capable of inflicting less-than-lethal wounds or
may be used to target non-critical areas. If reduced to
0 Health using a non-lethal approach, they fall
unconscious and no Damage will move into
Threshold.
PARLEY
Parley refers to any negotiations between two sides in
18
an issue – such as diffusing tensions, demanding
surrender, or other similar high stakes conversation. It
requires an Action and a Skill Roll during Scenes to
attempt parley. In any case, any attempt at
persuasion, intimidation, deception, or similar act is up
to the GM and will depend on the individuals involved
and the context of the conversation.
PERFORMANCE
Playing music, dancing, and other activities generally
do not require a Skill Roll for a trained individual.
When the quality is in question, or when a
performance is being evaluated or judged, a Skill Roll
might be called for. In this case, reaching the Base
Difficulty assumes a successful performance – to the
extent of the user's logical ability. Reaching an
expected level of quality may require a higher
Difficulty.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Running, climbing, jumping, swimming, and other
athletic or physical actions are common activities.
Simple ones do not require Skill Rolls, but if there is a
danger, extraordinary circumstance, or a competition –
a Skill Roll might be called for. In dangerous
situations, failing could result in Damage, negative
Conditions, or even in extreme circumstances: the
death of the character.
PIN/RESTRAIN
A pinned character must first be grappled, grabbed,
knocked down, or otherwise weakened. Once a
character is pinned, they cannot do anything except
try to escape.
Pinned characters can easily be bound with ropes,
chains, or handcuffs with another Action. If they are
actively resisting, another Skill Roll will be necessary
to apply the binding.
PUSH
Some characters may want to push, throw, tackle, or
knock back a target. A successful push attack with a
Skill Roll could knock a character away at the GM’s
discretion. This kind of action is especially useful for
knocking danger away or an enemy into a hazard.
RECALL KNOWLEDGE
Characters will often try to remember or recall
information. A successful Skill Roll should grant the
knowledge – as close to what the character could
possibly recall.
 Chapter 1
RESEARCH
Research is a common activity regardless of Setting –
be it the library, the internet, or asking around.
Researching via materials like books and computers is
more academic, but research by asking around relies
on social Skills. In either case, time spent and a
successful Skill Roll will generate information – if it
exists.
SEARCH
Characters will often want to search people, places,
and things. In this case, a Skill Roll will reveal most
common hidden people/objects. A successful search
might not reveal everything – some things might have
a higher Difficulty, and a character could find a hidden
letter in the desk while being blissfully unaware of the
secret latch or trap door by the fireplace.
SOLVE PUZZLE
Players are not their characters – if a character is
extremely good at puzzle solving, it's not unfair for
Players to want their characters to try to figure it out
based on the character's experience and knowledge.
Even if getting the answer is not possible, if the
Difficulty is met, the character should get a hint or
clue.
SOCIALIZE
Small talk doesn't require any Skill Rolls, and most
conversations do not require a Skill Roll. But
sometimes socialization has a goal – commonly,
making a better impression or securing a connection
with a person or creature. In this case, a successful
Skill Roll (usually around a Skill like Persuasion) will
make that impact.
SNEAKING/HIDING/STEALTH
Characters may wish to hide or sneak to avoid
detection. A successful Skill Roll will give them their
goal provided the environment allows it. However,
even if successful against some people, others may
still notice them. However, a failure to meet the set
Difficulty of the circumstance assures that even if the
character thinks they are hidden, they are not.
19
STEAL
Characters may attempt to steal from people or
establishments. Success of the Skill Roll ensures the
object is obtained or secured without detection. In
some cases, it is possible the theft will be partially
successful – some characters may be more observant
and notice the theft while others remain ignorant. The
price of failure will vary significantly depending on who
catches them and the context of the situation.
TAKE COVER
Characters subjected to bombardments and ranged
threat, from volcanic rock, to gunfire, to explosions will
often want to take cover. Generically, taking cover will
provide a +1 Difficulty and reduce Difficulty by 1 to
mitigate ranged threats and assist in avoiding
damage. Unfortunately, being immobile behind cover
can make one vulnerable, and dangers or close range
attacks from an unprotected side flips the result –
attackers have Difficulty reduced by 1, and any active
evasion has its Difficulty increased by 1.
TARGETTED STRIKE
Sometimes characters will want to attack specific parts
of a character for a penalty. Normally this will just
mean if they hit, they hit the specific area for damage
and nothing unique happens (a head shot is a scraped
cheek if the Damage is low).
It is up to the Game Master if targeting a certain
creature/object grants any real additional bonus due to
circumstance. If that is the case, a modest penalty can
be applied to the attack equivalent to the positive
effect such a targeted attack would make.
 Chapter 1

Skill Roll Difficulties

DIFFICULTY DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES
-2 (3) Simple Making an easy throw, jumping a small gap, disarming a rudimentary trap
-1 (4) Easy Solving a puzzle with ample hints, fixing a simply designed machine
5 Average (Default) Searching a room, tackling someone, making repairs, most normal actions
+1 (6) Hard Fixing a car in the dark, swimming in choppy waters
+2 (7) Extreme Creating an antidote for a deadly poison, disarming an custom bomb

20
Chapter 1

21
 Chapter 1
ENCOUNTERS
ENCOUNTERS OVERVIEW
Sometimes, such as during a crisis, chase, or fight, an
Encounter is used to stage action better. Encounters
are composed of several steps, called Turns and
Rounds. Each Round, every character gets a Turn.
This lets everyone act in a time-sensitive or action-
packed sequence. As mentioned, this is used for
chase scenes, physical conflicts, races, working under
a time limit, or other similar scenarios.
The basics of an Encounter are below:
1. DETERMINE TURN ORDER
Unless Traits or Techniques dictate otherwise, every
character rolls Encounter Order (1d10) which
determines who gets their Turns in what order they act
in a given Round, highest to lowest. In the case of ties,
the GM picks the order. This order does not normally
change and remains for the Encounter.
2. CHARACTERS TAKE ACTION
Characters take Turns in order. Characters can
perform any activities with their Action. Effects that
characters are under take effect or resolve at the end
of their Turn.
3. ROUND IS RESOLVED
Make sure everyone has gone, any Health loss or
Ability usage has been checked, and items used have
been deducted. Start a new Round after any end of
Round effects taking place as needed.
ENCOUNTER ORDER
An Encounter Order roll utilizes 1d10 and shows at
which place the character will act, with the highest
number going first. Certain Traits or Techniques can
alter this.
In the case of a tie, the GM determines which
character goes first based on the scenario. If
uncertain, GMs are welcome to default to PCs first.
In certain situations, especially with larger groups of
characters or in groups with a massive amount of
participants it may make more sense to determine
Encounter Order by group. In this case, one
Encounter Order roll is made for the group.
22
ROUNDS AND TURNS
A Round is defined as the time period in which all of
the characters are performing actions at (roughly) the
same time. The exact duration can vary, but lasts long
enough for all characters to perform one significant
Action. The Turn order of a character in an Encounter
is determined by the GM. Certain Traits may augment
this.
A Turn is a character’s actions during the Round in
question. When a character’s Turn comes around,
they may also choose to wait to delay their Turn. By
waiting, they can choose to intervene at any time
another character finishes his/her Turn. Taking “half-
turns” is not allowed. Turns cannot be saved over to
the next Round.
Example
Domingo and Molly are getting into a fist-fight after a
heated argument. The Game Master calls for an
Encounter since they intend on fighting each other,
and has each make an Encounter Order roll. Neither
have special Traits or any other effect on them to
adjust the roll, so they both roll 1d10. Molly and
Domingo both get a 6!
The first Round starts. Neither party is off-guard.
However, Molly is quicker so the GM gives her the first
Turn.
Domingo will get to go after Molly. They will repeat
that order until the situation changes or the fight is
over.
ROUND & TURN EFFECTS
If a character is under a detrimental or beneficial effect
that lasts multiple Turns/Rounds, that affect is applied
at the end (unless otherwise specified). Any duration
effects in Turns/Rounds are decremented at that time
as well.
If it is a Turn-based effect, such as a poison, it applies
its effect and counts down by 1 at the end of the
affected target's turn. If it's a Round effect that doesn't
affect a particular character, such as a smoke
grenade, it applies its effect and counts down by 1 at
the end of everyone's Turn before the next turn-cycle.
 Chapter 1
ACTION IN A TURN
A character's Turn is limited by an Action. An Action
indicates what a character can and cannot do in a
Round. A character can perform one complicated
Action in a Turn at no penalty, but may do many other
things, including move. Minor or trivial activities do not
cost an Action, but complex and involved actions do.
Common Action usage PCs and NPCs may take are
described in this book. Any question about to whether
doing something particularly unusual actually takes an
Action is up to the GM. Anything a character does,
whether it costs an Action or not, may call for a Skill
Roll if success is uncertain. In some cases, failing a
Skill Roll may end a Turn early, depending on the
circumstance.
ENCOUNTER ACTIONS
A Round in the Harbingers has no set duration. On
average, a Round is about 10-20 seconds, but there is
no hard set rule. A character’s actions are limited by
the series of Actions rather than a unit of time, and
time can be relative in a chaotic situation.
There are essentially a limitless choice of actions that
can be attempted during an Encounter. Characters will
want to try both basic and unique maneuvers during
an Encounter.
Sometimes players will wish to do things that are
trivial, and those do not count cost their Action. In
most cases, however, they still require it to be a
character's Turn. These do not cost a character their
Action, and are completely free. However, performing
a minor action more than once may cause it to cost an
Action at GM discretion.
Below are some sample common actions taken during
Encounters. Most are resolved with normal Skill Rolls,
just as outside an Encounter. When performing an
Encounter action that requires Action usage or a Skill
Roll, the action must be declared before Skill Rolls are
made.
For actions not listed here, the GM determines
whether it costs an Action. Players can become quite
creative. The listing here should cover most normal
situations, however.
ATTACK (Action)
This is for any sort of an attack or combat maneuver
you make with a weapon or unarmed combat
23
(unarmed attacks, by default, deal 1d4 Damage).
While all weapons use a single Action to attack,
certain weapons might have other attack modes or
properties that can be used. Artillery or stationary
heavy weapons might prevent movement or inflict
other restrictions when using them. Using a ranged,
non-thrown weapon will cause a +1 Difficult in melee
combat.
Players will often attempt targeted attacks: those are
normally treated as normal attacks, but if a Critical
Success is made, the effect will occur on the targeted
location. It is possible for other effects to occur
depending on GM discretion.
CONVERSE (Action)
While banter, quips, commands, signals, and one-
liners are not considered an Action and may be used
out of turn liberally, any attempt at engaging
conversation, diplomacy, or intimidation during an
Encounter should be considered an Action. As a
general rule of thumb, any dialogue that requires a
Skill Roll and can influence the outcome of an
Encounter (gaining allies, causing enemies to
flee/surrender) should be considered an Action.
ESCAPE (Action)
Escape is used to get out of a grapple, binding
maneuver, or to force someone to let go of something
you are holding. A successful Skill Roll is normally
necessary to break the grapple/bind. Escaping from
being tied up or locked in chains in most cases will
involve multiple rounds or multiple Skill Rolls.
HEAL (Action)
Using healing items generally requires an Action. This
can include items such as first-aid kits, magical
potions, or anything that restores Health, Ability, or
cures a negative Condition.
MOVEMENT (Free)
It is possible to move for free once per turn before,
after, or while performing a different Action. Most
humanoids can generally move up to 10 meters on
their Turn. A character can stop at any point to use
their Action. There is no penalty for breaking up
movement with an Action. Penalties may apply for
running or moving in poor environments at the GM’s
discretion. Skill Rolls are generally not required for
normal movement, but top speed running or crossing
obstacles may utilize them. Keep in mind that
characters that are moving cautiously will move slower
than other characters – roughly about half as fast.
 Chapter 1
PICK-UP/PUT-DOWN OBJECT (Varies)
This option allows a character to pick up or nicely put
down an object. Depending on the size of the item,
and the care the character has, this could be free or
cost an Action.
Dropping anything, grabbing a bottle of a bar as part
of an attack, picking up a rock at the character's feet,
picking up a vase on a table, or pulling a torch off the
wall are considered free and do not cost an Action.
Fetching and readying a disarmed weapon, gently
placing down a glass sculpture, or lifting a heavy rock
to toss it aside would be considered an Action. While
you can always drop an object for no Action, that may
be a problem if the object is fragile.
READY (Action)
In some cases, the character may wish to wait for a
specific situation or trigger to occur. Readying a
specific action is an Action itself, and will occur as an
Interruption when the conditions are met. For
example, throwing the gate switch closed when your
last friend passes through. Keep in mind that any
actions that are normally free cost an Action
regardless when readied.
RELOAD WEAPON (Action)
Weapons that have ammunition can run out. If they
do, the weapon is ineffective until it is reloaded. The
actual base time to reload a weapon depends on the
weapon in question. Unless stated otherwise in the
weapon's details, a weapon with an ammo count takes
an Action to reload. Reloading next to an enemy will
normally cause an Interruption.
SEARCH/INVESTIGATE (Action)
Searching, investigating, or examining something
closely during an Encounter will cost an Action. It is
possible, depending on the situation, that a full search
may take multiple Turns.
TAKE OUT/PUT AWAY OBJECT (Varies)
A character may pull out or put items away on their
person. Most sheathed or holstered weapons can be
drawn as part of the attack or for free at any time.
Easily accessible items in pouches or pockets should
also be free.
For items in packs or hidden away, this can
sometimes take an Action. Pulling out small items
shoved in a backpack or digging around in a magical
24
container that holds a massive amount of items will
definitely take an Action. However, it generally
shouldn't require a Skill Roll to pull out items on the
character's person.
TALK/GESTURE (Free)
You are allowed to offer brief commands, advice,
threats, taunts, or verbal nonsense at any point for
free. This is usually allowed during other character’s
Turns as well without restriction.
In addition to verbal, you can make gestures to your
comrades or opponents. These should also be
allowed during other character’s Turns.
The GM can stop conversations if they get too long,
however. This is especially true if the time delay
between giving information is critical to the situation
and Encounter.
USE COMPLEX OBJECT (Action)
A character may use a difficult or time-consuming item
with this, such as involved magical items, operating a
computer, vehicle, or other piece of involved
machinery. Locking or using an item to barricade a
door would also fall in this category. In most cases this
takes the character's entire turn and depletes their
Action. In some cases, this can take multiple Turns as
well.
USE SIMPLE OBJECT (Free)
A character may use a relatively quick and simple
item, such as opening/closing entryways, activating a
wall switch or lever, turning on a flashlight, or
something like that like for free.
USE TECHNIQUE (Varies)
Most Techniques use an Action. Some may use none
at all. Some Techniques may require certain
conditions or have certain restrictions.
WITHDRAW/RETREAT (Action)
Withdrawing allows a character to safely move away
from an opponent/hazard near them. Moving without
spending the Action may result in an Interruption at the
GM’s discretion. After withdrawing, the character may
move as normal, allowing them to put as much
distance between them and their attacker as possible.
Example
Kiko was exploring the sewer tunnels of a ruined
research facility and turned the corner to come face to
face with a mutant rat the size of a collie dog that
 Chapter 1
drops down about 3 meters away. Combat is about to
start and the GM calls for an Encounter. Kiko is ready.
The GM decides Kiko’s turn comes first. She decides
she will pull a crowbar out of her pack, walk up, and
smack the rat.
Pulling out the crowbar is a free action, as it was
hanging off the pack ready to be drawn. Moving up to
the rat is also trivial since it's close. Actually attacking
the rat is her Action.
Kiko makes a Skill Roll to attack the rat with her
crowbar. She rolls Damage, and her blow wounds the
rat.
Kiko has finished her Action and her Turn is over.
Now, the rat will go, and then that will end the Round.
After the rat is finished (assuming it is still alive), Kiko
can go again.
MULTIPLE ACTIONS
Using multiple Actions within a Turn is a way to get the
most out of your Turn in return for a penalty to Skill
Rolls. Essentially, it consists of performing more than
one major activity at the same time in an Encounter.
Multiple Actions, doing two or more regular Actions in
a turn at the same time or in quick succession, are
treated as a single Action, though all Skill Rolls are
handled separately. It increases the Difficulty of all
Skill Rolls by +1 per additional Action. Taking two
Actions during a Turn will grant a +1 Difficulty to all
Skill Rolls. If attempting three Actions, the penalty
would increase to +2 Difficulty for all Actions. The GM
is the final arbiter of how many Actions are possible
during a given Turn, but once the maximum Difficulty
of 10 is reached no further Actions can be taken.
For example, attacking twice consecutively with a
sword, performing a computer hack with one hand
while firing with a pistol with the other, or picking a lock
while deciphering a cryptogram are all possible ideas
for performing multiple Actions.
While doing more than one Action is an attractive
option, it can be dangerous to overuse it. Multiple
Actions don't really matter if none of them are
successful, and if the Difficulty is pushed too high a
Critical Success will become impossible.
It is up to the GM’s discretion whether or not certain
combinations of Actions are possible. For example,
25
operating a computer terminal might take the entire
Turn and notable concentration, so perhaps the player
can only use their offhand for a single attack or similar
Action.
Example
Agent Ramirez is using a semi-automatic handgun to
fight a spy. It costs her an Action to fire the gun, and
she's in a bad situation. She wants to open up with
multiple shots.
Ramirez decides to fire twice for a second Action. She
deducts two ammo from her gun, and makes two Skill
Rolls: both shots have a +1 Difficulty.
Example
Tara is looking up important data for her employer in
an enemy corporation’s building. While operating the
console, she's keeping a sharp eye out for the guards
chasing after her, actively searching around.
Tara is in a tough situation and needs to split her
attention. She will make a Skill Roll to do her
research, and another to search around. Trying to
concentrate on both tasks means an +1 Difficulty for
both – her researching ability is hindered and she's
more likely to miss anyone sneaking up on her.
Example
Cory is escaping an underground laboratory. He
wants to open a door while firing back at a guard
chasing him.
He spends the Action to fire his gun and he also
opens the door. He receives no penalty to his Skill
Roll to attack as normal as opening the door is not
considered an Action.
Example
Manny is in a gang fight, and is wielding a switchblade
and a length of pipe. He need to thin the numbers, so
he focuses on offense.
Manny wants to moves up to his opponent and lash
out with abandon. Manny swings the pipe and
switchblade twice each in a flurry of attacks for 4
Actions, resulting in a +3 Difficulty for each strike –
bringing his Difficulty up to 10 with his opponents
defenses. A risky maneuver, but one with potential
great returns.
Manny does not do too well, unfortunately, missing the
first two and rolling a 10 on his third attack. Manny's
 Chapter 1
final strike hits – but because he maximized his
Difficulty, it is not a Critical Success.
INTERRUPTIONS
Interruptions are free actions gained by a character
out of Turn order. They represent a character taking
advantage of a situation or careless individual.
When a character gains an Interruption, they can
perform one action for free, even if it normally costs an
Action. This can be an escape, moving, using an item,
an attack, or even a Technique. The GM may limit the
options for the type of action based on the scenario.
Some common opportunities for a GM to call for an
Interruption are below. Whether or not an Interruption
occurs is the sole discretion of the GM (unless a
Technique creates one), and can only be inserted into
the Round by the GM.
INTERRUPTION EXAMPLES
• Environmental effects such as a loud
noise/distraction or a trap.
• Reloading a weapon while right next to an
attacking opponent.
• Readying an action to do something when a
specific trigger occurs.
• Leaving melee with an opponent engaged
with you without withdrawing, unless someone
else is also attacking that person in melee.
• Attacking someone not engaged with you
while you are already engaged with a hostile
target.
• Running past someone who is hostile without
engaging them.
• Effects due to Critical Successes or Critical
Failures.
Example
Lee Rogers is being attacked by a guard dog while
trying to sneak into a drug lord’s mansion. During the
combat, Lee is wounded badly, and decides his only
chance is to run full speed for the fence nearby and
hop over it.
Because Lee immediately breaks combat and starts to
run, the guard dog gets an Interruption on him. The
dog makes an immediate Skill Roll to attack, lunging
at the intruder as he makes his frantic escape.
Example
Cassidy finished emptying her revolver at a bandit
26
attacking her with a Bowie knife at melee range.
If Cassidy throws a punch, there is no problem.
However, if she were to attempt to reload her weapon,
the bandit would get a free Interruption.
MOVEMENT
Its normally costs no Action to initiate movement in an
Encounter. A character may usually move up to
around 10 meters/yards (~30 feet) at no cost. Non-
humanoids can have different base adjustments than
humanoids and may have different starting movement
ranges. Certain environments may reduce this at the
GM's discretion (ex: mud or deep snow), or even
increase it (ex: an escalator or platform).
Sometimes extreme movement is called for. If it is
unknown if moving a certain distance is possible in a
single Turn, character can use an Action to run further
(usually doubling it). Characters that are cornered or in
danger may also need to use their Action to move and
escape.
Swimming, crawling, and other actions tend to reduce
movement range. Generally, this results in halving the
character's movement. Additional penalties may apply
depending on environmental conditions.
A character may move during a Turn, perform another
Action, and move again at no penalty.
Movement Ranges
MOVE TYPE METERS/YARDS
Very Slow 3
Slow 5
Average (Default) 10
Fast 15
Very Fast 20
Example
Lord Kellan is fleeing an assassin that infiltrated his
keep through the sewers. Kellan runs into him in the
hallway just outside of his bedroom and Kellan reacts
first. He quickly runs into his bedroom and stops just
inside the doorway. He turns, closes and locks the
door. He can do all that with a single Action.
However, Kellan then wants to run over to the secret
door beside his bed. That would cause him to move
quite a long distance. The GM tells Kellan that will
mean he is doing two Actions in a Turn, so he must
make a Skill Roll at +2 Difficulty making it 7. Kellan
 Chapter 1

rolls, getting an 8 and succeeds! He reaches the Difficulty so a 6 is good enough.

secret door, opens it, and jumps down, ending his
Turn.
TECHNIQUES
Techniques are an assortment of unique moves,
spells, or abilities that characters posses. Each
Technique has unique parameters, so there are no
hard and fast rules for how they work during
Encounters. Some may also last for a whole
Encounter, or even an entire Scene in the game.
Techniques may or may not cost an Action, but all
Techniques use Ability. Ability is a resource available
to all characters, and can can be restored in a variety
of ways, including resting.
ENCOUNTER OVERVIEW
An Encounter may start slow at first with new players
or a new Game Master, but once the basics are in
hand it becomes a very smooth-flowing and quick
event.
Jake's Player rolls 1d6 to determine damage, ending
up with a 5. The ninja has nothing to reduce the
Damage and suffers the full brunt of the attack,
reducing his Health from 10 to 5.
The GM then describes Jake's success for role-
playing terms and imagery. Jake's kick connects and
staggers the ninja back. The ninjas is battered and
bruised, but still alive and ready to fight.
Jake has now used up his Action. This ends his turn,
with the martial artist clearing having the upper hand
against his opponent.
Now, it is the ninja’s turn. The ninja will operate in the
same manner, spending his Action in an attempt to
defeat Jake.
After the ninja’s turn is over, Jake gets another shot!

The following is an example of an average combat

Encounter.

Example
Jake, a human martial artist, is fighting a ninja in a city
park. The ninja just dropped from a tree and landed
next to Jake.

Jake saw the ninja coming, and the ninja thought he

was unseen. Given this, the GM asks for an
Encounter Order roll. Neither of them have a Trait that
comes into play her, so both roll 1d10. Jake gets an 8,
and the ninja gets a 4, so Jake goes first!

Jake has to decide how to use his Action. He is an

expert in using unarmed combat, and it costs an
Action to make an unarmed attack. He decides to
spend his Action for an attack.

Jake, describing his attacks to the Game Master,

attempts a roundhouse kick.

He has an extra 1d10 due to his Skill, and his

improved unarmed strikes do 1d6 Damage.

Jake needs to hit first. Jake rolls 2d10 and gets a 4

and a 6. The Ninja has nothing to increase the

27
 Chapter 1

DAMAGE & RECOVERY

HEALTH & DAMAGE Hazard Examples
A character's well-being is measured by their Health. HAZARD TYPE DAMAGE
Health is a relative indicator – a character may be Collision, Damaging 1d8
recovering from injuries or bruised and in pain and still Collision, Deadly 1d10
have full Health. Collision, Extreme 1d12
Collision, Weak 1d6
Health is a measure of a characters general well-
Decompression 1d8
being. Whenever a character suffers Damage, they
lose Health. If a character runs out of Health, the Drowning/Suffocation 1d4
remainder bleeds into their Health Threshold. If they Fall, Deadly 1d12
exceed their Threshold, they are dead. Fall, Dangerous 1d10
Fall, Short 1d8
The Damage number rolled by a source is how many Fire/Chemical Burns, Deadly 1d10
points of Damage are dealt. High caliber firearms, Fire/Chemical Burns, Minor 1d4
huge swords and axes, and being struck by a Trap, Capture 1d4
speeding vehicle would entail high Damage. Short
Trap, Harmful 1d8
falls, knives, unarmed strikes, and staff strikes would
have a low Damage. Trap, Lethal 1d12

Unarmed attacks, by default, deal 1d4 Damage. DAMAGE REDUCTION

Weapons generally have assigned Damage listed in
the equipment chapter later in this book. If the
character takes damage from a hazard or the
environment, the GM is free to assign a Damage
rating to the event as they see fit. This includes things
such as being hit by a car or falling from a building.
Some examples are provided below.
Sometimes a source of protection, such as equipment,
items, Techniques, Traits, or other effects may reduce
Damage. If this occurs, the Damage value received is
reduced by the total from all valid sources.
If Damage would be reduced below 1, 1 Damage is
still inflicted. Damage can never be reduced below 1.

Damage Types THRESHOLD & DEATH

TYPE DMG EXAMPLES
A reduction in Health represents bodily damage or
Weak 1d4 Dart, Punch, Small Rock health loss. Damage reduces Health, and the amount
Light 1d6 Dagger, Light Shock, Spear of Health lost is equal to the Damage dealt, unless
Moderate 1d8 Bear Trap, Pistol, Sword other factors are involved as described in later
Heavy 1d10 Dangerous Fall, Severe Burn chapters. If at any time Damage needs to be rounded,
Severe 1d12 Chainsaw, Deadly Crash it is rounded down to a minimum of 1.

When a character is reduced to 0 Health, they are

Incapacitated. Any overflow Damage is dealt to their
Health Threshold.

Incapacitated characters are incapable of doing

anything until they regain 1 Health and are considered
unconscious. When a character is restored to 1 Health
or greater by resting, items, or Techniques, they
recover and are no longer Incapacitated.

A character's Threshold is the total amount of extra

Damage a character can suffer before being dead and
is half of the character's maximum Health. If a

28
 Chapter 1
character still as Threshold remaining, they are near
death, but are still alive. When Health is restored, the
Health Threshold does not recover. The Health
Threshold is only restored when it is explicitly
mentioned.
Death is more or less permanent unless certain
Techniques, Traits, or items can bring someone back.
Normal Healing Skill Rolls can't revive dead
characters.
Example
Emily and Ego are fighting a group of gangers on the
streets of New Seattle. She has 12 Health, and
therefore 6 Threshold. She's taken 10 Damage over
the course of a fight and only has 2 Health left. She's
attacked again with a sledgehammer. It deals 6
Damage!
This will put Emily below 0 Health – she is now
Incapacitated. She removes the 2 remaining Health,
which means 4 goes into her Threshold She has 2
Threshold left and is in a bad situation.
Emily is near death now, but won't die unless she is
dealt more Damage before rest or medical treatment
restores her Health. Her ally, Ego, is up next. Ego now
has the option to try to go to Emily to restore her
Health with his medical kit to put her back in the fight,
or attempt to finish the gangers himself.
While Ego can restore Health, he doesn't have any
items or Techniques that restore Threshold. If Emily
were to be revived and lose 4 Threshold again as well
as the rest of her Health, she would be killed.
OBJECT DAMAGE
Objects can take damage just like creatures. They do
not recover naturally though, and have no abilities to
reduce damage. Damaged objects must be repaired.
Volatile objects are prone to exploding if severe
damage is dealt to them.
Object durability can vary as well. While it is
impossible to list every Difficulty for every item, some
common adjustments are provided in the table below.
GMs are encouraged to use them as general
guidelines.
29
Object Damaging Examples
ITEM CATEGORY DIFFICULTY
Armored, Heavy 8
Armored, Light 6
Object Condition, Poor 4
Object Condition, Terrible 2
Weapon/Tool Perfect 10
Weapon/Tool Efficient 8
Weapon/Tool Ineffective 3
Weapon/Tool Useless 1
HEALING BASICS
When people take Damage, they must heal. Health
represents the overall damage a character or creature
can take, though a character with full Health might still
be in pain, have injuries, or otherwise not be in tip-top
shape.
As a generalized value of overall well being, healing is
accomplished by resting. Specific injuries suffered
from events, Critical Successes/Failures, or
Techniques, however, must be recovered with items or
skills.
Restoring Health does not rejuvenate Health
Threshold. Any Threshold loss is recovered separately
– meaning someone with a near-empty Threshold
could be killed instantly if returning to fight and
reduced to 0 Health again.
Most creatures can generally recover their Health and
Health Threshold with resting. Resting is any
downtime in which the character can sleep, relax, or
rest in leisure.
Medical items and Techniques are the quickest way to
restore Health. Healing items are generally
consumable, but Techniques can be used as often as
Ability is refreshed. If restored Health is ever rounded,
it's rounded down to a minimum of 1.
Example
Damon the bard, Killian the herbalist, and Aileen the
barbarian are ambushed by elven raiders on the road.
At the end of the fight, Damon has one Ability left,
Killian and Aileen have none. Damon's health is 8/10,
Killians is 8/8, and Aileen's is 2/12.
If they had time, they could take a rest and fully
recover. However, they hear more raiders incoming
and have little time to react.
 Chapter 1
Killian has healing Techniques, but no Ability, and
Aileen has no healing Techniques. Damon does have
both healing Techniques and one Ability. He uses a
mystical chant and makes a Skill Roll to restore health
to Aileen and himself, succeeding and returning 5 total
Health to both.
This fully heals Damon, but Aileen is still at 7/12.
Luckily for Aileen, Killian might be out of Ability, but he
still has his healing satchel. It restores 1d4 Health on
a successful usage. Killian starts bandaging up Aileen
while Damon sings. Aileen heals 4 more from the kit,
bringing her to 11/12.
As the raiders are upon them, that will have to do. The
group gets ready to fight, short on Ability but mostly in
fighting shape.
ABILITY USAGE
Ability is a consumable pool used to activate
Techniques. Ability represents a character's stamina,
vigor, and focus.
Activating a Technique costs an Ability. Each use of a
Technique takes an Ability, even if multiple Techniques
are done in single Turn.
Ability is restored when resting. Like with Health,
resting will restore it completely. Certain items, Traits,
or other Techniques can also refresh Ability.
RECOVERY PROCESS
The main recovery force for living creatures is time.
The GM is free to restore Health/Ability at will to
characters in cinematic or dramatic moments, but
generally speaking, there should be be time spent.
Health, Ability, and Threshold are recovered after any
rest period. Generally, rest need to be an hour, and
have no threat, tension, or complications in play. After
a “rest” period, all points are restored.
Keep in mind, a character with full “Health” might still
be in pain or sore. Physical wounds don't heal
instantly from taking a rest, true recovery takes quite a
long time for most creatures. Health is simply a
representation of “overall condition” and characters
who were just in a fight might have some of their
energy back, but that biting pain in the ankle from a
nasty fall or the bandaged up arm from a sword strike
are going to be throbbing and painful for some time to
30
come.
Recovery Guidelines
CATEGORY COMMON HEALING SOURCES
Health Rest, Items, Techniques
Ability Rest, Items, Techniques
Threshold Rest, Items, Techniques
Specific Injury Skill Roll, Techniques, Time
Example
Irina is infiltrating an enemy facility. She has 10/10
Health and 10/10 Ability. She sneaks through and
things seem to be going smoothly at first, but a guard
catches her eventually.
During the fight, she takes a wound, bringing her to
8/10. She also uses a couple Techniques, taking her
down to 7/10 Ability. She continues her infiltration.
She comes across a locked door. She could normally
make a normal Skill Roll, but she does have an auto-
hack Technique that instantly opens any electronic
door or disables any electronic alarm with a simple
Skill Roll quickly. Since guards are constantly
patrolling, she decides to spend an Ability. She's now
at 6/10.
Nearing her goal, she has to fight a commander
guarding the computer she needs to access. She
goes into the conflict with 8/10 Health and 6/10 Ability.
After defeating the commander, losing the rest of her
Ability and 5 more Health, an alarm sounds – she has
no chance to recover any Health or Ability from resting
as she runs for her life.
Returning back to headquarters, Irina takes a nap in
her bunk. She sleeps for about 45 minutes before her
meeting with her superiors – the GM informs her she
has recovered her Health and Ability. She's not
healed, she's still sore and her wounds are still
present, but she's feeling better and her stamina has
returned.
CONDITIONS
Conditions are lasting effects that occur from a
Technique, a Critical Success, a Critical Failure, or an
environmental or situational effect. Conditions last on
a character until fixed or enough time has passed, and
are unique – either an effect dictated by a Technique,
or an effect created by the GM.
Positive Conditions can be inspiration, medical
 Chapter 1
enhancements, or magical strength. Positive
Conditions generally grant bonuses to Skill Rolls or
increased Resistances. Positive Conditions generally
always have a set of amount of time or a trigger that
will end the effect – as characters will generally never
seek to end them by choice.
Negative Conditions can be injuries, illnesses, fatigue,
or demoralization just to name a few. Negative
Conditions often grant Skill Roll penalties and lowered
Resistances. Certain negative Conditions may take
multiple Skill Rolls or extended time to heal or recover
from (at least enough to ignore the penalties). The
exact time depends entirely on the type of Condition
and the GM's decree. Certain Healing Techniques can
instantly remove negative Conditions.
Example
Ricky has recently taken a severe beating from a
renegade cyborg during a fight in an alley. Just as he
drops, the cyborg hears police sirens in the distance,
and immediately escapes.
Ricky is lying in the alley, half-dead and incapacitated.
He has 0 out of 10 Health and has 3 out of 5
Threshold. He suffered a Condition from a Critical
Success and broke his arm which gives him a +1 to all
31
Difficulties that use his hands and makes it impossible
to use two-handed tools and weapons. The police
arrive and call in an ambulance for him. EMTs arrive
and Ricky is transferred to the hospital. He rests until
the next day.
The next day, Ricky starts to heal his wounds. His
Health and Ability points are restored. He regains the
ability to move around and perform actions now, but
he is still in very bad shape.
As for his arm, the GM rolls a Skill Roll for the doctors
and have his Condition treated. They easily succeed,
so the GM says his arm will heal fully later on. He gets
a cast on, and while he can't use his broken arm, the
Difficulty penalty is removed.
Ricky's full Health and Ability let him take Damage
and use Techniques again. Later at the GM's
discretion after time has passed, Ricky can remove
the cast and more or less use his arm normally as it
finishes healing.
CHAPTER TWO
Game Mastering
 Chapter 2
GAME MASTER OVERVIEW
THE GAME MASTER
Being a Game Master is a very rewarding experience,
though it does require a good understanding of the
rules and more planning than the Players require.
While they do not have a character that is specifically
their own, they in-fact control every other character in
the game.
This chapter is especially important for those
interested in being a Game Master, and provides
techniques and tips to doing an effective job.
THE NARRATOR
The first primary duty of a Game Master is to be the
narrator and storyteller of the game. The Game
Master creates and maintains the world, the people,
and the places. The Game Master describes the
scenery, determines the results of all characters, and
controls the actions of the characters not controlled by
the Players.
CREATING STORIES
STORIES & CHAPTERS
Like a novel, a good roleplaying game has as solid
story. This Story, also called a campaign or plot, is
what the game play revolves around. Theses Stories
are similar to the plot of a novel or movie. However, a
Story could also be incredibly short, more akin to a
written short story. Stories like that rarely have
Chapters (but will still have Scenes and Encounters).
A Chapter is a section of the Story, like that of a novel,
or a certain set of scenes within a movie, or the acts of
a play and will contain Scenes the Players' characters
will drive, and possibly tense Encounters mixed in. A
Story’s length is decided only by the planning of the
Game Master and the actions of the Players, so
Chapter length can also vary accordingly.
Example
Marcy is the Game Master for her group. This is a
new Story they decided to start last weekend, and she
wanted to do a 1920’s America crime-drama type
game based on real and fictional elements of the
Prohibition Era.
To keep the group on the same side of the law, she
33
When creating a Story, the GM should have a general
theme in mind. Some GMs prefer lots of pre-game
planning, while others are good at improvising. Every
Game Master should do it how they feel they work
best. It is important, however, to maintain consistency
so as not to confuse the Players.
THE JUDGE
The Game Master’s second primary duty is to be the
rules arbiter and decision maker. Being a Game
Master generally requires a good grasp of the rules in
this book, as well as the judgment to make calls on
rules in confusing or nebulous areas.
It may help to keep bookmarks in the rule book, have
cheat-sheets with important information, summaries of
plot notes, and NPC statistics at hand at all times.
Don't be afraid to look up or make up what you need
depending on the situation at hand.
has asked the Players to create characters that aren’t
gangsters. Police, journalists, crime victims, vigilantes,
private detectives, and academics are suggested
professions. The Players agree.
Marcy decides to lay out a very major story line. She
decides the main Story will involve a gangster boss
named Mario Rizzo, a massive, brutal man who runs
a boot-legging, opium, and human trafficking to and
from foreign countries including Europe and Asia.
She also ties in one of the character’s personal
backgrounds. One of the Player Characters is a
dockworker from New York who’s brother was
kidnapped by Mario’s gang and is currently missing.
The dockworker now has a personal hook into the
Story as well.
Marcy’s next big decision is how to split the Story into
Chapters. She doesn’t want to get too specific, since
depending on what the Players do, the story can be
altered. She can lay out some basics however, and
lay out important NPCs the characters will meet.
She decides the game will start in New York City,
where the group will meet up in a Scene with the
 Chapter 2
purpose of putting a stop to Mario’s gang for their
individual reasons. Marcy wants the group to be
attacked by a bunch of Mario’s thugs for being too
nosy, making this an almost guaranteed Encounter,
but she doesn’t want the battle to be too hard. She
gives the thugs some weak statistics and makes sure
it'll be a fight, but not a tough one.
She decides that the investigation will lead to Scene in
a speakeasy owned by Mario. The characters will
have to interrogate some of the employees. Marcy
decides the bartender will be extra talkative if the
group chooses to interrogate him.
Eventually, Marcy intends for them to find out Mario is
in Italy at the time. If the Players prove lazy or
ineffective, Marcy decides Mario will send a hit man
after them to really put the silence on them for a
challenging Encounter. If the hit man dies, his part will
end there, but if he survives, he will be around to
antagonize the characters later.
The Chapter will eventually end when the Player
Characters confront one of Mario’s lieutenants at the
NYC docks, where one of Mario’s ships is bound for
Italy. Whether they fight, bribe, or sneak their way
aboard the ship, Marcy decides that is the first
Chapter of this Story – assuming the Players don't
throw too big a curveball, which will require her to
reassess.
With a vibrant plot and many more ideas, Marcy
continues to flesh out her Story. After Mario is dealt
with, perhaps she may cook up a sequel to her crime
Story. Perhaps the dockworker’s brother, when
rescued, has information regarding an Inca artifact in
South America that Mario’s gang was after?
THEME
There are many different themes one can use in a
story, or even with chapters within a story. High
fantasy is a classic theme. Spy thrillers, action-
adventure, science fiction, survival-horror, and many
other genres make for great games.
It is good to get a consensus on theme among the
Players and the Game Master. It is also important that
the Players have the guidelines for the theme so they
can create characters efficiently. Provided below are
some sample game themes.
BAND OF HEROES
The characters are stalwart warriors, cunning rogues,
34
or talented wizards in a fantastical world. Epic
adventures for legendary quests await them as they
band together to form a company of heroes. However,
a dark force rises in the northern wastelands where
nothing grows and reports of monstrous creatures are
found.
As the PCs participate in quests to protect others, put
their names in the stories of bards, or simply get rich,
they must wonder if this dark force might soon extend
its grasp into the southern kingdoms and lush Elven
forests. Such darkness does not remain still for long.
EXPLORER'S LEGENDS
The characters are skilled treasure hunters, field
scientists, explorers, cartographers, or adventurers in
the late 1890’s. In their first adventure, they come
across an ancient temple in South America that leads
them to learn about an ancient artifact a mysterious
tribe planned to use to dominate their enemies.
However, just as they are about to take the artifact
from its lost forgotten hiding place, a rival group shows
up to antagonize them and steal it away. Who are
these opponents, and how did they find the place? Are
the legends true?
GALAXY WARS
The characters live in the far future, a world now
dominated with star ships, androids with advanced AI,
laser weaponry, and exotic planets and civilizations.
Unfortunately, the universe is also dominated by war.
Two powerful forces clash, each lead by a different
government and a different ideal. The characters may
find themselves in the middle, or helping one side or
the other depending on their interests and conscience.
GANGSTER'S PARADISE
The characters are on the wrong side of the law in the
1920’s, either intentionally or purposefully in a crime-
ridden city. The city’s officials, under an act of
desperation, have started recruiting private operatives
to assist their police forces; and not all of the
operatives have a great record on humane treatment
of their victims.
A high profile criminal ring frames the characters (or
the character’s organization) for a brutal murder of the
mayor’s family to take some of the heat off of
themselves. This leaves the PCs in a tough situation.
SCHOOL NIGHTMARES
 Chapter 2
The characters are students or members of the faculty
for a local high school or college in the present day.
Life was very predictable up until the day a mysterious
murder happens on campus. The body is brutalized
and the attacker didn’t even rob the victim.
Security is immediately tightened up, but no suspects
are identified and the police are baffled. Less than a
week later, one of the janitors goes missing. What
exactly is going on here?
CHARACTERS
A star-studded interesting cast of NPCs is a necessity
for any interesting game. Innocent bystanders, wily
antagonists, and helpful allies all make a world feel
alive. Make sure to map out any necessary statistics
for NPCs, and include combat information if NPCs are
likely to fight.
Reoccurring NPCs are a great addition to any game,
whether they be allies, enemies, or just people that
tend to show up to surprise the Players. People could
learn to love (or hate) these characters, and could
possibly develop personal relationships or arch rivalry
with these NPCs.
HOOKS
A good game has a good hook. This includes an
interesting opening, a plot line that all the characters
CUSTOMIZING THE SETTING
SETTING DIFFERENCES
The Harbingers Roleplaying Game supports playing in
any Setting, world, or era imaginable. In some cases,
this requires no changes at all to the rules within – just
certain restrictions to what is available regarding
abilities and equipment.
As an example, if a group is playing a realistic game
set in the Three Kingdoms Era of China, no characters
would have access to any magical abilities or high-
tech items or weaponry. It would not make sense.
However, no changes need to be made to the rules.
Alternatively, if that group decided to play in a
fantastical re-imagining of the Three Kingdoms era
where Zhang Jue is literal magic-using sorcerer, the
GM could include certain magical abilities while
restricting more overt ones depending on the feel of
35
involved care about, and incentive for them to pursue
it. Certain plot lines may just be subsets to bigger plot
lines, depending on the type of Story.
One important thing for Game Masters to include is
reasons for all Player Characters to have to
participate. If they all belong to an organization, this is
easy. If they all have very different backgrounds and
goals, this can be quite difficult. It is recommended to
find out what the Player Character’s goals and desires
are, and add hooks related to those in the Story.
REALISTIC/HEROIC
NPCs in most Harbingers games are equal (if less
experienced) than the PCs. Fights are gritty and
deadly, and charging into deadly situations could
easily end up with dead protagonists.
However, if you want to run an epic-feeling campaign,
you can make minions and other non-important NPCs
substantially weaker. In addition to removing all Skill
bonuses from some of the NPC templates at the back
of this book, you can also lower the Health of the
NPCs.
This kind of game will have a very cinematic feel. The
player’s characters can tear through minions en
masse in most cases, though important antagonists
should pose a problem. In short: More like The Matrix,
less like Call of Cthulhu.
the campaign. Again, this is merely curating the
options, not changing the rules.
However, there are some Settings that might have
beings or creatures that have innate abilities that
might have different starting Traits. In addition, there
maybe special kinds of magic or powers that are
restrictive in ways that aren't outlined in this book. This
can result in possibly adding a new, special status,
Skill, and/or Trait.
GMs are free to explore these possibilities and
customize how they see fit. Some options and ways to
achieve this is set out in the following sections.
CREATURE TYPES
The base character creation rules can easily be
applied to most humans or humanoids. It is possible to
 Chapter 2

make supernatural creatures, aliens, androids, or

classic fantasy creatures by selecting the correct NAME BASE
Traits and Techniques. In addition, it's possible to do a Morale 100/100
campaign centered on (or a specific character based
on) an unusual creature type, such as a normal SKILL: MAGIC
animal. The Magic Skill is used to identify, use, or activate
magic and magical items in this world. Magic is used
If, however, the GM would like to set out some hard for the Skill Roll for all magical Techniques.
rules for different creature types, some
examples/options are provided in the Character
NAME PROFICIENT EXP EXPERT EXP
Creation chapter of this book. The available options
are up to the GM and are determined by Setting and Magic 5 5
narrative restrictions.
TRAIT: ALIEN GENE SPLICING
Alien genes can be spliced into humans as part of a
UNIVERSE RULES high-risk operation in this futuristic Setting. Humans
Certain Settings can have special rules regarding how that possess this Trait can pick from supernatural
the world itself works. This is very common in fictional powers to learn as Techniques.
worlds.
NAME EXP
For example: magic itself could be an inherent born
Alien Gene Splicing 5
Trait, in which case it wouldn't be possible for
someone to learn it later and must be taken before
taking any magic Techniques and which use a special
magic Skill. It's also possible to have a horror Setting
where characters are routinely exposed to eldritch
creatures that might warrant a very specific new
status/feature of Morale, which is depleted routinely in
a way different than Health and Ability.

Here are some options and examples:

MORALE
Morale reflects the confidence, conviction, and state of
mind of investigators as they explore this realm of
eldritch horrors. Unlike mundane terror, these
creatures expose the fabric of reality that is beyond
human understanding to devastating effect.

In addition to Techniques and Traits which may inflict

further Morale loss, humans lose 1 Morale point when
viewing any eldritch creature. Morale is recovered by
various Traits and Techniques, but is also restored by
10 after an uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep, once per
day.

If Morale is reduced to 0, the character rolls 1d10. On

a 10, nothing happens and they are restored to 50/100
Morale. On a 2-9, the character gains a permanent
Disadvantage Trait. On a 1, the character has been
utterly defeated – consumed by fear, losing all hope,
fleeing to mundane reality and denial, or possibly
suffering other afflictions. If a PC, the character
becomes an NPC under GM control.

36
 Chapter 2

CURRENCY & ITEMS Services

Currency, money, and wealth in general varies greatly NAME COST
across time, region, culture. It's impossible to quantify Bail, Major Crime 10,000
all of it, but for simplicity's sake, a base value or cost Bail, Minor Crime 1,000
is assigned to all items. While exact prices will differ in Bail, Severe Crime 100,000
game, this value is good for purchasing starting Drinks, Cheap 5
equipment or for determining prices in game.
Drinks, Expensive 10
The base cost is an approximate value in early 21st Hire, Generalist 100
century Canadian & US dollars, Euros, British pounds, Hire, Specialist 100,000
and other similar currencies. Multiplied by 10, these Lodgings, Cheap 50
values can be used for Mexican pesos or Chinese Lodgings, Expensive 250
yuan. Multiplied by 100, these values can be used for Lodgings, Luxury 500
Indian rupees or Japanese yen. Divided by 10, the Lodgings, Moderate 100
cost could simulate the Kuwaiti dinar. Divided by 100, Meal, Cheap 5
(or switching the cost to cents) could give approximate
Meal, Expensive 50
values for a game set in the 1890s or American Wild
West. Meal, Medium 20
Medical Treatment, Critical 10,000
Either the base cost or any of the above adjustments Medical Treatment, Major 1,000
can also serve for fantasy currencies such as coins, or Medical Treatment, Minor 100
for futuristic credits. Game Masters are also free to Refueling, Large Vehicle 100
adjust these base values for particulars on a setting. Refueling, Massive Vehicle 1,000
Details on items and approximate costs are in Chapter Refueling, Small Vehicle 50
5: Equipment.
Rent, Cheap 1,000
Rent, Expensive 5,000
SERVICES & COMMODITIES Rent, Luxury 10,000
Different Settings will have different restrictions on Rent, Moderate 2,500
what commodities and services are available. Specific Transport, International 1,000
items are split into categories in Chapter 5:
Transport, Local 25
Equipment, but players may also wish to purchase
services during play. Transport, National 500

Services commonly available Players may request BAIL, MAJOR CRIME

and approximate cost are located in the following
table. For some currencies, as above, you may want
to multiply/divide this value by 10 or 100.
Description:
Bail is a fee paid to let an accused criminal freedom
before their trial. Fleeing after being granted bail
increases the penalties and may involve bounty
hunters and law enforcement actively hunting the
accused. Major crimes could include felony assault,
manslaughter, robbery, or illegal possession of a
weapon. Bail for a major crime is only situationally
granted, and may require quality legal representation.
It is usually costly.

BAIL, MINOR CRIME

Description:
Bail is a fee paid to let an accused criminal freedom
before their trial. Fleeing after being granted bail
increases the penalties and may involve bounty
hunters and law enforcement actively hunting the
accused. Minor crimes could include disorderly

37
 Chapter 2
conduct, resisting arrest, minor theft, drug charges, or
misdemeanor assault. Bail is commonly granted for
minor criminal infractions, but the accused is still
expected to not flee.
BAIL, SEVERE CRIME
Description:
Bail is a fee paid to let an accused criminal freedom
before their trial. Fleeing after being granted bail
increases the penalties and may involve bounty
hunters and law enforcement actively hunting the
accused. Severe crimes could include assault with a
deadly weapon, arson, attempted murder, or even
murder. Bail for a severe crime is rarely granted in any
Setting, and normally requires the best legal
representation. When possible, it is extremely
expensive.
DRINKS, CHEAP
Description:
Drinks, alcoholic or otherwise, are served in a variety
of restaurants and bars. Cheap drinks will hydrate or
get the drinker drunk, but aren't the best quality.
DRINKS, EXPENSIVE
Description:
Expensive alcoholic, mixed, or special drinks can be
quite pricey. However, they service well to impress,
boost morale, or as a bribe.
HIRE, GENERALIST
Description:
Hiring a person for a simple task or individuals without
specialized training can be a good choice when extra
help is needed. General hires can be laborers,
domestic workers, messengers, guards, porters,
clerks, and anyone with a widely available skill set or
that is more affordable to hire. They are usually very
easy to find in larger cities. If someone is extremely
highly skilled in their trade, they would be a specialist
instead, despite the vocation.
HIRE, SPECIALIST
Description:
Specialists are people hired for high-risk jobs or
people with specialized, multi-year training for certain
areas of knowledge. Specialist hires could be
assassins, mages, professional soldiers, doctors, or
anyone else with a restricted skill set that requires
years of practice. This also includes people who are in
professions with a lower barrier of entry, but that have
spent a long time honing their craft to become the
best.
38
LODGINGS, CHEAP
Description:
Overnight lodgings are important for any characters on
the move. Hotels, motels, inns, taverns, and similar
lodgings are a place for a character to rest,
recuperate, and prepare for the next day. Cheap
lodgings are very bare bones – there might be a bed,
the door might lock, possibly a bathroom, but there is
little else. It features a roof and a semi-safe place to
sleep, which is an improvement over sleeping on the
ground. Examples include a cheap motel, a barn in the
country side, a room in someone's home for the night,
a basic capsule hotel room, or similar lodgings.
LODGINGS, EXPENSIVE
Description:
Overnight lodgings are important for any characters on
the move. Hotels, motels, inns, taverns, and similar
lodgings are a place for a character to rest,
recuperate, and prepare for the next day. Expensive
lodgings are quite nice – they will have one large or
two moderate beds with more available if necessary, a
nice bathroom, good facilities such as pools or spas,
and great utilities. They will be very safe, secure, and
will include a safe as well as network connections in
futuristic and modern Settings. Examples include an
expensive hotel, a high-quality motel, a bed and
breakfast, a high quality inn, or similar lodgings.
LODGINGS, LUXURY
Description:
Overnight lodgings are important for any characters on
the move. Hotels, motels, inns, taverns, and similar
lodgings are a place for a character to rest,
recuperate, and prepare for the next day. Luxury
lodgings are the pinnacle of rest and full service – they
will have as many beds as necessary, a massive
bathroom, fantastic facilities such as pools or spas,
and the best utilities. They will be incredibly safe and
secure, have full network capabilities, safes and
storage, and a full service staff that will bring them
anything they wish. Examples include a luxury hotel, a
high class motel, an expensive bed and breakfast, or a
top of the line inn.
LODGINGS, MODERATE
Description:
Overnight lodgings are important for any characters on
the move. Hotels, motels, inns, taverns, and similar
lodgings are a place for a character to rest,
recuperate, and prepare for the next day. Moderate
lodgings are comfortable if unimpressive – there will
 Chapter 2
be a bed, a door, a bathroom, and similar features. It
might have a small safe and closet, and if networks
are available, a reasonable WiFi connection.
Examples include a basic or chain motel, a decent
hotel, a countryside inn, a very nice tavern room, or
similar lodgings.
MEAL, CHEAP
Description:
Cheap meals can get the consumer calories and stave
off hunger, but will not be nutritionally sound, healthy,
and sometimes may not even be that tasty. Cheap
meals can include simple tavern fare, soups and
stews, cheap fast food, and similar food.
MEAL, EXPENSIVE
Description:
Expensive meals don't necessarily taste good, but
they do hold a prestige that normal food doesn't. While
some of it is quite tasty, most importantly expensive
food is rare, and will either impress or be seen as
necessary at certain high class functions.
MEAL, MEDIUM
Description:
Medium priced meals are good quality, nutritional,
and/or delicious. Common in restaurants and high
quality taverns, meals of this caliber will restore and
refresh as well as be a pleasant experience.
MEDICAL TREATMENT, CRITICAL
Description:
Critical medical treatment is for the most deadly of
injuries and medical situations. Severe permanent
injuries, dead or dying character, or similar situations
warrant critical medical treatment. Critical medical
treatment is much harder to procure.
MEDICAL TREATMENT, MAJOR
Description:
Major medical treatment can be sought for more
serious injuries. Moderate permanent injuries, a large
amount of minor injuries, or similar situations warrant
critical medical treatment.
MEDICAL TREATMENT, MINOR
Description:
Minor medical treatment is all that's needed for more
minor injuries. This can include broken bones, non-
lethal poisoning or diseases, or similar medical issues.
Minor medical treatment can be found in most areas.
39
REFUELING, LARGE VEHICLE
Description:
Most vehicles require fuel, and different kinds of
vehicles can take more or less fuel. This price point is
for refilling very large vehicles like massive trucks,
small aircraft, and larger sea vessels. This price is for
a full tank from empty.
REFUELING, MASSIVE VEHICLE
Description:
Massive vehicles include cargo aircraft, ocean liners,
and other vehicles that require a massive amount of
fuel. It is extremely expensive and can only be done in
special areas with certain equipment. This price is for
a full tank from empty.
REFUELING, SMALL VEHICLE
Description:
Small vehicles include most normal vehicles like cars,
trucks, motorcycles, and similar vehicles. Many
characters will have personal vehicles and this is the
most common refuel price point. This price is for a full
tank from empty.
RENT, CHEAP
Description:
Monthly rent can provide a safe haven for characters
that need a place to call home. Clothes, valuables,
food, and other items can be stored in rented homes
for easy access. Cheap locations are usually small,
unsafe, or both, but remain very low profile. Cheap
places include studio apartments, a permanent hotel
or inn room, a room in a home, or similar residences.
RENT, EXPENSIVE
Description:
Monthly rent can provide a safe haven for characters
that need a place to call home. Clothes, valuables,
food, and other items can be stored in rented homes
for easy access. Expensive locations are usually
large, safe, and comfortable. Expensive rented places
can be larger two bedroom or three bedroom
apartments, a permanent nice hotel or inn room, a
nice home, or similar residences.
RENT, LUXURY
Description:
Monthly rent can provide a safe haven for characters
that need a place to call home. Clothes, valuables,
food, and other items can be stored in rented homes
for easy access. Luxury locations are usually massive,
attractive, huge, and generally leave an impression.
Luxury-quality rented places can be pent house
 Chapter 2

apartments, massive beach-side homes, or similar

residences.

RENT, MODERATE
Description:
Monthly rent can provide a safe haven for characters
that need a place to call home. Clothes, valuables,
food, and other items can be stored in rented homes
for easy access. Moderate locations are decently
sized, relatively safe, and rather unremarkable.
Moderately priced rented places can be smaller one
bedroom or two bedroom apartments, a permanent
fair hotel or inn room, a small home, or similar
residences.

TRANSPORT, INTERNATIONAL
Description:
International transport is the most expensive kind of
transport. The speed and cost can vary depending on
the method and the Setting, but the price listed is a
default price.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL
Description:
Local transport includes methods like taxis, subways,
and buses. Getting around a city or town has an
average cost listed here, though particulars will vary.

TRANSPORT, NATIONAL
Description:
National transport covers most long-distance transport
that stays in the same continent or country. It can be
costly and time consuming to travel long distances,
but the actual prices will vary depending on Setting
and method.

40
 Chapter 2
RUNNING THE GAME
SCENES
Ultimately, a GM determines when a Scene starts, and
when a Scene ends. A Scene is any series of
continuous events or actions, and can be as brief as
stopping by a bar to have a chat with the owner, to an
infiltration of an enemy fortress to find the secret
space station plans.
A good rule of thumb is that any downtime,
inconsequential travel, time skips, or rest periods
serve as breaks in Scenes. In addition, characters
cannot rest during Scenes, so putting breaks in
between them is especially important for games that
use dangerous environments and/or combat. Finally,
some Techniques last for an entire Scene, so it is up
to the GM to decide when those effects are no longer
valid as well.
ENCOUNTERS
Encounters are moments of danger, crisis, deadly
threat, or just when every second matters. This could
include a car chase, finding a ticking bomb, a tense
diplomatic situation, a shootout, and more. Essentially,
any dramatic moment where the GM wants the
Players to take Turns and every action is critical is
considered an encounter.
The GM is the only person who can call for an
Encounter. The GM also determines when an
encounter is over – generally, when action/time is no
longer urgent. In that case, the Encounter ends and
the Scene continues.
MEASUREMENTS
The Harbingers Roleplaying Game supports meters
and yards as base measurement, and all ranges are
approximated. While not exactly 1-to-1, yards and
meters are both valid choices given their proximity. As
such, when running a game, it is advised to pick one
system of measurement and stick to it.
If feet are preferred instead, simply multiply the values
in this book by 3, or use the following chart. The yard
to meters conversion is not necessarily 1-to-1 to the
centimeter as they are rounded to easy to calculate
numbers.
41
Example Suggested Conversions
METERS/YARDS FEET
1 5
3 10
5 15
8 25
10 30
12 40
15 50
18 60
20 65
25 80
30 100
150 500
300 1000
ENEMIES
Enemies include any antagonists the Characters will
face. NPCs, both unique and generic, have lives of
their own. In many cases, they will want to retreat, and
not just throw themselves onto the spears and swords
of the PCs. Don’t be afraid to have NPCs retreat when
the going gets rough.
Humanoid and/or intelligent NPCs also shouldn’t
wholesale slaughter PCs. While certain situations may
permit “no surrender” situations, intelligent creatures
don’t waste valuable resources. PCs can be held for
ransom, used as captives, or perhaps held and
prepared for eating by certain aliens or monsters. If
the PCs are going up against a government or
organized group with a judicial system, they may be
held in jail to await trial or to await an execution. This
gives the player’s characters a second chance.
In addition, it is important for high-caliber NPCs to
have solid defenses and backup plans. This is
important to give NPCs you want to re-use that the
Players want to kill a chance to survive.
Players will get annoyed if they have a perfect chance
to kill or dispose of an NPC and the GM imposes
some obscure “You can’t do that” claim on them. The
GM should always let PCs try anything, but if they try
something they know is foolish, the GM should not be
afraid to reply with consequences.
 Chapter 2
ALLIES
Not everyone exists simply as foils to the PCs. They
may find support ranging from law enforcement, city
officials, criminals, sympathizers, organization help, or
friends and family. While it is important that the PCs
remain the stars of the Story, protagonists usually
have allies that help them.
However, it is important to note that NPCs are people
too. PCs that treat them poorly because they have no
real human Player behind them will find the NPCs
turning on them. Like anyone, these characters have
their own hopes, dreams, and agendas. They are not
merely tools to be used by the Players to succeed.
Players will usually regret mistreating their allies.
Also, because they are people, ally NPCs have flaws
and weaknesses as well, just as the antagonists do. If
their loyalty to the PCs is poor, they may sell out. Their
connection may become a liability if they are found by
the PCs’ enemies. Certain NPCs may be loyal, but
have particular quirks, or things they refuse to
participate in due to moral or legal obligations.
SUCCESS AND FAILURE
Success is never guaranteed. A good Game Master
has plans for the likely outcomes of success and
failure for all major situations. This promotes the
flexibility that roleplaying games inherently has, and
keeps Players on their toes. Success will generally
prove favorably for them, while of course, failure can
have very negative side effects.
Players are also far likely to gain better rewards from
successful Stories and Chapters. People who do a job
poorly are often not paid well, and defeat in combat
can have the effect of being thrown in a jail or being
hurt or killed. PCs that break the law, even for just and
good reasons, can also have powerful consequences
in most civilizations and societies.
CREATIVE ACTIONS
Players will often come up with unexpected, fun, or
ambitious actions. The general rule of thumb is to let
them do whatever they want within reason – however,
success is not going to be guaranteed.
Use the general Skill Roll guidelines to determine
success chance. The Base Difficulty of 5 is a great
fail-safe, but grandiose activities will require much
42
higher Difficulties than the average 5. Common
increase to Difficulties are +1 to +3, but can go higher.
Due to the nature of the system and the cap of
Difficulty 10, they still will have a chance of success.
CONDITIONS
Normal Damage is common in dangerous situations,
and may have deadly consequences for characters.
However, sometimes the GM may wish to assign
Conditions based on environment or circumstances.
Some of these are discussed in regards to Critical
Successes and Critical Failures, and Techniques
generally lay out in detail the kind of Conditions they
inflict. But in all other cases, the GM is the only arbiter
of the specifics of any Condition.
Like Health, some negative treated “Conditions” might
still be lingering (ex: a broken arm in a cast is not
“fixed” by being treated) and may cause situational
issues, but the flat penalty is removed when a
Condition is “treated.”
Some basic Conditions are outlined in a following
table. The GM is free to use, modify, or expand upon
this list. It is only a guideline.
DEATH
The threat of death is a common danger in most
roleplaying games – even ones that aren’t focused on
combat. If PCs aren’t afraid of dying, they can be very
reckless. In high-action campaigns, this may be fine.
But if the group wants to run a more realistic game,
such as survival-horror game, this may be
undesirable.
However, in some games it may be undesirable to
simply have PCs die because of poor luck. This can
be not fun and dampen the playing experience. In
general, unless it's agreed to by the group, try to avoid
having a series of poor rolls being the ultimate death
of a well-played character. Foolish decisions are one
thing, raw bad luck can be another. In some cases, it
may be preferable to have the PC to hang onto the
thread of life while they are rushed to the hospital
rather than outright dying. Or having an antagonist
NPC realize the PC may be more useful alive.
Ultimately, it is depends on the game, the GM, and the
Players. Be fair, communicate, and everyone will have
more fun.
 Chapter 2

Example Conditions
NAME EFFECT REMOVAL
Diseased +X Difficulty to all Skill Rolls Difficulty X Healing & Time
Exhaustion +X Difficulty to all Skill Rolls Rest
Frightened +X Difficulty to all Skill Rolls Fear Source Removed
Hindered +X Difficulty to all Skill Rolls Determined By Source
Injury +X Difficulty to all Skill Rolls Difficulty X To Heal
Poisoned Cannot recover Health/Ability Difficulty X Healing Or Rest

43
 Chapter 2

CHARACTER ADVANCEMENT
per normal session, more for a longer game or a game
CHARACTER PROGRESS that concludes a major Chapter/Story.
The advancement of the Story and narrative is
progress in and of itself. But just as the story AWARDING EXPERIENCE
advances and changes, characters themselves grow
• Good role-playing and staying in character.
and change as well.
• Saving the group or a member of the group
from danger.
Progress come in both material and intangible
varieties. While playing the game, like in real life, • Making friends/allies.
characters will learn new skills and acquire new • Solving a complex puzzle or finding a solution
knowledge, accomplish goals, and may acquire (or to an intricate mystery.
lose) money and items. In some games, powerful • Helping in defeating, deterring, or otherwise
artifacts or lost technology could be discovered. removing a prominent foe or obstacle.
• Successfully completing a Chapter/Story.
Players often enjoy advancement and rewards to
show as a sign of progress. They like to increase their Experience Reward Examples
character’s knowledge, inventory, and accomplish EVENT EXP
their goals. An unfinished novel with no resolution is
Personal/Ally Goal Achieved 1
also as disappointing as a poorly executed Story.
Removed Obstacle, Major 2
One of the most important rewards that can be given Removed Obstacle, Minor 1
out after gaming sessions is Experience. Experience Plot Line Completed, Chapter 2
is a vital factor to increasing the capabilities of a Plot Line Completed, Story 3
character. As characters engage in their Stories and Group Roleplaying Excellence 1
adventures, they are likely to learn their skill-sets Completed Job/Task 1
better and even acquire new abilities. Saved Group/Allies 1
Session Completion 1
Optionally, the game can be played without advancing
the characters at all, but this is fairly uncommon. It can
keep the playing field rather level though, and you Example
could award Skill bonuses or other Characteristics Natalie's character Priere, a church official in a horror
based on actions within the story. 1890's game, is currently investigating a countryside
town in France for rumors of vampires with her
teammates. During the session, they interrogate a
EXPERIENCE witness claiming to have seen the monsters, and
Experience (EXP) can be given out to players to investigate a crime scene with a body drained of
increase the prowess of their character. Increasing blood. Later on, the group discusses their findings in
maximum Experience should be done in a systematic their inn rooms.
manner to avoid complications.
After finishing the Game Master decides to hand out
How much the Game Master gives on average Experience. Priere and the other characters get 1
depends on their own wishes. If the GM wants the Experience for their interrogation of the witness, and
characters to increase in ability quickly, they should another 1 for successfully getting clues from the
give a lot. If they would prefer a more modest skill murder scene investigation. Finally, the Game Master
increase, it's better to only give a little at a time. grants one additional good roleplaying Experience for
the in-character discussion the group had in the inn.
Experience is used to purchase new Characteristics
and increase a character’s Techniques, Skills, and This gives Priere a total of 3 Experience. Natalie can
Abilities. For a good guideline in amounts to hand out use that Experience to increase Priere's abilities, such
for Game Masters, consult the table below. On as increasing her Skills or perhaps learning a new
average, it's generally recommended to give about 2-3 Technique.

44
 Chapter 2

MONETARY & ITEM REWARDS

During the game, Player Characters can acquire
money and items from various sources. They may
come across hoards of treasure or magical artifacts, a
mobster’s safe full of money, or items taken from fallen
opponents. In addition, they make take on jobs for pay
or receive rewards.

For the Game Master, it is important such monetary

intake is balanced and not too obscene in games
where resources matter. If rewards are ridiculously
good, some aspects of the game would be too trivial. If
the rewards are horrendously poor, Players may get
irritated when trying to shop for ammunition or goods.

For Settings without magic or powerful items, it is still

possible to create technological or high-quality items
that grant bonuses to characters, or just a large
amount of resources. Settings with more high powered
magic might keep the powerful items more free-
flowing – but this likely means they will be facing foes
that will require those items.

A general rule of thumb is to make sure every session,

Players are getting or are working towards some kind
of unique or sizable reward in addition to Story
progress. Some characters or Players don't care for
material rewards, and may not be motivated to acquire
them. In that case, generosity and kindness in giving
those rewards away or refusing them is often repaid in
favors and friendship are sometimes better (and more
useful game-wise) than the reward itself.

45
CHAPTER THREE
Character Creation
 Chapter 3

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
CREATION OVERVIEW
All Players need a character to play during the game,
and character creation is the process of making one.
Players should be given freedom to make whatever
characters they want, provided it falls within the logical
restrictions of the Story and Setting.
This chapter encompasses all the information needed
for Players to make a character, but the exact details
are left up to the Player themselves.
After the character is built, the player will need to pick
up gear and equipment. After that, the character is
complete and ready to play!
CREATING NPCS
In addition to Players, GMs need characters as well
for their games. While it is likely not necessary to go
in-depth in this process when generating minor
characters, important NPCs should have the level of
depth as Player characters.

In addition to using this chapter, there are sample

FLOW OF CREATION statistics in the Appendix for easy reference. These
First and foremost, Players will need to determine stats are ideal for providing quick, basic stats for less
what kind of character they are making. Who this important characters.
person is, what their likes/dislikes are, their
motivations, their personality, their background, and
what they look like.

Career is important, as well as who shaped their lives

up to the point the game starts. Interesting
backgrounds can sometimes be used by GMs to
develop plot hooks or give Players a personal story in-
between the main narrative.

After getting a good view of who their character is, the

next step is putting game-numbers to the character's
makeup. Players will be able to put points in their
character's various Characteristics.

Skills, training, and natural abilities are selected. In

exchange for more Experience to build their character,
the Player also has the options of picking Traits that
are Disadvantages that limit or challenge the
character, or reflect a negative aspect or weakness.

47
 Chapter 3
CHARACTER PROFILE
CONCEPT
The first step to creating a character is forming a
concept. What do you want your persona in the world
of The Harbingers to be? The possibilities are virtually
endless, but your GM might have some restrictions
based on the campaign they would like to run.
For example, you cannot play a robotics engineer if
the Setting is in Ancient China! If you need any ideas,
consult the GM or creative works related to the chosen
Setting.
After you get an idea of the character you want, it’s
time to start fleshing it out. Enter a name, physical
description, and other things onto a character sheet.
Also you should pick a race, age, gender, and other
aspects of the character using the Setting guidelines.
All of these choices are up to the player, and will be
translated into game statistics later.
Remember: even some of these aspects that have no
direct mechanical affect will become relevant. Different
NPCs and situations could possibly react in various
ways to a character's age or species.
Example
Wendy is playing in a weekly game of The Harbingers
set in a post-apocalyptic Earth and needs to make her
character. The Game Master has decided there is no
need to place many restrictions on character
development, since she has a plot device that will
intertwine the characters regardless of their
backgrounds.
Wendy wants to play a smart, witty character. She
considers characters that might fit that concept, and
decides to go with a mechanic named Kiko who
wanders the wastelands looking for fun and
excitement. Kiko does part-time mechanic work,
scavenging, and odd-jobs to survive.
She enters “Kiko” for the character's name, and marks
“Wasteland Mechanic” as her concept. She decides
Kiko will be a 22 year old woman – she marks that on
her sheet as well.
There are no magical creatures in this game, so Kiko
is either a human or a mutant. Wendy decides Kiko is
a human, (largely) untainted by the radioactive
wasteland.
48
BACKGROUND
The background section is for the character's history,
connections, and allegiances. Use this section to
describe how the character became what they are
today, link in fellow PCs, or create interesting
supporting NPCs.
In addition to the past, the character's background
could inform their future. It is a good idea to cover a
character's goals and dreams here as well for the
future.
A Player-designed background can be used by the
Game Master as well for plot ideas and as a tool to
further involve the characters by using people and
places from their past. It is also useful as a reference
for involving NPCs the character may personally care
about.
Example
Wendy's character Kiko now needs a proper
background. Wendy decides Kiko was an orphan. She
doesn't remember her parents, just scrounging for
food to survive. Necessity lead her to be inventive,
and she found fascination in repairing, breaking, and
re-assembling various machines she found while
scavenging.
Through luck, she saw a job as a mechanic at the
North Run outpost to work on vehicles. She took it,
excelled, and quickly became a valued employee. Her
skills in scavenging also proved useful to collect parts
for the job.
Kiko was friendly with her co-workers at North Run,
and impressed them with her natural talent. Wendy
wants to record a number of Kiko's co-workers here.
She starts with Kiko's good-natured and hard-working
boss, Theresea. Theresea gave Kiko a chance when
few others would, and Kiko will never forget it.
Kiko also worked closely with a motorcycle expert
named French, a hyperactive jokester, and she
misses him the most. Kiko and French would work
late nights playing old music on their stereo and she
remembers this fondly.
Despite forging strong connections there, Kiko
 Chapter 3
became listless after awhile, and she needed to go
back to scavenging and exploring. Wendy has Kiko
looking for new opportunities currently, which the
Game Master will use to tie her into the game's
narrative.
PERSONALITY
The personality is the core of the character's attitude
and beliefs. It should also add any personal feelings
they have towards specific people, places, objects,
etc. This is a very important part in designing a
character, since it is the center of who they are.
While it’s not necessarily to have paragraphs of a
person’s general personality, specific quirks may be
noted here, as well as general attitudes towards
certain organizations, people, or places. This can be
used to roleplay the character in their words and
actions, naturally, and may also be used by the GM as
a plot line for certain Stories.
Example
With background settled, Kiko needs a personality
description. Wendy decides Kiko is easily excitable
and distracted, but has boundless energy and despite
her upbringing, a relentlessly positive attitude. She's a
bit reckless, however, and will often jump the gun.
Despite that, Kiko is reliable and always happy to help
out in a pinch. She makes friends easily and her
greatest joy in life is the connections she makes. Her
greatest fear is isolation, hearkening back to her
harrowing childhood.
APPEARANCE
This would include a characters height, weight,
hair/skin/eye color, and other relevant physical
concepts. These categories and others can influence
how people will react to the character.
It’s also a good idea to write a paragraph that could
describe the character to others if one was to see
them, usually including their usual or favorite clothing.
Furthermore, any special jewelry, objects, or important
objects can be described here. This is often shared
with other players so they have a picture in their mind
of the character.
49
A fleshed-out appearance is important for a variety of
game reasons. NPCs may react differently to different
appearances. Certain clothing styles may be
inappropriate for other areas. Swimming in loose
heavy clothing is harder, but it’s easier to hide a
handgun in a jacket than it is in a skin-tight bodysuit.
Environmental conditions can be harsher if a player is
dressed inappropriately.
While clothing can and likely will be changed, other
aspects of a character are not so readily adjusted.
Changing those will sometimes require surgery or
magic.
Example
With her basic personality fleshed out, Kiko just needs
a physical description. Wendy decides she has dark
olive skin, black hair in a pixie cut, dark brown eyes,
and a round face. She has a small scar on her left arm
from a scavenging accident as a young girl, and is
often covered in grease and dirty from mechanic work
or scavenging. She's wearing a grey mechanic's pre-
war jumpsuit, work boots, a dark grey tank top, and
welder's goggles on her forehead.
She also puts a note about her faithful companion on
her scavenging trips: her custom scooter. The scooter
is a bright yellow with black stripes on the front and
back. It's worn and dusty, but in excellent shape. She
has a battered leather pack that hangs from the side
that she uses to carry salvage and any equipment she
doesn't need to keep on her person.
With the physical descriptions worked out, Kiko is now
fully fleshed out. The other Players and the GM have
a good idea of what Kiko looks like in addition to who
she is.
FINISHING TOUCHES
After all this information is recorded, the most
important part of the character is done. The rest is
mainly for game statistics and are based on what has
already been written for the character.
If as the character is created, the player wishes to
change some things, they may feel free to return and
alter as needed. Sometimes new ideas pop-up as the
process goes on.
Chapter 3

50
 Chapter 3
CREATURE TYPES
CREATURES OVERVIEW
The Harbingers Roleplaying Game uses human (and
human-adjacent creatures) as the base line for
characters. However, the system is designed to work
in any franchise or campaign setting – and this
includes playing many different kinds of creatures!
Creatures of different types often have different
inherent Traits. Some examples are listed below, and
the GM can use this as a basis to make more races &
species of different creatures.
HUMAN
Humans, and humanoids similar to humans, are
common creatures found in a multitude of Settings. In
some cases, they are the most common sentient
creature, and in others they are just one of many.
Mutated, super-powered, or cybernetic humans also
fall into this category.
Humans have no special starting Traits. While this
means they have no special Advantages, they also
have no Disadvantages either.
ANDROID
Androids, advanced robots, or similar artificial life
forms are very common in sci-fi Settings, including
“hard” sci-fi, “soft” sci-fi, and science-fantasy. The
limits and scope of the power of artificial intelligence
varies greatly depending on the specifics of the
Setting.
Androids have some basic starting Traits given their
non-biological existence. Outside of this, the scope of
their Traits, Techniques, and Skills, is as varied as
humans and likely determined by their primary
designed function.
Traits
NAME DESCRIPTION
Artificial Intelligence Capable of being hacked.
Biological Immunity Immune to biological effects.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The character is subject to being hacked and may be
sabotaged, controlled, or shut down. Sabotage deals
1d4 Damage, control lasts for 1 Turn, and shut down
Incapacitates the character for 1d4 Turns or until
Damaged.
51
BIOLOGICAL IMMUNITY
The character is immune to any disease or poison
affects that only affect biological creatures. They also
do not require oxygen, cannot drown or asphyxiate,
and can function in environments dangerous to
biological lifeforms at no penalty or risk.
BEAST
Beasts include cats, dogs, wolves, panthers, and
similar creatures. While nowhere near intelligent as
humanoids, these kinds of animals make up for it with
incredible senses, speed, and a mouth full of teeth.
The beast Traits below can be used for any sort of
four-legged creature capable of self defense. Beasts
tend to have better tuned senses than humanoids.
Furthermore, while beasts lack the tool use of
humanoids, they often have natural weapons for self-
defense.
Traits
NAME DESCRIPTION
Animal Senses Improved Awareness.
Animal Speed Improved speed.
Natural Weapons Improved unarmed Damage.
Quadruped Limits tool and equipment use.
ANIMAL SENSES
The character's natural senses grant a reduction of
Difficulty by 1 for activities like searching and tracking.
ANIMAL SPEED
The character can move up to double movement for
free in a Turn.
NATURAL WEAPONS
The character's unarmed attack is 1d6 instead of 1d4.
QUADRUPED
The character's natural form doesn't have arms or
hands for manipulation of objects, and cannot speak
humanoid languages. In addition, they are not able to
wear most humanoid clothing or gear. Any Skill Roll
involving object use is increased by +1 Difficulty.
 Chapter 3

CONSTRUCT Traits
Magical constructs are living entities made from NAME DESCRIPTION
nonliving material and brought to life by magic or Dwarven Resilience Improved poison resistance.
rituals. Golems, puppets, or similar creatures fall Dwarven Stature Lowered speed.
under this category, and they are popular in horror, Underground Vision Improved vision in dark.
fantasy, and science-fantasy. If they have free will,
they can be playable characters.
DWARVEN RESILIENCE
The character's Difficulties against poison-related
Constructs have starting Traits that reflect their unique
attacks and Conditions are reduced by 1.
magical existence. The durability and powers of the
Furthermore, all poison-based Damage is halved.
construct are outlined as normal Traits and
Techniques as with any other character.
DWARVEN STATURE
The character can move only half as far for free in a
Traits Turn.
NAME DESCRIPTION
Fabricated Body Immune to certain effects. UNDERGROUND VISION
Magical Construct Medicine/healing ineffective. The character can see normally in the dark, even in
pitch black.
FABRICATED BODY
The character is immune to any disease or poison ELVES
affects that only affect living creatures. They are Elves are humanoids often seen in various fantasy
immune to bleeding effects. They also do not require Settings. The details vary, but they are often
oxygen, cannot drown or asphyxiate, and can function otherworldly or fairy-like in essence, with pointed ears
in environments dangerous to biological lifeforms at no being their most common-like physical attribute.
penalty or risk.
The elven Traits below are those often attributed to
MAGICAL CONSTRUCT these humanoids. Their keen elven senses make it
The character's form isn't able to be restore Health or easier for them to operate in the dark. In return, their
be repaired by normal means short of rest (as the inherent delicate nature means they are less sturdy
character magically regenerates) or special than some of the other creatures.
Techniques that heal/repair objects. Medical items,
normal healing Techniques, and healing magic are
ineffective. Techniques that repair objects but do not
Traits
specify healing constructs restore 1d4 Health. NAME DESCRIPTION
Elven Senses Improved senses.
Ethereal Lowered Health.
DWARVES
Dwarves are shorter, stockier humanoids often seen in
ELVEN SENSES
various fantasy Settings. While the details vary
The character is unaffected by penalties from
between settings, they are commonly resilient and
darkness, though they still cannot see in absolute
make their homes underground – often with an affinity
darkness. They also suffer no Difficulty penalty to
for stone, earth, and metalwork.
detect others while sleeping.
The dwarven Traits below are those often attributed to
ETHEREAL
these humanoids. They can see incredibly well in the
The character's inherent fey nature lowers Health by
dark, and their dwarven resilience gives them an edge
1.
against poisons. However, their stocky nature makes
them inherently less agile.

52
 Chapter 3
LYCANTHROPE
Lycanthropes include werecreatures of any sort, such
as werewolves. Common in horror and fantasy, they
are best known for their shapeshifting powers and
resistance to normal weaponry, often requiring silver.
Lycanthropes have the core Traits of their
shapeshifting ability and unnatural resistance. The
unique powers of any particular lycanthrope can be
customized with normal Traits and Techniques.
Traits
NAME DESCRIPTION
Bestial Senses Improved senses.
Lycanthrope Body Damage resist/weakness.
Shapeshifter Ability to change form.
Unnatural Essence Social penalty with animals.
BESTIAL SENSES
The character's bestial senses grant a reduction of
Difficulty by 1 for activities like searching and tracking.
LYCANTHROPE BODY
The character halves all Damage from non-magical,
non-silver weapons and environmental sources that
inflict bludgeoning, slashing, or piercing types of
Damage. Other Damage sources such as heat and
cold are unaffected. Silver weapons deal an additional
+1d4 Damage.
SHAPESHIFTER
In addition to their base humanoid form, the character
has a bestial form and a hybrid form. They can shift
forms with an Action.
In the hybrid and bestial forms, their unarmed Damage
increases to 1d6. They also gain a -1 Difficulty to all
physical Skill Rolls, but a +1 Difficulty to mental and
social Skill Rolls.
The bestial form doubles the character's movement for
free in a Turn but the character can then only hold
objects in their mouth. Any Skill Roll involving object
use is increased by +1 Difficulty.
UNNATURAL ESSENCE
The unnatural, cursed essence of the character may
unnerve humanoids, but upsets many animals. Social
Skill Rolls involving animals have a permanent +1
Difficulty.
53
UNDEAD
Undead refers to corporeal undead such as sentient
zombies and skeletons. Seen across genres,
especially horror and fantasy, these creatures are
normally mindless. However, if they have a sense of
self and control, they can be playable characters.
Undead have core Traits that reflect their nonliving
state. The unique powers of any particular undead are
selected as normal Traits and Techniques.
Traits
NAME DESCRIPTION
Corpse Immune to certain effects.
Undeath Can act with 0 Health.
Unnatural Life Undead weaknesses.
CORPSE
The character is immune to any disease or poison
affects that only affect living creatures. They are
immune to bleeding effects. They also do not require
oxygen, cannot drown or asphyxiate, and can function
in environments dangerous to living creatures at no
penalty or risk.
UNDEATH
The character can still act normally at 0 Health and
cannot be Incapacitated by normal means. They are
still killed at 0 Threshold.
UNNATURAL LIFE
The character can't be healed by magic or medicine
(only rest), and no Techniques can revive them if they
are killed and Threshold is reduced to 0. They are also
susceptible to magical attacks and effects that harm
undead.
 Chapter 3

VAMPIRE
Vampire refers to a specific type of fanged undead
creature that drinks blood of its victims. Common in
horror and fantasy, they often have a variety of
domination powers and sometimes shape shifting
abilities.

Vampires have the core Traits of their undead flesh,

aversion to sunlight, and their hunger for blood. The
unique powers of any particular vampire can be
customized with normal Traits and Techniques.

Traits
NAME DESCRIPTION
Blood Drinker Heals by drinking blood.
Child Of The Night Damaged by sunlight.
Unliving Flesh Immune to certain effects.
Vampiric Essence Undead weaknesses.

BLOOD DRINKER
The character can drink blood painlessly with their
fangs. Drinking blood deals 1 Damage, and restores
the character's Health by that amount. Unwilling
creatures must be attacked with a normal unarmed
attack. Willing creatures can be fed on without a Skill
Roll, and or sleeping creatures can be fed upon if the
vampire is underacted and can sneak up.

CHILD OF THE NIGHT

Exposure to direct sunlight on the vampire's flesh
deals 1d4 Damage per Turn.

UNLIVING FLESH
The character is immune to any disease or poison
affects that only affect living creatures. They also do
not require oxygen, cannot drown or asphyxiate, and
can function in environments dangerous to living
creatures at no penalty or risk.

VAMPIRIC ESSENCE
The character can't be healed by magic or medicine
(only rest and drinking blood), and no Techniques can
revive them if they are killed and Threshold is reduced
to 0. They are also susceptible to magical attacks and
effects that harm undead.

54
 Chapter 3

SELECTING CHARACTERISTICS
Example
CHARACTER BUILDING Wendy's Game Master decides she want normal-
The previous section had you define who and what strength characters. She gives Kiko and the other
your character is. This section describes what that Player characters 50 Experience to spend.
means in game terms. The mechanical aspects of a
character are called Characteristics. Wendy will start to build Kiko with the initial
Experience to make sure her character matches her
Characteristics are split into Health, Ability, Skills, vision. Thinking about Kiko, Wendy gets to work!
Traits, and Techniques. Each type of Characteristic
serves a different purpose in helping define your
character. Experience is used to purchase or increase HEALTH
certain Characteristics. In addition, players will start Health represents a character’s overall health,
with a base value for Health and Ability, as well as stamina, and state of being. Characters with high
Skills and Techniques. Health are usually in good shape and good health.
Smaller creatures and weaker characters may not
Starting Characteristics have much Health. Large or robust creatures likely
have a lot.
CHARACTERISTIC STARTING
Health Health 10 (Threshold 5) Whenever a character suffers damage, they lose
Ability 10 Health. Health can be reduced from poisons,
Skills 3 Free Skills accidents, weapons, and hazards. A character with 0
Techniques 3 Free Techniques Health is unconscious, and if a character is reduced
below 0 Health, they are Incapacitated.
EXPERIENCE Health Threshold is a character's limit to experiencing
Experience is a representation of the knowledge, severe trauma and Damage before dying. High
ability, and training the character has. Characters with Threshold characters tend to be able to take
more Experience have more abilities and talents are punishment, or are just fervent survivors. Threshold is
their disposal. Characters start with 50 Experience important for characters who are often doing
normally (the GM can alter this value) which is dangerous things, and is equal to half the character's
capable of producing a skilled adult who excels at their Health, rounded down.
job/specialties.
Mechanically, Threshold indicates the amount of
Experience is used as building points for the Damage a character can receive after reaching 0
character. More Experience is earned during the game Health before they are dead. Characters with 0 Health
by playing. Experience never goes away, so extra can but with Threshold remaining are still clinging to life,
always be saved. though they are Incapacitated and incapable of doing
anything.
Starting Experience
EXPERIENCE POINTS DESCRIPTION Example
Wendy starts to record Kiko's base statistics. As there
Default 50 Normal
are no special creature types in this game, and Kiko is
Low 25 Weak a human, there are no unique modifiers to any of her
High 75 Heroic starting Characteristics.

Experience Uses Wendy first records Kiko's Health. Kiko starts at 10.
• Purchase Skills Half of 10 is 5, so again, before Traits or anything else
• Purchase Traits is applied, Kiko's Health Threshold is set at 5.
• Purchase Techniques
With that step complete, Wendy moves on to Ability.

55
 Chapter 3
ABILITY
Ability is the character's concentration and stamina. It
is used to represent a character’s overall energy and
focus. Characters with high Ability tend to rely on
Techniques as they can use many of them without
need to recover.
Ability is used to power Techniques. Techniques are
powers, abilities, signature maneuvers, spells, or other
unique active effects.
Example
Kiko starts with her Ability at 10. She can utilize ten
Techniques between rest or downtime.
Next, Kiko needs her Skills.
SKILLS
Skills grant a reroll to a Skill Rolls. A Skill essentially
adds a bonus die, allowing the user to choose the
highest value out of all the dice rolled. The characters
picks the better number as their final result.
Attempting a Skill Roll without a Skill is the normal
1d10. If the user has a related Skill, the Skill Roll uses
2d10. The GM is the final arbiter if a Skill applies,
though it should be obvious in most cases.
Skills at their core are representative of a character’s
basic aptitudes in various fields. They can represent
natural talent as well as formal and informal training.
There are a list of Skills in this book that should cover
any potential Skill Roll, but certain Settings may also
have certain kinds of special Skills. In addition to
Setting-specific Skills, Players and the GM can come
up with other Skills.
A character is generally expected to have a handful of
Skills concerning their career, hobbies, passions, or
experiences. This is represented by all characters
starting with 3 free Skills.
While all Characters tend to have some Skills, some
may rely more on Skills than others. Characters that
are focused on Skill increases rely on training and
knowledge to get them through their troubles.
Example
Wendy starts assigning Kiko's Skills. Naturally, Kiko
takes a Skill in Mechanics, a Skill she's a master of
and is related to her jobs and hobbies.
56
The wastelands are a dangerous place, and Kiko
goes out there often, so Wendy decides she'd have
some combat skills as well. She gives Kiko a Skill in
Melee and Marksmanship. That covers her free 3
Skills.
Wendy considers other Skills a scavenger and
mechanic might have. She takes Investigation and
Athletics. Kiko does a lot of physical activity when
scavenging, and she's really good at finding stuff! She
deducts Experience for these.
She'll round out Kiko by taking Medicine, Driving, and
Stealth as well. She's had to deal with improvised first-
aid, she routinely uses her scooter, and she's skilled
at sneaking around raiders. She takes off the
Experience for these Skills as well.
Kiko's Skills are finished. Wendy moves onto Traits.
TRAITS
Traits are a character’s natural and acquired passive
benefits and detriments that aren’t as simply defined
as general skills or a technique/special talent. This
category includes all types of Advantages:
miscellaneous merits such as specific fields of training
or study, a strong back, quick hands, charming smile,
or even things like allies, contacts, and wealth. It also
includes Disadvantages: negative qualities or personal
limitations such as a bad temper, frail constitution, or
clumsiness.
Since Traits are a diverse category, new passive
effects that fit into this mold can include a wide variety
of options. Unlike Techniques, Traits are passive
effects or active effects that have special conditions.
Advantages are benefits or bonuses that cost a certain
amount of Experience depending on its power. Traits
that cause challenges or hold limitations are called
Disadvantages and reward a certain amount of
Experience depending on its impact which can be
used elsewhere. Essentially, a character has turned
their limitation to a boon, spending time with or
compensating with more Skills, new Techniques, or a
different Advantage Trait.
Characters with a lot of Advantages will have a lot of
specialized training or natural gifts that carry them.
Characters with a lot of Disadvantages have been
faced with challenges in their lives either due to
choices, circumstance, and/or birth, but have created
 Chapter 3
their own Advantages, learned new Techniques, or
mastered a variety of Skills in return.
Example
Wendy sees some obvious options for Kiko when it
comes to Traits. First, she picks Craftsman – base
time to create items is halved. She also likes
Organized, since Kiko will likely be used to dealing
with storing stuffs in packs. If it would normally take an
Action to get an item, it is now free and no longer
costs an Action.
Considering further, she also decides to take Street
Fighter, since Kiko would be experienced with using
improvised or scavenged weapons. Kiko has been
known to bash a raider or two with a wrench.
Finally, she also picks Lucky, which grants random
beneficial events. Kiko relies on luck when
scavenging, and she's managed to beat the odds so
far. Being Lucky will be helpful in more than just
scavenging runs!
All of the above are positive Traits, and cost
Experience. Wendy also wants to pick some limiting
Traits for Kiko to flesh her out more (and get additional
Experience to spend elsewhere!)
Considering her over-trusting nature and lack of
situation awareness, she gives Kiko Easy Mark. Kiko
will be the target of robberies and scams occasionally.
Wendy also decides to give Kiko a custom Trait
particular to the campaign Setting: Fallout Exposure.
She figures Kiko has suffered due to the constant
exposure. She tells the Game Master she'd like this to
increase Difficulty by 1 to resist any radiation Damage
or effects.
The Game Master agrees, and she permits Wendy to
give Kiko the Trait. She awards Kiko 2 Experience for
it, since radiation will be very common in this
campaign and that Trait will be a constant detriment.
Kiko takes that extra Experience and her remaining
Experience and improves her Skills. She also takes
the Combat Driver Trait to reflect her time fighting on
her scooter.
With that, Wendy is finished with Kiko's Traits. She's
ready for Techniques next.
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TECHNIQUES
Techniques are the powers, abilities, and special skills
of a character. Signature techniques, magical spells,
combat maneuvers, and other tricks fall into this
category. While sometimes combat-related, some of
the post potent Techniques have nothing to do with
fighting.
The book provides a good array of general
Techniques. These are good to round out Player
characters, or to use for NPCs. However, creative
players will want to look beyond the listing and craft
their very own Techniques. The Game Master should
assist them, and clear the Technique for use by seeing
how it compares to the examples in the book.
Each character should have a few Techniques and
start with 3 for free. Characters who focus on learning
Techniques rely on their special abilities to carry the
day, and usually have a large variety to deal with a
number of problems. However, Techniques cost an
Ability point to use, so when a character's Ability runs
dry, they'll have fewer options than people who rely on
Skills.
Example
Wendy likes a few of the basic Techniques in the book
for Kiko. She takes Salvage for her first free
Technique, so Kiko can create improvised weapons
and equipment out of scrap rapidly. Improvise is
another obvious Technique that she picks as a free
one so she can boost weapons, armor, and equipment
with some quick tinkering. She also takes Parkour to
represent Kiko's ability to traverse strange terrain and
climb wrecks looking for salvage, also getting that one
for free.
Wendy wants an interesting, hand-crafted Technique
for Kiko as well, though. Kiko has a special scooter
that she uses for salvage runs, and Wendy wants an
offensive attack that uses the scooter.
Working with the Game Master, Kiko comes up with
“Kiko's Special Delivery.” It requires her to have her
scooter and be on it, so that restriction means the
ability can be more powerful.
The Game Master decides when using it during an
Encounter, it will cost an Action. Her Driving Skill will
apply to the Skill Roll. Success means she can go to
any spot normally in the Scooters range, and attack
any enemy in the path with a single Skill Roll using
Driving as well. Enemies that fail take normal damage,
 Chapter 3

and also are knocked down, requiring them to spend

an Action to move.

Wendy and the Game Master both love the ability, so

Wendy records it on Kiko's sheet, and Wendy pays
the Experience. Kiko has her Techniques now.

Kiko will get more Experience as she plays, and can

further boost all aspects of her character at that time.
But currently, that's Kiko's current Characteristics for
now!

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 Chapter 3
STARTING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT BASICS
Characters will need clothing, equipment, and
supplies. They will start with some in their possession,
and have some starting currency they can use to buy
more. Generally, the only limitations on purchasing
equipment starting out are those set by the GM.
The prices included in the equipment chapter give
good starting price purchases and are used for
character creation. However, once the game starts,
prices can and will fluctuate based on demand,
location, and availability.
The chapter on equipment lists many common items
that a Player would want for their character. If
something isn't on the list, it can easily be added.
STARTING GEAR & FUNDS
Each character starts with a funds base decided by
the GM for the campaign. This starting currency
abstractly represents how much they've accrued in
resources and assets.
These funds are used to purchase tools, supplies,
weapons, armor, and anything else. Most of these
items can be personalized automatically and without
charge, since the characters could have had these
items for many years.
Some suggested starting funds are in the tables
below. The GM may wish to modify these values
based on the Setting or currency. Once the game has
started, the character must find ways to procure funds.
The currency type depends on the Setting. It could be
dollars, credits, coins, etc. In Settings that include
banks, characters may wish to keep most of their
starting money in an already setup account. Settings
without paper or electronic currency also generally are
receptive to bartering, and may have different coins.
Starting Funds
DESCRIPTION CURRENCY
Default 10,000
Poor 100
Low 1,000
High 100,000
Wealthy 1,000,000
59
Example
Wendy is setting up equipment for her wasteland
mechanic and scavenger, Kiko. She had previously
decided Kiko's outfit in her description, so she
purchases that as basic clothing.
Hand-held radios are very common in this Setting,
and Kiko wants to be able to communicate with her
party Because of this, Kiko purchases a hand-held
radio.
Kiko outlined a scooter she had earlier. She
purchases a scooter for travel and to use her special
Technique with.
She also needs some equipment for building and
repairing The first obvious thing is a set of tools. Kiko
pays the small tool kit cost and has a tool belt for Kiko
made of worn leather. She also buys a larger tool kit
for her scooter to keep in the side bag for larger repair
jobs. It's a heavy item, and she doesn't want Kiko to
carry it around all the time.
Kiko also needs some items for self-defense. She
purchases a semi-automatic handgun, and two
magazines worth of bullets. Wendy decides if Kiko
gets up close, she'll just use her pipe wrench – she
has a Trait for improvised weapons.
While Kiko doesn't need armor and has no training in
it, Wendy does want her to have some protective
gear. She'll pick up a gas mask, and an old hazmat
suit. She'll keep those on the scooter as well.
Finally, Kiko also needs some other general gear and
supplies. She'll buy a first-aid kit, ten meals worth of
provisions (jerky, canned food, trail mix), a canteen
(full of mostly clean water), and a flashlight.
With all that purchased, Kiko deducts the cost from
her funds. The remaining funds will be in pre-war
money (the currency of the Setting) that she'll keep in
a beat-up old wallet that she has on her person.
CHAPTER FOUR
Characteristics
 Chapter 4

CHARACTER CHARACTERISTICS
NAME
CHARACTERISTICS OVERVIEW This section lists the Characteristic's name.
Different character statistics can be augmented to
customize your character to your liking. These BONUS (BON)
Characteristics are customized with Experience as This lists how much Experience the Characteristic
discussed in the previous chapter. Below is a listing, grants.
and following that, details about all the existing
characteristics and rules for making new ones of each EXPERIENCE (EXP)
type. This lists how much Experience the Characteristic
costs.
New characters can build from scratch with these lists.
For more information on starting characters, please EFFECTS
see the character creation chapter. This section briefly describes what the Characteristic
does. New players will find the next few chapters
If characters gain Experience during play, this section helpful in understanding some of the intricacies of
is generally the first to turn to. In addition, between these Characteristics.
games, Players may like to augment their characters
with these tables with the GM’s permission –
potentially taking new Traits that grant Experience to
spend elsewhere.

Characteristics Overview
NAME EXP DESCRIPTION
Skills 5 Gain a new Skill.
Traits By Trait Gain a new Trait
Techniques 3 Gain a new Technique.

CHARACTERISTIC LIST
A table is available below to spend your Experience. If
more information is needed on certain kinds of
Characteristics, turn to the corresponding chapter
which covers them in detail.

Skills, Traits, and Techniques are split by category for

ease of reference. General ones work in most games.
Special ones are restricted to certain by certain
Settings due to supernatural nature, innate
technology, or otherwise due to their fantastical or
unique nature.

GMs and Players alike are welcome to invent new

Characteristics to apply to their characters. All
Characteristics should be GM-approved.

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Skills, General
NAME USES
Acting Ability to embody characters as well as mimic behaviors and persons.
Appraisal Ability to estimate the value and worth of objects, knowledge of market values.
Art Skill in visual arts and creative endeavors such as painting, sculpture, and drawing.
Artillery Ability to use weaponry such as ballista, catapults, cannons, and mortars.
Athletics Skill in running, climbing, jumping, riding, swimming and other physical activities.
Aviation Operation of aerial vehicles such as helicopters and planes.
Biology Knowledge of the sciences such as biology, physics, medicine, and mathematics.
Brawling Skill in unarmed combat and using improvised weapons.
Brewing Skill in making alcoholic beverages.
Carpentry Knowledge of woodworking and building wooden structures and objects.
Chemistry Science of elements and compounds, including their makeup and interactions.
Computers Knowledge of hardware/software regarding computers, including programming.
Cooking Skilled in preparing and making food and drink.
Craftsmanship Ability to build/repair objects.
Culture Knowledge of cultural practices and events.
Dance Skill in dance and related actions, from ceremonial to social.
Deception Ability to use lies, deceit, and subterfuge.
Demolition Knowledge in creating and using explosives.
Diplomacy Ability to negotiate and interact with proper etiquette.
Driving Operating personal vehicles such as wagons, carriages, cars, and trucks.
Economics Knowledge of goods and services in society, including business and finance.
Endurance Ability to resist fatigue, stay awake/active, and shrug off toxins.
Engineering Knowledge and skill in designing and invention.
Herbalism Knowledge of plants and natural medicines and toxins.
History Knowledge of past events, ancient civilizations, and other elements of the past.
Insight Observation and deduction to determine intent and detect duplicity.
Intimidation Using threatening words and presence to extort, convince, or terrify others.
Investigation Searching, looking, and investigating.
Law Knowledge of laws and governments.
Leadership Commanding groups of people, encouraging morale, and inspiring.
Leatherworking Ability to create and repair leather items, as well as tanning knowledge.
Legerdemain Skill in sleight of hand, such as for tricks, misdirection, or taking/hiding objects.
Literature Skill in literary arts and interpretation, such as fiction and poetry.
Logic Ability to solve puzzles/riddles, make logic connections, and solve mysteries.
Marksmanship Ranged accuracy with thrown or projectile weapons such as bows and firearms.
Masonry Knowledge of stonework and creating stone objects and structures.
Mathematics Skill in statistics and geometry, including counting and measurement.
Mechanics Usage of mechanical devices, machines, electronics, and technology.
Medicine Knowledge of medicine and how to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.
Melee Skill in using close combat weapons and fighting styles like swordsmanship.
Music Skill in music, including instruments and singing.
Nature Knowledge of the natural world including flora and fauna.
Navigation Skill in directing courses and determining courses and routes.

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Skills, General
NAME USES
Performance Skill in entertainment and performance arts such as dance, music, and theater.
Persuasion Skill in persuasion, manipulation, suggestion, and getting others to agree.
Physics Science that deals with matter and energy, including gravity and force.
Politics Skill in political operations, campaigning, and how they interact with laws.
Psychology Knowledge of feeling and thought, as well as behavior and cognition.
Religion General knowledge of religions including practices and traditions.
Research Studying, using a library, internet browsing, or any other form of research.
Sailing Operation of watercraft such as boats and ships.
Smithing Skill in blacksmithing, armorsmithing, weaponsmithing, and similar metalwork.
Stealth Sneaking, hiding, and stalking.
Strategy Skill in military strategy, tactics, and warfare.
Streetwise Skill in finding shelter and food in civilization, and knowledge of of urban life.
Survival Skill in finding campsites and food in the wild, and other survival tactics.
Tailoring Skill in weaving, tailoring, and other forms of clothwork and making clothes.
Thievery Larceny and theft, including picking locks, stealing, and disarming security.

Skills, Special
NAME USES
Alchemy Skill in making magical potions and salves.
Arcanum Knowledge of magical lore, creatures, and events.
Astrogation Navigation in space for starship travel.
Cybernetics Skill in fixing and creating cybernetic implements that interface with biology.
Demonology Familiarity with famous demons and knowledge of demonic rules and summoning.
Enchantment Creation of magical items and equipment.
Occult Knowledge of forbidden rituals, cults, and verboten rites.
Spellcraft Knowledge of magic, application, and spellcraft.
Starships Piloting of starships large and small.
Xenobiology Knowledge of alien species differences and makeup.

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Traits, General
ADVANTAGES
NAME EXP EFFECTS
Academic 2 Difficulties are reduced for recalling academic knowledge.
Acrobatic 3 An Action is never required to be get up or regain balance.
Actor 3 Able to mimic accents, mannerisms, and even specific individuals.
Adaptable 3 Restore 1 Ability when Encounter Order is rolled.
Alertness 1 Negate all penalties to avoid being surprised.
Allure 1 Targets potentially attracted to the character are easily plied.
Analyzer 3 Know the current Health and Ability of any creature.
Animal Whisperer 2 Impressive understanding and empathy with animals.
Appraiser 2 Know the value of valuable items and markets good for it.
Armor Master 10 Armor Difficulty penalties are ignored for worn armor.
Armored 2 Armor worn is considered weightless for determining carried gear.
Artist 3 Difficulties are reduced by 1 for creating art in any medium.
Assassin 1 Small, hidden weapons cannot be manually detected.
Automatic Expert 3 Improve automatic fire with automatic and burst-fire weaponry.
Bloodhound 1 All smell related Skill Rolls are vastly improved.
Bodyguard 2 Take damage for nearby characters.
Charm 3 Have friendly/neutral NPCs assist you.
Chef 3 Eating a created meal always counts as resting.
Companion 5 Gain a capable NPC companion.
Contact 2 Gain NPC associate that provides information.
Counter Attack 3 May counter a defended attack once per Round.
Craftsman 2 Easier to craft items.
Custom Vehicle 5 Acquire a feature-heavy customized vehicle.
Deadeye 5 Inflict +1 damage on all ranged attacks.
Diplomat 3 Reroll first 1 on a Skill Roll when dealing with non-hostile individuals.
Dual Wielder 5 Once per Round, attack with two different weapons in one Action.
Empathic Insight 2 Occasionally get insight into characters/see through deception.
Energy Specialist 2 Ignores non-energy specific armor & protection.
Equipment Master 5 Remove equipment Difficulty penalties.
Evasive 3 Increase ability to dodge and avoid danger.
Fashionista 1 Know origin of fashion styles and any social class relations.
Flexible Expert 2 Flexible weapons like whips and lassos can grapple while attacking.
Fluid Defense 1 Resistant to grappling.
Forger 2 Able to forge and copy seen writings and seals.
Grappler 3 Cause damage when grappling instantly and over time.
Gunslinger 5 Fire one-handed ranged weapons multiple times.
Headquarters 5 Acquire a high-grade residence with multiple features.
Healer 5 Use an item to restore Health/Ability for no Action once per Turn.
Healthy 5 Increase maximum Health.
Heavy Hitter 3 Inflict +1 Damage on all melee attacks.
Historian 2 Have basic historical knowledge of major events/areas without a Skill Roll.
Innocent 1 Less likely to be seen as a threat unless proven dangerous.
Iron Will 3 Improve resistance to mental effects.

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Traits, General
ADVANTAGES
NAME EXP EFFECTS
Joker 1 Expression Skill Rolls focused on humor can reroll 1s.
Keen Senses 2 Ignore penalties from not being able to access a sense.
Language 1 Acquire a new language.
Last Stand 3 Act normally after reaching 0 Health until taking Damage.
Law Expertise 2 Know laws for most known cities/towns/countries without a Skill Roll.
Leader 2 Influence allies and give friendly allies commands.
Legalese 1 Understand legal documents/contracts automatically.
Lucky 2 Small, beneficial events occur occasionally.
Mariner 2 Ignore penalties in water.
Martial Arts 3 Improved unarmed attack damage.
Medic 5 May sometimes not consume a use of a limited medical item.
Medical Expert 2 Removing Conditions has the Difficulty and time reduced by 50%.
Medical Lore 2 Healing items that restore Health are improved.
Minion 1 Gain an low skilled NPC asset, ally, or pet.
Organized 2 Taking out/putting away weapons and items costs no Action.
Point-Blank Shot 5 Ignore penalties for using ranged weapons in melee.
Precise Memory 2 Remember most names, events, and facts without a Skill Roll.
Precision Striker 5 Increases Damage of small/light weapons.
Prehensility 2 May treat non-hand limbs as hands for most tasks.
Quick 5 Movement is increased during an Encounter.
Reactive 3 Increases the d10 to d12 for Encounter Order.
Reloader 3 Reloading most of the time requires no Action.
Researcher 2 Time to research a topic in a proper facility is halved.
Salesman 1 Gain extra money from selling items, usually 50% more.
Second Chance 3 Make a Skill Roll when about to die to return to 1 Threshold.
Shadow 2 Character can walk/run while hidden easier.
Shield Master 2 Ignore Difficulty increases from shields.
Sniper 3 Doubles effective range of ranged weapons.
Socialite 3 Know or adapt to social norms without a Skill Roll.
Stealthy 2 Penalties for poor hiding places and bright lighting are halved.
Street Fighter 1 Ignore penalties for using improvised or impromptu weapons.
Survivalist 2 Obtain food/water and ignore penalties in nature automatically.
Survivor 3 Threshold is equal to total Health, not 50% of Health.
Taunter 1 More likely to be targeted in fights unless proven weak.
Theologian 1 Possess familiarity with known religion practices and history.
Tough 8 Reduce Damage from most sources received by 1.
Versatile 5 Increase maximum Ability.
Wealthy 5 Possess a source of non-liquid wealth and resources.
Weapon Master 10 Ignore Weapon Difficulty penalties.
Wrestler 3 Once a round, grapples and throws do not cost an Action.

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Traits, General
DISADVANTAGES
NAME BON EFFECTS
Addiction 1 Must meet addiction or suffer a stacking penalty to Skill Rolls.
Allergies 1 Receive a penalty to all Skill Rolls while affected by allergy.
Animal Bane 2 Animals are innately distrustful.
Blind 8 Cannot see is unable observes things solely based on vision.
Careless 3 Occasionally misplace possessions and items.
Clumsy 2 Skill Rolls are required during the game to avoid accidents.
Compulsive Honesty 2 Skill Roll is needed to lie or else character confesses truth.
Coward 4 Dangerous situations require a Skill Roll to act normally.
Deaf 3 Cannot hear and may not detect events based solely on hearing.
Deep Sleeper 1 Double Difficulty to detect when asleep. Lose 1 Turn while waking up.
Disabled Arm 5 Has one less limb to hold/use/manipulate objects.
Easy Mark 2 Often the target of thieves and robberies.
Flashy 1 Character will sometimes be disregarded and not taken seriously.
Forgetful 3 May be required to make a Skill Roll to remember known information.
Frail 8 Suffer an additional 1 Damage from all sources.
Glass Jaw 3 Resisting any injury has its Difficulty doubled.
Gluttonous 3 May require a Skill Roll to avoid over indulgence in activities.
Gossip 1 False information slips in even on successful social rolls.
Greedy 3 May refuse to give or hide resources from NPCs and organizations.
Hallucinations 3 At least once a day, the character sees/hears things that distract them.
Hideous 1 People are often repulsed by the character due to appearance or mannerism.
Hungry 1 Character requires double normal food and drink to avoid penalties.
Ill Tempered 2 Skill Roll to avoid being verbally hostile to someone who is rude or insulting.
Illiterate 1 Unable to read or write native language.
Inattentive 1 Difficulty for remembering lessons, observations or conversations is doubled.
Irritating 3 Often annoy or irritate people when talking.
Kleptomaniac 3 Occasionally steal from NPCs and NPC shops.
Lumbering 2 Increased Difficulty to move further in Scenes.
Messy Writing 1 Documents made by character may be unknowingly illegible.
Movement Assisted 3 The character uses a mobility device like crutches or a wheelchair.
Myopia 1 Require corrective lenses or receive a +1 Difficulty.
Nausea 2 Skill Roll when confronted with a disgusting situation or lose ability to act.
Non-Speaking 1 Cannot speak and can only communicate in gestures.
Obligation 2 An NPC or group requires resources or help periodically.

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Traits, General
DISADVANTAGES
NAME BON EFFECTS
Panic 3 Stressful situations may require a Skill Roll or cause a character to panic.
Pathological Liar 3 Occasionally lie without reason.
Phobia 2 Flee or avoid a targeted type of phobia until a Skill Roll is made.
Rigid 5 Decrease maximum Ability.
Salacious 2 Distracted by individuals they are attracted to.
Sensitive Senses 1 Receive penalties for offensive sensory stimulus.
Sickly 2 Suffer random minor illnesses often.
Slothful 2 Jobs, projects, or tasks may take double the time occasionally.
Slow 3 Movement is reduced during an Encounter.
Slow Healer 3 Injuries recover slower.
Sluggish 3 Lowers the d10 to d8 for Encounter Order.
Stalkers 1 Attract stalkers, obsessive admirers, and possibly dangerous people.
Suspicious 3 Tends to invite suspicion and distrust.
Tongue-Tied 1 Skill Rolls in stressful or high-stakes social situations are doubled in Difficulty.
Uneducated 2 Recalling facts or knowledge has increased Difficulty.
Unfocused 2 Ability restored by Techniques/items is reduced by 1 to a minimum of 1.
Unforgettable 1 Appearance/style/mannerisms are easy for NPCs to remember.
Unhealthy 5 Decrease maximum Health.
Unlucky 2 The character will have small, negative events occur occasionally.
Vain 1 +1 Difficulty if appearance is poor.
Wasteful 2 Items cost double the resources to create.
Weak 2 Melee damage die reduced.
Wrathful 3 May be unable to switch targets when fighting.

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Traits, Special
ADVANTAGES
NAME EXP EFFECTS
Alchemist 3 Create a magical potion or salve once a day.
Arcane Artisan 5 Creating magical items is much easier.
Arcane Lore 2 Automatically recognize most spells.
Arcane Sense 2 Detect nearby magic innately.
Astral Projection 2 Gain the ability to traverse the astral or spirit realms.
Cantrips 2 Be able to always cast minor magical effects.
Chameleon 2 Able to hide in plain sight.
Extra Limb 3 Have an extra limb for holding or manipulating.
Flight 10 Able to levitate and fly as part of normal movement.
Fortunetelling 3 See possible fates and portents.
Incorporeal 5 Gain the ability to turn incorporeal to phase through objects.
Innate Equipment 3 Have a piece of equipment that is always accessible.
Loremaster 2 Master of identifying magical items, writings, and lore.
Magic Resistant 3 Difficulties for resisting magical effects are halved.
Mystic 2 Randomly get helpful visions.
Night Vision 3 Able to see in darkness with no penalty.
Regeneration 10 Restore Health over time.
Relic 3 Obtain a magical item.
Sensor 2 Vision is considered 360 degrees, not blocked by some objects.
Telepath 3 Communicate with mental thoughts as conversation.
Venomous 3 Inflict poison on natural attacks.
Wall Climb 3 Able to walk on or climb walls normally.
Water Breathing 2 Can breath water as air.

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Traits, Special
DISADVANTAGES
NAME BONUS EFFECTS
Ancient Curse 3 Suffer the effects of a supernatural curse.
Arcane Focus 2 Cannot use Techniques without a specific item.
Arcane Ignorance 1 Always fail knowledge/history Skill Rolls relating to magic.
Cursed Heirloom 3 Possession of a cursed object that cannot be lost.
Eldritch Dreams 2 Recurring vivid nightmares cause loss of sleep and bad omens.
Enchantable 2 Double Difficulty of resisting enchantment or sleep spells.
Haunted 3 Supernatural entity makes trouble and causes harm.
Lose Control 3 Periodically must make Skill Rolls or act randomly.
Monstrous 2 NPCs are often scared or hostile.
Mundane 3 Unable to use magic correctly, including items.
Mystical Patron 1 Deity or other entity's laws/rules must be obeyed to maintain powers.
Sunblind 2 Bright natural light causes temporary blindness.

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Techniques, General
NAME EFFECTS
Adrenaline Rush Gain reduction against damage temporarily.
Aim High chance to land an attack or strike.
Analysis Grant multiple bonuses for all allies against one target.
Armor Upgrade Temporarily upgrade armor to absorb a portion of incoming Damage.
Assassinate Attempt a killing blow on a target.
Barrage Use a ranged weapon to strike all visible enemies in range.
Beatdown Pummel, disarm, and knock down a target.
Blast Radius Increase or decrease the radius of a grenade or explosive.
Bleeder Damage and cause additional damage over time.
Bolster Use words or a performance to energize and restore Ability to allies.
Breaker Destroy an opponents equipment, weapon, or armor.
Calculation Grant an ally/self a second Skill Roll and they may take the better.
Carrier Lift a single willing/unconscious person and carry them for no penalty.
Cautionary Advice Grant the user's Resistance against a Skill Roll.
Cheer Bolster a single ally with a cheer.
Command Give an ally a full turn with bonuses.
Concealment Hide with extreme skill.
Coordinated Attack Damage and pass an enemy to nearby allies.
Defender Guard an ally from damage by absorbing an attack.
Demoralize Insult or harangue a target, lowering their Resistances.
Detoxification Cure poison and grant immunity to poison temporarily.
Disassemble Reduce any object to base components with an Action at Base Difficulty.
Dispatch Deal double damage with an attack.
Disrupt Counters an opponent’s attack.
Distraction Makes Techniques unavailable to the target for a short period of time.
Dodge High chance to avoid incoming danger or attack.
Dolphin Kick Double movement while swimming for 1 Turn, ignore any water penalties.
Face Climbing Double movement when climbing for 1 Turn at Base Difficulty Skill Roll.
Field Repairs Repair an object or restore 1d4+1 Health to an artificial creature.
First-Aid Restore Health to an adjacent ally.
Flash Strike Melee strike multiple enemies in movement range.
Focus Restore Ability to user.
Full Sprint Double normal movement for 1 Turn and move through danger.
Galvanize Call out to a dying or unconscious character to revive.
Guard Increase defense against attacks temporarily.
Hack Control/access electronic entity or machine.
Hurl Throw an object twice it's normal range.
Improved Application Use a medical item and restore an additional die of Health.
Improvise Temporarily improve an item, providing a Skill Roll bonus to using it.
Inoculation Suppress disease penalties and grant immunity to diseases temporarily.
Inspire Use speech, song, or dance allies to grant allies bonuses.
Instruction Grant the user's Skill modifier for a task.
Knockout Instantly knock out a target.

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Techniques, General
NAME EFFECTS
Lecture Grant +1d4 to a Skill for a duration.
Line Up Use a ranged weapon to strike up to 3 enemies in a line.
Med-Tech Temporarily increase the effectiveness of a healing item.
Medical Conservation Use a medical items and don't consume a usage.
Mutilate Inflict an injury on a target.
Overdose Use a medical item to transfer healing to Damage.
Parkour Run/jump/climb to a location ignoring Interruptions.
Pinning Shot Pin a limb to an adjacent surface with a larger projectile.
Power Lift Lift an object and ignore its weight for one Turn.
Presence Force or inspire neutral people or weak-willed enemies to assist.
Profile Grant full knowledge of and any weaknesses of creature.
Push On Increase Skill Rolls for a period of time.
Rally Restore Health to all allies within visual or audio range.
Rebounding Shot Strike a single enemy and any adjacent targets.
Reflexive Surge Gain a free Action.
Reposition Make a melee attack and then ignore Interruptions when moving.
Resuscitation Revive an unconscious, dying, or recently dead person.
Salvage Create fully functional equipment quickly out of scraps.
Scale Climb/jump on a large creature or vehicle with no Interruption.
Second Wind Restore the user’s Health.
Sketch Create a perfect quick sketch.
Skip Shot Double weapon range for a single shot.
Sleight Of Hand Perform complex sleight of hand without detection.
Smash Knock a target back forcefully.
Snipe Temporarily disable a target from a distance.
Solver Solve a portion of or gain an edge in dealing with puzzles and cryptograms.
Surgical Healing Remove injury penalties and most active negative effects on a character.
Sweep Strike all adjacent opponents.
Tactics Grant all allies ability an attack or movement.
Takedown Deals damage and pin an opponent.
Terrorize Inflict fear on creatures.
Thrasher Damage, and grapple or throw an enemy.
Threaten Attack and threaten a character in melee range to force them to help.
Triage Restore Health to all nearby allies.
Trick Shot Ignore line of sight to attack.
Uncanny Speed Gain a free Turn.
Volley Use a ranged weapon to strike multiple enemies in an area.
Weak Spot Ignore all innate Defense bonuses and reduce equipment Defense by half.
Weapon Upgrade Temporarily give a Damage bonus to a weapon.

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Techniques, Special
NAME EFFECTS
Acid Volley Project a volley of acid.
Alter Size Grow or shrink in size.
Animation Bring an object to life to assist you.
Arcane Blast Attacks an area with magical energy.
Arcane Bolt Attacks a single target with magical energy.
Arsenal Attack with multiple innate ranged weapons.
Aura Of Pain Manifest an aura with a damaging effect that harms all nearby.
Barrier Magical barrier absorbs damage.
Bewitch Make a target friendly.
Binding Locks a creature in place.
Blaster Damage and push back all nearby.
Bless Grant bonuses to all allies.
Boon Boost ally with bonuses and increased Critical Success rate.
Bound Jump or leap a massive distance.
Clone Create a weaker copy.
Copycat Copy a valid Technique from an individual for a short time.
Cry Paralyze all enemies with a scream/cry/shout.
Cure Restore health and remove ailments.
Curse Curse enemies with penalties.
Dazzle Stun and blind a number of targets briefly.
Detonate Self-sacrifice to deal massive area damage.
Dimensional Gate Create a small gate to a specific known close location or a location in view.
Displacement Visual/audio displacement increases defenses.
Domination Control a target's mind.
Dragon Breath Breath out a certain element as a wide range attack.
Elemental Blast Attacks a group of opponents with damage and a special property.
Elemental Bolt Attacks an opponent with damage and a special property.
Enchant Magically boost weapon or armor temporarily.
Energize Turn an object into an explosive.
Energy Beam Fires a beam of energy that can strike multiple targets.
Energy Bomb Blast an area with energy and knock all targets back.
Energy Drain Steals Health from a target by touch.
Essence Drain Steals Health from a target with magic.
False Perception Cause a target to be unable to perceive multiple stationary objects or creatures.
Force Shield Briefly become immune to damage.
Grappling Limb Grapple and damage a target from long range.
Hex Curse enemy with penalties and increased Critical Failure rate.
Hidden Form Gain multiple benefits for a brief period of time.
Illumination Allows changing of light in an area to absolute brightness or darkness.
Illusion Creates a false image that looks real.
Immortality Self-resurrect if reduced to below 0 Health.
Intercession Shield an ally from a single attack or effect.
Invisibility Make a target invisible with magic.

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Techniques, Special
NAME EFFECTS
Invulnerable Briefly become resistant to damage.
Laying On Hands Restore health or heal a variety of lasting effects.
Leap Clear any possible size jump with a Base Difficulty Skill Roll.
Levitation Fly or levitate for a period of time.
Life Link Shift Health and effects between user and target.
Magic Grasp Manipulate, damage, and shove a target or item with magic.
Magic Weapon Form a weapon from pure energy.
Martyr Take all wounds a single creature receives.
Mesmerize Target is temporarily unable to act.
Mimic Perform a recently used Technique.
Mind Reader Learn all current status and ability info of target.
Mind Wrack Damage a single target's Ability.
Muddle Target suffers confusion.
Mystic Wall Creates a wall with a magical energy.
Nightmares Terrorize and weaken a target.
Obfuscate Create fog/smoke/steam that is difficult to see in.
Paralyze Stop an opponent from moving.
Polymorph Morph a creature or person.
Portal Create a large temporary portal that leads to a known location.
Possess Enter and control an entity.
Powered Strike Charge and launch a super powered melee attack.
Protective Rite Shield a creature from danger and supernatural evil.
Psychic Explosion Damage all nearby targets and knock them back.
Purification Remove diseases and poisons for all allies.
Radiance All allies are immune to fear and mental effects.
Raise Dead Bring a recently dead target back to life.
Reanimation Create an undead minion.
Rebirth Return from death.
Regenerate Restore Health to the user over time.
Rejuvenation Restore health and remove effects for all allies.
Resurrection Bring a creature that has been dead less than 24 hours back to life.
Salvation Summon aid from supernatural creatures.
Scry Read a target's thoughts and actions for bonuses.
Self-Repair Restore Health to the user over time.
Shapeshift Morph into another creature or person.
Summon Summon a magical creation to assist.
Telekinesis Manipulate objects and people with mental power.
Teleport Disappear and reappear in nearby or visible location.
Time Shift Increase or decrease the speed of a target.
Transmute Alter an object’s properties.
Tremor Knockdown all surrounding characters.
Wasting Invite sickness and disease onto a single target, weakening them.
Worship Song Restores health to all allies for multiple Rounds.

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HEALTH
HEALTH DETAILS
Health indicates total overall health and the condition
of the body and mind of the character. Health is
lowered from environmental damage, combat, and
accidents.
Health usually recovers fully after any period of rest,
usually an hour. Some Techniques and items can be
used to restore Health quickly, but there is never
guaranteed success when restoring Health.
Even when a character has full Health, they could still
very well be sore, in pain, or still have injuries suffered
from Critical effects. Health is an approximate value of
current stamina and vigor, and thus is not necessarily
mean a character is feeling great even when they
have full Health.
Anytime a character receives Damage, it is subtracted
from their Health. If they have no Health remaining, it
is then subtracted from their Health Threshold. If they
have no Threshold remaining, the character is dead.
THRESHOLD
The Health Threshold is normally 50% of the
character's Health, rounded down. If a character is out
of Health, they are Incapacitated, but if they have
Threshold remaining, they remain alive. Any Damage
taken when Health is at 0 moves into the Helath
Threshold.
It is more difficult to restore the Health Threshold than
regular Health. Since Threshold reduction lasts longer,
it can be dangerous to be Incapacitated multiple times.
INCAPACITATED
Characters at 0 Health are considered Incapacitated
and are not normally able to do anything. Even if they
are conscious, they are in shock, delirious, and/or
dying. Characters return to full Health after a normal
rest (though, in actuality, they might still be in a lot of
pain or tired). Character who are out of Health and
receive more Damage lose Health Threshold, and will
die if that is also reduced to 0.
74
DEATH
Death occurs when Health and the Threshold value
are depleted. Some Techniques and Traits can
counter this effect, but normally this means the end of
a character's existence.
Example
Yumei Zhu, an inspector of Scotland Yard, is currently
investigating a cultist hideout. She has 10/10 Health.
She comes upon two cultists who spot her and attack.
She engages them, firing her revolver. She's hit by
one cultist's dagger across the arm for 3 points of
Damage. Yumei now has 7/10 Health. During the
fight, she takes another dagger strike, for 4 Damage
as it plunges into her shoulder, bringing her down to
3/10 Health. Yumei defeats the cultists.
After reloading, Yumei digs into her coat and pulls out
her first-aid kit to heal herself. She makes a healing
Skill Roll and gets an 9 – that's enough, and restores
1d4 for 3 Health. She patches herself up further,
getting an 8 on the Skill Roll and another 4 on the 1d4
for Health. She's back up to 10/10. She'll continue on.
She goes further into the hideout, finding a secret
entrance that goes further down. She trips a blade
trap, taking 6 damage, cutting a deep wound in her
side. Yumei is down to 4 Health this time. She's pretty
wounded, but she presses on.
If Yumei drops to 0 Health, she'll become
Incapacitated and any overflow will go into her Health
Threshold. Given she has no allies with her, it will
either be over for her, or the cultists may treat her and
keep her prisoner.
 Chapter 4

ABILITY
ABILITY DETAILS
Ability is a character’s energy-level, inner-strength,
focus, and mental clarity. It is used to activate
Techniques, the special active abilities of a character.
Activating a Technique costs an Ability. Each use of a
Technique takes an Ability, even if multiple Techniques
are done in single Turn.
Ability is restored when resting. Like with Health,
resting will restore it completely. Certain items, Traits,
or other Techniques can also refresh Ability.
Trevor is now out of Ability. CX-99, however, has their
own Technique that restores Ability: Encouraging
Cheer. They use it on Trevor, and Trevor regains 2
Ability!
Shazara, however, finishes off the last of the pirates
before Trevor has a chance. With all enemies
defeated, the crew is clear to get some rest. After an
hour of relaxation and rest, Trevor has regained his
remaining Ability.

TECHNIQUES
Every character has a minimum of 3 Techniques, a
talent, power, or specialization that is representative of
their knowledge or training. A character can have any
number of Techniques, but the usage is limited by
available Ability.

Example
Trevor is battling three space pirates on his ship with
his allies CX-99 the android co-pilot and Shazara
Uleen, an alien bounty hunter. He has a Technique,
Captain's Shots, that lets him strike all enemies with a
ranged attack with his energy pistol. Trevor has 3/10
Ability currently.

Trevor uses Captain's Shots, and strikes three of his

enemies. One goes down, the other two are heavily
wounded. Trevor now has 2/10 Ability. The fight
continues.

At one point, Trevor is hit by a space pirate's energy

musket and he nearly goes down! He uses another
Technique, Stylish Bravado, a self-heal. He now has
1/10 Ability, and restores a portion of his Health.

Trevor is going all in now as the fight nears its climax.

He spends another Ability for yet another Technique,
Heroic Charge. Activating this technique, Trevor, CX-
99, and Shazara all attack at the same time!

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SKILLS
SKILL DETAILS •
•
Fashion a magic bomb
Mix a protective salve
Skills are a character’s training, natural ability, and
talent in a certain field. In game terms, Skills are
APPRAISAL
bonuses applied to Skill Rolls representing training,
Description:
education, natural talent, and innate skill.
This Skill applies to the ability to estimate value and
worth in objects, including art and jewels, and
While some equipment, Traits, and Technique effects
knowledge of common market values.
can affect Skill Rolls, the main factor in whether or not
a character is good at what they are doing is whether
Uses:
they have a Skill. If a Skill can be applied to a Skill
Roll, it grants an additional 1d10 – functionally, a • Estimate the worth of a piece of art
reroll. The character uses the higher roll between the • Know current gem values in a market
two. • Identify treasures in an attic among junk

While whether a Skill applies or not will often be ARCANUM

obvious, if there is every uncertainty, it is the GM's call Description:
if it applies or not. This magical-Setting Skill applies to all aspects of
magical lore. This includes knowledge of spells,
magical creatures, and legendary items.
CUSTOM SKILLS
Custom Skills can be added if they are accepted by Uses:
the GM. When making new Skills, it is important to • Identify a spell
keep them broad enough they remain useful, while • Recall a magical creature's weaknesses
making sure they are not too broad and cover existing • Remember the history of a powerful mage
Skills.
ART
SKILL LIST Description:
Common Skills are listed below. Examples of use are This Skill applies to visual art mediums such as
provided, as well as more in-depth information below. painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Additional Skills beyond the list here can be created.
Uses:
ACTING • Sketch a portrait
Description: • Paint a piece as a commission
This Skill applies to all forms of acting, including • Sculpt a trinket as a gift
portraying characters for entertainment as well as
mimicking others and blending in as well as standing ARTILLERY
out. Description:
This Skill applies to large scale weapons of war, from
Uses: catapults, to cannons, to missile silos.
• Play a part on the stage
• Mimic an existing person Uses:
• Fake a role or job • Fire a field gun
• Activate a catapult
ALCHEMY • Launch a SAM
Description:
This magical-Setting Skill applies to creating magical ASTROGATION
potions, salves, and similar items and mixtures. Description:
This sci-fi Setting Skill applies to charting a star
Uses: courses and any function in a role as a navigator on a
• Create a healing potion star cruiser or large ship.

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alcoholic drinks.
Uses:
• Plot a safe course to a new star system Uses:
• Safely set up a warp location • Brew beer
• Avoiding a gravity well or dying star • Operating a distillery
• Identifying an alcoholic drink
ATHLETICS
Description: CARPENTRY
This Skill applies to running, climbing, jumping, riding, Description:
swimming and other physical activities. This Skill applies to all forms of woodworking, making
wooden structures and objects.
Uses:
• Climb a wall Uses:
• Swim across a river • Repair a house
• Jump a pit • Build a chair
• Upgrade a ship's hull
AVIATION
Description: CHEMISTRY
This Skill applies to piloting air vehicles from balloons Description:
to planes. This Skill applies is used in the science of elements
and compounds, used to determine their makeup and
Uses: how they interact.
• Land an experimental jet
• Chase someone in an airship Uses:
• Maneuver a helicopter • Create a chemical
• Identify the properties of a liquid or substance
BIOLOGY • Recall chemicals and their interactions
Description:
This Skill applies to the science of living organisms COMPUTERS
and biological processes, used for identifying and Description:
examining creatures on a detailed level. This Skill applies is knowledge of computers, both in
operation and construction, hardware and software.
Uses:
• Recall a creature's vulnerabilities Uses:
• Analyze blood or tissue • Build a computer
• Study a new creature to learn about it • Code a program
• Search a computer for hidden files
BRAWLING
Description: COOKING
This Skill applies to fist fighting, shoving, kicking, and Description:
using improvised weapons such as umbrellas, This Skill applies to all forms of cooking, baking, and
shovels, or bats. the preparation and creation of all kinds of food and
drink.
Uses:
• Headbutt an assailant Uses:
• Swing a baseball bat at an intruder • Cook a meal
• Stab someone with a broken bottle • Determine ingredients in a dish
• Bake a treat as a gift
BREWING
Description: CRAFTSMANSHIP
This Skill applies to all forms of alcohol creation, Description:
including brewing, distilling, and knowledge of This Skill applies to common building and repairing

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and other handyman activities, as well as creating

simple objects. Uses:
• Create a bomb
Uses: • Diffuse a mine
• Repair a damaged vehicle • Safely detonate a demolition charge
• Fix a broken appliance
• Assemble furniture DEMONOLOGY
Description:
CULTURE This magical-Setting Skill applies to knowledge of
Description: demons as well as summoning and controlling them.
This Skill applies to knowledge of cultural norms and
pop-culture in general. Uses:
• Recall the lore of powerful demons
Uses: • Create a ritual circle to summon a demon
• Recall a known-figure's history • Bind a free demon with the proper ritual
• Dodge cultural faux pas
• Identify a popular dish in a foreign country DIPLOMACY
Description:
CYBERNETICS This Skill applies to formal diplomacy, utilizing proper
Description: etiquette, and engaging in negotiations.
This sci-fi Setting Skill applies to creating, implanting,
repairing, and identifying cybernetics. Uses:
• Address a royal assembly
Uses: • Perform a diplomatic negotiation
• Create a cybernetic arm • Secure aid from a government official
• Install a nervous reflex upgrade
• Repair a broken limb motor DRIVING
Description:
DANCE This Skill applies to operating vehicles from carriages
Description: to cars.
This Skill applies to knowledge of various forms of
dance and skill in executing them. Uses:
• Race another driver
Uses: • Keep control during a collision
• Perform a dance for an audience • Perform a daring stunt
• Dance with a partner to impress them
• Identify a ritual dance's significance ECONOMICS
Description:
DECEPTION This Skill applies to knowledge of goods and services
Description: in society, including business and finance.
This Skill applies to misleading, lying to, tricking, and
deceiving others. Uses:
• Judge investments
Uses: • Determine the quality of an offered deal
• Lie to a security guard to gain access • Recall business regulations
• Trick a merchant into giving a discount
• Obscure the truth while being interrogated ENCHANTMENT
Description:
DEMOLITION This magical-Setting Skill applies to creating magical
Description: objects and infusing magical equipment.
This Skill applies to creating, using, and disposing of
explosives. Uses:

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• Create a magical trinket • Judge the emotional state of a person

• Enchant a sword with magic
• Determine the enchantment on an object INTIMIDATION
Description:
ENDURANCE This Skill applies to attempts to threaten, terrify, and
Description: control others through displays or threats of force or
This Skill applies to staying awake, resisting pain, and violence.
shrugging off toxins.
Uses:
Uses: • Terrify an hostage into providing information
• Resist a poisonous bite • Threaten a merchant for a discount
• Hold breath under water • Intimidate an enemy into surrendering
• Remain awake all night
INVESTIGATION
ENGINEERING Description:
Description: This Skill applies to searching, investigating, and
This Skill applies to design and invention of objects looking around.
and facilities.
Uses:
Uses: • Search a room for secreted treasures
• Map out a design for a new aqueduct • Check a murder scene for clues
• Invent a new experimental armor • Find a hidden person in a shadowy room
• Design upgrades for a vehicle's parameters
LAW
HERBALISM Description:
Description: This Skill applies to knowledge of laws and
This Skill applies to knowledge of plants and natural government.
medicines and toxins.
Uses:
Uses: • Search a room for secreted treasures
• Make an antidote out of plants • Check a murder scene for clues
• Find natural medicine in the wilderness • Find a hidden person in a shadowy room
• Prepare a poison from mushrooms
LEADERSHIP
HISTORY Description:
Description: This Skill applies to attempts to rally and lead others,
This Skill applies to recalling facts about all aspects of as well as inspire courage and confidence.
history, from significant events to notable figures.
Uses:
Uses: • Call over bystanders to help in an emergency
• Recite information about an ancient battle • Inspire warriors in a battle
• Recall the lineage of a queen • Galvanize a team before a match
• List famous occult events tied to an object
LEATHERWORKING
INSIGHT Description:
Description: This Skill applies to creating and fashioning leather
This Skill applies to attempts to detect lying, estimate objects, and knowledge of the tanning process.
intentions, and to detect unusual behavior.
Uses:
Uses: • Tan animal hides
• Determine the truth of a statement • Create a leather coat
• Discern an individual's intent • Repair a leather satchel

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Description:
LEGERDEMAIN This Skill applies to recalling mathematical formulas,
Description: figuring out equations, and determining
This Skill applies to sleight of hand for tricks, thievery, measurements.
and subterfuge.
Uses:
Uses: • Estimate measurements
• Slip a jewel into a pocket • Figure out a complex equation
• Secretly transfer an object between hands • Recall number patterns & equations
• Lift a gun from an unsuspecting officer
MECHANICS
LITERATURE Description:
Description: This Skill applies to utilizing technology and machines
This Skill applies to all creation of literature including of all types, from simple to complex.
fiction and poetry.
Uses:
Uses: • Operate heavy machinery
• Write a moving poem • Disable a lock
• Create a gripping novel • Rewire a keycard panel
• Fashion an instruction manual
MEDICINE
LOGIC Description:
Description: This Skill applies to healing and recalling medical
This Skill applies to solving riddles and puzzles, as effects, either professionally or through self-taught
well as making deductions and solving mysteries. healing.

Uses: Uses:
• Figure out a riddle • Bandage a wound
• Connect clues in a mystery • Treat poison
• Solve a puzzle in a tomb • Use a first-aid kit

MARKSMANSHIP MELEE
Description: Description:
This Skill applies to all forms of ranged combat and This Skill applies to all forms of close quarters combat
target shooting including using firearms and bows. training, such as swordsmanship, street fighting, and
martial arts.
Uses:
• Throwing a knife Uses:
• Firing a pistol • Knocking someone over
• Tossing a grenade • Throwing a punch
• Swinging a sword
MASONRY
Description: MUSIC
This Skill applies to all forms of stonework, including Description:
making structures and objects. This Skill applies to knowledge of and skill with all
aspects of music, from playing instruments, to singing,
Uses: to composing.
• Build a stone fence
• Repair masonry cracks Uses:
• Fashion stone furniture • Play a complicated song on a guitar
• Engage in a concert
MATHEMATICS • Compose a song

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NATURE POLITICS
Description: Description:
This Skill applies to knowledge of and experience with This Skill applies to knowledge of political figures,
the natural world and ecology, including all types of campaigning, and related rules and laws.
plants and animals.
Uses:
Uses: • Recall legislation and who passed it
• Identify and explain a particular animal • Knowledge of how various governments work
• Determine the uses of a mushroom or plant • Organizing a campaign event
• Identify a type of animal den
PSYCHOLOGY
OCCULT Description:
Description: This Skill applies to knowledge of feeling and thought,
This magical-Setting Skill applies to knowledge of real as well as behavior and cognition.
cults, dark artifacts, and verboten rituals.
Uses:
Uses: • Analyze a person's behavior
• Recall lore about a cult • Estimate an individual's next move
• Identify true rituals versus fake rituals • Diagnose trauma or mental condition
• Explain details of a forgotten god-monster
RELIGION
PERFORMANCE Description:
Description: This Skill applies to knowledge of modern and ancient
This Skill applies to all aspects of performance and religions, rites, and creeds.
how to put on a show.
Uses:
Uses: • Recall the details of a religious holiday
• Excite a crowd and draw attention • Pray and show devotion correctly
• Organize a play, show, or concert • Identify followers and their faith through clues
• Entertain a group of people with jokes or song
RESEARCH
PERSUASION Description:
Description: This Skill applies to researching and studying to find
This Skill used in friendly or coercive social out new information or learn.
interactions, such as persuasion, socializing, and
seduction. Uses:
• Search a library for news about an event
Uses: • Search the internet for details on a date
• Convincing someone to help • Go through notes to learn about the author
• Flirting and gaining favor
• Gathering information SAILING
Description:
PHYSICS This Skill applies to using nautical vehicles and
Description: mariner's knowledge.
This Skill applies to knowledge of matter and energy,
including gravity and force. Uses:
• Speed up a ship by working on the sails
Uses: • Navigate rough waters in a raft
• Estimate the result of a device or contraption • Chase another boat across open waters
• Judge safety of a jump or a crash
• Recall equations or matter properties SMITHING

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Description: STREETWISE
This Skill applies to metalwork like blacksmithing, Description:
armorsmithing, and weaponsmithing. This Skill is used in navigating urban environments
and survival in the streets.
Uses:
• Forge new horseshoes Uses:
• Fix a broken sword • Find an illegal contact or dealer
• Upgrade armor with metal reinforcement • Find shortcuts in a city
• Discover a safe place to hide on the streets
SPELLCRAFT
Description: SURVIVAL
This magical-Setting Skill applies to using magic and Description:
casting spells. This Skill used in foraging, hunting, tracking, and other
aspects of wilderness survival.
Uses:
• Cast a spell Uses:
• Use a magical wand • Track an animal
• Prepare a magical ritual • Find a safe campsite
• Identify safe foods to forage
STARSHIPS
Description: TAILORING
This sci-fi Setting Skill applies to using personal Description:
starships and serving as the pilot on larger ships. This Skill is used for weaving and tailoring, and
modifying and creating clothes and cloth products.
Uses:
• Outmaneuver and get behind another starship Uses:
• Dodge an asteroid • Fashion an outfit
• Ram another starship • Repair a ruined canvas tarp
• Turn wool into yarn
STEALTH
Description: THIEVERY
This Skill used in feats of hiding, shadowing, and Description:
stalking. This Skill is used in feats of stealing, burglary, or
similar criminal activities.
Uses:
• Hiding in shadows Uses:
• Moving quietly • Pickpocket an individual
• Shadowing a suspicious person • Shoplift something discreetly
• Pick a lock
STRATEGY
Description: XENOBIOLOGY
This Skill used in strategy and tactics for warfare to Description:
determine maneuvers, approaches, and defenses. This sci-fi Setting Skill applies to recalling information
about and identifying traits and species of aliens.
Uses:
• Coordinate town defenses Uses:
• Direct allies to attack • Recall facts about an alien's makeup
• Create an attack plan • Estimate an alien animal's behavior
• Discern if an environment will harm an alien

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TRAITS
TRAITS
These special traits flesh out a character. Traits
represent a character’s natural features, specialized
training, life experiences, strengths, and weaknesses.
Traits can include things that grant a benefit such as
academic lore, natural skill in the sciences,
specialization in hand-to-hand combat, improved
health, and other positive effects. They can also
include drawbacks or challenges for a character, such
as perhaps a rude attitude, lack of education, frailness
of body, or allergies.
Since Traits generally have very specific effects, PCs
will probably want to record their effects on their
character sheets. For GMs, NPC Traits should also be
noted or at minimal figured into their base statistics.
Traits in the table are split into categories for ease of
reference, but have no mechanical function. Different
kinds of Traits might only be applicable for certain
Settings and contain magical, technological, or
supernatural effects.

Traits that grant bonuses are purchased with

Experience. Traits that limit the character in ways
grant bonus Experience.

While the list of Traits is a good default selection,

Players and GMs are encouraged to make new ones.
It is important for the Game Masters to make sure the
new additions are balanced as well.

CUSTOM TRAITS
Custom Traits help make a character unique. Making
your own beneficial Traits means your character can
have their own special passive effects, unique edges,
and other properties. Creating custom limiting Traits
gives your character personality, character traits to
build off, hindrances dealt by life that they compensate
with other strengths, and vulnerabilities in exchange
for power in other areas. There are no limits besides
common sense (and proper balancing based on other
Traits, of course).

Custom Traits an take some GM thought,and should

be balanced against other listed Traits. Setting specific
ones are very common, and can benefit or hinder both
PCs and NPCs.

TRAIT LIST
Below follows a list of descriptions for various Traits
available to the player. Characters are encouraged to
create new ones in addition to the ones listed here.
They are grouped into different categories for ease of
reference.

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 Chapter 4

TRAIT LIST
ACADEMIC maximum when Encounter Order is rolled.
Experience Cost: 2
ADDICTION
Description: Experience Bonus: 1
The character is trained in a variety of academic fields
such as history, law, or medicine. Description:
The character has an addiction.
Effect:
When attempting a Skill Roll to recall information in Effect:
fields of academia (history, law, medicine, etc), the The character’s addiction must be met once per day
Difficulty is reduced by 1. or the character receives a stacking +1 to all
Difficulties (ex: +2 for two days, +3 for 3 days, etc).
ACROBATIC Possible addictions could be to particular food,
Experience Cost: 3 cigarettes, or alcohol. Harder to obtain and more
dangerous addictions, such as certain drugs, may give
Description: more Experience at GM discretion.
The character has the ability to spring to their feet
quickly when knocked down. ALCHEMIST
Experience Cost: 3
Effect:
If the character is knocked down or affected by a Description:
Technique that requires an Action to use movement The character specializes in magical or alchemical
again, they can ignore this cost and regain their feet formulas that allows creation of magical consumables
on their Turn for no Action. easily.

ACTOR Effect:
Experience Cost: 3 Once per day, if they have access to the materials and
the correct facilities or their own tools, the character
Description: can automatically generate 1 magical potion or salve
The character can do various accents, change they could normally create without a Skill Roll. The
mannerisms, and even mimic individuals. time taken and material cost is unchanged.

Effect: ALERTNESS
The character blends into most situations Experience Cost: 1
automatically without a Skill Roll, and will
automatically seem like any non-specific individual Description:
(ex: an employee of a business, a carnival patron, a The character's constant alertness prevents them from
fancy party attendee). If they arouse suspicions, or are being caught off-guard.
trying to mimic a specific individual (ex: Jim in
accounting), they must still make Skill Rolls as per Effect:
normal. Ambushing this character from hiding grants on
bonuses, and the character is never surprised or
ADAPTABLE caught off-guard during Scenes.
Experience Cost: 3
ALLERGIES
Description: Experience Bonus: 1
The character can quickly adapt to and refocus in new
situations. Description:
The character suffers from severe allergies to a
Effect: common substance.
The character gains restores 1 Ability if not at

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Effect: Effect:
Allergies cause the character to suffer a +1 to all Animals are never friendly to the character, and hostile
Difficulties while affected. Example allergies could be wild animals always see them as a threat.
animal dander, pollen, dust, or smoke.
ANIMAL WHISPERER
ALLURE Experience Cost: 2
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
Description: The character is skilled or naturally talented in
The character is extremely attractive and incredibly communicating with animals.
alluring to many people.
Effect:
Effect: The character can more easily understand animals,
If a NPC has the possibility of becoming physically and the GM can treat it as if a conversation between
attracted to or romantically interested in the character, two people speaking the same language (even if the
they be more easily plied and trusting. The character character cannot technically speak to the animal). Wild
can choose to reroll Persuasion Skill Rolls (once per animals will be far less apt to attack, and may be
attempt) that are not threatening or intimidating if an cajoled into being friendly, though trained guard
NPC is affected. If this is used, the second roll must animals are unlikely to be swayed.
be taken regardless of result.
APPRAISER
ANALYZER Experience Cost: 2
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
Description: The character is knowledgeable about markets and
The character is an excellent eye for detail, or has the value of precious objects, stones, and metals.
built in scanners or analyzers that give them
information on others instantly. Effect:
The character knows the approximate base value of
Effect: any valuable item or commodity after examining it
The character knows the exact current Health and without a Skill Roll. In addition, of the markets and
Ability of any character. places to sell they are aware of, they know each ones
would be best to sell in.
ANCIENT CURSE
Experience Bonus: 3 ARCANE ARTISAN
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character suffers from an ancient curse or hex. Description:
The character is an expert at enchanting and creating
Effect: magical items.
The character suffers consistent misfortune. They will
get sick often, may experience unpleasant Effect:
appearance effects, and may heal slowly or The character possesses the knowledge and ability to
sometimes not at all. Most people will realize create magical items. This includes permanent,
something is wrong with the character and feel a temporary, or consumable items.
negative energy, and this will color their reactions.
ARCANE FOCUS
ANIMAL BANE Experience Bonus: 2
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
Description: The character cannot use magic without a certain
The character gives a bad feeling to animals. magical/spiritual focus.

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Effect:
This Trait can only be taken by characters that have
one or more magical Techniques. When taken, the
character has a magical book, staff, wand, or other
object that they cannot use their magical Techniques
without. If their focus is damaged or destroyed, the
Game Master should allow them to repair or buy a
new one.
ARCANE IGNORANCE
Experience Bonus: 1
Description:
The character lacks knowledge and/or interest of
magical subjects.
Effect:
The character knows nothing of magic, doesn't grasp
it, and/or simply is completely uninterested in the
subject. They automatically fail any knowledge,
history, or general academics Skill Roll related to
magic. They can look up magical information still and
recite it from sources they possess, but will promptly
forget it for future Skill Rolls.
ARCANE LORE
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character is a master of spell lore. They can
recognize spell patterns, gestures, and generally have
a well of knowledge about arcane casting.
Effect:
The character automatically recognizes most spells
cast without a Skill Roll. If the spell is unique or rare,
a Skill Roll might be required to determine it's effects.
ARCANE SENSE
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character possesses an innate sense or
connection to magic.
Effect:
The character can detect magical enchantments,
items, or creatures and their relative power by
succeeding on an Skill Roll at a Difficulty chosen by
the GM per object/source.
ARMOR MASTER
Experience Cost: 10
86
Description:
The character is trained in moving and fighting in
armor, compensating for weight and movement
restrictions.
Effect:
The Difficulty penalties for wearing armor are ignored.
ARMORED
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character wears armor often and is so used to its
presence, it functions nearly as a second skin.
Effect:
When worn, armor is not considered when
determining how much a character is carrying. If not
worn (ex: carried in a bag), it applies as normal. In
addition, the character is never penalized for sleeping
in armor or by temperature/environmental effects.
ARTIST
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character is trained in a variety of artistic
mediums such as music, art, and writing.
Effect:
When attempting a Skill Roll to create a piece of art in
any field, the Difficulty is reduced by 1.
ASSASSIN
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character is trained in assassin weapons and
tactics.
Effect:
Small weapons such as snub-nosed pistols, snub-
nosed revolvers, derringers, daggers, throwing knives,
and similar weapons are never detected in a normal
manual search on the character, regardless of of the
searcher's Skill Roll. These weapons can still be
detected by machines/electronics or if the search
removes all hiding locations (ex: removal of all attire).
ASTRAL PROJECTION
Experience Cost: 2
 Chapter 4
Description:
The character is capable of wandering the astral
plane, separated from physical restrictions.
Effect:
The character can project into the astral plan after a
moment of meditation. They can move up to 30
meters away from their body at normal speed, but with
the ability to fly. They can go through anything, but
cannot interact with the material world. Their body is
vulnerable while doing this, though if they take
Damage, they immediately return.
AUTOMATIC EXPERT
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character has expertise in automatic and burst-
fire weaponry.
Effect:
When using weapons with burst fire and automatic fire
features, the effect can be used twice with no penalty
for a single Action.
BLIND
Experience Bonus: 8
Description:
Through birth, combat, or accident, the character has
no or extremely limited vision.
Effect:
The character may not perceive events, creatures, or
objects that are sight-only and does not receive any
visual information from their surroundings.
BLOODHOUND
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character has an amazing sense of smell, either a
natural gift, an enhancement, or possibly a
supernatural feature. They can detect any smell better
than most.
Effect:
The character can detect smells further than normal,
and makes any Skill Roll to detect
people/places/things utilizing smell reduced by 1 in
Difficulty. In addition, they can track by smell
exclusively without visual components.
87
BODYGUARD
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character is able to guard and protect nearby
allies or innocent bystanders.
Effect:
The character can take Damage and displace any
adjacent character. All Damage and effects dealt to
the would-be target are instead dealt to the character
displacing them. The displaced target is shifted or
covered by the character determined by the
situation/GM. If done during an Encounter, it can be
applied once per Round.
CANTRIPS
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character is a mage, sorcerer, or other magic
user. Their magical training or innate magical skills are
always available for small, limited uses without using
Ability.
Effect:
The character can effortlessly create small magical
effects. These cannot be used to cause Damage but
can be used to clean, make music, enhance food,
move objects from a distance, or entertain/annoy.
Possible manifestations include drying wet clothes
with a warm breeze, cleaning rust off of armor,
sparking a minor fire in kindling, creating colored lights
that dance around, or bringing a mug from a nearby
table to the character's hand.
CARELESS
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
The character tends to misplace their belongings.
Effect:
Occasionally, the GM may inform the character they've
lost or misplaced one of their items. Finding it may
require retracing steps or searching their
homes/vehicles.
CHAMELEON
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character posses a supernatural, technological
 Chapter 4
implant, or creature-based trait that gives them the
ability to shift to match background. They can hide in
plain sight.
Effect:
The character can turn their flesh and belongings to
match their background or blur their form, allowing
hiding in plain sight with a normal Skill Roll. This does
not increase the Skill Roll in anyway, but means the
character does not require cover to hide.
CHARM
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character's charm and attractive qualities makes
NPCs more likely to assist.
Effect:
Friendly and neutral NPCs are automatically willing to
help the character in small ways. The character will
also sometimes receive small boons intermittently
from friends, loyal patrons/customers, romantic
interests, and fans/admirers. Characters capable of
fighting will sometimes offer to help protect the
character as well. Significant or very dangerous
requests still require Skill Rolls.
CHEF
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character easily makes tasty, nourishing food.
Effect:
Food successfully made by this character can count
as taking time to rest when consumed. Taking a break
and eating food created by this character for about 15
minutes is considered resting.
CLUMSY
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character has poor coordination and balance.
Effect:
The GM will require a Skill Roll (Base Difficulty) at
sporadic times during the games. Failure indicates
that the character does something clumsy and drops
something, trips, or otherwise messes something up.
COMPANION
88
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character has a pet, close friend, relative, lover, or
other associate who is very close and loyal. They can
be humanoid, animal, or monster.
Effect:
The character gains a steadfast ally of capable skill.
The companion should have ability equivalent to a
newly created character. The creature is loyal to the
PC, but may be driven off with poor treatment. The
companion will willingly engage in combat (if able to),
use any Skill, and listen to any reasonable request
given by the PC. If the companion is killed or can
otherwise no longer assist the PC, it is possible to gain
a replacement during play: either an existing NPC the
character has made a friend/ally, or a new character
created between the GM and Player.
COMPULSIVE HONESTY
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character has difficulty lying and feels guilty about
falsehoods.
Effect:
The character is compulsively honest and incapable of
deceit. If it's a dangerous or important situation, the
character may attempt to suppress the inclination with
an Skill Roll at Base Difficulty. Failure means the truth
is blurted out or inadvertently spoken by accident.
CONTACT
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character has a personal or professional contact
in which you can solicit various forms of aid from. The
contact is willing to give information and provide
indirect help.
Effect:
The character gains a contact or informant that is
moderately loyal to the PC and provides non-direct or
low-risk assistance and services. Possible services
could include such things as streams of information,
deals or free samples of equipment, combat service at
reduced fees, and money loans. They are not likely to
risk their life for the PC or fight for them (if able) unless
it's an emergency or a successful Skill Roll is made. If
treated poorly, they will stop assisting the character. If
 Chapter 4

killed or removed from the narrative, another character

takes their place through the narrative (or possibly, an Effect:
existing NPC becomes the contact). The character is in possession of a cursed object. The
cursed object cannot leave the user's position, and
COUNTER ATTACK always finds its way magically back of somehow
Experience Cost: 3 dislodged or thrown away. The exact effect is up to the
players and GM, but it should be a moderate penalty.
Description: It could be a wolf ring that causes animals to
The character is trained in the flow of combat. This periodically attack, a cloak that will sometimes trip or
allows for proper ripostes and counter attacks. cover the character's face, a smiling creepy face coin
that makes the user periodically black out or act
Effect: irrationally, a sword that sometimes makes a
Once per Round, if an enemy misses with an attack, successful hit cut the wielder instead, or something
the character may make a normal attack unarmed or similar.
with a held weapon.
CUSTOM VEHICLE
COWARD Experience Cost: 5
Experience Bonus: 4
Description:
Description: The character owns or obtains a special customized
The character is easily scared and frightened. vehicle.

Effect:
Extremely dangerous situations or enemies,
supernatural occurrences the character has no/limited
experience with, or other dangerous situations cause
the character to need to make a Skill Roll. If they fail,
they must actively avoid the source of their fear and
not approach it. In addition, they suffer a +1 Difficulty
penalty to all Skill Rolls while the source of their fear is
visible They can attempt the Skill Roll again at the end
of each Turn until it succeeds and cannot be affected
mechanically again by that source (though they still
may be a little scared).
CRAFTSMAN
Experience Cost: 2
Effect:
The character builds, finds, creates, or is given a
custom vehicle. Special features such as armoring,
boosters, storage/living space, warp drives, and
integral/attached weapons can be added within reason
at GM's discretion. If this is not taken at character
creation, there must be a reasonable source to
build/acquire such a vehicle when this is taken.
DEADEYE
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character has the ability to use ranged weapons
with deadly accuracy.

Description: Effect:
The character is an artisan, and crafts many different The character is a deadly shooter, and all projectile
things with speed and efficiency. weapons, thrown weapons, and firearms gain +1
Damage.
Effect:
Any item the character makes has its base creation DEAF
time halved and uses half as many materials (when Experience Bonus: 3
applicable).
Description:
CURSED HEIRLOOM The character is deaf or hard of hearing, either born
Experience Bonus: 3 that way or due to an event in their life.

Description: Effect:
The character owns a cursed ring, weapon, or piece of The character may not perceive events or information
armor. that is audio-only and does not receive any aural

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information from their surroundings. Experience Bonus: 2

DEEP SLEEPER Description:

Experience Bonus: 1 The character is a constant target for thievery.

Description: Effect:
The character is a very deep sleeper. Character is often the target of thieves, pickpockets,
and robberies. The GM should have periodic thievery
Effect: encounters and events for this character.
The character sleeps deeply and has Difficulty
increased to 10 to detect anything while asleep. In ELDRITCH DREAMS
addition, when woken up during an Encounter, they Experience Bonus: 2
are groggy and lose their first Turn.
Description:
DIPLOMAT The character dreams of starless voids and old gods.
Experience Cost: 3
Effect:
Description: The character dreams of old gods thought dead and
The character is skilled in diplomatic matters and nightmares beyond reckoning. Occasionally they will
communication. lose sleep and be treated as exhausted with +1
Difficulty to all Skill Rolls for the day. In addition, the
Effect: character will often see ill omens in the dream. If they
The character may reroll the first 1 on a Skill Roll encounter the omens awake, they must make a Skill
when dealing with non-hostile individuals during a Roll or be shaken, suffering a separate +1 Difficulty
particular conversation or interaction. penalty until they can rest. In rare occasions, up to the
GM's discretion, they might be sought out by dark
DISABLED ARM creatures from the dreams.
Experience Bonus: 5
EMPATHIC INSIGHT
Description: Experience Cost: 2
Born without, or lost in an accident or combat, the
character has one less functional arm. Description:
The character has the ability to read, analyze, and
Effect: understand people.
The character has one less arm, or the arm is
mostly/completely non-functional. If the character only Effect:
has one arm, they cannot use or may have difficulty The GM may occasionally give the character a hint at
using some two-handed objects or lifting certain different times while conversing or observing people
objects. without a necessary Skill Roll. They may get a bad
feeling about an NPC lying to them or not telling the
DUAL WIELDER whole truth, or they may get insight into how a
Experience Cost: 5 character is feeling, or sometimes may reveal a part of
a person's true nature.
Description:
The character has mastered the art of fighting with two ENCHANTABLE
weapons. Experience Bonus: 2

Effect: Description:
The character can, once per Round, attack with two The character possesses a weak or susceptible mind,
different held weapons in the same Action at no easily swayed by enchantments.
penalty. Further attacks incur normal penalties.
Effect:
EASY MARK The character, due to their species or natural

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vulnerability, is susceptible to charm, enthrall, sleep, or
other magical mental enchantment or controlling
effects. When encountering Techniques and effects of
this type, the character's Difficulty to resist is
increased by 1. This does not increase the chances of
being knocked out, dominated, or made to sleep by
weapons or technological effects.
ENERGY SPECIALIST
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character is trained in using energy weapons to
easily bypass normal defenses.
Effect:
Using energy weapons ignores the target's armor
unless the defenses are energy-specific.
appendage that functions as an arm/hand such as a
tail. This allows the character to hold another object at
the ready. It may make some tasks easier at the GM's
discretion, and may allow the character to do more
complicated actions during a Turn.
FASHIONISTA
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character is well aware of various fashion trends
and known cultural attire.
Effect:
The character can automatically determine an outfit's
origin and social class if it's common attire. It is also
possible to know if it's a famous designer the name of
the person who created it.

EQUIPMENT MASTER FLASHY

Experience Cost: 5 Experience Bonus: 1

Description: Description:
The character is trained or just naturally adapts to The character's extravagant, gaudy, or slick attitude
specialized equipment, having no issues with gear that and behavior means people don't take them seriously
limits line of sight or has a heavy weight. or think less of them.

Effect: Effect:
If a piece of equipment that isn't an armor or a weapon The character's flashy, overconfident, or gaudy nature
causes an increased Difficulty while using, that penalty means they may automatically be viewed negatively
is ignored. by certain people. A successful Skill Roll may be
required to remove this negative impression.
EVASIVE
Experience Cost: 3 FLEXIBLE EXPERT
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character is quick on their feat or trained in Description:
evasion and defense. The character is trained in using flexible weapons to
grapple, tie-up, and snag.
Effect:
The character reduces all Difficulties of dodging and Effect:
evasion Skill Rolls by 1, and increases the Difficulties When making a successful Skill Roll attack with a
of anyone trying to physically grab or attack by 1. flexible weapon such as a whip, lasso, or chain
weapon, the attacker can choose to wrap the weapon
EXTRA LIMB around the target or an item the target is holding at no
Experience Cost: 3 cost and in addition to Damage. An Action must be
taken to free the object or person. A grabbed object
Description: can be stolen away with another Skill Roll, provided
Physiology, enhancement, or enchantment of the the object is light enough.
character's body includes another limb.
FLIGHT
Effect: Experience Cost: 10
The character has an extra arm or some other

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Description:
The character is able to fly, either through biological or Effect:
technological means. When focusing, meditating, or reading tarot cards, the
character is capable of getting glimpses into possible
Effect: futures. The exact effect of this is up to the GM, but
The character is able to fly and levitate as part of their should provide helpful (if cryptic and non-absolute)
normal movement. hints. This may not work if used too many times in a
short time frame.
FLUID DEFENSE
Experience Cost: 1 FRAIL
Experience Bonus: 8
Description:
The character is hard to grasp, either due to Description:
physiology or training, allowing them to escape The character is frail, weak, or sickly.
grapples with ease.
Effect:
Effect: Whenever the character takes Damage, the Damage
Whenever the character is grappled, they can make a amount is increased by 1.
free Skill Roll to escape on their Turn without using an
Action. Furthermore, if they are pinned, if they GLASS JAW
succeed on a Skill Roll to escape they are no longer Experience Bonus: 3
considered grappled or pinned.
Description:
FORGER The character has a glass jaw, and often suffer
Experience Cost: 2 injuries.

Description: Effect:
The character is skilled at forging and copying. Resisting any injury-based Condition has +1 Difficulty.

Effect: GLUTTONOUS
The character can copy seals and writings they have Experience Bonus: 3
seen before without a Skill Roll.
Description:
FORGETFUL The character tends to overindulge to their own
Experience Bonus: 3 detriment.

Description: Effect:
The character often forgets things they've known due When enjoying an activity such as eating or drinking,
to a poor memory. the character may sometimes need to roll a Skill Roll
at the GM's discretion. Failure means they continue to
Effect: enjoy the activity until they overindulge, possibly
Sometimes the GM may require a Skill Roll for the wasting time or suffering Skill Roll penalties that last
character to recall learned information at times, or they for a period of time.
may fail to recall details, names, or other key elements
at important times or in stressful situations. GOSSIP
Experience Bonus: 1
FORTUNE TELLING
Experience Cost: 3 Description:
False information and gossip will slip into the
Description: character's information gathering attempts.
The character is a soothsayer. They possess fortune
telling expertise or have the ability to glimpse into the Effect:
future. Even on successful information gathering Skill Rolls,

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rumors and false information will sometimes be Periodically the character will see and hear relevant,
included. distracting, false information or an illusion at the GM's
discretion. It will be 100% real to the character.
GRAPPLER
Experience Cost: 3 HAUNTED
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
The character's martial arts training, raw muscle, Description:
monstrous make-up, or technological appendages, The character is haunted by a spirit, ghost, or demonic
causes damage when grappling enemies. entity.

Effect:
On a successful grapple, the character may inflict 1
Damage on their target in addition to grappling. Each
Turn the character remains grappled, they suffer
another 1 Damage at the character's option.
GREEDY
Experience Bonus: 3
Effect:
The character is haunted by some sort of malevolent
supernatural force. The creature can interrupt sleep,
appear to interrupt Skill Rolls, and attempt to scare or
distract the character. It will appear periodically at the
GM's discretion. The Player and GM can construct this
creature together as part of the character's
background or a recent event.

Description:
The character tends to hoard and be stingy with
resources.
Effect:
When attempting to tip or be generous to strangers or
organizations the character isn't friendly with, at the
GM's discretion they may need to make an Skill Roll to
do so. If they fail, they change their mind and keep
their resources – possibly angering or alienating the
NPC.
GUNSLINGER
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character is quick to react in situations.
Effect:
Firing the same one-handed ranged weapon (such as
a handgun) can be done twice with a single Action,
provided the weapon has 2 or more Ammo. Additional
multiple Actions with this weapon still inflict normal
penalties.
HALLUCINATIONS
Experience Bonus: 3
HEADQUARTERS
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character owns or obtains a special customized
home or base.
Effect:
The character builds, finds, creates, or is given a
custom headquarters. Special features such as panic
rooms, security systems, alarms, radar, and defense
weapons can be added within reason at GM's
discretion. If this is not taken at character creation,
there must be a reasonable source to build/acquire
such a home/apartment/bunker when this is taken.
HEALER
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character is a skilled healer and can quickly apply
medical aid in emergency situations.
Effect:
The character can use a consumable item that
restores Health and/or Ability once per Turn without it
using an Action.

Description: HEALTHY
The character suffers from delusions, voices in the Experience Cost: 5
head, extreme paranoia, and/or hallucinations.
Description:
Effect: The character is fit, in good shape, durable, or

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otherwise resistant to physical stress. Experience Bonus: 2

Effect: Description:
The character's maximum Health increases by 2. The character becomes excessively angry with real or
perceived slights.
HEAVY HITTER
Experience Cost: 3 Effect:
A Skill Roll at Base Difficulty is required to avoid
Description: becoming verbally abuse to an NPC that is rude or
The character is gifted with brawn or brutality. insulting. Failure means the character is rude to the
NPC, which could prevent doing business, or even
Effect: arrest if the situation escalates.
The character is exceptionally strong or brutal and
grants a +1 bonus to melee Damage. ILLITERATE
Experience Bonus: 1
HIDEOUS
Experience Bonus: 1 Description:
The character has the inability to read/write their
Description: native language or any other language obtained.
The character has an an appearance that is off-putting
to most people. Effect:
The character cannot read or write their native
Effect: language or any other additional language.
The character may be treated poorly by NPCs who are
repulsed by the character's appearance or who highly INATTENTIVE
value conventional attractiveness. In addition, certain Experience Bonus: 1
NPCs may avoid the character pointedly.
Description:
HISTORIAN The character is easily distracted or cursed with a
Experience Cost: 1 poor short-term memory.

Description: Effect:
The character is an expert in historical lore. The character suffers a +1 Difficulty for remembering
lessons, observations, or conversations. Recalling
Effect: names and places are included in this, unless
The character is assumed to have a basic historical consistently exposed to them.
knowledge of major events and most known areas
without a Skill Roll. Very specific details or lesser INCORPOREAL
known facts will still require a Skill Roll. Experience Cost: 5

HUNGRY Description:
Experience Bonus: 1 The character possesses incorporeal or phase shifting
powers, through technology or magic.
Description:
The character eats a lot for some reason, and requires Effect:
extra food to be satiated. The character can become incorporeal and go through
solid matter on their Turn without an Action. They may
Effect: switch their state on their Turn only, and only once.
The character requires double normal food and water
to avoid any negative Conditions from not eating or INNATE EQUIPMENT
drinking. Experience Cost: 3

ILL TEMPERED Description:

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The character has a natural, attached, or built-in piece
of equipment.
Effect:
The character has a built in or natural piece of
equipment that is always on them, cannot be
disarmed, and is always able to be readied. This can
be anything from an android's welding torch, to a
cyborg's arm-gun, to a monster's retractable claws.
INNOCENT
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character possess natural innocence or appears
very nonthreatening. They aren't seen as a threat and
are often ignored in favor of other more dangerous
individuals.
Effect:
The character is rarely attacked first and sometimes
ignored when fighting (unless proven to be a threat.)
IRON WILL
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character is possessed of an iron will and fierce
determination. They resist intimidation and cannot be
easily psyched out.
Effect:
The character reduces all Difficulties of mental effects,
manipulation, and willpower related Skill Rolls by 1,
and increases the Difficulties of anyone trying to affect
them mentally by 1 as well.
IRRITATING
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
The character tends to irritate and annoy people quite
easily.
Effect:
The character may occasionally irritate NPCs when
interacting with them. The GM may call for a Skill Roll
to diffuse the annoyance.
The character is a natural comedian.
Effect:
The character may reroll a natural 1 on Skill Roll for
jokes or humorous stories once during an interaction.
KEEN SENSES
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character can adjust their senses to compensate.
Effect:
The character is capable of compensating from a lost
sense, regardless of source. If any Difficulty increases
were applied, they are ignored. The character still
cannot perceive events, creatures, or objects that rely
completely a particular sense (ex: a seeing person
blinded by sand can still hear or smell an enemy
opponent and would suffer no penalties, but could not
read the logo on a distant sign or banner).
KLEPTOMANIAC
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
The character has a passion, need, or habit for
stealing.
Effect:
The character may occasionally need to make a Skill
Roll to avoid stealing from strangers or shops. The
character will never be compelled to steal from friends
or allies.
LANGUAGE
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character acquires the ability to read/write/speak
a new language.
Effect:
The character learns a new language. This includes
the ability to read, write, and speak the language.
LAST STAND
Experience Bonus: 3

JOKER Description:
Experience Cost: 1 The character never gives up, pulling themselves from
death's door to take desperate action.
Description:

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Effect:
When a character is reduced to 0 Health and is
Incapacitated, they are able to act normally on their
next Turn. If they take further Damage, they are
Incapacitated again and cannot apply this Trait again
until they regain Health. If their Threshold is reduced
to 0 at any point, they die as per normal.
LAW EXPERTISE
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character is versed in various laws in various
major cities, governments, and regions.
Effect:
The character has broad legal knowledge for well-
known cities, towns, and countries without a Skill Roll.
Specific, esoteric, or lesser known governments and
laws still require a Skill Roll.
LEADER
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character has leadership skills that makes it
easier to guide and command others.
Effect:
The character can temporarily gain direct control over
allied NPCs in fights or other stressful situations at the
GM’s discretion by shouting orders. For ones that
need to be convinced, the GM may require making a
Skill Roll per NPC at no Action cost. The NPC will
follow most reasonable orders, but this effect ends if
the commands are suicidal or put the NPC in
unnecessary danger. Some NPCs cannot be
controlled in this manner.
LEGALESE
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character is skilled in legal language and has
knowledge of common contract protocols.
Effect:
The character understands standard legal documents
and contracts automatically, and can't be tricked by
common legal obfuscation. Any inaccuracies or
contradictions will be automatically detected as well.
LOREMASTER
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Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character has magical item lore, knowledge of
magical writing and scrolls, and the ability to identify
magical properties.
Effect:
The character has all magical item knowledge,
research, or identification Skill Rolls have their
Difficulty lowered by 1. Furthermore, any magical
items, scrolls, potions, or other arcane objects the
character has encountered previously with the exact
same effect automatically are identified without a Skill
Roll, even if they are visually different. Common
magical writings are automatically identified and able
to be read as well.
LOSE CONTROL
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
Whether cursed, the result of an experiment, or simply
a creature with a dark rage in their heart, the character
will sometimes lose control.
Effect:
During moments of stress, anger, or frustration, the
character must make a Skill Roll at Base Difficulty. The
Game Master will decide when to call for it. If it fails,
the character goes into a frenzy, attacking nearby
friends or foes and destroying objects. They are
incapable of using Techniques in this state. They may
attempt to regain control at the end of each of their
Turns with a Skill Roll at Base Difficulty.
LUCKY
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character has the benefit of random luck.
Effect:
This has no statistical effects, but many subtle effects.
It is up to the GM’s discretion and the story as to how
this is used. This could include things like someone
leaving their keys in the ignition of a nearby car, and
leaving the car unlocked, when the PC is attempting to
flee from mob hit men. It could also mean the
character manages to find a rare item they are
shopping for, or get a discount on a normally
expensive service or item.
 Chapter 4

LUMBERING
Experience Bonus: 2 Effect:
When treating a character that has suffered a negative
Description: Condition, all Difficulties are reduced by 1 and
Slow moving or lumbering, the character cannot move recovery takes half the time (rounded down).
far.
MEDICAL LORE
Effect: Experience Cost: 3
When attempting to use an Action to move further, the
Difficulty is 6 instead of the normal Base 5. Description:
The character has knowledge of treatment procedures
MAGIC RESISTANT and medical tools that allows improved healing.
Experience Cost: 3
Effect:
Description: When using a consumable item that restores Health, it
The character has an inborn inclination or special restores 1d4 extra Health.
training that increases magical resistance.
MESSY WRITING
Effect: Experience Bonus: 1
The character increases the Difficulties of all attempts
to use magic on them by 1. Description:
The character's handwriting is abysmal.
MARTIAL ARTS
Experience Cost: 3 Effect:
Whenever a character writes something, occasionally
Description: it will be illegible or force the reader to make a Skill
The character is trained in brawling, boxing, martial Roll to understand. To the creator, it always seem
arts, or other form of unarmed combat. perfectly legible (if admittedly, not great to look at).

Effect: MINION
The character 's unarmed Damage is improved to 1d6 Experience Cost:1
instead of 1d4.
Description:
MEDIC The character has a pet, lackey, servant, subordinate,
Experience Cost: 5 assistant, or goon. They can be humanoid, animal, or
monster.
Description:
The character is trained in properly using medical Effect:
supplies. The character gains a loyal ally of minimal skill. The
minion should be far weaker than the character. The
Effect: creature is loyal to the PC, but may be driven off with
When the character uses a consumable item that poor treatment. The companion will willingly engage in
restores Health and has more than one uses, they combat (if able to), use any skill, and listen to any
may make a medical-based Skill Roll at Base reasonable request given by the PC. If the companion
Difficulty. If successful, the item is not consumed. is killed, it is possible to gain a replacement during
Some items may not be able to benefit from this effect. play: either an existing NPC the character has made a
friend/ally, or a new character created between the
MEDICAL EXPERT GM and Player.
Experience Cost: 2
MONSTROUS
Description: Experience Bonus: 2
The character has medical knowledge that allows
healing of injuries quicker. Description:

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The character is a monster or unnatural creature, or
perhaps suffers from a strange supernatural effect,
inspiring terror and hatred in all.
Effect:
The character inspires terror or hostility in most who
view them. Wearing a mask in a town or city is
necessary in most cases, as most people will view the
character as a threat to attack or flee from.
MOVEMENT ASSISTED
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
The character cannot use their legs or lower body
extensively, either from birth or due to an event during
their life.
Effect:
The character requires an object to have mobility
outside of a crawl such as a wheelchair or other
movement aid reliant on the upper body. Certain
terrain or stairs may cause mobility issues.
MUNDANE
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
The character is unable to use any magic, either
consistently fumbling it or just lacking talent.
Effect:
The character is completely incapable of using magic
actively and cannot use any spells, activate any
magical items, or use any magical scrolls. Items with
passive automatic effects, like potions or
weapon/armor enchantments are still functional.
MYOPIA
Experience Bonus: 1
Description:
The character's vision without corrective lenses is
exceptionally poor.
Effect:
The character's vision is exceptionally bad and
requires corrective lenses to be at full capability. If
they are not worn, the character suffers a +1 Difficulty
penalty to all vision-related activities.
MYSTIC
Experience Cost: 2
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Description:
The character receives random visions that might be
helpful.
Effect:
The character will receive random visions from
entities, a mystical force, or fate itself. The Game
Master will randomly provide helpful visions that may
not be clear, but will provide clues that the characters
might otherwise miss or have difficulty finding.
MYSTICAL PATRON
Experience Bonus: 1
Description:
The character obeys a powerful supernatural entity
and must adhere to it's rules and laws.
Effect:
The character must have magical or mystical abilities
granted by this supernatural entity to take this Trait.
The GM and Player can work out the rules and
restrictions of the religion, contract, or other limitations
the connection has. If the character breaks those
rules, they lose access to those Traits and Techniques
until they regain the entity's favor.
NAUSEA
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character suffers from a weak stomach.
Effect:
The character may need to make a Skill Roll at Base
Difficulty at GM request when experiencing a smell or
glance of something revolting. If this fails, the
character must spend one Turn retching, vomiting, or
otherwise unable to do anything else.
NIGHT VISION
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character's mystical abilities, species, or
technological power allows seeing in darkness.
Effect:
The character never receives penalties in darkness,
and see in it normally as if it was brightly lit.
NON-SPEAKING
 Chapter 4
Experience Bonus: 1
Description:
The character cannot or will not speak, either since
birth or due to an event in their lives.
Effect:
The character cannot speak any languages they know.
They are assumed to know how to communicate with
their friends and allies with gestures and body
language.
OBLIGATION
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character belongs to an organization/group or has
someone that depends on them. They will need or
want to help this person periodically.
Effect:
The character has a group or person they need or
want to help. Every so often, they will request help
from the characters, either services or monetarily.
Failure to provide them with the help they request
always has negative consequences.
ORGANIZED
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character's organized nature allows ease of
putting away and taking out items.
Effect:
Pulling out or putting away an item or weapon costs
no Action for this character in an Encounter no matter
where it is stored.
PANIC
Experience Bonus: 3
Description:
Stressful situations cause the character to panic.
Effect:
The character may panic in stressful situations. The
Game Master may call for a Skill Roll at Base Difficulty
in stressful situations. When panicked, the character
may flee, cower, hide, or wildly attack the nearest
enemy depending on the situation at the GM's
discretion.
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PATHOLOGICAL LIAR
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character is addicted to lying and feels no guilt
about doing so.
Effect:
At times the GM may call for a Skill Roll at Base
Difficulty while the character is telling a fact or
explaining something to a stranger, and the character
will feel compelled to lie. This does not occur when
speaking to friends/allies.
PHOBIA
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character has a terrifying, irrational-level of fear
towards a particular common creature or
phenomenon.
Effect:
If the character experiences the phobia, the character
must roll an Skill Roll at Base Difficulty. If successful,
the character can function normally, but if the check
fails the character may not approach the source of
their phobia without aid and suffers a +1 to all
Difficulties when in its presence until the end of the
Encounter. If the phobia remains out of
view/undetected for a Round, the effect ends.
POINT-BLANK SHOT
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character is skilled in using ranged weapons in
close combat, including defensive shooting or even
gun kata.
Effect:
The character never suffers a Difficulty increase for
firing a ranged weapon in melee, and does not incur
Interruptions for reloading near hostile creatures.
PRECISE MEMORY
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character has a photographic memory and/or
excellent recall.
Effect:
 Chapter 4
Anything the character sees is almost permanently
etched into their brain and can recall many things
without a Skill Roll. If the GM feels the time span is too
long since the image was seen, usually over years,
then they may require a Knowledge Skill Roll.
PRECISION STRIKER
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character is a talented fighter with smaller
weapons such as knives, capable of deadly shots and
strikes.
Effect:
Anytime the character uses a weapon that deals 1d4
Damage, it instead deals 1d6 Damage. This does not
include unarmed attacks.
PREHENSILITY
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character has adapted or trained to use their non-
hand limbs, such as feet, as hands for most tasks.
Effect:
The character can treat non-hand viable limbs as
hands for the purposes of most tasks, even complex
ones, as long as it is physically possible.
QUICK
Experience Cost: 5
Description:
The character is skilled at moving fast.
Effect:
The character does not need to take an Action to
extend their movement, and can move up x2 as fast
as a creature of the same type. For humanoids, this
generally allows up to 20 meters in a Turn.
REACTIVE
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character is quick to react in situations.
Effect:
The character uses 1d12 instead of 1d10 for
Encounter Order.
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REGENERATION
Experience Cost: 10
Description:
The character can slowly restore Health with
supernatural or technological abilities.
Effect:
On the character's Turn, if they have less than max
Health, they can make a Skill Roll at Base Difficulty
once per Turn to regenerate at no Action. If they
succeed, they restore 1 Health.
RELIC
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character starts with or obtains a magical item of
decent power.
Effect:
The character may start with or find a magical item,
magical weapon, or magical armor. The exact details
should be worked out with the Game Master, but it
should either have a unique effect, or a power no
greater than a +1d4 to Skill Rolls, +1d4 Damage, or
absorption of 1 Damage. Examples could be an ever-
full flask of water, an enchanted sword handed down
in the family, a strange amulet with a simple illusion
that changes features, or a deck of tattered cards that
can hint at a possible future.
RELOADER
Experience Cost: 3
Description:
The character is a master of reloading firearms and
other ranged weapons.
Effect:
Reloading weapons that take an Action are now free.
Filling magazines with bullets can always be fully done
in one Action. Artillery and heavy weapons that take
more time to reload are now reloaded with a single
Action when plausible.
RESEARCHER
Experience Cost: 2
Description:
The character is a skilled research, obtaining
information in any medium with ease.
 Chapter 4

Effect: must make a Skill Roll. If they fail, they suffer a +1

Researching anything in a proper environment with Difficulty to all Skill Rolls for the remainder of the
the proper resources (ex: library, computer with Scene.
internet access) has the time that would have been
consumed reduced by half. SENSOR
Experience Cost: 2
RIGID
Experience Bonus: 5 Description:
The character has an implant or integral sensor or
Description: radar system, or has a supernatural ability that
The character has an inflexible approach to situations, functions as an unnatural eye.
sometimes limiting their focus for more appropriate or
creative options. Effect:
The character can detect living entities without seeing,
Effect: smelling, or hearing them with Skill Rolls. Entities
The character's maximum Ability is reduced by 2. trying to stealth can still make Skill Rolls to avoid
being seen. This ability also lets the character see
SALESMAN through some thinner walls, through furniture, and
Experience Cost: 1 other lighter barriers.

Description: SHADOW
The character possesses skill in negotiation and sales. Experience Cost: 2

Effect: Description:
The character gains up to 50% more from selling an The character has the ability to move silently at rapid
item than a character would normally get, and can get speeds.
up to a 50% discounts when values can be haggled
automatically. Special purchases/sales may not apply Effect:
to this rule, per GM decision. The character can move normally and be considered
sneaking, never requiring them to slow their pace or
SECOND CHANCE tread lightly.
Experience Cost: 3
SHIELD MASTER
Description: Experience Cost: 2
Through adrenaline or focus, the character can return
from the brink of death. Description:
The character is trained in the shield. This makes it
Effect: easier to move and fight with one equipped.
The character can make a single Skill Roll when
reduced below 0 Threshold. If successful, instead of Effect:
dying, they remain at 1 Threshold. The character removes any Difficulty penalty for using
a shield.
SENSITIVE SENSES
Experience Bonus: 1 SICKLY
Experience Bonus: 2
Description:
The character has incredibly sensitive senses that are Description:
easily disturbed or overloaded. The character has a sickly constitution and become
vulnerable to diseases.
Effect:
The character's sensory organs are extremely Effect:
sensitive. If objected to a strong offensive smell, ear- The character will periodically acquire minor
ringing noise, or other similar stimuli the character sicknesses to the character. This may result in days

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with +1 Difficulty penalties, sneezing at inopportune The character is an expert sharpshooter, capable of
times, or being visibly sick which may deter NPCs shots at long distance.
from getting too close.
Effect:
SLOTHFUL The effective range of all ranged weapons is doubled.
Experience Bonus: 2
SOCIALITE
Description: Experience Cost: 3
The character is often lazy.
Description:
Effect: The character is skilled at blending into social
This character may sometimes at GM discretion take situations.
double the usual time to complete a task, job, or
project. Effect:
The character knows or adapts to social norms in
SLOW most cases without a Skill Roll by recalling facts or
Experience Bonus: 3 picking up on social cues.

Description: STALKERS
The character isn't very fast or just doesn't have the Experience Bonus: 1
form for speed.
Description:
Effect: The character through fame, striking appearance, or
The character's base movement is halved. For most exceptional talent attracts a lot of attention – and has
humanoids, this means 5 meters. a particular knack for attracting negative attention.
This results in stalkers, groupies, and dangerous
SLOW HEALER obsessive fans.
Experience Bonus: 3
Effect:
Description: The character is periodically suffers negative effects
The character has trouble healing and bruises easily. from their obsessive fans and dangerous stalkers.
When they get injured, it lasts for some time. Mostly this may be asking for an autograph, flirting, or
just constant pestering. It may escalate to theft. In rare
Effect: occasions, this could be dangerous and a person
The character takes double the time to recover from could attempt to harm the character.
time-based injury Conditions. This does not impede
normal healing or recovering from poisons or disease. STEALTHY
Experience Cost: 2
SLUGGISH
Experience Bonus: 3 Description:
The character is really good at keeping attention off
Description: themselves.
The character tends to react slowly or just not be on
top of things. Effect:
The character’s penalties for hiding or sneaking due to
Effect: bright light or poor hiding places are ignored.
This character rolls 1d8 instead of 1d10 for Encounter
Order. STREET FIGHTER
Experience Cost: 1
SNIPER
Experience Cost: 3 Description:
The character has no penalties for using improvised
Description: weapons.

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The character tends to invoke suspicion in others.

Effect:
Ignore any penalties for using improvised or Effect:
impromptu weapons. This includes using ranged Characters prone to distrust and suspicion, especially
weapons as clubs, and throwing regular melee guards and law enforcement, may take special notice
weapons. of the character and watch them when they are in the
area.
SUNBLIND
Experience Bonus: 2 TAUNTER
Experience Cost: 1
Description:
The character cannot stand to be in the sunlight and Description:
can't see at all. This could be due to a creature trait or The character has the skills of a flashy fighter, a
a supernatural characteristic. goading gladiator, or just appears very threatening and
powerful.
Effect:
The character is considered blind in bright natural Effect:
light. This usually means a bright sunny day, but it The character is often attacked first and can
could also occur from large scale fires. Particularly sometimes force enemies to go out of their way to
intense artificial light, such as a flood light or a strong target them.
flashlight, may cause this as well at the Game
Master's discretion. TELEPATH
Experience Cost: 3
SURVIVALIST
Experience Cost: 2 Description:
The character uses mental powers to communicate
Description: without vocals.
The character has specialized survival training.
Effect:
Effect: The character can communicate back and forth
The character is a survivalist expert. They can mentally with any character capable of speech. They
automatically get enough food and water to survive do not need to know each others languages, and only
provided it potentially exists. Provided they have one must have this Trait. The character must make a
decent equipment, they can also ignore all negative Skill Roll to communicate with unwilling targets.
weather effects such as heat exhaustion, loss of
visibility, or freezing. Severe/Deadly conditions may THEOLOGIAN
still require Skill Rolls. Experience Cost: 1

SURVIVOR Description:
Experience Cost: 3 The character has knowledge of popular religion and
important religious history.
Description:
The character manages to survive no matter what kind Effect:
of beating they take. The character automatically knows basic practices
and rites for popular and global religions without a Skill
Effect: Roll.
The character's Threshold is equal to their Health
rather than being 50%. TONGUE-TIED
Experience Bonus: 1
SUSPICIOUS
Experience Bonus: 3 Description:
The character often becomes flustered and tongue-
Description: tied in stressful situations.

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tracking the character. NPCs require no Skill Roll to

Effect: recall the character, and will normally vividly
The character suffers an increase of +1 Difficulty to all remember if the character made a scene.
social or performance Skill Rolls during stressful,
tense, or high-stakes situations if they require UNHEALTHY
vocalization. Experience Bonus: 5

TOUGH Description:
Experience Cost: 8 The character is unhealthy, delicate, weak, or out of
shape, not able to deal with a lot of physical stress.
Description:
The character has durability and pain resistance. Effect:
The character's maximum Health is reduced by 2.
Effect:
Incoming Damage is reduced by 1. This does not UNLUCKY
apply if the character has existing Damage reduction Experience Bonus: 2
from armor or equipment.
Description:
UNEDUCATED The character suffers from consistent bad luck.
Experience Bonus: 2 Constant misfortunes are a common occurrence.

Description: Effect:
The character lacks formal education or any form of This has no statistical inflections; the GM, on a case-
self-taught academics. by-case basis, determines the exact negative affects.
It could include things like running into an old nemesis
Effect: on a city street.
The character suffers an increase of +1 to all
Difficulties to recalling facts, knowledge, or lore. This VAIN
penalty also applies to figuring out puzzles or Experience Bonus: 1
problems that rely on higher degrees of science, math,
or vocabulary. Description:
The character is obsessed with appearance and
UNFOCUSED looking good no matter the situation.
Experience Bonus: 2
Effect:
Description: The character gets a general +1 to all Difficulties if
The character lacks concentration and focus. extremely filthy or in severely ugly or damaged
clothing.
Effect:
Ability restored by Techniques or items is reduced by 1 VENOMOUS
to a minimum of 1. Experience Cost: 3

UNFORGETTABLE Description:
Experience Bonus: 1 The character possesses a poison bite or claw.

Description:
The character makes an impression either due to
flash, style, or appearance, and is easily and
accurately remembered by all who encounter them.
Effect:
The character is easily remembered by all NPCs and
may report this information to hostile NPCs or people
Effect:
The character posses natural poisonous weapons. In
addition to normal unarmed damage, the target is
poisoned (if possible). For 1d4 Rounds, the target
suffers 1 point of poison Damage per Turn at the end
of their Turn. This cannot stack, though if it is applied
again, the duration is re-rolled.

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VERSATILE The character uses 1 die lower than the weapon's

Experience Cost: 5 standard (ex: 1d8 would use 1d6). This cannot go
below 1d4.
Description:
The character is generally ready for complications, WEALTHY
and has a lot of surprises in their figurative toolbox. Experience Cost: 5

Effect: Description:
The character's maximum Ability in increases by 2. The character has invested wealth or inherited assets.

WALL CLIMB Effect:

Experience Cost: 3 The character has investments, an inheritance, or
another source of non-liquid wealth. They can
Description: sometimes purchase items by making a relevant Skill
The character has the ability to climb walls with ease. Roll instead of actually paying the cost, at the GM's
discretion, by using this wealth.
Effect:
The character can move up or down walls without WEAPON MASTER
needing a Skill Roll or losing speed. Experience Cost: 10

WASTEFUL Description:
Experience Bonus: 2 The character is trained in handling weapons, able to
compensate for any handling issues.
Description:
The character tends to waste resources and materials Effect:
when working on projects or crafting. The Difficulty penalties for using weapons are ignored.

Effect: WRATHFUL
Items and projects occasionally (by GM decision) cost Experience Bonus: 3
double the materials and resources to make
successfully. Description:
The character has anger issues or just is prone to
WATER BREATHING rages.
Experience Cost: 2
Effect:
Description: When fighting, if the character tries to switch a target
The character possesses the ability to breath water they may be unable. If the enemy they last attacked or
naturally or through implanted technology. focused on specifically angered or harmed them, they
may require a Skill Roll to attack a different target. If
Effect: they fail, they may not attack any other character
The character can breath water as air and cannot except the one that angered them.
drown. This does not affect movement speed in water,
just ability to breath. WRESTLER
Experience Cost: 3
WEAK
Experience Bonus: 2 Description:
The character is a master of throws and grapples.
Description:
The character is either weak, a poor fighter, or just Effect:
doesn't put the effort in. They do less damage with The first time in a round the character either makes a
melee weapons. grapple attempt, attempts to break a grapple, or
throws a grappled character does not count as an
Effect: Action. Subsequent attempts of any activity do.

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TECHNIQUES
THE BASICS OF TECHNIQUES
Techniques encompass a character’s arsenal of tricks,
powers, and signature maneuvers. This includes
combat maneuvers, social tricks, and magical spells.
These abilities require training to pull off, and are
sometimes unique to the character. Both PCs and
NPCs have Techniques. They are purchased with
Experience.
Like most things in The Harbingers Roleplaying
Game, Techniques are flexible and highly
customizable. The GM must take care to make sure
any new Techniques are balanced. The GM should
also make sure suggested Techniques fit their Setting.
Included in this chapter is a set of per-generated
Techniques that can be aesthetically customized. You
are also welcome and encouraged to work with your
GM in creating customized Techniques for your
character and for the Setting used.
CUSTOM TECHNIQUES
Custom Techniques are one of the features of The
Harbingers Roleplaying Game designed to make sure
every character is unique. Making your own
Techniques means a character can have their own
signature weapon maneuvers, top-tier athletic feats,
potent displays of charisma, custom spells, or hand-
tailored super powers. There are no limits besides
common sense (and proper balancing based on other
Techniques, of course).
Custom Techniques can take some GM thought, but
there are an array of Techniques in this book to use as
a guideline. If a GM gives a Player a Technique and it
turns out to be a little overpowered, the GM can adjust
it during the game (working with the Player). Unless it
doesn't make sense, there is no reason to outright
refuse a Technique's existence. Techniques that have
drawbacks, requirements, or limitations can be more
powerful due to those restrictions.

Remember, activating a Technique uses an Ability

point! If you wish to have a Technique-heavy
character, you will want to increase Ability maximum.

TECHNIQUE TYPES
The Techniques in this book are grouped by flavor and
theme of the Technique in the table list earlier in the
book. These categorizations do not affect the
Technique or anything else in game, and are purely
useful as a guide to what kind of Technique it is and
what kind of Settings its applicable for.

Remember to consult the descriptions below the

tables for full information on the Techniques shown. If
you want to make your own, work with the GM using
the guidelines of existing Techniques.

107
 Chapter 4
TECHNIQUE INFORMATION
TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTIONS
The descriptions below provide full information for
every pregenerated Technique. Description is details
and the the visual manifestation, if any, of the
Technique. Effect provides game information of how
the Technique works (all Techniques require a Skill
Roll).
ACID VOLLEY
Description:
The character throws, spits, lobs, or manifests a volley
of corrosive acid.
Effect:
Using an Action, the acid strikes an area 3 meters in
diameter. Striking a target deals 1d10 Damage. The
acid in the area remains for 1 minute and harms
anyone who enters it or starts a Turn there for 1d4
Damage. The acid will also damage and pit any
objects, furniture, or flooring it hits.
ADRENALINE RUSH
Description:
The character summons a reserve of adrenaline and
willpower, such as a hero's drive, a berserker's rage,
or a monstrous surge.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character reduces all incoming
Damage received by 1 for a Scene.
AIM
Description:
The character focuses their aim to land a targeted
strike or attack.
Use:
Used without an Action.
Duration:
Effect lasts for the Turn.
Effect:
The user lowers the base Difficulty to 1 for the next
attack, throw, strike or shot they make. Difficulty
modifiers still apply. If another Action is performed
before using this effect, the effect is lost.
ALTER SIZE
Description:
108
The character alters their size with mutant, magical,
mystical, or technological powers.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user can be come anywhere
between 50% larger or 50% smaller. In addition to
affecting what spaces they can fit in, it also affects
reasonable objects that could be lifted. When larger,
the character deals a +1 Damage to all melee attacks
but suffers a -1 Difficultly to being hit. When smaller,
the Difficulty to hit the character with attacks is
increased by 1 due to their smaller profile, but they
suffer a -1 to melee Damage. This lasts for 1 hour, and
may be refreshed for an additional hour by spending 1
Ability to avoid the Skill Roll before the effect ends.
ANALYSIS
Description:
The character carefully analyzes, observes, and
mentally evaluates a person or creature.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user evaluates and analyzes a
specific person or creature. The target's obvious
weaknesses, flaws, or exploitable features are
discovered. All allies who can hear or listen to the user
reduce their Difficulties by 1 against the target and
deal +1 Damage when inflicting Damage.
Furthermore, any observable permanent weaknesses
will be revealed (such as a weak point in armor, a
favored leg, looking nervously at open flames, etc.)
The bonuses last for the Scene, but the knowledge
gained is permanent.
ANIMATION
Description:
The character uses a ritual or a curse that turns an
inanimate object into an ally that follows commands.
Effect:
Using an Action, a nearby inanimate object comes to
life and gets its own Health/Skills/Traits based on its
function. If it is not bolted down, it can move. The
object can follow simple mental directions. It has no
real intelligence to speak of being a servant of the
user's will, but is capable of performing any physical
actions it's form allows. This effect lasts for 1 hour and
another Ability point may be spent to maintain it for an
additional hour to bypass the Skill Roll anytime while
active.
 Chapter 4
ARCANE BLAST
Description:
The character attacks multiple enemies with a blast of
magical energy that is conjured or cast.
Effect:
Using an Action, a blast of pure magical energy
damages all opponents within 3 meters of a chosen
location up to 15 meters away. It does 2d4 Damage to
every target it hits.
ARCANE BOLT
Description:
The character attacks a single enemy with a bolt of
magical energy that is conjured or cast.
Effect:
Using an Action, a bolt of arcane energy is used to
damage a single target up to 30 meters away. It deals
2d6 Damage.
ARMOR UPGRADE
Description:
The character upgrades a single creature's armor with
parts and pieces.
Effect:
Using an Action and an appropriate tool kit, the
character jury rigs a temporary upgrade on a single
piece of armor. The upgraded armor lowers all
incoming Damage by 1 and increases the Difficulty to
strike the character by 1. The improvements fail or fall
apart at the end of the Scene.
ARSENAL
Description:
The character deploys a variety of innate weapons
installed or fused to their body in a single all-out-
attack.
Effect:
This Technique requires the character to have multiple
weapons installed and loaded in their body. Using an
Action, the character deploys and fires any number of
innate installed weapons. It can strike any number of
enemies, uses the lowest Difficulty and the best
Damage of all the weapons, and does +1d4 Damage
on top of it. Weapons empty of ammunition cannot be
used, and using this attack deducts all remaining
ammunition on weapons that are used.
ASSASSINATE
Description:
109
The character utilizes stealth to take out or knockout a
single target with extreme skill.
Effect:
Utilizing this Technique requires an Action. Unless
already hidden, the character must succeed in a Skill
Roll to hide. If successful or already hidden, they then
attack a single target. It it hits, the attack's Damage
dice is doubled. If it is a Critical Success, they are
killed outright or instantly knocked out depending on
the attacker's desires in addition to any other normal
Critical Success effects. If the user cannot possibly go
unnoticed (ex: a small brightly lit room with nothing to
hide behind), this Technique is not usable.
AURA OF PAIN
Description:
The character manifests a supernatural or mystical
aura that damages nearby creatures. This could
manifest as holy or unholy energy, elemental flames or
ice, or something similar.
Effect:
Using an Action, an aura effects anyone within 1
meter, friend or foe, and inflicts 1 Damage. The
Damage occurs for anyone who starts their Turn in the
area or who enters it on their own Turn. This effect
lasts for an Encounter or until deactivated by the user.
BARRAGE
Description:
The character quickly fires off a barrage of arrows,
bullets, or throwing weapons.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user strikes as many visible
targets in range as the user desires and has enough
ammunition or throwing weapons to hit. The attacks
deal normal damage and suffer no penalty, no matter
the amount of targets. If the target must reload during
the execution of this Technique, that is done for free.
BARRIER
Description:
The character casts a mystical, divine, or arcane
protective barrier on a single person.
Effect:
Using an Action, a barrier covers the target, shielding
them. The barrier absorbs up to 2d4 Damage before
dissipating, rolled when the barrier appears. If not
depleted, it remains for a Scene.
 Chapter 4
BEATDOWN
Description:
The character pummels, strikes, disarms, and knocks
down an enemy with fists, weapons, and/or rage.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user beats down an adjacent
target. It inflicts 2d4 Damage on the target, knocks any
weapons or items out of their hands to chosen locatins
within 3 meters, and knocks them down, forcing them
to spend an Action to recover to be able to move
again.
BEWITCH
Description:
The character uses a hex, charm, or magical spell to
bewitch a target into being friendly.
Effect:
Using an Action, the target considers the user a good
friend, ally, and confidant. If the target takes damage,
or is given a suicidal or offensive order that conflicts
with their personality, they can make a regular Skill
Roll to end the effect (they will not act on orders that
go against their nature even if they fail to end the
effect). If the user leaves the target's presence for
more than a Turn, they can continue to make a Skill
Roll to resist every Turn after. The effect ends instantly
if the user makes a hostile action towards the target,
falls asleep/unconscious, becomes Incapacitated, or
actively chooses to end it. Targets affected by this
Technique have vague, hazy memories of what
occurred, and are aware they were not themselves.
Unless surprised or unfamiliar with the user, they also
may very well remember who bewitched them.
BINDING
Description:
The character conjures forth a spell or prayer that
forms a magical force in the shape of chains, vines,
crackling energy, or some other medium to lock down
a target.
Effect:
Using an Action, a target up to 30 meters away is
ensnared by a magical force. The target is incapable
of moving. In addition, they receive +1 Difficulty to all
physical Skill Rolls and anyone attempting to affect
them physically has their Difficulty reduced by 1.
Removing the effect requires an Action to use a Skill
Roll to escape (or the user willingly dismisses it).
BLAST RADIUS
110
Description:
The character augments an explosive item with a
temporary adjustment right before hurling it.
Effect:
As part of throwing, planting, or attacking with an
explosive, the character can use this Technique. The
blast radius can be changed to as much as double, or
reduced to as much as half. If for some reason the
explosive doesn't detonate, it must be augmented
again and does not keep this property.
BLASTER
Description:
The character explodes in a blast of energy or
explosive force that's either technological or
supernatural in nature.
Effect:
Using an Action, all adjacent characters and objects
are struck by a blast of force/energy. It inflicts 1d8
Damage on those hit and knocks them all back 3
meters and knocks them down/off-balance, requiring
them to spend an Action to be able to use movement
again.
BLEEDER
Description:
The character inflicts a nasty bleeding wound with a
weapon or claws.
Effect:
This Technique is used as part of an attack that could
inflict bleeding wounds. The attack deals normal
damage, and also adds a bleeding effect. It deals 1
Damage for 2d4 Turns on the target unless they
remove the effect earlier by taking an Action and
making a Skill Roll to treat it.
BLESS
Description:
The character invokes a prayer, blessing, or boon to
grant assistance.
Effect:
Using an Action, all friendly characters that can see or
hear the user (as well as the user themselves) can
add a +1d4 to the final result of their next Skill Roll.
The effect lasts until the Skill Roll is made.
BOLSTER
Description:
The character speaks a poem, write, blessing, or
 Chapter 4
performs a dance or song to restore courage and
energize.
Effect:
As an Action, the user restores 1d4 ability to all allies
that can see or hear them as well as themselves.
BOON
Description:
The character casts a charm or boon on an ally,
granting them luck and favor.
Effect:
As an Action, a single creature gains the ability to earn
a Critical Success if a 9 is rolled. The 9 must still be a
Success to potentially be a Critical Success. This lasts
for a Scene.
BOUND
Description:
The character makes a mystical or monstrous giant
leap.
Effect:
The user leaps into the air with an inhuman max
height of 10 meters and max distance of 15 meters. It
requires no Action and they always land safely on a
Success, provided there are no hazards in the target
location.
BREAKER
Description:
The character expertly destroys a target's equipment
with a precise or brutal attack.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user launches an attack to
destroy one target item on, worn, or held by a person
in range. It is up to the Game Master the full extent of
the destruction and whether the weapon could fully
destroy it, but it is rendered useless until repaired at a
minimum. Certain special or magical items may be
immune to this effect partially or completely.
CALCULATION
Description:
The character assists their work (or an ally's) with an
expert calculation.
Effect:
Using an Interruption when a Skill Roll is being made,
the character can activate this Technique and grant an
additional +1d10 to a Skill Roll. The person performing
111
the task may take either result. This can be done after
the result is known.
CARRIER
Description:
The character helps move an ally or carries them out
of danger.
Effect:
The character hoists an unconscious or willing
character. They retain full movement and suffer no
penalty when taking Actions while holding them. In
addition, the character being carried has no penalties
for any Skill Rolls they make while being carried, but
can't move without ending the effect. The effect can be
ended by either party at anytime at no cost.
CAUTIONARY ADVICE
Description:
The character shouts out or instructs an ally, giving
expert advice quickly.
Use:
Requires a Skill Roll and is used as an Interruption.
Duration:
Effect is instant.
Effect:
Used as an Interruption when another character has
rolled a 1 on a Skill Roll, the target can remake this
Skill Roll until they achieve a result other than a 1.
CHEER
Description:
The character cheers or encourages a character,
boosting their morale and confidence.
Effect:
Used as an Action, a single character who can see or
hear the user gains an additional 1d10 to all Skill
Rolls until the end of the Scene. This can only be
applied once to a character.
CLONE
Description:
With supernatural, technological, or mutant powers,
the character forms a clone of themselves.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user creates a clone of
themselves. The clone is capable of everything the
user is and acts as the users wills, but has 5 Health,
 Chapter 4
and 1 Ability. It lasts for 1 hour, until the user ends the
effect, or until its Health is lowered to 0 which destroys
it. The clone may be refreshed to 1 hour by spending
another Ability point to bypass the Skill Roll.
COMMAND
Description:
The character uses tactic, distraction, or presence to
give an ally a free moment to act.
Effect:
Using an Action, a target character gets to take a full
Turn instantly next after the user. This does not
replace the target's normal Turn.
CONCEALMENT
Description:
The character fades into shadows with the skill of a
ninja or thief.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character hides. The base
Difficulty to detect them while they remain hidden is
increased to 10. If they commit an Action that would
reveal themselves such as an attack, they become
visible again. They can also move freely and remain
hidden (assuming there is room/darkness to hide in)
without additional Skill Rolls.
COORDINATED ATTACK
Description:
The character teams up with allies to deal severe
damage to an opponent.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character performs an attack. In
addition to normal damage, the target can be
staggered, pulled, or pushed up to 3 meters n any
direction. After this, an ally of the user's choice can
then make a normal attack as well either unarmed or
with a held weapon as an Interruption. If successful,
the target is dealt normal damage and can be moved
another 3 meters, and the Technique user can select
another ally to attack. This can be repeated as often
as there are allies that can reach the target, though no
ally can benefit from this more than once. In addition,
a failure on any attack will end the Technique.
COPYCAT
Description:
Using supernatural or mystical powers, the character
delves a target's mind and obtains their Techniques.
112
Effect:
Using an Action, the user gains access to all of a
single character's Techniques that is within 10 meters.
Some Techniques may not be usable due to physical
or equipment-based limitations, but all valid ones can
be used as if the user knew them themselves. This
effect lasts for a Scene.
CRY
Description:
Emitting a terrifying or unnatural cry, shout, or scream,
the character freezes all enemies in place.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character affects all targets within
auditory range. Targets affected are rattled and lose
their next Turn. Allies aware of the user's ability may
cover their ears for free and ignore the effect.
Individuals who cannot hear or who have their hearing
muffled/filtered aren't affected. This only affects a
creature once per Encounter.
CURE
Description:
The character casts a healing spell or does a healing
ritual to restore Health.
Effect:
Using an Action, this Technique affects a single target
within 10 meters. They are healed for 1d8 Health and
any short-term ailments such as poison, acid, or being
on fire are nullified. Severe injuries and long-term
disease are not cured and will still need time to heal.
CURSE
Description:
The character invokes a prayer, blessing, or curse to
grant harm to their enemies.
Effect:
Using an Action, all hostile characters that can see or
hear the user subtracts a -1d4 to the final result of
their next Skill Roll. The effect lasts until the Skill Roll
is made.
DAZZLE
Description:
The characters summons a magical or mystical flash
of light or colored sparkles.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character manifests a disorienting
effect in a spot chosen within 30 meters, and affects
 Chapter 4
anyone within 5 meters. Any targets affected by the
Skill Roll are stunned and unable to act next Turn. In
addition, they are disoriented for 1d4 Turns which
inflicts a +1 Difficulty penalty on all vision related Skill
Rolls. Characters that cannot see or don't rely
primarily on sight are immune to this Technique.
DEFENDER
Description:
The character protects an ally from a danger or attack
by stopping the blow and knocking them aside.
Effect:
Used as an interaction when a character is
successfully attacked or struck by a hazard, the user
displaces the target, pushing them aside and brings
them both out of harm's away or
blocks/endures/parry's the attack. The target that was
going to be injured is safely displaced adjacent to the
user, and the user takes the saved target's space if
physically possible. Else, both are displaced to the
nearest safe spot.
DEMORALIZE
Description:
The character insults, harangues, teases, or otherwise
demoralizes an individual.
Effect:
Using an Action, a single target who can see or hear
the character loses 1d10 from all Skill Rolls (to a
minimum of 1d10) until the end of the Scene. This can
only be applied once to a character.
DETONATE
Description:
The character commits a self-sacrifice to explode in
explosive or mystical force.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user deals damage to everything
within 3 meters. The explosion deals 3d10 Damage to
all in range, and the user collapses, reduced to 0
Health with 1 Threshold remaining.
DETOXIFICATION
Description:
The character treats a target for poisons and toxins.
Effect:
Using an Action, a single willing adjacent target has all
poison or toxin effects removed. In addition, the target
is immune to poison and toxin effects for the
113
remainder of the Scene.
DIMENSIONAL GATE
Description:
The character conjures an arcane doorway.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user creates one dimensional
gate adjacent to them that leads to a matching gate in
a place that is known, visualized, or can be seen
within a different 30 meters. The portal can be sized
up to 3 meters high and 3 meters wide. Stepping into
the portal automatically transports the character to the
other portal. Closing the portal can be done for free on
the user's Turn, including the Turn it is activated. If not
closed, it remains active for the Scene.
DISASSEMBLE
Description:
The character expertly disassembles a mechanical
item or an item compromised of multiple parts.
Effect:
The user completely disassembles a complex item
such as a firearm, computer, grenade, phone, or
anything electronic, mechanical, or made up of
multiple parts with a single Action. Repairing or
reassembling the item is not possible in a Scene
without a special Technique or Trait.
DISPATCH
Description:
The character commits a killing or brutal attack to deal
heavy damage or outright kill a target.
Effect:
Using an Action, an attack is made with any weapon. It
deals double the Damage dice (including any
temporary Damage bonuses from effects).
DISPLACEMENT
Description:
The character creates false images, sounds, or a
confusing blur to throw off attacks.
Effect:
The user's base Difficulty increases to 10 against any
physical attack. This lasts until the start of the user's
next Turn.
DISRUPT
Description:
The character disrupts an opponent using a weapon
 Chapter 4
strike, thrown item, or other kind of counter.
Effect:
Used as an Interruption when a character is taking an
Action, the target’s Action is canceled by shoving,
attacking, or throwing an object. They may finish the
rest of their Turn normally.
DISTRACTION
Description:
The character distracts or confuses an opponent,
preventing use of abilities that require concentration or
focus.
Effect:
Using an action, the target character can’t use
Techniques until they take an Action to refocus and
succeed in a Skill Roll, or until the current Encounter
ends.
DODGE
Description:
The character deftly avoids an incoming threat.
Effect:
Used as an Interruption when there is a hazard or
attack, the user increases the base Difficulty of any
danger or attack to strike them to 10. In addition, if the
user is making a Skill Roll to avoid a threat, the base
Difficulty is lowered to 1. Modifiers are still applied.
This can be decided after the result is known.
DOLPHIN KICK
Description:
The character swims with extreme speed and grace.
Effect:
The user's movement is considered doubled for
swimming purposes and they are immune to
Interruptions. In addition, any penalties (Movement,
Action, etc) related to being in water are ignored for
this Turn.
DOMINATION
Description:
The character uses a mental or supernatural power to
take control of a target's mind temporarily.
Effect:
If an Action is used, the affected character can’t do
anything on their Turn except spend an Action to make
a Skill Roll to regain control. If they fail, they can do
nothing else on their Turn and the effect continues.
114
While controlled, the character will obey any mental or
verbal command the user gives on the user's Turn
(requiring no Action). If the Action they are ordered to
do is something they are opposed to doing (hurting
themselves, their friends, etc), they can immediately
make a Skill Roll as an Interrupt to regain control. If
they fail, they must perform the Action. Dominated
characters have clear memory of what happened and
what they were forced to do.
DRAGON BREATH
Description:
The character uses their deadly breath to strike
multiple targets.
Effect:
All targets in a 10 meter cone are struck for 1d6+3
Damage of the breath type as an Action.
ELEMENTAL BLAST
Description:
The character conjures a spell blast of fire, water,
wind, earth, or some other element.
Effect:
This Technique requires an Action and damages all
present within 3 meters of a chosen location up to 15
meters away. It inflicts 1d6 Damage of the chosen
type. The targets also suffer a bonus effect, chosen by
the user when the Technique is used: additional 1
Damage for 1d4 Rounds, knock the targets down, or
knock the targets back 3 meters.
ELEMENTAL BOLT
Description:
The character casts a magical bolt of fire, water, wind,
earth, or some other element.
Effect:
This Technique requires an Action and damages a
single target up to 30 meters away. It inflicts 1d8
Damage of the chosen type. The target also suffers a
bonus effect, chosen by the user when the Technique
is used: additional 1 Damage for 1d4 Rounds, knock
the target down, or knock the target back 3 meters.
ENCHANT
Description:
The character uses a quick spell or blessing to briefly
and temporarily enchant a weapon or armor.
Effect:
Using an Action, a target weapon, armor, tool, or other
 Chapter 4
item is considered enchanted and reduces Difficulty by
1 to all Skill Rolls involving it. If it is a weapon, it also
deals +1d4 Damage, and if it is Armor, it will also
absorb 1 point of Damage. This lasts for the Scene or
until dismissed.
ENERGIZE
Description:
The character imbues an object with kinetic, explosive,
or mystical energy. It effectively becomes unstable
and a grenade.
Effect:
Using an Action, an item is turned into a grenade that
can be thrown or smacked to explode. The base
explosive grenade statistics are used. Larger items
might have a Difficulty penalty to use, but deal more
damage or have a wider blast radius at Game Master
discretion. In addition, any additional bonus effects
based on the item injected is up to the GM. This effect
fades after a Scene if the object is not used.
ENERGY BEAM
Description:
The character fires a blistering beam of energy from
their eyes, hands or some other source.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user fires a beam that travels up
to 10 meters. It has deals 2d4 Damage and strikes
and damages the first 3 targets in a straight line.
ENERGY BOMB
Description:
The character tosses, generates, or manifests a
massive bomb of explosive energy.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user damages all opponents 3
meters within a point chosen up to 15 meters away. It
inflicts 1d6 Damage. Any targets are knocked back up
to 3 meters and are knocked down, forcing them to
spend an Action to be able to move again during the
Encounter.
ENERGY DRAIN
Description:
The character steals, transfers, or drains the life of a
target by touching it with powers or mysticism.
Effect:
Using an Action, an attack is used to damage an
adjacent target. It deals 1d12 Damage. If it succeeds,
115
the user recovers the full Damage dealt to their own
Health.
ESSENCE DRAIN
Description:
The character uses spells or magic to steal the
essence of a target to heal wounds.
Effect:
Using an Action, an attack is used to damage a target
up to 30 meters away. It deals 1d10 Damage. If it
succeeds, the user recovers up to 50% Health.
FACE CLIMBING
Description:
The character climbs with extreme skill.
Effect:
The user's movement is doubled for climbing
purposes and they are immune to Interruptions. In
addition, the quality of the climbing surface becomes
irrelevant for this Turn – if it's physically possible to
scale, it automatically succeeds.
FALSE PERCEPTION
Description:
Bend the mind of a target to force them to be unable
to see stationary people and objects.
Effect:
When using this, the Technique user uses an Action
and selects a target to befuddle plus any number of
objects or people in visual range. Those objects and
people are considered completely invisible to all
senses by the selected target unless the target makes
physical contact with them or the subjects are moved,
move themselves, or take any kind of Action. This
effect is treated per item/person, so finding one hidden
item or person does not reveal the others.
FIELD REPAIRS
Description:
The character performs rapid repairs with extreme
skill.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user repairs a single broken
target machine or electronics with a quick jury-rig.
Depending on the item, tools may be required. If used
on an artificial creature (or one with artificial parts as
part of their body), the target heals 1d6 Health.
FIRST-AID
 Chapter 4

Description:
The character performs emergency first-aid, medicine, Effect:
or herbalism to heal. The user's base movement is doubled for running and
they are immune to Interruptions for this Turn. In
Effect: addition, the character can move under, over, or
Using an Action, an adjacent target heals 2d4 Health. around hostile creatures as long as there is enough
physical room for them to squeeze by/over/under.
FLASH STRIKE
Description: GALVANIZE
The character dashes through enemies and make Description:
multiple melee attacks. The character calls out to a single target, urging them
to find their strength and get back up.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user can attack any number of Effect:
targets within their normal movement range they can The target must be in normal auditory range. Using an
reach with a melee weapon or unarmed. These Action, a character with 0 Health is returned to 1
attacks inflict normal weapon damage on the targets, Health and can act normally on their next Turn.
and after completing the attacks, the user may end
their Turn in any valid spot within their movement. The GRAPPLING LIMB
user is immune to Interrupts while doing this. Description:
The characters uses a tentacle, long arm, or other
FOCUS appendage to reach a long distance and grapple a
Description: target.
The character takes a moment to meditate, focus, or
relax to regain Ability. Effect:
The user strikes a target up to 10 meters away using
Effect: an Action. If successful, the target is grappled and
The user restores 2d4 Ability to themselves with an cannot move. In addition, the user may freely move
Action. them around within the maximum distance with no
Action required until they are able to break free.
FORCE SHIELD Breaking free requires an Action or the user to
Description: voluntarily drop them.
The character activates an emergency shield or
barrier. GUARD
Description:
Use: The character shifts into a defensive stance, blocking
Used as an Interruption when attacked. Must succeed and parrying and reducing the power of any hits they
on a Skill Roll. take.

Duration:
Effect is instant.
Effect:
Using this Technique as an Interruption when suffering
Damage from an attack or hazard nullifies the
Damage. This can only be applied once per Round. If
the attack is a Technique or a Critical Success, the
other effects may apply at the GM's discretion.
FULL SPRINT
Description:
The character goes for an all-out run.
Effect:
When used as an Interruption when the user suffers
Damage, the Damage is reduced by 50%. This effect
remains until the start of the user's next Turn.
HACK
Description:
The character remotely controls a machine, android,
or drone connected to an accessible network or that
has wireless access.
Effect:
Utilizing an Action, a singular electronic creature
connected to a network is affected. If successful, the

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user is in complete control of the creature/machine.
While controlled, the character will obey any electronic
or verbal (if applicable) command including self-harm
at no Action cost. If the entity hacked has artificial
intelligence or some sort of defense mechanism
against hacking, it can make a Skill Roll once an hour
to break free and may also make that same Skill Roll if
ordered to do something against their core
programming. Hacked entities can have their memory
wiped at the user's option and may have no
recollection of what happened at all.
HEX
Description:
The character invokes a curse, hex, or bane to harm
an enemy.
Effect:
Using an Action, a single creature in sight is affected
by a hex. Until the end of the scene, they consider a 2
a Critical Failure on Skill Rolls until the end of the
Scene. The 2 must still be a Failure to potentially be a
Critical Failure.
HIDDEN FORM
Description:
The character releases a powerful, temporary hidden
form, cursed transformation, or improved upgrades.
Effect:
This transformation takes an Action. When entering
the new form, the characters current and maximum
Health increase by 5. In addition, Difficulties for
physical Skill Rolls are reduced by 1. Melee Damage
is increased by +1d4. This effect lasts for an
Encounter or until the user chooses to revert.
HURL
Description:
The character focuses up and prepares for a long-
distance throw.
Effect:
Uses an Action to hurl an object. The effective range is
doubled for that one instance. In addition, if tossed to
a friendly character, the character is guaranteed to
catch it safely if the initial Skill Roll is successful.
ILLUMINATION
Description:
The character casts a spell to change the light present
in the area by filling it with unnatural brightness or
darkness.
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Effect:
Using an Action, the user targets an object or point in
space, and it affects an area 10 meters around it. The
area is either fully illuminated as bright as day or
shrouded in absolute darkness. For light, nothing can
dim or subdue it. For darkness, nothing can be seen in
these areas no matter the vision-spectrum - though
other senses work fine. This effect lasts for a Scene or
until dismissed by the user.
ILLUSION
Description:
The character uses magic to create an illusory image
that appears real.
Effect:
The user creates a fake image within 30 meters with
an Action. The affected targets see it as completely
real. For those unaffected, they see it as the illusion it
is. If something occurs to bring someones attention to
it being fake occurs, such as an ally seeing through
the deception, the user can make a Skill Roll to see it
as an illusion. If they succeed, they also see it as
false, if they fail, it still seems real to them at least as
far as their senses are concerned. The image cannot
move further than 10 meters from its point of origin. If
attacked or interacted with, it will react appropriately or
seem to evade to maintain the illusion that it is made
of solid matter. This apparition lasts for an hour or until
dismissed.
IMMORTALITY
Description:
The character posses a spark of divine or infernal
immortality, or perhaps they are an android with an
emergency repair system. In either case, they can
return from the brink.
Effect:
When reduced to 0 Threshold, the character may
activate this Technique as an Interruption. If
successful, they remain alive and restore 2d4 Health
and return to 1 Threshold. This cannot be used if the
character's missing organs or body parts (such as a
head) that are necessary to live.
IMPROVED APPLICATION
Description:
The character juices or adjusts the dosage of a normal
applied medicine, increasing its potency.
Effect:
 Chapter 4
The user uses an Action to utilize an item that restores
Health, improving its effects. The character healed has
an additional die of healing added to the item's base
healing dice (ex: 2d4 to 3d4).
IMPROVISE
Description:
The character improves an item by tuning, sharpening,
or upgrading it.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user improves an item. If used in
Skill Rolls, it grants an additional 1d10. If the item is
damaged or a Critical Failure is done with this item, it
loses its bonuses instantly. The bonus lasts until the
end of the Scene.
INOCULATION
Description:
The character inoculates a character for diseases and
viruses.
Effect:
Using an Action, a single willing adjacent target has all
short-term diseases removed, and long-term and
permanent disease effects temporarily suppressed. In
addition, the target is completely immune to new
diseases for the remainder of the duration. Te
suppression effects remain for a Scene.
INSPIRE
Description:
The character inspires friends and allies, boosting
their chances.
Effect:
Using an Action, all allies that are within visual and
auditory range of the user reduce all Difficulties by 1.
This remains for a Scene.
INSTRUCTION
Description:
The character instructs, advises, or imparts a quick
lesson to those around to grant them an edge in their
field of expertise.
Effect:
The user uses an Action and chooses a Skill, and any
character that listens to the advice is considered to
own that Skill. This lasts for the remainder of the
Scene.
INTERCESSION
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Description:
The character invokes a prayer or word of protection
to shield an ally.
Effect:
When a character within 15 meters is suffering an
attack or a hazard, this Technique can be used as an
Interruption. It will cause the attack to miss.
INVISIBILITY
Description:
The character uses a spell to make a target invisible.
Use:
Requires an Action and a Skill Roll.
Duration:
It lasts for an hour or until ended by the user. It an also
be ended early by the target making an attack or
performing an overt or aggressive Action.
Effect:
Using an Action, one target is made invisible to any
and all types of vision. Though invisible, the target can
still be heard, smelt, and their environmental
interactions can be witnessed – this only affects sight.
Characters that do not need to see have no penalty to
their interactions with invisible targets. Attacking,
aggressive action, using magic, or any other similar
activity will dispel the invisibility illusion. The effect can
also be ended by the user, and if not dispelled ends at
the end of the Scene.
INVULNERABLE
Description:
The character shrugs off, ignores, or absorbs Damage
with supernatural powers, special technology, or
mutant genes.
Use:
It can be activated as an Interruption when Damage is
suffered. It requires a Skill Roll.
Duration:
Effect lasts until the start of the next Turn.
Effect:
This Technique can be used as an Interruption when
taking Damage. Incoming Damage is reduced by 1d12
until the start of the user's next Turn. It is rolled each
time Damage is suffered.
KNOCKOUT
 Chapter 4
Description:
The character performs a knockout boxing blow,
martial arts strike, knockout shot, or sap attack.
Effect:
Utilizing an action, this Technique deals Damage and
staggers the target, knocking them out. At the start of
each of their Turns, the target can make a Skill Roll to
wake up. If a target is attacked while unconscious
during an Encounter, it deals double total damage and
the target instantly wakes up. Some creatures cannot
be knocked unconscious and are immune to this
Technique.
LAYING ON HANDS
Description:
The character performs a supernatural, divine, or alien
touch and transference that heals a target.
Effect:
The user uses an Action and touches an adjacent
creature, granting one of the following chosen effects:
• Restore 1d4+1 Health
• Remove all current temporary negative effects
such as burning, poison, or acid
• Cure 1 natural mental or physical non-
permanent condition (such as a from a
disease)
• Recover 1 non-permanent injury
LEAP
Description:
The character makes a skillful jump.
Effect:
Used as an Action or Interruption, the user clears any
size jump they are physically capable of making
without any additional Skill Rolls, whether used as an
Action or Interruption. The user is immune to hostile
Interruptions after using this for the remainder of their
Turn or during their Interruption.
LECTURE
Description:
The character informs the target on the intricacies of a
particular Skill.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user chooses a Skill they have
and gives a target creature a brief lesson. If the
character makes a Skill Roll where that Skill would
apply, they add +1d4 to the final value. This effect
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lasts for the Scene.
LEVITATION
Description:
The character casts a spell to levitate and fly.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user gains the ability to fly and
levitate. They retain their normal speed, and are able
to levitate and fly as high as they wish. This effect
lasts for an hour, and may be refreshed for 1 Ability
without a Skill Roll.
LIFE LINK
Description:
The character touches an ally and freely swaps life
and power with them.
Effect:
With an Action, the user touches a willing adjacent
creature. The user can transfer Health, Ability, and
poison- or disease effects between each other. This
cannot exceed normal maximums. There is no limit to
what transfers or how these values are balanced, but
there is no gain or loss of numerical value or of
existing effects during this process.
LINE UP
Description:
The character fires a ranged weapon, piercing through
or grazing up to three lined up targets.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user fires a ranged weapon such
as a rifle or crossbow. It deals it's normal Damage, if it
hits, to the first 3 targets in a straight line from the
origin of the shot, the ammunition piercing, grazing, or
skipping through or past the targets.
MAGIC GRASP
Description:
The character uses arcane powers or magic to shove,
throw, or manipulate people or objects.
Effect:
Using an Action, this Technique affects a single target
(creature or object) within 15 meters. One of the
following actions can then be taken as part of this
Technique's Action:
• Strangle a breathing creature for 1d6 Damage
• Throw target 10 meters and deal 1d4 Damage
(throwing the target at another creature
requires a normal Skill Roll and deals Damage
 Chapter 4
as per type of the object)
• An object can be brought to the user's hand
• Safely move an ally anywhere in the range
MAGIC WEAPON
Description:
The character summons an arcane or divine weapon.
Effect:
A magical weapon forms in the hand of the user. It can
be any weapon desired, and uses the normal statistics
of that weapon with a +1d4 to Damage. Being
disarmed causes it to vanish.
MARTYR
Description:
The character performs a ritual or religious rite to take
the harm of an ally.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user takes all Damage a willing
target receives. The wounds that would appear on
them instead appear on the user magically. This
applies to Health loss and injuries that cause
Conditions. This effect lasts for a Scene or until ended
voluntarily by the user at any time.
MED-TECH
Description:
The character sorts or enhances a medical tool or kit.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character augments an item used
to heal. This item has its die size increased by 1 (ex:
d4 to d6). If it is already at a d12, it is instead granted
a +1. If the item can be used multiple times, all uses of
it are enhanced. This effect lasts for a Scene.
MEDICAL CONSERVATION
Description:
The character moderates a dosage or supply usage,
gaining the same effect with less resources.
Effect:
This Technique is used prior to using a consumable
healing item. If successful, the item isn't consumed
when healing the target. If the item has multiple uses
before being consumed, it doesn't expend a use.
MESMERIZE
Description:
With alien or supernatural powers, the character
temporarily mesmerizes a target, preventing them
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from acting.
Effect:
Using an Action, a target within 10 meters becomes
unable to do anything during their Turn. If they are
attacked in this state, they receive double Damage.
Any damage from any source instantly ends the effect
automatically. The target may also be shaken awake if
another character spends an Action to return them to
reality. This effect lasts for 2d4 Turns if the character
isn't awakened and the user doesn't end it voluntarily.
MIMIC
Description:
The character uses alien, mystical, or bizarre powers
to mimic a previous Technique done in this Scene.
Effect:
The user automatically uses an Action to enact any
valid Technique already used during this Scene. The
user must have been present when the Technique was
performed. The Technique has to be something the
user is capable of doing due to equipment limitations,
but requires no training or physical or mental
thresholds. The Technique, when executed, requires
the normal Skill Rolls, but requires no additional Ability
spend outside of the cost of Mimic.
MIND READER
Description:
The character uses mutant, technological, or alien
powers to scan a target's mind.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user can learn as much of the
following information by reading a visible target's mind
as they desire:
• Current/max Health and Ability
• Skills
• Traits
• Names/approximate functions of Techniques
MIND WRACK
Description:
The character attacks a target's mind with a psychic
ability or spell.
Effect:
Using an Action, this Technique affects a single target
up to 15 meters away. If successful, it lowers the
target's current Ability by 1d10.
MUDDLE
 Chapter 4

Description: • Cannot approach user unless they succeed in

The character uses mental or magical powers to a Skill Roll – this is done at the start of each
confuse a target. Turn until successful

Effect: OBFUSCATE
Using an Action, a target within 15 meters is affected. Description:
At the start of each Turn for 1d8 Turns, 1d4 is rolled to The character summons a concealing cloud of smoke,
determine what the character can do: fog, or steam.

• 1: Act normally Effect:

• 2: Random negative action (GM Decision) Using an Action, an area of up to 15 meters in all
• 3: Random positive action (GM Decision) directions from a target point is covered in a thick
• 4: Do nothing obscuring mist or fog. This conceals anything in it
nearly completely. This lasts until the end of the Scene
MUTILATE or until dismissed.
Description:
The character performs a deadly attack that causes an OVERDOSE
injury. Description:
The character uses a medical item incorrectly to turn it
Effect: into a weapon.
Using an Action, a weapon or unarmed attack is used
against a target. In addition to doing normal damage, it Use:
causes an injury determined by the Game Master Used as part of an Action to attack with a healing item
much like a Critical effect. This could be a broken arm, with a Skill Roll.
eye damage, shattered femur, or other similar injury.
Duration:
MYSTIC WALL This effect is part of the attack.
Description:
The character uses magical powers to create a wall. Effect:
Using an Action and an item that restores Health, the
Effect: user attacks an adjacent target. Instead of healing, the
Using an Action, this Technique generates a thin wall item does what it normally heals in Damage to the
of arcane force up to 15 meters long and it can curve target.
to encircle an area. If a person is in the direct path of
the wall, the user decides which way the wall pushes PARALYZE
them. The wall itself can absorb 25 points of Damage Description:
before collapsing. If not destroyed, the wall vanishes The character stuns a target with spells or rituals,
at the end of the Scene or when dismissed. limiting movement.

NIGHTMARES
Description:
The character inflicts horrific nightmares on a target.
Effect:
Utilizing an Action, a single target within 10 meters of
the user is inflicted with horrifically realistic vivid
waking nightmares (creatures that don't sleep or have
nightmares are immune). They are stunned, terrorized
and demoralized. They suffer the following effects:
• Loses their next Turn
• +1 Difficulty to all Skill Rolls instantly for the
Encounter
\Effect:
Using an Action, a single target is affected from up to
15 meters away. The target is rendered immobile and
must use their Action on their turns to free themselves
with a successful Skill Roll. While paralyzed, any
defensive Difficulty increases from movement or
evasion are nullified.
PARKOUR
Description:
The character leaps, climbs, and/or swims with
masterful skill to a location.
Effect:

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 Chapter 4
The user can immediately move to any location within
movement range – running, jumping, climbing, or
swimming as necessary without additional Skill Rolls
and automatically avoiding Interrupts. Any place they
can logically make given the terrain and their
physicality is a valid end location.
PINNING SHOT
Description:
The characters uses a ranged/thrown weapon capable
of pinning targets with larger projectiles such as a bow
or crossbow to attach them to a surface.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user strikes a target with a bow,
crossbow, javelin, or similar weapon while they are
within 3 meters of a hard surface. The target is pushed
up against that surface and the ammo piece or thrown
weapon embeds itself in a limb of the attacker's
choosing. That limb is then immobilized and cannot be
used, and the target cannot move until they pull free
with an Action.
POLYMORPH
Description:
The character morphs a target or creature with a spell.
Effect:
Using an Action, the target (which can be the user)
turns into a creature of the user's choice. Each Turn,
unwilling Targets can make a Skill Roll to shrug off the
effect. This Skill Roll can also be made if desired when
Damage is suffered. The target gets all natural
physical statistics as well as any limitations, bonuses,
weaknesses, and strengths of the creature turned into,
but retain their intelligence and mental prowess. Other
than resisting it, this effect ends when the user wishes
or when they are knocked unconscious, sleep, or are
Incapacitated.
PORTAL
Description:
The character conjures a massive portal.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user creates one portal adjacent
to their position that leads to any place that is known
or accurately visualized as from a photo. The portal
can be up to 15 meters high and 15 meters wide.
Stepping into the portal automatically transports the
character to the other portal. Closing the portal can be
done for free on the user's Turn, but cannot be done
the Turn it is activated. If not closed, it remains for the
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Scene.
POSSESS
Description:
Using supernatural or ghostly powers, the character
enters and controls an entity.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user's self and form are now in
the target's body. The user has access to the target's
physical capabilities and equipment, but not any
Techniques. The target is still the one who takes
Damage, and the user has complete control. If the
user attempts a strongly opposed action such as
attacking an ally, the target gets an Skill Roll to eject
the user. Every Turn, the target's only available Action
is to try to eject the presence by rolling a Skill Roll.
While possessing an enemy, the user is immune to all
damage from almost any attacks, since the target's
body will be the entity harmed.
POWER LIFT
Description:
The character readies up to do some heavy lifting.
Effect:
Using an Action, a single item the target is physically
capable of lifting is lifted. For the Turn lifted and the
following Turn, the object is treated as not counting
towards what the character is carrying and the user
has no penalties while carrying or moving it. In
addition, it can also be used as a tool or weapon with
a Skill Roll with no Difficulty penalty, no matter the
size.
POWERED STRIKE
Description:
The character charges up a powerful charged melee
strike.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal attack
unarmed or with their weapon. If successful, the target
suffers normal damage and can be knocked up to e
meters up and 3 meters in any other direction.
PRESENCE
Description:
The character uses force of presence and strength of
words to to inspire and rally potential allies as well as
cow, terrify, or otherwise convince weak-willed
enemies to question their allegiances.
 Chapter 4
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a speech or rallying
cry. Success means neutral or friendly people in visual
and/or auditory range who are not actively helping will
be moved to help to the best of their nature/abilities
with the task at hand (some may help rescue, throw
rocks, cheer, heal, etc). If in a fight, weak willed
enemies will be terrified or convinced and will either
switch sides, surrender, or retreat. Some enemies may
be completely immune to this effect, especially those
with personal stakes as well as strong, professional,
and/or dedicated individuals. The exact effects are up
to the Game Master.
PROFILE
Description:
The character recalls information and knowledge
relevant to the individual or creature examined.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user categorizes and recalls
information related to the current subject. They
instantly know any or all of the following based on the
type of creature/person they are:
• Exact stats of any equipment the target is
wearing or carrying, including armor and
weapons (if unique, base statistics, but with a
note it's custom)
• If belonging to an organization, any enemies
or allies
• If famous/a known individual, any and all
publicly known information
• Any inherent Traits/Techniques based on
creature type or allegiance
PROTECTIVE RITE
Description:
The character enacts a ritual, ceremony, or rite that
grants protection against evil and supernatural threats.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user targets a single creature
within 15 meters. The target gets a +1 Difficulty to
resist any attempts at hurting them. In addition, any
supernatural entity inflicts -1 Damage (to a minimum
of 1) and Difficulty is set to 10 to possess, control, or
brainwash a target by supernatural means.
PSYCHIC EXPLOSION
Description:
The character is overwhelmed by psychic energies
and releases a blast of mental force.
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Effect:
Using an Action, a blast of psychokinetic energy
damages all opponents within 3 meters of the user. It
does 1d8 Damage to every target it hits and knocks
them to the floor, forcing them to spend an Action to
be able to gather themselves to move again.
PURIFICATION
Description:
The character uses a ritual or blessing to grant
immunity to toxins and disease.
Effect:
Using an Action, all allies within 15 meters have the
following effects occur:
• All poisons and non-serious diseases are
cured
• Serious and permanent diseases have their
effects temporarily suppressed
• Difficulty becomes 10 in regards to infecting
them with toxins and diseases
• Skill Rolls to actively resist poison or disease
effects are set to Difficulty 1
• Damage from any toxin or disease is reduced
by 1
PUSH ON
Description:
The character focuses and gets energized, granting
an advantage in all actions taken.
Effect:
This can be activated during the user's Turn or used
as an Interruption at any time. The user lowers the
Difficulty by 1 for all Skill Rolls. This effect lasts for a
Scene.
RADIANCE
Description:
The character emits a divine or mystical aura that
inspires and calms allies.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character and all allies within 10
meters are immune to fear, any sort of controlling
mental effects, and can ignore any Difficulty penalties
due to injuries or effects (though they still take
Damage). If they are currently under negative mental
or fear effects, those are instantly canceled.
RAISE DEAD
 Chapter 4
Description:
The character revives a recently dead ally with ancient
rituals or forbidden rites.
Effect:
Using the Action, the user attempts to revive a dead
ally within 15 meters. The target must have died within
the past hour and must have important portions like
the head at least present and in their proper place –
limbs or other body parts are not restored if completely
missing and not present. On a successful Skill Roll,
the target is returned to life with 50% of their Health
and 1 Threshold, present detached bits are knitted
back on to the body. They have a +1 Difficulty to all
Skill Rolls for the next 24 hours.
RALLY
Description:
The character rallies and supports allies with courage
and words.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user calls out encouragement,
support, or words of inspiration. All allies within visual
or auditory range heal 1d6 Health.
REANIMATION
Description:
The character uses magic or eldritch powers to raise
up undead abominations.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user brings a corpse or skeletal
form to existence. It retains little of its former self if
anything, and is a complete automaton that obeys
simple commands. If used to fight, most undead will
have 5 Health, get no bonuses to Skill Rolls, do 1d4
Damage unless given a weapon, and can move only 5
meters on their Turn. If used on certain special or
unique individuals, by GM discretion, they can retain
more of their former selves and powers. Created
creatures last until destroyed or the user ends the
effect.
REBIRTH
Description:
The character uses divine or technological powers to
return from death.
Effect:
The user activates this Technique if they have fully
died, being reduced to 0 Threshold. If successful, they
are instantly revived, restoring 50% of their Health and
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1 Threshold and returning to their feet. This will close
mortal wounds, but will not work if the character is
missing necessary body parts or organs to survive (ex:
missing a head). This can only be attempted once per
death.
REBOUNDING SHOT
Description:
The character uses physics and deadly aim to
rebound a ranged attack against multiple nearby
opponents.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal attack with
a ranged/thrown weapon against a target. Any target
the user wishes to hit within 3 meters of that target can
also be struck provided the Skill Roll would strike
them.
REFLEXIVE SURGE
Description:
The character activates a cybernetic nerve implant,
calls upon supernatural response time, or uses honed
reflexes to take action.
Effect:
The user gains a free Action either as an Interruption
enacted at any time or during their Turn.
REGENERATE
Description:
The character restores their own health periodically,
due to supernatural effects like that of a werewolf or
technology such as nanobots.
Effect:
This Technique can be used during a Turn, or as an
Interruption when taking Damage. They instantly
restore 1 Health, and will continue to restore 1 Health
at the end of their Turns for 1d6 Turns.
REJUVENATION
Description:
The character performs a blessing or ritual to heal all
allies with unnatural energy.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user restores 1d6 Health and
cures all temporary negative conditions such as
poison or burning to all allies within 15 meters
including themselves.
REPOSITION
 Chapter 4
Description:
The character circles and strikes an opponent.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes an attack unarmed or
with their weapon. If successful, the target suffers
Damage and the user is immune to Interruptions the
rest of their Turn.
RESURRECTION
Description:
The character revives a recently dead ally with magic
or divine powers.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user attempts to revive a dead
ally they touch. The target must have died within the
past 24 hours and must have important portions like
the head at least present and in their proper place –
limbs or other body parts are not restored if completely
missing and not present. Te target is returned to life
with 1d6 Health and full Threshold, present detached
bits are knitted back on to the body.
RESUSCITATION
Description:
The character revives a recently dead or dying
creature with emergency medical training.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user attempts to revive an
unconscious, dying, or dead nearby ally. This
Technique will work on any creature with 0 Health,
whether or not they have Threshold remaining. For
dead characters, the dead target must have died
within the past minute/current Encounter and must still
be logically possible to revive – if killed by a Critical
Success, they may have suffered irreparable major
organ damage. Lost limbs are not restored. Whether
or incapacitated or dead, the target is revived with 1d4
Health and restores 1d10 Threshold.
SALVAGE
Description:
The character creates a functional item out of scrap
and spare parts.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user creates a fully functional
item out of scraps. The item created must be plausibly
created with the available materials. It is as good as a
normal item of its type in as far as function, but will
break instantly if damaged or if used in an action
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involving a Critical Failure (in addition to any other
Critical Failure effects).
SALVATION
Description:
The character beeches aid from a divine entity or
supernatural force.
Effect:
This Technique requires an Action used during the
user's Turn, or can be activated as an Interruption
when taking Damage. A creature called or summoned
appears near the user (GM Discretion). It has the
normal statistics of a creature of its type and will act
on its own accord. It will not obey commands, but will
assist the user to the best of its ability. It vanishes or is
destroyed at 0 Health and does not have a Threshold.
It will vanish after the current danger is passed or at
most, the end of a Scene.
SCALE
Description:
The character climbs or scrambles up an object or
larger creature.
Effect:
This Technique can be done on the user's Turn, or as
an Interruption when falling if near a valid creature,
vehicle, or object. The user clambers to any point on a
large object, structure, vehicle, or creature up to a
maximum of 15 meters away from the start of the
climb. While this is active, the Target is immune to
Interruptions and if activated during their Turn,
remains immune for the rest of the Turn.
SCRY
Description:
The character uses mystical or magical powers to
peer into a target's mind.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user can target any known entity,
regardless of their current location. The user knows
their thoughts, what they can see, and also their
current Health and Ability. If the user is present, every
Skill Roll against them has a -1 Difficulty and anytime
they act against you they have a +1 Difficulty.
SECOND WIND
Description:
The character takes a breather and regains some
energy.
 Chapter 4
Effect:
Using an Action, the user can immediately make a
normal Skill Roll to recover. Success restores 1d8+5
Health.
SELF-REPAIR
Description:
The character repairs their systems or cybernetics
with internal auto-repair mechanisms.
Effect:
This Technique can be used during a Turn, or as an
Interruption when taking Damage. They instantly
restore 1 Health, and will continue to restore 1 Health
at the end of their Turns on a successful Skill Roll. The
repair process tops when a Skill Roll is failed or the
user chooses to end it.
SHAPESHIFT
Description:
The character molds their form into another creature
or person.
Effect:
The user can turn into any creature and gain the
physical abilities and powers of the creature. They
retain their own mental powers. The effect is
permanent until the user chooses to use this
Technique again or reverts back to their normal form.
Reverting back to the normal form costs no Ability, but
changing to a new, different form does. This can only
be used once per Turn.
SKETCH
Description:
The character makes a rapid, pristine sketch.
Effect:
Using an Action and drawing materials, the user
makes a perfect sketch with incredibly speed. While
not colored or highly detailed, the image is clean,
legible, and the subject is clear.
SKIP SHOT
Description:
The character takes aim and skips their shot for a long
distance strike.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal ranged
attack by skipping it or ricocheting it along a ground,
wall, or surface. This doubles the effective range of
the attack.
126
SLEIGHT OF HAND
Description:
The character performs complex sleight of hand with
ease.
Effect:
Using an Action, the character can preform a complex
sleight of hand completely undetected and without
arousing suspicions. This could include
hiding/discarding an item, producing an item, or
transferring an item (or items) to another person all
while avoiding detection.
SMASH
Description:
The character knocks a target back with a powerful
maneuver.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal attack
unarmed or with their weapon. If successful, the target
suffers normal damage and is knocked back up to 10
meters. They are also knocked down, and must use
an Action to recover to be able to move again.
SNIPE
Description:
The character targets specific spots of a person and
fires from range.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal attack with
a ranged or thrown weapon (non-explosive/single
target). If successful, the target suffers normal
damage and the user gets to temporarily disable a
limb, preventing using it until specifically healed or rest
is taken. If the limb chosen is an arm, the held item is
dropped at the target's feet and that limb cannot be
used to attack. If one leg is disabled, movement is
halved. If all legs are struck, the target can only crawl
along the ground. Individuals that do not rely on their
arms or legs are immune to the effect, but still take the
Damage.
SOLVER
Description:
The character gains some inspiration or focuses in
and solves a difficult equation, problem, or puzzle.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user can immediately solve a
puzzle or equation without further Skill Rolls. If the
 Chapter 4
problem or puzzle is significantly complex, they may
only solve a portion of it, or only gain an important hint
from GM discretion.
SUMMON
Description:
The character summons creatures from another realm
or creatures formed from magic to assist.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user creates a monster or animal
made of shimmering magical energy that appears next
to the user. It has the normal statistics of a creature of
its type and will obey the user completely (no Action
required). It vanishes or is destroyed at 0 Health and
does not have a Threshold. It vanishes at the end of
the Scene.
SURGICAL HEALING
Description:
The character performs emergency field surgery on a
target.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user removes all penalties from
an adjacent target from injuries, effects, disease, or
toxins. Any lasting effects like burning or acid damage
are also cleansed. Characters at 0 Health with
Threshold remaining are brought to consciousness
restoring 1d4 Health.
SWEEP
Description:
The character performs an attack that strikes all
adjacent enemies.
Effect:
Using an Action, an attack (unarmed or with a melee
weapon) is launched against all chosen targets
surrounding the user.
TACTICS
Description:
The character issues commands or strategy to allies.
Effect:
Using an Action, all allies that can see or hear the user
can either make a normal movement (immune to
Interruptions) or make a single normal attack against
any opponent they wish.
TAKEDOWN
Description:
127
The character attacks a target and knocks them down.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user attacks against an adjacent
character. In addition to suffering normal Damage from
the attack, the target is knocked down, grappled, and
pinned. They can only attempt to break the pin on their
Turn with a Skill Roll. If they manage to break the
grapple, they are still considered knocked down and
must take an Action to recover.
TELEKINESIS
Description:
The character concentrates and accesses mind
powers to manipulate objects or people.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user affects a single target within
30 meters. One of the following Actions can occur:
• Objects can be thrown as weapons up to 10
meters, dealing Damage based on the type of
item they are
• A willing or unwilling creature can be moved
10 meters
• A single target can suffer 1d4 manipulation
damage from the force
TELEPORT
Description:
The character transports a short distance instantly
using tech or powers.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user teleports to a nearby
location that they can see or knows exists located
nearby, within 30 meters.
TERRORIZE
Description:
The character terrorizes an individual by showing
them how frightening they can truly be.
Effect:
This technique can be done on the user's Turn or as
an Interruption at any time. The user can affect one
enemy within auditory or visual range. If successful,
the target cannot approach the user. They receive a
+1 Difficulty to all Skill Rolls affecting the user. The
target may try to resist the effect at the end of their
Turn with a Skill Roll until the effect is removed.
THRASHER
 Chapter 4
Description:
The character grapples and beats down a target.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal attack
unarmed or with their weapon. If successful, the target
suffers normal damage and is grappled. Anytime
during their Turn, the user may throw/push a target up
to 3 meters away for no additional Action or Skill Roll.
If the target is not thrown, they remain grappled.
THREATEN
Description:
The character threatens, beats, and intimidates an
enemy.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes an unarmed or
weapon attack Skill Roll against a nearby enemy while
threatening them. The target suffers normal damage,
and is considered subjugated. They will obey
reasonable commands and are instantly non-hostile.
They won't obey suicidal orders or commands that
violate their core principles, and immediately get
another Skill Roll to ignore the effect if given one. If
the user is defeated, they are instantly free of this
effect. Otherwise, as long as the user is in their
presence and conscious, the effect remains. Some
enemies may be immune to this effect, especially
strong opponents, zealots, or individuals with a
personal grudge.
TIME SHIFT
Description:
The character speeds up or slows down a target's
actions with magic.
Effect:
Using an Action, a single target gets either hasted or
slowed. If hasted, they get a +1d4 to their Encounter
Order and anyone attempting to physically affect them
gets a +1 Difficulty. If slowed, they get a -1d4 to their
Encounter Order and anyone attempting to physically
affect them has the Difficulty lowered by -1. This
effect lasts for a Scene.
TRANSMUTE
Description:
The character changes the molecular structure of
objects with a spell or ritual.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user changes a touched target
128
non-living object into something else using the base
properties inherent in the matter. For example, they
could change a branch into a wooden hammer, a
bunch of sand into a glass staff, or a tub of water into
ice or steam.
TREMOR
Description:
The character creates a localized earthquake with
magical or mystical powers.
Effect:
Using an Action, all creatures surrounding the user
within 10 meters are knocked down, requiring them to
spend an Action before being able to move again. The
user can also shift the terrain as they wish, creating up
to 3 meter high pillars or 3 meter drop pits. If a
creature would be crushed or fall due to this shift, they
also take 1d4 Damage.
TRIAGE
Description:
The character performs rapid emergency healing on
all nearby allies.
Effect:
Using an Action, all characters the user could reach
with movement recover 1d6+1 Health. The user ends
their Turn anywhere in that range. The user is immune
to Interruptions while doing this.
TRICK SHOT
Description:
The character ricochets a bullet to attack an unseen
enemy.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user makes a normal attack with
a ranged weapon and ricochets the shot off a hard
surface. Line of sight is not required for this attack,
and as long as the user is somewhat aware of the
enemy, firing blindly or with mirrors incurs no Difficulty
penalty. Bonuses for shields the target has are ignored
and all enemy cover is also completely ignored.
UNCANNY SPEED
Description:
The character uses peak-human, monstrous,or
supernatural speed.
Effect:
The user gains a second full Turn in this Round at the
very end of the Round. This can only be used once
 Chapter 4

per Round. WORSHIP SONG

VOLLEY
Description:
The character strikes a large number of enemies with
rapid shots.
Effect:
Using an Action, this user selects a 1 square meter
location and consumes 5 ammo for this attack. An
additional 1 meter can be added, and takes another 5
ammo per addition. Any targets in the area take
regular Damage. If reloading is required during the
process, it is automatically done and takes no Action.
Description:
The character invokes a prayer or sacred song.
Effect:
Using an Action, the user affects all allies that can see
or hear them. At the end of any allies Turn, or their
own, the user restores 1 Health to the target. This
effect can be maintained by spending the Action and
Skill Roll each Turn at no additional Ability cost.

WASTING
Description:
The character invokes a curse or mystical spell to
inflict a disease on a target.

Effect:
Using an Action, the user inflicts a terrible disease on
a target up to 30 meters away. They lose 5 maximum
Health to a minimum of 1, and have a +1 Difficulty
penalty to all Skill Rolls. The disease itself is normal,
so it can be treated with medicine to alleviate the
penalties and it can be cured naturally.

WEAK SPOT
Description:
The character identifies a weakness or two with their
keen perception and/or insight.

Effect:
Using an Action, the user points out weaknesses on a
target, and all Skill Rolls against them have the
Difficulty reduced by 3.

WEAPON UPGRADE
Description:
The character temporarily upgrades a weapon.

Effect:
Using an Action and the appropriate tools, the user
upgrades a weapon. The upgraded weapon adds
+1d4 Damage to each successful attack. The
improvements fail or fall apart at the end of the Scene.

129
Chapter 4

130
CHAPTER FIVE
Equipment
 Chapter 5
EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW
ITEMS & EQUIPMENT
What is a repairman without a tool kit, a street racer
without a car, a soldier without a weapon, a doctor
without a medical bag? Equipment is essential for all
characters, and PCs tend to stock up on a lot of it to
handle many different situations.
Certain types of equipment may not be available in
certain Settings. The Game Master should provide
guidelines to Players with any necessary information
when they are purchasing equipment for their starting
characters.
CARRYING & ENCUMBRANCE
The size and weight of items is a very important factor
to consider. When characters carry more equipment,
they have access to more problem solving utilities and
better weaponry. If there is no trade-off, you will have
players running around with the abilities of a hardware
store and a small army. On the other hand, tracking
every pound of equipment is a little tedious.
Rather than track everything individually, barring any
Traits that adjust this, the character is assumed to be
able to carry a realistic amount of equipment. Carrying
a bag and a bunch of gear? Perfectly fine. Carrying
around a kitchen table or a bunch of halberds? That's
extremely taxing if not impossible. Exceeding normal
weight limits will impose doubled Difficulties for all
physical tasks and reduce movement at GM
discretion.
Most characters are humanoid and the guidelines are
based on that. Stronger characters may be able to
carry more, weaker characters less. Storage is
important as well – sheaths and holsters can hold
weapons, but if a character is carrying camping
survival gear they will need a backpack or duffel bag.
Items of negligible size are incredibly small and
weightless. This would include things like a pencil, a
key, chalk, or a wallet. A character can carry any
amount of these items within reason without penalty
assuming they have the luggage.
Smaller items are usually hand-held and weigh little.
They include things like a claw hammer, a pistol, or a
knife. Small items can be hidden in jackets, under
shirts, or in larger pockets. Characters can easily carry
132
ten-twenty of these items without issue.
Moderate-sized items are a bit larger and heavier,
though still able to be held in one hand by most
people. This would include things like a scimitar, a
guitar, or a kite shield. Moderate-sized items can
usually only be hidden with large baggy clothing, such
as a long coat or heavy robes, and then only poorly.
Most characters can carry a couple of items of this
size with proper luggage – and luggage or straps
would be necessary since these items do not fit in
pockets or tucked into clothing.
Larger items are quite heavy and unwieldy, and no
matter the design, the sheer mass means they are two
handed when employed as weapons by human-sized
people. This category would include plate armor, a
machine gun, or a great sword. They generally cannot
be hidden on person. Large items are bulky, and an
average human can carry or wear at a time at most
one with little problem.
While there are larger items that could potentially be
carried, if for a short period of time, they would
definitely apply penalties and they would not be part of
a character's normal equipment. For example, a table
could feasibly be picked up to be thrown or moved, but
if a character tried walking around with that, that could
be the only item of that type they could carry and it
would take up their hands.
As this is intended to be a generalized system, there is
no need to get too bogged down in the details. The
Game Master has final say in item weight and
dimension in regards to carrying capacity.
SIZE EXAMPLES
Negligible Chalk, Key, Matchbox, Pencil, Vial
Small Dagger, Pistol, Radio, Smartphone
Moderate Baseball Bat, Katana, Rifle
Large Chainsaw, Plate Armor, Sledgehammer
Huge Table, Trunk, Bicycle, Boulder
Example
Fox is packing up to escape the zombie horde
outside. He's examining their safe house to determine
what he can safely take and remain mobile.
He's currently carrying a hatchet, his wallet, his car
keys, and a canteen. The hatchet hanging from his
 Chapter 5
belt and the full, larger canteen on the opposite side
are smallish items. His keys and wallet are considered
are essentially so light they are weightless, and he
can easily fit them in his pockets.
The safe house has a couple of shotguns and rifles.
While Fox could carry a couple in theory, he only
needs one. He selects a rifle and slings the strap over
his shoulder. He also finds a bullet-proof vest, which
isn't light either. Those are two moderate sized items,
but Fox is fine for now.
There is a plethora of ammunition in the safe house,
luckily. Ammunition is exceptionally light, but Fox
currently only has his pockets right now. If he wants to
take a large amount, he needs something to carry it
with unless he wants bullets spilling out of his pockets.
Thankfully, Fox does spy a backpack. He'll take that
as well, the backpack itself not being more than a
small item. With that container, he can stuff boxes of
bullets in his backpack. He'll also take protein bars
and toss a large number of them in as well. These all
light items, and he has the space, so he loads up.
Fox decides to pack a first-aid kit as well, another
small item. He decides to stop there, in case he finds
more items he wants to pick up. Realistically
speaking, what Fox is carrying is feasible for most
adult humans.
Fox is now geared up and ready to go. He has an
array of equipment and consumables at his disposal,
and he left some room to pick up some new items. He
pushes the back door open and leaves, attempting to
escape the zombies.
ITEM SIZE & CONCEALMENT
The virtue of some items are not their power, but their
ability be concealed. This is important for items like
weapons. Item descriptions will generally indicate
which items are able to be concealed easily.
Small items like snub-nosed pistols, daggers, keys,
and similar items can go undetected during some
manual searches. Moderate-sized items like
submachine guns or a laptop might never pass a
proper search, but might pass a cursory visual
inspection with a long coat or cloak covering them.
Larger items like shovels and rifles, however, are likely
unable to be hidden.
133
ITEM USAGE
Certain items require a power source or have limited
charges or duration, such as flashlights or stun guns.
Sometimes they can be recharged, sometimes not. An
expensive, top of the line flashlight will perform better,
and longer, than a cheap disposable (which won’t
even be rechargeable).
Generally, most equipment that needs fuel, batteries,
or charging should be changed monthly, weekly, or
daily depending on the item. Some items last a good
time though and do not need to be consistently
tracked. A good way for the GM to utilize Critical
Failures is to have batteries fail or vehicles run out of
fuel. Items that have a more specific number of uses,
though, should be recorded and kept track of and
those particular items will have that information in the
description.
Example
Winston carries a flashlight around that he uses often
exploring crypts and underground passages for his
research. Normally, this is fine, and it is a high quality
flashlight.
However, when investigating a recently undiscovered
tomb in ruins near Rio de Janeiro, a door slides shut
behind him, leaving him enclosed in darkness. Taking
out his trusty flashlight, he scans the room, and
attempts to find an exit. The Game Master has him
make a Skill Roll to find his way out, and Winston gets
a Critical Failure.
The Game Master states that as he's looking,
Winston's flashlight flickers, and suddenly gives out.
It's dead, and Winston is cloaked in darkness again,
stuck in a tomb.
Thankfully, Winston bought batteries and reloads his
flashlight after digging them out of his pack. If Winston
did not have batteries though, he would be in quite the
situation.
ITEMS & HANDS
The Harbingers Roleplaying Game generally does not
require considering what is in a character's hands or
held under their arm in most circumstances. It's
assumed a character can swap hands, pull out tools
from a belt, sheath/draw weapons at easy-to-reach
locations, and otherwise perform basic object
interactions as part of using an object.
 Chapter 5
Certain weapons and tools, however, may be
designed for two-handed usage. In addition, using
most shields properly requires holding it in-hand. If a
character is trying to perform an awkward maneuver
(such as using a two-handed sword with a kite shield
out, or trying to use an assault rifle while operating a
computer), the GM may inflict a Difficulty penalty.
Generically speaking, a +1 Difficulty is usually enough.
If the situation is too outrageous, the GM may simply
say a player may need to drop or put away an object
to even attempt an Action.
WEAPON RANGE
Range often comes into play during combat, and
certain weapons are better at different ranges. Closer
range weapons tend to have other advantages, but
longer range weapons means the user can keep their
distance.
Every weapon has an effective range. Attacks within
the effective range have no penalty. Attacks past the
effective range may be possible with certain ranged
weapons at the GM's discretion, but with a penalty
(increasing Difficulty by +1). Using ranged weapons in
close-combat (excluding thrown weapons, which can
be used in melee) suffers a +1 Difficulty as well.
Weapons without a listed range means the weapon is
only suitable for close combat, effective range
extending no further than the character or weapon's
reach (generally about a meter). This is the range
category for most melee weapons. This includes
weapons such as batons, swords, maces, knives, and
fists. They can be thrown as improvised weapons,
causing a +1 Difficulty.
Short range weapons have a small amount of distance
suitable for a variety of closer quarter skirmishes with
an effective range of 3-15 meters/yards (~10-50 feet).
This range is for short-range firearms, some projectile
weapons, and most thrown weapons.
Medium range weapons have a versatile range suited
for a variety of combat situations, reaching around 16-
30 meters/yard (~51-100 feet). This range is for
moderate-range firearms and a number of projectile
weapons.
Long range weapons are designed or large scale
conflicts and civilian activities such as hunting,
reaching over 31 meters (~100+ feet) in effective
range. This range is for long-range firearms and
134
certain projectile weapons.
Massive range weapons are designed to exclusively
operate at longer ranges, often having an effective
range of about 300 meters. This range is only for the
longest range firearms, projectile weapons, and
artillery. This includes weapons such as mortars,
sniper rifles, and longbows.
RANGE WEAPONS M/Y
Close Fists, Knife, Sword -
Short Blowgun, Grenade, Shotgun 15
Medium Revolver, Submachine Gun 30
Long Bow, Crossbow, Rifle 31
Example
Marcy, Hannah, and Nathan are fighting soldiers in a
warehouse. Marcy has a sword, a close-combat
weapon. Hannah has a pistol with a range of 15.
Nathan has a bolt-action rifle, a weapon with a range
of 150. All three of the characters are equally skilled in
combat. The enemy soldiers are all armed with
assault rifles.
Marcy's sword has no range and must be used in
close combat. Because of this, it is easier to use or
has more damage. However, Mercy has to run up to
attack the soldiers, possibly using boxes as cover on
the way. Any soldier that can see her can attack her,
but she will only be able to attack the one she gets
close to. Marcy has one other advantage – she will
never run out of ammo and has no need to reload.
Hannah's pistol has a fairly decent range at 15. She
can hit most of the soldiers in the warehouse from any
position, assuming she can see, but the ones shooting
from the catwalk In the back are considered at long
range. She could attack them, but she'd have to a +1
Difficulty due to the distance. Thanks to the range of
her pistol, however, Hannah has more options and
can more easily use cover than Marcy. In return, her
weapon deals less damage than Marcy's larger sword.
Finally, if she runs out of ammo, she will have to use
an Action to reload.
Nathan hangs out near the entrance with his long-
range rifle of 150 meters. He can hit any character he
has a visual on, giving him the ability to target anyone
on the battlefield without penalty. However, Nathan's
rifle is not without its drawbacks. While it does more
damage than Hannah's pistol, Nathan's rifle takes
more time to ready and is a bit more cumbersome due
to its larger nature and thus has a slightly lower
 Chapter 5
chance to hit. In addition, Nathan's rifle is heavy,
meaning it's easier to see and he can't carry as much.
It also holds far less ammo than Hannah's high
capacity handgun, meaning he has to reload more.
AMMUNITION & LOADING
Non-thrown ranged weapons provide the benefit of
range, but generally need ammunition to fire as well.
Different kinds of weapons handle ammunition and
reloading differently.
Certain projectile weapons like bows and slings
require no Action to reload. Reloading is part of the
attack, and is not considered a separate action. As
long as the attacker has ammunition on them, they
can use the weapon.
Most firearms and projectile weapons require an
Action to reload, and only require you have the
ammunition. This includes revolvers, most shotguns,
certain bolt-action rifles, and crossbows. Be it an
energy cell, bullets, shells, or bolts, one Action will
reload the weapon without anything else needed.
Older muzzle-loading firearms such as flintlock
firearms also take an Action to reload, but require
more than just bullets to fire. Most importantly,
shooters will need a powder flask to pour gunpowder
in, followed by the round metal bullet. A flask of
gunpowder will last a large number of shots and is
unnecessary to track when the bullets are tracked, but
the flask must be present and usable to load the
weapon. Some older firearms may also require
wadding, or slow matches, but it depends how the GM
and Players wish to track those resources.
Higher capacity firearms and certain projectile
weapons use magazines to load multiple shots at
once. Reloading a magazine costs an Action, but if
you do not have enough magazines, you can load free
standing bullets into a magazine. Loading bullets into
a magazine is an Action, so it would require two
Actions to reload a magazine-based firearm if the
character does not have previously loaded magazines.
Weapons like machine guns may have belts of ammo
which function in the same ways.
Every weapon description has its effects listed and
information on what is needed to reload it. If there is
any question, all information can be found in the
description for the weapon.
135
COST WEAPONS EXTRA
Free Bow, Sling -
Action Shotgun, Revolver -
Action Flintlock Rifle, Blunderbuss Gunpowder
Action Assault Rifle, Handgun Magazine
Example
Marcella, Naobi, Cao, and O'Conner are part of a
mercenary squad. They are buying ammo and
reloading their weapons before the next mission.
Marcella uses a carbon-finish compound bow, which
fires arrows. She buys a few more arrows to replace
some damaged ones from the last mission to add to
her quiver, but needs to buy nothing else.
Naobi uses a wood-handled revolver, which fires .44
caliber cartridge ammunition. Her revolver has no
magazine ,and the bullets are loaded by hand into the
chamber. She buys 20 rounds of ammunition, but
needs nothing else.
The eccentric Cao uses a gold-filigree flintlock pistol.
He has to buy old fashioned ammunition, bullets that
are shaped like balls. He also needs to refill his
powder flask with gunpowder. He buys 13 bullets and
he has his gunpowder flask already – topped off if
necessary with the bullet purchase.
O'Conner uses a worn 5.56mm assault rifle. This
weapon uses magazines, and O'Conner only has one
magazine loaded. He could buy free standing bullets
alone, but reloading during a fight would be risky and
time consuming. O'Conner buys 3 new magazines,
loaded with bullets, that only take an Action to swap.
COLLECTING USED AMMO
Certain weapons such as bows and crossbows have
ammunition that can be picked up again after being
used. This is especially useful in situations where
ammunition is scarce or the characters cannot go
purchase more anytime soon.
While it's valid to call for a Skill Roll to attempt to
salvage more ammunition, a good rule of thumb is that
half of it is collectible. Despite being inherently
reusable, bolts and arrows get damaged from use,
may be broken by enemies removing the ammo from
their bodies, or may miss and break on objects.
If the character is intent on gathering as much ammo
as possible and every bolt or arrow counts, it is
 Chapter 5

recommended to call for the Skill Roll. While a AMMO TYPE GUN TYPES
success means all or most of the ammo could be .22 Caliber Light Pistols/Light SMGs
recovered, it does open up the possibility for a Critical .32 Caliber Light Pistols/Light SMGs
Failure as well.
.357 Caliber Medium Pistols/Medium SMGs
Example .38 Special Light Pistols/Light SMGs
Garatha, the dwarven crossbowman, is fighting some .44 Caliber Medium Pistols/Medium SMGs
mountain raiders. She fires 9 bolts during the fight, .444 Caliber Rifles/Machine Guns
and is running low on ammo. However, she has plenty .45 Caliber Medium Pistols/Medium SMGs
of time, so she salvages her ammo. She recovers 5 .50 Caliber Sniper Rifles/Machine Guns
bolts with a few minutes time, pulling them out of trees .50AE Caliber Heavy Pistols/ Heavy SMGs
and raiders. 10 Gauge Shotguns
12 Gauge Shotguns
Later, she's on a long mission underground, deep in
monstrous lairs. She only has 10 bolts left, and every 9mm Light Pistols/Light SMGs
bolt counts. After fighting a cave spider-monster, she 10mm Medium Pistols/Light SMGs
has used 7 bolts. She asks to carefully search for and 5.56mm Rifles/Machine Guns
get as many as she can, making an Investigation Skill 7.62mm Rifles/Machine Guns
Roll. The Game Master uses default Difficulty, 5, since 7.62mmR Rifles/Machine Guns
no special factors are present. Garatha rolls a 9, and
the Game Master states she has recovered all of them Example
save 1 – the killing bolt had plunged into the creatures Nyota uses a light semi-automatic handgun that uses
eye and it had toppled off the ledge into the pit below. 9mm bullets. Her ally, Linval, uses a semi-automatic
handgun as well, a heavier handgun that accepts .45
FIREARM CALIBERS caliber bullets.
While a longbow can fire many different types of
arrows, and ancient firearms fired simple metal balls, After fighting some assailants while trying to find
modern firearms are much more specific in what they shelter, they take the pistol from the one firearm user
can and cannot fire. They’re many different kinds of they defeated. Checking the magazine, it appears
bullets sizes and type, and every type of firearm they had 10/15 shots of 9mm ammo. It's the same
usually has its own specific style and fit of clip or belt. type of gun that Nyota uses, so she could take the
magazine as well as the bullets. Linval, however,
How specific you want to get with ammunition is up to could not make use of either, so that ammunition is
the GM and the players. Normally firearms use a useless to him.
specific caliber of ammunition, but if the GM wants to
be more "flexible" with that and use a simpler (if less IMPROVISED WEAPONS
realistic) variant they could simply insist all "types" of Sometimes a character will resort to thrown chairs,
certain firearms share ammunition/magazines. smashing someone with the butt of a crossbow, or
beating someone with a vacuum cleaner. Improvised
For reference, common ammunition types are listed weapons can provide an edge if no real weapon is
below. This is not a complete list. available. Unless trained in unarmed combat, an
improvised weapon is almost always better than using
nothing.

Ranged weapons, such as firearms and bows, can be

used as unwieldy clubs if forced into melee or out of
ammo. It’s much better for a gunman or archer to
carry a melee weapon, but these are useful in a pinch.
Unlike weapons such as spears, which can be thrown
and used as melee, some weapons such as a
handgun are not suited for such treatment. A spear is
designed to be used in melee, and thrown. A pistol is
designed only for firing bullets.

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To get the statistics for unlisted/unusual weapons, just
match it as close as possible to an existing weapon,
usually a relevant melee weapon. A +1 Difficulty
penalty is applied to the Combat Skill Roll for using
improvised weapons.
Example
Luciana is in a bar brawl in a saloon, facing off against
three bounty hunters. She, like the other patrons, had
to check her revolver at the door before being allowed
in. Unable to get it now, she has to improvise. She
could also punch, and while not a stranger to
haymakers, she is no martial artist or boxer and would
be better served by using her surroundings. While
having no Trait to improve her improvised weapon
usage, it's still an improvement.
The Game Master tells Luciana on her Turn that she
spies two vodka bottles on the table near her. She
picks up one, hurling it and using her Action and her
excellent Brawling Skill to smack one of the hunter ins
the head. The Game Master treats it as a light
throwing weapon, meaning the Damage is 1d6.
However, since it is improvised, the Game Master
imposes a penalty. Luciana makes her attack Skill Roll
with a +1 Difficulty. She hits, the bottle slamming into
the hunter's head, dealing 1d6 Damage.
She readies the other one. The Game Master intends
to treat it as a light club, which has a 1d6 Damage.
However, as part of picking it up, Luciana smashes it
against the table, draining the liquid and turning it
sharp and jagged. The Game Master then decides to
increase the Damage to 1d8, but adds another +1
Difficulty as a more unwieldy, more dangerous
weapon.
With the improvised penalty, that's a +2 Difficulty, so
when Luciana attacks, she will roll her normal Skill
Roll against a 7. If she hits, she does the superior 1d8
Damage. With her bare fists, Luciana would have a
slightly better chance to hit as she would be rolling
against 5, but would deal far less Damage with only a
1d4, making the bottle a better choice on average.
CYBERNETICS
Cybernetics will only be available in more futuristic-
oriented campaigns. Cybernetics are highly body-
invasive, and while granting a significant improvement,
can also cause some negative side effects. Note that
like most prosthesis, they can simply be cosmetic
replacements. The statistically altering and enhancing
137
items make up most of the ones that are listed here,
however.
Generally, cybernetic bonuses should be Traits for
characters. In this scenario, for starting characters
such an addition costs no money, and in any scenario,
they never have negative effects.
At the GM's option, there may be normal purchasable
cybernetics available. In this case, there should be
negative side effects for installing it to offset the
bonuses. This could be effects such as lowered
healing, slowed movement, or other penalties.
Example
Lao is a cyborg mercenary looking for upgrades.
When the character was created, Lao took a Trait to
have an internal HUD and scanning display built in, as
well as cybernetic claws. These benefits, purchased
with Experience, have no side-effects. However, Lao's
Player decides that he doesn't want to spend more
Experience, and instead wants to purchase some
normal cyberware that the Game Master has decreed
is available for purchase in the game's Setting.
Going to the street doctor, Lao selects some sub-
dermal armor that synthetically fits under his flesh.
Lao absorbs 1 Damage from physical sources,
however this implant slows Lao down. In return, he
uses a 1d8 for his Encounter Order instead of the
usual 1d10.
MAGICAL & SPECIAL ITEMS
For some campaigns, GMs will want to create items
that are just plain better or more powerful. This could
include magical items, superior crafted items with a
massive time and skill investment, or technological
creations/experiments. Generally special equipment is
equipment that has bonuses that exceed the normal
formula of the weapon or armor, or special
supernatural functions on any type of gear.
For example, a magical, master-crafted, or
technologically enhanced sword may lower Difficulty
by 1 when attacking with it, or add bonus Damage.
That particular sword would be better than any sword
of its type, and as a special item, would be harder to
destroy.
Certain magical or special technological items could
also mimic Techniques or have special passive effects
like Traits. While consumable ones can be quite
powerful and easier to obtain, permanent ones that
 Chapter 5

just have limited daily/hourly uses or some other

restriction should be rarer.
If your Setting has magical or experimental equipment
that could theoretically be for sale, it is generally
advised to disallowing of purchasing it outright, at least
not cheaply. Since it should cost real Experience,
time/resource investment, and/or special training to
create permanent magical items, it is unlikely they
would be sold except in unusual circumstances. If they
are common enough (for example, in a high fantasy
world), permanent magical items should cost between
10x and 100x the normal price, depending on the level
of bonus.
Example
Cendara the warlord, Ikumi the blade master, and
Geoffery the alchemist have found a trove of treasure
after defeating a dragon. Tired, but all alive, they
survey their rewards. Geoffery is skilled in analysis
and minor magic, so he identifies the items properties.
Cendara finds an enchanted war hammer covered in
blood-red mystic runes. Geoffery informs her that this
hammer is quite powerful, dealing +1 Damage to all
blows and allowing the user to heal 50% of the
Damage dealt. This war hammer is better than
Cendara's current one, which is just a regular one.
She throws the old one away without a second
thought.
Ikumi finds a fine blade sheathed in a platinum-etched
scabbard line with an artful design of a wolf. Geoffery
states the weapon is not magical, but it is of such fine
make, it is inherently better than any sword she could
buy in a store for a normal price. It lowers Difficulty by
1 and grants +1d4 to Damage. Ikumi attaches the
scabbard to her belt next to her current sword,
pleased with the upgrade.
CUSTOM WEAPONS
The weapons list contains an extensive and fairly
comprehensive selection of weapons; however it could
easily be true your "favorite weapon" is not on the list.
There are several solutions to this, the easiest one is,
copy your weapon's stats from another weapon listed.
This is usually possible, unless the ammo count is
different.
For example, if your favorite gun is a pistol that holds
109 bullets in a magazine but there are no stats for a
gun with 109 bullets in a magazine, you'll have to
change some factors around. The GM has the final
say, of course, and it’s very important that all weapons
are balanced. There should be no best weapon,
simply advantages to different types of weapons.
CUSTOM ARMOR
The armors listed in this book are not all armors
known to humanity, and indeed new armors are being
produced everyday. Sometimes Players might want a
valid armor with special effects, or perhaps your
Setting has some unique armors with strange
properties.
Creating custom armors is even simpler than
weapons. Just balance the special effects,
weight/size, and Difficulty penalty for each type of
armor using the existing armor as a guide. If the armor
is unique in construction or appearance, but has no
statistical differences, it is best to just charge more
money and copy an existing armor's statistics.

For Geoffery himself, he finds an engineered

technological marvel of gnomish design: a fire wave
glove. Once per Scene, the glove can be used to
shoot a spray of fire at any number of enemies in a
cone of up to 3 meters away from Geoffery, dealing
1d6 fire Damage. This could prove useful to Geoffery
in case he's cornered, as he normally stays away from
the front-line, lobbing potion grenades.

This array of technological, enchanted, and finely-

crafted items has given the group a marked
improvement over their old equipment. They'll be even
more prepared for the next challenge, dragon or no.

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EQUIPMENT LIST
Below is an extensive listing of prices for various
pieces of equipment. This is a vast list but not all-
inclusive. If a Player wants something that is not on
the list, the GM should assign a price to the item and
any other relevant statistics.

Keep in mind that listed prices are for reference and

used for character creation. They serve as a good
base line, but during play they are influenced by a
variety of factors. Setting, location, time period,
supply/demand, and more will affect them.

Also, although most GMs allow the player access to

the entire list at character creation (based on Setting),
once the game is underway there is no guarantee of
finding any of these items. Going into the local gun
shop and trying to purchase a missile for your rocket
launcher may not work out that well.

Finally, the items are loosely categorized by type and

exact details can be found in the item description.
Many types of equipment have different special
effects.

The following are fields referenced in the list:

Cost
This is the default price for permanent ownership of
the item and is a good guideline to its value. During
game play, prices are expected to vary at GM
discretion.

Name
This is the name of the type of item. See the
descriptions for more detailed information.

Description
This is a basic description of the item.

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EQUIPMENT LIST
ARMOR, BODY
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Armor, Heavy 1,000 Heavy, protective armor such as combat armor or plate mail.
Armor, Light 500 Lighter armor such as leather armor, chain mail, or a breastplate.
Ballistic Armor, Heavy 1,000 Full-protection security/ballistic armor made with anti-ballistic material.
Ballistic Armor, Light 500 Armored vest or clothing designed to protect from firearms.
Battle Armor 1,000 Armor lined with spikes or blades to improve unarmed combat.
Energy Armor, Heavy 1,000 Futuristic tactical armor designed to combat energy weapons.
Energy Armor, Light 500 Energy-resistant armored vest or clothing used in futuristic settings.
Environmental Armor Suit 1,000 Futuristic armored suit that protects against hazardous environments.
Power Armor Suit 10,000 Powered, heavily protective armor that enhances strength.
Pressurized Armor Suit 1,000 Pressurized armor for vacuums or high-pressure environments.
Reinforced Clothing 100 Heavy leather clothing, sports equipment, or similar reinforced outfits.
Tactical Armor 5,000 Full protection post-modern armor outfitted with auxiliary features.

ARMOR, SHIELDS
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Ballistic Shield 500 Armored modern shield made to deal with firearms.
Buckler 100 Very light, very mobile shield or arm guard for deflecting blows.
Energy Shield 500 Reflective shield for futuristic armies to block energy weapons.
Shield, Heavy 500 Heavier and larger shields such as heavy tower or kite shields.
Shield, Light 250 Lighter and smaller shields, such as heaters or targes.

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GEAR
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Bag, Large 25 Large bag such as a duffel bag, hiker's backpack, or large luggage.
Bag, Small 10 Small bag such as a handbag, briefcase, sack, or messenger bag.
Bandolier 10 Pocketed belt for holding ammunition or light throwing weapons.
Bunker Gear 500 Protective firefighter gear that guards against heat and fire.
Clothes, Basic 50 Set of basic clothes or a common outfit.
Clothes, Expensive 250 Set of expensive clothes or an extravagant outfit.
Cold Weather Gear 500 Special cold-weather clothing designed for arctic temperatures.
Force Field, Consumable 1,000 Portable one-use device to protect against firearms & energy weapons.
Force Field, Rechargeable 10,000 Rechargeable device to protect against firearms & energy weapons.
Gas Mask 100 Protective mask to filter gas and toxins.
Hazmat Suit 500 Protective suit designed to deal with hazardous environments.
Night Vision Goggles 1,000 High-tech vision gear for seeing in darkness.
Parachute 250 Device used to slow falls, allowing gliding.
Pouch 10 Belt pouch, hip bag, belt case, or other small container.
Pressure Suit 500 Spacesuit or diving suit designed to deal with environmental pressure.
Quiver 10 Quiver (or bolt case) for holding arrows, bolts, javelins, or similar objects.
Rebreather 100 Portable oxygen device allowing surviving in non-oxygen environments.
Utility Belt 50 Belt with multiple compartments, pouches, and holsters built in.
Weapon Harness 10 Holster, harness, sheath, scabbard, or sling for carrying weapons.

MEDICAL
NAME COST EFFECTS
Adrenaline 100 Syringe of adrenaline used to revive someone in an emergency.
Antibiotics 10 Dosage of a potent medicine to defeat bacterial infections/diseases.
Antidote 10 Dosage of a universal antivenom to cure common poisons or toxins.
First Aid Kit, Large 100 Bulky kit with enough medical supplies for a large amount of treatments.
First Aid Kit, Small 10 Portable medical kit, bag, or pouch worth a few treatments.
Healing Potion 100 Magical potion of healing that repairs wounds instantly.
Medical Serum 100 High grade medical serum that instantly treats wounds.
Painkillers 10 Dosage of high-grade pain killers to temporarily ignore injury effects.
Regenerative Serum 250 Futuristic medicine that repairs wounds at a rapid pace.
Smelling Salts 10 Dosage of smelling salts to wake up any unconscious/sleeping person.
Stimulant 50 Dosage of drugs to stimulate the mind, restoring Ability.

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SUPPLIES
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Acid 100 Dose of potent acid that can burn objects or creatures.
Adhesive 5 Tape or glue for adhering objects.
Alcohol 5 Liquor, wine, beer, or other alcohol.
Bait 1 One use of bait for fishing.
Battery 5 Battery to power portable electronic devices.
Beverage 5 Beverage such as a soda or juice.
Candle 1 Candle capable of providing illumination.
Chemical 5 A particular utilitarian chemical or agent for application or mixing.
Cloth 1 Rag, cloth, or wipe used for cleaning.
Cosmetics 10 Cosmetics for enhancing or changing appearances.
Crafting Supplies 1 Parts and expendable supplies used for specific crafting or artistry.
Drug 50 Utilitarian or recreational drugs.
Explosive 250 Explosive item/substance such as C-4, nitroglycerin, or bundled TNT.
Film 5 Film used in older cameras.
Flare 5 Stand alone or flare gun flares used for emergency signaling/warning.
Food 5 Food for traveling or a basic meal.
Fuel 10 Gas, propane, or similar fuel.
Matches 1 Pack of twenty-five matches to start fires.
Oil 5 Oil for burning as fuel in devices such as lanterns and lamps.
Paper 1 Paper, papyrus, or other material for writing on.
Poison, Knockout 50 Poison designed for non-lethal incapacitation.
Poison, Lethal 100 Lethal poison designed for assassination.
Seeds 5 Seeds for growing plants.
Soap 5 Soap used for cleaning.
Tobacco 10 Tobacco for smoking or chewing.
Torch 5 Portable light sources of fire.
Water 1 Meal's worth of drinking water.

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TOOLS
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Bedding 50 Bedroll, sleeping bag, or bundle of furs/blankets for resting.
Binoculars 50 Binoculars or spy glass to view distant objects.
Book 25 Book or text, fictional or non-fictional, on a particular subject.
Camera, Image 100 Any various type of camera used to take still images.
Camera, Video 250 Video or digital recording camera.
Computer 1,000 Portable computer often with less power but easier to transport.
Container 10 Containers such as flasks, bottles, canteens, or vials.
Crafting Tools 100 Portable set of tools for a specific type of crafting or artistry.
Data Storage Disk 10 DVD, CD, disk or other device for transferring or holding data.
Defibrillator 1,000 Emergency medical device to attempt revival of a recently dead person.
Flare Gun 100 Emergency signaling device to send flares airborne.
Flashlight 25 Electrical portable lighting device used to cast a beam of light.
Game 25 Portable game such as cards, dominoes, dice, marbles, or board games.
Grappling Hook 25 Metal hook used for climbing when used with a rope or chain.
Instrument, Large 250 Larger portable musical instrument like a guitar or saxophone.
Instrument, Small 100 Smaller portable musical instrument like a flute or violin.
Journal 10 Journal, diary, or logbook for personal recording.
Lantern 25 Portable lighting device that uses oil or electricity.
Lighter 5 Lighter or striker to start fires.
Lockpicks 100 Set of lockpicks designed for defeating a variety of locks.
Medical Bag 100 Portable set of surgeon, doctor, or medic's tools.
Mess Kit 10 Traveling cutlery/cookware set for personal cooking and eating of meals.
Mobile Device 250 Smartphone or tablet that serve as portable computer devices.
Mobile Phone 100 Portable mobile, cellular phone.
Pet, Common 100 Common pets like cats, dogs, rats, guinea pigs, or snakes.
Pet, Exotic 1,000 Exotic, likely illegal domesticated animal like a wolf or cougar.
Piton 1 Pitons, bolts, or similar climbing aids.
Radio 50 Hand-held two-way radio communication device.
Religious Icon 10 Token, figurine, symbol, or jewelry showing adherence to a faith.
Restraints 25 Handcuffs, manacles, or other restraints.
Rope 25 Heavy duty rope used for climbing, sailing, or restraining.
Silencer 500 Device that reduces firearm noise.
Sketchbook 10 Sketchbook or personal canvas designed for art.
Tent 100 Portable shelter used for camping or travel.
Timepiece 25 Watch, small clock, or other time-keeping device.
Tinderbox 25 Small fire-making kit with flint, steel, and tinder.
Tool Kit 100 Portable set of tools for repairs and general work.
Tool, Manual 10 Hammer, screwdriver, crowbar, handsaw, or other hand-held tool.
Tool, Power 100 Power drill, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, or other power-driven tool.
Toy 25 Toy or novelty such as a toy gun, plushie, doll, model, or puzzle.

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VEHICLES
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Airship 100,000 Massive dirigible or magical airship.
Animal, Harness 1,000 Large, strong animals designed to move carts and wagons.
Animal, Riding 2,500 Sleek, fast riding animal such as a horse.
Animal, War 5,000 Battle-trained animal to serve as a warrior's mount.
ATV 500 Small, fast, off-road vehicle.
Bicycle 100 Manual powered two-wheeled vehicle.
Car 25,000 Four-wheeled automotive vehicle.
Carriage 1,000 Travel carriage drawn by animal power.
Glider 500 Flying device that travels on air currents.
Helicopter, Cargo 5,000,000 Massive rotary aircraft for transporting vehicles and supplies.
Helicopter, Large 2,500,000 Larger helicopter with more passenger room and accessories.
Helicopter, Small 1,000,000 Small, compact helicopter for short-range travel.
Hoverboard 100 Small board moved by propulsion off the ground.
Hovercraft 50,000 Larger vehicle moved by propulsion off the ground.
Jet Ski 500 Personal watercraft that is highly agile.
Jet, Bomber 25,000,000 Large aircraft designed to fly high while bombing targets.
Jet, Fighter 10,000,000 Sleek aircraft designed for surgical strikes and air combat.
Jet, Transport 1,000,000 Passenger aircraft designed for moving large amounts of people.
Jetpack 1,000 Personal propulsion device with high mobility.
Mechanized Armor 10,000,000 Huge futuristic military vehicle designed for assaults.
Mobile Armor Suit 100,000 Armored machine suits that can be piloted.
Moped 500 Low-powered motorized two-wheeled vehicle.
Motorcycle 15,000 High-powered motorized two-wheeled vehicle.
Plane, Large 100,000 Larger biplanes and transport vehicles.
Plane, Small 25,000 Personal plane used for transport or dog-fighting.
Raft 100 Raft, canoe, or other simple watercraft propelled by hand.
Sailboat 500 Small or recreational watercraft powered by wind.
Ship, Large 250,000 Massive ship such as a galleon or junk.
Ship, Small 100,000 Smaller ship such as a sloop or schooner.
Skateboard 100 Two-wheeled board used to perform tricks as well as move.
Skates 100 Inline or roller skates used for personal transport.
Skis 100 Personal vehicle for moving fast through snowy hills.
Snowboard 100 A non-wheeled board used for snow travel and tricks.
Speedboat 25,000 High-speed motorized watercraft.
Starship, Cruiser 25,000,000 Gargantuan starship used for wars in space.
Starship, Fighter 5,000,000 Sleek starship used for combat in space.
Starship, Transport 10,000,000 Freighters and passenger ships used in space.
Tank 1,000,000 Heavily armored vehicle of war with built-in weapons.
Truck, Large 50,000 Massive two-wheeled vehicle used for transport.
Truck, Small 25,000 Smaller two-wheeled vehicle capable of transport.
Van 50,000 Bulky vehicles used for transporting people or goods.
Wagon 500 Open-air animal-drawn vehicle for transporting goods and people.

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WEAPONS, AMMUNITION
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Ammunition Belt 10 Belts of ammunition used for machine guns and miniguns.
Arrow 1 Arrows used by longbows and shortbows.
Artillery Round 50 Explosive shells used by cannons and artillery.
Artillery Round, Shot 25 Shot or cannonball used in artillery guns and cannons.
Bolts 1 Bolts used in crossbows.
Bullet 1 Bullets for firearms.
Bullet, Armor Piercing 5 Bullets designed to pierce armor that do less Damage.
Bullet, Rubber 1 Bullets that do less damage but incapacitate targets.
Dart 1 Darts/needles used blowguns, dart guns, and similar weapons.
Energy Cell 1 Energy cells used for directed energy weapons.
Fuel Canister 10 Fuel for flamethrowers.
Gunpowder Flask 10 Gunpowder for non-cartridge firearms like muskets.
Launcher Grenade 100 Grenades used in grenade launchers.
Launcher Grenade, Toxic Gas 1,000 Toxic gas grenades for grenade launchers.
Launcher Grenade, Smoke 50 Smoke grenades for grenade launchers.
Launcher Grenade, Tear Gas 100 Tear gas grenades for grenade launchers.
Magazine 10 Magazines needed for magazine-fed firearms.
Net Cartridge 5 Cartridges used for net guns.
Pellet 1 BBs or pellets used in air guns.
Rocket 100 Rockets designed for hand-held rocket launchers.
Rocket, Guided 500 Guided missiles for hand-held rocket launchers.
Shotgun Shell 1 Shotgun shells used in shotguns.
Shotgun Shell, Rubber 1 Rubber shotgun shells designed for incapacitation.
Shotgun Shell, Slug 1 Penetrating shotgun slugs that deal less Damage.
Sling Bullet 1 Bullets or metal balls used for slings and slingshots.

WEAPONS, COMPLIANCE
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Dart Pistol 100 Pistol designed to fire darts that administer drugs.
Dart Rifle 250 Rifle designed to fire darts that administer drugs.
Electroshock Gun, Wired 100 Less-than-lethal wired weapon that delivers a stunning shock.
Electroshock Gun, Wireless 250 Less-than-lethal wireless weapon that delivers a stunning shock.
Lasso 50 Length of rope used to capture, entangle, and bind.
Net Gun 250 Less-than-lethal weapon that fires a net.
Pepper Spray 10 Non-lethal chemical weapon used to temporarily blind opponents.
Shock Baton 250 Less-than-lethal stun or shock batons.
Shock Staff 1,000 Futuristic shock or stun polearms used for less-than-lethal fighting.
Stun Gun 50 Stun guns used for less-than-lethal takedowns.

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WEAPONS, ENERGY
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Energy Blade 1,000 One-handed melee weapons made of pure energy.
Energy Pistol 250 Hand-held energy weapon used for defense or combat.
Energy Rifle 500 Single-shot energy rifle for civilian and military use.
Energy Staff 2,500 Two-handed melee weapons made of pure energy.
Ion Pistol 100 Pistol designed to damage machines and artificial lifeforms.
Ion Rifle 250 Rifle designed to damage machines and artificial lifeforms.
Pulse Minigun, Heavy 5,000 Heavy military-style energy gun capable of pulse fire.
Pulse Minigun, Light 2,500 Support military-style energy gun capable of pulse fire.
Pulse Rifle 500 Automatic energy rifle used by military and security forces.

WEAPONS, FIREARMS
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Assault Rifle, Burst 500 Burst-fire assault rifle used for single targets.
Assault Rifle, Heavy 1,000 High caliber assault rifle with a lower ammo count.
Assault Rifle, Light 500 Assault rifle used by soldiers and military.
Automatic Shotgun 1,000 Fully automatic shotgun used in military forces.
Blunderbuss 250 Muzzle-loading early style shot firearm that can fire debris.
Bolt-Action Rifle 500 High-powered but slow bolt-action rifle for hunting or sniping.
Derringer 100 Easily concealed pistol for defense or assassination.
Double-Barreled Shotgun 250 Reliable and simple break-action shotgun.
Lever-Action Rifle 500 Repeating rifle that cycles rounds with a lever.
Machine Gun, Heavy 5,000 Heavy firearm capable of fully automatic barrages.
Machine Gun, Light 2,500 Support firearm capable of fully automatic barrages.
Machine Pistol, Auto 500 Light, fully automatic pistol-sized automatic weapons.
Machine Pistol, Burst 250 Pistol-sized automatic weapons capable of burst fire.
Muzzleloader, Pistol 250 Flintlocks, matchlocks, and other muzzle-loading pistols.
Muzzleloader, Rifle 500 Flintlocks, matchlocks, and other muzzle-loading rifles.
Pump-Action Shotgun, Heavy 500 Heavy shotgun that features pump-action to cycle shells.
Pump-Action Shotgun, Light 500 Lighter shotgun that features pump-action to cycle shells.
Revolver, Heavy 1,000 High-caliber six-shot pistol with a high kickback.
Revolver, Light 250 Balanced, lighter revolvers used by police and civilians.
Revolver, Medium 500 Medium-power revolvers used by police and military forces.
Revolver, Snub-Nosed 100 Compact, or snub-nosed six-shot pistol.
Sawed-Off Shotgun 250 Short shotgun with a high spread for increased hit potential.
Semi-Automatic Pistol, Compact 100 Light, easy-to-use pistols with a high fire rate.
Semi-Automatic Pistol, Heavy 1,000 High-caliber pistols with a high fire rate and kickback.
Semi-Automatic Pistol, Light 250 Common side-arms used by police, security, and military forces.
Semi-Automatic Pistol, Medium 500 Heavier pistols with high fire rates used by military forces.
Semi-Automatic Rifle, Heavy 1,000 High fire rate, heavy, powerful rifles.
Semi-Automatic Rifle, Light 500 High fire rate, balanced rifles.
Semi-Automatic Shotgun 1,000 Magazine-fed shotguns with good ammo capacity and fire rate.
Sniper Rifle, Bolt-Action 2,500 Powerful, long-range rifles designed for killing precision.
Sniper Rifle, Semi-Automatic 2,500 High-caliber long-range rifles good for multiple targets.
Submachine Gun, Heavy 1,000 Heavy, high caliber compact automatic weapon.
Submachine Gun, Light 500 Lighter, moderate caliber compact automatic weapon.

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WEAPONS, GRENADES
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Concussion Grenade 100 Explosive grenade or dynamite that damages with concussive force.
Firebomb 100 Incendiary grenade or firebomb used to cause fires.
Flashbang 50 Stun grenade that uses light and sound to disorient targets.
Fragmentation Grenade 100 Explosive grenade or flechette bomb that damages with shrapnel.
Smoke Grenade 25 Grenades/bombs used to harmlessly conceal or disorient with smoke.
Tear Gas Grenade 50 Chemical grenades that put out a choking gas and fumes.
Toxic Gas Grenade 500 Toxic chemical grenades such as mustard gas grenades.

WEAPONS, HEAVY
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Anti-Tank Weapon 500 Single-use, lighter weight rocket launcher.
Assault Cannon 10,000 Portable cannon that fires explosive shells.
Flamethrower, Large 2,500 Large fire-weapon designed to burn structures and opponents.
Flamethrower, Small 1,000 Compact fire-weapon designed to burn structures and opponents.
Grenade Launcher, Large 2,500 Heavy grenade launcher with superior range.
Grenade Launcher, Multiple 2,500 Grenade launcher that can hold multiple rounds.
Grenade Launcher, Small 1,000 Compact grenade launcher that's easy to use.
Mortar 5,000 Portable artillery used for long range deadly strikes.
Rocket Launcher 10,000 Launcher designed to fire rockets and missiles.

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WEAPONS, MELEE
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Axe, Battle 250 Axes used for chopping and slashing opponents.
Axe, Great 500 Heavy two-handed axes designed for combat.
Axe, Hand 100 Light axes used for quick, deadly strikes.
Chain Weapon 100 Chain/rope weapons like the kusarigama or rope dart.
Claw 100 Bagh nakh, cat claws, or similar weapons worn on the hands.
Club, Heavy 100 Heavy bludgeoning weapons like a mace or war club.
Club, Light 50 Lighter bludgeoning weapons like a baton or tonfa.
Dagger 50 Daggers/knives like combat knives, Bowie knives, and switchblades.
Flail, Heavy 100 Heavier flails such as larger military flails and the three-section staff.
Flail, Large 250 Two-handed flails the three-section staff or peasant's flail.
Flail, Light 50 Lighter flails such as smaller military flails, chigiriki, and nunchaku.
Hammer, Heavy 250 Heavy, two-handed hammers like mauls & combat sledgehammers.
Hammer, Light 100 Lighter war hammers and picks used one-handed.
Knuckles 50 Brass knuckles, weighted gloves, or other punching weapons.
Lance 250 Lance weapons designed to be used while mounted.
Polearm, Heavy 250 Heavy polearms like glaives, halberds, guan dos, and naginatas.
Polearm, Light 100 Lighter polearms like pikes, military forks, and dagger-axes.
Powered Blade, Heavy 500 Heavy powered futuristic blades like vibroweapons and chainblades.
Powered Blade, Light 250 Lighter powered futuristic blades like vibroweapons and chainblades.
Quarterstaff 50 Quarterstaves, bo staves, and other staff weapons.
Spear 50 Versatile spear weapons used for stabbing and throwing.
Sword, Heavy 500 Heavy, massive swords like greatswords, zweihanders, and nodachis.
Sword, Light 100 Lighter swords like shortswords, jians, sabers, rapiers, and scimitars.
Sword, Medium 250 Moderate-sized blades like longswords, katanas, cutlasses, and daos.
Whip 50 Whips or whip-like weapons designed for combat.

WEAPONS, PROJECTILE
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Air Pistol 25 Pellet or BB pistol that fires using compressed air.
Air Rifle 50 Pellet or BB rifle that fires using compressed air.
Blowgun, Large 25 Large lung-powered discreet projectile weapon for hunting.
Blowgun, Small 10 Small lung-powered discreet projectile weapon for hunting.
Bow, Long 500 Large, long-distance bows used for war and hunting.
Bow, Short 100 Short, lighter bows used for war and hunting.
Crossbow, Hand 250 One-handed crossbows for self-defense and assassination.
Crossbow, Heavy 500 Heavy, long-range crossbows used for war and sieges.
Crossbow, Light 250 Light crossbows used for battle, hunting, and home defense.
Crossbow, Repeating 500 Advanced crossbow that can fire multiple bolts.
Sling 50 Ancient weapon used to launch shot or stones great distances.
Slingshot 50 Simple projectile weapon used for small game hunting.

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WEAPONS, THROWING
NAME COST DESCRIPTION
Bola 10 Hunting weapon designed to entangle or impede the target.
Boomerang 10 Throwing club capable of returning to the user in some cases.
Net 25 Entangling weapon designed for melee or to be thrown.
Throwing Weapon, Heavy 50 Heavier throwing weapons such as axes, hammers, and chakram.
Throwing Weapon, Light 10 Lighter throwing weapons such as knives, spikes, or shurikens.

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EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTIONS
ITEM INFORMATION
Below is a listing of various item descriptions and full
game-mechanics information for equipment. In
addition to basic uses and weapon/armor information
for combat gear, some items have special effects or
properties which are listed here as well.
ACID
Description:
Corrosive substances like acids have a multitude of
purposes from melting locks to inflicting harm.
Effect:
Acid poured or dumped remains for 1d6 Rounds. Acid
deals 1 point of Damage when splashed or stepped in.
When a full vial or bottle of acid is thrown, it deals 1d6
Damage.
ADHESIVE
Description:
Glue and tapes can hold things like paper together.
More durable tapes can hold together weapons or be
used in crafting. In addition, tapes like duct tape can
even be used to temporarily restrain individuals.
ADRENALINE
Description:
Adrenaline (or a similar chemical, compound, or
medicine) can be used to jump-start a person's heart.
It's dangerous to use this, hardly reliable, but as a last-
ditch effort to save a life – it can be quite worth the
gamble.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
If used on a character who has been dead for less
than a minute, the user can make a Skill Roll to
restore the target to consciousness with 1 Health and
1 Threshold.
This item is consumed on use.
AIR PISTOL
Description:
Air guns, BB guns, or pellet guns, are light weapons
designed for target shooting, recreation, and taking
down small game. While not designed for taking down
larger creatures, they are still dangerous and have a
decent range. Pistols are easier to conceal and wield
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but have less range.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
a range of 30 meters with an ammo count of 100.
It uses air gun pellets as ammunition and takes an
Action to pour up to 100 pellets into the weapon.
AIR RIFLE
Description:
Air guns, BB guns, or pellet guns, are light weapons
designed for target shooting, recreation, and taking
down small game. While not designed for taking down
larger creatures, they are still dangerous and have a
decent range. One of the most famous air rifles is the
Red Ryder BB Gun.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
a range of 50 meters with an ammo count of 100.
It uses air gun pellets as ammunition and takes an
Action to pour up to 100 pellets into the weapon.
AIRSHIP
Description:
An airship is usually a dirigible, though a fantasy multi-
propeller type airship could be used with these
statistics as well. Airships can hold large amounts of
cargo and multiple passengers. Airships armed with
cannons typically hold less cargo and people.
ALCOHOL
Description:
Alcohol can come in many different forms, including
beer, wine, and hard liquor. Available in most Settings,
alcohol is a sedative and a recreational drug that
impairs judgement. It has many uses, including a
distraction, intoxicating someone, or boosting morale.
Effect:
The consumer must make a Skill Roll to halt
intoxication if multiple alcoholic drinks are consumed.
Each failure inflicts a stacking drunk Condition,
inflicting a +1 Difficulty to all Skill Rolls and making the
user immune to fear while active. This lasts for 1d4
hours, rolled again each time a new drink is
consumed.
AMMUNITION BELT
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Description:
Ammunition belts are used exclusively in machine
guns. Different belts are made for different caliber
bullets and are specific to certain machine guns,
much like magazines. They provide one hundred
shots and are perfect for rapid firing. Unfortunately,
they are bulky, and add more weight to an already
heavy weapon.
Effect:
Ammunition belts hold 100 rounds and are used in
machine guns.
Restocking an ammunition belt with ammunition
requires an Action for 100 rounds.
ANIMAL, HARNESS
Description:
Harness animals are large creatures designed to pull
transportation such as wagons, carts, or carriages.
They can also pull farm equipment to perform actions
such as plowing fields or haul loads as pack animals.
While incredibly strong, they tend to be slow and
plodding. Examples include draft horses, oxen,
donkeys, and mules.
ANIMAL, RIDING
Description:
Riding animals are animals bred to serve as personal
transport. They are generally fast and have good
endurance, but don't do well with loads exceeding
saddlebags and the rider. Examples include riding
horses, camels, ponies, donkeys, and mules.
ANIMAL, WAR
Description:
Animals bred for war never shy or get spooked by
combat. Trained for the noise and terror of combat,
war animals are often ridden by knights, soldiers, and
mercenaries. Examples include war horses, camels,
and similar creatures that will not flee or buck in
combat when properly trained.
ANTI-TANK WEAPON
Description:
This disposable weapon is capable of firing a single
rocket or missile before needing to be discarded. One-
shot anti-tank weapons are some of the most powerful
lightweight anti-vehicle and anti-structural weapons
available. The downside is that a miss means no
second chance.
Effect:
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This weapon is difficult to use and imposes +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 3 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon is expended upon use.
ANTIBIOTICS
Description:
This type of medicine is used to fight bacterial
infections. They are very useful in aiding the body in
getting rid of infections that arise from wounds or
injuries. For serious infections, injections are often
necessary.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
If used on a character that is suffering from infection,
its effects are removed with a successful Skill Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
ANTIDOTE
Description:
Antidotes are used to combat poisons and toxins. This
includes everything from snakebites to poisoned
weapons. While they can sometimes be taken orally,
injecting them into the bloodstream is sometimes
necessary.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
If used on a character that is suffering from a poison
or toxin, its effects are removed with a successful Skill
Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
ARMOR, HEAVY
Description:
Heavy armor includes most categories of ancient field
plate armor, full chain/scale mail, mail and plate
combination armors, and postmodern combat armor. It
offers excellent protection against most attacks, but is
extremely heavy to use.
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Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +3 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
3.
ARMOR, LIGHT
Description:
Light armor includes most categories of leather armor,
hide armors, chain-and-leather combination armor,
chain shirts, breastplates, and lighter postmodern
security armors. These armor choices provide full
body or vitals coverage against a variety of attacks
without the more severe penalty of heavier armors.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +2 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
2.
ARROW
Description:
Arrows are used in longbows and shortbows of all
designs. As arrows are knocked and fired immediately,
reload time is essentially non existent. All kinds of
arrows generally work in all kinds of bows, so the type
of bow is normally irrelevant.
ARTILLERY ROUND
Description:
Artillery rounds are explosive shells are used in
assault cannons, artillery cannons, and other similar
heavy weaponry. They are extremely deadly and most
useful against heavy armor or fortified structures.
ARTILLERY ROUND, SHOT
Description:
Artillery rounds that aren't explosive are generally
called shot or cannonballs. This kind of ammunition is
common among early area artillery and stationary
weapons.
Effect:
The ammunition removes the effect that Damages
targets within 3 meters.
This ammunition adds an additional +1 Damage on
hit.
ASSAULT CANNON
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Description:
Assault cannons include all kinds of portable artillery
guns. While slow to fire and reload, they can deal a
magnificent amount of damage. They fire artillery
shells and require massive strength to operate. Larger
versions of weapons like this are often used on ships
and tanks.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 75 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 3 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon requires specific artillery rounds reloaded
with an Action.
ASSAULT RIFLE, BURST
Description:
Assault rifles are the main modern military weapon of
choice. Some assault rifles are capable of only firing in
short bursts. They tend to be more accurate than fully
automatic rifles, but lose the ability to spray an area
with lead.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 70 meters with an ammo count of
30.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines reloaded with an Action.
ASSAULT RIFLE, HEAVY
Description:
Assault rifles are fully-automatic long arms that can
deal substantial damage over long ranges. While ideal
weapons at medium to longer ranges, they are
inefficient in close combat situations. Heavier assault
rifles are extremely deadly, if heavy and awkward.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 50 meters with an ammo
count of 20.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines reloaded with an Action.
ASSAULT RIFLE, LIGHT
Description:
Assault rifles are fully-automatic long arms that can
deal substantial damage over long ranges. While ideal
weapons at medium to longer ranges, they are
inefficient in close combat situations. Lighter assault
rifles are easier to handle than heavier weapons.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Combat Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 50 meters with an ammo count of
30.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines reloaded with an Action.
ATV
Description:
ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, include a variety of
buggies, quads, and trikes suitable for off-road
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maneuvering. They are commonly used for recreation
in modern times.
AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
Description:
Automatic shotguns are two-handed long arms that
fire close range shells and are capable of fully
automatic fire. They are extremely rare and
cumbersome, but the automatic spray is very deadly.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 8 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 5 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific shotgun shell-loaded
magazines reloaded with an Action.
AXE, BATTLE
Description:
Battle axes are deadly combat versions of the tool
known as the axe. They were often employed by
professional soldiers and mercenaries.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Combat Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is
used in melee.
AXE, GREAT
Description:
Larger battle axes are unwieldy but capable of
devastating damage. Larger ones required two hands
to wield well, and were extremely brutal.
Effect:
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This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and is
used in melee.
AXE, HAND
Description:
Smaller battle axes and hand axes were one-handed
and designed for are close combat, often with a shield.
Deadly cutting weapons, they were based on wood-
cutting weapons of the same name. Some people also
choose to dual wield them.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
BAG, LARGE
Description:
Sometimes characters will need to lug around a lot of
gear. Larger bags include huge duffel bags, large
luggage, or large outdoors backpacks. Though bulky,
they are usually well-built enough to minimize the
effects of the bulk on the user.
BAG, SMALL
Description:
Smaller bags can include sacks, handbags,
messenger’s bags, briefcases, backpacks, duffel
bags, or smaller luggage. These are popular with
students, travelers, workers, or basically anyone who
has to carry objects with them on a daily basis.
BAIT
Description:
Bait is used in all manners of fishing and hunting. It is
primary used to capture animals for food. Some bait
can spoil over time and will be useless in capturing
animals.
BALLISTIC ARMOR, HEAVY
Description:
Security armor and full tactical combat armor is
available in modern and post-modern settings as an
improvement to a bullet-proof vest in exchange for
more weight and bulk. While cumbersome, heavy
ballistic armor offers some protection against all forms
of attacks and superior protection against firearms.
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Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +2 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
1. This increases to 3 against firearm attacks.
BALLISTIC ARMOR, LIGHT
Description:
Bulletproof vests, flak jackets, and other anti-ballistics
armor and attire are designed specifically to protect
against firearms. They offer no notable protection
against other forms of attacks, but provide superior
defense in exchange for limited restriction to freedom
of movement.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +1 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage
from firearm attacks by 2.
BALLISTIC SHIELD
Description:
Ballistic shields, commonly called tactical shields, are
modern shields treated with or composed of anti-
ballistic materials. Shields of this kind are sometimes
employed in police and military units.
Effect:
This shield is cumbersome and inflicts a +1 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls when held and ready.
When held in a hand, this shield adds a +1 Difficulty to
incoming attacks. This effect increases to +3 Difficulty
against firearm attacks.
BANDOLIER
Description:
Bandoliers are belts of ammunition or thrown
weapons. Their design makes for ease of access to
reload or grab a new weapon to thrown. They can be
worn on the waist or around the shoulder like a sash.
BATTERY
Description:
Batteries are small devices that hold electrical
charges, commonly used in portable devices.
Common batteries can often be found in value packs
in modern times, while batteries like watch batteries
are often more expensive than the listed price.
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BATTLE ARMOR
Description:
This category is for heavy combat armor designed for
offensive as well as defense is placed within this
category. It could be spikes, blades, or other items
attached strategically to the armor to enhance close
combat.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +3 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
2.
Unarmed attacks made while wearing this armor are
given a +1 to Damage.
BEDDING
Description:
Sheets, blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags can
ensure a good night's, well-rested sleep. Sleeping
bags are best for outdoors and are made to withstand
outdoor conditions. Blankets are useful anywhere.
BEVERAGE
Description:
Soda, juices, coffee, and tea provide hydration with
more flavor than water. Beverages are often more
welcome as a morale booster, and are a staple to buy
people who have no interest in alcohol. Each
purchase is a large bottle's worth of beverage.
BICYCLE
Description:
This category of personal vehicles includes bicycles,
but can also include tricycles and unicycles. Bicycles
became popular as efficient, non-powered modes of
transportation, and are still used as much in many
areas of the world. Using a bicycle increases the
user's speed and lowers travel time.
BINOCULARS
Description:
Binoculars and spyglasses are used to see distant
objects as if they were up close. Simpler versions
have exited for a long time, but more advanced
versions offer digital enhancement features.
Binoculars allow the user to see far past their normal
vision limitations.
BLOWGUN, LARGE
Description:
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Blowguns are ancient and silent weapons, commonly
used for hunting. They are simple tubes that darts are
shot out of with a breath. Most of the times the darts
are coated with poison. Larger ones take two-hands to
use properly but have superior range.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 10 meters.
This weapon can deliver poisons or chemicals without
wearing off and with no Difficulty penalty.
This weapon uses blowgun darts as ammunition and
requires no Action to load.
BLOWGUN, SMALL
Description:
Blowguns are ancient and silent weapons, commonly
used for hunting. They are simple tubes that darts are
shot out of with a breath. Most of the times the darts
are coated with poison. Smaller ones are very portable
and favored by assassins, but lack the range of larger
ones.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 8 meters.
This weapon can deliver poisons or chemicals without
wearing off and with no Difficulty penalty.
This weapon uses blowgun darts as ammunition and
requires no Action to load.
BLUNDERBUSS
Description:
Blunderbusses are archaic shotgun-type weapons that
are muzzle-loaded. They use powder and shot pellets,
but random junk can be shoved into the barrel in place
of shot in desperate situations.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 8 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon uses shot pellets and gunpowder.
Reloading the weapon with shot pellets and
gunpowder requires an Action.
 Chapter 5
Gravel, debris, nails, or other small objects can be
used in place of real ammunition. If this is done, the
weapon has -1 Damage.
BOLA
Description:
Bolas are cords and weights designed to be hurled at
a target. While they are capable of dealing damage,
the primary function is to trip, disable, or entangle a
target.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 8 meters when thrown.
In place of a normal attack, this weapon can be thrown
to bind feet together, knocking the target down
(requiring an Action 'to move again) and prevent the
target from moving until an Action is spent to break
free (on a successful Skill Roll). If the target can't be
knocked down, the secondary effect is still applied (if
possible).
BOLT-ACTION RIFLE
Description:
Bolt-action rifles are long arms commonly used for
hunting and traditionally used by the military in varying
roles. This particular category of rifle features an
internal magazine.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 150 meters with an ammo
count of 5.
This weapon requires specific bullets loaded by hand.
Reloading bullets into the gun requires an Action.
BOLTS
Description:
Crossbows fire short, stocky arrows called bolts. Bolts
and arrows are not interchangeable.
BOOK
Description:
Books can be used as a source of education,
entertainment, or both. In modern and futuristic eras,
digital books and audio books are available to
increase portability.
156
BOOMERANG
Description:
Boomerangs are aerodynamic throwing clubs. Popular
in modern times for it’s unique ability to return to the
attacker, it’s originally intent was a hunting tool.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 20 meters when thrown.
The user can make another Skill Roll after throwing
the weapon to see if it returns to the user.
BOW, LONG
Description:
A bow is a long range two-handed weapon that fires
arrows. Bows were some of the earliest long range
weapons ever designed. In modern times, they exist
only to be used in severely limited special operations
military roles, hunting, and competitions. Longbows
were once the long range military weapon of choice.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 50 meters.
This weapon requires arrows as ammunition and
requires no Action to load.
BOW, SHORT
Description:
A bow is a long range two-handed weapon that fires
arrows. Bows were some of the earliest long range
weapons ever designed. In modern times, they exist
only to be used in severely limited special operations
military roles, hunting, and competitions. Shortbows
were once very popular hunting weapons.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 30 meters.
This weapon requires arrows as ammunition and
requires no Action to load.
BUCKLER
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Description:
The buckler is a very small shield preferred by agile
fighters and combatants that prize mobility. The
buckler statistics also encompasses small parrying
instruments, fighting cloaks, and bracers used to
deflect or catch blades. While not offering a lot of
protection, they are also low on hindrance.
Effect:
This shield is cumbersome and inflicts a +1 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls when held and ready.
When held in a hand, this shield adds a +1 Difficulty to
incoming attacks.
BULLET
Description:
Bullets are used in most firearms including pistols,
rifles, and submachine guns. They come in a variety of
calibers. Certain guns only fire certain types of bullets.
If bullets are purchased for a muzzle loading weapon
or a weapon that requires magazine, gunpowder and
magazines are purchased separately.
BULLET, ARMOR PIERCING
Description:
Armor piercing rounds are very useful against armored
targets. Because the bullets are hardened though,
they make clean strikes against targets making far
less tissue damage.
Effect:
This ammo suffers a -1 penalty to Damage, to a
minimum of 1.
This ammo ignores Damage reduction from armor.
BULLET, RUBBER
Description:
Rubber bullets are specifically designed for non-lethal
take downs.
Effect:
This ammo reduces the weapon to 1 Damage.
If struck, the target cannot do anything until an Action
is spent to recover.
BUNKER GEAR
Description:
Bunker gear and similar fire-resistant suits are flame
retardant, durable uniforms. Treated to resist
supremely high temperatures, they offer second-to-
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none fire protection.
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this equipment reduces incoming heat or
fire Damage by 3.
Environmental effects from heat/fire are ignored while
wearing this equipment.
CAMERA, IMAGE
Description:
Cameras are used to capture moments of time in
pictorial format. While older cameras are bulky and
take a long time to use and process the film, some
camera times such as self-developing cameras and
digital cameras require no film processing time.
CAMERA, VIDEO
Description:
Video cameras are the next evolution of the still-image
camera. With a video camera, it is possible for a user
to take live events and record them. Older video
cameras use cassette tapes, newer cameras use
digital media.
CANDLE
Description:
One of the simplest lighting devices, a candle is wax
around a slow-burning wick. Candles can provide
enough light to read by, but not much else. Modern
candles are often scented to achieve a pleasant
aroma.
CAR
Description:
Cars are the standard mode of transportation in
modern worlds. Average-sized cars usually can eat
four people and often will have four doors. More
compact cars are easier to handle but have less
space. Sports cars have speed, but are expensive and
less durable.
CARRIAGE
Description:
Carriages are used to easily transport passengers.
Carriages and stagecoaches often act as taxis in car-
less Settings. A purchased carriage includes horses,
oxen, or similar animals to move it as well.
CHAIN WEAPON
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Description:
Chain and rope weapons can control and destroy, and
have an excellent reach as well. This category
includes combat-reinforced chains as well as weapons
like the meteor hammer, kyoketsu-shoge, rope dart
and kusarigama.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
This weapon has superior reach, capable of hitting
targets up to 3 meters away.
This weapon lowers the Difficulty by 1 for Skill Rolls in
attempts to trip, disarm, or entangle a target.
CHEMICAL
Description:
There are a variety of chemicals available that are
useful and widely available. Cleaners, lab compounds,
food additives, and similar materials all fall under this
category. Chemicals can be used in many different
created products.
CLAW
Description:
Bag nakh, katar, and other bladed hand-covers are
included in this category. They are lethal weapons that
function best in close-combat and make use of high
degrees of martial arts and brawling skills. More often
than not, they are paired weapons.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
CLOTH
Description:
Cloths, rags, or other wipes are useful for keeping
tools and equipment dry or mopping up messes.
Handkerchiefs and other similar items would fit into
this category as well.
CLOTHES, BASIC
Description:
This category is for all kinds of basic clothing. It can
158
include jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, skirts,
dresses, vests, jackets, sneakers, boots, belts, and
more.
CLOTHES, EXPENSIVE
Description:
This category is for all kinds of expensive clothing. It
can include suits, dresses, gowns, trendy attire,
expensive boots, and more.
CLUB, HEAVY
Description:
Clubs are one-handed larger bludgeons. They include
weighted battle clubs, short-staves, maces, and
similar weapons. Many impromptu weapons, such as
baseball bats and lead pipes, will fall in this category.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
CLUB, LIGHT
Description:
Light clubs are low-weight, balanced, single-handed
blunt instruments. They are commonly used by police
and security forces through history and up to modern
times. Examples include weapons such as nightsticks,
tonfas, and batons. There are endless examples of
improvised weapons that would fit this category as
well.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
COLD WEATHER GEAR
Description:
Cold weather clothing provides little protection against
weapons, but it is very good against ice and cold.
Damaging weather effects are reduced, and any
weapon or equipment that uses cold or ice is resisted
easier.
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this equipment reduces incoming cold or
ice Damage by 3.
 Chapter 5
Environmental effects from cold/ice are ignored while
wearing this equipment.
COMPUTER
Description:
Computers can vary in cost, size, and degree of
quality, but the suggested price is for a quality
computer suitable for most tasks. Desktop computers
can tend to be more powerful than laptops, but they
are far more cumbersome as well. Laptops tend to
have less overall power and features, but are far more
portable and are the ideal computer choice for an
investigator, researcher, or similar person on the
move.
CONCUSSION GRENADE
Description:
Concussion grenades and TNT charges are powerful
expendables used to injure targets in a large area.
They rely on explosive force to deal Damage.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 15 meters when thrown.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 5 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon is expended upon use.
CONTAINER
Description:
This entry is for any kind of basic container, from
things like bottles or flasks to cans and plastic
containers. These can be used to hold small liquids or
other items that would be difficult to carry without a
container.
COSMETICS
Description:
Cosmetics are used to augment or enhance a
person’s appearance or presentation. They are often
used in entertainment or to accent one’s features
positively. This includes powders, lipsticks, lotions, eye
shadow, blush, perfumes, colognes, or other similar
items.
CRAFTING SUPPLIES
Description:
Crafting supplies are an assortment of consumable
parts or materials used to create. This could be
ingredients for a cake, herbs and animal parts for
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potions, lumber and nails for making furniture, or
anything used in the process of creating objects. The
type of supplies should be specified when purchased
(ex: tailoring crafting supplies).
Effect:
Creating an object requires enough crafting supplies
equal to 10% of the base cost.
CRAFTING TOOLS
Description:
Crafting tools can include a box or case of tools for a
specific trade or type of crafting. The tools provided in
this kit allow for creation of anything in the trade,
though certain creations might require non-portable,
larger facilities.
Effect:
These are a portable array of normal quality tools for a
specific trade or discipline, allowing a normal roll for
the project in question when tools are required.
CROSSBOW, HAND
Description:
The crossbow is the precursor to the gun – and unlike
guns, they make little noise. It has a stock and firing
trigger, like a gun, but launches small, heavier arrows
called bolts. Hand crossbows were personal defense
weapons for merchants and nobles. Assassins also
favored this concealable crossbow, which is nearly as
easy to hide as a derringer and makes nearly no
noise.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 10 meters with an ammo count of
1.
This weapon requires hand crossbow bolts as
ammunition and can be reloaded without an Action.
CROSSBOW, HEAVY
Description:
The crossbow is the precursor to the gun – and unlike
guns, they make little noise. It has a stock and firing
trigger, like a gun, but launches small, heavier arrows
called bolts. Heavy crossbows are the precursor to the
sniper rifle with great range and power but with a slow
rate of fire.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
 Chapter 5
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
This weapon requires heavy crossbow bolts as
ammunition. Reloading a bolt requires an Action.
CROSSBOW, LIGHT
Description:
The crossbow is the precursor to the gun – and unlike
guns, they make little noise. It has a stock and firing
trigger, like a gun, but launches small, heavier arrows
called bolts. Crossbows are easier to use than bows
and could be held cocked and ready, but their rate of
fire is inferior to regular bows.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
This weapon requires light crossbow bolts as
ammunition. Reloading a bolt requires an Action.
CROSSBOW, REPEATING
Description:
The crossbow is the precursor to the gun. It has a
stock and firing trigger, like a gun, but launches small,
heavier arrows called bolts. Repeating crossbows
generally use internal magazines.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 10 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon requires specific bolts loaded by hand.
Reloading bolts into the crossbow requires an Action.
DAGGER
Description:
Daggers, combat knives, switchblades, and hunting
knives fit into the dagger category. From soldiers to
civilians, these weapons are common and available in
all Settings. Improvised weapons in this category
include a variety of tools and kitchen utensils. They
are mostly used to inflict slashing and piercing
damage.
Effect:
This weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is used in melee.
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DART
Description:
Darts and needles are used in dart guns and
blowguns. They are often used to deliver poison or
other substances.
DART PISTOL
Description:
Dart guns are air guns designed to fire needles or
syringes. The pistols are light and short-range
weapons commonly used by medics and scientists in
futuristic settings.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1 Damage and has an
effective range of 15 meters with an ammo count of 1.
This weapon can deliver poisons or chemicals without
wearing off and with no Difficulty penalty.
This weapon requires specific dart gun darts.
Reloading a dart requires an Action.
DART RIFLE
Description:
Dart guns are air guns designed to fire needles or
syringes. Dart rifles are sometimes called tranquilizer
rifles and used often by people to wrangle animals.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1 Damage and has an
effective range of 30 meters with an ammo count of 1.
This weapon can deliver poisons or chemicals without
wearing off and with no Difficulty penalty.
This weapon requires specific dart gun darts.
Reloading a dart requires an Action.
DATA STORAGE DISK
Description:
These items are used to hold digital data. Examples
are flash drives, CDs, or floppy disks, depending on
the era and cost.
DEFIBRILLATOR
Description:
An automated external defibrillator is used to help a
patient that has a failing or stopped heart. It won't stop
bleeding or assist with mortal wounds or important
missing parts, but cardiac events, trauma, and stress
that affects the heart can be countered.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
This equipment can be used to revive a person who
has lost all their Threshold within the past minute with
a Skill Roll. If successful, the target is restored to 1
Threshold and remains unconscious, but alive. This
only works if the target is not missing vital organs or
body parts that would cause death.
DERRINGER
Description:
Small, single-shot pistols are tiny and easily conceal
weapons used as a backup or assassination weapon.
This category includes derringers, zip guns, and target
pistols.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 10 meters with an ammo count of
1.
This weapon requires specific bullets and can be
reloaded without an Action.
DOUBLE-BARRELED SHOTGUN
Description:
Double barreled shotguns are two-handed long arms
that fire close range shells. They are loaded with two
shells at a time and usually can be fired independently
of each other or simultaneously. They are popular
hunting and home defense weapons. The weapon has
a hinge which is broken open to load and remove
shells.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 12 meters with an ammo
count of 2.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon requires specific shotgun shells.
Breaking open and reloading the weapon with shells
requires an Action.
DRUG
Description:
Drugs can be either legal or illegal, and can have a
wide variety of effects. The price listed is for more
common drugs, but restricted ones may fetch a higher
price and require a doctor to acquire legally. Some
drugs may be completely illegal, and will be that much
more expensive.
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ELECTROSHOCK GUN, WIRED
Description:
An electroshock gun, the most common name being a
taser, is a weapon that fires a dart that transfers
electricity to the victim. The darts are trailed by two
electrical wires that transfer the electricity from the
main section to the attached darts.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 3 meters with an ammo count of
1.
When this weapon strikes a target they cannot do
anything until an Action is spent to recover.
This weapon’s ammo is not expended and can instead
be retracted and reloaded with an Action.
ELECTROSHOCK GUN, WIRELESS
Description:
An electroshock gun, the most common name being a
taser, is a weapon that fires a dart that transfers
electricity to the victim. Advanced versions, less
common in modern era but popular in futuristic
settings, have a battery built into the dart. The result is
the darts can't be reused, but it gives greater distance
and tactical flexibility.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo count of
1.
When this weapon strikes a target they cannot do
anything until an Action is spent to recover.
This weapon requires specific battery-powered darts.
It requires an Action to reload.
ENERGY ARMOR, HEAVY
Description:
Energy armor is futuristic and sci-fi combat armor
perfect for elite military units, mercenaries, and
corporate strike teams. It can hold up to all sorts of
physical damage and blunt force trauma, but it is best
against the main weapons of the era – energy
weapons.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +2 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
 Chapter 5
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
1. This increases to 3 against energy weapon attacks.
ENERGY ARMOR, LIGHT
Description:
Energy-proof vests, reflective breastplates, and anti-
energy jackets are futuristic protective chest garments
often worn by soldiers or police units. Designed for the
combat situation of their era, they protect very well
against energy attacks, but offer no real protection of
note for other forms of damage.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +1 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage
from energy weapon attacks by 2.
ENERGY BLADE
Description:
An energy blade when deactivated consists of a small
metal hilt. Activated, energy blades could potentially
look like a sword, mace, axe, or similar weapon. They
are extremely dangerous to use due to the lack of
weight but can cut through creatures like butter.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is
used in melee.
This weapon ignores all Damage reduction.
ENERGY CELL
Description:
Energy cells or weapon batteries are used in energy
weapons. Unlike bullets, cells are very
interchangeable between energy weapons. The usage
depends on the weapon’s power needs and the drain
it imposes on the battery. If a cell is partially depleted
and swapped to another weapon, it maintains its
percentage of power rather than a specific number of
shots.
ENERGY PISTOL
Description:
Energy pistols are one-handed laser weapons. These
are used by civilians, smugglers, and military
personnel alike, and fire either a beam or compressed
162
bolt.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 20 meters with an ammo count of
10.
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
ENERGY RIFLE
Description:
Energy rifles are two-handed laser weapons including
rifles and larger carbines. They fire a laser beam or
compressed bolt each time the trigger is pulled.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 100 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
ENERGY SHIELD
Description:
An energy shield is a combat shield coated with
reflective plates – a futuristic version of the modern
anti-ballistic shield. It is primarily effective against
energy weapons, but can offer protection from other
kinds of attacks as well.
Effect:
This shield is cumbersome and inflicts a +2 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls when held and ready.
When held in a hand, this shield adds a +1 Difficulty to
incoming attacks. This effect increases to +3 Difficulty
against energy weapon attacks.
ENERGY STAFF
Description:
An energy staff when deactivated consists of a two-
handed metal hilt. Activated, energy staves could
potentially look like a quarterstaff or polearm. They are
extremely dangerous to use due to the lack of weight
but can cut through creatures like butter.
Effect:
 Chapter 5
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +4
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and is
used in melee.
This weapon ignores all Damage reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL ARMOR SUIT
Description:
Environmental armor is futuristic or post-modern full-
body armor with life support and rebreather systems. It
allows operation in toxic environments, filters gasses,
and has body temperature regulation all while being fit
for combat. Because of all of its features, it is also
extremely bulky.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +3 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
1. This increases to 3 against fire, cold, poison, acid,
or radiation Damage.
While worn, the user can see in the dark and ignores
environmental effects from toxins, radiation, heat, and
cold.
This armor offers full life support for 8 hours. While
active, the user doesn't need air and is immune to
airborne toxins. It recharges in a breathable
environments.
EXPLOSIVE
Description:
Explosives can be used to describe any demolition
charge used as a trap or to destroy buildings and
vehicles. This includes items like the modern C-4 or a
large bundle of TNT. It can also include traps like
mines. It is generally inefficient and extremely
dangerous to throw these around in combat due to the
blast radius. They are generally activated via a
detonator of some sort – normally hand activated, but
modern variants can use timers as well.
Effect:
It takes an Action to set this explosive. If it is manually
activated, it takes another Action to denote. During
Encounters, a timed detonator goes off a the end of
the Round you specify.
Objects and creatures within 15 meters of the blast
163
radius make a Skill Roll or suffer 1d12 Damage.
This item is expended upon use.
FILM
Description:
Film for cameras and video is necessary for non-
digital mediums. Different cameras and different types
of film have varying amounts of uses.
FIREBOMB
Description:
Fire bombs and incendiary grenades are one-use
thrown explosives that disperse explosive energy and
flame. Molotov cocktails fall into this category, though
ones crafted from rudimentary materials will take the
penalty for using improvised weapons.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 15 meters when thrown.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 3 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon sets a target on fire, dealing an
additional 1 Damage at the end of the target's Turns
for 1d4 Turns. An Action can be used to put the fire out
on the target's turn with a successful Skill Roll.
This weapon is expended upon use.
FIRST AID KIT, LARGE
Description:
Large first aid kits are commonly mounted in
workplaces or dangerous environments, and the
contents are portable in a larger pack or messenger
bag. Included items would be bandages, ointments,
disinfectant, swabs, splints, pills, gauze, and any other
items used in first aid. Cumbersome but effective,
these kinds of first aid kits are usually only carried by
medical personnel.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
This item restores 1d4 Health with a successful Skill
Roll.
This item has 100 uses.
FIRST AID KIT, SMALL
 Chapter 5
Description:
Smaller first aid kits or healer's kits are portable
rudimentary healing supplies. This could include
bandages, gauze, and possibly some first aid cream
or spray. Simple to use and easy to carry, anyone
expecting danger should bring one of these along.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
This item restores 1d4 Health with a successful Skill
Roll.
This item has 10 uses.
FLAIL, HEAVY
Description:
Flails designed for combat are based on the threshing
tool. They often consist of a haft, a chain, and a
business-head. Most heavy spiked-head or flanged
flails are in this category, in addition to the three-
section staff.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
FLAIL, LARGE
Description:
Flails designed for combat are based on the threshing
tool. They often consist of a haft, a chain, and a
business-head. Most heavy spiked-head or flanged
flails are in this category, in addition to the three-
section staff.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is
used in melee.
FLAIL, LIGHT
Description:
Smaller flails are based on the threshing tool by the
same name just like the larger ones. Smaller ones are
popular in martial arts. This includes weapons like the
nunchaku.
Effect:
164
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
FLAMETHROWER, LARGE
Description:
Flamethrowers shoot out a flammable stream that can
ignite an opponent. More archaic versions use a
heavy backpack, while futuristic flamethrowers utilize
a more gun-like design with the fuel canister as a
cartridge.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 8 meters with an ammo
count of 5.
This weapon sets a target on fire, dealing an
additional 1 Damage at the end of the target's Turns
for 1d4 Turns. An Action can be used to put the fire out
on the target's turn with a successful Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific fuel canisters.
Reloading a fuel canister requires an Action.
FLAMETHROWER, SMALL
Description:
Flamethrower pistols are smaller and more portable
than normal large flamethrowers. These kinds of
weapons are possible in futuristic or cyberpunk
Settings, or as improvised weapons work for a
hairspray and lighter combination.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 3 meters with an ammo count of
10.
This weapon sets a target on fire, dealing an
additional 1 Damage at the end of the target's Turns
for 1d4 Turns. An Action can be used to put the fire out
on the target's turn with a successful Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific fuel canisters.
Reloading a fuel canister requires an Action.
FLARE
Description:
Flares provide illumination and are also popular for
emergency signaling. Using a chemical reaction, they
can be started and remain lit for about thirty minutes.
 Chapter 5
They can be safely dropped or thrown as well. Certain
special flares can also be purchased for flare guns
(those are not interchangeable with normal flares).
FLARE GUN
Description:
Flare guns are signaling devices used in a variety of
emergency situations. The intent is to fire a flare in the
air that might indicate some certain objective has been
achieved, or in general emergency situations, just that
assistance is needed. While it can be used as an
improvised weapon or potentially even set things on
fire, that is not the intent of this device.
Effect:
If used as a weapon, this one-handed tool deals 1d4
Damage and has an effective range of 15 meters with
an ammo count of 1.
This tool sets a target on fire, dealing an additional 1
Damage at the end of the target's Turns for 1d4 Turns.
An Action can be used to put the fire out on the
target's turn with a successful Skill Roll.
This is considered an improvised weapon and when
used to attack suffers a +1 Difficulty penalty as with all
improvised weapons.
This item uses special flares. Loading a flare into an
empty flare gun requires an Action.
FLASHBANG
Description:
Flashbang grenades, also called stun grenades, are
one-use thrown explosives that temporarily disable
targets. They are less-than-lethal weapons, intended
to not cause serious injury.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon has an effective range of 15
meters when thrown.
When affected by this weapon, a target is disoriented
and has their base Difficulty increased to 10 until an
Action is spent to recover with a successful Skill Roll.
In addition to the target, this weapon effects anything it
would hit within 3 meters of the target as well.
This weapon is expended upon use.
FLASHLIGHT
Description:
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Flashlights come in many different sizes and styles.
They are capable of projecting a beam of light to
enable users to see the in the dark. Unfortunately, it
means everyone else can see the user as well.
FOOD
Description:
Food is necessary for survival, and can come in a
variety of different forms. Dried or canned food for
travel that lasts for a long period of time is easy
enough to purchase and is fairly portable. Food
purchased at this volume constitutes a single meal.
FORCE FIELD, CONSUMABLE
Description:
Force fields generate a protective shield of energy
around the user. These kinds of fields are only
designed to deal with high velocity projectiles, and
only energy weapons and bullets are deflected by it.
One-time use ones are cheaper and easier to mass
produce. Their one advantage is if it runs out, while it
won't recharge, it's cheaper to have another on hand
to activate.
Effect:
This equipment takes an Action to activate or
deactivate. When activated, it causes a +1 Difficulty to
the user's firearm and energy weapon attacks due to
the interference.
When struck by high velocity projectiles like firearms
and energy weapons, this field takes Damage in place
of the user.
Melee weapon strikes and low speed projectiles such
as arrows and thrown weapons such as grenades are
unaffected.
When this items is depleted, it becomes useless.
FORCE FIELD, RECHARGABLE
Description:
Force fields generate a protective shield of energy
around the user. These kinds of fields are only
designed to deal with high velocity projectiles, and
only energy weapons and bullets are deflected by it.
Rechargeable versions are expensive if they exist in
the Setting, and are not common.
Effect:
This equipment takes an Action to activate or
deactivate. When activated, it causes a +1 Difficulty to
the user's firearm and energy weapon attacks due to
 Chapter 5
the interference.
When struck by high velocity projectiles like firearms
and energy weapons, this field takes Damage in place
of the user.
Melee weapon strikes and low speed projectiles such
as arrows and thrown weapons such as grenades are
unaffected.
When this items is depleted, it is useless until a rest
occurs, at which point it fully recharges.
FRAGMENTATION GRENADE
Description:
Fragmentation grenades and flechette bombs are
powerful expendables used to injure targets in a large
area with explosive force and projectiles. Improvised
grenades can be crafted, but are less reliable than
reliably made ones.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 15 meters when thrown.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 3 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon is expended upon use.
FUEL
Description:
Fuels are used to power certain devices through
combustion including vehicles and other devices.
Examples include gasoline, butane, and jet fuel.
FUEL CANISTER
Description:
Fuel canisters are used in flamethrower weapons.
They include combustible chemicals and can
sometimes be unstable.
GAME
Description:
Games are capable of distraction, relaxation, and can
be used in gambling. This entry is for any portable
game such as cards, dominoes, board games, dice
games, and more.
GAS MASK
Description:
Gas masks are used to filter toxic air for humans.
166
They are commonly used by Hazmat teams and
military units.
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
This equipment grants immunity to inhalation-based
toxic effects and environments.
GLIDER
Description:
Hang gliders, wingsuits, and similar gliding devices
are used to travel far distances on air currents. They
lack engines and propulsion, so are only useful in
environments with strong winds and from high
altitudes. In return, they are near silent and portable.
GRAPPLING HOOK
Description:
Grappling hooks and other climbing gear are used to
scale difficult surfaces. The most basic kind of
grappling hook contains a metal prong and some rope,
and are hurled up by spinning and throwing. Certain
Settings may have a grappling gun that uses
compressed air or a spring to help launch the hook.
GRENADE LAUNCHER, LARGE
Description:
Grenade launchers fire specialized explosives and
have the same variety as thrown hand grenades, but
cannot fire the same types of grenades. Grenade
launcher grenades look more like miniature artillery
shells.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 75 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 5 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon requires specific launcher grenades. It
requires an Action to reload the weapon with a
launcher grenade.
GRENADE LAUNCHER, MULTIPLE
Description:
 Chapter 5
Grenade launchers fire specialized explosives and
have the same variety as thrown hand grenades, but
cannot fire the same types of grenades. Multiple
grenade launchers can fire many rounds without
reloading.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 25 meters with an ammo
count of 6.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 5 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon requires specific launcher grenades. It
requires an Action to reload the weapon with launcher
grenades.
GRENADE LAUNCHER, SMALL
Description:
Grenade launchers fire specialized explosives and
have the same variety as thrown hand grenades, but
cannot fire the same types of grenades. Small
grenade launchers are usually pistol-sized and the
same type as used in launchers under assault rifles.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 5 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon requires specific launcher grenades. It
requires an Action to reload the weapon with a
launcher grenade.
GUNPOWDER FLASK
Description:
Older firearms need gunpowder added separately into
the muzzle of the weapon. Most times, the shooter
carried the gunpowder in a flask, horn, or some other
container. A gunpowder flask is necessary to use
certain archaic firearms such as flintlocks, matchlocks,
167
and snaplocks. If a specific type of gun needs wadding
or matches, those are included as well. Gunpowder in
the flask can be used for other purposes as well.
Effect:
The flask holds gunpowder, necessary for older
firearms like flintlocks.
HAMMER, HEAVY
Description:
Heavy hammers include mauls and combat-ready
sledgehammers. They excel at dealing heavy damage
and are best known for being able to punch through or
crush armor. Sledgehammers would be similar
improvised weapons.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is
used in melee.
HAMMER, LIGHT
Description:
War hammers are military-grade, hammer-type
weapons. They are useful for damaging armored
targets, and many feature a spike or pick on the end to
deal with helmets and soft targets.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
HAZMAT SUIT
Description:
An environmental suit or Hazmat suit protects the
body from toxins, disease, and radiation. This is often
paired with a rebreather for extra safety.
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this equipment reduces incoming poison,
disease, or radiation Damage by 3.
Environmental effects from toxins and radiation are
ignored while wearing this equipment.
 Chapter 5
HEALING POTION
Description:
Healing potions or salves are magical items that
restore health. They are common in fantasy or magical
campaigns. While more expensive and far rarer than
common mundane healing materials, they are more
powerful.
Effect:
This item is used as an Action.
This item restores 1d8 Health with a successful Skill
Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
HELICOPTER, CARGO
Description:
Massive cargo helicopters are rotary-lift vehicles that
can range from civilian transports to military models.
Cargo helicopters can carry a lot of storage, but their
handling is usually sub-par.
HELICOPTER, LARGE
Description:
Large helicopters are capable of carrying a large
number of people. Military attack variants are usually
sleeker and outfitted with weapons, at the cost of
cargo space.
HELICOPTER, SMALL
Description:
Smaller helicopters are often used for recreational
purposes or by organizations such as news stations.
Smaller helicopters may not have much speed or
room, but they have good control.
HOVERBOARD
Description:
In futuristic Settings, jet boards or hover boards are
personal vehicles that are capable of flight. They might
hover with VTOL style jets or some advanced
technology, depending on the Setting. Hoverboards,
like skateboards, are a sport item as well, and a
variety of tracks can be performed on them.
HOVERCRAFT
Description:
A hovercraft is a car, bike, or truck-like vehicle with jet
propellants or other type of propulsion. This allows it to
hover and even fly. In futuristic Settings, these kinds of
vehicles could be very common and the standard
civilian transport.
168
INSTRUMENT, LARGE
Description:
Musical instruments of large size normally have to be
worn across the back or carried in a large case. This
can include items such as a guitar, saxophone, large
keyboard, or other instruments of similar size.
INSTRUMENT, SMALL
Description:
Instruments of small size are usually simple and easy
to carry. This can include cymbals, a flute, violin, or
snare drum, among others.
ION PISTOL
Description:
Ion weapons are energy weapons specifically
designed to deal with robotic, android, or cybernetic-
enhanced opponents. If any part of the target has
integrated electronic components, they can be hurt by
ion weapons – otherwise it has no effect. Ion pistols
are self-defense and military weapons for close
combat or personal engagements against electronic-
based opponents.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon only deals damage to artificial life forms
that are electronic based, electronic devices, and
biological creatures containing cybernetic implants.
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
ION RIFLE
Description:
Ion weapons are energy weapons specifically
designed to deal with robotic, android, or cybernetic-
enhanced opponents. If any part of the target has
integrated electronic components, they can be hurt by
ion weapons – otherwise it has no effect. Ion rifles are
military grade weapons designed to deal with tough
cybernetic or android opponents.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
 Chapter 5
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon only deals damage to artificial life forms
that are electronic based, electronic devices, and
biological creatures containing cybernetic implants.
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
JET SKI
Description:
A jet ski is a private, powered vessel capable of great
speeds and tricks on the water. It is the marine
equivalent of a motorcycle in many ways.
JET, BOMBER
Description:
Bomber jets are larger aircraft with inferior handling
that are never meant to engage in vehicle-to-vehicle
combat. Their role is to drop explosives from high
above. Being deadly military vehicles, their roles are
highly restricted. They can hold a large number of
individuals, however, if not full of bombs.
JET, FIGHTER
Description:
Fighter jets are sleek aircraft capable of going long
distances at incredible speeds. They are often
equipped with linked machine guns and guided or
dumb-fire rockets. They hold at most two people,
however, and have very little cargo space.
JET, TRANSPORT
Description:
Transport jets can range in size and vary in function.
Cargo jets are capable of storing vast amounts of
goods, and passenger jets are ideal for carrying
people. Both kinds of jets are quite expensive and
require a large runway to utilize correctly.
JETPACK
Description:
A jetpack is a personal device usually strapped to the
back that allows limited flight capabilities. They tend to
run out of fuel rather fast, and are often used in short
jump bursts rather than continuous flight. Jet boots
may also be available if jetpacks are, but they hold
even less fuel, though they would also weigh less.
JOURNAL
Description:
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A journal, diary, or logbook is a blank book for
recording notes, writing information, or doing small
sketches. They can come in a variety of styles, and
are useful companions to travelers in older eras of
play.
KNUCKLES
Description:
Knuckles, weighted gloves, and other blunt hand-
covers are included in this category. They add extra
power to a normal unarmed attack.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
LANCE
Description:
Lances are special kinds of polearms primarily for
fighting from horseback. The lance category includes
weapons designed for charging strikes and
horsemen’s polearms.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
This weapon can be used in a charging attack if the
user moves before or during an attack, or is on a
mount or vehicle. This increases the Damage to 1d12.
LANTERN
Description:
A lantern is a traditional light source that uses oil as
fuel. They were very common before electricity was in
use, and are still used for aesthetic purposes in
modern days (often running on electricity). Like a
flashlight or torch, using a lantern lets one see in the
dark, but it also lets those hidden in the dark clearly
see the user.
LASSO
Description:
A lasso is a length of rope used to catch and snag
targets. Combat-ready lassos are properly reinforced
and professionally treated. These are rare weapons to
fight with, normally used to wrangle cattle.
Effect:
This weapon deals 1d4 Damage and is used in melee.
 Chapter 5
This weapon has superior reach, capable of hitting
targets up to 8 meters away.
When this weapon strikes a target normally, they may
choose to keep it around their target. While it remains,
the attacker can not use the weapon for anything else
other than to attack the same target for the normal
Damage and the target cannot move more than 8
meters away from the user. Breaking free requires an
Action, and a successful Skill Roll.
LAUNCHER GRENADE
Description:
Generally grenades for grenade launchers are
explosives that disperse explosive energy and sharp
bits of metal shrapnel or a massive concussive blast.
They are very deadly explosive weapons.
LAUNCHER GRENADE, TOXIC GAS
Description:
Toxic chemical and poison gas launcher grenades are
explosives that disperse deadly gas. An example of
this type of gas is mustard gas.
Effect:
The weapon loses its normal effects when loading this
ammunition.
These weapon disperses toxic gas 5 meters around
from the target point and deals 1d6 Damage to all
targets that fail a Skill Roll. The gas remains for 3
Rounds.
Targets that enter or end their turn in the gas must
make a Skill Roll or suffer the weapon's Damage.
LAUNCHER GRENADE, SMOKE
Description:
Smoke grenades disperse concealing smoke.
Launched ones can provide greater range than thrown
ones.
Effect:
The weapon loses its normal effects when loading this
ammunition.
These ammo disperses concealing smoke 5 meters
around from the target point and creatures
concealed/blocked by the smoke are considered
hidden. The smoke remains for 10 Rounds.
This weapon is expended upon use.
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LAUNCHER GRENADE, TEAR GAS
Description:
Tear gas grenades are less-than-lethal crowd control
and dispersal chemical agents. They cause blurred
vision, coughing, and other painful symptoms. These
are commonly used by riot police and S.W.A.T. Teams.
Effect:
The weapon loses its normal effects when loading this
ammunition.
These weapon disperses irritating gas 5 meters
around from the target point and affects all targets that
fail a skill Roll. The gas remains for 5 Rounds.
When affected by this weapon, a target is hindered
and cannot do anything until an Action is spent to
recover with a success Skill Roll.
Targets that enter or end their Turn in the gas must
make a Skill Roll or suffer the weapon's effects.
LEVER-ACTION RIFLE
Description:
Level-action rifles are long arms commonly used for
hunting and used by the military when guns were first
invented. Repeating rifles use internal magazines and
usually a bolt or lever action. These rifles were among
the next major evolution after muzzleloaders.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 80 meters with an ammo
count of 15.
This weapon requires specific bullets loaded by hand.
Reloading bullets into the gun requires an Action.
LIGHTER
Description:
Lighters are portable devices to generate flame, and
are the evolution of tinderboxes. They do need to be
refilled with lighter fluid, butane, periodically. There are
also disposable lighters that aren't meant to be refilled,
but are just thrown away.
LOCKPICKS
Description:
Lockpicks are highly specialized tools used to open
 Chapter 5
locks. A set of lockpicks can last for a long time, but on
poor attempts they can break off in locks. Lockpicks
are much more compact than a full set of thief tools,
easily hidden with minimal effort, but can only deal
with pickable locks.
MACHINE GUN, HEAVY
Description:
Machine guns and miniguns are powerful weapons
capable of firing a hail of bullets. Heavier versions,
especially .50 caliber versions, are almost exclusively
vehicle mounted. These weapons are very difficult to
use without extreme strength, control, and skill.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +4
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
count of 100.
This weapon uses 3 charges of ammunition in a
normal attack (or the rest of the ammo if less than 3).
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 5 charges of ammunition instead of 3,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 5,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
ammunition belts. Reloading the weapon with a new
belt is an Action.
MACHINE GUN, LIGHT
Description:
Machine guns and miniguns are powerful weapons
capable of firing a hail of bullets. Most machine guns
use high calibers such as 7.62 or 5.45mm. General
purpose machine guns are assigned to military squads
to grant suppressive fire and target large swathes of
enemies.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
171
count of 100.
This weapon uses 3 charges of ammunition in a
normal attack (or the rest of the ammo if less than 3).
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 5 charges of ammunition instead of 3,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 5,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
ammunition belts. Reloading the weapon with a new
belt is an Action.
MACHINE PISTOL, AUTO
Description:
Machine pistols are small, one-handed low-caliber
weapons that are fully automatic and just shy of a
submachine gun. They are favored by special forces
and criminals and include examples like the Skorpion
and the TEC-9. These weapons use bullet-loaded
magazines.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo count of
20.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
MACHINE PISTOL, BURST
Description:
Burst fire machine pistols are capable of burst-style
auto-fire but not fully automatic fire. The user can
switch between single shots and burst-fire as the
situation warrants. Examples include the Glock 18 and
Beretta 93R.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 20 meters with an ammo count of
15.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
MAGAZINE
Description:
External magazines, such as a box magazine, are
loading mechanisms that make modern firearms very
quick to reload and change ammunition. Any weapon
that has an external magazine requires additional
magazines to quickly change ammunition. In
exchange, these weapons traditionally have a much
higher capacity than weapons that use internal
magazines.
Effect:
Replacing a magazine in a weapon costs an Action.
Filling a magazine with bullets is an Action if done
during an Encounter. The user must still spend an
Action to load the magazine and ready a weapon.
MATCHES
Description:
Matches and lighters are portable fire-starting devices.
They are cheap, easy to acquire sources of fire. It is
normally simple to strike a match, but in certain wet
conditions it may involve more effort or even a Skill
Roll.
Effect:
This item has 25 uses.
MECHANIZED ARMOR
Description:
Mechanized armor is a large, normally humanoid-
shaped machine primarily designed for combat,
although they often have labor roles as well. In
futuristic Settings, they serve a crucial role as primary
assault vehicles to support more conventional
armored vehicles such as tanks. They are often fitted
with various heavy weapons.
MEDICAL BAG
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Description:
Medical bags, doctor bags, or EMT bags have a large
array of tools designed for first-aid, general check-ups,
and on-the-spot medical treatment. It will normal
include items like a stethoscope, otoscope, reflex
hammer, medical scissors, scalpel, and other similar
items depending on the Setting. There are usually
places for consumable items such as pills, bandages,
gauze, and similar items.
MEDICAL SERUM
Description:
Futuristic or special medical serums can heal wounds
instantly. If that kind of medicine is available in the
Setting, these kinds of serums can be purchased.
Effect:
This item is used with an Action.
This item restores 1d8 Health with a successful Skill
Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
MESS KIT
Description:
Mess kits or other portable utensils and cooking
supplies make eating and cooking on the move much
easier. This set contains enough to cook small meals
and utensils for one person.
MOBILE ARMOR SUIT
Description:
A mobile suit is the bridge between power armor and a
mechanized unit. Mobile suits are about ten to twelve
feet tall normally, and have a hatch that opens to fit a
human inside. The user manipulates the controls to
walk around in the mobile suit, and can achieve feats
of great strength. When used for war, these mobile
suits can hold high caliber machine guns and rocket
launchers with ease.
MOBILE DEVICE
Description:
Mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, and
older devices like PDAs. Older versions were used for
keeping notes and scheduling functions only, but
newer models often have internet features and can
function as small computers and cell phones.
Futuristic versions could have even more functionality.
MOBILE PHONE
Description:
 Chapter 5
Mobile phones include cell phones, radio-based
phones, and similar devices. Less robust than
smartphone devices or mobile computers, they are
nonetheless efficient and cheaper – and available in
more eras of play.
MOPED
Description:
A moped or scooter is a low-speed two-wheeled
vehicle. It's very useful in urban environments where
low speed and a low profile is useful. It also has less
legal restrictions than high speed vehicles.
MORTAR
Description:
A mortar is an indirect fire weapon designed to be shot
long distances. Though it can shoot at targets it can’t
see, equipment or spotters are still needed to attempt
an accurate shot.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 300 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 5 meters of the target as
well.
Using this weapon requires it to be set down and
readied, and requires an Action.
This weapon requires specific artillery shells reloaded
with an Action.
MOTORCYCLE
Description:
Motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles capable of
great speed and maneuverability. This category
includes street bikes as well as more compact racing
bikes. It can also include motorcycle-quality trikes and
quads, or mopeds.
MUZZLELOADER, PISTOL
Description:
Muzzleloading pistols includes all manners of single-
hand primitive firearms. This includes flintlock and
slow-match pistols. They are powerful, but slower to
use than modern firearms.
173
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
This weapon requires archaic bullets and gunpowder.
Pouring in gunpowder and inserting a bullet to load the
weapon requires an Action.
MUZZLELOADER, RIFLE
Description:
Muzzleloading rifles includes all manners of primitive
long-arms. This includes flintlock and slow-match
rifles. They are powerful, but slower to use than
modern firearms.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
This weapon requires archaic bullets and gunpowder.
Pouring in gunpowder and inserting a bullet to load the
weapon requires an Action.
NET
Description:
Nets are primarily tools for activities like fishing and
hunting, but they were made popular as weapons by
gladiators. Due to their non-lethal nature, they are
often paired with a sword.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon has an effective range of 10
meters when thrown.
When this weapon strikes a target normally, the target
is entangled and cannot move or take any Actions
except attempting to free themselves. Breaking free
requires an Action, and a Skill Roll. The user cannot
use this weapon on another target while one target is
entangled.
NET CARTRIDGE
Description:
Net cartridges are used in net guns. They are highly
compressed cartridges that explode when fired,
sending a net out. Like arrows and bolts, the cartridge
can be retrieved.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
Resetting a net into a net cartridge takes an Action.
NET GUN
Description:
A net gun is a firearm designed to discharge a net
cartridge. When fired, the net pops open and spirals to
catch the target. This weapon uses net cartridges as
ammo.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon as an effective range of 15
meters with an ammo count of 1.
When this weapon strikes a target normally, the target
is entangled and cannot move or take any Actions
except attempting to free themselves. Breaking free
requires an Action, and a Skill Roll.
This weapon requires net cartridges as ammunition.
Loading a ready cartridge requires an Action.
NIGHT VISION GOGGLES
Description:
Night vision goggles allow the user to enhance
existing light and create a picture visible to human
eyes. They are commonly used by military units.
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
This equipment allows normal sight in regards to
details in most kinds of darkness, though colors are
indiscernible.
OIL
Description:
Different types of oil have different uses, but it's
primary use is as a fuel. Machine oil, lamp oil, and
other types of oil are normally commonly available
items.
PAINKILLERS
Description:
Painkillers don’t really heal anything. However, they do
dull pain sensations, which completely negate the
distracting pain of less serious wounds. More deadly
wounds will still cause the character problems, even if
they don't feel the pain.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
174
With a successful Skill Roll, penalties from any injuries
or similar Conditions are negated for 1 hour.
This item is consumed on use.
PAPER
Description:
This category includes paper, papyrus, and parchment
– any surface for writing appropriate for the time
period and culture. Paper has a variety of uses and is
easy to carry.
PARACHUTE
Description:
A parachute is a device used to make safe landings
from massive heights. They are worn as backpacks,
and can let a human survive falls that would normally
be lethal, as well as glide long distances.
Effect:
It takes an Action to deploy a worn parachute.
PELLET
Description:
Pellets or metal BBs are used in air guns as
ammunition. The plastic ones are generally used for
recreation but the metal ones are suitable for varmint
shooting. They are light, easy to carry, and while
generally considered non-lethal, they can be quite
dangerous.
PEPPER SPRAY
Description:
Pepper spray is a non-lethal self-defense item that
blinds and distract a target. It is a common self-
defense item that is rather effective.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon has a reach of 10 meters.
When affected by this weapon, a target is disoriented
and has their base Difficulty increased to 10 until an
Action is spent to recover with a successful Skill Roll.
PET, COMMON
Description:
Animals can be purchased as friends, companions,
workers, or all of the above. Common animals can
vary on the Setting, but normally includes smaller
creatures such as dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, or
similar animals.
 Chapter 5
PET, EXOTIC
Description:
Animals can be purchased as friends, companions,
workers, or all of the above. Exotic animals include
animals that are rare, expensive, and/or dangerous.
Examples in most Settings include such wolves, big
cats, Komodo dragons, and birds of prey.
PITON
Description:
Pitons or similar climbing spikes are used to secure
ropes and aid in climbing. Generally a large number
are brought to secure multiple areas to ensure a safe
ascent and minimal fall distance during an accident.
PLANE, LARGE
Description:
A regular plane uses propellers, fuel, and
aerodynamics to move. Larger planes can include
heavier biplanes and transport vehicles.
PLANE, SMALL
Description:
Smaller planes are often used for recreation or short
distance travel. These kinds of planes, specifically
biplanes, were used heavily in World War I as war
machines with machine guns attached.
POISON, KNOCKOUT
Description:
Non-lethal poison can temporarily disable a target. It is
very useful to take down targets while keeping them
alive, and is generally more legal than lethal poison.
Effect:
When affected by knockout poison, the target must
make a Skill Roll or fall unconscious. They can make a
new Skill Roll at the end of each Turn to wake up.
Applying poison to a weapon takes an Action, lasts a
Scene, and inflicts a +1 Difficulty to Skill Rolls with the
poisoned weapon.
POISON, LETHAL
Description:
Lethal poison is an effective and insidious way to
defeat a target. While there are a variety of poisons,
and some are more dangerous, those are more
expensive and may not be able to be purchased
legally.
Effect:
When affected by poison, the target must make a Skill
175
Roll or take 1 Damage for 1d4 Turns. They continue to
take Damage each Turn, but can make another Skill
Roll at the end of each Turn.
Applying poison to a weapon takes an Action, lasts a
Scene, and inflicts a +1 Difficulty to Skill Rolls with the
poisoned weapon.
POLEARM, HEAVY
Description:
Polearms combine exceptional reach with stopping
power. There were many different styles and heads,
including curved and straight blades and axe-heads.
Heavier polearms include the guan dao, naginata,
glaive, war scythe, halberd, and many more.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is
used in melee.
POLEARM, LIGHT
Description:
Polearms combine exceptional reach with stopping
power. There were many different styles and heads,
including curved and straight blades and axe-heads.
Polearms include a massive variety of weapons
including the pike, the voulge, bill, and many more.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
POUCH
Description:
Pouches and belt compartments are used to hold
small objects within easy reach of the user. Items that
hold money can fall into this category as well.
Examples include belt pouches, utility belts, pocketed
vests, and police service belts.
POWER ARMOR SUIT
Description:
Power armor uses built-in motors to assist the user in
feats of strength. Power armor is extremely clunky, but
offers excellent protection. Power armor can cease to
function when its power source is used up.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +5 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
3.
Wearing this armor grants an additional 1d10 to
physical Skill Rolls in regards to feats of strength, as
well as +1 Damage to all melee attacks.
This armor offers full life support, allowing the user to
go without air for roughly eight hours and exist in a
toxic environment and see in low-light conditions.
POWERED BLADE, HEAVY
Description:
Heavy powered blades can include large chainsaw
type swords or sizable vibro weapons, usually seen in
a sword of axe bladed form. There are few weapons
as deadly, but they are also difficult to swing and use.
These larger versions are very heavy and require two-
hands to use, but can deal substantial damage.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and is
used in melee.
POWERED BLADE, LIGHT
Description:
Lighter powered blades includes one-handed chain or
vibro type powered weapons. They are commonly
seen in sword and axe forms. They are extremely
dangerous, but light enough to use in one-hand.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is used in
melee.
PRESSURE SUIT
Description:
Pressure suits are designed to protect the human
body from environmental extremes it was not
designed to be subjected to. Different kinds of suits
are designed to protect from situations like being far
underwater or the vacuum of space.
176
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
The target is immune to pressure and vacuum
damage, allowing them to operate normally in areas
that would normally have deadly pressure such as
underwater or in space.
While worn, the user can see in the dark.
This armor offers full life support for 8 hours. While
active, the user doesn't need air and is immune to
airborne toxins. It recharges in a breathable
environments.
PRESSURIZED ARMOR SUIT
Description:
Pressurized armor is sealed and constructed to stand
up to incredible pressure with no harm to the wearer.
Armor such as underwater combat suits or armored
starship or aircraft flight suits would fall into this
category.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +3 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
1.
The target is immune to pressure and vacuum
damage, allowing them to operate normally in areas
that would normally have deadly pressure such as
underwater or in space.
While worn, the user can see in the dark.
This armor offers full life support for 8 hours. While
active, the user doesn't need air and is immune to
airborne toxins. It recharges in a breathable
environments.
PULSE MINIGUN, HEAVY
Description:
Energy-based machine guns, pulse energy miniguns,
and pulse cannons can include any rapid-fire heavy
energy weapon. They can tear through most targets
easily with powerful energy blasts. Difficult and heavy
to use by hand, these models are usually vehicle
mounted. Only experts can hope to use these by
hand.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +4
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 50 meters with an ammo
count of 100.
This weapon uses 5 charges of ammunition in a
normal attack (or the rest of the ammo if less than 5).
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 10 charges of ammunition instead of 5,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 20 charges of ammunition instead of 5,
the user strikes every creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
PULSE MINIGUN, LIGHT
Description:
Energy-based machine guns, pulse energy miniguns,
and pulse energy cannons can include any rapid-fire
heavy energy weapon. They can tear through most
targets easily with powerful energy blasts. The lighter
models are often employed in military squads for
suppressive fire.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 50 meters with an ammo
count of 100.
This weapon uses 5 charges of ammunition in a
normal attack (or the rest of the ammo if less than 5).
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 10 charges of ammunition instead of 5,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 20 charges of ammunition instead of 5,
the user strikes every creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
177
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
PULSE RIFLE
Description:
Pulse energy rifles are two-handed energy-based
weapons that are capable of automatic fire. They are
the assault rifles of the future.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 70 meters with an ammo count of
50.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires a specific energy cell as
ammunition. Replacing an energy cell requires an
Action.
PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN, HEAVY
Description:
Shotguns are powerful, close-range firearms that
normally use shot shells to fire tiny metal pellets rather
than solid slugs. This weapon houses an internal
magazine and shells are loaded into it directly. Heavier
pump-action shotguns can do some severe damage.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 8 meters with an ammo
count of 6.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon requires specific shotgun shells. Loading
shotgun shells into the weapon costs an Action.
 Chapter 5
PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN, LIGHT
Description:
Shotguns are powerful, close-range firearms that
normally use shot shells to fire tiny metal pellets rather
than solid slugs. This weapon houses an internal
magazine and shells are loaded into it directly. Lighter
pump-action shotguns are easier to wield than some
of the more cumbersome models.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 10 meters with an ammo
count of 8.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon requires specific shotgun shells. Loading
shotgun shells into the weapon costs an Action.
QUARTERSTAFF
Description:
The quarterstaff, bo stick, and other long staff
weapons are extremely effective weapons despite
their simplicity. Classically used as weapons for
training squires and by monks, the quarterstaff is a
quick-striking weapon accessible enough for a novice
yet an incredible force in the hands of a master.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
QUIVER
Description:
Quivers are designed to hold arrows or bolts for bows
and crossbows. Bolt quivers are generally shorter than
standard-sized quivers. They are usually worn over
the shoulder or on the belt.
RADIO
Description:
Radio devices are used to transmit and receive
signals. One-way radios are used to listen to music,
news, and other feeds from radio channels. Two-way
radios are used to communicate directly with other
individuals on different frequencies.
RAFT
Description:
Rafts, canoes, and similar small vessels are intended
for short-distance traveling, and are suited normally for
rivers and lakes. They are generally affordable and the
178
easiest type of watercraft to make in an emergency.
REBREATHER
Description:
Rebreathers, scuba gear, and similar objects are used
to breathe where there is no air for humans. While
generally not suited to resist toxic environments, those
made to do so have the same benefits and
disadvantages as gas masks.
Effect:
This equipment is cumbersome and inflicts a +1
Difficulty to relevant Skill Rolls.
This equipment allows the user to go without air for
eight hours.
REGENERATIVE SERUM
Description:
Regenerative serum could be found in futuristic
Settings. This particular kind of medicine restores
health over time, knitting flesh and closing wounds
either through chemicals or possibly nanobots.
Effect:
Using this item requires an Action.
This item restores 1 Health at the end of each Turn for
3d4 Turns with a successful Skill Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
REINFORCED CLOTHING
Description:
Reinforced clothing is nothing more than very cheap,
basic armor. This can include things like football pads,
motorcycled helmets, bulky life vests, biker clothes, a
reinforced duster, or just extremely thick or heavy
leather clothing of any kind.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +1 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
1.
RELIGIOUS ICON
Description:
Religious icons, symbols, and pendants for jewelry
profess an owner's faith – legitimately or as a ruse.
Certain fantasy or supernatural Settings may grant
power to holy symbols.
 Chapter 5
RESTRAINTS
Description:
Handcuffs and shackles are used to immobilize
prisoners more efficiently than simply using rope or
duct tape. Shackles and leg irons are mostly used to
limit movement; handcuffs are used to restrain the
hands. Modern handcuffs come in classic steel, as
well as plastic restraint form.
REVOLVER, HEAVY
Description:
Revolvers are one-handed pistols that have rounds
loaded in a pop-out cylinder that serves as the
magazine. Most revolvers carry six rounds. This
category of revolvers has heavy stopping power and
are normally chambered in .454 Casull and .44
Magnum. Heavy revolvers include the Colt Anaconda,
Taurus Raging Bull, and Ruger Super Redhawk.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 25 meters with an ammo
count of 6.
This weapon requires specific caliber bullets. Loading
six bullets into the chamber costs an Action.
REVOLVER, LIGHT
Description:
Revolvers are one-handed pistols that have rounds
loaded in a pop-out cylinder that serves as the
magazine. Most revolvers carry six rounds. Lighter
revolvers use lower powered cartridges such as .38
Long Colt and .32-20, are often lighter and have less
recoil. Examples include the S&W .38 Special,
Manurhin MR 73, and Colt Official Police.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 25 meters with an ammo count of
6.
This weapon requires specific caliber bullets. Loading
six bullets into the chamber costs an Action.
REVOLVER, MEDIUM
Description:
Revolvers are one-handed pistols that have rounds
loaded in a pop-out cylinder that serves as the
179
magazine. Most revolvers carry six rounds.
Moderately sized revolvers are often loaded with .45
ACP and .357 Magnum, striking a balance between
handling and power. Examples include the Webley
Revolver, Colt Python, and M1917 Revolver.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 25 meters with an ammo
count of 6.
This weapon requires specific caliber bullets. Loading
six bullets into the chamber costs an Action.
ROCKET
Description:
Rocket type ammunition is used in rocket launchers
and rocket-propelled grenades. It features an
explosive payload designed to take out structures and
vehicles.
ROCKET LAUNCHER
Description:
A rocket launcher is a launcher weapon that can fire
rockets or missiles. These hand held versions are not
quite as strong as their big-sister counterparts, but can
still cause massive devastation. Rocket launchers
include the M1 Bazooka, the Panzerschreck, and the
RPG-7. These stats are also useful for rocket-based
ship or vehicle weapons.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 75 meters with an ammo
count of 1.
In addition to the target, this weapon deals Damage to
anything it would hit within 5 meters of the target as
well.
This weapon requires specific rockets designed for a
rocket launcher. It requires an Action to load a new
rocket.
ROCKET, GUIDED
Description:
Heat seeking rockets, also called missiles, have smart
 Chapter 5
guidance systems. This allows them to lock onto
targets easily.
Effect:
Guided rockets lower Difficulty by 1. However, the
guidance system lowers the payload resulting in a -1
to Damage to a minimum of 1.
ROPE
Description:
Rope is a common device for climbing, tying up
objects, or binding people. Most rope is fairly heavy
duty, thought he stronger the rope the more heavy it
tends to be.
SAILBOAT
Description:
Sailboats include primarily wind-powered boats
designed for personal operation for uses such as
fishing or recreation. Primary powered by sails, some
modern ones have optional engines.
SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN
Description:
Shotguns are powerful, close-range firearms that
normally use shot shells to fire tiny metal pellets rather
than solid slugs. Short-barreled shotguns are easier to
conceal than larger shotguns, but the shorter barrel
weakens damage. Despite the name, not all shotguns
of this size are actually cut-down.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 8 meters with an ammo
count of 2.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon requires specific shotgun shells.
Breaking open and reloading the weapon with shells
requires an Action.
SEEDS
Description:
Seeds are used to grow plants. Most common seeds
are quite affordable, but certain rare seeds may have
an inflated price. Growing and tending seeds may take
multiple Skill Rolls over time, depending on the plants
in question.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL, HEAVY
Description:
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Semi-automatic pistols are handheld firearms that
automatically chamber the next round after pulling the
trigger. Heavy, high caliber pistols are less common
and often loaded with powerful cartridges such as .45
ACP and .50 AE. Examples include the venerable Colt
M1911 and the Desert Eagle .50.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo
count of 7.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL, LIGHT
Description:
Semi-automatic pistols are handheld firearms that
automatically chamber the next round after pulling the
trigger. Lighter, easier to handle pistols are common
for police, military, and civilian weapons chambered in
calibers such as 9mm and .40 S&W. Examples include
the Beretta 92 and the Glock 22.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo count of
15.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL, MEDIUM
Description:
Semi-automatic pistols are handheld firearms that
automatically chamber the next round after pulling the
trigger. Moderately sized pistols are common
magazine sizes for military, police, and civilian use.
They are often chambered in calibers such as .40
S&W and .45 ACP. Examples include the USP
Tactical and Beretta 90-Two.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 15 meters with an ammo
 Chapter 5
count of 12.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE, HEAVY
Description:
Rifles are long arms commonly used for hunting and
used by the military when guns were first invented.
Heavy semi-automatic rifles are some of the more
powerful rifle weapons. While high caliber, they aren't
the most easy to use rifles.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 70 meters with an ammo
count of 8.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE, LIGHT
Description:
Rifles are long arms commonly used for hunting and
used by the military when guns were first invented.
Light semi-automatic or repeating rifles are common
modern weapons. Most hunting rifles and military rifles
fall into this category, matching power with range and
ease of use.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 75 meters with an ammo count of
30.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
Description:
Shotguns are powerful, close-range firearms that
normally use shot shells to fire tiny metal pellets rather
than solid slugs. Tactical police and military shotguns
often use semi-automatic shotguns.
181
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 8 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon is less effective against armored targets,
and the target doubles their Damage reduction.
This weapon requires specific shotgun shell-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SHIELD, HEAVY
Description:
Heavy shields include larger and stronger shields,
especially those made of metal such as kite shields
and tower shields. This category also includes heavier
modern metal riot shields. They are the strongest
general purpose shields that provide the most
coverage, in return for being the most cumbersome.
Effect:
This shield is cumbersome and inflicts a +3 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls when held and ready.
When held in a hand, this shield adds a +3 Difficulty to
incoming attacks.
SHIELD, LIGHT
Description:
Light shields include most shields made of wood or
hide, as well as smaller metal shields like targes and
heater shields. This category also includes modern
synthetic riot shields. They offer good protection for
only moderate hindrance.
Effect:
This shield is cumbersome and inflicts a +2 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls when held and ready.
When held in a hand, this shield adds a +2 Difficulty to
incoming attacks.
SHIP, LARGE
Description:
Large ships include the classic galleon and the old
merchant ships of the old days. They aren’t as popular
in the modern era, but remain reliable sea vessels.
SHIP, SMALL
Description:
Smaller ships include moderate-length travel, fishing,
 Chapter 5
or recreation. This includes schooners and frigates.
Many larger fishing ships will also fall into this
category.
SHOCK BATON
Description:
Futuristic stun batons or shock batons can be used to
deal minimal damage, but also electrocute the target.
While they are powered, they can be used a large
amount of time before needing new batteries or
recharging.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
When this weapon strikes a target they cannot do
anything until an Action is spent to recover.
SHOCK STAFF
Description:
Stun or shock polearms are futuristic shock weapons
that can be used to deal bludgeoning damage as well
as stun targets. While capable of less lethal
takedowns, they are also quite capable of lethal force.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is used in melee.
When this weapon strikes a target they cannot do
anything until an Action is spent to recover.
SHOTGUN SHELL
Description:
Shotgun shells are used in shotguns of all sorts.
Unlike conventional bullets, they fire a spread of small
projectiles rather than a single slug. This type of
ammo excels against unarmored targets.
SHOTGUN SHELL, RUBBER
Description:
Rubber shells are specifically designed for non-lethal
takedowns. Instead of metal shot, rubber balls are
fired. While still dangerous, they are far less deadly.
Effect:
This ammo reduces the weapon to 1 Damage.
182
If struck, the target cannot do anything until an Action
is spent to recover.
SHOTGUN SHELL, SLUG
Description:
Shotgun shells using slugs use single metal rounds
much like normal bullets. However, shotguns are not
designed to fire single slugs, and they keep the
shotgun’s inferior range. They do pierce armor very
well, though.
Effect:
This ammo removes the armor increase effect.
This ammo suffers a -1 to Damage to a minimum of 1.
SILENCER
Description:
Silencers and sound suppressors are tools to reduce
the volume of gunshots. Favored by spies and
assassins, firing a gun without a silencer is likely to be
heard some distance away.
Effect:
When fitted onto a firearm, this weapon increases the
Difficulty to detect it by sound to base 10.
This weapon attachment reduces weapon Damage by
1.
SKATEBOARD
Description:
Skateboards are simple personal modes of transport
and recreation primarily for urban environments. They
are also popular in sports. One common feature of
these devices is being able to do a variety of tricks
with the right training.
SKATES
Description:
Skates can include roller skates and inline skates. In
more futuristic settings, jet skates might be available
as well. Normal wheeled skates offer great mobility
and little bulk. They can be nearly useless on rough
terrain, however.
SKETCHBOOK
Description:
Sketchbooks and pads are used for mobile drawing,
sketching, and other forms of artistry. They are used
by artists, explorers, and adventurers.
 Chapter 5
SKIS
Description:
Skis are useful snow transportation devices that
include two narrow boards, one worn on each foot.
They excel at going downhill. Ski poles are included to
assist with mobility.
SLING
Description:
Slings are one of the simplest projectile weapons. It
contains a leather strap and a metal cup in which a
sling stone is placed. The weapon is then whirled
around and the metal bullet or stone is released in an
arc towards the target.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 8 meters.
This weapon requires sling bullets. It requires no
Action to load a sling as putting the ammunition in is
part of the attack.
Stones can be used in place of real ammunition. If this
is done, the weapon has -1 Damage.
SLING BULLET
Description:
Sling bullets include ammunition used in slings,
slingshots, and other similar projectile weapons. They
are usually circular or oval metal.
SLINGSHOT
Description:
Slingshots are normally thought of as toys and used
by mischievous children. However, the slingshot is a
weapon, and while more effective against small game,
combat-ready ones are capable of wounding a human.
Effect:
This two-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 8 meters.
This weapon requires sling bullets. It requires no
Action to load a sling as putting the ammunition in is
part of the attack.
Stones can be used in place of real ammunition. If this
is done, the weapon has -1 Damage.
SMELLING SALTS
Description:
Smelling salts are a simple but potent chemical used
183
to wake up unconscious patients. The effects are
nearly instantaneous.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
This item revives an unconscious or sleeping
character on a successful Skill Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
SMOKE GRENADE
Description:
Smoke grenades are one-use thrown explosives that
disperse concealing smoke.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon has an effective range of 15
meters when thrown.
These ammo disperses concealing smoke 5 meters
around from the target point and creatures
concealed/blocked by the smoke are considered
hidden. The smoke remains for 10 Rounds.
This weapon is expended upon use.
SNIPER RIFLE, BOLT-ACTION
Description:
Bolt-action sniper rifles are used to kill targets at a
long range and are prefect for assassinations and
military snipers. They are two-handed, slow-firing, long
range rifles. These particular type of bolt-action rifles
have an internal magazine and are high caliber
weapons.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and
has an effective range of 300 meters with an ammo
count of 5.
This weapon requires specific bullets loaded by hand.
Reloading bullets into the gun requires an Action.
SNIPER RIFLE, SEMI-AUTOMATIC
Description:
Sniper rifles are used to kill targets at a long range
and are prefect for assassinations. They are two-
handed, slow-firing, long range rifles. Semi-automatic
rifles of this tend to be lower powered but have a
 Chapter 5
higher capacity.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 300 meters with an ammo
count of 10.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SNOWBOARD
Description:
Snowboards are simple personal modes of transport
in snow and recreation exclusively for snowy
environments. Snowboarding is a popular sport as
well. Like skateboards, these devices are great for
tricks.
SOAP
Description:
Soaps, shampoos, and conditioners are useful for
cleaning and keeping an appropriate appearance. The
Setting determines the range and availability of soap.
SPEAR
Description:
Spears are light and easy to wield with a sharp or
pointed edge, largely considered to be one of the
oldest weapons. Weapons such as these are
designed to be thrown as well as used in hand-to-
hand combat. This can include all manners of spears,
including tridents.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and is
used in melee.
This weapon can be thrown without an improvised
weapons penalty. It has a range of 15 meters.
SPEEDBOAT
Description:
A speedboat is a small, quick powered watercraft. This
category of watercraft includes any powered boat for
personal use. They are popular with civilians as well
as modern pirates and law enforcement.
184
STARSHIP, CRUISER
Description:
Starship cruisers are massive vehicles, the war ships
of the future. They are usually armed with a multitude
of weapons and require a large crew, depending on
the size, to fully man.
STARSHIP, FIGHTER
Description:
A fighter starship is a sleek, quick, one or two person
combat space vehicle. Like military jets, they are used
for quick accurate strikes, but have to be very careful
around the heavy firepower of cruisers or battleships.
STARSHIP, TRANSPORT
Description:
Starship freighters include most medium-sized
spaceships used for personal long-distance flight or
trading. They are very common vessels.
STIMULANT
Description:
Stimulants provide a large boost of energy. Legal
stimulants generally have less side effects, but illegal
stimulants can be dangerously addictive. In either
case, they can increase alertness.
Effect:
This item can be used with an Action.
This item restores 1d4 Ability with a successful Skill
Roll.
This item is consumed on use.
STUN GUN
Description:
Despite the misleading name, the electroshock
weapon known as the stun gun is actually a close-
combat weapon. The stun gun is dug into the target
when the trigger is depressed and the victim is
temporarily disabled.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and is
used in melee.
When this weapon strikes a target they cannot do
anything until an Action is spent to recover.
SUBMACHINE GUN, HEAVY
Description:
 Chapter 5
Submachine guns are short range easily portable
slug-throwing automatic firearms. Twenty round
submachine guns tend to make up for their lower
capacity with higher caliber ammunition. These
weapons use bullet-loaded magazines.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and
has an effective range of 25 meters with an ammo
count of 20.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SUBMACHINE GUN, LIGHT
Description:
Submachine guns are short range easily portable
slug-throwing automatic firearms. Compact
submachine guns further blur the already unclear line
between machine pistols and submachine guns, this
category of weapons generally require (or are best
served by) two-handed use. These weapons use
bullet-loaded magazines.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and has
an effective range of 30 meters with an ammo count of
30.
This weapon is capable of burst fire when attacking.
For expending 3 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user reduces Difficulty by 1.
This weapon is capable of automatic fire when
attacking. For 10 charges of ammunition instead of 1,
the user strikes ever creature within 3 meters of the
target with the Skill Roll.
185
This weapon requires specific bullet-loaded
magazines. Reloading the weapon with a magazine is
an Action.
SURGEON'S KIT
Description:
A surgeon's kit or bag is filled with delicate instruments
designed for invasive medical procedures. Unlike
normal medical bags or first-aid kits, these instruments
are designed solely for surgery. They include tools
such as scalpels, bone saws, medical hammers,
surgical pliers, and similar items.
SWORD, HEAVY
Description:
This category is for very large swords designed to be
used with two-hands include weapons like the
claymore and nodachi. These massive blades are
capable of sweeping strikes. They were popular
infantry weapons for dealing with cavalry due to their
high damage potential.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +3
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This two-handed weapon deals 1d12 Damage and is
used in melee.
SWORD, LIGHT
Description:
Shorter and lighter blades are often used by travelers
and guards in older time periods. Rapiers,
shortswords, wakizashis, and short-bladed or fine-
bladed slashing and stabbing weapons of all types are
included in this category.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d8 Damage and is
used in melee.
SWORD, MEDIUM
Description:
Swords were once a weapon of the professional
soldier. This category includes most one-handed
military swords such as spathas, broadswords,
scimitars, yanmaodaos, katanas, and other classic
edged military weapons.
 Chapter 5
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +2
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d10 Damage and is
used in melee.
TACTICAL ARMOR
Description:
Tactical armor encompasses any post-modern or
futuristic full-protective armor that also has
supplementary auxiliary functions. Perfect for futuristic
soldiers, cyberpunk corporate security, or alien bounty
hunters, this type of armor supports a basic filter, flash
protection, communications equipment. In return, it is
extraordinarily bulky and cumbersome.
Effect:
This armor is cumbersome and inflicts a +4 Difficulty
to relevant Skill Rolls.
When worn, this armor reduces incoming Damage by
3.
This armor has full support functions: this allows the
user to see in the dark and ignore environmental
effects from toxins, heat, and cold. It also has a built in
communication system.
TANK
Description:
A tank is a treaded military vehicle. It supports a main
tank gun that fires artillery shells, doing at least as
much damage as an assault cannon. Tanks became a
main force in modern wars since World War II.
TEAR GAS GRENADE
Description:
Tear gas grenades refer to any tear gas grenade or
similar less-than-lethal grenade that disperses
disabling gas that functions as a lachrymator agent.
These are commonly used by riot police and S.W.A.T.
teams.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon has an effective range of 15
meters when thrown.
These weapon disperses irritating gas 5 meters
around from the target point and affects all targets that
fail a Skill Roll. The gas remains for 5 Rounds.
When affected by this weapon, a target is disoriented
186
and has their base Difficulty increased to 10 until an
Action is spent to recover with a successful Skill Roll.
Targets that enter or end their Turn in the gas must
make a Skill Roll or suffer the weapon's effects.
This weapon is expended upon use.
TENT
Description:
Portable tents are popular in camping, and can
provide a safe and comfortable sleep, especially
combined with blankets and/or sleeping bags. Most
portable tents can shield 2 people comfortable, 3
cramped.
THROWING WEAPON, HEAVY
Description:
Heavy throwing weapons are aerodynamic weapons
such as javelins, throwing hammers, throwing axes,
and chakram. They are a bit deadlier than their lighter
variants, but have a shorter range.
Effect:
This weapon is difficult to use and imposes a +1
Difficulty to Skill Rolls.
This one-handed weapon deals 1d6 Damage and has
an effective range of 15 meters when thrown.
THROWING WEAPON, LIGHT
Description:
Lighter throwing weapons are aerodynamic weapons
such as throwing knives, throwing spikes, darts, and
shuriken. They can easily be carried concealed due to
their small size.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and has
an effective range of 15 meters when thrown.
TIMEPIECE
Description:
Timepieces such as small clocks, pocket watches,
hourglasses, and other devices are used to help
humans judge the time of day. Most portable
timepieces in modern days are built into other objects
like computers and cell phones.
TINDERBOX
Description:
A tinderbox consists of materials required to start a
fire. They were commonly used before matches and
 Chapter 5
lighters were invented, utilizing the method of flint
striking steel to start a blaze.
TOBACCO
Description:
Tobacco and other smoking materials are toxic agents
used for recreation throughout history. This includes
cigars, pipes, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and similar
items.
TOOL KIT
Description:
Portable tool kits are belts or small boxes filled with
essential tools for basic repairs. A hammer,
screwdriver, and/or a few other similar tools of the
owner's choice can be easily carried.
Effect:
This equipment consists of normal quality tools used
for general repairs of any type. While they can fix most
things, they are not properly used to create like
crafting tools which are more specialized.
TOOL, MANUAL
Description:
Tools are items used to help accomplish tasks such as
repairs, building, and cleaning. Manual tools are the
simplest kind, but they are also the most reliable and
require no power source. Hammers, fishing
equipment, lockpicks, handsaws, wrenches, and
crowbars are all tools.
TOOL, POWER
Description:
Powered tools are more efficient, but less reliable,
than manual tools. They require a power source, and
when that is depleted they cease to function.
Examples include chainsaws, hedge trimmers, power
drills, and nail guns.
TORCH
Description:
Torches are used as an old form of illumination. They
are lit on fire and stay lit for long periods of time. They
often lined the halls of older buildings to keep
everything bright and cheery.
Effect:
This item lasts for 1 hour before being consumed.
TOXIC GAS GRENADE
Description:
Toxic chemical and poison grenades are one-use
187
thrown explosives that disperse deadly gas. An
example of this type of gas is mustard gas.
Effect:
This one-handed weapon has an effective range of 15
meters when thrown.
These weapon disperses toxic gas 5 meters around
from the target point and deals 1d6 Damage to all
targets that fail a Skill Roll. The gas remains for 3
Rounds.
Targets that enter or end their turn in the gas must
make a Skill Roll or suffer the weapon's Damage.
This weapon is expended upon use.
TOY
Description:
Toys are used for distraction, gifts, and to entertain
adults and children alike. Toys can vary based on
culture and setting, but examples are dolls, stuffed
animals, toy guns, model kits, and puzzles.
TRUCK, LARGE
Description:
Delivery trucks are often used for hauling goods and
equipment. They tend to include a cab for seating
people and a large storage area in the back. Larger
trucks such as tractor-trailer trucks can move massive
quantities of goods.
TRUCK, SMALL
Description:
Pickups, Humvees, jeeps, and other smaller trucks are
durable, rugged, and very safe. Most have very good
cargo space. Military models are often equipped with a
machine gun.
UTILITY BELT
Description:
Utility belts are belts designed to carry equipment and
tools related to jobs and tasks – they are adorned with
loops, hooks, pouches, holsters, and compartments.
They are employed by police, military, workers,
alchemists, and gadget-based superheros. They are
also a fashionable alternative to backpacks.
VAN
Description:
Large vans are often used for small-scale shipping or
as utility vehicles. They offer a lot of space, but often
have poor handling.
 Chapter 5

WAGON
Description:
Wagons and carts are used to transport goods. They
were one of the most common forms of transport
throughout history. They require animals, people, or
vehicles to pull them.

WATER
Description:
Water is necessary to survive for most creatures. The
amount purchased here is enough for one meal, and
multiple purchases can fit in a bottle, water flask, or
canteen.

WEAPON HARNESS
Description:
Weapon harnesses include holsters, scabbards,
sheaths, and slings to hold weapons easily and ready
them when necessary. It is not necessary to have one,
but it makes them easier to carry and access and
especially for larger weapons makes it easier to have
hands free.

WHIP
Description:
A bullwhip is an unconventional weapon made of
flexible leather that has excellent reach. While it can
do a little damage, most importantly it has the ability to
snag objects and people.

Effect:
This one-handed weapon deals 1d4 Damage and is
used in melee.

This weapon has superior reach, capable of hitting

targets up to 3 meters away.

188
Chapter 5

189
 Appendix: Character Sheet

THE HARBINGERS CHARACTER SHEET

CHARACTER
NAME CONCEPT EXPERIENCE

PROFILE
BACKGROUND PERSONALITY APPEARANCE

HEALTH & ABILITY

HEALTH ABILITY

SKILLS
NAME EFFECTS

TRAITS
NAME EFFECTS

TECHNIQUES
NAME EFFECTS
 Appendix: Character Sheet

EQUIPMENT
NAME EFFECTS

NOTES
PEOPLE ORGANIZATIONS LOCATIONS
 Appendix: Sample Characters

CANINE GREAT CAT

This is a template for larger canines such as wolves or Great cats include the species of tigers, wolves,
big dogs. Canines are skilled hunters, but generally panthers, and similar animals. They are fast,
only attack humanoids if extremely hungry. dangerous hunters and can tear a human apart.

HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY

5 2 1 12 6 3

SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES

Athletics Animal Senses Takedown Athletics Animal Senses Bleeder
Brawling Animal Speed Brawling Animal Speed Takedown
Natural Intimidation Natural
Weapons Survival Weapons
Quadruped Quadruped

CRAFTSMAN HEALER
These statistics can be used for all types of craftsmen This template is for a trained healer, medic, or doctor.
from blacksmiths to mechanics to mechanized battle The abilities are slated towards a realistic healer who
unit technicians. doesn’t use flashy spells to remove wounds.

HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY

8 4 5 8 4 8

SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES

Craftsmanship Craftsman Improvise Biology Medic First-Aid
Mechanics Salvage Herbalism Medical Expert Surgical Healing
Medicine
DRAGON
Dragons are beasts of fiction in high-fantasy works. MAGE
They are long, scaly, lizard-like creatures with physical This is a good template for a combat-oriented magic
strength, spells, and deadly breath. user such as a mage, sorcerer, or conjurer. This is a
classic staple for high fantasy Settings.
HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY
HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY
30 15 12
8 4 10
SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES
SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES
Athletics Flight Dragon Breath
Brawling Natural Sweep Alchemy Arcane Lore Arcane Bolt
Intimidation Weapons Arcanum Arcane Blast
Investigation Enchantment Barrier
Survival Spellcraft Magic Grasp
 Appendix: Sample Characters

MERCHANT SOCIALITE
This merchant is a perfect example of a talented The socialite template is good for noblemen,
salesman. This template is useful for all skilled corporate executives, dandies, and government
peddlers, traders, salesclerks, and shop keeps. officials. Their social abilities are far above average.

HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY

8 4 5 8 4 5

SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES

Culture Salesman Distraction Deception Charm Inspire
Diplomacy Diplomacy Vain Presence
Persuasion Insight Wealthy
Law
MUTANT Persuasion
Mutants are superhuman creatures with strange
powers, speed, and strength. Mutations can result THUG
from experiments and environments. Thugs are found throughout history, and this basic
criminal or bandit can be used in virtually any Setting.
HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY They can also be used for lightly armed guards.
15 7 1
HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY
10 5 1
SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES
Athletics Martial Arts Leap
Brawling Tough Smash SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES
Investigation Uncanny Speed Brawling Street Fighter Sweep
Intimidation Takedown
MYSTICAL WARRIOR Marksmanship
This template is for a fantastical divine warrior or Melee
celestial knight. This includes holy knights, clerics, or Stealth
other similar character types.
ZOMBIE
HEALTH THRESHOLD ABILITY This is the basic information for a classic shuffling
zombie. They are slow but durable, and immune to
12 6 5 poisons and disease since they are already dead.

SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES HLT THR ABL

Diplomacy Mystic Bless 5 0 1
Melee Laying On
Spellcraft Hands
SKILLS TRAITS TECHNIQUES
Brawling Corpse Sweep
Death Takedown
Unnatural Life
 Glossary
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ability (ABL)
Ability is a character’s energy and willpower, mental
and physical reserves. This is used to activate
Techniques.
Action (ACT)
A character gets one Action, a major action, during a
Scene. Smaller or less involved actions can be
performed as well.
Chapter
A Chapter is much like a chapter in a book or an
episode of a TV series – a set of Scenes and
Encounters to delve into a specific section of a Story.
Characteristic
Characteristics are the parts that make up a character
including Health, Ability, Skills, Traits, and Techniques.
Condition
A Condition is an effect that lasts for a variable period
of time, augmenting a character's Characteristics in
some way. This can be incurred from Critical
Successes, Critical Failures, Techniques, and other
situational events.
Critical Failure
Critical Failures are disastrous failures that inflict
context-appropriate negative effects determined by the
GM.
Critical Success
Critical Successes are outstanding successes that
grant context-appropriate positive effects determined
by the GM.
Damage (DAM)
When a character is injured, they suffer Damage.
Damage reduces Health, or if the character has no
Health, it lowers their Health Threshold.
Difficulty (DIFF)
A Difficulty is a target number a Skill Roll must meet or
exceed. The default is 5, but it can be modified by a
variety of factors.
Encounter
An Encounter is a turn-based mechanism to control
the flow of scenes where conflicting actions occur
such as combat, chase scenes, or other scenarios
where time is relevant and order of actions matters.
Encounter Order
An Encounter Order roll is a special 1d10 roll that
determines the order of Turns in a Round. For larger
Encounters involving many characters, the GM may
determine this by group rather than individual
character.
Experience (EXP)
Experience is the sum of the character’s knowledge
and abilities. Starting characters augment their
Characteristics with Experience and additional
Experience can often be earned during play to further
enhance characters.
Failure
Failure refers to a Skill Roll that does not meet or
exceed the Difficulty.
Game Master (GM)
A Game Master, or GM, is the referee and arbiter of
the game. They also control all of the NPCs and
determine how major events unfold.
Health (HLT)
The Health is the well-being and hardiness of a
character. If a character runs out of Health, they lose
Health Threshold.
Incapacitated
Incapacitated characters have 0 Health but are still
alive, meaning they still have Health Threshold
remaining. They are capable of doing nothing during
Scenes and are normally rendered unconscious.
Interruption
An Interruption lets a character out of Turn during a
Scene.
Non Player Character (NPC)
NPCs are character not controlled by any of the
players. The Game Master speaks for, controls, and
operates all Non-Player Characters.
Player
A Player is a person playing the game and controlling
a character of their own.
Player Character (PC)
PCs are characters directly controlled by players.
 Glossary

Roleplaying Threshold (THR)

Roleplaying is taking on a character and making
decisions based on their personalities and experience.
Scene
A Scene is a series of continuous events and action in
a single area or location – no different than a scene in
a movie, show, book, etc. Scenes make up active
gameplay, and may contain Encounters.
Setting
A game's Setting is the world, universe, and time
period in which the game takes place. In conjunction
with the narrative, this shapes a game's theme.
Threshold is a part of Health, and the amount of
Damage a character can sustain without dying.
Certain effects, Damage overflow from Health, or
suffering harm with 0 Health cause loss of Health's
Threshold. Without Techniques or certain items, a
character with no Threshold is permanently gone
(depending on the Setting).
Trait
Traits are passive features of a character. They can
provide bonuses or set limitations, and use or grant
experience respectively.

Skill Roll (SR)

Skill Rolls are a single value on a 1d10 and are used
to check the success of various actions against the
base Difficulty (5). If a Skill is possessed, 1d10
becomes 2d10 and the character uses the better
number.

Skill
Skills augment Skill Rolls by allowing a reroll, turning
1d10 into 2d10. This drastically improves success
rate, increases Critical Success rate, and lowers
Critical Failure rate.

Story
The plot of the overarching game. Story is laid out by
the GM, but heavily influenced in direction, tone, and
ultimate conclusion by the Players – they are the main
characters, after all.

Success
Success refers to a Skill Roll that meets or exceeds
the target Difficulty.

Technique
A Technique is a signature maneuver or special skill of
a character. These can be persuasion or combat
based, mundane or magical.
Index
Ability.....................30, 56, 75
Action.................................23
Actions...............................25
Allies..................................42
Ammunition..............135, 136
Appearance.......................49
Assisting............................16
Background.......................48
Chapters......................10, 33
Character Creation............47
Character Sheet..............190
Characteristics.............12, 55
Concepts...........................48
Conditions..........................30
Creatures...........................51
Criticals........................15, 16
Currency............................37
Custom Armor..................138
Custom Weapons............138
Cybernetics......................137
Damage.............................28
Death...........................29, 74
Dice......................................9
Difficulty ............................13
Encounter Order................22
Encounters........................22
Encumbrance..................132
Enemies.............................41
Equipment List.................139
Experience...................44, 55
Firearms..........................136
Game Mastering................33
Gaming Materials................9
Glossary..........................194
Hazards.............................28
Healing...............................29
Health....................28, 55, 74
Improvised Weapons.......136
Incapacitated...............28, 74
Interruption........................26
Item Usage......................133
Magic Items.....................137
Movement..........................26
NPCs...........................41, 47
Opposing Skill Rolls...........14
Personality.........................49
Play Example.....................10
Player Characters..............47
Reloading........................135
Roleplaying..........................5
Rounds..............................22
Safety Tools.........................5
Sample Characters..........192
Scenes...............................10
Session Zero.......................6
Setting............................7, 10
Skill Roll Failure.................14
Skill Roll Success..............14
Skill Rolls.....................13, 14
Skills............................56, 76
Special Items...................137
Stories..........................10, 33
Techniques........57, 107, 108
Themes..............................34
Threshold...............28, 55, 74
Traits............................56, 83
Turns..................................22
Weapon Range................134
..........................................28