A roleplaying game,

Fast Fantasy
Iversion 1 .1 , by David Bass
What is this? For 2 - 7 friends over 3 - 5 hours A Note on Safety at the Table The Flow of Play, Continued
This is a lightweight , streamlined Get together with at least one friend, up to Roleplaying with your friends can be The players will either ask for more info
tabletop fantasy roleplaying game. 6 friends (plus you) max. The game works lots of fun, but it’s important to keep in or say what they do (as their characters,
This game is most directly inspired by : best with 5 people total. Plan on playing mind everyone’s boundaries and talking in 1st or 3rd person is fine).
• Apocalypse World ( Vincent Baker for at least a couple hours, most likely 3 - 5. preferences. Since it can be tough or • The GM answers questions
and Meguey Baker) awkward to try and stop in the middle and clarifies the situation
Decide who will be the game master, or of the action, it’s a good idea to • If the player triggers one of their
• Dungeon World (Sage LaTorra
discuss beforehand what sort of moves (Take the Risk , Wade Into
and Adam Koebel) GM. Everyone else is a player. Each player
content everyone is on board with and Battle, Manipulate, Get Answers,
• World of Dungeons ( John Harper) controls and portrays one fictional player what content needs to be excluded, Lead Onward, or another move),
• Defying Danger ( Jeremy Strandberg ) character (or PC) — a Warrior, a Scoundrel, veiled, or handled carefully before the they work with the GM to resolve it .
spoutinglore.blogspot.com a Mystic, or a Wildsoul. The GM controls game begins. Safety always takes • Otherwise, the GM says what
The goal of this T TRPG is to provide an and portrays the imaginary world around priority over the dice, the rules, and the happens based on the fiction.
easy - to - use framework for new players them, having the world act upon the PCs story. For more information and some The process then repeats : the GM
to get a game session up and running and reacting to what they do. great tools for handling content safety establishes the situation, provokes action
quickly and to improvise an adventure. during play, check out this or that link . or increases tension, and asks “What do
Printing and Materials The Game is a Conversation Getting Started you do?” If the scene ends, the GM frames
Print these documents on 8.5” x 11” (or You play this game by talking to each the next scene. If they’re not sure how to
A4) paper, landscape and single - sided. For your first time playing , pick an frame the next scene, they ask the players
other. You’ll say something , they respond. adventure starter that everyone is questions until they are sure.
You’ll find that it contains: You’ll ask /answer questions, interrupt , or excited about. The adventure starter will:
• Four character sheets (one for talk over each other. You take turns, but The flow of play is conversational. There
• Establish a premise are no formal turns, even during fights .
each player character type) there’s no strict , set turn order ; just make • Guide you through creating and Players can and will interrupt each other
• A page with advice on being a player sure everyone gets their chance in the introducing the PCs and interject (but please be respectful
• A page for the GM and another with spotlight , like in a theater play. • Prompt you to establish motives, and give everyone else a chance in the
advice about running the game
• A page with some example The goal of this conversation is to create goals, complications, details, etc. spotlight). What’s possible, plausible, or
People, Places, and Possibilities • Help hook the PCs into the fiction likely is something to be decided and
the fiction, a shared imaginary space
you might find on your adventures negotiated by each group.
in which the PCs exist and act . Adventure starters might also include
• A page with some example NPCs (for GMs) a map, dangers the PCs might The GM doesn’t roll to act for NPCs,
and the Loot they may have The players are responsible for their face, and discoveries they might make. monsters, or the world. (The GM may roll
• A page with magical Artifacts to use characters : what they do and say, to see how much harm an NPC or monster
• A page of Character Archetypes and how they feel, their backgrounds and The Flow of Play inflicts, or they may have the player roll
another with Advanced Archetypes experiences prior to play. for the harm amount instead; either way
The GM frames a scene – they say (or
• Three Adventure Starters to try out is fine.) Instead, the GM describes how
ask) where the PCs are and what that
The GM is responsible for everything else : the world and its denizens act upon the
You don’t have to use anything after the place is like. They say (or ask) who else PCs and then gives the PCs a chance to
GM materials (they’re examples), but the world, the non - player characters is there, what time it is, and so forth.
(NPCs), the monsters, etc. They describe react . If they ignore the threat , act
they help get things going quickly and foolhardy, or roll poorly, then the NPC may
how the world responds to the PCs’ The GM establishes the situation,
smoothly. Skip the archetypes if you’re get what they want , the enemy’s attack
only playing once, or for the first time. actions, and they curate what’s true saying (or asking ) what’s going on and
providing more details to the players. may hit , or some other consequence may
You’ll want some pencils and erasers, about the world. The GM can and should befall the PC, depending on the GM Move
some extra scrap paper, and at least ask the players for input and ideas, but The GM says something to provoke the game master decides to make.
3 standard, six - sided dice (🎲🎲🎲). the world beyond the PCs is ultimately the action and /or increase tension. Then
Ideally, you want 3 dice per person. GM’s domain (an idea known as The Line). they ask “What do you do?”
Thanks to…
Marcus, Inmatarian, and especially Jeremy Strandberg
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. Text / layout by Jeremy Strandberg and David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0. spoutinglore.blogspot.com. on the Dungeon World Discord for kicking this idea off!
 A guide to

Playing a Character
Your Agenda Creating Your Character Taking the Risk
• Be a fan of the other players, the GM, and the world First off, your character needs to be conducive to both Take the Risk is the most common move your character
• Portray a compelling character the group you’re playing with and the established will make. Discuss with the GM what you’re trying to
• Engage actively with the fictional world fictional world. The GM should give you some kind of accomplish and what things might go awry, even if you
• Play to have fun together, not to win prompt to go off of before everyone makes their succeed. These could be a complication, a downside,
Principles characters, so make sure to create a character that is an additional cost , or maybe you aren’t able to get quite
actually going to go along with everyone on your shared all of what you want , at least in one attempt . If you aren’t
• Share the spotlight with other players
adventure. The players will probably have more fun if happy with the stakes that you and the GM set (before
• Be bold, take risks, and embrace what comes after
they diversify their character types, but don’t worry too you roll the dice), you can always decide to have your
• Pay attention, ask questions, and offer suggestions
much if you and another player choose the same type. character take a different action instead.
• Help build the world, but defer to the GM if needed
• Embrace difficulty, setbacks, and failure 1. Pick a character type, choosing from Mettle, Cunning, Power, and Wisdom
• Show us what’s important to your character Warrior, Scoundrel, Mystic, or Wildsoul. Though these points have different names for each
• Describe things through your character’s eyes 2. Pick a name and look ( you can reference the People, character type, they all function the same. When you
• Make connections with other characters Places, and Possibilities page for inspiration on names) spend a point , you just do the thing , so long as it is
• Build off of what the GM and other players say reasonable . If it’s asking a question, the GM will answer
3. Decide for your character what’s important to them
• Think in - character, but be considerate of others honestly. The exception is for magic, which requires a roll.
• Begin and end with the fiction and their personal goals . Choose things that you can
demonstrate while roleplaying during the adventure. Getting Hurt and Recovering
When In Doubt 4. Each player asks Which one of you… to at least one When your character would take harm, you decide
• Visualize the scene, consider the situation other player. These help establish past connections how to deal with it . Reduce it by your armor, maybe
• Ask the GM for clarification between characters and reasons you’re in the group. spend a point , or even trigger consequences in the
• Think about what you want & your character’s goals fiction. Mark harm boxes top to bottom, but sometimes
• Consider your character’s strengths and flaws 5. Each player picks options for Take the Risk . These the GM may have you mark a specific harm box instead.
• Ask around for ideas, but you choose what to do are areas of expertise that your character excels at .
You can ask the GM and other players for input if Supplies and Having What You Need
• Don’t shy away from the obvious choice, the brash
you want . Then everyone reveals what they picked. Supplies are some of the most important equipment an
choice, the interesting choice, or the meaningful
choice. Remember, you get XP if you roll a 6 - ! adventurer can carry. You can just so happen to have
6. Each player picks options for Mettle / Cunning /
almost any reasonably - sized, mundane item in your pack
Make Your Move Power / Wisdom. These are things your character by using Supplies. Supplies are most often used for :
• When you want to do something , don’t jump straight can do with certainty, or supernatural abilities that
• Having what you need by expending 1 Supplies if the
to rolling the dice. Converse with the GM about they can perform. Ask for input if you want , and reveal. item can be comfortably held in 1 hand, or 2 Supplies
which move you’re making , and for Take the Risk , 7. Each player picks Inventory and Little Things. You if the item would need 2 hands to hold or use properly.
work with them to establish the gains and costs. can check the Adventuring kit boxes and decide what • Regaining 1 Mettle/Cunning /Power/ Wisdom when
• If what your character does in the fiction seems to you need later. Make sure you have Supplies to share! you stop to catch your breath and use 1 Supplies, or
trigger a move, then it does. If you want to make a regaining all your points when you get a few hours
Maybe you want to play a character a bit more unusual,
move, you’ve got to actually do the thing in the of rest and use Supplies equal to the number of people
like a half - dragon or a psychic hive - mind of spiders. As
fiction. Work it out with the GM, but remember you long as the GM is okay with it , go for it ! Keep in mind resting plus 1 . This allows each resting PC to recover.
can always change your mind and back out of it • Clearing the Injured harm box when you take the
though that you’re playing in a group, so you’re not the
(before you roll, that is). time to treat the injury and expend 1 Supplies, or
main character, you’re one of the main characters. If
• Describe the how of the actions your character takes, you want to be able to do something an ordinary person clearing the Debilitated harm box when you get a
not just the what . You don’t need to go into great wouldn’t be able to do, that’s a perfect opportunity to few hours of rest and expend 1 Supplies .
detail, just enough that everyone can picture it in their use the write - in options for your Take the Risk skills Don’t bother marking off a use of Supplies if the item
minds. Tie things back into the established fiction. or things you can spend Mettle, Cunning , Power, or is fairly small or inexpensive. Refer to the sidebar on
• Don’t worry too much about trying to make things fit Wisdom to do. Work with the GM to figure out the the page of Artifacts : Trinkets, Talismans, and Treasures
your chosen specialties when you Take the Risk . specifics, and remember that limitations can be fun! for more examples of things you can have as Supplies.
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0. Agenda, Principles, and When In Doubt adapted from Homebrew World by Jeremy Strandberg CC BY-SA 4.0. and Unlimited Dungeons by Keith Tompos and Timekeeper CC BY-SA 4.0.
 You are a
Warrior
XP  When you mark the last XP circle, clear all XP and pick 1 : another Take the Risk option, another Mettle option, or +1 max Mettle. You may change what’s important to you, or your goal.
Your name is …
_________________________________
Your look character inspiration suggestions
pick one or more for each row, or fill in the blanks
 feminine  masculine  ambiguous
 youthful  mature  elder  ancient
 human  elf  dwarf  ___________
 tidy  posh  feral  grizzled  grim
 ________________________________
What is important to you? pick 1
 Valor show bravery in the face of danger
 Honor keep a promise made, no matter what
 Pride demand respect, show your superiority
 Sacrifice suffer hardship in place of another
 Peace settle a conflict without bloodshed
 _______________________________
Your personal goal is to … pick 1
 … get vengeance for ______________
 … redeem myself for _____________
 … prove myself to ________________
 … fulfill my oath by _______________
 … defeat my rival , ________________
 … ______________________________
Once during each scene, if you clearly
demonstrate or struggle with what’s
important to you, mark XP and regain
1 Mettle. When everyone agrees you’ve
reached a milestone towards some goal,
mark 5 XP and regain all of your Mettle.
Which one of you …
Ask your fellow PC s one or more of these
 … fought beside me in battle?
__________________________
 … have I sworn to protect?
__________________________
 … left me with a notable scar?
__________________________
 … is a good and true friend?
__________________________
 … has vowed to follow me?
__________________________
 … had their secret revealed to me?
__________________________
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Emblem Icon by Lorc CC BY 3.0. lorcblog.blogspot.com
Tell us, what great battle were you involved in?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎲 Wade Into Battle
When you go on the offensive in combat ,
roll 3 dice and add up the 2 highest dice.
On a 10+, pick 2 from below. On a 7- 9, pick 1 .  … reduce harm taken by 1 ( how?)
On a 6 - , mark XP, and your enemy picks 1
against you.
Trade attacks with your foe(s) and …
• … strike hard and fast (inflict +1 harm)
• … focus on defense (avoid the worst of it  … demand everyone’s attention, for now
and roll 1 die : negate that much harm )  … pick 1 more on a Wade Into Battle
• … impress, dismay, or frighten them (how?)  … perform a feat of great strength
• … secure an advantage or position ( how?)
• … take something from them (what?)
🎲 Take the Risk
When you act despite danger or do
something risky, establish what you
stand to gain and what it might cost .
You and the Game Master decide together!
Roll 2 dice and add them up, or roll
3 dice and add up the 2 highest dice
if the risk you’re taking is … pick 3 to start
 … by smashing or wrecking something
 … ignoring your grievous wounds
 … to save another ( how?)
 … to disrupt your foes’ formation
 … to get your hands on someone
 … versus an onslaught of lesser foes
 … with intimidation or credible threats
 … with unorthodox use of equipment
 … with unyielding physical fortitude
 … with tactical prowess
 … with fearless resolve
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
On a 10 +, you get both. On a 7- 9, pick 1 :
• You get what you wanted.
• You either avoid the cost or you accept
the cost and mark XP.
On a 6 - , mark XP, and prepare for the worst .
Mettle 
Your max Mettle is 4 to start
Spend Mettle 1-for-1 to … pick 3 more to start
 … add +1 , once per roll ( how?)
 … ask : “ Who’s the biggest threat?”
 … ask : “ Who’s the most vulnerable?”
 … follow up an ally’s attack with your own
 … take an attack meant for another
 … hold fast , hold strong , or hold steady
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
Regain 1 Mettle when you catch your breath
and use 1 Supplies. Regain all your Mettle
when you get a few hours of rest and use 1
Supplies + 1 use for each character resting .
🎲 Inflict Harm
Roll 3 dice. If you inflict harm with …
• … a sturdy weapon, use the highest die
• … your body or an improvised weapon,
use the median die
and if you have a tactical advantage, add +1
Suffer Harm
Ask the GM how much. Reduce it by…
• … your total Armor (see Inventory)
• … denting your shield ( for -1 harm)
• … spending Mettle (1 for -1 harm)
• … losing your footing or grip (-1 harm)
• … getting stunned (-1 harm)
• … something breaking (-1 harm)
Whatever’s left , mark that many boxes :
  Ouch (clears with a few minutes of rest)
  Injured (takes time and 1 Supplies to treat)
 Debilitated (can’t roll 3 dice and add 2 highest )
 Maimed (must roll 3 dice and add 2 lowest)
 At Death's Door (any more and you’re dead)
Inventory
Mark up to 6 x  to start . Maximum load is 8 .
Adventuring kit ( items       )
During play, move from here to specific items
 Supplies (uses )
 Supplies (uses )
Use to recover or for expendables (torches, etc.)
 Sword (+1 to focus on defense)
 Flail, mace, or hammer (forceful)
 Spear (reach)
 Axe (rending )
 Pickaxe (piercing )
  Claymore (reach, area)
  Maul (forceful, rending )
  Polearm (reach, piercing )
 Bow or crossbow (long ranged)
 Quiver (shots )
 F lintlock (shots ) (ranged, piercing)
 Scale, hauberk , or cuirass (+1 armor )
 Shield (+1 armor, dents )
 Official uniform (of what ?)
Armor
 Coil of rope and grapnel
 Prybar
____
 Lantern (oil )
 _________________________________
 _________________________________
 _________________________________
 _________________________________
  _______________________________
  _______________________________
Little things
Fits in pockets, purses, boots ; pick 2 more to start
 Wealth () ( valuable)
Found during play ; start with no wealth
 Knives
 Tinderbox (slow)
 Brass knuckles (concealed)
 Badge or medal (signifies what ?)
 Small hammer and lots of pitons
 Flask of good alcohol (uses )
 Letter (from whom?)
 _________________________________
 You are a Tell us, how did you acquire your particular set of skills?

Scoundrel ___________________________________________________________________________________________
XP  When you mark the last XP circle, clear all XP and pick 1 : an extra Take the Risk option, an extra Cunning option, or +1 max Cunning . You may change what’s important to you, or your goal.

Your name is … 🎲 Manipulate Cunning  Inventory

_________________________________
Your look character inspiration suggestions
pick one or more for each row, or fill in the blanks
 feminine  masculine  ambiguous
 youthful  mature  elder  ancient
 human  halfling  elf  __________
 stylish  hot  cute  slick  seedy
 ___________________________________
What is important to you? pick 1
 Fame ensure others remember your name
 Adventure push yourself and try new things
 Freedom defy control, rules, or expectations
 Trickery deceive, misdirect, or outwit another
 Hope inspire others when things get tough
 _______________________________
Your personal goal is to … pick 1
 … get payback for ________________
 … find the truth about ____________
 … clear my name of ______________
 … take back my _________________
 … settle my debt to ______________
 … ______________________________
Once during each scene, if you clearly
demonstrate or struggle with what’s
important to you, mark XP and regain
1 Cunning. When everyone agrees you’ve
reached a milestone towards some goal,
mark 5 XP and regain all of your Cunning.
Which one of you …
Ask your fellow PC s one or more of these
 … got me out of a jam recently?
__________________________
 … has the key to what I desire?
__________________________
 … is one of my kin?
__________________________
 … is the butt of my jokes?
__________________________
 … owes me their life?
__________________________
 … is holding something over me?
__________________________
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Dagger Rose Icon by Lorc CC BY 3.0. lorcblog.blogspot.com
When you press or entice an NPC, say
what you want them to do. If they have
reason to resist , roll 3 dice and add up
the 2 highest dice.
On a 10 +, they’ll either do what you
want or reveal the easiest way to
convince them.
On a 7- 9, they’ll reveal how you could
convince them, but it’ll likely be costly,
tricky, or distasteful.
On a 6 - , mark XP, and they’re having
none of it .
🎲 Take the Risk
When you act despite danger or do
something risky, establish what you
stand to gain and what it might cost .
You and the Game Master decide together!
Roll 2 dice and add them up, or roll
3 dice and add up the 2 highest dice
if the risk you’re taking is … pick 4 to start
 … by being subtle or sneaky ( how?)
 … to lie or deceive
 … to dodge or evade harm
 … to disarm, sabotage, or tinker
 … to create a distraction ( how?)
 … to nab something valuable
 … involving poison or alchemy
 … without thought or hesitation
 … with charm, grace, or panache
 … with a clever plan (what?)
 … with acrobatic prowess
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
On a 10 +, you get both. On a 7- 9, pick 1 :  Ouch (clears with a few minutes of rest)
• You get what you wanted.
• You either avoid the cost or you accept  Debilitated (can’t roll 3 dice and add 2 highest )
the cost and mark XP.
On a 6-, mark XP, and prepare for the worst.  At Death's Door (any more and you’re dead)
Your max Cunning is 5 to start
Spend Cunning 1-for-1 to … pick 3 more to start
 … reduce harm taken by 1 ( how?)
 … add +1 , once per roll ( how?)
 … ask : “ What isn’t what it seems?”
 … ask : “ What do they really want?”
 … ask : “ What’s happened here recently ?”
or “ What’s about to happen?”
 … tell whether someone is lying
 … act before anyone can react
 … reveal a ploy you set up earlier
 … perform a feat of incredible precision
 … escape or disappear without a trace
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
Regain 1 Cunning when you catch your breath
and use 1 Supplies. Regain all your Cunning
when you get a few hours of rest and use 1
Supplies + 1 use for each character resting .
🎲 Inflict Harm
Roll 3 dice. If you inflict harm and …
• … they don’t see it coming ,
use the highest die
• … you exploit an opportunity,
use the median die
• … you fight fair, use the lowest die
Suffer Harm
Ask the GM how much. Reduce it by…
• … your total Armor (see Inventory)
• … spending Cunning (1 for -1 harm)
• … losing your footing or grip (-1 harm)
• … getting stunned (-1 harm)
• … something breaking (-1 harm)
Whatever’s left , mark that many boxes :
 Injured (takes time and 1 Supplies to treat)
 Maimed (must roll 3 dice and add 2 lowest)
Mark up to 5 x  to start . Maximum load is 7.
Adventuring kit ( items      )
During play, move from here to specific items
 Supplies (uses )
 Supplies (uses )
Use to recover or for expendables (torches, etc.)
 Rapier (quick , piercing )
 Baton or cudgel (forceful)
 Spiked chain or whip (reach, grasping )
 Razor (concealed, rending )
 Bow or crossbow (long ranged)
 Quiver (shots )
 Flintlock (shots ) (ranged, piercing )
 Cuirass, brigandine, or leathers (+1 armor )
 Coil of rope and grapnel
 Block , tackle, and hooks Armor
 Burglary tools (uses )
 Trap - setting kit (uses ) ____
 Bullseye lantern (oil )
 Disguise kit (uses ) (slow)
 Explosives (uses ) (area, forceful)
 Musical instrument (what?)
 _________________________________
 _________________________________
 _________________________________
 _________________________________
  _______________________________
  _______________________________
Little things
Fits in pockets, purses, boots ; pick 3 more to start
 Wealth () ( valuable)
Found during play ; start with no wealth
 Lots of knives (quick , concealed)
 Tinderbox (slow)
 Gemstone (valuable)
 Gambling paraphernalia (fair...?)
 Sap or garrote (concealed, quiet)
 Poison (uses ) (+1 harm suffered)
 Forged papers (what do they say?)
 Small mirror
 _________________________________
 You are a
Mystic
XP  When you mark the last XP circle, clear all XP and pick 1 : an extra Take the Risk option, an extra Power option, or +1 max Power. You may change what’s important to you, or your goal.
Your name is …
_________________________________
Your look character inspiration suggestions
pick one or more for each row, or fill in the blanks
 feminine  masculine  ambiguous
 youthful  mature  elder  ancient
 human  elf  gnome  __________
 regal  hot  odd  wispy  manic
 ________________________________
What is important to you? pick 1
 Curiosity cause trouble by investigating
 Schemes set up and execute some ploy
 Orthodoxy adhere strictly to doctrine
 Ambition gain power, leverage, or influence
 Mercy give relief, comfort , a second chance
 _______________________________
Your personal goal is to … pick 1
 … uncover secrets of _____________
 … lift the curse of ________________
 … stop the evil __________________
 … fulfill prophecy by ______________
 … serve my deity, ________________
 … ______________________________
Once during each scene, if you clearly
demonstrate or struggle with what’s
important to you, mark XP and regain
1 Power. When everyone agrees you’ve
reached a milestone towards some goal,
mark 5 XP and regain all of your Power.
Which one of you …
Ask your fellow PC s one or more of these
 … relies on me too much?
__________________________
 … has a key role to play in all this?
__________________________
 … fears my magical power ?
__________________________
 … has been marked by magic?
__________________________
 … trusts me implicitly?
__________________________
 … hails from a storied bloodline?
__________________________
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Spellbook Icon by Delapouite CC BY 3.0. delapouite.com
Tell us, where do your fantastic magical powers come from?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎲 Get Answers
When you study something closely,
probe your memories, or consult with the
supernatural, ask the GM a question and
roll 3 dice, adding up the 2 highest dice.
On a 10 +, they’ll give you a clear, useful
answer and you can ask follow - up questions.
On a 7- 9, they’ll give a cryptic answer and
say how you could learn more.
On a 6 - , they’ll tell you a dangerous lie; mark
XP if you choose to believe and act on it .
🎲 Take the Risk
When you act despite danger, do something
risky, or cast a spell or ritual, establish what
you stand to gain and what it might cost .
You and the Game Master decide together!
Roll 2 dice and add them up, or roll
3 dice and add up the 2 highest dice
if the risk you’re taking is … pick 3 to start
 … with careful reasoning and logic
 … via sheer willpower ( how?)
 … versus magical beings or effects
 … to harness an area’s magic power
 … to counteract or reverse magic
 … to learn or reveal with magic
 … to attack or destroy with magic
 … to construct or restore with magic
 … to preserve or shield with magic
 … to command or influence with magic
 … to maneuver or position with magic
 … to mutate or change with magic
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
On a 10 +, you get both. On a 7- 9, pick 1 :
• You get what you wanted.
• You either avoid the cost or you accept
the cost and mark XP.
On a 6 - , mark XP, and prepare for the worst.
Power 
Your max Power is 6 to start
Spend Power 1-for-1 to … pick 3 more to start
 … add +1 , once or more per roll ( how?)
 … create or control fire, heat , or light
 … create or control earth, stone, or metal
 … create or control water, ice, or cold
 … create or control wind, air, or weather
 … touch the minds of others
 … twist time or space
 … scry the past , the future, or afar off
 … move something telekinetically
 … work illusion, glamour, or shadow
 … weave, alter, or heal the flesh
 … animate an inert object or body
 … conjure forth spirits, fae, devils, etc.
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
Regain 1 Power when you catch your breath
and use 1 Supplies. Regain all your Power
when you get a few hours of rest and use 1
Supplies + 1 use for each character resting .
🎲 Inflict Harm
Roll 3 dice. If you inflict harm …
• … with magic, use the highest die
• … with crude violence, use the lowest die
and if you are exploiting a weakness, add +1
Suffer Harm
Ask the GM how much. Reduce it by…
• … marking defenses ( for -1 harm)
• … losing your footing or grip (-1 harm)
• … getting stunned (-1 harm)
• … something breaking (-1 harm)
Whatever’s left , mark that many boxes:
 Ouch (clears with a few minutes of rest)
 Injured (takes time and 1 Supplies to treat)
 Debilitated (can’t roll 3 dice and add 2 highest )
 Maimed (must roll 3 dice and add 2 lowest)
 At Death's Door (any more and you’re dead)
Spells and Rituals
Spells always cost Power and always involve
Taking the Risk – the greater the effect , the
greater the risk or cost . Most spells are off -
hand and quick . They affect only what is in
your presence, either instantly or for a limited
duration. To try to reach further or last longer
requires a ritual. Say what you want and how
you plan to do it, then ask the GM what else
is required and roll to Get Answers.
Inventory
Mark up to 4 x  to start . Maximum load is 6 .
Adventuring kit ( items     )
During play, move from here to specific items
 Supplies (uses )
Use to recover or for expendables (torches, etc.)
 Tome or orb (slow) +1 to Get Answers
 Staff, wand, or musical instrument
+1 to Take the Risk with magic
 Paraphernalia (uses ) (slow)
Expend instead of 1 Power, but takes time!
 Wards, talismans (defenses )
Whenever you regain all Power, clear all defenses
 Enchanted glass
Perceive magic, invisible things, and fine details
 Lantern (oil )
 ______________________________
 ______________________________
 ______________________________
  ____________________________
Little things
Fits in pockets, purses, boots ; pick 3 more to start
 Wealth () ( valuable)
Found during play ; start with no wealth
 Tinderbox (slow)
 Parchment , ink , and quills
 Familiar (can see through its eyes)
 Elixir (1 use, heals all harm)
 Charm (1 use, avoid magic’s cost)
 Scroll (1 use of any Power option)
 Flask of ____________ (uses )
 Magic light source (what?)
 Divine symbol (keeps evil at bay…?)
 ______________________________
 You are a
Wildsoul
XP  When you mark the last XP circle, clear all XP and pick 1 : an extra Take the Risk option, an extra Wisdom option, or +1 max Wisdom . You may change what’s important to you, or your goal.
Your name is …
_________________________________
Your look character inspiration suggestions
pick one or more for each row, or fill in the blanks
 feminine  masculine  ambiguous
 youthful  mature  elder  ancient
 human  elf  dwarf  ___________
 feral  serene  scarred  vibrant
 ________________________________
What is important to you? pick 1
 The Hunt take down mighty or cunning prey
 The Pack put the needs of your allies first
 Preservation respect or protect nature
 Heritage offend / intrigue people by your ways
 Wonder discover a thing of natural beauty
 _______________________________
Your personal goal is to … pick 1
 … restore nature by _______________
 … end my exile by ________________
 … prevent calamity by ____________
 … reclaim fae - stolen _______________
 … return home to ________________
 … ______________________________
Once during each scene, if you clearly
demonstrate or struggle with what’s
important to you, mark XP and regain
1 Wisdom. When everyone agrees you’ve
reached a milestone towards some goal,
mark 5 XP and regain all of your Wisdom.
Which one of you …
Ask your fellow PC s one or more of these
 … does my companion really like?
__________________________
 … thinks my lifestyle is strange?
__________________________
 … also hears nature’s whispers?
__________________________
 … has no respect for nature?
__________________________
 … needs my guidance the most?
__________________________
 … did I find lost in the wilderness?
__________________________
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Paw Print Icon by Lorc CC BY 3.0. lorcblog.blogspot.com
Tell us, how did nature provide you with a loyal companion?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
🎲 Lead Onward
When you take the lead to journey
through a dangerous place, roll
3 dice and add up the 2 highest dice.
On a 10+, pick 2 from below. On a 7- 9, pick 1 .
On a 6 - , mark XP, and danger finds you first .
• You get a clue as to what lies ahead
• You track a chosen quarry unerringly
• You find a shortcut , some shelter, or
a tactical advantage (what?)
• You scavenge 1 use of Supplies
• You discover something (ask the GM)
• You and your allies leave no trace
🎲 Take the Risk
When you or your companion acts despite
danger or does something risky, establish
what you stand to gain and what it might
cost . You and the Game Master decide together!
Roll 2 dice and add them up, or roll 3 dice
and add up the 2 highest dice if the risk
you’re taking is … pick 3 more to start
 … by acting in tandem with
your companion ( how?)
 … by utilizing your surroundings
 … by setting a clever trap (what?)
 … to uncover what’s been hidden
 … to avoid ambush or being cornered
 … to traverse perilous terrain or obstacles
 … like your spirit animal, _____________
 … versus that which slows or ensnares
 … versus the denizens of nature
 … with the perfect shot ( how?)
 … with wild abandon ( how?)
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
On a 10 +, you get both. On a 7- 9, pick 1 :
• You get what you wanted.
• You either avoid the cost or you accept
the cost and mark XP.
On a 6 - , mark XP, and prepare for the worst .
Wisdom 
Your max Wisdom is 4 to start
Spend Wisdom 1-for-1 to … pick 3 more to start
 … reduce harm taken by 1 ( how?)
 … add +1 , once per roll ( how?)
 … ask : “ What’s the best way forward?”
 … ask : “ What’s their weakness?”
 … ask : “ What should I watch out for?”
 … calm and clear your companion’s harm
 … pick 1 more on a Lead Onward
 … move as swiftly as the wind
 … speak with beasts, plants, or stones
 … entreat the fae or spirits of the wild
 … provide a natural remedy
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
 … ____________________________
Regain 1 Wisdom when you catch your breath
and use 1 Supplies. Regain all your Wisdom
when you get a few hours of rest and use 1
Supplies + 1 use for each character resting.
🎲 Inflict Harm
Roll 3 dice. If you inflict harm …
• … against your quarry, use the highest die
• … alongside a partner, use the median die
• … all alone in the fray, use the lowest die
Suffer Harm
Ask the GM how much. Reduce it by…
• … your total Armor (see Inventory)
• … spending Wisdom (1 for -1 harm)
• … losing your footing or grip (-1 harm)
• … getting stunned (-1 harm)
• … something breaking (-1 harm)
• … your companion becoming :
angry  or fearful  (-1 harm each)
Whatever’s left , mark that many boxes :
 Ouch (clears with a few minutes of rest)
 Injured (takes time and 1 Supplies to treat)
 Debilitated (can’t roll 3 dice and add 2 highest )
 Maimed (must roll 3 dice and add 2 lowest)
 At Death's Door (any more and you’re dead)
Your Companion’s Harm :  Ouch  Injured
Your Companion … pick 4 features
 … is huge but slow, or alternatively,
 … is nimble and stealthy
 … can carry a few riders, or alternatively,
 … can fly
 … has vicious ________ and ________
 … has an amazing sense of ________
 … is nearly as clever as you are
 … can grab and entangle
 … is great at climbing and swimming
 … can hurl /spray _________________
 … has thick , armored _____________
 … has a body made of _____________
Inventory
Mark up to 5 x  to start . Maximum load is 7 .
Adventuring kit ( items      )
During play, move from here to specific items
 Supplies (uses )
 Supplies (uses )
Use to recover or for expendables (torches, etc.)
 Axe (rending )
 Spear (reach)
 Staff (forceful, innocuous)
 Bow or crossbow (long ranged)
 Quiver (shots )
 Lasso, net , or whip (reach, grasping )
 Leathers or hide (+1 armor )
 Lantern (oil ) Armor
 Trap - setting kit (uses )
 Map, compass, and spyglass ____
 _______________________________
 _______________________________
  _____________________________
Little things
Fits in pockets, purses, boots ; pick 1 more to start
 Wealth () ( valuable)
Found during play ; start with no wealth
 Large knife ( harvest Supplies from beasts)
 Fire - starting tools (slow)
 Antidote or antivenom (uses )
 Animal treats, bait , or scents
 Whistle or noisemaker (sounds like what?)
 _______________________________
 You are Can Their Character Do That ? Facilitating the Spotlight

The Game Master

• If it seems odd, foolish, or improbable, • The most obvious time to shift the
ask the player to clarify their intent . spotlight is after you resolve a
• If the player only states their action or character’s move or action.
their move, ask them “How do you do • If a character’s action draws them
that?” or “What does that look like?” into new danger, leave it as a
Your Agenda Your GM Moves • If they’re spending a point , they can cliffhanger and shift the spotlight
• Help your players engage with the game Do these things to provoke action or generally just do it (except for magic). (perhaps giving another character
• Make the world feel fantastic, but real increase tension . When they Take the an opportunity to intervene).
• Consider the fiction: established facts
• Fill their lives with adventure & danger Risk , you can use this list as inspiration • If they freeze or stall, shift to
about the PC and NPCs, any relevant
• Don’t write plotlines, discover it together
for the potential cost . someone else and come back later.
equipment or tags, the environment ,
What to Do Each Scene • Present a choice between good things emotional states, whether the PC has • If they want to do something that will
• Establish the situation • Introduce something /someone new the upper hand or is on the back foot … take time, follow up with them later.
• Provoke action, increase tension • Hint at more or give a clue (be obvious) • Remember : every PC can fight, talk to • Don’t be afraid to hold back the most
• Ask “ What do you do? ” • Ask a provocative /leading question NPCs, get information, navigate, etc. exuberant players or to encourage the
• Clarify, answer questions • Give an opportunity that fits a PC’s skills If they don’t have the move, they less confident players (but only a bit).
• If they trigger a move, resolve it • State what would be required might just have to negotiate using • Check in on PCs, making sure nobody
• Otherwise, you say what happens • Offer an opportunity, but at a cost Take the Risk (and likely roll 2 dice). is forgotten and everyone gets their
• Repeat , or maybe move on to the next scene • Warn of the consequences • You can make things more challenging time in the spotlight .
• Announce trouble /danger on its way by making the gains smaller and the Preparing for Improvisation
Principles • Reveal an unwelcome truth costs harsher for Take the Risk , or by
• Address the characters, not players • Demonstrate a downside /drawback In addition to using this game’s material
having PCs face some obstacle first
• Respect your prep, but leave blanks before trying to accomplish their goal. and examples, you can use other
• Ask questions , use the answers • Threaten / take away/use up resources
adventure starters or create your own.
• Make coherent , consistent rulings • Put someone in a tough spot Applying Fiction Mechanically
• Present a choice between bad things You can also try the 7-3-1 technique :
• Frame scenes aggressively Feel free to give them an extra +1 if…
• Separate them (alternate the spotlight ) • Come up with 7 total NPCs, locations ,
• Embrace the fantastic • A player has a truly clever idea
• Capture someone (but give them agency) and situations, each with a motivation
• Think “offscreen”, too • A PC has the perfect tool for the job
• Be a fan of the player characters • Bar the way, remove a possibility • A PC is taking advantage of a potent • Come up with 3 sensory details for
• Respect players’ choices & PCs’ abilities • Hurt someone , physically or otherwise opportunity that’s been established each one that you use as descriptions
• Remember that the PCs are protagonists If they roll a 6 - on Take the Risk or ignore • Come up with 1 way you can embody
If a PC wants to help or hinder another
• Protect nothing , let things happen a stated incoming threat , then establish PC, have them roll 1 die . They can swap an aspect of each of the 7 things you’ve
• Breathe life into NPCs and monsters badness . Pick a GM move (especially one their die’s result with one of the other prepared (verbally or physically)
• Begin and end with the fiction from towards the bottom) and do it. PC’s dice, but they are also subject to Then, rely on your agenda and principles.
the move’s cost and /or consequences. NPCs, Followers, and Hirelings
Establishing the Gains, Costs, and Outcomes for Take the Risk Tracking Things Using Clocks • NPCs can ally with and assist the PCs,
If you need help handling a situation but the GM should still control them.
• Not everything needs to invoke a Take the Risk move. Many actions the PCs take are
that can’t be resolved in 1 move, or you • Since they’re NPCs, they don’t have
either certain to succeed or impossible, so there’s no need to roll in either case.
want to slowly build up an approaching character sheets or moves. Represent
• Determine beforehand, based on the fiction, whether the cost might be potential
threat , or a PC wants to undertake a their actions in the game with helpful
consequences (in which case the PC can Take the Risk separately to reduce or
serious project , etc. you can use a clock . (or sometimes problematic) GM moves.
avoid them) or immediate consequences (in which case the PC takes them directly).
1. Draw a circle and divide it into 4, 6, • Remember, the game is about the PCs,
• The cost for Take the Risk should often be independent of the success of the action, or 8 parts, as you deem necessary.
that way it can still take effect if they both get what they wanted and incur the cost. so don’t let an NPC hog the spotlight !
2. When minor progress is made • If an NPC is working together with or
• However, sometimes the cost for Take the Risk can be getting only part of what they towards the conclusion (such as
wanted, getting only a limited effect , or not quite making it to their goal in one go. helping a PC, you can represent this by
rolling a 7-9), mark 1 part . When
• When a PC chooses to avoid the cost and not get what they want, the fictional situation major progress is made towards the changing the stakes for Take the Risk ,
still changes; time to provoke action or increase tension, picking from towards the middle. conclusion (such as rolling 10+ for giving the PC force parity, or giving a +1 .
• Rolling a 6 - on Take the Risk doesn’t necessarily mean the attempted action failed. good or 6 - for bad), mark 2 parts. • NPCs have their own ambitions and
Sometimes it’s a pyrrhic success, or they succeed but then disaster strikes! 3. When all parts of the clock are won’t take orders from PCs … without
• See an example for Take the Risk and another example using it in a fight . marked, the thing comes to fruition. good reason (like something valuable?)
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0. Dice Icon by Delapouite CC BY 3.0. delapouite.com
 Rules and advice for 🎲 Inflict Harm probability details Creating NPCs and Monsters

Running the Game

How dangerous is it? Roll 3 dice, use the … 1. Visualize them (see next page for tips)
• lowest die if it’s not very dangerous 2. Decide on harm, tags, HP, armor,
a non-combatant , a minor accident special def (optional), size, & how many
• median die if it’s plenty dangerous 3. Write 1-2 for when or how they fight
a competent fighter, a treacherous trap 4. Write 2 - 4 things they can or will do
Action Scenes and Combat Tags • highest die if it’s extremely dangerous 5. Write 1-2 things they want or need
Tags are narrative hooks to inform and 6. Write 1-2 fears or vulnerabilities
Tips for when the fiction is action - packed : a vicious killer, the result of extreme folly
• Remember your agendas, principles, inspire players about the fiction, and If a PC could avoid the incoming harm
Hit Points for NPCs / Monsters
and the flow of play shortcuts to inform the fiction for GMs If they are… (pick 1)
(not stunned, the cost was only potential
• Describe an attack , but stop short of it to consider when establishing costs or • … feeble, soft , juvenile +2 HP
asking for a Take the Risk roll. consequences, etc.) then you might ask • … able-bodied +4 HP
connecting (unless your chosen move
is to Hurt Someone) them how they Take the Risk to try to • … hard, strong , tough +6 HP
• area — affects many targets or a
• Manage the spotlight and keep avoid or reduce the harm taken. • … unnaturally resilient +8 HP
group, which affects force parity
everyone involved (including NPCs!) • concealed — hidden until used • On a 10+, they avoid all harm And if they are… (pick 1)
However, players can occasionally • On a 7-9, reduce harm taken by -1 • … craven, cowardly, forlorn +1 HP
interrupt and interject actions • fiery — burns or ignites (taking 1 harm,
• On a 6 - , they take the full harm • … motivated, level-headed +2 HP
• Constantly shift the momentum of the piercing , whenever the GM says so) • … zealous, ferocious +3 HP
fight and alter the fictional positioning • forceful — knocks back, trips, or stuns Adjust Harm by … • … incapable of fear or doubt +4 HP
(through your GM moves and in • grasping — grapples, disarms, or steals … the victim’s armor (reduces harm) And if they are a leader/paragon
responses to the players’ moves) • innocuous — unlikely to draw attention • +1 armor per : body armor, shield, helm of their kind, double their HP ×2 HP
• Ask yourself : “Would this creature keep • life - steal — heals as much harm/HP • +1 armor for thick hide, scales, or When an NPC or monster suffers a
fighting , or would it shift its priorities?” as the victim suffers cumulative amount of harm ≥ their HP,
blubber, or alternatively,
• Make GM moves (especially ones from • piercing — ignores (most) armor they’re out of the fight (dead, dying ,
towards the middle) after every player’s +2 armor for carapace, chitin, or plates incapacitated, fleeing , groveling , etc.
• precious /priceless — see the page of • +1 armor if the victim lacks vital organs as appropriate to the established fiction
time in the spotlight
Artifacts: Trinkets, Talismans, & Treasures and the harm suffered).
• Make your GM moves (especially for … special defenses : suffer -1 / -2 harm,
enemy attacks) colorful, descriptive, • quick — fast to use or to get into hand
but can be bypassed or negated ( how?) But remember, there’s other ways to
and specific, and request the same • quiet — KO’s without making noisy fuss overcome or defeat opponents besides
kinds of details from your players ! • ranged — can attack from further away … size : inflict +1 harm and suffer -1 harm reducing their HP to zero!
for each size category larger than the foe
• Change up your GM moves, add variety • reach — keeps foes at a distance Abstracting NPCs as Groups
• Give each character a chance to shine • rending — damages armor or gear, [ tiny < small < man-sized < large < huge ]
A group has same number of HP as a
• Incorporate the environment and put inflicts bloody wounds, or dismembers But remember, size doesn’t always matter! single individual in the group.
engaging features into the battlefield • slow — not ideal to use when in danger … force parity : inflict +1 harm and suffer • A group has force parity (look to the left)
• Recap & outline the situation regularly • valuable — see sidebar on the page of -1 harm if you significantly outnumber over individuals or a smaller group.
• Let fights end sooner rather than later Artifacts: Trinkets, Talismans, & Treasures them, or inflict +2 harm and suffer -2 harm • Harm suffered by the group reflects
if you can really swarm them casualties or KOs, proportionate to HP.
• A group reduced to 0 HP is beaten,
… formation : a group fighting in formation slaughtered, routed, captured, etc.
When the PCs Are Harmed … inflict +1 harm and suffers -1 harm against • A PC that is part of a group suffers the
• Ouch — clears with a few minutes of rest . enemies that are not fighting in formation same harm they do.
• Injured — clears when they take time to treat it and expend 1 Supplies.
• Debilitated — exhaustion, pain, weakness, sickness, etc. Players can’t roll 3 dice
and take the 2 highest . Clears with a few hours of rest and expending 1 Supplies. For Example …
• Maimed — broken, severed, etc. Players must roll 3 dice and take the 2 lowest . A Warrior PC leads a group of 3 mercs (5 HP, 2 armor) versus an ogre (12 HP, 1 armor,
Clears with downtime under a healer’s care (or magic), but the effects may linger. huge), Wades Into Battle, gets a 7- 9, and picks +1 harm. She rolls 5 harm, +1 (from
Wade Into Battle), -1 (for armor), -2 (for size), +1 (force parity). The ogre suffers 4 harm
• At Death's Door — they take 1 harm if not attended to soon (piercing , but can still and is still fighting. It sweeps the group with its club for 3 harm, +2 (size), -1 (force parity).
be mitigated other ways). Clears when someone treats them / stabilizes the wound.
The group of mercs take 4 harm, 2 after armor, vs. 5 HP. One of them goes splat ,
Work with the player to determine the specifics, based on the fiction and the choices another is swept aside with a broken arm. The PC also takes 4 harm, reduced by her
made. If they take more harm than they can mark , they die, or their story ends here, 2 armor. The attack is forceful so she’s knocked off her feet , and the player chooses
at least . Work with the player to determine their final words or deeds and what’s next . to mark a dent on her shield and the harm “Ouch.” The GM then shifts the spotlight to…
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0. Dice Icon by Delapouite CC BY 3.0. delapouite.com
 A collection of Tips for Creating NPCs
Sometimes as GM, you’ll be making up NPCs as part

People, Places, and Possibilities of your adventure prep. Other times, you’ll need to
whip up an NPC on the fly as the fiction calls for it .
Either way, you can use the following questions to
To use or ignore, as you see fit quickly flesh out an NPC :
🎲 1 . What does this NPC want most ,
Krajina, Northlander, or NPC Traits pick as many as you like Settlements or what might they want from the PCs?
___________________ Names athletic reckless/fearless Lowgate Fort Smoke
This is the NPC’s overarching goal. For ideas, you
might roll 2 dice (one for the 10s digit and one
Daryn Vizojin Grazdyn Jirorem sharp wit /eyes political leverage Blackstone Village Oakridge for the 1s digit) and /or consult this table :
Vinzlaw Tololsk Bohdiin Kelimir silver- tongued criminal ties Circle Bay White Falls The NPC wants to …
Druzen Benarsk Konimir Lomira excellent cook wildly inventive Stalwart Peregrine City 11. avenge (what?) 41. find belonging (why ?)
Besyov Zladny Jominda Duurva arcane prowess fae - cursed Highpass Ashcourt 12. reunite with (who?) 42. move to (where?)
Lyika Miiliska Yeffen Kybiin compulsive liar strong as an ox Seawall Wyrmhome 13. make money (by ?) 43. safeguard kids (from?)
skilled craftsman stunning beauty Nook’s Crossing Fivehills 14. find their lost (what?) 44. get their next fix (of ?)
15. slay (what or who?) 45. find true love (type?)
Jabali, Southlander, or kleptomaniac self- aggrandizing Barrowbridge Pitdown 16. cure illness (whose?) 46. learn how to (what?)
overly cautious highly educated Settledown Snowcalm
___________________ Names comedic buffoon steel nerves /glare Leppo Neneveh
21. hide their shame (for?)
22. rise in rank (in what?)
51. serve a master (who?)
52. raise exotic (what?)
Kufail Waafir Raffan Taaji lovestruck tattoo of a map Lagoz Cortia 23. find the truth (about?) 53. indulge in … (what?)
Amim Raamir Faaed Moolak noble/royal blood great wanderlust Trosia Dyrrium 24. steal valuable (what?) 54. find a job (like what?)
25. be renown for (what?) 55. destroy things (what?)
Qamani Vahid Obaud Dabr name to live up to evangelist of … Nicaeum Senejecke 26. teach others (what?) 56. entertain (by doing ?)
Ghejal Harfat Safaai Jaamida slick and speedy suffers old wound Dunazov Mallanta 31. uphold laws (whose?) 61. die valiantly (for what?)
Raalima Ghaafia Lutaiha Faswa quest for revenge drunk /high on… Kitasa Dobeta 32. restore honor (why ?) 62. transform into (what?)
Qaheeda Risma Nataka Munirii annoyingly chipper impossibly old Timise Belito 33. atone for … (what?) 63. discover ancient (what?)
always eating disarmingly honest Hirdesa Pumyi 34. escape society (why ?) 64. flaunt superiority (how?)
35. celebrate ! (what?) 65. live forever ( how?)
Vitruvian, Midlander, or priceless smile awful jokes /puns Shambles Stonetop 36. return home (to?) 66. rule over everything !
___________________ Names easily startled strange language
2. What unique trait (s) does this NPC
Places/Regions/Features have to help them get what they want ?
Javies Arren Brakley Thovas Found in the Wild
Eshan Voung Larsh Nabe Tanner’s Ford Rum River Flesh out what the NPC wants, then consult the
stone circle crumbling tower Crystal Falls Battlemoore NPC traits list (upper middle of this page) or invent
Juhn Dacom Warvy Aram some traits of your own.
Ebias Goseth Asalia Rowa abandoned keep old mine/quarry The Gray Fast Andwynne River
haunted library secluded abbey Wyvern’s Rock The Fallness 3. Why is this NPC here?
Ila Ceara Aminah Varcie What are they doing in the scene where they meet
Deppie Miviam Rathel Alese forgotten manor ancient tree Witch’s Vale White Sands
the PCs during the game? How does that help with
Rexi Vee Shael Divae crumbling statues giant nest Wicked Fells Crag Harbor the NPC’s goals, or what got them into this mess?
idyllic gorge barrow mounds Witch’s Citadel Ogre Mounds
natural caverns hill figure Aewj River Altar Ridge 🎲 4. What is this NPC’s attitude towards
Saeland, Old Empire, or the PCs? Have they met any PC before?
foggy valley rock outcropping Forlorn Wood Elderslope
___________________ Names waterfall natural spring The Cryptwood The Ghurab Way
If you’re uncertain, you might roll 2 dice and add
them up, then consult this table :
Narum Talbor Nebat Ubissa grove of aspen overgrown shrine Troll Pass Elven Dunes On a 2, attacks immediately
Anake Aliku Iskander Afe giant’s grave bandit camp Darken Wood Hushed Crags On a 3 - 4, hostile, possible attack
Fengarro Brevan Mekura Amar stone fences lost dwarven hold The Right Sea The River Vast On a 5 - 6, suspicious of the PCs
Agna Kahim Enki Fraazer river delta wishing tree Howling Obelisk Robber’s Vale On a 7- 9, curious about the PCs
Mekamu Kasha Elaki Naryo misty pond hilltop clearing The Red Descent Jivir Caves On a 10 -11 , aligned with the PCs’ goals
Emissie Destu Eyol Fassil old battlefield sinkhole Vulture Plains The Blue Hills On a 12 , enthusiastic friendship
Bidaba Tibu Tufeeq Bayuh river ferry ancient road Rust Mountains Mount Ballaaran 5. What special information, item, or
Lia Noed Zamera Romigna stream /creek swamp/mire Khiyaan Coast Nezivo Vale service does this NPC have to offer ?
Dawid Segan Ednu Ghidewon tar pits bridge Lake Pestry Inang River 6. And finally, what is this NPC’s name?
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. Text / layout by Jeremy Strandberg and David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0. spoutinglore.blogspot.com.
 A codex of
NPCs: Friends, Foes, Fellows, and Fiends
To encounter, befriend, fight , barter with, seduce …
Alchemist human, goblin, dwarf
Scientifically improbable to explode
4 HP, reckless or cautious
Will keep their distance and assist
• Explosives (med, area, fiery)
• Venefice (Debilitated, curable)
Wants the next ingredient for their elixir
Might mislabel bottles or bombs
Assassin human, halfling , elf, shade
Every man has a price … for his life
8 HP, 2 Armor, sneaky, disguised
Waits for the right moment to strike
• Sniping ( high, long ranged, piercing )
• Poisoned blade (med, concealed)
Eliminate the target and flee the scene
Obvious scar, only in it for the money
Beast dire wolf, owlbear, kraken
A vicious ball of claws, teeth, or beak
9 HP, 1 Armor, large/huge, keen senses
Loud roars, carries off wounded to feed
• Tear apart ( high, rending )
• Bite down (med, grasping , piercing )
Defend its territory and feed its young
Single-minded, easily trapped
Construct golem, robot , franken
DIRECTIVE: REMOVE INTRUDERS
10 HP, 3 Armor, large, mindless
Guards its home, attacks nearest target
• Smash (med, forceful)
• Integrated weapon (med, ranged)
• Block an attack at its master
SERVE MASTER. REPAIR SELF.
Slow, limited programming
Dandy human, elf, halfling , goblin, orc
All style, no substance
4 HP, 1 Armor, deceptive, slippery
Flees when the chips are down
• Lunge (med, piercing after feint)
• Feint (low, see above)
• Snatch (low, grasping )
Gossip, flirt , scam someone, get drunk
Blabbermouth, coward
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) By David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0.
Devil fiend, genie, cambion
Making deals paid not in gold
7 HP, 3 Armor (0 vs. sacred)
Would prefer bargaining to fighting
• Hellfire (med, area, piercing , fiery)
• Wicked barbs (med, reach, grasping)
Corrupt innocents, manipulate, damn
Must honor the contract to the letter
Dragon aerial, aquatic, hypogeal
Greed and ruin, wings and scales
16 HP, 2 Armor, large/huge, cunning
Swoops in, attacks, then retreats
• Breathe magic ( high, ranged, area)
• Crush ( high, forceful, piercing )
• Chomp ( high, grasping , rending )
Protect the lair, grow the hoard
Arrogant , distracted by wealth
Elemental fire, water, earth, wind
The powers of nature given life & form
8 HP, 2 Armor, various sizes
Reshapes its body, attacks relentlessly
• Crash (med, forceful)
• Blast (med, ranged, area)
Protect nature, cause accidents
Dumb as rocks, weak vs. magic control
Giant troll, ogre, cyclops, titan, storm
Enormous stature, enormous appetite
12 HP, 1 Armor, huge
Takes what it wants, indelicately
• Crush ( high, forceful, rending )
• Hurl (med, ranged, forceful)
Sate appetites, be left alone, befriend?
Slow, not too bright
Guard human, dwarf, elf, orc, goblin
Who goes there?!
6 HP, 3 Armor, formation tactics
Does their duty and defends their ward
• Brutality (med, forceful)
• Detain (low, grasping , piercing )
Not let anyone pass, get paid
Not very observant
Healer human, elf, halfling , orc
Now, this may hurt a bit …
4 HP, 1 Armor, pacifistic
Unwilling to fight (low, if forced)
• Patch you up (clear trivial harm)
• Lifesaver (slow, clear major harm)
Heal the sick and injured (and get paid)
Poor bedside manners, non-combatant
Merchant dwarf, human, elf, goblin
Everything you want , and more!
4 HP, 1 Armor, will call the guards
Will catch thieves, but won’t fight
• Grab by collar (low, grasping )
• Try to upcharge you
Buy low, sell high, keep profits
Slow, greedy
Mimic container, furniture, weapon
Did that treasure chest just lick its lips?
6 HP, 1 Armor, disguised, various sizes
Imitates inanimate objects, then strikes
• Ambush! ( high, grasping )
• Chomp (med, piercing , grasping )
Devour the greedy and unsuspecting
Subtle hints it’s actually alive
Necromancer cultist , vampire, lich
Death is only the beginning …
7 HP, 2 Armor, ×2 HP & undying if lich
Conjures and controls undead
• Summon undead to fight
• Drain life (med, piercing , life - steal)
• Magic ( high, ranged, piercing )
Sow undeath, preserve their own life
Weak vs. holy, (lich’s phylactery)
Nobility human, elf, dwarf, orc
Filthy rich, filthy attitude
5 HP, has bodyguards
Refuses to stoop to brutish violence
• Calls for more guards
• Offers a bribe (uncommon loot)
Show superiority, live in luxury
Insufferable, sheltered, cowardly
Loot
To discover or acquire from NPCs /monsters
Ooze slime, mistake, cosmic horror 🎲 To pick common vs. uncommon, roll
Icky, goopy, sticky, melty the harm the (previous) owner could dish
6 HP, 1 Armor, amorphous, mindless out . Then roll another die to decide the
Sloshes towards food & away from light type of loot . Try to make sense of it , or
• Glorp (low, grasping , reach) reroll if you can’t . If the result is marked
• Sizzle (med, rending ) with (*), roll a die for its Size / Nature.
• Split and duplicate if hit with blades
Devour and dissolve anything organic
Amoebic intellect , weak vs. salt /alkaline 1 - 4 Common Stuff
1. A curiosity, trophy, or bauble *
Spirit malevolent , tragic, helpful 2. Supplies, gear, provisions
You don’t stand a GHOST of a chance … 3. Supplies, gear, provisions
Incorporeal, must banish or appease 4. A small sack of coins ( 1 Wealth )
Haunts the living , plays pranks 5. Specialized, uncommon gear or
• Ghostly chill (med, piercing ) supplies (poison, reagents, etc.)
• Poltergeist (low, area, forceful) 6. A clue, hint , or useful information
• JOIN US ( high, grasping , piercing )
Torment the living , or pass on
Weak vs. magic, destroy earthly ties? 5 - 6 Uncommon Stuff
1. Info that could make someone rich
Thug human, goblin, orc, halfling with effort /resources (valuable)
Your money or your life! 2. Exceptional item (valuable) *
5 HP, 1 Armor, usually in gangs 3. A hefty sack of coins ( 2 Wealth )
Bullies the weak , shouts for backup 4. A minor magical artifact or bauble *
• Shank (low, piercing ) 5. Magic aura /effect (immobile)
• Pummel (med, forceful or grasping )
• Take an NPC hostage
6. Roll 1 die on Rare Stuff table.
Mug someone and flee the scene
Cowardly when alone, not too bright Rare Stuff
1. Riches, finery, treasure (precious) *
Undead zombie, skeleton, ghoul 2. Riches, finery, treasure (precious) *
Not exactly the life of the party 3. Riches, finery, treasure (precious) *
6 HP, 2 Armor, often in hordes 4. A potent magical artifact *
Shambling advance, act as controlled 5. Lore folks would kill for — map to a
• Decayed weaponry (med)
hoard, royal blackmail, info needed
• Bite at limbs (low, grasping ) for a new spell, etc. (precious) *
Consume the living , or be properly buried 6. Something priceless *
Weak vs. bladed (zomb) or blunt (skele)
* Size / Nature
Wizard human, elf, dwarf, orc, goblin 1. Little
The power of the cosmos at my whims! 2. Portable ( Weighs 1  )
5 HP, has minions, ×2 HP if archmage 3. Portable, but hefty ( Weighs 2   )
Casts magic from a safe distance
• Magic ( high, ranged, area, piercing )
4. Immobile
• Summon creatures to do their bidding 5. Hard to extract or transport
(and roll again)
• Various powers (spells or rituals)
Acquire arcane knowledge and power 6. Hard to sell or make use of
Possible magical misfires, frail of body (and roll again)
 A various and sundry assortment of
Artifacts: Trinkets, Talismans, and Treasures
To discover, loot , quest after, or even craft …
Amulet of Last Breaths valuable
Made of breathtakingly beautiful onyx
Amulet or Ring , (uses )
When you are on Death’s Door, you may
expend 1 use to clear that level of harm.
When you use the amulet to steal a being’s
dying breath, it recovers 1 use.
Death follows to recover what was stolen.
Intrudes the mind with murderous thoughts.
Arrowstorm Arcbow precious
The bow’s volley that would blot out the sun
Bow  or Flintlock 
When you unleash a volley and mark off
an extra use of ammo, choose 1 :
• Roll 1 die : shoot at that many foes
• Inflict +1 harm & ignore force parity
It has lower accuracy for single shots.
Its range leaves much to be desired.
Blabbermouth Skull bauble
“And that’s the truth, no bones about it!”
Humanoid skull 
This enchanted skull (or maybe just a
skeleton missing its body?) remembers
everything its heard or seen with eidetic
accuracy, but it is absolutely awful at
keeping secrets or lying. It also tends to
make terrible puns at inappropriate times.
Cloak of the Breathless precious
Speak not a whisper, leave not a trace
Hooded cloak 
While worn with the hood raised, if the
wearer exhales completely and then
holds their breath, they are invisible
and silent until they breathe again.
The cloak itself is invisible while unworn.
Its wearer easily becomes winded.
Coat Mimic bauble
Stylish, functional, and a little disgusting
Polymorphic living clothing 
This rare, friendly breed of mimic forms a
sort of symbiotic relationship with beings
that wear clothes. In exchange for
feeding on flaked - off skin and sweat , it
can transform to appear as any type of
attire that the wearer commands.
Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) By David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0.
Compass of Deep Desire precious
The heart is deceitful above all things
Handheld compass
Points not to magnetic north, but to that
which its bearer most deeply desires,
even if it is unbeknownst to the bearer.
For an indecisive bearer, its needle spins.
The compass is easily misplaced or lost .
Everfull Flask valuable
How do you like that , pessimists?
Barrel   or Jug  or Flask
When any liquid is poured in such that
the flask is filled to the brim, a limitless
amount of that liquid can then be poured
out of it . A new liquid will replace the old.
Its stopper is prone to slowly leaking .
If ruptured, creates a non - infinite deluge.
Firebrand valuable, dangerous
The blade that would scorch the earth
Sword  or Rapier  or Whip 
All harm the wielder inflicts with it is fiery.
• Flame Lash (reach, area, fiery)
• Scorching Disarm (forceful, fiery)
Intensifies wielder’s impulsivity and anger.
When inflicting harm, also add the lowest
die, but suffer that much harm in backfire.
Fleeting Memory precious
No evidence of fowl play
Parchment , single use
When a description of any true past event
is written upon it and it’s folded into the
shape of a bird, it transforms into a real
bird (such as a dove or a sparrow). Any
record or memory of the event (including
the writer’s) is erased until the bird dies.
Goggles of Soaring Sight bauble
Wow, I can see my hometown from here!
Pair of goggles
When the goggles are worn, the wearer
can project their vision upwards, observing
their surroundings as if they were a bird
flying directly overhead. While they grant
extraordinary distance vision, objects up
close are much harder to focus on.
Instant Ooze bauble, dangerous
No more scrubbing ! Just add water !
Pouch of dry powder (uses )
When hydrated, quickly grows into an
ooze that will devour (in order) nearby :
1. Dirt , grime, gunk , and sludge
2. Organic material, living or dead
3. Anything of stone hardness or less
The ooze shrivels away after 1 minute.
Liquid Quickiron bauble
Not to be confused with quicksilver
Bottle of quickiron (uses )
This metallic liquid rapidly hardens when
exposed to air, eventually becoming solid
iron. However, it also readily melts when
exposed to temperatures not too much
hotter than body heat . Rust monsters are
said to be extra ravenous for quickiron.
Mighty Green Beans bauble
Eat your greens & grow up big and strong
Pouch of beans (uses )
When you cover one of the beans in soil,
it rapidly grows into a sturdy beanstalk
as wide and tall as a redwood tree.
When you swallow one of the beans, you
and your gear grow to the size of a giant
until the next time you catch your breath.
Mirror of Twin Reflections valuable Tanglevine Coil bauble, dangerous
Wait , wasn’t your scar on your left cheek ?
Floor mirror   or Hand mirror 
When you gaze into the mirror, a second
reflection appears behind you. The reflection
is illusory, but has autonomy and knows
it’s a reflection. Any harm or anything an
illusion could not do causes it to vanish.
DO NOT break the mirror before it vanishes.
Ol’ Nick’s Knapsack bauble
Better check it twice
Weighs  , holds up to    
When you try to retrieve an item within,
roll 2 dice if naughty or 3 dice if nice :
• On a 10 +, you find it no problem
• On a 7- 9, you have to rummage a bit
• On a 6 - , coal if naughty, a toy if nice
Sanguine Slaughter precious
Never quenched, never satisfied
Claymore   or Axe 
Crimson rust belies deadly sharpness
• Bloodthirst ( life - steal, rending )
• Bloodbath (area, forceful, rending )
Greatly amplifies the wielder ’s bloodlust .
Its wielder inflicts and suffers +1 harm.
Sister Scrolls valuable
This will save a fortune on postage!
Two scrolls
Anything drawn or written on one scroll
appears on the other, and vice - versa.
The same goes for anything erased.
(In actuality, anything that happens
to one scroll happens to the other,
so try to keep them safe from harm.)
Steel of Thunder precious
The blade that would slice heaven in twain
Sword  or Axe 
Slashes send waves of sound flying
• Shockwave Slash (ranged, forceful)
• Blade C yclone (reach, area, forceful)
• Clangorous Parry (forceful)
Magnifies any sounds it makes tenfold.
Its wielder speaks in a booming voice.
Half rope, half vine, half snake, all creepy
Vine rope 
This somewhat - domesticated length
of tanglevine animates at the wielder’s
command, allowing it to function as a
rope and grapnel, a lasso, a whip, etc.
Requires sunlight , water, and fertilizer.
Has a mind of its own when unattended.
Weightless Burden bauble
Lighter than a feather, denser than lead
Boulder   or Stone  , no max load
While holding the stone, the bearer
and all of their equipment become
weightless, as if floating in space.
The bearer is easily knocked around.
Slows reflexes and thoughts while held.
Resupplying
When the PCs have the chance to Resupply,
have them clear all their items and reselect
their Inventory and Little Things up to their
starting load. If they’re paying, a valuable
item ( like 1 Wealth ) should cover it for
everyone. Anything else costs extra.
Common and Mundane Items
like what you would have for Supplies
little stuff : (don’t bother marking off a use)
tinderbox, candle, vial of oil, chalk, ball of yarn,
whistle, bandages, water skin, flask of whiskey,
hardtack, spoon, small bowl, drinking jack,
strip of jerky, tin of lard, bar of soap, needle
and thread, snow goggles (with the slits), extra
pair of wool socks, thick leather gloves, grappling
hook, empty sack, medicinal herbs, ball of wax,
climbing piton, teapot, parchment , ink pot and
quill, metal file, etc.
 stuff : coil of rope (~50 ft), length of chain,
torches, lantern, refill of ammunition or kit,
pick, shovel, mattock, prybar, mallet , hacksaw,
block and tackle, blacksmith's tongs, bellows,
bee smoker, walking stick, fishing pole, bedroll,
snowshoes, change of clothes, cloak, blanket ,
book, instrument, keepsake box, bag of flour, etc.
 stuff : firewood, fishing net, roll- out sledge,
quern stone, birdcage, pop-tent, full set of
manacles, maul, ten - foot pole, 100 - ft coil of
sailing rope, quarter- keg of ale, bear trap,
saddlebags, oilcloth tarp, etc.
Valuable Items
A valuable item (1 Wealth , a gemstone,
an artifact , etc.) is worth enough for :
• Everyone in the party to Resupply
• A decent horse, with saddle or a cart
• A sturdy, covered wagon
• A few weeks in a decent inn
• A night of high living and decadence
• A bribe for a merchant or minor official
• A skilled laborer's wages for a week
• A group of unskilled laborers' wages for a
week, or a single laborer's wages for a month
Precious and Priceless Items
A precious item (like a gold idol, a jeweled
scepter, a chest of coins, an artifact , etc.)
is worth enough for :
• A few months of high living
• A small cottage and land to farm
• A modest shop in town
• A small ship, single - masted and seaworthy
• A trained warhorse, barding and all
A priceless item is worth enough to set you
up for life, if you can find a buyer for it …
 A handful of

Character Archetypes
Note that if the group is playing for the first time or is limited to a single session, it’s best to not bother with these. You can set your character’s goal as “To become a(n) _______”. When
you mark the last circle for XP, clear all your XP, change your character’s goal, and gain the Archetype and the first Archetype move. Add “an extra Archetype option” to your list of choices
for when you clear XP, picking from options in the second Archetype move. When an Archetype says your “Source”, it refers to your PC’s Mettle, Cunning, Power, or Wisdom, as appropriate.

Forsworn Muse Shapeshifter Alchemist

You have made a pact or a promise with Your skills in acting , music, dancing , Via some curse, magic, alchemy, or Through careful scientific study, you’ve
a higher power. Your patron shares their artistry, or oratory are second to none. latent heritage coursing through your unlocked the mysteries of the building
power with you, so long as you hold true The inspiration guiding your skills spills veins, you can change your form to suit blocks of all things. With the right
to your oaths ... forth as a wellspring to inspire and your needs. Man, beast , or monster, it’s procedures and a bit of luck , they are
encourage others in a way almost all the same to you. You’ve got your altered at your command.
🎲 Work Miracles supernatural. powers under control, at least for the
When you channel your patron’s most part … 🎲 Transmute
power through your very soul to 🎲 Inspire When you touch inert matter you
work a miracle, ask the GM for an When you inspire someone with your 🎲 Shift Form wish to transmute, spend 1 Source
exchange between… pick 2 each time performance, artistic, or oratory When you take the form of a being or 1 use of Supplies, then roll 3 dice
• your harm skills, discard any prior Inspiration familiar to you, spend 1 Source, then and add up the 2 highest dice.
• another being’s harm and draw from your well anew. roll 3 dice and add up the 2 highest On a 10 +, pick 2. On a 7- 9, pick 1.
• your Source Spend 1 Source, then roll 3 dice dice. Your form has features like a On a 6 - , mark XP, and the GM picks
Roll 3 dice and add up the 2 highest and add up the 2 highest dice. Wildsoul’s companion: 1 instead.
dice to determine if it will be… On a 10 +, gain 3 Inspiration.
On a 7- 9, gain 2 Inspiration. On a 10 +, choose 3 features. Temporarily change its…
On a 10 +, a favorable exchange. On On a 7- 9, choose 2 features.
On a 6 - , gain 1 Inspiration, mark XP, • shape
a 7- 9, an equal exchange. On a 6 - , On a 6 - , mark XP, and choose 1
but you attract unwanted attention. • size
an unfavorable exchange, mark XP. feature… but the GM chooses a • material
Inspiration (uses )
Sworn Oaths write 1 Oath & 1 Power drawback of your new form. • temperature
Spend 1 Inspiration any time to …
For each oath you swear to your • … by a large amount
• restore an ally’s Source by 1 You revert to your natural form when • … until you change it back
patron, choose a Power appropriate
• re - roll a single die (anyone’s) you catch your breath or get a few
to your patron. If you break an oath,
lose that Power until you atone.
• ask : “ What do gossips, legends, hours rest , or earlier if you wish. Alchemic Crafting pick 3
or verses say about this?” When you have a calm while to work
When you cast a spell or ritual gained Features:
• ask : “ Who’s really in control?” your craft, you may spend 1 Source
through your patron, spend 1 Source,
• ask : “ What’s their deepest flaw?” _______________________________ and 1 use of Supplies to create a …
roll 3 dice, and add up the 2 highest
• convincingly pretend to be (each takes up 1 in your Inventory)
dice when you Take the Risk. _______________________________  poison (+1 harm suffered)
knowledgeable about something
 Oath: ________________________ • have everyone just stop and _______________________________  curative ( heals 1 harm)
________________________ listen to you for a moment  explosive (area, forceful or fiery)
Power: ________________________ Mimicry pick 1  potent acid (piercing )
Encourage pick 1  flashy firework or smoke bomb
 Oath: ________________________ When you touch a being you wish to
When you share encouraging words  lesser potion of _______________
________________________ imitate, you may spend your Source
with your allies, you may spend your  strong adhesive, solvent , or
Power: ________________________ 1-for-1 to mimic their…
Source 1-for-1 to clear their… lubricant (sticks /unsticks)
 Oath: ________________________  Ouch  specific looks and appearance  unorthodox ammunition, that can
________________________  Debilitated  voice, language, and mannerisms ____________________________
Power: ________________________  At Death’s Door  greatest physical attribute  finicky clockwork ______________

Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0. Scroll Icon by Delapouite CC BY 3.0. delapouite.com; Lyre Icon, Werewolf Icon, and Flask Icon by Lorc CC BY 3.0. lorcblog.blogspot.com
 A few more

Advanced Archetypes
All the same rules and advice for the standard character archetypes also apply to the advanced archetypes. However, a few things set these apart . These archetypes are not necessarily
more powerful, but they are more involved. A character might suddenly find one of these archetypes thrust upon them ( with the player and GM’s consent , of course) : a curse or prophecy,
a vampiric affliction, a near - death experience, or discovering a magical artifact. Overall, these are more suitable to some games than others, and require buy - in from the group prior to their use.

Omen Corrupted Martyr Artificer

Your fate is intertwined with some grand Whether vampirism, lycanthropy, infection, Some things are worth living for ; others The ancient rites and methods to create
curse or prophecy. You’ve learned to twist possession, or some other affliction, you are worth dying for. What lies between wonders are thought to be lost to time.
these strands of fate to your desires … are burdened with a terrible power. the two, and is worth suffering for over You think differently, determined to
but be careful that they do not break . 🎲 Heart of Darkness and over again? decipher the riddles of their creation.
write 3 Boons & Banes Maybe you can ask one of them for a hint?
🎲 Twist of Fate The more impure you become , the 🎲 Savor the Suffering
When things get intense for you and more you tap into your corruption’s When you mark at least 1 harm while 🎲 Psychometry
you seek to twist fate in your favor, power (and its drawbacks), as well as doing something you truly believe in, When you handle or examine an
spend 1 Source, then roll 3 dice becoming more physically monstrous. roll 2 dice and add the amount of object of interest , you can attempt
and add up the 2 highest dice. Your Current Purity : start at +3 Purity harm you marked. to Get Answers from it . If the item
+3  You appear normal, like a is animate, intelligent , or has a soul,
On a 10+, both will occur, soon. On a On a 10 +, regain 2 of your Source.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing you can instead try to Manipulate it.
7- 9, pick 1 . On a 6 - , mark XP, and
+2  Boon: _____________________ On a 7- 9, regain 1 of your Source.
the GM picks 1 instead.
Bane: _____________________
🎲 Prototype learn 1 new blueprint
On a 6 - , mark XP, and you’ll suffer
• Some calamity befalls a chosen +1  Boon: _____________________ Your magitechnical genius allows
more than just harm, ask the GM how.
character present , mortally you to create ad - hoc simulacra of
Bane: _____________________
wounding them (or something When you become a Martyr and gain true magical items. When you have
+0  Boon: _____________________ a blueprint known and a calm while
nearly just as bad happens). this move, you no longer alter how
Bane: _____________________ to work your craft , spend 1 Source
• Some miracle transpires for a you roll dice by being Debilitated or
-1  Your Monster Within is evident to all and 2 uses of Supplies, then roll 3
chosen character present , saving Maimed. When you are At Death’s
them from peril (or granting them Inhuman Desires : write 2 wants /needs dice and add up the 2 highest dice.
Door, you always roll 3 dice and add
a perfect opportunity). • ____________________________ On a 10 +, pick 1 . On a 7- 9, you and
• ____________________________ up the 2 highest dice for any move
you make. When you would die for the GM both pick 1 . On a 6 - , mark XP,
The GM will make these come to pass, When you try to stave off or succumb to and the GM will pick 3.
if it's even remotely possible. your Inhuman Desires, pay 1 Source your cause, make one final move
and treat it as if you had rolled a 12. • The item is dangerous
Windows to the Soul pick 1 and roll 2 dice + your Purity modifier.
• The item is unreliable
When you lock gazes with another, If you can't or choose not to pay, treat Self Sacrifice pick 2
your roll as an automatic 6 - result . • The item is fragile or it has only
you may spend Source (1 each) to … When you act with abandon and 3 uses before it stops working
On a 10 +, you hold yourself back
 peer into their mind — they will give and you may gain 1 Purity level. push yourself beyond your limits, • The item is only about half as
you their full focus and attention, at On a 7- 9, you barely keep control, you may mark harm (1 each) to … effective as you wanted it to be
least until you let your gaze falter. at least for now. • The item will require a special
On a 6 -, you must sate your Inhuman  add +1, once or more per roll component or material to complete
 peer into their heart — you can Desires ; mark XP & lose 1 Purity level.  make your attack forceful, • Something unexpected suddenly
read their desires like an open book , rending , or piercing interrupts your work (ask the GM)
When you sate your Inhuman
but they will notice you reading over Desires, regain 1 Source. and you'll have to finish later
 break free from a physical or
their shoulder if you delve too deeply.
The Flesh is Willing pick 1 mental restraint To create a true wonder based on a
 let them peer into you — weak When you sate your Inhuman blueprint you know, roll 3 dice. Choose
 perform a feat of awe - inspiring
opponents will freeze, cower, or beg , Desires, you may also… a die result as how many days, weeks,
while strong opponents will hesitate physical prowess or months (ask the GM) it will take to
 heal yourself (clear 1 harm )
momentarily before realizing just what  add +1 to the next roll you make  intercede on another’s behalf make. Choose another die result as
a threat you pose.  use any Boon once without its Bane  impress, dismay, or frighten another how much Wealth it will take to make.

Fast Fantasy RPG (v 1.1) by David Bass, 2023. CC BY-SA 4.0. Cursed Icon, Imp Icon, Heart Icon, and Pendant Icon by Lorc CC BY 3.0. lorcblog.blogspot.com
 A Dungeon Adventure Starter, Use this map as inspiration or ignore it as you see fit .
Remember, the map is not the territory !

The Red Descent

A. Premise do this before making characters, ask players for input on the names
“ You stand at the mouth of a cave, among rust-colored cliffs near the (name) volcano.
Locals call this place 'the Red Descent ,’ and rumors say that it plunges deep into the
earth, hiding an ancient temple to the Efreeti Duke (another name). There’s supposedly
something else down there, too. Something very important to at least one of you.”
B. Make Characters do each step together, taking turns
1. Each player picks a character type: Warrior, Scoundrel, Mystic, or Wildsoul
2. Each player picks a name and look (see People, Places, and Possibilities for inspiration)
3. Each player decides and reveals what’s important to them and their goals (ask questions!)
Choose one of them and ask : “ What artifact or relic (the MacGuffin) do you
believe to be in this cave, and how will it get you closer to your goal?”
4. Each player asks Which one of you… at least once
(ask follow - ups ; figure out why they’re here, together)
5. Each player picks and reveals options for Take the Risk
6. Each player picks and reveals options for Mettle / Cunning / Power / Wisdom
7. Each player picks and reveals Inventory ( or marks the Adventuring kit for later) and Little Things
C. More Questions ask any that make sense, and look for connections to PCs important things and goals!
• How far from civilization are you? What do you miss most about it?
• How is the climate harsh here, such that your route is rarely traveled?
• Why do the locals shun this cave, and the area around it? Impressions to promote worldbuilding , atmosphere, and tone, and in no particular order
• What important thing did you have to give up to find this place? • Sweltering heat , growing hotter as you delve • Faint chanting from deep below, growing louder
• What catastrophe waylaid your travels? How did you overcome it? • Water dripping from stalactites, pooling below • A faint whiff of incense
• The Efreeti Duke hails from the Plane of Fire, where all the • The lingering smell of sulfur • Razor-sharp stalactites looming overhead
burned things go. What precious thing have you lost to flame? • Abandoned and rusted mining tools • A charred skeleton, clutching a scrap of paper
• Why do you believe (MacGuffin) can be found here? • A sudden cave - in that separates the party • Wall carvings in an ancient language
• Why is (MacGuffin) so valuable? Why is it so dangerous? • The walls turning from cave to chiseled stone • Deep gloom that pushes back against the light
• Who mounted a prior expedition to this place? When?
• Who else seeks this place? Why does that worry you so?
Dangers & Discoveries that might be found here 7. A nastier fall from level 2 to 4 ( highest die, piercing ) 12 . Group of cultists (Thugs) want to sacrifice you to the ritual
8. Tripod with block and tackle over the descent from level 2 13 . Cult leader standing over the flaming brazier, chanting
1 . Thermovore bats right past the cave entrance Wants to complete the summoning ritual, at any cost !
Just looking for a warm meal Left by the last expedition.
5 HP, the cultists protect him with their lives
5 HP, small, colony hunts together 9. Mystic archway at the far end of level 3 Uses the (MacGuffin) in the ritual, refuses to relinquish it
Attracted, distracted, and healed by any significant heat source Obsidian, etched with runes. Some sort of portal? • Special defense : fire shield (- 3 harm suffered, maybe snuff it out ?)
• Flaming hot wings (med, fiery)
10. Brazen bull (Large Fire Elemental) comes from the portal • Desperate detonation ( high, fiery, area), completes the ritual
• Endothermic bite (low, piercing , life - steal)
After sacrificing himself, the (MacGuffin) is unharmed and retrievable
2. Table with supply crates further into level 1 Leaves behind a red - hot gem shaped like a heart .
14 . The Efreeti, Duke of Pyre (Devil) summoned here
Notes from prior group, (what happened?) 3 Supplies, 11 . Room of con(greg /flagr) ation main chamber of level 4
The heavy stone door at room’s far end is shut tight. At the The Efreeti is very sadistic and hedonistic. No three free
and some loot (roll from Common Stuff)
room’s center, an ornate brazier with a heart - shaped slot wishes here; he requires "payment" to be given. Material
3. Net trap with bells entangles, may attract unwanted attention at the top. The walls are scorched, save for person - shaped or sacrificial offerings are immolated. If neither are agreeable
4. A nasty fall from level 1 to 2 (median die) outlines. The outlines are holding hands. There are the to those beseeching him, he would also accept "borrowing"
5. Geothermal vent wafting reddish smoke with a stool in front same number of outlines as PCs. Any method to produce someone's body for a fortnight . However, this is the most
an explosion of flame at the brazier will work, but using
Usable once per PC, as a free Mystic scrying spell. the fire heart , standing at the outlines, and holding hands dangerous of all, as not only will he delight in ruining their life,
Ask them what they want to see, but make the vision cryptic. is the safest bet . but the Efreeti within is literally burning through their body.
• Caustic smoke (1 harm, piercing , causes prophetic visions) • Brazier Fireball (med, area, fiery, ignores those in outlines) First like sunburn, then their flesh begins to scald, and they
6. Cultist Scout (Dandy) not immediately hostile , has info on cult Then the stone door opens and cultists rush out ! may very well combust before the Efreeti returns their body.
Text / layout by Jeremy Strandberg and David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0. spoutinglore.blogspot.com. Map by Dyson Logos, used under his free license for personal/commercial use. Please consider supporting him.
 A Mystery Adventure Starter,
D. More Questions ask any that make sense, and look for connections to PCs important things & goals!
Down to the Last Drop •
•
•
How long have each of you resided in (town name) , and why won't you leave?
Who among you is infamous in (town name) , and for what reason?
Which one of you got in trouble for breaking curfew, but was let off with a warning ?
A. Framework for Running Mysteries expand on this for longer mysteries • Who in town owes one of you a huge favor, and what did you do for them to earn it ?
Create 3 suspects (with 3 clues each) and 3 locations (with 3 clues each) that are • What is rumored among children to lurk in the sewers that run beneath the town?
engaging leads to the mystery. This adventure starter will provide the suspects & clues this time
E. Suspects establish these as the primary suspects early on – each suspect should mention the other two
Do not determine a culprit ahead of time ! The GM and the players will create a Mayor (name) Doctor (name) (Healer or Three old gossips (names)
solution to the mystery by playing things out and seeing where they end up. Make (Nobility or Vampire ?) Alchemist & Construct ?) (Nobility or Wizards ?)
sure to inform the players before you begin that this is how the game will work . Doesn’t want you investigating Very busy, since also the mortician Spreads rumors about other suspects
When a PC uses an ability or triggers a move (any move, even Take the Risk) Potential Clues : Potential Clues : Potential Clues :
• Been going out at night a lot • Crisis victims’ burials delayed • Accused of witchcraft , acquitted
that could uncover a clue , in addition to the normal outcome of the move : • Fraught when son died, wife left • Knew many victims personally
• Just recovered from pale illness
On a 10 +, the PC finds a clue, and gets +1 to any rolls that act on that clue. • Hasn’t been at church lately • Barely leaves apothecary lately • Have been looking youthful lately
On a 7- 9, the PC finds a clue, but the cost is higher than they expected. Keep the peace, maintain control Be left to his work , check your pulse Get the latest scoop, flaunt high status
On a 6 - , the PC gets a hint that points them towards another clue. Fears losing job, easily intimidated Absentminded, quick to rage Easily offended, physically frail

🎲 When the players all come up with a solution to the mystery that the GM F. Locations make these easy to find – trails lead to them, NPCs talk about them, culprit flees to them
thinks is plausible based on the clues they’ve found, roll two dice, subtract 6, Labyrinthine sewers Hinterland cabin Fancy party
Slippery, humid, and rancid Signs of recent activity here A classy masquerade, invite - only
and add the number of clues the players incorporated into their solution ...
Paint the Scene : Paint the Scene : Paint the Scene :
Clues Incorporated  • What rumors abound of monsters • Nobody goes near this cabin, • What complication did you all
in the sewers beneath town? saying it’s haunted. By what? face getting in to this party?
On a 10 +, their solution is correct after all ! • Who in town went missing down here • The faint smell of smoke taints • What vibe are you getting , hidden
Give them an opportunity to nab the culprit . years ago and was never found? the air, plus what other smell? just beneath the merry revelry?
On a 7- 9, their solution is correct , but there's a major Potential Clues : Potential Clues : Potential Clues :
challenge, disaster, or cost between them and the culprit . • Hidden pile of desiccated bodies • Scroll of ancient blood rites • Mayor & Gossips drink red wine
On a 6 - , their solution is incorrect ; give them a clue that shows they were wrong , • Goes under town hall & apothecary • Tome on the four humors • Complaints of worsening odors
• Signet ring of a noble family • Vampire bat roost in attic from apothecary
but pick a GM move (especially one from towards the bottom) and do it . • Random clue from Suspects lists
Trail of dried blood leads down side Footprints lead from cabin, but
B. Premise do this before making characters, ask players for input on the names tunnel to the Hinterland Cabin the trail abruptly vanishes blabbed by loudmouth partygoer
“Townsfolk of (town name) have been turning up dead for weeks now, with their Dangers & Discoveries that might be found in locations or around the town
bodies drained of all blood, down to the last drop. People are beginning to panic, Vampire bats in and around the Hinterland Cabin
Squad of town (Guards) if you’re out after curfew
and although Mayor (name) has ordered the town guard to patrol the streets day They vant to suck your blud
Nonlethal tactics ; will report you to the mayor,
and night , no one is any closer to finding out the cause. One of you, devastated by 6 HP, small, colony hunts together
collect fines, etc. ( but don’t send PCs to jail ! ) • Barrage of wings (med, forceful)
the loss of someone close to you to this crisis, discovered a clue as to what might
be happening and banded together a crew to get to the bottom of all this.” Living blood stain (Ooze) nearby desiccated body • Vampiric bite (low, piercing , life - steal)
• Blood siphon (low, grasping , piercing , life - steal)
Secret library behind a suspect’s bookcase
C. Make Characters do each step together, taking turns Trapdoor in the floor On the desk is a tome of genealogies going
1. Each player picks a character type: Warrior, Scoundrel, Mystic, or Wildsoul • Nasty fall (median die)
back centuries, but only those of “pure blood”
2. Each player picks a name and look (see People, Places, and Possibilities for inspiration) Blood-red elixir left somewhere the culprit has been always seems to show
3. Each player decides and reveals what’s important to them and their goals 1 use, heals all harm … if you can stomach it Charmsmith (Merchant) up near victims’ homes
Choose one of them and ask : “ Who was the victim to you, and what item was Sells charms of evil eye, garlic, holy symbol, etc.
Bloodgorged (Beast) where you least expect it
left behind by the perpetrator when you discovered the victim’s dry corpse?” Willing to barter for goods, favors, or magic
Red herring ; crisis continues after it is slain
4. Each player asks Which one of you… at least once • Bleeding strike (Debilitated, clears when staunched)
(ask follow - ups ; figure out why they’re working together to solve a mystery) Altar to the god of blood in a suspect’s basement
5. Each player picks and reveals options for Take the Risk “Honest” Obaud (Dandy) in pillory at town square Once per PC, mark harm ’s : gain that many XP
6. Each player picks and reveals options for Mettle / Cunning / Power / Wisdom Town drunk , will exchange info for drinks
Bloodrisen horde (Undead) minions to the culprit
7. Each player picks and reveals Inventory (or marks the Adventuring kit) and Little Things Disquieted funeral procession (Merchants) • Bleeding strike (Debilitated, clears when staunched)
8. Each player starts with 1 bonus Wealth and has someplace to stay in (town name) Abuzz with rumors about the crisis • Blood feast (med, rending , life - steal)
Text / layout by David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0. Mystery framework is Carved from Brindlewood.
 A Journey Adventure Starter,
Expedition Anywhere
A. Framework for Running This Journey and others you might create
A popular philosophy for worldbuilding , particularly for adventures involving travel through
Perilous Wilds, is that of “Ask , Say, or Roll.” The GM could ask the players for input on the
world. The GM could say what the world is like, going off of what’s already been established.
The GM could instead roll on a table of prompts to get an initial idea to build off of, fleshing
things out or tweaking things as they see fit . These approaches can be combined, with the
GM asking or saying the way the world is, using the table only as suggestions. Decide as a
group how you want to approach the adventure. You don’t have to use the same approach
for everything , and don’t feel confined to just these prewritten blanks !
B. Premise do this before making characters
You all will be escorting an NPC to somewhere important , and it’s vital that you deliver them
as quickly as possible! First , what terrible thing will happen if the NPC doesn’t make it there
in time? 🎲 __________________________________________________________________ .
1. The NPC will miss their wedding , which is to forge an alliance between two nations
2. The NPC is a key witness in a trial that could sentence an innocent person to death
3. The NPC is a kidnapped prince/ss, who must be returned lest a war break out over them
4. The NPC is the only one who can perform the ritual at the solstice, or the land is doomed
5. The NPC has been cursed and transformed into a _________________________________ ,
and it'll become permanent if the curse not lifted soon
6. The NPC is the only one who could possibly convince their relative, who is near death,
not to take a powerful secret with them to their grave
Where are you all escorting the NPC to? ___________________________________________
The NPC is very likeable because they are _________________________________________ ,
but they have the significant drawback in that they are incredibly 🎲 ___________________ .
1. cowardly, running away screaming at the slightest scare
2. foolhardy, thinking themselves far more capable than they actually are
3. inquisitive, wanting to stop and analyze things despite obvious danger
4. bad at directions, wandering off and getting lost all the time
5. clumsy, touching things they shouldn’t , bumping into people, and being accident - prone
6. scatter - brained, often losing things, getting distracted, and forgetting things and people
The NPC’s name is ____________________________________________________________ .
You’ll all need to adequately prepare, because the climate is 🎲 _______________________ ,
1. frigid 3. rainy/damp 5. forest /jungle
2. tundra /alpine 4. temperate 6. swamp/marshland
and the terrain will be 🎲 ____________________________________ .
1. mountainous 3. underground 5. arid
2. canyon /ravine 4. coastal 6. tropical
You prepare for the journey ahead by bringing along 🎲 _______________________________.
1. a handful of followers, capable and loyal
2. a faithful driver, mule, and wagon, carrying enough to Resupply once
3. six extra Adventuring kit items, to be as prepared as possible
4. four extra Wealth, just in case
5. another NPC, who could substitute for the first NPC if worst comes to worst
6. a minor magical artifact
The journey will be especially perilous because you are 🎲 _____________________________.
1. being pursued by ______________________ who want to take your ward back with them
2. deep within enemy territory ; everyone you meet will be suspicious or hostile
3. spies impersonating important diplomats ; if your identities are revealed, you're in trouble
4. in the midst of a terrible plague, and must take care that your ward is not afflicted by it
5. prophesied to fail in your quest , and supernatural forces meddle with your fates
6. well - aware that your ward does NOT want this, and will be trying to escape from you
Text / layout by David Bass, 2023. CC-BY-SA 4.0. The Perilous Wilds is by Jason Lutes and Jeremy Strandberg .
You also have to take precautions because your path is beset by roving 🎲 ___________________________.
1. gangs of violent Thugs and murderers, looking for victims
2. hordes of Undead that hunger for the flesh of the living
3. vicious Beasts that are at the top of the food chain
4. enraged Elementals that lash out at civilization
5. ancient Constructs of the long - dead precursors, their original programming now corrupted
6. clever Mimics, masquerading as almost anything, seeking to devour
C. Make Characters do each step together, taking turns
1. Each player picks a character type: Warrior, Scoundrel, Mystic, or Wildsoul
2. Each player picks a name and look (see People, Places, and Possibilities for inspiration)
3. Each player decides and reveals what’s important to them and their goals (ask questions!)
Choose one of them and ask : “ Who is this NPC to you, and why are you willing to
risk life and limb to aid them on their dangerous journey?”
4. Each player asks Which one of you… at least once
(ask follow - ups ; figure out why they’re willing to go on this quest together)
5. Each player picks and reveals options for Take the Risk
6. Each player picks and reveals options for Mettle / Cunning / Power / Wisdom
7. Each player picks and reveals Inventory (or marks the Adventuring kit for later) and Little Things
D. Begin Your Journey
Our story begins in media res, as you all do battle with (the first danger) ___________________________ .
Having vanquished them, you continue until you come across (the second NPC) _____________________ .
Further along your path, you discover a (the first discovery) _______________________________________ .
During your travels, you happen upon a kindly 🎲 ___________ , who aids you by giving you ___________ .
1. old witch/wizard; a helpful magical artifact
2. explorer; information about the path ahead of us
3. merchant; highest die worth of Supplies
4. dragon in disguise; median die worth of Wealth
5. alchemist; an elixir that heals all harm
6. fae courtier ; a bag of anything (treat as 2 Adventuring kit items)
Along the way, your progress is impeded by a 🎲 ___________________________________________________.
1. towering cliff face
2. huge wall, and the gatekeepers won't let you through unless ___________________________________
3. large river or body of water
4. gigantic chasm, with a flimsy - looking bridge across it
5. labyrinthine tunnel that ventures deep beneath the earth
6. horrific storm, the likes of which none have ever seen before
Further on, the climate and terrain change to 🎲 ____________________ 🎲 ________________________ .
Weathering those, you meet (the third NPC, as part of a small settlement) __________________________ ,
but after departing , you are accosted by (the second danger, a bit tougher) __________________________ .
After overcoming these challenges, you’ve all reached a milestone on your journey, and gain 5 XP each !
Continuing on your quest , you discover a hidden (the second discovery) _____________________________ .
With the end to your journey drawing near, you are suddenly beset by a 🎲 (third danger, quite challenging )
__________________________ , who is /are _____________________________ , so they won't let you pass!
1. Noble and their squad of Guards ; insistent that the Noble and the NPC be wed (against the NPC's wishes)
2. Dragon wyrmling ; (small, lacks Crush attack) seeking vengeance because the NPC stole from its hoard
3. Giant ; demanding the NPC as tribute
4. Necromancer and their undead minions; convinced that the NPC 's heart is the secret to immortality
5. group of Assassins ; hired to kill the NPC
6. Devil ; coming to claim the NPC's soul as per their contract