Quickstart

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 Q U I C K STA RT

pow e r e d by
Zweihänder

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 CREDITS
B L A C K B I R D S L E A D D E S I G N E R : Ryan Verniere P RO D U C T I O N E D I TO R: Dave Shaw The characters, situations,
P OW E R E D BY Z W E I H Ä N D E R L E A D D E V E L O P E R: P RO D U C T I O N M A N A G E R: and world in Blackbirds
Daniel D. Fox Chuck Harper
are works of fiction. This
P RO D U C E R : Mary Gumport
D E V E L O P E R S: Bill Bridges, John Chambers, Marguerite K I C K STA RTE R CO N C I E RG E: game was designed,
Dabaie, Edward Austin Hall, Joseph Limbaugh, Zoë Kate Bullock developed, and produced
Quinn, Jared Rosen, and Eddy Webb S O C I A L M E D I A CO O R D I N ATO R: by a multicultural team of
A D D I T I O N A L C O NT R I B UT I O N S: Jason Bolte, Christian Fox
diverse beliefs, identities,
Joe Carriker, and Ify Nwadiwe R P G B R A N D M A N A G E M E NT:
O B S E RV AT I O N S O F A W A N D E R I N G S Q U I R E Daniela Bone and orientations.
W R I TE R: MARKETING AND
Christian Fox C O M M U N I C AT I O N S :
C U LT U R A L C O N S U LTA NT: Marguerite Dabaie Kathy Hilliard
K I C K STA RTE R B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P E R: Tammy Hook
LI N E E D I TO R : John Chambers S A L E S O P E R AT I O N S : Lynne McAdoo
E D I TO R S : Marguerite Dabaie, Edward Austin Hall,
and Eddy Webb E XE C UT I V E C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R, G A M E S :
CO P YE D I TO R : Mariah Madsen Daniel D. Fox
P RO O F R E A D E R : Madison Schultz C H I EF D E V E L O P M E NT O F F I C E R: Fred Nelson
P R E S I D E NT A N D P U B L I S H E R: Kirsty Melville
A RT D I R E C TO R S: Mary Gumport, Hannah Hahn,
and Rob Sather L I C E N S I N G M A N A G E R: George Ruiz
A RT A S S I STA NT: Jeremy Melloul
G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R S: Diane Marsh and Rob Sather L E A D P L AY TE STE R: Ryan Verniere
COV E R I LL U ST R ATO R : Dave Rapoza P L AY TE STE R S : Ryan Cady, John Cassel, George Finn,
I NTE R I O R I L LU ST R ATO R S: Nathan Anderson, Samuel Jon Frank Jr, Thor Kani, Joe Manganiello, Nick
Araya, ARTeapot, Natalia Bacetti, Clément Blum, Alice Manganiello, Ron Mathews, Graham McNeill, Kyle
Boudry, James Bousema, Xander Brown, Oleg Bulakh, Newman, Chris Prynoski, Adrian Quinn, George Ruiz,
Christopher Campbell, Mark de Bakker, Artem Demura, Jody Schaeffer, Chelsea Shafer, Paul White, Alex Wolf,
Stanislav Dikolenko, LA Draws, Thea Dumitriu, Ken and Ken Wong
Duquet, Celestial Fang, Florian-Ayala Fauna, Jonathan
Fernandes Juanieve, Mike Franchina, Paul Freland, Vlad S P E C I A L T H A N K S : Lauryn Ipsum
Gheneli, Goran Gligović, Grady Gordon, Asmo Grimae,
Sheri Groleau, Hannah Hahn, Jana Heidersdorf, Cristián P O E T RY: Yuzun Kang
Huerta, Ash J, Maxim Kostin, Maxim Kozlov, Jonathan
Kutzer, Tim Liljefors, Vasco Mariano, Iain Matthiae,
Marco Mazzoni, Oriana Menendez, Felix Miall, Maxime
Minard, Alexandria Neonakis, Joseph Pegg, Ariel Perez,
Dave Rapoza, Paul Reinwand, Adam Rosenlund, Olly
Ryder, Roman Sachnow, Rob Sather, Mariya Sviridova,
BW Usagi, Erin Vest, and Maria Zolotukhina
O B S E RV AT I O N S O F A W A N D E R I N G S Q U I R E
I LLU ST R ATO R : Evangeline Gallagher
CA RTO G R A P H E R : Francesca Baerald

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 Contents
C H A P TE R 1:   What Is This Book?  1

C H A P TE R 2:   Blackbirds & the Fateweaver  5

C H A P TE R 3:   Combat Scenes  17

C H A P TE R 4:   Theurgy & the Od  33

C H A P TE R 5 :   The Siege of Grey Face  41

C H A P TE R 6 :  Bestiary  55

Appendices:
B O O N CA R D S   61
TA L E NT & TE C H N I Q U E CA R D S   6 3
B L A C K B I R D P R E- G E N S   71
B O O N S TA L E NTS & TE C H N I Q U E S Q U I C K STA RT K E Y  91
N O TE S  92

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 C H A P TE R 1

What Is This Book?

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)


TERMINOLOGY
͝ Blackbird: The name given to
player characters in the world of
BLACKBIRDS, and any sentient
beings that have been touched by
Fate. This term is not used formally
by the denizens of the world, but
informally it might be used to mean
brigands, mercenaries, refugees, or
wanderers.
͝ Fateweaver: The rules arbiter of a
game session.
͝ Flock: A party of Blackbirds.
͝ Weaving: A single game session of
BLACKBIRDS.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
T his Quickstart contains all the rules and
materials necessary to play in the world
of BLACKBIRDS. The rules herein are an
abbreviated version of the full ruleset, but will give you a taste
of the game and what is possible using this system. The weaving
at the end of this booklet is designed to drop the players into the
middle of the action. Familiarize yourself with these terms as you
work your way through the Quickstart:
Six pre-generated Blackbirds are provided in the back of the Quickstart,
while the Weaving should take no longer than three to four hours to
play. The Fateweaver should familiarize themselves with the entirety of
this book before playing.
THE WORLD OF BLACKBIRDS
T
he invisible hand of Fate is felt most noticeably when it is
absent. In BLACKBIRDS, there exists an atmosphere of
lingering dread ushered in by the recent destruction of the
gods. This abominable act was executed by a secretive cabal known
only as the Oligarchs: pompous mortals united not only to evade the
icy touch of death, but also to destroy and supplant the deities
themselves. And after slaying Heaven’s pantheon, they turned their
dark intentions on the very arbiters of Fate.
The world of BLACKBIRDS is diverse and expansive. It ranges from
the misty forests of Thule in the north, down through the continent of
Erebos and across the Carcass Nations engulfed by unrest and war, before
finally descending to the island city-state of Corbel, mired in a lengthy
military occupation by Florent, a mighty nation from across the Azule Sea.
The Republic that spanned the continent of Erebos was cast into
civil war twelve years ago by the figures who would later transcend and
become the beings now called Oligarchs. This massive conflict provided
the sacrifice of blood, flesh, and spirit needed for their monsterous
transformation into godlike entities. And the war rages on, perpetuated
by their loyal retainers, who wait for the Oligarchs’ triumphant return.
The Weaving included in this book takes place during the siege of
a castle in the Splendid Kingdoms by the city-state of Vichy.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 C H A P TE R 2

Blackbirds † the Fateweaver

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)


“It is best to bring one’s
own set of dice to a game
of chance, for while there
are plenty in the realms of
Erebos who will gladly idle
the hours away casting lots,
there are far more eager
to turn a friendly game
into a lifelong debt . . .”
—Observations of the
Wandering Squire
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
T he most important rule in BLACKBIRDS is
this: keep the game moving! Whatever the
Fateweaver decides for the Weavings supersedes
anything written in the Quickstart. Knowing where the story
goes next is always more important than knowing where that
Skill modifier is printed.
H OW TO P L AY
I
n BLACKBIRDS, role-playing drives the story. The exception to
this is when there are potential consequences for failure. Then—
and only then—are dice called upon to determine the results.
Dice
The Fateweaver will impose challenging situations upon the Blackbirds
that may prove lethal. These vary widely, including combat, intrigue,
and a host of fantastic events. Whenever the Fateweaver calls upon
players to influence a situation, they roll dice to determine what
happens next.
BLACKBIRDS uses two different kinds of dice: Ð6s and Ð10s.
Ð10s and Ð100
You will need two Ð10s. Most of the time, these 2 Ð10s will be rolled
and read together and treated as a number ranging 1 to 100 (called a
Ð100). One die in the Ð100 roll is the tens die (the die treated as 10,
20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 00) and the other is the units die (the
die treated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0). Here are some examples on
how to read unusual Ð100 rolls:
͝ Face ‘60’ on tens & face ‘9’ on units = 69%
͝ Face ‘60’ on tens & face ‘0’ on units = 60%
͝ Face ‘00’ on tens & face ‘0’ on units = 100%
͝ Face ‘00’ on tens & face ‘1’ on units = 01%
͝ Face ‘10’ on tens & face ‘0’ on units = 10%

Ð6s
This game also uses six-sided dice. There are several
distinct uses for Ð6s, such as Damage dice, Injury
dice, and Odic dice. There may be times when a
player must roll for two or three of these resources
at one time.
Exploding Dice
When situations ask you to roll a Ð6, and a face
value of 6 is shown, that die is said to explode. An
exploded die is then rerolled, and the value is added
to the previous number. If another face value of 6 is
displayed, then the die explodes again, continuing
in this fashion until any number besides a face
value of 6 is displayed. Add up the results of all the
exploded dice to determine the end result.
Bane Damage
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
B lackbirds & the F ateweaver 7
A Blackbird may wield a weapon composed of
a substance to which their foe has a supernatural
aversion. One common example is the effect
iron and steel weapons have on the aes. In such
circumstances, these weapons deal the Blackbird’s
[CB] plus 1Ð10 in Total Damage. Bane dice
explode on a ‘9’ or ‘10.’
S K I L L TE STS: R O L L Ð10 0
M
ost rolls you make during a Weaving
will be for Skill tests. Whenever you
want your Blackbird to attempt an
action, most of the time they’ll make a Skill test.
The Basics
First, determine the Skill being tested. Skills
encompass specific fields of knowledge and
expertise, distinct from one another, but all equally
important. Your Blackbird’s capacity in a Skill is
determined by the number of Skill Ranks—the
more Skill Ranks, the better skilled the Blackbird
is in that area. Generally, your Fateweaver will call
upon you to test a specific Skill as you role-play.
However, you can request to use a specific Skill to
change events into your or another’s favor.
Each Skill is related to a Primary Attribute,
representing physical, mental, and social capabilities.
These are Combat, Brawn, Agility, Perception,
Intelligence, Willpower, and Fellowship. Coupled
with Skills, they define your Blackbird’s baseline
chances for succeeding at Skill tests.
Common and Special Skills: Skills come in two
types, Common or Special. Common Skills
represent shared knowledge every Blackbird may
attempt to employ without having practiced them.
Thus, their use may be attempted by anyone at no
penalty. Special Skills, however, require a greater
level of study and proficiency to use. While Special
Skills can be used by a Blackbird without Skill
Ranks in them, you must Flip to Fail the results
when testing them. A short summary of each Skill
is on the following page.
 8 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT

SKILL PRIMARY ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION TYPE

Athletics Brawn Climb, jump, leap, lift, row and swim Common
Awareness Perception Find traps, avoid ambushes, notice details Common
Bargain Fellowship Compromise, haggle, find a common agreement Common
Charm Fellowship Entertain, flatter, be charismatic Common
Coordination Agility Acrobatics, dodge ranged weapons and escape Common
Disguise Fellowship Hide emotions, mimicry and theatrics Special
Eavesdrop Perception Hide conversations, listen in, read lips Common
Education Intelligence Research, knowledge of history and the world Special
Folklore Intelligence Know cultures, religion, fairy tales and traditions Common
Gamble Intelligence Play games of chance and cheat Common
Guile Fellowship Lie, manipulate others, plant seeds of doubt Common
Handle Animal Fellowship Care for, ride and train animals Special
Handle Vehicle Agility Drive a cart or carriage, pilot a boat. Special
Heal Intelligence Heal others from Damage, disease and Injury Special
Intimidate Brawn Coerce others using physicality and threats Common
Leadership Fellowship Command allies and inspire others Special
Melee Combat Wield and use Melee weapons Special
Navigation Intelligence Avoid getting lost, determine direction Special
Summon Outsiders, use Vitiations and understand the
Odweft Willpower Special
Od
Ranged Combat Wield and use Ranged weapons Special
Stay calm while in distress and resist horrific
Resolve Willpower Common
experiences
Rumor Fellowship Gather and recall information from social encounters Common
Scrutinize Perception Sense motives and intentions in others Common
Skulduggery Agility Open locks, disarm traps, pick pockets Special
Stealth Agility Ambush, hide, sneak and spy Common
Strategy Intelligence Plan warfare and tactics in advance Special
Survival Perception Survive in the wilderness, find food, water, shelter Common
Toughness Brawn Withstand pain, endure physical ordeals, hold breath Common
Tradecraft Willpower Craft and repair trappings Special
Warfare Combat Adapt to changing battlefield events in the moment Special
Wortcunning Intelligence Use astrology, herbalism, hedge magic Special

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)


Once you identify the Skill to be tested,
determine the Base Chance to use it:
First, refer to your Primary Attribute
percentage value related to the Skill you are using.
Next, add +10 for each Skill Rank your
Blackbird has.
Then, apply any penalties your Peril Condition
Track may confer. This may cause you to ignore
some or all of your Skill Ranks.
Finally, add modifiers from Talents, Boons, and
Techniques that apply. The highest total modifier
that can be applied to the Primary Attribute value is
+30, while the lowest total modifier is -30.
Other outside influences and conditions of the
environment can have an impact on your ability to
succeed or fail. These ambient bonuses or penalties
imposed upon you by the drama of the situation are
called the Difficulty Rating. The Fateweaver will
tell you the final adjustment you must apply to the
Base Chance.
Add all of the modifiers together to determine
the Total Chance for Success. Grab Ð100, call out
to the table what your Total Chance for Success is,
and roll. If the rolled number is equal to or less than
your Total Chance for Success, you have succeeded
the Skill test. If the results are greater than the Total
Chance for Success, it is a Failure.
The dice might generate special results, based
on whether they Match or result in a “01” or “00”.
Also, some rules might require you to Flip to
Succeed or Flip to Fail. We’ll explain all these
variables below.
Peril Condition Penalties
If their status on the Peril Condition Track states
“Ignore 1 Skill Rank,” “Ignore 2 Skill Ranks,” or
“Ignore 3 Skill Ranks,” subtract the bonuses their
Skill Ranks confer to them. However, if they are
Incapacitated, they cannot succeed at any Skill test.
Difficulty Rating
Circumstances directly affect your ability to succeed
or fail with a Skill test. Your Fateweaver will assign
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
B lackbirds & the F ateweaver 9
a Difficulty Rating to a particular task you wish
your Blackbird to attempt.
Ύ Trivial (+30% to Base Chance)
Ύ Easy (+20% to Base Chance)
Ύ Routine (+10% to Base Chance)
Ύ Standard (no change to Base Chance)
If no Difficulty Rating is listed, it is assumed to
be Standard.
Ύ Challenging (-10% to Base Chance)
Ύ Hard (-20% to Base Chance)
Ύ Arduous (-30% to Base Chance)
Once you have announced what your Blackbird
intends to do and the Fateweaver calls out the
Difficulty Rating, you must commit to your
intended action.
Match: Critical & Sublime
If you succeed at your Skill test and roll doubles
(e.g., 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99), you’ve
rolled a Match and incur a Critical Success. This
can mean you may dole out additional Damage
upon a foe, gain a temporary beneficial effect, add a
bonus to your ally’s next Skill test, or do a number
of other things.
If you roll 01 (1%), the Skill test is a specific
kind of Degree of Success called a Sublime Success.
Sublime Successes are contextual, much like
Degrees of Successes, but are even more beneficial
to the Blackbird rolling.
Should you roll doubles and fail your Skill test,
you incur a Critical Failure. The effects of Critical
Failures are generally to your detriment. Your
Fateweaver will tell you what the effects of these
sorts of Matches are as you play.
If you roll 00 (100%), the Skill test is a specific
type of Critical Failure called a Sublime Failure. In
rare cases, it is possible to have a Total Chance for
Success in excess of 100%.
 10 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
However, a result of 100% always fails. Sublime
Failures are contextual to the situation, but the
Fateweaver may decide that Sublime Failures are
even more detrimental than Critical Failures.
Flip the Results
Some situations might grant a special Skill test
modifier called Flip to Succeed or Flip to Fail. When
you perform a Skill test with this modifier, roll your
Ð10s together, but do not designate which die is the
tens die and which is the units die. Compare both
potential outcomes of this roll, assuming one die
is the tens and the other is the units and then vice
versa. If your modifier says Flip to Succeed, then
you take the better of the two outcomes. If your
modifier says Flip to Fail, then you take the worse
of the two outcomes. Critical Success and Failure
cannot be flipped, although Sublime Success and
Failure can.
If you encounter a situation where you must
Flip to Succeed and Flip to Fail on the same roll,
then the two modifiers simply cancel each other
out, and you roll the dice as normal.
Skill Test Options
Much of the time in BLACKBIRDS, a Skill test is
straightforward: You calculate the Total Chance,
roll Ð100, and check to see whether you succeed
or fail. However, things are not always so simple.
You will encounter a variety of Skill test options as
you play:
A S S I STE D S K I LL TE STS
Other Blackbirds can Assist your Skill tests,
with the following limitations:
Only one ally can Assist a Skill test. The
Fateweaver may adjust the Difficulty Rating if
multiple allies try to help, however.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Assistance requires a Blackbird’s full attention
and effort. The player of the assisting Blackbird must
describe how their Blackbird is helping their ally.
Assisting a Skill test is announced before or
after the Difficulty Rating has been called out by
the Fateweaver.
The assisting ally hands a Ð10 die (their tens
die) to you. This is an Assist die, which can replace
the tens die result of the next Skill test you make.
Roll both your Ð100 and the Assist die together.
When determining results, refer to either the
original tens die or the Assist die for the results you
prefer (typically the lowest result). This means that
if you roll Ð100 that comes up with 45%, and your
Assist die comes up as 30, your new derived result
can be 35%.
Always assume the best result when gaining
assistance with an Assist die, unless one result is a
Critical Failure.
O P P O S E D TE ST S & D E G R EE S O F S U CC E S S
In BLACKBIRDS, most Skill tests assess a binary
outcome of Success or Failure; the wall is either
climbed or not. For instance, after your Blackbird
strikes a foe with an attack, the foe may elect to
defend themselves. The roll to do so doesn’t need to
beat yours, only succeed. The same can be said
when using the Intimidate Skill to terrify a
Blackbird’s enemies. Although the roll may have
succeeded, a Resolve test may be made for the
enemies on their Turn to shake off or ignore its
effects. However, there are certain situations where
both tests are successful and result in a tie.
Should an opposed test be required (such as in
a contest of strength or when gambling), not only
do you need to succeed at the Skill test for your

Blackbird, but also need to determine how well you
succeed using Degrees of Success:
First, subtract the tens die of your roll from the
tens digit of your Total Chance. For example, if
your Total Chance was 60% and you rolled a 41%,
the difference would be 2.
Next, add the relevant Primary Attribute
Bonus from which the Skill is derived, equal to the
tens digit of the Primary Attribute as well as any
Bonus Advances. If the roll was a Critical or
Sublime Success, double this number before adding
it. For example, if your Blackbird has a Primary
Attribute Bonus of 4, you would add an 8 on a
Critical Success.
Whoever succeeds at their Skill test and has the
highest Degrees of Success automatically wins the
opposed test. If the Degrees of Success match,
make another opposed test until one side is declared
the winner.
R E T RY I N G FA I L E D TE STS
Failed Skill tests may have some kind of
setback as a result. The Fateweaver may rule that a
failed Athletics test results in exhaustion, for
instance. Similarly, critically failing an Athletics
test could result in a nasty fall. Yet, this is not to
say every failed Skill test necessarily precludes
trying again.
Whenever you reattempt a failed Skill test,
there’s typically a penalty that relies on narrative
changes or the imposition of other mitigating
factors, as determined by the Fateweaver. For
instance, you may have failed an Athletics test for
your Blackbird to climb over a wall. Your
Fateweaver may decide that employing a rope or
other climbing implement would allow you to
reattempt the failed Skill test. Other situations
may not allow you to reattempt the Skill test until
time has passed, particularly if you didn’t know
that the initial Skill test failed. For instance, you
may have failed a test for your Blackbird to cleanse
a comrade’s wounds, which you realize only
because the patient’s condition grows worse.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
B lackbirds & the F ateweaver 11
S K I LL TE ST S A N D T I M E
Most Skill tests require only moments to
succeed or fail. However, some require a longer
expenditure of time and energy. For Skill tests that
require greater lengths of time, your Fateweaver
will indicate how long it will take to attempt after
they’ve announced the Difficulty Rating.
If you choose to triple the amount of time
required to try a task, your Fateweaver can
impose a more favorable Difficulty Rating based
on narrative circumstances to increase your
chances of Success. Spending additional time
beyond that typically confers no additional
bonus, unless the Fateweaver rules otherwise.
Conversely, some Skill tests may need to be
made in a hurry or under duress. For instance,
your Blackbird may be racing against the clock to
pick a door’s lock while the owner approaches.
Anytime your Blackbird is beset by circumstances
where you wish to rush through the Skill test,
your Fateweaver will impose a less favorable
Difficulty Rating based on narrative
circumstances.
F O RT U N E A N D M I S F O RT U N E
T
he Norns are dead, slain by the Oligarchs,
and Fate’s mysterious influence has run
amok in this world. The ebb and flow of
Fortune and Misfortune struggle constantly to
influence the events of the world and upend the
destinies of its inhabitants. But it is the Fate-touched
Blackbirds who seem to attract their fickle attention
most of all and are able to push their luck in strange
and intriguing ways.
Fortune and Misfortune are very real forces in
BLACKBIRDS, both within the game world and at
the gaming table. They’re represented by Fortune
coins available to the players and (over time) the
Fateweaver. Players spend Fortune coins to make
situations more beneficial for the Blackbirds,
whereas the Fateweaver spends Misfortune coins to
complicate the Blackbirds’ lives.
 12 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Starting Fortune
At the beginning of each Weaving, the Fateweaver
places several coins into a receptacle or a pile. This
group of coins is known as the Fortune Pool. The
number of Fortune coins placed there at the start of
each Weaving depends on the number of players for
that Weaving:
Starting Fortune Pool = [number
of non-aes player Blackbirds +
Fateweaver] x 2
N O TE : If there’s an aes Blackbird in
the group, they are not counted in
the number of players, thus resulting in
two less Fortune in the pool.
Whenever a player spends a Fortune coin, it is
flipped over, turning it into a Misfortune coin.
These coins become the Misfortune Pool. Where
the Fortune Pool is available exclusively to players,
the Misfortune Pool is used exclusively by the
Fateweaver. Once a Fateweaver spends a
Misfortune, it is flipped back and again added to
the Fortune Pool.
If Fortune is not spent during a Weaving, it
does not carry over to the next Weaving.
Spending Fortune
There are numerous ways for players
to use Fortune throughout a
Weaving to influence the
course of play. Each of the
three most important ones
have a connection to one of
the extinguished Norns.
U R D’ S VO I C E
Spend a Fortune to channel Urd, the Norn of
“that which has come before.” Heeding Urd’s Voice
allows a player to retroactively turn a situation in
their favor. To do so, the player announces a small
bit of study, preparation, or other activity they
performed in the past that serves to help them now.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
The player and the Fateweaver should engage in a
small flashback Scene (our term for a particular
place and time frame during a game of
BLACKBIRDS ) and role-play how the Blackbird
anticipated the current situation and prepared to
overcome it.
A FLOCK M U S T descend into a large chasm
but lack any climbing equipment. One of the
players elects to spend a Fortune to channel
Urd’s Voice and flashes back to the Scene
where their Blackbird remembered to pack
a rope and pitons in anticipation of just this
type of situation.
V E R D A N D I’ S E M B R A C E
Spend a Fortune to shelter in the embrace of
Verdandi, the Norn of “that which is happening
now.” When a player spends Fortune in this way,
divine providence smiles upon a Blackbird or their
Flock. The Fateweaver should work with this player
to determine the best and most reasonable outcome.
P R I M A R I LY, VE R DAN DI’S EM BRACE
grants for a single Combat Scene the
Enchanted Quality to one weapon in use by
a player’s Blackbird. Other possibilities include
such coincidences as fog rolling in to hide the
Flock as it sneaks up on an enemy, a locked
door being opened by a stranger, or a trap
that fails to trigger as the Blackbirds cross it.
S K U L D’ S V I S I O N
Spend a Fortune to channel the divinitory
powers of Skuld, the Norn of “that which is yet to
come.” When a player spends a Fortune in this way,
they may ask the Fateweaver one open-ended
question about the current Weaving. The
Fateweaver may not lie to the player when answering
this question, but they do not have to give an exact
answer.

C O N C E R N E D T H A T T H E corridor ahead
may be trapped, a player spends a point
of Fortune to channel Skuld’s Vision and
asks “Are there any traps ahead for us?” The
Fateweaver answers honestly: “No, the area
in front is not trapped.” They fail to mention,
however, that at the end of the corridor is a
sleeping guard who might be awakened by
their actions.
OT H E R U S E S O F F O RT U N E
Players may spend a Fortune to swap out one
Talent or Technique that is currently slotted. Your
Talents and Techniques are detailed on your
Blackbird sheet.
Fortune may also be used to power the effects
of certain abilities. The Talent, Technique, or other
ability designates how much Fortune must be spent
in this fashion.
Fortune can be spent immediately after the
results of any Skill test not involving a Critical or
Sublime outcome to allow a player to reroll the test.
The player must accept the result of this new roll.
During a Combat Scene, a player can spend a
Fortune to gain one additional Action Point on
their Turn.
A player can spend one Fortune per Turn
immediately after rolling a Ð6 to treat the die result
as a face value of 6. The die explodes as normal.
Spend a Fortune for a player to force their way
higher on the Initiative Ladder
Players can spend one Fortune to rise one
position on the Peril Track.
Spending Misfortune
Misfortune can be spent immediately after the
results of any Skill test not involving a Critical or
Sublime outcome to allow a Fateweaver to reroll the
test. The Fatewaver must accept the result of this
new roll.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
B lackbirds & the F ateweaver 13
Misfortune may be spent by the Fateweaver to
have an NPC or creature force their static initiative
value one degree higher for the duration of a
Combat Scene.
Misfortune may also be spent to power certain
creature Traits, as detailed in the descriptions of
opponents the Blackbirds will face in the Weaving.
FATE
F
ate is an implacable force that guides the
lives of all beings, great and small. It
was woven into the world by the
old gods as they laid claim to the
place in its infancy, setting in
motion its natural laws; the
growth, proliferation, and
evolution of its inhabitants;
and the gods’ dominion over
both. It afforded the gods
tremendous power over this
world and its inhabitants, and
it locked others of their ilk
outside of Fate, blunting their
influence over those things. Only
one of these beings was ever given
sanctuary within it, and that small
mercy would lead to the eventual
downfall of all they had built.
Such are the fickle ways
of Fate.
Upon the demise of the
Norns, the forces of Fate were
loosed upon the world. Fate
settled upon those with a latent
potential for greatness within
them, the Blackbirds. Whenever a
player spends Fate for their Blackbird,
the trajectory of destiny itself bends for a
single moment, allowing them to avoid imminent
catastrophe or complete impossible feats of skill.
Should a fatal blow almost land, Fate can be
employed to avoid it. Some examples follow:
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

A B L A C K B I R D I S spotted in an alleyway
as they hide from pursuers, so they spend
their Fate to ensure they aren’t noticed. The
Blackbird wasn’t fated to die like a dog in
this alley.
A noble is suspicious of a Blackbird,
so their player spends Fate to retroactively
happen upon just the right lie to make
their actions palatable. Conversely, the
Fateweaver could have the noble called
away on urgent business that’s highly
distracting, before the Blackbird failed to
convince them. Either way, the Blackbird
wasn’t fated to be caught in this manner.
If a Blackbird is dealt a fatal blow by an
enemy, their player can spend a Fate amulet
to avoid the injury. Perhaps a clothyard
shaft actually struck a coin in the Blackbird’s
pocket and didn’t pierce their flesh, or
possibly a sword thrust punctured only
the fabric of the Blackbird’s cloak, narrowly
missing them. The Blackbird wasn’t fated to
be killed in this melee.
It is important to note that Fate is neither all
powerful nor always available to Blackbirds. The
most important thing to understand is that Fate can
be used to directly change only your own Blackbird’s
situation. You can’t, for instance, spend Fate to have
your Blackbird instantly murder someone. There
are techniques for that. Similarly, you cannot spend
Fate to set up some 12-dimensional chess gambit to
help someone across town, or to impact things your
Blackbird is not witness to.
N OTE : Theurges cannot spend Fate to avoid fulfilling
their reckonings.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
B lackbirds & the F ateweaver 15
An exception to this is that Fate may be shared
with a Fatebound comrade in the same Scene so
they may spend it to change theirs. Once the Fate
amulet is spent, the player who shared the Fate
regains it and turns it tails-side up, as if they
themselves had spent it.
But be wary, as the power of Fate can only be
called upon once per Weaving.
TA L E NTS, TE C H N I Q U E S & S L O T S
T
wo of the things that set Blackbirds apart
from NPCs and creatures are their
Talents and Techniques.
A Talent is a refinement of natural aptitudes
and capabilities that amplifies a Skill and allows a
Blackbird to employ it in ways to change or “break”
the standard rules of BLACKBIRDS. A Technique is
a highly specialized discipline tied to one’s
profession. Each Talent and Technique has
prerequisites the player needs to fulfill before they
can acquire it.
Both Talents and Techniques are reflected by
cards that are slotted onto your Blackbird by
physically placing the active Talent or Technique
card onto your Blackbird sheet.
Techniques can be Extinguished to do special
things. To indicate this, turn its card face down to
indicate it cannot be used again. Extinguished
Techniques typically remain Extinguished.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 C H A P TE R 3

Combat Scenes

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 MARKED AS THEY ARE

BY FATE, B L A C K B I R D S

I NV I TE CO N F LI C T.
T heir very nature sets them at odds with the
Oligarchs and their servants, their wanderings
and “interference” in local affairs lead to
tensions with established power structures, and the enigmatic
whims of Fate and the Outsiders draw uncanny menaces to
Blackbirds like moths to a flame. Thus, combat is always in the
offing—with mortals, with monsters, and with things beyond
human ken.

STE P 1 : S U R P R I S E R O U N D

A
Surprise Round can occur at the beginning of combat,
barring the use of certain Techniques or Traits or the entry
of new combatants to the fray, and only if the Flock or its
foe succeeds in gaining advantage over its opponents. This requires an
opposed test be made, with those attempting to surprise declaring
their targets and then a Stealth test being made for them, which is then
opposed by Awareness tests rolled for those targets. Any surprisers
whose Degrees of Success surpass those of their targets are Activated,
generate their AP for the Surprise Round, and may attack their target.
Activated attackers may proceed in any order they choose.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)


Surprised combatants are left temporarily
Defenseless to all attacks. While Defenseless, they
cannot use any Reactions whatsoever. In addition,
Combat Actions made with Melee or Ranged
weapons add an additional Damage die to their
Total Damage results against Surprised opponents.
Defenders who are unsurprised do not undergo a
Surprise Round, as their assailant/s did not Activate.
Once the Surprise Round has ended, combat
proceeds to the Opening Round, and all benefits of
the Surprise Round are lost.
STE P 2 : O P E N I N G R O U N D
& I N I T I AT I V E L A D D E R
W
hen the Fateweaver announces combat
has begun, each player with a Blackbird
engaged in it must generate their
Blackbird’s Initiative by rolling 1 Ð10 and adding
the Blackbird’s Initiative Attribute to the result.
The Initiative results of all combatants are then
ranked from highest to lowest and displayed
openly on a marker board or piece of paper for
everyone’s reference. This Initiative Ladder
determines the order in which each Blackbird will
act for this Round.
In the Opening Round, each combatant begins
with their full complement of 3 Action Points
(called AP). In subsequent Combat Rounds, each
combatant will generate their AP at the start of
their Turn on the Initiative Ladder.
Matching Initiative Results
Should two or more players generate the same
Initiative result, compare their Blackbirds’ [PB]s. The
one with the higher one trumps the other, provided
a Technique or Talent does not contradict this rule.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Combat S cenes 19
Seize Initiative
Sometimes it is imperative that a Blackbird go earlier
in the Initiative Ladder than the outcome of their
Initiative roll allows. At such times, you may spend
1 Fortune to have your Blackbird force themself
higher up the Initiative Ladder to wherever you
need them to begin their Turn.
STE P 3 : C O M B AT R O U N D S
& TA K I N G T U R N S
I
n each subsequent Combat Round, generate
each Blackbird’s Initiative by rolling 1 Ð10 and
adding the Blackbird’s Initiative Attribute to the
result. This again fills out the Initiative Ladder,
determining the order in which each Blackbird will act
for this Round. Each Blackbird now generates their
AP at the top of their Turn in the Initiative Ladder.
The various things a Blackbird may attempt
during combat are divided into categories of Combat
Actions. The cost for these Actions is paid in AP, the
currency of the Action economy.
Most Blackbirds begin their Turn with 3 AP.
These are then spent to complete Actions when their
Turn comes up on the Initiative Ladder within the
Round. Again, the Opening Round is a special case
during which all Blackbirds begin combat with their
full AP. A player is not required to spend all of their
AP on their Turn and can hold onto them so that
their Blackbird may defend themself through Parry,
Dodge, or other, rarer Reactions.
That said, a Blackbird cannot choose to carry
AP over into their following Turn. When a new
Turn begins for them, all of the Blackbird’s
remaining AP are lost, and they once again start
with their normal allotment of AP.
 20 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
T H E C YC L E C O NT I N U E S . . .
A A
Combat Scene may last for one or for
many Rounds. Once combat ends, by
whatever means, the Fateweaver will
announce it.
Conditional Effects in Combat
Conditions that may impact Blackbirds in combat:
Ύ Bleeding: Will be Knocked Out or Slain in a
specified number of Turns unless someone
stanches the flow of blood with a bandage or
some other form of medical treatment.
Ύ Blinded: Cannot use Dodge or Parry, and Flip to
Fail on any Skill test involving sight.
Ύ Deafened: When Initiative rolls are made, make
a successful Awareness test or do not add the
Blackbird’s [PB] to that roll.
Ύ Defenseless: Cannot use any Reactions
whatsoever.
Ύ Disarmed: Loses their weapon 3 strides away in a
random direction, and is unable to use their
weapon hand until the following Turn.
Ύ Disoriented: Must add 1 additional AP to the
cost of Reactions.
Ύ Engaged: Cannot leave the Engagement without
triggering Opportunity Attacks from Engaged foes
save through the Maneuver Movement Action.
͝ Flanked: Attacks against the Blackbird are made
at +10.
Ύ Grappled: Cannot use Combat Actions, save to
Resist at the beginning of their Turn to escape
the Grapple.
Ύ Helpless: Cannot use any Actions or Reactions,
and may be Slain with a successful attack.
Ύ Knocked Out: Unconscious and Helpless until
awakened.
Ύ Prone: On the ground; add 1Ð6 Damage dealt to
a Prone foe.
Ύ Stunned: Begin Turn with 1 less AP.
Ύ Surprised: Suffers an additional 1Ð6 Damage
and cannot use Reactions.
Ύ Wounded: Must add 1 additional AP to the cost
of Movement Actions.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
C O M B AT A C T I O N S
ctions possess a relative cost. Players may
elect to spend all 3 AP on a single
Combat Action, such as fleeing a
rampaging chimera or having a hound tear out an
enemy’s throat. They may also choose to break up
their AP to take multiple Combat Actions, such as
moving to confront an enemy, bowling them over,
and running them through. Other Actions—
parrying a sword blow, for example—can usually be
used only outside of the Blackbird’s Initiative. And
a few, such as talking and dropping items, typically
have no cost in AP whatsoever.
Excess AP: It is often advisable to hang onto
AP to use Reactions such as Dodge and Parry to
defend themself from attacks, or use Talents and
Techniques to defend others. However, when their
next Turn begins, their AP refreshes to 3, and any
AP from the prior Turn is lost.
There exist four main categories of Combat
Actions in BLACKBIRDS, and within each of these
categories, there exist a number of specific actions a
Blackbird can spend AP on to execute. Although
the text references the Blackbirds, a Fateweaver has
access to all of these actions for the creatures and
NPCs they control:
͝ Attack Actions
͝ Movement Actions
͝ Special Actions
͝ Reactions

Attack Actions
C A ST M A G I C ( V A R I E S )
EFFECT: Casting requires 1 AP. Every Vitiation cast
after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn is made at a penalty:
-10 for the first, -20 for the second, and so on:
S T E P 1 : Choose Vitiation: Choose from the
Vitiations offered by the Outsider of the
theurge Blackbird.
S T E P 2 : Determine the Difficulty Rating:
The Fateweaver determines difficulty rating
based on circumstances.
S T E P 3 : Focus the Vitiation (Optional): The
theurge’s player may choose a Focus Level
of 1 to 3, but must place that many dice into
the Odic dice pool. The theurge adds +10
to their Base Chance for each level of focus.
So, by adding 2Đ6 to the Odic dice pool,
they get +20 to their Odweft test.
S T E P 4 : Accrue Tithe: The Blackbird’s Tithe
score increases by 2 each time a Vitiation is
used. For each 10 Tithe accumulated all future
Odweft tests are modified by -10. So a theurge
with a Tithe of 9 would have no modification,
but one with 10 Tithe would gain -10.
S T E P 5 : Make an Odweft Test: Critical or
Sublime results are described in the specific
Vitiation. In addition, if the roll to enact a
Vitiation is a Critical or Sublime Failure,
the theurge loses the ability to use that
Vitiation until the sun sets and rises again.
This penalty is in addition to any other
effects listed in the Vitiation description.
S T E P 6 : Roll for Odic Manifestation: Roll
the Odic dice. If any of the dice are a face
6, an Odic Manifestation immediately
comes into effect. Normally a chart would
be consulted, but the results of Odic
Manifestation are specified in the Weaving
included in this Quickstart. Remove all of
the dice that came up a “6” from the Odic
dice pool as the energy grounds out.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Combat S cenes 21
DISARM (2 AP)
EFFECT: While your Blackbird is Engaged with a foe,
make a Coordination test. If successful, a successful
Coordination test must be made for them to Resist,
or they are Disarmed. Every Disarm after the first
in a Blackbird’s Turn is made at a penalty: -10 for
the second, -20 for the third, and so on.
While Disarmed, the foe loses the weapon with
which they were fighting, it being thrown three
strides away. In addition, they cannot use their
primary hand to strike until the beginning of their
next Turn.
EXTINGUISH ACTION (3 AP)
EFFECT: Each Extinguish Action of a Technique is
unique in its execution, but all cost 3 AP to perform
and do not require a test to accomplish. After such
an Action is employed, it temporarily Extinguishes
the associated Technique.
FLANK (1 AP)
EFFECT: While a single foe is already Engaged with
another combatant, the Blackbird attacks from the
side or behind, making it harder to defend against
the combined assault. Attacks by those so Engaged
are made at +10 until the foe is no longer Flanked.
GRAPPLE (1 AP)
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged with a foe,
make an Athletics test. If successful, their target may
attempt to Resist, which requires a successful Athletics
test, or they are Grappled. Every Grapple attempt after
the first in a Blackbird’s Turn is made at a penalty: -10
for the second, -20 for the third, and so on.
While Grappled, the target can use no Combat
Actions, save to Resist again at the beginning of
their Turn to escape.
A Blackbird cannot use Attack Actions while
they maintain a Grapple. However, they may release
a Grapple at any time. If the Blackbird’s Damage or
Peril Condition Track drops 1 or more levels while
having a foe in a Grapple, they immediately
relinquish their hold.
 22 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
M E L EE AT TA C K ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged with a
foe, make a Melee test. After successfully striking,
determine Total Damage as normal. Every Melee
Attack after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn is made at
a penalty: -10 for the second, -20 for the third, and
so on. A foe may attempt to Parry or Dodge your
Blackbird’s Melee Attack.
R A N G E D AT TA C K ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is at a distance from
an opponent, make a Ranged test. After successfully
striking, determine Total Damage as normal. Every
Ranged Attack after the first in a Blackbird’s Turn
is made at a penalty: -10 for the second, -20 for the
third, and so on.
A target can attempt to Dodge a Ranged
Attack or Parry it with an appropriate shield. A
Blackbird cannot make a Ranged Attack while in
an Engagement with foes, except with a crossbow.
Finally, to make a Ranged Attack, the weapon must
be loaded with ammunition—which may preclude
multiple attacks, depending on the weapon.
TA K E D OW N ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged with a foe,
you spend 1 AP for them to attempt a Takedown.
Make a Coordination test. (If your Blackbird
uses Takedown at the end of a Charge, you may
substitute Athletics for the test.) If successful,
your Blackbird’s foe is knocked Prone unless they
successfully Resist with a Coordination test. Every
Takedown attempt after the first in a Blackbird’s
Turn is made at a penalty: -10 for the second, -20
for the third, and so on.
The opponent remains on the ground until
they can Get Up. Attackers add a 1Đ6 Damage die
to Total Damage results they deal to a Prone foe.
TA R G E TE D AT TA C K ( 2 A P )
EFFECT: When your Blackbird is Engaged or at
Distance with a foe, declare that you want them
to hit the arm, body, head, or leg of that foe, then
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
make the appropriate Combat-based Skill test. If
successful, and the foe cannot, or fails to, Dodge
or Parry, they take 1Đ6+[CB] Damage die to Total
Damage and suffer the appropriate Conditional
Effect:
͝ Arm: Disarmed
͝ Body: Wounded
͝ Head: Disoriented
͝ Leg: Prone
On a Critical Success, the foe is left Defenseless,
and another 1Đ6 Damage die is added to Total
Damage. On a Sublime Success, the foe is still
rendered Defenseless, but the Total Damage is
increased by 2Đ6. A Critical Failure, meanwhile,
has the Blackbird’s weapon suffer 1 level of
Degradation, while a Sublime Failure raises that to
2 levels.
Movement Actions
Movement Actions are employed whenever a
Blackbird needs to relocate into a more tactically
advantageous position, close the distance between
foes, or carefully retreat from an opponent to evade
their attacks of opportunity.
C H A RG E ( 2 A P )
EFFECT: The Blackbird may rush forward up to
two times their Movement. If they move at least
3 strides and successfully strike with a Melee
weapon on the same Turn, add an additional 1Đ6
to the Total Damage result. This action provokes
an Opportunity Attack if the charging Blackbird
leaves an Engagement.
GET UP (2 AP)
EFFECT: The Blackbird moves up to 1 stride to
stand from Prone or a crouched position, to get
into a vehicle, or to mount a steed. If they possess
at least one Skill Rank in Coordination, they can
Get Up for 1 AP instead. This action provokes
an Opportunity Attack if the Blackbird leaves an
Engagement.

H U ST L E ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: The Blackbird may Hustle a distance equal
to their Movement in strides. This action provokes
an Opportunity Attack if the Blackbird leaves an
Engagement.
M A N E UV E R ( 2 A P )
EFFECT: The Blackbird may maneuver a distance of
1 stride to leave an Engagement, allowing them to
avoid Opportunity Attacks.
RUN (3 AP)
EFFECT: The Blackbird may run a distance up to
three times their Movement. As a result, add +3 to
their Damage Threshold until the beginning of their
next Turn. This Action provokes an Opportunity
Attack if the Blackbird leaves an Engagement.
TA K E C OV E R ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: The Blackbird may move a distance of up to
1 stride to crouch and seek cover. That cover must
rise at least knee-high and be made of wood, stone,
or metal to grant protection. A stout oak, a toppled
carriage, or a stone parapet would work, but shrubs
or tall grass would not. If the Blackbird is behind
low cover (such as a crate), add +3 to their Damage
Threshold when hit by Ranged weapons. If behind
medium cover (such as a stone fence), add +6. If
behind high cover (such as a marble column), add
+9. If behind cover that breaks the line of visibility,
a Blackbird cannot be targeted by Ranged weapons
at all. The Fateweaver determines how high or low
cover is for these purposes.
Special Actions
FOCUS (0 AP)
EFFECT: Either before or after the Difficulty Rating
to cast magic is declared by the Fateweaver, your
Blackbird attempts to draw more raw power from
the Od to positively modify the rating. Your
Blackbird must deal with an Outsider to channel
power.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Combat S cenes 23
LOAD (VARIES)
EFFECT: Before a Ranged weapon may be fired or
thrown, one must either load it with ammunition
or ready it. To do so, a Blackbird must have both
hands free for a missile weapon or one hand free for
a thrown one. Spend the amount of AP required
for your Blackbird to load the Ranged weapon as
indicated in its listing on your Blackbird sheet.
Once a Blackbird begins to load a weapon, they
must finish before taking any other Action. If a
Blackbird spends more than one Turn loading a
single weapon, they are left Defenseless until they
complete the Action.
TA K E A I M ( 1 O R 2 A P )
EFFECT: Either before or after the Difficulty Rating
of your Attack Action is declared by the Fateweaver,
you may spend 1 AP to gain a +10 Base Chance
to your Blackbird’s next Attack Action, including
those from Techniques. If you spend 2 AP, your
Blackbird instead gains +20.
U S E I TE M ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: Spend 1 AP to apply poison to a weapon,
quaff a draught of theriac, salmiac, or quickbronze
elixir, etc. The Fateweaver is the ultimate arbiter of
what’s possible or not using this broad Action in the
thick of combat.
WAIT (0 AP)
EFFECT: With Wait, you opt for your Blackbird to
not act when it is their Turn, instead holding their
AP in reserve to act later in the Round. In doing
so, they may choose to drop to any spot lower in
the Initiative Ladder. However, if your Blackbird
is attempting to interrupt an opponent’s Turn, you
must make a successful Scrutinize test for them to
do so. Otherwise, though your Blackbird acts on the
same Initiative, they must act after their opponent’s
Turn is done.
In addition, a Blackbird cannot use Wait to
take two Turns back to back. Your Blackbird must
act before the end of the current Round.
 24 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Reactions
D OD G E ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: When facing a successful attack but
before Damage is determined, you may attempt a
Coordination test for your Blackbird. If it succeeds,
they avoid all Damage. If the roll critically succeeds,
they avoid all Damage, and no AP is spent to
Dodge. A Sublime Success does the same, but the
Blackbird also gains a +3 to Damage Threshold for
the remainder of the Round. A Blackbird may not
Dodge when Defenseless or Helpless.
O P P O RT U N I T Y AT TA C K ( 0 A P )
EFFECT: In certain situations (such as when an
opponent exits an Engagement with them), a
Blackbird may make a free Melee Attack against
their opponent without AP being spent. A foe
cannot Dodge or Parry this attack.
A Blackbird cannot make an Opportunity
Attack when Defenseless, Helpless, Prone, or
concentrating on maintaining a magical effect, nor
can one be made with a Ranged weapon. Note that
if your Blackbird is not already armed with a
weapon, they cannot draw one to make an
Opportunity Attack, though they may elect to
attack barehanded. A Blackbird may make only one
Opportunity Attack a Round.
PA R RY ( 1 A P )
EFFECT: When facing a successful attack with a
Melee weapon, but before Damage is determined,
you may make a Melee test for your Blackbird. If the
roll succeeds, they avoid all Damage. If it critically
succeeds, they avoid all Damage, they spend no AP
to Parry, and they make an Opportunity Attack
against the engaged foe. On a Sublime Success,
the effect is the same, but they may make two
Opportunity Attacks against their engaged attacker.
A Blackbird may not Parry when Defenseless
or Helpless. However, if they’re armed with a shield
or weapon possessing the Protective Quality, they
may Parry Ranged Attacks. When critically
Parrying with a shield or a weapon that has the
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Protective Quality, no AP is spent, but as there is
no engaged foe to strike, no Opportunity Attacks
are conferred. Note that unless they are already
armed with a weapon, a Blackbird cannot draw one
to Parry an attack.
R E S I ST ( 0 A P )
EFFECT: Whenever your Blackbird falls victim to
certain special conditions, you may be asked to
make a relevant Skill test, referring to the Skill
indicated to withstand the condition’s effects. If the
roll succeeds, the results are entirely nullified. If it
fails, the Blackbird suffers the effects as described. If
the roll critically succeeds, the results are nullified,
and the Blackbird moves 1 level up the Peril
Condition Track. A Sublime Success confers an
immunity to the effect for the current Scene.
In cases where your Blackbird’s Turn begins
and they are currently suffering from the effects of
an ongoing Attack Action such as Grapple, you can
attempt to Resist for them once their Turn begins.
If the roll succeeds, they recover from the negative
effects. If it fails, you may attempt to Resist again at
the start of your Blackbird’s next Turn.
A Blackbird may not Resist while Defenseless
or Helpless. In certain instances, effects may require
an opposed test to Resist. These are conducted as
with any other such test, where whoever succeeds at
their Skill test and has the highest Degrees of
Success wins the opposed test, and if the Degrees of
Success match, opposed tests continue to be made
until one side is declared the winner.
STE P S F O R M A K I N G
A N AT TA C K A C T I O N
STEP 1: Which Weapon?
STEP 2: Total Chance for Success
STEP 3: Make the Attack
STEP 4: Enemy Defends
STEP 5: Roll Damage
STEP 6: Determine Damage Condition
STEP 7: Determine Injury
 Combat S cenes 25

Step 1: Which Weapon? Rating to be worse, such as wind conditions,

Whenever a Blackbird joins a fight, they
must decide what kind of weapon to use and
determine whether their foe is at a favorable
distance to strike with it.
M E L EE W E A P O N S
Melee weapons are the most common type
of hand weapons. For most Melee weapons, an
attacker must be Engaged with their opponent
to strike them. Punches, kicks, elbow and knee
darkness, precipitation, etc.
Thrown Weapons: Certain Ranged weapons
possess the Throwing Quality, which means these
weapons can never be thrown further than its Short
Distance value.
Ranged While Engaged: With the exception of
crossbows, Ranged weapons cannot be fired during
an Engagement.
MELEE QUALITIES DAMAGE HANDS

strikes, and headbutts use the stats for barehanded Fast, Finesse, Off-hand,
Dagger [AB] 1
weapons on the Blackbird’s Blackbird sheet. Piercing
Improvised
Pummeling [BB] 1
R A N G ED W E A P O N S hand weapon
Make a Ranged test for a Blackbird armed Adaptable, Biting (2) ,
Longsword [CB] 1-2
with a distance weapon to strike with it. Ranged Defensive
weapons possess further ranges to strike, called Rapier Disarming, Fast, Finesse [AB] 1
Distance:
Sabre Defensive [CB] 1
Ύ Short Distance is the minimum range an
attacker can stand away from a target without Shiv Fast, Finesse, Off-Hand [AB] 1
suffering a penalty to attack. It requires a Adaptable, Defensive,
Staff [BB] 1-2
minimum of 1 stride between the attacker and Pummeling
an intended target. Each Ranged weapon has a set Unarmed Pummeling, Slow [BB] N/A
Short Distance listed as Range. Within Short
Distance, a Ranged Attack suffers no penalties to
RANGED QUALITIES DAMAGE HANDS
hit.
Ύ Medium Distance is double the Short Distance. Arbalest Fast, Piercing (3),
[CB] 2
crossbow Punishing
While at Medium Distance, a Ranged Attack
suffers -10 to hit. Horse bow Fast, Finesse [AB] 2
Ύ Long Distance is triple the Short Distance. Light crossbow Fast, Piercing, Punishing [CB] 1
While at Long Distance, a Ranged Attack suffers
-20 to hit.
ARMOR QUALITIES DAMAGE THRESHOLD
Ύ Extreme Distances: Distances for Ranged
weapons outside of Long Distance serve little Brigandine N/A 4
point. At such ranges, a weapon suffers -30 to hit Gambeson N/A 3
and Damage dice no longer explode. The Light leather N/A 2
maximum strides a missile may travel in such
cases is, at most, four times the weapon’s Short
SHIELDS QUALITIES DAMAGE THRESHOLD
Distance range value.
Although distance is always a factor in firing Thulian (round) Defensive, Protective
+1
shield (-10)
Ranged weapons, there may be other reasons a
Fateweaver rules a Ranged weapon’s Difficulty

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 26 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Q U A LI T I E S
Weapons and armor have Qualities that
differentiate one from another beyond a simple list
of numbers:
͝ Adaptable: Whenever weapons of this
Quality are held in two hands instead of one
for Attack Actions, add +1 to Damage.
͝ Biting (2): A Critical or Sublime Success
with this weapon causes the Bleed Injury
condition Scarlet Torrent as seen in Injury,
below.
͝ Defensive (x): When using this weapon
to Parry against Melee weapons, add
+10 Base Chance, or the number in
parentheses, if one is indicated.
͝ Disarming (x): Whenever a foe is
threatened with Disarm using a weapon
of this Quality, they suffer a -10 Base
Chance to Resist its effects, or the value in
parentheses if none is indicated.
͝ Fast (x): Whenever a foe is struck by a
weapon with this Quality, they suffer a -10
Base Chance to Dodge or Parry, or the
value in parentheses, if one is indicated.
͝ Finesse: Weapons of this Quality always
reference [AB] when inflicting Damage.
͝ Off-Hand: Whenever a weapon or shield
with this Quality is held in the Blackbird’s
off hand while they attack with a Melee
weapon in their primary hand, add +1 to
the Damage from that Melee weapon.
͝ Piercing (x): This weapon ignores Damage
Threshold provided by armor up to the
number in parentheses. If no number is
indicated, it ignores 1 Damage Threshold.
͝ Protective (x): Shields with this Quality
can be used to Parry attacks made
with Ranged weapons. If a number in
parentheses is indicated, adjust the Parry
for Ranged weapons by this amount.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
͝ Pummeling: Weapons of this
Quality always refer to [BB]
when inflicting Damage.
͝ Red Iron: This weapon or
armor is made from the deep
iron that can only be found
in mines far below the
surface of the world and is
thought to be the congealed
blood of Ouroborus itself.
For this reason, it is sometimes
called Dragon’s Blood. Such weapons
gain the Enchanted Quality, may strike
opponents that can only be hit with magical
weapons, and may cause Bane Damage,
particularly to Outsiders or other beings
that exist or originate partially or wholly
from within the Od. They also offer a +10 to
hit when used to attack magical creatures,
theurges, or those with the Witches Blood
Boon. In addition, they do not suffer
Degradation from the Wheel.
͝ Signet: This Quality is conferred by the
handiwork of guildmasters. Weapons of this
Quality gain a +10 Base Chance to strike
and a +2 Damage adjustment. Armor and
shields with this Quality add a passive +2
to the Damage Threshold Modifier. Add
3 to the Patronage level required to obtain
such items, if they are even available. In
addition, they do not suffer Degradation
from the Wheel.
͝ Slow: Opponents gain a +10 Base Chance
to Parry and Dodge against attacks the
Blackbird makes with this weapon.
͝ Throwing: This weapon cannot take
advantage of Medium, Long, or Extreme
Distances.
͝ Vicious: Weapons with this Quality grant
an additional 1Ð6 Injury die to determine
whether an Injury is inflicted upon a foe.

Step 2: Total Chance for Success
Numerous factors can influence a Blackbird’s ability
to strike a foe with an attack or evade their riposte.
To determine Base Chance, refer to the Combat
Primary Attribute first, then add together the total
Skill Ranks for the relevant Combat-related Skill,
either Melee or Ranged. The weapon used may also
influence the Base Chance. For example, an attacker
cannot use the Melee Skill when wielding a hunting
bow. In addition, certain Talents, Techniques, or
Traits add bonuses to one’s Base Chance. Finally,
an attacker may be suffering from an Injury or is
perhaps lower on the Peril Condition Track, which
further penalizes their chances of success.
P E R I L ADJ U ST M E NTS
When your Blackbird is suffering from Peril,
take this into consideration when the Difficulty
Rating for Skill tests are called out. For instance,
your Blackbird may have a total of three Skill Ranks
in Ranged, but their Peril Condition Track forces
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Combat S cenes 27
you to ignore two of these Skill Ranks. Thus, you
can add only one Skill Rank to your Base Chance
when rolling.
F ATE W E AV E R A DJ U ST S D I F F I C U LT Y
R AT I N G
Attack Actions have a fixed Difficulty Rating
of (Standard +/-0%), but the Fateweaver may
adjust this when the situation dictates. These
adjustments are always the result of outside
influences to which the Fateweaver assigns a
numerical value to negatively or positively influence
an attempt’s outcome. When your Blackbird is
attempting an attack, your Fateweaver will tell you
the Difficulty Rating. The Fateweaver will always
announce the Difficulty Rating of the defender as
well, also adjudicated according to the circumstances.
F I N A L TA L LY
Once all of these modifiers have been tallied,
the result determines the Total Chance for Success.
 28 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Step 3: Make the Attack
While Rounds in combat adhere to a strict structure,
your Blackbird is actually fighting throughout the
Initiative Ladder—raising their shield to intercept
a crossbow bolt, barking out orders, and keeping
an eye on the combatants to line up the perfect axe
throw. It all leads to that one throw, for a savage
attack where you finally roll the dice. That is where
the joy and excitement of tabletop role-playing
game combat comes from, as a successful roll may
turn the tide of battle, but a failed one may result in
a terrible rout. As with other Skill tests, an attack is
resolved using the same rules above.
R O LL TO ST R I K E
Once an attacker decides what weapon to use
and the Total Chance is calculated, it is time to roll
a Ð100. If the result equals or is less than the Total
Chance for Success, the attack succeeds. If the
result exceeds the Total Chance for Success, the
attack fails.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
A best practice is for players to announce their
Total Chance for Success before rolling the dice, as
the chaos of combat and its myriad of modifiers can
confuse even the most focused player at times.
However, the Fateweaver usually won’t announce the
Total Chance for Success for NPCs, as this keeps
players guessing about their foes’ true capabilities.
S O M E A T T A C K S A L L O W a Blackbird to
trigger a special effect when a Critical
or Sublime Success is rolled with an
Attack Action. In such cases, Techniques
and Traits allow an attacker to incur a
mechanical bonus or new effect, as outlined
in its description:
Match—Critical and Sublime Success:
When a Critical Success is rolled for the
Blackbird to strike with an Attack Action
or Technique, the target is left Defenseless
to it. This means that they can neither Parry
nor Dodge Melee or Ranged Attacks, nor
Resist the effects of cast Wortcunning
Spells or Vitiations. A Critical Success also
adds an additional 1Đ6 Damage die (or a
1Đ10 Bane die, if applicable); a Sublime
Success adds 2Đ6 Damage dice (or 2Đ10
Bane dice, if applicable).
Match—Critical or Sublime Failure:
Rolling a simple Failure for an attack has
no adverse effect beyond the obvious.
However, should a Critical Failure be
rolled with any Attack Action, it causes
the Blackbird’s weapon to suffer a level of
Degradation. Sublime Failure raises this to
2 levels of Degradation.
Step 4: Enemy Defends
Defenders in combat are in constant motion—
ducking, juking, side-stepping—all to gain a more
advantageous position. So long as a defender is
aware of an incoming attack and prepared, they can
attempt to turn it away or avoid it entirely.

PA R RY O R D O D G E
Providing they are neither Defenseless nor
Helpless, a defender has two options to avoid an
attack. They may try deflecting it with their weapon
or shield through a Parry or try ducking out of the
way through a Dodge, using either of these
Reactions costs 1 AP, and a Blackbird who has used
all of their AP is defenseless:
͝ Parry: When facing a successful attack with a
Melee weapon, a Melee Skill test may be made
for the Blackbird to use the weapon they are
wielding to Parry. The Difficulty Rating for the
test is based on the Difficulty Rating of their
opponent’s Attack Action, translating its bonus
or penalty into its opposite. Therefore, if their
enemy’s Attack Action has a Difficulty Rating of
(Routine +10%), the Difficulty Rating to Parry
is (Challenging -10%). If the roll is successful,
the Blackbird avoids all Damage. If the roll is a
Critical Success, they spend no AP to Parry, and
they make an Opportunity Attack against the
engaged foe. If the roll is a Sublime Success, they
may make two Opportunity Attacks against their
engaged attacker. In addition, if the Blackbird is
armed with a shield or weapon possessing the
Protective Quality, they may also Parry Ranged
Attacks. A Blackbird cannot attempt to Parry the
same attack twice.
͝ Dodge: When facing a successful attack with a
Melee or Ranged weapon, a Coordination test
may be made for them to attempt to Dodge the
attack. The Difficulty Rating for the test is based
on the Difficulty Rating of their opponent’s
Attack Action, translating its bonus or penalty
into its opposite. Thus, if an enemy’s Attack
Action has a Difficulty Rating of (Routine
+10%), the Difficulty Rating to Dodge is
(Challenging -10%). If the roll succeds, the
Blackbird avoids all Damage. If the roll is a
Critical Success, the Blackbird avoids all Damage
and does not have to spend AP to Dodge. If the
roll is a Sublime Success, the Blackbird also gains
a +3 to Damage Threshold for the remainder of
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Combat S cenes 29
the Round. A Blackbird cannot attempt to
Dodge the same attack twice.
The size of the weapons involved and the
form of the attack may be considered by the
Fateweaver whenever a Blackbird attempts to
Parry. The Fateweaver may rule that trying to
Parry a pike with a shiv would warrant an
(Arduous -30%) Difficulty Rating. Conversely,
they may rule that the defender gets a better
chance to parry a sabre with a longsword and
change the Difficulty Rating to (Routine +10%).
In the case of Dodge, it may be significantly more
difficult to dive out of the way of a volley of
crossbow bolts than to simply duck away from a
thrown bottle. The Fateweaver makes these
determinations on a case-by-case basis, changing
the Difficulty Rating where they see fit.
Step 5: Roll Damage
After your Blackbird successfully strikes and their
opponent fails to Parry or Dodge (or chooses not
to defend), determine Damage dealt. A Blackbird
normally deals out 1Ð6+[CB] Total Damage on
a successful strike, and this may then be modified
by specific Techniques, Talents, Boons, Weapon
Qualities, and/or Vitiations.
A B L A C K B I R D M A Y wield a weapon
composed of a substance to which their
foe has a supernatural aversion. In such
circumstances, these weapons deal the
Blackbird’s [CB] plus 1Ð10 in Total Damage.
Bane dice explode on a ‘9’ or ‘10.’
Calculate Damage Threshold
Always take into account the Blackbird’s Damage
Threshold when they suffer Damage. Damage
Threshold equals a Blackbird’s [BB] plus their
armor’s Damage Threshold Modifier. After an
attacker strikes their target and Total Damage
is calculated, the defender compares it to their
Damage Threshold.
 30 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
B E L OW D A M A G E T H R E S H O L D
If the Total Damage is less than the Damage
Threshold, the defender’s armor has provided
sufficient protection, or they have shrugged off the
blow, and no Damage is taken.
E Q U A L TO O R E XC EED S D A M A G E
THRESHOLD
If Total Damage equals or exceeds base
Damage Threshold, the Blackbird moves 1 level
down the Damage Condition Track.
If Total Damage equals or exceeds 6+Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird moves 2 levels down the
Damage Condition Track.
If Total Damage equals or exceeds 12+Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird moves 3 levels down the
Damage Condition Track.
If Total Damage equals or exceeds 18+Damage
Threshold, the Blackbird is instantly Slain.
Each level of Damage Threshold should be
noted as base Damage Threshold (Damage
Threshold+6 / Damage Threshold+12 / Damage
Threshold+18). For example, if Damage Threshold
is 10, it is recorded as: 10 (16/22/28).
Step 6: Determine Damage
Condition
Whenever a Blackbird suffers Total Damage that
equals or exceeds their Damage Threshold, their
player must announce to the group where the
Blackbird is on the Damage Condition Track:
L E V E L 1 : The Blackbird has the most minor
of Damage: bruises, scratches, bumps,
welts, old wounds scarring or scabbed over,
stitches or sutures that no longer reopen,
bandages over lacerations.
L E V E L 2 : The Blackbird wears a few small
cuts, some light bruising, maybe a stitch
or two. Their pain is mild, probably not
constant, and may be noticeable only
during activity.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
L E V E L 3 : The Blackbird suffers significant
bruising, cuts that require stitches, and/or
lesions that invite infection. Their pain is
regular, perhaps constant.
L E V E L 4 : The Blackbird’s blood stains their
clothing. They suffer a black eye (or two),
a flattened nose, an irregular gait, and have
difficulty speaking.
L E V E L 5 : Broken bones, torn muscles, deep
cuts, and massive contusions constitute the
Blackbird’s body. Their blood soaks their
clothing, and pain gnaws at the very fiber
of their being.
S L A I N ! : The grave yawns wide and the
wings of Corvus echo in the Blackbird’s ears.
Death has come for them, but to survive it
takes only the sacrifice of Fate.
Step 7: Determine Injury
When a Blackbird’s Damage Condition Track
drops to Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5, they are at risk
of suffering an Injury. A Blackbird is never at risk
of suffering Injuries if they move up the Damage
Condition Track, only if they move down it.
When a Blackbird’s Damage Condition Track
drops to Level 2, there is no risk of Injury. However,
once their Damage Condition Track drops to Level
3, a 1Ð6 Injury die must immediately be rolled. If
the result is face 6, the Blackbird suffers a Moderate
Injury. Repeat this process when their Damage
Condition Track drops to Level 4. If the results
show a face 6, the Blackbird suffers a Serious Injury.
Repeat this process once their Damage Condition
Track drops to Level 5. If the results show a face 6,
the Blackbird suffers a Grievous Injury. Once they
reach Slain! on the track, the Blackbird is dead.
Note that if a Blackbird drops several levels from
one blow, only the most severe Damage Level that
they have dropped to must be rolled for.

When Injury Occurs
Every Injury has a specific penalty your Blackbird
incurs and suffers from until they’ve recuperated:
Ύ Moderate Injury: Funny on the Inside: That last
blow knocked, sliced, or poked a hole such that
the victim feels more than pain. Something is
wrong, and it’s slowing them down. Until the
victim recovers, roll 1Đ6 for them at the start of
each Turn. A ‘6’ means they generate 1 less AP.
Ύ Serious Injury: Fractured Ribs: A blow to the side
has sundered the victim’s ribcage. Until
recuperated, all rolls made for them to Parry or
Dodge suffer -20.
Ύ Grievous Injury: Compound Fracture: Seeing
one’s bone poking through one’s skin is a
troubling thing to experience, causing the victim
to immediately receive 3Ð10+3 Peril. Their
Movement is halved.
Longsword Quality: Biting (2)
Scarlet Torrent: That is a lot of blood. The victim
bleeds to death in half their [BB] Turns unless
someone stanches the flow with a bandage or other
medical treatment. Until they’ve recuperated, the
Injury reopens each time a Critical Failure is rolled
for them on a Combat-, Brawn-, or Agility-based
Skill test, requiring the Bleeding be restanched.
Sacrificing Fate Points
As Fate’s chosen champions, Blackbirds may call
upon that force to intervene during moments of
crisis. Anytime you feel it’s appropriate during
a Weaving—even outside of combat—you may
sacrifice your Fate amulet to save your Blackbird
from being Slain! or to ignore any one Injury.
Peril, Damage, & Injury
Life as a Blackbird is fraught with danger. They are
all tied to Fate as its champions in a ruined world.
In a time of continent-spanning war, with the
gods slain, the Outsiders free, and servants of the
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Combat S cenes 31
Oligarchs on the move, conflict is a given, and its
outcome is often bloody.
P E R I L CO N D I T I O N T R A C K
Unlike with Damage, the Peril Condition
Track is a temporary inconvenience born of excessive
physical or mental strain. Peril may be caused by
fatigue, deprivation, stress, horror, or a myriad of
other conditions. Where a Blackbird is on their Peril
Condition Track determines what penalties are
suffered on all Skill tests until they recover:
L E V E L 1 : The Blackbird has endured
very little adversity. They evince neither
weariness, anxiety, nor other strain . . . thus
far.
L E V E L 2 : Although the Blackbird is only
operating under a small amount of stress or
is merely winded, they should likely be more
careful.
L E V E L 3 : The pressure is on, and the
Blackbird is feeling it. Their brow beads with
sweat, and they are tired and slow to act.
While they’re in this state, ignore one of the
Blackbird’s Skill Ranks.
L E V E L 4 : The Blackbird is in mental and
physical turmoil, as their mind is swimming
with anxiety and their body is weary from
exhaustion. They’re likely suffering from
intense doubt, are worn to a frazzle, or
both. While they’re in this state, ignore two
of the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks.
L E V E L 5 : The Blackbird can barely keep it
together. They face a significantly reduced
chance to succeed at any task but are trying
to hold out hope that help is on the way.
While they’re in this state, ignore all three of
the Blackbird’s Skill Ranks.
I N C A P A C I T A T E D : The Blackbird’s body
betrays them. When they’re in this state, no
Skill test made for them can succeed.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 C H A P TE R 4

Theurgy † the Od

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 T H O S E W H O S EE K P OW E R

S EE K O UT T H O S E

T H AT G R A NT I T.
T he practice of high magic and its potent
Vitiations, known as theurgy, typically requires

summoning and bargaining with mysterious

and puissant entities. These Outsiders live in the Od, a realm of
existence beyond the boundaries of our reality. Many theurges
form a rapport or communion with such entities, using Tithes to
encourage them to help. The most powerful of theurges can form
a pact with these Outsiders, enthralling them to their will for an
indefinite time, but the wisest know that forcing something into
servitude comes with a price.

O D S I G HT

O
dsight is the natural ability some people have to sense the
otherworldly realm and mystical force that is the Od. For
those trained in theurgy, this sense is more accurate, more
focused, and gives information that is easier to interpret. Odsight is
not sight, and some have this ability even though they lack physical
eyes. Although it is simpler to call it “sight” and to speak of what is
sensed within its purview as visual images, the truth is, of course, very
much stranger. In practical terms, Odsight allows a Blackbird to do the
following and applies the following rules:
Sense illusory or glamoured objects and creatures, which are usually
perceived as both what they are and what they seem. Make an Awareness
test for a theurge to notice this effect if it has been created by a supernatural
entity of more power than the theurge (i.e., at a higher Tier).
Notice the presence of Outsiders or those who have relationships
with them. This always requires a Scrutinize test for the theurge
looking and involves staring at (or facing) someone for several seconds
in a conspicuous manner. This costs 2 AP if done during a Combat
Scene. The test is made secretly by the Fateweaver.
With the exceptions above, or unless something is deliberately
trying to—or is designed to—hide its nature, a theurge always
recognizes a a magical creature or object as such.
Odsight does not allow one to see in darkness or if they
are blinded. However, they do have a somewhat greater sense
of their surroundings, especially amongst living things, than
those without this ability.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 T heurgy & the O d 35

T I T H E & R E C KO N I N G S APPEARANCE: The Outsiders of the Court of Silence

T
ithe represents the amount a Blackbird
owes to the Outsiders they have access
to. Using Vitiations and Outsider
Techniques increases a Blackbird’s Tithe, whereas
performing Reckonings (tasks suggested by specific
Outsiders either at their impetus or at the theurge’s
request) lowers the Tithe. If a Blackbird’s Tithe
score becomes 10 or greater, it negatively affects
their ability to perform magic, reducing all Odweft
test by -10 until the Tithe is reduced.
Accumulation of Tithe Chart
are animals and elementals in form and speech. The
shapes they wear are varied, but never very human,
if they have human semblance at all. One may
appear as a living flame, another as a swarm of flies.
They communicate to the theurges who court them
with the sounds of wild creatures and untrammeled
nature. Many are unable to speak at all. Yet,
somehow, they are understood by those who seek
their powerful, and often uncontrollable, gifts.
SYMBOL: A beast with boar and lion elements, but
made of flames and Lightning.
NAMES: Beasts, Elementals

AGREEMENT IMP VILLEIN LORD

2 Tithe per 4 Tithe per 6 Tithe per

Rapport
Vitiation Vitiation Vitiation F O C U S T H E V I T I A T I O N (O P T I O N A L ) The theurge’s
player may choose a Focus Level of 1 to 3, but they must
1 Tithe per 2 Tithe per 3 Tithe per
Communion place that many dice into the Odic dice pool. The theurge
Vitiation Vitiation Vitiation
adds +10 to their Base Chance for each level of Focus. So,
1 Tithe each 2 Tithe each 3 Tithe each by adding 2Ð6 to the Odic dice pool, they get +20 to their
Pact time the sun time the sun time the sun
sets sets sets Odweft test. Focusing a Vitiation happens at the speed of
thought and, therefore, costs 0 AP in combat.

The Court of Silence R O L L F O R O D I C M A N I F E S T A T I O N Take all the dice in the

The Court of Silence is the court of raw,
boundless, primal fury. The voice of Silence is the
howl of the winds, the roar of the beast, the rage of
the volcano, the rumble of thunder, and the screams
of inchoate ferocity of wild things beyond the circle of
humanity, but it is always without words. The Court
of Silence expresses itself only with the absence of
words, and those who seek to plumb the mysteries of
this court would be wise to do so without speaking,
for the Court of Silence hates any form of higher
locution. Its Outsiders disdain the abstract building
blocks of higher language and prefer to speak what is,
to them, the only true language: unbounded emotion
and unfettered animal instincts. The true being deeply
(or not so deeply) hidden in every civilized person is
the beast, and the urbane exterior that culture forces
upon humanity is merely a fragile patina that quickly
crumbles when exposed to real experience.
Odic dice pool, including those added by the theurge if they
focused the Vitiation. In addition, add one die for each 10
points of Tithe the theurge has accumulated. Roll the Odic
dice. If any of the dice are a face ‘6,’ an Odic Manifestation
immediately comes into effect. The more ‘6’s rolled, the
more serious the nature of the Manifestation.
E N D I N G A N O D I C M A N I F E S T A T I O N Odic Manifestations
commonly last for the duration of the Combat Scene or
narrative scene they were triggered within. Manifestations
dissipate when the Combat Scene ends. Narrative scenes
lack the structure of Rounds and Turns, so a good rule of
thumb is to end a Manifestation once the Blackbirds exit
an area or once a few moments have passed. Fateweavers
should feel free to conclude an odulation at any time.
More than one Odic Manifestation can occur at one time
in one place.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 36 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Trammus, The Dual Hound
(Imp of Silence)
T rammus appears as a lean and malnourished
hound with a head at either end of its body.
The eyes on each head are disturbingly large, and
the jaws have more teeth than does a natural
hound’s. Trammus seems rabid or desperate, and
the two heads often nip at each other and fight.
Trammus speaks with the wordless whines and yips
of a dog that only a theurge can understand. With
it comes the smell of wet fur and a filthy kennel.
REMNANTS: Trammus offers remnants of Bestial
Power and Chimera.
WEAKNESSES: Trammus does not manifest near
bodies of water.
COURT: The Court of Silence
ALLIES: The Court of Joy
ENMITY: The Court of Peace
GOALS: “Help master find thralls to help master
hurt someone.”
FAVORED RECKONING: Trammus likes bones but is
notoriously picky about whence they come. The
theurge will know what it wants.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
T H E U R GY V I T I AT I O N S
V
itiations are purely channeled Odic power
gifted by Outsiders that give theurges the
means to pervert the natural order for
their own benefit. The Blackbird Eponine has access
to the following vitiations:
Aegis of Chitin
The theurge, or one person they touch, has their
skin transformed into insectile, chitinous black
plates that protect them from harm.
REMNANT: Bestial Power
DISTANCE: The theurge or one other willing person
they touch
DURATION: 1+[WB] Rounds
EFFECT: Add +1 to the recipient’s Damage Threshold.
They are incapable of Bleeding, and if they were
Bleeding when the magic was invoked, they
immediately stop. If this magic has never been used
on them before, they suffer 1Ð10+1 Peril as they
realize what they have become. The transformation
lasts until the Vitiation ends. Make a Resolve test
for anyone seeing someone so transformed for the
first time.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The
recipients also become
immune to toxins,
venoms, and fire.
CRITICAL FAILURE: All
who were to be altered by
the Vitiation are changed
both body and mind so
their thoughts become those
of an insect. They will likely cause
havoc and then flee into the nearest
wilderness area to hunt, controlled
by the Fateweaver for the duration
of the magic. When the Vitiation
ends, they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril from
the realization of what they have done.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The recipients can’t be
Injured or take more than 2 Damage levels
from any attack.

SUBLIME FAILURE: All the recipients are transformed
into lemures. This change is permanent unless the
recipients spend Fate or broker a temporary deal
with an Outsider to end the effect.
Hands of Trenchant Will
The theurge’s hands gain the ability to cut through
flesh and parry blades.
REMNANT: Chimera
DISTANCE: The theurge
DURATION: 1+[WB] Rounds
EFFECT: The recipient’s hands show no overt change,
but for the duration of this Vitiation, they can
cut through flesh and Parry blades as if they were
made of steel. The effect is as if they had two Melee
weapons with the Fast Quality and the Off-Hand
Quality. They may also use their [WB] to determine
the Damage bonus instead of another Attribute.
Finally, whenever the recipient strikes or parries with
their hands, their Odweft Skill may be used instead
of a Combat-based Skill to do so.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Add +10 to all tests to attack and
Parry using the hands.
CRITICAL FAILURE: All recipients’ hands become
boneless sacks of skin on the ends of their arms for
the duration of the Vitiation. The appendages are
completely useless.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: Add +20 to all tests to attack and
Parry using the hands, and the Vitiation lasts until
the sun sets and rises again.
SUBLIME FAILURE: All recipients’ hands become
charred and twisted, and they gain 1 level of Damage.
Any Skill tests relying on the damaged members are
at -20. Their appendages will be restored when the
sun sets and rises again, but the Damage must be
healed normally.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
T heurgy & the O d 37
Language of the Od
The theurge is given the ability to speak the language
of magic, the gods, and Outsiders.
REMNANT: Common (accessible to all Outsiders)
DISTANCE: The theurge
DURATION: 1 +[WB] minutes
EFFECT: The theurge gains the ability to speak the
Language of the Od. This vocalization sounds like
a language, but it is terrifying and horrible to hear,
reminiscent of the buzzing of insects, the snapping of
bones, and the sounds that unknown creatures make in
the dark of night. Supernatural entities or creatures from
the Od are generally impressed by this ability, however.
Anyone who is not a theurge or Odtouched finds the
sound disturbing, and a Resolve test must be made for
them the first time they hear it. They will also know the
speaker is manifesting magic of some sort. Speaking this
language grants the speaker +10 to all Fellowship-based
Skill tests made to influence Outsiders. The Language
of the Od has no written form.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled and the
theurge may hide the language or make it sound
pleasant, as the villein level of the Vitiation, even if
cast at the imp level.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge’s voice sounds
disturbing and obviously supernatural, penalizing all
Fellowship-based Skill tests by -10 and revealing the
theurge’s true nature. This effect lasts until the sun
sets and rises again.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The theurge attracts the attention
of an Outsider chosen by the Fateweaver who
will introduce itself and begin a relationship at
the rapport level. All Odweft tests to perform the
Pythonic Liturgy with this Outsider are at +10.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The theurge’s mouth becomes
a source of stinging insects for the duration of the
Vitiation. Anyone within 2 strides of the theurge
when they speak has all Skill tests reduced by -20
from the distraction for one Round as a swarm of
creatures spews forth and stings them. Skill tests
made for the theurge are at -30 for the duration,
whether their mouth is open or not, as the insects
sting them and the inside of their mouth.
 38
Ophidian Renewal
The theurge heals someone by giving their flesh the
regenerative qualities of a reptile.
REMNANT: Bestial Power
DISTANCE: One person the theurge touches
DURATION: Instantaneous
EFFECT: The theurge touches one willing person
and immediately moves them up 1 level on the
Damage Condition Track. A successful Toughness
test must be made for the target, or they gain some
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
permanent reptilian physical quality, e.g., a patch
of flesh that’s now scaly and discolored, nictitating
membranes covering the eyes that are visible when
the subject blinks, teeth that are slightly pointed.
Once used on someone, this Vitiation may not be
used on them again for 3 days.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: Either the Toughness test may
be forgone, or the recipient may heal twice as many
levels of Damage or twice as many Injuries.

CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipient is not healed, but
the Toughness test must still be made for them.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The recipient is fully healed of all
Damage and Injuries, and no Toughness test need
be made.
SUBLIME FAILURE: The recipient is not healed, but
gains a prominent and permanent reptilian feature,
e.g., the subject’s eyes become like those of a
crocodile, their flesh is covered in thick scales, their
tongue is now forked. All Fellowship-based Skill
tests where this would be in issue going forward are
made at -10.
Tree of Many Branches
The theurge grows two extra arms.
REMNANT: Chimera
DISTANCE: The theurge
DURATION: 1Ð6 Rounds
EFFECT: Two magical arms appear upon the
theurge’s torso. They do not damage or change the
recipient’s armor or clothing. Any Combat-based,
Brawn-based or Agility-based Skill tests that can
benefit from having these extra arms (e.g., climbing
something, grappling someone) gain a +10 bonus.
Their second attack during their Turn has no
penalty. The first Parry made after the recipient’s
Turn costs 0 AP regardless of the roll.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The duration is doubled.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The recipient’s arms disappear
for the duration, and the recipient drops anything
they were holding.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: As Critical Success, and add 1
AP when the recipient gains AP at the beginning of
each of their Turns.
SUBLIME FAILURE: As Critical Failure, but it lasts
until the sun sets and rises again.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
T heurgy & the O d 39
Unweave the Od
The theurge undoes a Vitiation currently in
progress.
REMNANT: Common (accessible to all Outsiders)
DISTANCE: One Vitiation or magical effect currently
happening that the theurge can perceive
DURATION: Instantaneous
EFFECT: If the target of this Vitiation was something
manifested by an imp, the Odweft test to end its
effects is unmodified. If the target is from a villein,
the Difficulty Rating for the test is (Arduous -30%).
If the target is from a lord, the Difficulty Rating
for the test is -60, making it nearly impossible in
most cases. If the test is successful, the Vitiation or
magic immediately ends; either way, the initiator
of the magic will become aware of the theurge
and their location. This Vitiation may not be used
on instantaneous magic, only on magic that has a
prolonged effect or duration.
CRITICAL SUCCESS: The magic ends, and the theurge
becomes immune to any Vitiation originating from
the same source until the sun sets and rises again.
CRITICAL FAILURE: The theurge loses all access to
Vitiations until the sun rises and sets again.
SUBLIME SUCCESS: The magic ends, and the source
of the magic is unable to use any Vitiation until the
sun sets and rises again.
SUBLIME FAILURE: One of the theurge’s Outsiders is
cut off from this world and no longer accessible to
any theurge. It must be an Outsider of the same
station as the one that empowered this Vitiation.
After one month, it is able to reform its connection
to this world and will once again be accessible, but
it must be summoned again using the Pythonic
Liturgy if this theurge wants to use it again.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 C H A P TE R 5

The Siege of Grey Face

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 C asual readers, be aware that this Weaving is
intended to be read only by Fateweavers. The
following self-contained Weaving brings together
many of the signature elements of BLACKBIRDS , and it maps out
many — maybe most — of the outcomes players are likely to
create through the intersection of their choices and the dictates
of dice and other means of determining how the story proceeds.

So that the descriptions in the following text all make sense, would-be
Fateweavers are encouraged to first read the preceding section of this
Quickstart if they have not done so already. Before game play begins,
have each player form the Flock by selecting one of the six Blackbirds
in the back of the Quickstart.

W E AV I N G O V E RV I E W

T
his Weaving encompasses a siege on a single keep and the
decisions the Blackbirds must make as they penetrate the
defenses to seek Prince Bertram, a target they have been
tasked to eliminate. It should be made clear that they are supplemental
mercenary troops hired by Vichy and under the command of General
Hildebrand, but ultimately that their loyalty is to each other and that
the General has been a capricious and cruel employer.
During the course of their encounter, it becomes clear to the
Flock that Bertram has also been touched by Fate in the same
way as themselves, and that perhaps completing the task that has
been set for them is to invite dire consequences. In fact they
discover that Bertram is more in need of saving than of killing.
Of course, the path the Blackbirds take is theirs to choose, and
the threads of Fate will be woven by those who hold them.

Recent History
It is the 13th of Forge in the year 709, the first year in the cycle of
Ouroboros. With the immanence of the Golden Messiah’s manifestation
in physical form on the dim horizon, Vichy has begun to send forth its
armies in preparation for his arrival. The Splendid Kingdoms to the
east have only a tenuous series of alliances with each other, and this
weakness has recently brought the attentions of the Vichy legions to
their doorstep. Fortunately for the Kingdoms, the advance of Vichy has
been hindered by a series of attacks against their supply line.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)


The origin of these attacks is Prince Bertram,
who is himself a theurge and has been using the
powers bestowed to him by his Outsider
Fliberdijiberit (pronounced flib-er-tee-jib-ber-it) to
assist with the attacks against Vichy. Unfortunately
Bertram has built up a great deal of Tithe by his
frequent use of Odic powers and has had to turn to
the ritual of festival to release himself from this
heavy debt. Festival requires that the prince allow
his servant Outsider to possess his mortal flesh for
what could be hours, days, perhaps weeks. Bertram
now spends his time under the complete control of
Fliberdijiberit, who has dragged much of Grey Face
into the Odic realm.
Through the capture and torture of an
informant, General Hildebrand discovers the source
of the attacks against her vanguard, and she has laid
siege to Prince Bertram’s Keep, the Grey Face.
Neither the soldiers of Vichy nor the Blackbirds
have any idea what lies in wait for them at the
castle’s heart.
T H E W E AV I N G B E G I N S
O
nce everyone has chosen their Blackbird,
read the following passage to your Flock:
You have come to find yourselves, either through
lean times or ambitious avarice, to be among
the several mercenary bands hired to assist the
soldiers of Vichy in laying siege to a castle known
as the Grey Face, a minor keep in a position of
little strategic value on the western border of
the Splendid Kingdoms. The castle itself is held
by the forces and bondservants of the lesser
princeling Bertram, who had the audacity to
stand in the way of conquests by the armies of
Vichy, and the Sigilists that make up their ranks.
It has been a long campaign, and although
profitable, several soldiers among the troops
have begun to question the means by which
your commander, General Hildebrand, carries
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
THE SIEGE OF GREY FACE 43
out her objectives. She has a heavy hand when
meting out punishment, and an open disdain
and cruelty for the smallfolk that borders on
atrocity. The whispered rumors among the
troops are that her sense of justice, which had
always been draconian, became worse since
the arrival of a strange advisor from the City
of Painted Glass itself, a nameless paladin in
armor of gold. Hildebrand’s golden champion
was unlike anything you had ever witnessed,
a hulking presence that loomed over even the
most strapping of soldiers among your band. It
did not take food or drink. It never slept. And,
those that dared to get close enough described
its drawing of breath as absent—perhaps
muffled by its armored visor, which depicted
a handsome but emotionless visage. Since the
paladin arrived, she has burned a village to
the ground because it supposedly harbored
witches, and she cut off the hands of two of
your fellow soldiers who had stolen bread. Some
of your group may have voiced the suggestion
that the current military action is the last you
will take under the command of the general.
What you know for sure is that you and your
fellow Blackbirds have been fighting together
for some time, that you trust one another, and
that the siege is reaching its inevitable end.
As you fight your way through the outer gate
and into the bluish gray corridors of the wall’s
interior, General Hildebrand’s final words
to you and the other soldiers echo in your
mind: “Bertram is to be killed, not captured. If
encountered, do not give him time to speak or
act, and remove him from this world with the
greatest alacrity. Those who satisfy this task will
take their reward from the gilded coffers of Vichy.”
You breach one of the inner courtyards of the
keep in the push and pull hurlyburly of battle as
a terrifyingly close shot from a Vichain trebuchet
collapses the tower behind you. It is clear that
 44 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
the lives of your fellow mercenaries matter little
to Vichy’s host. As the rubble and dust begins to
settle, you see that you are cut off from the rest
of the Vichian army. You and your companions
are on your own inside the castle’s perimeter.
Your arrival and the collapse have startled some
of Bertram’s weary troops, who cough and wipe
silt from their eyes. You and your comrades may
gain an element of surprise.
The Battle in the Courtyard
This conflict is designed to give beginning Blackbirds
and a new Fateweaver an understanding of the
rules for combat and action. You may also want to
ensure that everyone understands the details of the
information on their Blackbird sheets and answer
any other questions about the current situation.
They may even have some questions about their
Blackbird:
W H AT A R E S I G I LI STS?
They are a religious martial order that both permeates and
rules Vichy. They are known to hunt down supernatural
monsters and threats, to protect people, and to provide
some succor for the poor and needy. They are also known
for torturing and burning at the stake theurges, witches,
and those who may or may not have a connection to the
Od. They adorn their trappings with Sigils, the marks of
their saints.
If I am a Theurge, should I be concerned about fighting
alongside Sigilists?
There are some Theurges who perform duties for Vichy,
especially in wartime. As long as they keep a low profile and
show the proper deference, they are usually left unmolested.
So I can use my Extinguish abilities only between
Rekindlings?
Yes, and there will not be a Rekindling during this Weaving.
So, once you use those abilities, you lose all the abilities on
that card for the rest of the session. Plan accordingly.
What about Fate?
You have only one Fate Point, and like Extinguish abilities
you will not be able to regain your Fate during this Weaving.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
There is a number of Bertram’s soldiers arrayed
against the Blackbirds equal to the number of
players, and one of the soldiers is an officer. These
soldiers stagger within a few strides of the Blackbirds.
Smoke and choking dust fill the air and conceal the
Blackbirds in swirling, ash-colored clouds. Because
this initial battle is designed so that you and your
players can get a feel for combat and the flow of the
rules, assume that the Blackbirds have gained the
advantage and may attempt a Surprise Round by
choosing targets. The players then roll opposed
Stealth tests against Awareness tests made for
Bertram’s soldiers. If successful, the Blackbirds
activate against their chosen foe.
I F A P L A Y E R ’ S attack roll against one of
Bertram’s soldiers is a Sublime Succes, assume
that Blackbird has rendered their opponent
Knocked Out or Slain!, player’s choice.
The Blackbirds are the only ones from their
side within the outermost wall, and it appears the
defenders are in disarray. The Flock should be able
to proceed farther into the keep without a great deal
of opposition, and if that proves to be so, they will
be the first to reach Prince Bertram. The path
forward goes across a stone bridge that leads to a
door into the next walled courtyard. The way back
is blocked by more than just rubble.
As the blood from your wounds and that of your
fallen foes trickles into the cobbled ground, it does
not pool but instead seeps into the foundation
of Grey Face. The stones drink hungrily of your
offering. Shadows bend as if the sun were speeding
on an unnatural course towards dusk. Each of you
feels an unsteady drift within your guts. It’s as if
you’re standing on a listing ship, yet your feet are
firmly on the ground.
Regaining your bearings, it becomes clear that
the world around you has changed. The din of
battle that once hammered at your ears has

faded as if some unseen power took the warring
forces and sealed them in some adjacent yet
unseen space–hushed between worlds.
DIRECT AT EPONINE IF PRESENT: Your flock has
crossed over into a place theurges and magi call
the worming. An interstice between the Od
and the tapestry of the world. To flee this place
would only lead deeper into the Odic labyrinth,
a landscape from which very few ever return.
N O W ’ S A G O O D time for the Fateweaver
to draw attention to the flock’s means of
recuperation, especially if they’re suffering
Damage or any form of Injury.
Binding Wounds: A successful Heal test
to Bind Wounds may be made on a Blackbird’s
behalf outside of a Rekindling. However,
those Talents and Techniques native to a
Rekindling scene do not come into play. A
Blackbird may have Bind Wounds performed
on them only once per day. Depending
on where a Blackbird is on the Damage
Condition Track, the Difficulty Rating of
the Heal test becomes more challenging.
͝ Level 1: Automatically succeed
͝ Level 2: (Routine +10%) Heal test
͝ Level 3: (Standard +/-)%) Heal test
͝ Level 4: (Challenging -10%) Heal test
͝ Level 5: (Hard -20%) Heal test
Assume that there are enough clean
bandages on hand for each of the Blackbirds.
Additionally, one of the Blackbirds,
probably Clement Stonewrite or Eponine
Dyrne, has a single vile of quickbronze
elixir on their person—when quaffed, the
potion heals 3 levels of Damage or 1 Injury.
Should the Blackbirds wish to split the vial
into three sips capable of treating 1 level of
Damage, they may do so.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
THE SIEGE OF GREY FACE 45
The Face of Stone
As they cross the bridge, read the following passage
to your Flock:
The stone bridge is the only way forward, and
you see no further defenders blocking your
path. The bridge itself is made from ancient
flagstones put in place before the keep itself
was built, and it appears to be as sturdy as the
mountain itself. It crosses a rocky ravine that is
a natural part of the terrain the keep was built
upon, a clever use of the shape of the world’s
bones as a defensive feature. At its far end, the
span ends against a stone wall that would be
difficult to scale. The way forward proceeds
through a large, stout, oaken door that has a
small barred window set within it.
As you consider this obstacle, you see a face
looking down on you from a defensive point
at the top of the wall, to the right of the door
above. The face is not human, though it is
crudely shaped like a human face. It appears
to be made from stone and blue crystal. You
might consider it a gargoyle or work of artistry
by some rock carver, but its eyes are quite alive
and looking down on your group with great
intensity. Before you can react, the face turns
to look over its shoulder and its expression is
replaced by one of alarm. The being disappears
quickly behind the parapet.
The face belongs to Foldehelm, and he has
been expecting the Blackbirds. The encroachment
of the Od caused by the festival his master agreed to
has grown in size and will begin to become apparent
to the Flock as it proceeds. Foldehelm will confront
the Blackbirds later. Now he must go to his master’s
chambers to see if he can slow the growing rift
between this world and the Od.
 46 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Each Blackbird may attempt to make one Skill
test, and each successful test will gain them some
information:
Ύ Awareness: Not long after the face disappears, its
place on the wall is filled with another shape,
perhaps that of a soldier? It’s hard to tell, since it
keeps itself well behind the cover of an arrow slit
and watches the Flock. A similar shape appears
behind the defenses on the left side of the gate.
Ύ Education: The great histories tell of an ancient
people who were an offshoot of the aes or elves.
They willingly chose to remake themselves as new
things tied to the natural world and made from the
elements. In the end they were destroyed or
defeated, the lore goes. The seer Amelius prophesied
that some were saved by Fate, and that they would
return to the world as Fate’s servants. The face
above reminds you of a picture you once saw in an
ancient tome.
͝ Folklore: The creature is a daimn, an ancient
people who were created by a magical
transformation. They long ago disappeared from
the world. Some say they died off, and others that
they were merely sleeping. It is said they will
come again, guided by Fate itself.
Ύ Odweft: The face belongs to a magical being that
is highly attuned to Fate and the power of the
primal and elemental earth. This encounter is not
by chance but instead part of the warp and weft
of the Norns. Those who have Odsight realize
that the creature whose face they saw has the
same, or perhaps a similar, connection to Fate as
do members of the Flock.
Ύ Rumor: You are reminded of talk among travelers
that, in far flung places of the world, the daimn
have been awakening, and that they arise full of
solemn purpose. They claim to be agents of Fate,
and to be here to help coax forward the
machinations of destiny. Could the stone face
belong to a daimn?
Ύ Scrutinize: The face above seemed unsurprised to
see you and your companions and actually looked
somewhat relieved. Before it disappeared its
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
expression changed to one of fear and concern
based on something it saw on the other side of
the wall, something apparently close to its
location.
Spending a point of Fortune and using Skuld’s
Vision to ask the Fateweaver any questions about
Foldehelm will also give them any of the information
above, depending upon the question they ask. Feel
free to remind the Flock that they may do so,
especially if they missed any of the rolls they were
trying to make. Attempting to spend Fortune and
use Urd’s voice to set up an ambush or prepare a
way to attack the daimn will not work; the Fortune
is simply not spent in this case.
W H O I S M O R E F O O L?
Assuming the Flockmates attempt to move
forward, they approach the door set in the wall on
the far side of the bridge. If they dawdle, let them
know that there are probably other enemy soldiers
about and that, at this end of the bridge, they are
exposed, so it’s best they proceed farther. As they
move toward the wall and the door, read the
following passage to your Flock:
As you approach the stone wall and the door
set within it, you see that the defenses here are
formidable. Two arrow slits atop the wall ahead
appear to be shield figures on the far side,
though you see no arrows as of yet. Scaling the
wall might be possible, but anyone attempting
such an action would be exposed while doing
so. The door before you has a small, barred
window set within it, perhaps to facilitate
parley or to ease firing of missiles at attackers.
Your eyes are drawn to a movement of motley
color in the barred window. A small shape
moves there, a tiny human form with arms and
a face. It is a puppet, presumably with a hand
inside it, the sort you might see at a marketplace,
performing tales of fairies and dragons for the
amusement of children. This particular puppet

appears to be an exaggerated version of a
pompous soldier, with an impossibly muscled
chest. Its movements suggest it is strutting back
and forth beyond the small window. A high and
reedy voice addresses you: “Who goes there? I
am Gord! The guardian of this gate! Approach
me if you dare . . .”
The voice belongs to a soldier who has been
possessed and controlled by Fliberdijiberit, and the
shapes behind the arrow slits above are likewise
ensorcelled. The control has transformed the guards
so that each wears a magical puppet on their left
hand—but the puppets are the ones in control.
Although they behave somewhat comically, they
remain dangerous. See Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit,
nearby.
As before, each Blackbird may attempt one of
the following tests to gain more information:
͝ Awareness: A glimpse at the figures behind the
arrow slits overhead shows a flash of color, and
another puppet, at each one. . .
͝ Odweft: This thing has a taste of the Od about it.
It is either an Outsider or in league with one. A
Critical or Sublime success reveals that this sort of
manifestation is associated with Fliberdijiberit, a
Villein of the Court of Joy. Note that Fliberdijiberit
is not the true name of this Outsider. Those who
have Odsight are certain that there is a bloom of
Od on the other side of the door and that a
powerful Outsider is working over a large area.
͝ Scrutinize: The puppeteer (or the puppet . . .)
appears to be filled with a sense of bravado and
self-importance. Perhaps it can be manipulated
by leveraging this demeanor.
͝ Strategy or Warfare: If the puppeteer in the
window and the watchers above could be
distracted, it might be possible to scale the wall.
Even if that isn’t possible, an ascent would not be
out of the question, as there are only two visible
defenders. Either way, it would be risky.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
THE SIEGE OF GREY FACE 47
V A R I O U S ST R ATA G E M S & O UTCO M E S
The puppet behind the door refers to itself as
Gord, and the ones above are called Trim and
Hindle. Gord enjoys talking and boasting, and is
susceptible to flattery. Trim is incredibly pessimistic,
and Hindle is optimistic to the point of being naive.
If the Flock can draw them into a conversation,
then Trim and Hindle will descend and possibly
open the door. Charm, Bargain, or Guile tests
would be appropriate; feel free to play out the
encounter. If the rolls go well or if the Flock
mentions Fliberdijiberit, the guards let them pass
without issue, but if the Flock Critically Fails or
tries to force its way in, then combat begins.
If the Blackbirds attempt to scale the wall, a
Coordination or Athletics test allows them to gain
the top, but a failure causes them to take 1Ð10+1
Damage as they tumble. A Critical Failure causes
2Ð10+2, and a Sublime Failure means they tumble
into the chasm below, unless they spend Fate. This
action can be attempted during combat for 3 AP.
The door mechanism can be overcome with a
Skullduggery test. A Critical or Sublime Failure
permanently jams the lock, and the wall must be
climbed. This attempt also takes 3 AP if done
during combat.
All three soldiers can throw stones from their
positions. Attempting to attack them in their
defensive positions causes a modifier of -30%.
REC KONING O P P O R T U N I T Y: E PONINE
can reduce her Tithe by 4 by making sure
this encounter with the soldiers does not
escalate to violence, either before or after the
Flock has bypassed the door. Trammus lets
Eponine know this as soon as the encounter
begins. The Courts of Joy and Silence seldom
find themselves at odds, as they are merely
two different flavors of madness.
 48 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
The Threshold of Od
Blackbirds who are able to pass through the door
arrive in a strange courtyard. Read the following
passage to your Flock:
Beyond the door is a small, hexagonal courtyard
that is disturbing on a deep level. The sky is visible,
but it’s impossible to tell if it is day or night—the
firmament is empty of clouds, stars, moons, or
sun—even as a strange, gray light pours down
from above. There are also subtle distortions of
perspective and distance. The cobbled ground
here is covered with rusted weapons and armor of
many types. At the far end of the courtyard is an
archway in the stone wall, but you can’t tell how
far away it is. Festive music comes faintly from the
archway, though it is filled with shadows.
Everyone seeing the courtyard for the first time
must make a Peril-based Resolve test or take
1Ð10+1 Peril. This courtyard is partially
encompassed by the Od, and anyone making an
Odweft or Folklore test or who has Odsight
immediately knows this to be true. Because of the
distorted perspective, all ranged attacks in this space
are at -10% to be successful.
The Flockmates can spend some minutes
looking about here, but when they approach the
archway with determination or to look at it closely,
read the following passage to them:
Suddenly, a bright and multicolored light shines
through the arch, and the boisterous music
grows louder. You are reminded of festivals
and fairs before the wars came. The smell of
baked pies and roasted fruit surrounds you,
and standing in the light from the doorway is
a tall human figure. The light makes it hard to
properly resolve its features, but it seems to be
dressed in the motley of a jester and holding a
small staff with bells along its length. From the
wall above a voice yells “Look out!” The figure
steps clear of the light. What you thought was
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
a human is a large insect shaped like a man. It
moves towards you with deadly intent.
The creature is a Greater Lemure of Joy, and it
attacks the flock. The voice that yelled above is
Foldehelm’s. He is in a window above the archway,
from which he yells advice from as they assault the
beast. If the battle is going poorly, he tells them
about the red iron longsword hidden among the
rusted blades. Once the Blackbirds defeat the
Lemure, Foldehelm steps out of the archway.
A T T H E F A T E W E A V E R ’ S discretion, a
longsword made of red iron may be concealed
among the weapons scattared arcoss the
courtyard. Such weapons gain the Enchanted
Quality, and cause Bane Damage to Outsiders.
They also offer a +10 to hit when used to attack
magical creatures. In addition, they do not
suffer Degradation from the Wheel.
Red Iron Longsword: Adaptable, Biting
(2), Defensive, [CB], Hands [1-2], Patronage 10
A short, stout, and lumpy man stands before
the door. He appears to be made of crude earth
and stones. His face was the one you saw earlier.
The figure—dressed in a threadbare traveler’s
cloak and the boots, tunic, and breaches of a
commoner—appears to be attempting to pass
as a petite human, but there’s no mistaking its
fay qualities upon close inspection. His weapon
is sheathed, and he holds up a rough and
weathered hand. It appears that he wishes to
talk. He says, “My name is Foldehelm, and I seek
only to parley before you proceed further. Will
you grant me a moment to talk with you?”
Foldehelm is a daimn, an ancestry related to
the Aes or elves but created in the distant past by
Father Steel from those willing Aes who wanted to
change the fundamental nature of their being. This
particular daimn is a servant of Prince Bertram.

He is also a natural servant of Fate and has been
aware of the Blackbirds’ imminent arrival. He hopes
they will assist him in helping Bertram instead of
following the orders of their general. He knows that
when the forces of Fate work against each other,
dangerous complications can result, but he will
attempt to lead them to discover this truth on their
own, rather than coming right out and saying it.
Foldehelm encourages the Flock to have
a conversation with him. If they attempt to
approach him aggressively or attack him with
ranged weapons, he sinks into the ground with a
weary shake of his head, passing through the stone
as if it were mere mist.
A successful Scrutinize test reveals that
Foldehelm sincerely wants to parley, and that
his overture is not a trick. He does seem to be
holding something back, and beneath his calm
demeanor he observes the Blackbirds carefully and
with great concern.
If the Blackbirds agree, Foldehelm continues
speaking: “I have known you would arrive. Indeed,
I was waiting for your appearance. You need not
question how I came by this knowledge, for like
yourselves I am touched by Fate, and there are times
when I feel the weave and what is to come. You
must have felt this as well?”
At this point a conversation ensues, albeit a
brief one. Foldehelm does not have a great deal of
time to talk with the Blackbirds—he must take
them to Bertram—as he hopes that the Blackbirds
will help him to stop the festival before it is
complete. He’s not sure exactly how they might do
so. He knows only that they alone have a chance to
do so.
Foldehelm attempts to pass on the following
knowledge to the Flock:
Ύ He is a servant of Prince Bertram. Bertram has
also been touched by Fate, just as Foldehelm and
the Flock have been. When those who have been
touched by Fate work together, great things can
be accomplished. When they work against each
other, woe swiftly follows.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
THE SIEGE OF GREY FACE 49
Ύ There is a darkness that has swallowed the heart
of Vichy, and it is growing. Foldehelm doesn’t
know exactly what it is, but maybe the Blackbirds
have noticed something similar?
Ύ Bertram is a theurge, and his magics have been
preventing the armies of Vichy from invading the
Splendid Kingdoms. Currently, though, he is
paying the price of dealing with the Od by letting
himself be used as a vessel. If the Blackbirds help
him, he would be grateful. Certainly, there would
be knowledge that Bertram could share with the
Flock, especially of magic. If one of the Players is
running Eponine, then this last point should be
directed toward them especially.
The Od has bled into this world as part of a
Reckoning that Bertram must pay for dealing with
the Outsider Fliberdijiberit. Something called a
festival is occuring. Eponine (and only Eponine)
can make an Odweft test to know that a Festival is
a rumored way to do a great Reckoning to pay off a
large amount of Tithe.
The Flock must choose to save Bertram (The
Path of Mystery) or try to kill him (The Path of
Blood). Foldehelm opposes the Blackbirds if they
choose the latter. Either way, they must proceed
into the chamber beyond the archway.
The Festival
Whether accompanied by Foldehelm or without
him, the Flock enters the chamber beyond. There,
the Blackbirds are confronted with madness. Read
the following passage to your Flock:
The chamber you enter is larger than the keep
itself would be able to encompass, and in
some places the space seems to stretch into
infinity. On every side and above you there
are staircases, walkways, and platforms that
bleed together in a hodgepodge that makes a
mockery of rational geometry. Wandering along
these walkways and occupying the platforms
all around you are people performing every
variety of festive activities. Some are singing or
 50 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT

playing musical instruments, some are dancing,

some are hawking foods or goods from stalls,
some are simply stumbling drunk from place
to place, but each and every one of them has a
puppet on their left hand.

At the center of it all, and in front of you, is a

man seated on a throne of multicolored papier
mache who wears a crown of painted wood.
His left hand is encompassed by a puppet that
wears a smaller but quite real crown but is also
faceless. You sense that somewhere, just out of
sight, something terribly menacing is present
but remains unseen.

As above, everyone seeing this space for the first

time must make a Peril-based Resolve test or take
1Ð10+1 Peril. Also as above, all ranged attacks in
this space are at -10% to be successful.
The Flock has several options for tests to gather
information before proceeding. Remember that
each Blackbird may make only one test:
Ύ Education: Based on his regalia and descriptions
you have heard of him, the person on the throne
is Prince Bertram. He is a minor noble of the
Splendid Kingdoms.
Ύ Odweft: This test reveals the same information as
in the “Who Is More Fool?” section above. In
addition, success indicates that the faceless
puppet is a Villein of the Court of Joy and that it
can probably be bargained with. Those who have
Odsight are aware that an Outsider is present and
that this location is on an open rift into the Od.
Ύ Scrutinize: Bertram’s face stares unemotionally
into the middle distance, but observing the body
language of the faceless puppet suggests that it is
aware of the Flock’s presence, and it is amused
and unsurprised by their appearance here.
Any Blackbird who lacks Odsight and attempts
to seek the source of the unseen menace must make
an Awareness test at -10% or an unmodified Odweft
test. If they succeed, they become aware of a
quiescent Whispering Chimera that lurks on a
platform and appears to be far away (although
distance in this place is challenging to determine);
read the following passage to your Flock:
You follow the sensation of menace with your
instincts and become immediately aware of a
horror that is in plain sight but that you were
ignoring subconsciously. This massive shape
combines parts of other creatures in rude fashion
and all out of proportion: one leg is a giant arm
of a human baby, another is a huge bird leg, still
other parts are from creatures probably not of
this world, and its front is an amalgamation of
faces, both human an animal.
The eyes of those faces and of ones spread
across this creature’s body are all closed, and
the thing itself is very still. The expressions
of the human faces that make up part of the

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)


thing appear to be slumbering, but with the
pained expression of someone in the depths of
a horrible nightmare. You wish you had never
become aware of this monstrosity.
Those who make themselves aware of the Chimera
must make a Resolve test at -20% or take 2Ð10+2
Peril. Once they are aware, an Odweft or Folklore test
lets them know this is a Whispering Chimera, a beast
from the Od that serves the Outsiders and, according
to legend, can devour entire armies. This one seems to
be sleeping. The Chimera remains asleep unless the
Flock attacks it directly (an extremely foolish thing to
do, and you should let them know as much before
they attempt it). It exists only to create a greater sense
of dread and to hint at the plans of Fliberdijiberit.
The Blackbirds may interact with the other
possessed souls in the surrounding area. Feel free to
play out these encounters. There is little danger
unless the Flock creates it themselves, but everyone
they talk to and everything they experience should
hint at subtle dread and madness. The songs are
about the Blackbirds themselves, the food they get
from vendors comes in the shape of things personal
to those who buy it, and everyone speaks with an air
of whimsy punctuated with dark portent.
The Flock has two options: try to help or save
Bertram (The Path of Mystery); or to attack him,
thus creating a snarl in the threads of Fate (The Path
of Blood).
T H E PAT H O F MYSTE RY
If the Flockmates attempts to engage Bertram,
they find themselves negotiating instead with
Fliberdijiberit, who now controls the prince through
the rite of festival. Fliberdijiberit is unsurprised by
the Flock’s arrival and, much like Foldehelm, has
anticipated this meeting. Read the following passage
to your Flock:
The faceless puppet bows with mock solemnity
as you approach. A voice bordering on both
laughter and threat rasps from the throat of
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
THE SIEGE OF GREY FACE 51
the prince: “Oh, mighty warriors and puissant
masters of destiny! So honored am I to be in the
company of such luminaries! Let us engage in
lofty discourse and decide the fates of nations.”
And then it giggles.
Talking with Fliberdijiberit reveals that the
Outsider seems to be seeking a negotiation or
bargain with the Flock. The Outsider’s goal are
simply to be known to them and, especially, that
Eponine forge a formal relationship with him by
performing the Pythonic Liturgy at some point in
the future. Now that the Flock has met
Fliberdijiberit, any of them could call upon the
Villein by seeking a temporary deal, so in truth the
Outsider already has what it wants, but it absolutely
does not let the Blackbirds know this truth.
Fliberdijiberit wheels and deals for the soul of
Bertram by, at first, asking for outrageous payment
and, in return, expecting the Blackbirds to
counteroffer. The Outsider knows that if the
negotiation is too easy they might suspect its
motives. Also, bargaining with mortals is fun.
Things the Blackbirds might ask for:
Ύ Release Bertram and close the portal to the Od
Ύ Lay waste to the sieging army and slay General
Hildebrand.
Ύ Answer questions about the world or their current
situation
Ύ Enter into a relationship with Eponine, if that
Blackbird is present
Things Fliberdijiberit might demand in
payment:
Ύ One of the Flock must complete the festival at a
future time determined by Fliberdijiberit. They
are to come under control of the Outsider and
not remember what transpired during that time.
Ten hours of festival remain.
Ύ Return to the army of Hildebrand and slip a
puppet into her tent.
Ύ Each member of the Flock must perform a
Reckoning for Fliberdijiberit, each one’s details
to be determined later.
 52 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
Ύ Fliberdijiberit requires that the red iron blade (if
it was found) be given to him as tribute, in
conjunction with any of the above demands.
Feel free to negotiate as long as it proves
entertaining and the Flock remains engaged. You
may allow them to make Charm, Bargain, and
Guile tests as appropriate when they attempt to
make any counteroffer. Once the deal is struck,
the Blackbirds should receive their reward.
Assuming they freed Bertram, see The Rift Closes,
below. If they ask for military help against the
opposing army, Fliberdijiberit giggles with
delight and releases the Whispering Chimera,
which rampages off and begins devouring all
soldiers outside the walls, though it doesn’t stop
there. The siege is broken, but rumors of the
monster and its ongoing devastation continue to
spread. If they seek information, Fliberdijiberit
answers a few questions. He can tell them who is
really leading Vichy’s armies and about the
coming of the Golden Messiah; or that the gods
have been murdered and something much worse
lurches towards their thrones; or hint at the
location of a powerful artifact or the name of
another Outsider. These possibilities are beyond
the scope of this Weaving.
If Eponine is present and uses
Unweave the Od, the Difficulty Rating
for the test is (Arduous -30%), however.
The vitiation has no effect unless a Critical
or Sublime Success is rolled—in which
case, the festival ends; skip to The Rift
Closes, below.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
T H E PAT H O F B L O O D
If the Flock attacks Bertram, use the entry for
Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit for him and add 3 to his
Damage Threshold. Foldehelm defends Bertram to
the end; if he sank into the ground earlier, he
appears from behind the throne. In addition,
Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit equal to the number of
Blackbirds arrive to assist. This battle proves very
difficult. If the Blackbirds succeed in defeating
Bertram and his defenders, they create a Snarl of
Fate as the weave works against itself. The one who
struck the killing blow against Bertram claims an
extra temporary Fate amulet, which doesn’t return
after it is spent, though until it is spent, one Fortune
coin becomes Misfortune each night when the sun
sets. At the start of a Weaving in which a Blackbird
possesses a Snarl of Fate, all of the Fortune that
would have been generated for them manifests as
Misfortune; a Snarl is always spent before the
Blackbirds’ Fate.
The Rift Closes
Assuming the Flock has negotiated for the release
of Bertram or killed him, the connection between
this world and the Od is broken. The Blackbirds
find themselves in an unremarkable throne room.
Several confused courtiers, soldiers, and people of
the keep are present—now freed from the yoke of
Fliberdijiberit. If Bertram is still alive, he is grateful
to the Flockmates and either helps them to sneak
out of the keep or allows them to join him in his
conflict against Vichy. The choice is theirs. If they
killed Bertram, the keep is taken by Vichy, and
General Hildebrand becomes their patron.
Here concludes The Siege of Grey Face, the
introductory Weaving. Certainly, many possibilities
for adventure present themselves to those who
would like to continue the story, and there are a
great many ideas in the full BLACKBIRDS book. We
hope you enjoyed this Quickplay. May the blessings
of Fate guide you along your true path.
 R E C KO N I N G S I N T H E G R E Y F A C E

I
n the standard edition of BLACKBIRDS are
charts for suggested Reckonings. For this
introductory Weaving, there are suggestions
for Reckonings if Eponine is present.

O D I C M A N I F E STAT I O N S I N
THE GREY FACE

I
n the standard edition of BLACKBIRDS, when
the Odic dice pool generates a 6, a chart is
consulted to determine the result. This
quickplay uses a simpler resolution based upon the
events that are happening in the castle itself. Each
time the dice would indicate an Odic
Manifestation, simply roll a Ð6 and consult the
chart below. If one of these manifestations has
already happened, then choose the next one up on
the chart. Remember to remove all the dice that
showed a 6 from the Odic Pool.

Ð6 ROLL EFFECT

Odic Perspective: The stones of Grey Face vulgarly pull apart and reform in maddening patterns. While it is
still possible to navigate these surroundings, it is nauseating. Everyone present must make a Resolve test or
1
take 2Ð10+2 Peril. All who lack Fate lose any remaining AP until their next Turn, as they are boggled by what is
happening.
Maze of Od: Distance and perspective are twisted askew. Things that are far away appear to be closer and vice
2
versa. All Movement Maneuvers cost 1 extra AP.
The Weave Revealed: A web of scarlet threads connecting all living things sears into your mind’s eye—you are
3 entangled in it, penetrated by it, and you submit to it and master it all at once. For the rest of the Round, all
Fortune spent does not become Misfortune.
A Glimpse of the Horror: Behind you, a golden sun dawns in the west, accompanied by a choir of innumerable
harmonizing voices whose song quickly transforms into a shrill. The copious din pierces every fiber of your
4 being as yellow light washes over the world. From beyond the walls of Grey Face, the roar of Vichy’s rejoicing
soldiers quakes through your ears, causing them to bleed. The Blackbirds must make a Peril-based Resolve test
at the beginning of each turn or take 1Ð10+1 Peril.
The Puppeteer: Everyone present appears to be a marionette with strings stretching to infinity, controlled by
5 some invisible entity overhead. By observing someone’s strings, Blackbirds who are present can gain a +10% to
their chance to hit that opponent or react to their actions, but they take 1Ð10+1 Peril.
Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit: All soldiers present are completely healed and become Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit. If
6
there are no Soldiers present, then 3 Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit appear.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 C H A P TE R 6

Bestiary

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 56 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT

Bertram’s Soldiers

B ertram’s soldiers are weary from the siege but still dangerous.
They do not surrender or parley, as the forces of Vichy are
essentially laying siege to their home. If captured and questioned, they
may hint that something strange is happening in Bertram’s chambers,
but they have no concrete knowledge of the details. They wear
Gambeson and are armed with Light Crossbows and Longswords.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [6] 45 [5] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Melee +20 Athletics +10 Coordination Awareness +10 Heal +10 Resolve +10
Ranged +10 Toughness +10 +10 Survival +10 Strategy +10
Warfare +10
Dodge: 55% Damage Movement: 8 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal Peril Threshold: Risk Factor:
Parry: 70% Threshold 7(13/19/25) Suggested for
Gambeson +3: 1 Basic-Tier
9(15/21/27) Blackbird
Light Crossbow: 60% - Distance (Ranged 11 strides) - Load (2 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Fast, Piercing, Punishing
Longsword: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

BATTLE-HARDENED: Resolve tests made for this of Damage. They gain +20 to all Combat-based
creature are Flip to Succeed when their commanding Skill tests and add 1 Damage die to all Attacks for
officer or leader is present and within their sight. the remainder of this Combat Scene.
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature BATTLE HORN (4 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, SPECIAL
is naturally vulnerable to all threats of the ACTION): This creature plays a note on its battle
BLACKBIRDS world, including Injury. horn, raises a standard, or performs some other
AMONG ANY GROUP OF BERTRAM’S SOLDIERS THERE act that summons 1Ð6 soldiers. This action may
WILL BE ONE OFFICER WITH THE ADDITIONAL TRAIT: transpire only once per Combat Scene.
COMMAND ( 1 AP, REACTION):
This creature chooses an ally
that is about to be struck in
combat and, anticipating the
attack, calls out to them. This
creature makes a Warfare
test and, if successful, the
blow misses as if the ally had
Dodged it.
    DESPERATE ASSAULT (2
MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT
ACTION): This creature can
use this Trait only when they
have suffered at least 3 levels

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B estiary 57

Foldehelm the Daimn

T he Daimn are creatures of Fate and the Elements, and Foldehelm

is no exception. His appearance is that of a short and stout man,
made from stone, with a beard and hair made of fine blue crystal
filaments. He wears a threadbare cloak, brigandine colored in earth
tones, and wields a worn longsword.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [6] 45 [5] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Ranged +20 Coordination Scrutinize +10 Leadership +10
Warfare +10 Tradecraft +20
Melee +20 +20 Awareness +10 Charm +20
Damage Risk Factor:
Threshold: Suggested for
Dodge: 65 Peril Threshold:
5(11/17/23) Movement: 9 Initiative: 15 Size: Normal
Parry: 65 8(14/20/26) 3 Basic-Tier
Brigandine +4:
9(15/21/27) Blackbirds

Longsword: 65% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+5] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive

CHILD OF THE NUMENFORGE: This creature is a living

spell created by Hekaté and remade by Father Steel,
the progenitor of the daimn. Unlike other daimn,
not only are they immune to poison, disease, and
have no need to breathe air, they are also immune
to Daimn Injury.
MAGICAL CREATURE: Anything that affects magical
creatures specifically will be effective against this
creature.
ODSIGHT: This creature possesses the natural ability
to sense the otherworldly realm and mystical force
that is the Od (see page 33 Theurgy & the Od).
PATHS OF STONE (3 AP, SPECIAL ACTION): Once per
Combat Scene, this creature can pass through an
obstacle of solid stone, earth, or wood, no thicker
than 3 strides, by touching it.
      ROOTS OF FATE (3 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP,
SPECIAL ACTION): Up to 6 opponents in sight are
immobilized as roots burst from the ground beneath
their feet and hold them in place. They may not
take the Dodge Reaction or any Maneuver Action
until after the end of their next Turn.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 58 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT

Greater Lemure of Joy

A Lemure of the Court of Joy lurks within the Od nearby. It appears

to be an insect in the shape of a person, with a shimmering,
purple carapace; and dead, multifaceted eyes that are nothing but a rigid
and uncanny mimicry of humanity. This one’s horrid appearance is
made more disturbing by the addition of the regalia and motley raiment
of a court jester.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [7] 45 [6] 45 [6] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Athletics +20 Coordination
Melee +10 Awareness
Toughness +20 Strategy +10 Resolve +20
Warfare +10 +30
+20 Stealth +20
Risk Factor:
Damage Peril Suggested for 3
Dodge: 65%
Threshold: Movement: 9 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal Threshold:
Parry: 60% Intermediate-
15(21/27/33) 7(13/19/25)
Tier Blackbirds
Staff: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+7] - Adaptable, Defensive, Pummeling
Tainted Claws: 60% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [2Ð6+7] - Fast, Punishing

CLEVER FOE (1): This creature temporarily gains Injury, if it has any. This effect ends
1 AP and may take a second Turn once all other when the creature is Slain!.
opponents in the Round have gone.
DEXTROUS DUELIST: Parry tests made for this creature
are +20. If one critically succeeds, this creature gains
1 AP. This may happen only once per Round.
NO MORTAL BLADE: This creature is impervious to
Damage from weapons that are not Enchanted.
NO MORTAL SKILL: This creature is immune to
Extinguish Abilities.
RED IRON BANE: Bane dice (Ð10s that Explode on
9 or 10) are rolled instead of Damage dice when
weapons of red iron are used against this creature.
This Damage cannot be mitigated or healed by any
of the Traits of this creature.
REGENERATION: At the beginning of each of
this creature’s Turns, make a (Standard +/–0%)
Toughness test for it. If successful, move it 1 level
up the Damage Condition Track and remove one

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B estiary 59

RESILIENT SINEW (2): This creature can never take
more than 2 levels of Damage from one attack.
VISAGE OF MADNESS: Make a (Challenging -10%)
Peril-induced Resolve test for those who lays eyes
on this creature for the first time. If the test fails,
they suffer 2Ð10+2 Peril and lose all AP they
currently have.
    HILARITY (2 MISFORTUNE, 1 AP, COMBAT
ACTION): This creature performs a hilarious caper
that is impossible to ignore or to avoid laughing at.
All opponents take 1Ð10+1 Peril and must make
a Challenging -10% Resolve test or lose 1 AP
and fall to the ground, overcome with mirth, thus
becoming Prone.
      JOLLY EFFIGY (3 MISFORTUNE 2 AP, SPECIAL
ACTION): A lifesize puppet-like effigy of one of
this creature’s foes crawls out from between its
chitin plates and joins the fray. The simulacrums’
statistics, equipment, and vitiations are identical to
those of the foe it impersonates. When summoned,
the effigy generates 3 AP and immediately takes
a Turn. The mimicking puppet acts after the foe
who inspired its likeness in following Rounds. The
fragile effigy has three Damage levels and is Slain!
upon reaching the third: 9(15/21).

Soldiers of Fliberdijiberit

F liberdijiberit has recruited several soldiers from Bertram’s forces and

made them into his creatures. Each soldier wields a melee weapon in
their right hand; their left hand is covered by a hand puppet that is a
crude caricature of the soldier who wears it. The faces of the soldiers are
painted in a fashion that renders them pale, exaggerated, and clownish.
All body language and intention when they speak appears to come from
the puppet. Opponents who realize the motivating force resides within
the puppet and attack it directly learn that it is a weak point; the Flock
should discover this on their own or specifically ask if the soldiers have
a weak spot and make a roll or spend Fortune. The puppets speak with
voices that are ridiculous caricatures of the soldiers’ own voices and
spout fanciful and absurd convictions.

COMBAT BRAWN AGILITY PERCEPTION INTELLIGENCE WILLPOWER FELLOWSHIP

50 [6] 45 [5] 45 [5] 40 [4] 40 [4] 40 [4] 35 [3]

Melee +20 Athletics +10 Awareness
Coordination Heal +10
Ranged +10 Toughness +10 Resolve +10
+10 Strategy +10
Warfare +10 +10 Survival +10

Damage Risk Factor:

Peril
Dodge: 55% Threshold Suggested for
Movement: 8 Initiative: 13 Size: Normal Threshold:
Parry: 70% Gambeson 1 Basic-Tier
+3:9(15/21/27) 7(13/19/25)
Blackbird
Longsword: 70% - Distance (Melee Engaged) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Adaptable, Biting (2), Defensive
Thrown Stone: 60% - Distance (Ranged 10 strides) - Load (1 AP) - Damage [1Ð6+6] - Slow, Throwing

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 60 B L A C K B I R D S: Q U I C K STA RT
DISTRACTING PUPPETRY (2 AP, REACTION): This
creature can use this Reaction to cause an opponent
to miss a successful attack against any of the
creature’s allies as long as the opponent is within 20
Strides of this creature, unless the attacker makes a
successful Resolve test.
MORTAL: Of finite life span; such a creature
is naturally vulnerable to all threats of the
BLACKBIRDS world, including Injury.
POSSESSED BY FLIBERDIJIBERIT: Using Unweave the
Od on these creatures frees them from possession.
Such attempts are (Arduous -30%). Once freed, the
unpossessed human simply passes out.
YOU ARE NOT MY MASTER: Resolve tests made for
this creature are Flip to Succeed, and it is immune
to any mind control.
VULNERABLE POINT (PUPPET): Those who know
the vulnerable point of this creature (listed in
parentheses) and hit it with a (Challenging -10%)
Combat-based Skill test do 1 extra die of Damage
when attacking. A Critical Success on this test
renders this creature Helpless until the beginning
of their next Turn.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
  PERILOUS INSULT (1 MISFORTUNE, 2 AP, COMBAT
ACTION): The puppet on this creature’s hand
transforms into a caricature of one of the creature’s
opponents within 20 Strides and insults them in a
very personal way. The target must make a Resolve
test or be Defenseless until the start of their next
turn.
    YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY (2 MISFORTUNE, 2
AP, COMBAT ACTION): This creature causes a target
to manifest a puppet that is a caricature of that
target on their own off hand. The puppet mocks the
target. The target drops what they were holding in
that hand, may not pick it up again until the effect
ends, and must make a Peril-based Resolve test at
the end of each of their turns. If they make the test,
the effect ends.

Cat’s Cradle
Their hands are my hands. In the
absence of the Norns, some Blackbirds
have discovered that they can see the
frayed threads of Fate . These gossamer
cords of red hang about the world,
forming intoxicatingly complex patterns
denoting what was once the governance
of destiny. To ply these threads is to
know something of influence once solely
possessed by the lost sister-gods.
͝ Effect: Once between Rekindlings, when the
Blackbird or member of their flock generates
a Failure, they may reroll the test up to three
times, but will generate an Odic die with each
subsequent Failure. Upon completing the
attempts, roll all the dice in the Odic pool; for each
die that shows a face 6, flip an equal amount of
Fortune into Misfortune instead of causing an
Odic Manifestation. Additionally, once between
Rekindlings, the Blackbird may pluck a string of
Fate, causing an Odic reverberance that exerts force
against an enemy they’ve already caused Damage
to this Turn, causing 1 extra die of Bane Damage.
Hands of the Maker
The creation of exquisite works takes
passion and willpower in enormous
volumes, and this Blackbird possesses
both. Whether they are the descendant
of a renowned craftsperson or hold the
spark of creation within their mind’s eye,
their mastery of the hammer and forge is
undeniable. The finest tradespeople know
their work, and influential patrons will
seek out the Blackbird for their skill.
͝ Effect: The Blackbird can craft weapons and armor
with the Signet Quality, and begins the Tapestry
with one such item in their possession. It can be
of any design found in Chapter 7: Trappings. Their
Patronage value in crafting materials is 3 levels
above their current rank, as other craftspersons will
always go out of their way to assist them, if only to
say they once briefly served as their apprentice.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
APPENDIX
Boon Cards
Death Frenzy
A starved fury permeates the fabric of
the person’s being, but instead of being
a servant to this nearly ungovernable
rage, they’ve caged it deep within their
entrails. But with each bruise, splintered
bone, and laceration endured, it becomes
harder to hold back the darkness within.
The beast rattles at its cage, howling
for blood—and if they’re going to die
anyway, why not let the monster out?
͝ Effect: Once between Rekindlings, upon reaching
the last Damage level or Slain on the Damage
Condition Track, remove all levels from the Peril
Condition Track. In the case of being Slain, they do
not fall. Instead, they endure long enough to perform
the effects of Death Frenzy before expiring. Resolve
Immediately: All Mortal targets currently Engaged
with the person are Slain, and a critical strike is
executed against targets that are anything else.
The Dream
What is this life if not an opportunity
to achieve greatness? This person is a
rare soul unwilling to let such potential
slip through their fingers. The drive to
take what could be theirs overwhelms
all sense of obligation, desire, and
perhaps reason. Their want is so
powerful that, at times, it can disrupt
the outcome of events around them.
͝ Effect: Once between Rekindlings, transform
a Critical Success rolled for one of the Blackbird’s
Fatebound companions into a Sublime Success.
Additionally, at the end of the Weaving, the
player may flip an extra coin to reclaim their
Blackbird’s Fate or use this extra coin flip to
Assist another Blackbird in reclaiming theirs.
The Die is Cast
Fate indeed goes ungoverned in the
absence of the Norns. Yet, some of their
divine influence lives on in the Blackbirds.
Whether the exertion of such power
manifests through an unspoken petition
to the heavens or as a subconscious
wish born at the center of this person’s
mind, the truth is that they can take
hold of the threads of Fate and spin
them with curious proficiency.
͝ Effect: Once between Rekindlings, this Boon
allows that any Critical Failure be made into a
Success. In the case of a Sublime Failure, it costs
1 Fortune to do so. Additionally, once between
Rekindlings, this Boon may be employed to
block the Fateweaver from using Misfortune.
They expend the Misfortune tokens, converting
it into Fortune, but the outcome does not occur.
The Struggler
In this wretched land governed by
corruption, this Blackbird chose to
abandon all sense of attachment and any
hope of belonging, dedicating themself
to the pursuit of some improbable task.
More often than not, such matters
involve revenge. Their dark crusade
has robbed them of much of their
humanity, leaving them little more
than an extension of their weapons, a
butcher with some singular purpose. Yet,
obsession is not without its benefits.
͝ Effect: Once between Rekindlings, for one Combat
Scene, when opponents attempt to Parry or Dodge
the Blackbird’s attacks, the rolls are Flip to Fail, as
the Blackbird’s blows fall with terrifying speed and
accuracy. Additionally, once between Rekindlings,
they can ignore the No Mortal Fate Trait.
 62 APPENDIX

Boon Boon Boon

Boon Boon Boon

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 APPENDIX

Talent † Technique Cards

Benediction of Devilish Advocate Duel
Silence Charm & Manipulation - Talent Bow & Blade - Talent
Od & Ritual - Talent
Gain +10 per to all Bargain rolls made for the When the Blackbird is Engaged with only a single
Blackbird. Add an additional +10 when the Blackbird acts enemy, gain +10 per to all Skill tests for Combat
While this Talent is slotted, add +10 per to Odweft as an advocate bargaining with Outsiders for a theurge. Actions.
rolls to use Vitiations given to the Blackbird by
Outsiders of the Court of Silence.

Hidden Blade Ink-Stained Fingers Lost in Your Eyes

Shadow & Subterfuge - Talent Craft & Expertise - Talent Charm & Manipulation - Talent

If the Blackbird successfully performs a Melee Attack While this Talent is slotted, gain +10 per to Skill tests Gain +10 per while making Skill tests for the
against a foe who is Surprised by them, the attack deals using the Education or Folklore Skills. Additionally, the Blackbird to hold someone’s attention or to distract
extra Damage dice equal to their . Blackbird’s memory is nearly eidetic, and they may learn them.
twice as many languages.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 64 APPENDIX

Talent – Tier 1 Talent – Tier 1 Talent – Tier 1

Talent – Tier 1 Talent – Tier 1 Talent – Tier 1

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Quickload
Bow & Blade - Talent
During combat, the AP cost to Load a Ranged weapon is
reduced by 1, to a minimum of 1.
Flourish of the Sylph
Shadow & Subterfuge - Technique
͝ Fleet-Footed
(Passive Bonus)
Every time the Blackbird takes the Hustle Movement
Action, they may ignore Opportunity Attacks.
͝ Reflexive Guard
(0 AP, Reaction)
The first Parry or Dodge test made for the Blackbird
between the end of their Turn and the next costs 0 AP.
͝ Mercurial Defense
(0 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
After a foe within [AB]×2 strides has successfully
attacked an ally, the Blackbird may take this Reaction
to leap adjacent to their location to automatically block
that attack. This does not trigger Opportunity Attacks.
The Blackbird may also choose to render the foe Slain! or
Helpless until the end of the Combat Scene.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Talent & Technique C ards
Agittite Swordmaster
Bow & Blade - Technique
͝ Borivoi’s Guard
(1 AP, Combat Action)
Spend 1 AP during the Blackbird’s Turn, and until their
next Turn, Parry and Dodge Actions with a sword cost
0 AP.
͝ Mstislav’s Open
(0 AP, Combat Action)
The Blackbird springs into action, launching an all-out
offense. They cannot use Reactions until their next Turn,
but they lose any penalties for making attacks beyond
the first when wielding a sword.
͝ Alianor’s Spite
(3 AP, Extinguish Combat Action)
The Blackbird circles their enemies in a slow and
threatening posture with sword in hand. Until the end
of this Combat Scene, any enemy entering or crossing
within strides of the Blackbird’s position is struck
down in a flash and instantly Slain!. If the Blackbird
takes any Actions other than Maneuver, it will end this
effect.
Halls of Recollection
Craft & Expertise - Technique
͝ Sagacity
(Passive Bonus)
After an Education test fails, the Blackbird can proceed
as if that test was successful. This can be done a number
of times between Rekindlings equal to . to their attacks for this Turn.
͝ Font of Wisdom
(Passive Bonus)
When assisting a Fatebound companion, add the
Blackbird’s Skill Ranks in the Skill being tested to their
companion’s, in addition to giving an Assist die. The total
Skill Ranks modifying the roll may not be more than 3.
͝ Forbidden Knowledge
(Extinguish Action)
When seeking information in a book, library, or place
of learning that would normally be hidden or extremely
difficult to discover, the Blackbird discovers it after only
a day of research. This could be the True Name of an
Outsider; the lost location of an ancient tomb, temple,
or artifact; or anything else that the Fateweaver would
normally require more than just a Skill test to learn.
65
Barrister of the Od
Od & Ritual - Technique
͝ Strangeness Mitigation
(+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Special Action)
Employ this ability right before a Vitiation is used.
No dice are added to the Odic dice pool, and Odic
Manifestations are not rolled for this Vitiation.
͝ Quid Pro Quo
(1 AP, Special Action)
Employ this ability right after the Blackbird fails a
Vitiation. The failed Vitiation does not incur Tithe.
͝ Negotiated Resplendence
(+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
For the next Vitiation the Blackbird empowers between
Rekindlings, a Sublime Failure is treated as a Critical
Failure, a Critical Failure is treated as a Failure, a Failure
is treated as a Success, a Success is treated as a Critical
Success, and a Critical Success is treated as a Sublime
Success.
Haunted Visage
Bow & Blade - Technique
͝ Unimpressed
(Passive Bonus)
If no Parry or Dodge rolls have been made for the
Blackbird since their last Turn, add an extra Damage die
͝ More to Kill
(Passive Bonus)
When there are more enemies in a Combat Scene than
there are allies, the Blackbird gains +1 AP at the start of
their Turn.
͝ Too Miserable to Die
(0 AP, Extinguish Reaction)
Some people are just too stubborn to die. When the
Blackbird would normally be Slain!, they are instead
moved to Level 4 on the Damage Condition Track, and
they add +1 to their Damage Threshold for the remainder
of this Combat Scene.
 66 APPENDIX

Technique – Tier 1 Technique – Tier 1 Talent – Tier 1

Technique – Tier 1 Technique – Tier 1 Technique – Tier 1

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 Talent & Technique C ards 67

Knife & Bag Work My Art Is a Weapon Sawbones

Shadow & Subterfuge - Technique Od & Ritual - Technique Craft & Expertise - Technique

͝ Pocket Sand ͝ You Have My Attention ͝ Catgut & Bone Needles

(2 AP, Combat Action) (0 AP, Reaction) (2 AP, Combat Action)
Choose a target in strides that uses eyes to see. Make Once per Round, after a successful attack is made against Make a Heal test. If successful, an adjacent ally can ignore an
a Skulduggery test. If successful, the Blackbird’s target is the Blackbird, use this ability as a Reaction to force Injury for the rest of the Combat Scene.
Defenseless until their next Turn. another attack roll, and the opponent must take the
worse result.
͝ Stanch the Flow
͝ Backstab (2 AP, Special Action)
(2 AP, Combat Action) ͝ Cosmic Authority Make a Heal test. If successful, remove the Bleeding
Perform a Melee Attack on a Flanked foe. If the attack (+1 Tithe, 1 AP, Reaction) condition from an adjacent ally.
succeeds, deal extra Damage dice. When someone empowered by one of the Blackbird’s
Vitiations makes an attack, you may choose to make that
attack Flip to Succeed before the roll is made. ͝ Triage
͝ The Knockout (Extinguish Non‑Combat Action)
(3 AP, Extinguish Special Action) Once between Rekindlings, the Blackbird can heal
The Blackbird lures an Engaged foe into a position where ͝ Sacrifice Damage levels and one Injury on one adjacent ally. This
they’re able to land a solid blow on a vulnerable area. (–1 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special Action) takes 1 hour.
That foe is Knocked Out. If a foe cannot be Knocked Out, One of the Blackbird’s Outsiders takes an opponent as
they are Slain! instead. a sacrifice, devouring them completely in the way that
Outsider would prefer. That target is instantly Slain!.

The Taut String Trammus Venom-Coated

Bow & Blade - Technique Rapport Technique Pleasantries
͝ Snuffling the Loam Charm & Manipulation - Technique
(Passive Bonus)
͝ Needle Threader Effect: The theurge sniffs the ground like a dog and gains
(Passive Bonus) a heightened sense of smell. Add +10 to the theurge’s ͝ Doublespeak
Gain +10 per to all Ranged Attacks. Additionally, Survival tests or you may offer 2 Assist dice when (Special Action)
there is no penalty for making a second Ranged Attack assisting another’s test.
on the same Turn. The Blackbird may hide secret meanings in their words
that only their flock understands. The coded message
͝ The Encroachment of Beasts may be delivered within a brief sentence only.
͝ Always at Hand (+1 Tithe, Non-Combat Action)
(Passive Bonus) Effect: The theurge becomes aware of all animals present ͝ Cloak of Threats
If at the beginning of their Turn, the Blackbird has a and their intentions. For the next hour, the theurge is (Non‑Combat Action)
Ranged weapon in their hands that is not loaded, it is immediately aware of the location and intention of all
automatically loaded without spending any AP. Beasts nearby and what their intentions are. They may The Blackbird speaks a few short sentences of clever
not be surprised by these creatures. metaphor that only their intended target will understand
as a threat against them. Make a Charm test, adding +10
͝ Feathers of the Erl-King per . If successful, treat this effect as an Intimidation
(3 AP, Extinguish Special Action) ͝ Snarl of Authority test on the target.
Choose targets within range of the Blackbird’s (+3 Tithe, 3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
Ranged weapon. They are instantly Slain!; the Effect: The theurge snarls and their foes are shaken, ͝ A Black Promise
Blackbird’s missiles do their bloody work as if guided by possibly to the point of retreating. Any creatures of at (Extinguish Special Action)
some unseen force. least animal intelligence that hear the theurge’s low
growl immediately flee. Intelligent creatures are at -10 to All enemies who can hear the Blackbird are at –10 per
all Skills for the rest of the Scene. to Skill tests made for them until the end of their
next Turn if in a Combat Scene. Outside of combat, this
affects only their next roll.

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 68 APPENDIX

Technique – Tier 1 Technique – Tier 1 Technique – Tier 1

Court of Silence:
Technique – Tier 1 Rapport Technique Technique – Tier 1
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Arbalest Crossbow
Weapon - Technique
P R E R E Q U I S I TE S : 1 Skill Rank in Ranged
͝ Buried Deep
(Passive Bonus)
All Damage dice that come up less than 2+Skill Rank
in Ranged are considered to be rolls of 2+Skill Rank in
Ranged.
͝ Step & Crank
(2 AP, Maneuver Action)
Perform the Maneuver Action and Load Action
simultaneously.
͝ Devastating Force
(3 AP, Extinguish Action)
The Blackbird fires a bolt unerringly through practically
anything. A horse. A wagon wheel. The brittle slats of a
dilapidated house. Maybe even a decayed stone wall. The
Blackbird’s target is Slain!.
Rapier
Weapon - Technique
P R E R E Q U I S I TE S : 1 Skill Rank in Melee
͝ Desperate Swordplay
(0 AP, Reaction, 1 Peril Level)
The Blackbird may Parry an attack even if they have no
AP, but they fall 1 level on the Peril Condition Track to
do so. They may do this only once per Round.
͝ Erudite Blade
(2 AP, Combat Action)
Make three attacks against one enemy without penalties.
The Blackbird may not make any more attacks until their
next Turn.
͝ Sword of the Robe
(3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
The Blackbird may Disarm or slay up to [Skill Ranks
in Melee] foes, and then may choose to end with their
blade against one of their foe’s necks. Such a foe can be
killed instantly or rendered Helpless.
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Talent & Technique C ards 69
Light Crossbow Longsword
Weapon - Technique Weapon - Technique
P R E R E Q U I S I TE S: 1 Skill Rank in Ranged P R E R E Q U I S I TE S: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
͝ Twitch Thunk ͝ Feint
(1 AP, Reaction) (1 AP, Combat Action)
The Blackbird performs an attack as a Reaction on an While the Blackbird is Engaged with an enemy, spend 1
opponent who just moved anywhere within [PB] strides. AP to force the foe to overextend, dropping their guard
The Blackbird’s crossbow must be loaded and in hand for to take advantage of the Blackbird’s “mistake.” This leaves
them to do so. them Defenseless to the Blackbird’s next attack, unable
to Parry or Dodge.
͝ Close Quarters
(2 AP, Combat Action) ͝ Half-Sword
The Blackbird reloads their crossbow and fires it at a (2 AP, Combat Action)
foe Engaged with them; if it hits, it does [Skill Ranks in The Blackbird grips their sword on the hilt and blade,
Ranged] additional Damage dice. finding a gap in their opponent’s defense to exploit.
This lowers their opponent’s Damage Threshold by
the Blackbird’s [Skill Ranks in Melee]. If the target is
͝ Trick Shot wearing armor with the Heavy Quality, reduce it by an
(3 AP, Extinguish Special Action) additional –1.
The Blackbird can do one of the following: shoot
something out of someone’s hand up to [PB] strides of
͝ Song of Steel
distance, ricochet a shot to hit something up to 2×[PB]
strides of distance, or hit an object the size of a coin or (3 AP, Extinguish Special Action)
kill a foe at up to 3×[PB] strides of distance. Finding a weakness in their opponent’s stance and
armor, the Blackbird runs them through. The target is
Slain!.
Shiv Staff
Weapon - Technique Weapon - Technique
P R E R E Q U I S I TE S: 1 Skill Rank in Melee P R E R E Q U I S I TE S: 1 Skill Rank in Melee
͝ Of Course I’m Unarmed ͝ Clever Rebuttal
(Passive Bonus) (Passive Bonus)
When the Blackbird has this weapon hidden on their Once the Blackbird has successfully parried a foe, all
person, tests made to discover or notice it are Flip to Fail. further Parries against that opponent cost 0 AP until the
start of the Blackbird’s next Turn.
͝ A Chink in Their Armor
(2 AP, Combat Action) ͝ Pressing Argument
If successful, ignore [Skill Ranks in Melee] of the (2 AP, Reaction)
Blackbird’s target’s Damage Threshold Modifier. Parry an attack, and if it succeeds, the Blackbird
automatically hits with a Melee Attack or Takedown
against that foe.
͝ Revenge Is Best Served
Preemptively
(0 AP, Extinguish Reaction) ͝ Closing Statement
(3 AP, Extinguish Action)
After a foe successfully attacks the Blackbird but before
Damage is resolved, Extinguish this card. Instead of the The Blackbird may Parry all attacks against them or
attack resolving, the foe is killed, and the Blackbird’s shiv anyone adjacent to them for 0 AP until a number of
is Ruined. Turns pass equal to their [Skill Rank in Melee]. This
includes Ranged Attacks and those that might otherwise
be very difficult to Parry.
 70 APPENDIX

Weapon – Technique Weapon – Technique Weapon – Technique

Weapon – Technique Weapon – Technique Weapon – Technique

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 B lackbird P re - gens 71

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 72 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 73

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 74 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 75

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 76 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 77

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 78 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 79

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 80 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 81

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 82 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 83

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 84 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 85

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
 88 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 B lackbird P re - gens 89

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 90 APPENDIX

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

 Boons Talents & Techniques Quickstart Key

Artaud Pike Eponine Dyrne

BOW & BLADE OD & RITUAL
BOON: Cat's Cradle BOON: The Struggler
TALENT: Duel TALENT: Benediction of Silence
TECHNIQUES: (choose one to Slot) Agittite TECHNIQUES: (choose one to Slot) Barrister
Swordmaster, Haunted Visage, Longsword of the Od, My Art is a Weapon, Trammus:
Rapport Technique

Cicilia Gent
BOW & BLADE Lupin Grist
BOON: Death Frenzy SHADOW & SUBTERFUGE
TALENT: Quickload BOON: The Dream
TECHNIQUES: (choose one to Slot) The Taut String, TALENT: Hidden Blade
Light Crossbow TECHNIQUES: (choose one to Slot) Flourish of the
Sylph, Knife & Bag Work, Shiv

Clement Stonewright
CRAFT & EXPERTISE Peregrine Felize
BOON: Hands of the Maker CHARM & MANIPULATION
TALENT: Ink-Stained Fingers BOON: The Die is Cast
TECHNIQUES: (choose one to Slot) Halls of TALENTS: (choose one to slot) Devilish Advocate,
Recollection, Sawbones, Staff, Arbalest Crossbow Lost in Your Eyes
TECHNIQUES: (choose one to Slot) Venom-Coated
Pleasantries, Rapier

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)

Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)
Freddy Arteaga (Order #38284625)